Ch Ashtead Applause....Dareen A Bridge [Emmsmoor]
MY DAY AS A V.I.P. - Rene Cozens [Bhyllsacre]
The Other end of the scale Joy Walker [Joyville]
Rixown Kennels
Emmsmoor Silver Years

"The Other End of the Scale". By Joy Walker - Joyville Rough Collies.

I have owned Rough Collies for two years but for a variety of reasons, never more than three at a time so when I was asked to write an article about my minute kennel I wondered what I could say. My triumphs do not compare with the triumphs of the larger kennels that are already presented.
However, there must be many Rough Collie lovers out there in a similar position to myself so maybe my story will strike a chord with the "little people" who also show their dogs.

I do not come from a doggy family and at the age of three was attacked by a neighbour's dog. This left me badly frightened, and a fear of dogs stayed with me so my parents were very surprised when I decided I would like to own a dog. After a pep talk about the responsibilities of owning a dog mum and dad finally gave inand I became the proud owner of a scruffy mongrel who I named Pip. Pip had a merry life but a short one as I lost him at the age of two. There was an outbreak of distemper and at its height my local vet was putting to sleep as many as forty dogs a day. This epidemic virtually cleansed the town of its doggy population.
Needless to say I was heartbroken and wanted another little friend but it was not safe to do so until the dreadful disease had run its course.

Several months late, I remember it well, I was stretched out on the settee watching television when my dad came in and placed this furry bundle on my tummy. There sat this ten-week-old Border Collie. My Dad, a trombonist, had been playing with the local brass band at a village fete where a farmer's wife had this puppy on a stall. The idea was to pay sixpence [old money] and guess his name. Dad paid his money, wrote down the name Billy and won!!
What a way to own a dog but Tod, as I had called him, had come to a good home and was to be a faithful companion for 15 years.

A year later a seventeen month tri bitch came to live with us and as I was now working Crash at the local obedience club Brandy followed suit. They were both cracking workers and I was very proud of their achievements, that first rosette, being in the winning club team.. They were great times and I loved every minute of this pastime and so did the dogs. In the obedience ring your dog was placed according to the number of marks it had lost, not on who was at the end of the lead. A week after Crash's fourth birthday tragedy struck. Crash and Brandy were enjoying themselves on the local playing fields when, due to a massive heart attack, Crash dropped like a stone. There was nothing I could do except hold him tight for those last few moments until his eyes closed for the final time. Both Brandy and I were devastated at this sudden loss and it was imperative for both our sakes that I found another Rough Collie as soon as possible.

This time I decided to have a puppy and went to look at a litter bred by Jenny & Dave Whant. I chose a sable & white girl whose pedigree name was Jendaw Gin 'n Tonic and she became known as Ginny. The intention was to work Ginny but unfortunately she did not really enjoy obedience. Then one day, the fateful words were spoken as someone said "Ginny is a nice bitch, why don't you show her instead?" That was in 1982. Ginny & I went to the local ring training classes, next came exemption shows and then the open shows. I still carried on working Brandy but slowly and surely the show scene took over.

"Ginny"

Traglenza Magical Holly [Holly]

I quickly learned that Ginny had too many faults to stand a chance at Championship level but we had some good times at Open shows. After a five-year apprenticeship at Open shows and having lost Brandy I decided my next collie would be one for the show scene. Along came Traglenza Magical Holly [sire Ch Brilyn Supertramp] from the late Mrs Gill Finch. In 1988 at the age of 12 months Holly was entered under Mr D. Hatfield, in her first junior class at Windsor. She won her class and novice bitch. I was over the moon as only first place in Junior was a qualification for Crufts and my little girl had done it.

The next year Holly & I were going to our first Crufts. However, the day was not quite over as not only
had Holly qualified but she also ended the day by receiving the R.C.C.
I was "gob smacked", my first year showing at Championship shows and Holly had gained her Stud Book Number.
There were no more major awards for Holly but she certainly gave me a day I will never forget.

