An inaugural meeting took place at John and Yvonne Parrot’s (Larkena) home. There were 25 founder Member’s who included Hazel Hunt – nee Collins (Rifflesea), who lived in Wisbech at the time, Ralph Fendley (Ralveras), Allan Jeffries (Jefsfire), Iris Coombe (Tilehouse), John Mycroft (Mywicks), Pru Green (Coverdales), Miss E. de Belle Ball (Killartry), Hilda Goodwin (Hildlane), and the famous Mrs Bobbee Roos of the USA, who was at the time living in Norfolk, as her husband was a Lieutenant Colonel in the American Air-force. She became the Club’s first Secretary, but later returned to the States to write the well known Collie book “Collie Concepts”.

The first show held by the Club in October 1957 was a Sanction show. It gained an entry of 30 dogs. Finances were sparse with the Club relying on donations from Committee Members for support. Records show that the income from the show produced £19.52p with a profit of 93p!
Also in the early days classes for Shetland Sheepdogs were scheduled alongside the Roughs, and until 1973 and under K.C. Rules a Veterinary Surgeon had to be present to inspect the dogs prior to admission.

Early shows took place in Norwich, or Cambridge, but moved to Gt. Shelford in 1968. It was in 1973 that the Club scheduled two classes for Smooth Collies for a trial period. However, they did not prove successful, and were discontinued in 1977 due to lack of support. In 1982 entries began to increase and the Club was forced to move to larger premises at Kempston in Bedford. It was also throughout these years the Club took part in Rallies with other Rough Collie Breed Clubs.

In 1975 the club applied for, and was granted Championship status. The show was held at the Leisure Centre in St. Ives, Cambridge. The officiating judges were Allan Jeffries and Lyn Westby. The winner of Best in Show went to Joan Cables Leepark Spring Venture. The Club was only to hold three Championship Shows before the K.C. removed the status from the Club. It took a further six years for the CC’s to be reinstated.
The Club’s Silver Jubilee Show took place in 1982 (without CC’s) where founder Members, John Parrott and Alan Jeffries judged.

1985 saw the classes for Smooth’s re-introduced, and have continued to stay with the Club since, although the support with them being classified as an endangered breed seems to be dwindling again in recent years.

The E.A.C.A. has always been at the forefront when it comes to running shows and events, being one of the first Collie Clubs to hold Dinner Dances. 1990 saw the start of a special event in the hosting of the first ‘Puppy of the Year Contest’, which still continues to thrive today, albeit the format has changed to include a Contest for Rough and Smooth Collies who have won Best Puppy, Best of Breed and Best Veteran awards at local East Anglian Shows throughout the preceding year. Various seminars have also gained good support over the years, and it is hoped that these will continue to assist Collie enthusiasts to enjoy taking part in learning about our wonderful Collie breeds.

1997 saw the Clubs Fortieth - Ruby Anniversary year, and celebrated it in style with a Collie Convention where both British and overseas Collie enthusiasts took part in a variety of events organised by the committee. This included a Conference on Canine Health Issues, a visit to the Newmarket Races, a tour of the National Stud and Animal Health Trust. An excursion to Ely Cathedral and of course the Championship Show was incorporated during the weekend too.

The Club supports Collie Rescue with annual donations, as has in the past supported the Animal Health Trust at Kennet, Newmarket. In 1995 it donated £200 towards the cost of their new Small Animal Hospital, and has a plaque displayed on their foyer wall to commemorate this.

The Club prides itself on having long running Officers. Pat Barnard (Washbay), held the position of Secretary for twenty one years. Pat Hutchinson (Karibuni) followed for the next eleven years, and Brian House (Fivejays) has just retired after ten years as Secretary too. Lyn Westby (Lowerpark), held the Chair since 1992, and has retired in 2008, having devoted sixteen years to the Club.

The 2008 AGM saw a complete change of Officers for the Club. Miranda Blake (Corydon) has taken on the role of Secretary (Acting), with Tina May (Maqueeba), as the Clubs new Chairperson.

We hope that the Club will continue to get support from Collie enthusiasts from all over the country – they are always assured of a very warm welcome.

Compiled by LISA PETTITT (Lakebank) – EACA Show Secretary