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July 2000, Katrina and I set off on our trip to England to attend Keeshond 2000. In order for us to be able to go, we had to beg and grovel to several friends who inherited our dogs for three weeks while we were away. We spent the first week in London doing all the touristy things … checking out Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (Didn’t get invited in for tea!!), Changing of the Guard and Westminster Abbey (yes, it’s still standing!!) Picture it … a small English village, an old Castle high on a hill, overlooking a beautiful green valley surrounded by bushy mountains. Behind the castle an enormous man made lake and so much more. Well we where there!!! After collecting our car and a two hour drive south of London, stopping off to check out the big rocks (Stonehenge) at a cost of ₤7 (Yes, we paid $21.00 each to look at big rocks!!!). We arrived in Sherbourne, home of the Keeshond and venue for Keeshond 2000. What a cute little village. We were staying at the local hotel which had around 100 rooms - Keeshond enthusiasts from all over the world had booked the whole hotel. We arrived at the hotel mid afternoon Thursday and were met by Maureen Elliott co-ordinator of Keeshond 2000 and the President of the Keeshond Club Mrs Rosie Francis. It wasn’t long before we were making new friends and catching up with old ones. It was lovely to meet, Rita Jacobs, Joanne Reid and Donna Stekli from the USA; and Joseph Peeters from Belgium (who owns Fletcher’s litter brother Bargeway Firestorm). We also caught up with Kathy Stewart and Susan Cullen and met Bruce Stewart, Kathy’s other half. We met people from Germany, Sweden, England, Canada, America, New Zealand (Hi Karen!), Japan, Belgium and even Australia (Hi Burt, Carol, Pat & Peter!). The weekend started on Friday with the Official Opening by English Kennel Club Vice-President Mr Leonard Pagliero, who welcomed everyone to this very special occasion "At the Home of Keeshonden". The Parade of Champions, Veterans and Companions began and it was very interesting to be able to start to put faces to names of both people and dogs. This evening finished with a light supper and a small drink back at the hotel. The great part about our hotel was that the bar area was fitted with lounges, it was therefore very easy to relax and enjoy the company of so many people with most of the discussions being Keeshonds and relevant matters. Saturday’s Championship show started at 9:00am with Liz Cartledge taking her place centre ring to begin her mammoth task of judging 203 keeshonds. She looked so relaxed as she set about her job and seemed to be enjoying herself. By the end of the day however, I am sure she was glad it was over. She selected for her Best in Show, Neradmik Angel Eyes for Baleissa owned by Jane Purkiss and bred by Jean Sharpe Bale. Dog Challenge and Runner Up Best in Show was Keyscourt Kryten owned by Mr J Anderson. It was a great weekend for Jean and the Neradmik Kennel as at the Championship Show, it was also her bitch, Ch Designers Steppin In Style for Neradmik that was awarded reserve bitch, and her dog, Ch Neradmik Once Upon A Dream that was awarded reserve dog. Jean also bred the Best Puppy, Neradmik Pyjama Party At Sturtmoor. At the conclusion of the show it was a mad rush back to Motels, Hotels, Caravans and homes to make a very quick shower and change into our formal wear (yes, me in a suit!!) to attend a dinner being held in the local hall. There must have been 100+ people present and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves despite the fact that the meal was a little disappointing, actually I’m still waiting for my gravy!!. The chairman of Keeshond 2000 Mr Len Howie, made a lovely speech and thanked all who made this weekend such a huge success. Presentations were made to all the workers and committee who totally deserved the recognition that they received. Maureen Elliott received a huge round of applause from all us grateful people for who she had worked so hard. Sunday … and it was back into the thick of it with the North of England Open Show. Not quite as big an entry for judge Mrs Joan Shaw (Tingalary) but again she set about the job and made it look so easy. Mrs Shaw selected the same dog too, Keyscourt Kryten owned by Mr J Anderson as her Best Dog & Runner Up in Show, but selected Ch Neradmik Just So Sassy as her Best Bitch and Best in Show. Ch Neradmik Once Upon A Dream was reserve dog again. So I am sure Jean was very pleased with herself and her dogs. Best Puppy was Brian Curry’s Norkees Show Quest. At the conclusion of the show, judge Joan Shaw cut the celebration cake and closed the weekend. Some of us continued on in the local pub where one topic of conversation did become a little heated. Let me just say never call a certain American breeder’s dogs "Powder Puffs"!! We spent the rest of our trip visiting kennels and looking at various dogs. It was lovely to see Doris and Bill Purdon, who were unable to attend the show due to illness. Their bitch Ch Vanwall String O Pearls could have jumped in our car no worries!! We also met Mr and Mrs Nuttal who live near the Purdon’s and own a son of Pretender and another Kee, "Oz" a son of Aust Gr Ch Nynka Such A Dutchman. They were very nice people and Mrs Nuttal cooked the best breakfast I have ever had! Into the car and off to Ledwell … the cutest little village I have ever seen! I think it consisted of 12 homes and three streets. Right out the front of Sylvia and Royston’s home is a well where they use to have to get there water when they first moved there 50 years ago. To see Keeshonds sitting in the window of a thatched roofed stone cottage was a priceless site!! From there it was off to Val Tew’s place. Val is the breeder of both our Imports, Fletcher and Storm and the home of Bargeway Kees. Val is a very busy lady who put up with us for our last night in England. The next day it was off to Edinburgh for the festival and then … we started our long journey home. We flew from Edinburgh to Heathrow to Singapore to Adelaide, then drove to Wodonga to catch up with friends before driving home to Sydney! What a trip! We both had a most enjoyable time and are so pleased that we did it. I read an article written by John Beacock that said he felt like running to the top of Sherbourn Castle and shouting "WE DID IT!!" only that’s not very English!! Well for what it’s worth John, I think you should have … because you did!!!! See you all in 2025 for the 100th Anniversary.
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