I decided it was time I had my own affix and the Kennel Club allowed me my last choice "Joyville".
I had also decided to let Holly have a litter but we had no success in that department.
The first mating Holly missed and the second time around resulted in one live pup that I decided not to keep.

Saheltra Styled in Gold at Joyville [Sunny]

To make up for the disappointment I bought a sable and white puppy dog, Saheltra Styled In Gold at Joyville [sire Bhyllsacre All in Gold, Dam Saheltra's Angel Face] otherwise known as Sunny and bred by Mrs Sheila Withers. During his puppy career Sunny only went BPIB twice at Open shows but once he reached 14 months he came into his won and went on to gain the old style Junior Warrant as well as qualifying for Crufts. From then on Sunny never looked back and in the next 4 years of showing he went on to gain 30 x BOB and 10 RBOB at Open shows and in 1994 gained his Stud Book Number at the City of Birmingham Championship show under Mrs Doreen Clarke [Lynway]. In February 1994 I received my first judging appointment and hopefully one day, I can progress from C to B list. Although I have not yet reached dotage I do not aspire to give tickets as by the time such a top honour came my way I could be on a zimmer frame.!!! I count myself very lucky indeed if, I was offered a Breed Club Open Show. At present I am quite content for I enjoy stewarding and am also the Treasurer of the Wellingborough and District Canine Society.

To bring you up to date with my reminiscences I now show a tri bitch Kalmia Kiss Me Kate at Joyville
[sire Troydon Tripple Ice at Carclew, Dam Lynway Shameless Hussy of Kalmia] bred by Janet & Paul Barlow.
Kate has been awarded 8 x BPIB at Open shows and 15 X BOB at Open shows as well as several best tri rosettes.
So far a Stud Book Number has eluded Kate but she usually manages to qualify for Crufts somewhere along the line.
Since owning Kate, who is now 5, I have said my goodbyes to Ginny, Holly and Sunny but I do have Kate's daughter,
by Kalmia Kick Back, Joyville Heaven Sent.
This juvenile delinquent is usually called Bliss; heaven only knows why as I can think of some better names -- all unprintable!!!

Joyville Heaven Sent [Bliss] & Kalmia Kiss Me Kate at Joyville [Kate]

Over the years I have met some super people, and made lots of friends from the "doggy world" and all my collies have been a joy to own and maybe, just maybe, I will have that third Rough Collie again……………
and.................that is what has happened. Finally that third Collie has come along in the shape of a tri bitch named Oakanmoor I'm A Puzzle for Joyville. Born 9/06/02, Sire: Chrisarion Collier. Dam: Oakanmoor Dream in Blue and bred by Sue Phipps[Oakanmoor].Initially Sue was going to keep Puzzle but due to her son's illness rang me up out of the blue and gave me first opportunity of owning her. Puzzle was 5 months when I first saw her and I immediately said "Yes Please"

OAKANMOOR I'M A PUZZLE FOR JOYVILLE J.W. 1RCC

A decision I shall never regret as Puzzle, although very naughty, is a delight to own and gets on so well with Kate and Bliss. In the seven months I have been showing her Puzzle has so far had a very successful career. At Open shows Puzzle has gained 10xBPIB, 3xRBOB. Puppy Group 2 & 4 AND A Group 3. Puzzle gave me a day to remember when at Midland Collie Club Open Show she went Best in Show. Although she made a slow start at Championship shows she has certainly made up for it once she became a Junior.
At Puzzle's last four champ shows she has had 5x1st, 2x2nd and a Reserve Bitch CC and gained the final point for her Junior Warrant. I don't know if I have a champion in the making, but it will be fun finding out.......

Joy Walker
Joyville Collies
CORBY.
01536 743047

MY DAY AS A V.I.P.

