LOWDOWN Summer 2012
FROM THE CHAIR BY BRIAN MALIN
Hi, everyone.
VIVE LE PRESIDENT!
If anyone deserves this accolade it is Michael Errey who, in 1967, became Treasurer of a small band of enthusiasts. The next year they became the , so until this year’s A.G.M (when he did not seek re-election) the task had been his for forty-five years during which time he has been an enthusiastic lover of Basset Hounds - Merrybeech being the joint affix with Avril.
Michael is the essential countryman and upholds its traditions. He was Master of his own pack of Welsh Foxhounds and then whipper-in of Burgis’s Burgonet Basset Hounds - Avril being a keen follower.
So, thank you Michael, you now have the freedom to come to our meetings and events as before, but without feeling attendance is virtually compulsory. We look forward to your continued company.
RING IN OUR NEW TREASURER
A hearty welcome to Jayne Cooper. She was already on our committee as is her (rather less than?) better half, Chris. I know Jayne is naturally a little apprehensive but she is assured of Michael’s assistance and everyone’s wholehearted encouragement.
Now Jayne is an officer, will Chris have to salute her in future? Perhaps not. He might not do so in an appropriate manner!
SHAME ON YOU!
Sadly, this year’s Crufts underlined the Kennel Club as autocratic and oblivious to the concept of justice. A complete overhaul of attitude is well overdue.
Their rules make no allowance for appeal and the arbitrary opinion of those who plainly had no expert knowledge of the breed nor of the condition under scrutiny in relation to the Breed was deemed unassailable. Incredible!
At the very least, the findings and report of an acknowledged expert (obtained on the spot) should have been considered since the Kennel Club’s appointed vet
did not have the required specialist knowledge and experience of our Breed.
Heavy handed uninformed decisions have inevitably led to resentment - meaningful support to to the breed Clubs (we were by no means alone) will bring appreciation and co-operation.
As things stand, with one ill advised act The Kennel Club have done our Breed and themselves a disservice - is that what they want? In the words of our fair minded judge, “the Kennel Club have shot themselves in the foot” - once again.
ON A HAPPIER NOTE
I feel our Branch is holding its ground. When we were revived membership was roughly forty-five with an average of twelve on walks. We don't have final figures for this year but at last November membership stood at one-hundred and twenty-eight and Jill tells me current walks average twenty-nine.
However the important thing is not only to attract new members but to encourage all existing members to renew and to attend walks and events. If you can't manage anything else please join in on Fun Day - it really is just that!
As always I am only too pleased to put forward suggestions to our committee who work their socks off to provide an interesting programme. For myself, I remain ever mindful of their loyalty and support.
Tony’s Lowdown and Derek’s website are undisputed brand leaders (were I on Desert Island Discs an omnibus edition of Lowdown would be my book choice). Frankie, in Secretary manner, shepherds us in her cheerful and easy way - much appreciated.
chairman@bassethoundowners.org.uk
Hi, everyone.
VIVE LE PRESIDENT!
If anyone deserves this accolade it is Michael Errey who, in 1967, became Treasurer of a small band of enthusiasts. The next year they became the , so until this year’s A.G.M (when he did not seek re-election) the task had been his for forty-five years during which time he has been an enthusiastic lover of Basset Hounds - Merrybeech being the joint affix with Avril.
Michael is the essential countryman and upholds its traditions. He was Master of his own pack of Welsh Foxhounds and then whipper-in of Burgis’s Burgonet Basset Hounds - Avril being a keen follower.
So, thank you Michael, you now have the freedom to come to our meetings and events as before, but without feeling attendance is virtually compulsory. We look forward to your continued company.
RING IN OUR NEW TREASURER
A hearty welcome to Jayne Cooper. She was already on our committee as is her (rather less than?) better half, Chris. I know Jayne is naturally a little apprehensive but she is assured of Michael’s assistance and everyone’s wholehearted encouragement.
Now Jayne is an officer, will Chris have to salute her in future? Perhaps not. He might not do so in an appropriate manner!
SHAME ON YOU!
Sadly, this year’s Crufts underlined the Kennel Club as autocratic and oblivious to the concept of justice. A complete overhaul of attitude is well overdue.
Their rules make no allowance for appeal and the arbitrary opinion of those who plainly had no expert knowledge of the breed nor of the condition under scrutiny in relation to the Breed was deemed unassailable. Incredible!
At the very least, the findings and report of an acknowledged expert (obtained on the spot) should have been considered since the Kennel Club’s appointed vet
did not have the required specialist knowledge and experience of our Breed.
Heavy handed uninformed decisions have inevitably led to resentment - meaningful support to to the breed Clubs (we were by no means alone) will bring appreciation and co-operation.
As things stand, with one ill advised act The Kennel Club have done our Breed and themselves a disservice - is that what they want? In the words of our fair minded judge, “the Kennel Club have shot themselves in the foot” - once again.
ON A HAPPIER NOTE
I feel our Branch is holding its ground. When we were revived membership was roughly forty-five with an average of twelve on walks. We don't have final figures for this year but at last November membership stood at one-hundred and twenty-eight and Jill tells me current walks average twenty-nine.
However the important thing is not only to attract new members but to encourage all existing members to renew and to attend walks and events. If you can't manage anything else please join in on Fun Day - it really is just that!
As always I am only too pleased to put forward suggestions to our committee who work their socks off to provide an interesting programme. For myself, I remain ever mindful of their loyalty and support.
Tony’s Lowdown and Derek’s website are undisputed brand leaders (were I on Desert Island Discs an omnibus edition of Lowdown would be my book choice). Frankie, in Secretary manner, shepherds us in her cheerful and easy way - much appreciated.
chairman@bassethoundowners.org.uk