***Star letter***
South Ribble Pet Cat Club Show
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed my day at Leyland, meeting old friends and catching up on the news.
Joint Show Managers, Carol Walker and Vicky Pearson, gave me a warm welcome, which was reiterated when I went into the Judges’ Room. It was also a great pleasure to discover that my Steward was no less than Eleanor Wexler. The cats were equally delighted with Eleanor’s calm, gentle handling. Thank you so much Eleanor for looking after me. It was good to see Chairman, Pat Creaton, looking so well and obviously enjoying the continuing success of the South Ribble PCC.
This was a poignant day for me, as it was my last judging engagement. I feel that exhibitors are entitled to have someone judging their beautiful cats by someone who is still involved in the Cat Fancy. My heartfelt thanks go out to all those who have entrusted their cats to me for over 20 years, and to all the Stewards whose company I have enjoyed so much and have been lucky to have become friends with. I thank, also, all the Clubs throughout the UK who have been kind enough to consider me for judging at their shows and for their wonderful hospitality.
I wish the Cat Fancy well, with one parting shot. Never, never forget that the sold and original purpose for the whole of the Show Scene is welfare of the cats. Personalities are not the reason. Brian Doyle
* Editor’s note: Brian’s critique on the SRPCC Show will be published in the show pages in a forthcoming issue. Please take Brian’s last two sentences to heart, for that is where they came from. - Chris Stalker
Your letters to Viewpoint are invited, as always, and each one will be considered for our new “STAR LETTER” spot. Brian Doyle’s letter printed above has been chosen as the “STAR LETTER” in this issue and he will receive a prize from OUR CATS.
The Sokoke CC of Great Britain
The Sokoke Cat Club of Great Britain was formed in early January 2005 by Sue Creed and Kat Waddon. The Club was formed with the realisation that the rarity of the breed of the Sokoke needed, not only publicity, but responsible handling of its introduction into the UK.
The Club felt that it would be imperative to the breed to have guidance available to potential breeders on any special concerns with the breed, to ensure responsible husbandry, also for show standards, and general information for pet ownership of this fantastic breed.
With this in mind the Club has applied for Pre-Affiliation with the GCCF, and if accepted, our intentions will be to promote and publicise the Sokoke breed and help with much needed genetic advice on the continually growing gene pool, guidance on importing, and practical help and guidance on welfare issues.
From the beginning, the Club has been aware of the delicate situation surrounding the breed, and its close links to the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. It was felt by the Club Committee that this should be dealt with, and to this end, have forged close links to A Rocha International, which is involved in the research of the rare species indigenous to this precious remnant of rainforest, and its offshoot, ASSETS, which helps the local people in Kenya with ‘Eco Tourism, and education projects.
Anyone is welcome to join the Club and applications can be found on our Club website - www.sokokecats.com
Sue Creed, Chairman
Plea to breeders
THIS is a plea to breeders to be more responsible, to exercise extreme care before using any line known to carry PKD - no cure.
I bought my Cream BSH at three months old, grown into a lovely cat. Now two-and-a-half years old, drinking a lot, visit to the vet, examined, scan, diagnosed to have PKD.
Consulting his pedigree disclosed Persians. I did not know about the use of Persians at the time. I do now, to my great sorrow, it is prevalent in the Persian breeds.
How long do I have him - days, weeks, months, maybe a couple of years.
His breeder has now stopped breeding. This prevents further cases.
So please, I ask you, if you have knowledge of this in your line, stop and think.
E. Chapman
obituary
Beryl Lyon
WE ARE saddened by the death of Beryl Lyon, a respected judge in the Foreign Section. She was also one of the early breeders of Devon Rex cats, for which Beryl felt deep affection and fascination.
It was in Beryl’s nature to be busy, to be involved. As a Vice-President of the Somerset Cat Club, Beryl was supportive, generous and loyal: she attended our Committee meetings and was always ready to help, whether it was lending a hand with the refreshments at a trophy tea party or welcoming judges at the Club Show. She was interested in people too: exhibitors, fellow judges, cat fancy contacts would be asked by her , “How are you getting on my dear?”
Recently, when increasing frailty and discomfort forced Beryl to retire from judging she bore her frustration with dignity.
We have lost a generous hearted and gracious lady. Our sympathy is extended to all who will miss her.
Sylvia Rose
Eileen Mason
I WAS so sorry to hear of the death of Eileen Mason after a fairly long illness.
She had been Vice-President of the Midshires Siamese Cat Association for several years. She had been a well respected vet all her life, both in private practice, and later working for, and supporting the Blue Cross. She used to vet-in at cat shows, and sometimes judged Household Pets. She will be remembered as a great animal lover and as a very gentle, knowledgeable lady.
Our condolences go at this sad time to her sister Gielian, and our thoughts are with her.
Jean Gamble, Chairman MSCA