[written by Mrs Rene Cozens - Bhyllsacre Rough Collies]

It began with a 'phone call. As these things often do. "I am an artist employed by a Fine Pottery Company" said the voice at the other end of the line, "and they have asked me to find a suitable Rough Collie. I believe you have a Champion bitch. Could I possibly come and have a look at her?"

I was thrilled. "Of course", said I, and it was arranged for the following Saturday [surprisingly, no show to go to that day!]

Mr Campbell duly arrived, and I had "Mia" [see Bhyllsacre Rough Collie web page] all polished up and looking her best. I was able to watch him at work, and what an eye-opener! Every part of "Mia" was measured - even her toes! "Everything must be absolutely to scale" the artist said, "as this is intended for the Collectors' market". He produced a glossy brochure advertising much of his work. There were beautiful delicate models of wild birds, foxes, badgers etc. and a fascinating range of dogs which included one of Joe Braddon's "Ide" pointers, and a well-known German Shepherd Dog. It was exciting to think of "Mia" - up there with the Elite.

Mr Campbell brought with him a dog on a stick!

To clarify that further, this was a clay model, giving the outline of a composite dog. The base was a small turntable with a rod standing up from the centre, the rod having a diameter of a fine knitting needle. The model was attached to this, through the middle, rather like a carousel horse on a roundabout at the fair. This was to be the beginning.

After all measurements had been taken, and fortified by a meal of Fish & Chips, we hastened to "Mia"'s favourite field to get some action shots of her on film. [I never knew you could pace like that, Mia!]. These would be used by Mr Campbell to enable him to study her action in minute detail. When we arrived back home it was time to call it a day, and he arranged to visit again, in a few weeks time. His first visit was very nearly his last, actually, as on his way home a mattress flew through his windscreen. Yes, a mattress flew through his windscreen ! [Not so funny at the time, however, as it landed him in Hospital overnight, with a severely cut hand]. It appears he was following a heavily laden vehicle which decided at that moment to part company with some of its load. Fortunately, there was not too much traffic about at the time.

After two more visits, the model started to take shape. One could now identify the breed of dog more easily, even the coat texture was there. However, the ball bearings which were inserted into the position where her eyes would eventually be, gave her a decidedly hard expression ! At this stage I was invited to do a critical examination. After careful consideration, I decided that her lip-line was too low down, giving her a "lippy" appearance. This was soon altered to my satisfaction, along with other minor points. This was the last visit to see "Mia". The next time Mr Campbell and I were to meet, would be at the Albany China Factory, in Worcester. The day dawned bright, sunny and warm, one of the few enjoyable days of the Summer. Or rather, Autumn! I had visited my hairdressers the previous day, and was dressed in a rather expensive suit [bought impulsively with my Barclaycard whilst on a visit to Sweden] and I felt rather excited and carefree as I drove along the dual carriageway towards Worcester.

I had Mr Campbell's directions with me, and drove straight into the factory yard. Quite an achievement really as I'm not the world's greatest at following directions!! I soon found the reception area and showroom and announced myself to the young lady who was behind the desk. She informed me that Mr Nicholls, the Director, would be back shortly, and would I please sign the Visitors' book. I had done this when I noticed a display on my left, and out of the corner of my eye, caught a glimpse of my "Mia". There she was, surrounded by Labradors, G.S.D.s, and all sorts of birds, but very definitely - it was MY "Mia". I walked [I nearly ran, actually, but felt the occasion demanded some modicum of dignity!] over for a closer look. Had she been modelled in the usual show stance, it would have been beautiful but the artist had captured her on the move as it were, with the near hind and forelegs flexed, and with her head held proudly, jaws slightly apart, showing just the tip of her protruding tongue she looked for all the world as if she was about to walk off that plinth and come towards me. I was spellbound, almost unable to speak [very unusual!!] "You must be very proud of her", the receptionist broke my thoughts. "Oh! I am", I breathed, "Very proud indeed".

