Well, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my first outing as OUR CATS Editor a couple of weeks back.
Maybe I should qualify that a bit and say my first show outing as Editor, which brought me to the Coventry and Leicester Cat Club’s 46th Championship Show.
It’s one thing attending a show that’s older or younger than oneself, but when it’s almost exactly the same age, give or take a few weeks, then it makes one wonder about Life, the Universe and Everything (although that has to more to do with 42, not 46). That said though, the show has a joie de vivre vibrancy which anyone of middle age would appreciate.
It also boasts a dedicated Show Team that combines the best talents from across the age range. So thanks to Show Managers Lesley Szwed and Mark Lewis and co for making me so welcome – and many thanks to all of you who came along to the stand to say hello, renew your subs and to pass on good wishes for the future of OUR CATS. It’s all very much appreciated and is most certainly not taken for granted, I assure you.
Surreal
Sad to say, I have to say I didn’t enjoy my first official outing as Editor quite so much. Earlier that week, I attended the GCCF Council meeting in London on Wednesday, 20th February and I have to say, the whole event was somewhat surreal. I’ve been a journalist for close on 20 years now and I have to say, I’ve never been put in the position I found myself on that day, let alone having to try to report from such a meeting. But that’s all I’m saying about it – the full report appears in this issue (or as full a report as I was able to make, under the circumstances), together with the latest Publisher’s Statement from OUR CATS on the future of this publication.
Since the meeting took place, Council delegates have been advised that an additional Council meeting to resolve the ongoing “official journal situation” has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th, at the Friends Meeting House in London.
Supreme
The Supreme Show is back under the spotlight with the news that the NEC have decided that it should be moved back a week to 22nd November – a move which puts a great deal of pressure on show staged the following week, 29th November – not least the National. It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances, and I’m certainly not blaming the Supreme show management for this – it seems that events were totally beyond their control. A statement to this effect – and also on the deficit incurred by the 2007 show appears on page 3 of this issue.
Let’s just hope that the GCCF Executive and Council can work together to resolve this problem once and for all and perhaps see the flagship show of the UK Cat Fancy staged at a time of year when it won’t be subjected to the whims of hall management.
Help Still Needed
Elsewhere this issue, you’ll find a further appeal for help for Wasanthi, the Cat lady of Sri Lanka, who was featured in our 25th January issue. This poor lady is still getting hassle from her oh-so-charming neighbours who object to her not only caring for the stray cats and dogs in the area, but ‘all the attention’ she is getting from the animal charity Animal SOS Sri Lanka. If you can help this unique, selfless lady by making a donation to the charity or by publicising her plight and great work, that would be marvellous. After all, how any of us would live in a pile of rubble, with nothing to our name, beg for food and then give our meagre scraps to stray cats so that they might live? She truly is an inspiration to us all.
Nick Mays, Editor
PUBLISHERS STATEMENT
OUR CATS has been pleased to continue publishing for the benefit of all readers and exhibitors. The ongoing situation is still a matter for discussion, especially after the latest Council meeting.
It is hoped that a positive solution can be worked out for the good of all in The Fancy.
OUR CATS continues to have progressive dialogue with the GCCF and in the meantime we continue to honour all advertising and subscription commitments to our loyal readers and advertisers.
OUR CATS WILL BE AT THE FOLLOWING SHOWS:
Saturday, 8th March 2008
THE LANCASHIRE CAT CLUB SHOW
at the
Robin Park Sports Centre, Wigan
Saturday, 12th April 2008
ABYSSINIAN CA, ASIAN GROUP CS, KORAT CA,
REX CA and SINGAPURA CC JOINT SHOW
at the
Ken Marriott Leisure Centre, Rugby
Watch for further news in OUR CATS or contact Lynda Ashmore regarding entries - lynda.ashmore@googlemail.com
SEE MARGARET & IAN KEMPSTER ON THE STANDS AND TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO PICK UP ANY BACK ISSUES AT SPECIAL PRICES
ANNUALS & BOOKS - NOW WITH 10% OFF
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