Sorry that the notes are a bit late this week, I have had a very busy week.

I went to Heathrow Airport twice last week , Barbara Davidson flew in from Arizona  last Wednesday to spend a week with Chris Attwood and to attend the Open Show, we met Chris just of the A1 at a Starbucks coffee shop, to any new members who do not know Barbara, she has owned water spaniels for many years, she used to live in Lincolnshire but emigrated to the USA with her husband Ian about fourteen years ago, she served on the IWSA committee for many years and was also Vice Chairman of the Association.

Don and I returned to Heathrow on Friday to meet Greg Siner the judge for the Open Show Greg stayed with us for the weekend, as he was only here for a few days he did not have any time for sight seeing but we did manage a nice pub meal, a few rides to see the local countryside and Don introduced him to betting on the horses.

The Open Show took place on Sunday, the weather was sunny and warm, there was a total of 41 entries unfortunately, nearly a third were absent on the day. Best In Show and Best Bitch was Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Fynder Blue Velvet at Leonardston owned by Christine and David Smith, Reserve Best Bitch was Sh Ch Stanegate Sparks Will Fly owned by Judith Carruthers, Best Dog and Reserve Best in Show was Antdela Larix owned by Ant Andrews, Best Puppy was Ambrill Whistle and Splash owned by Mr and Mrs Reynolds. Several exhibitors and spectators commented on how much they enjoyed the judging and how kind Greg was to the the dogs and handlers.

The Officers and Committee of the Association would like to thank everyone who supported the show, the entry for an Open Show was excellent, indeed it was more than at most of the Championship Shows with CC’s on offer this year and I know that Greg thoroughly enjoyed going over so many dogs although I know many exhibitors do not usually show their Show Champions at Open Shows it would have been nice, as Greg came over just for the show, if an exception could have been made this time.

After judging nearly everybody stayed behind to attend an Audience with Greg Siner, which everyone found very interesting and entertaining.


I hope to have some news soon about the IWS mingle that Debbie Robinson organised recently.