Mr Nicholls returned at that moment. We shook hands, and he invited me into his office for a coffee. This was followed by a lengthy conversation, during which he told me a little of Albany's history. Although the company was only 14 years old, it is set in an Olde Worlde atmosphere. It must have been an old coaching Inn at sometime, with stables around the square courtyard. It really gave the impression of a centuries old building. I also learned a bit about the various artists [Mr Campbell had not yet arrived at this point]. In this office, was what Mr Nicholls referred to as the "Albany Museum". This consisted of tiers of shelving around the walls containing one of every single model which the firm has produced. Many were Limited Editions, whose value ran into thousands of pounds. But even they were dominated by the most beautiful model of a peacock, easily life-size, standing on a solid wood column all of five feet in height. Draped down one side of the plinth was the bird's handsome tail, each feather delicately traced in bronze, the "eyes" of beautiful turquoise enamel, the beak of 22 carat gold. I did NOT ask how much he was worth. I just knew I could not afford to buy him.!! Apparently, there are only three copies of this model throughout the world. At the other end of the scale were tiny, dainty little birds, looking almost ready to dart from their twig perches at any second. Even Polar Bears were on view, standing proudly atop pieces of Stourbridge crystal. I half expected to see the fox lurking somewhere in the background, waiting to take the bear's position upon the "glacier"!

I spent over an hour looking at all these beautiful creations, and having their history explained to me. The I was introduced to Dave, who owned a Collie, but was also into Rottweilers. We talked dogs at length, after which, Dave took me to a nearby restaurant. Here we enjoyed a seafood lunch, a bottle of wine, and a good chat. In fact we were so deep in conversation that we were late getting back to the factory, where the Press photographer was patiently [!!] waiting to take pictures of the "official presentation". I was to have a complimentary model of "Mia", presented to me by Mr Campbell, Dave was also included in the photograph.

Next I was taken on a tour of the factory itself, and was able to see each department at work. I was shown how the original "dog on a stick" was dissected into small workable pieces to enable moulds to be made. Even Mia's ears were separated from her head! Then more moulds are cast from these original "masters". No mould is used more than just a few times, otherwise much of the model detail would be lost on some of the end products. This explains why these models are so expensive. The highest quality only will do, and nothing is left to chance. Each model is of course, hand painted, and as I chatted to the artists it was obvious that they loved their work and found it very interesting. I was shown the firing ovens into which every model must go three of four times before it is finished. I also visited the bronze foundry, where great lumps of metal are turned into delicate filigree leaves, tiny twigs and birds' feet.

Then , back to reception, where "Mia" was by now, packed carefully into her own little box, and waiting to be taken home. It was time to say "Goodbye" to the staff at Albany. I picked up my precious cargo and drove carefully home.

All the family were waiting for me. They gathered round and watched excitedly as I tore at the wrapping on the box. Out fell a pile of polystyrene "beans", beneath which were a couple of layers of that lovely, transparent "bubbly" packing which my young daughter proceeded to "crack" with great enjoyment. Eventually, I came to the oobject of their attention. Very carefully it was lifted out, to the expected accompaniment of "Ooh's" and "Ahhs". My usually non-committal husband made the first comment, "Now that is the best Collie model I have ever seen""

Mac, as we called him, was of Beulah breeding and was to prove a nuisance on the farm, especially when I went into hospital to have our new baby, but we didn't stay at the farm for much longer, and it was with happiness that we sat in the back of the furniture van with new baby Jayne, and of course, Mac, and headed back to civilisation. Back to running hot and cold water, flushing toilets, baths and buses every few minutes.

A Better Start

The first home of our own was a terraced bungalow with front garden and back yard. Not the best beginning for a show kennel, but it was whilst living there that we read an advertisement in the dog press for a young, adult sable bitch, from the Kinreen Kennel, and, with the aid of my father, who had a car, we dashed down to the Kinreen home and bought our first bitch. Sugar, or Katherine of Kinreen, was by Ch. Legend of Ladypark, and certainly did not have the temperament for showing, but she did produce our first litter, in a cupboard by the fire.