I packed and brought it all along in my car on Thursday the 15 April, I was going to work first and then drive to Gothenburg to stay with my sister and brother-in-law before I was going to catch the Ryanair plane to Glasgow the following day. When I got to my work I got an email from Karl-Åke telling me a vulcan on Iceland was upsetting the flight traffic. What?? Was this some kind of a delayed April fool's joke??

Hours went by and more and more information about the vulcan and its affect on how people could travelled were spread through TV. I just refused to take it in, thought it might soon 'cool off' so drove to Gothenburg to stay with my family anyway. Late in the evening Ryan air cancelled their flights. What a disappointment. I couldn't believe it then and can hardly believe it now that this has actually happened, that a stupid Vulcan on Iceland put a stop to a dream that was about to come true!

I have had this family since 1990 when Smart Fellows Never With Out arrived (born december 1989) and since then I have bred 3 generations down from this line. It is exciting to watch some hopefuls growing up and you start planning what shows to take them to!

Please view some of my hopefuls above, taken at 14 weeks. What do you think?

Knockie's parents were Ch Poolstead Political Agent and Ch Thornbreaker's Alice Springs. There were two bitches and, I believe, 6 dogs in the litter - this could easily be checked out but I've not bothered to do so. I think Knockie was the last one to go, and I do miss him. He was such a kind, easy going dog in every way.

He did not become an exceptional sire as he only ever sired one litter, but he did do some winning at shows. Photo above is of Knockie at the age of 21 months after having won the CC and BOB.

I remember taking him under the legendary Labrador breeder/judge Mrs Margie Cairns of Blaircourt fame. When she went over him I just got the impression she liked him but of course you can never be sure. Then in the competetion she didn't look his way at all and just as I thought the battle was lost she turned our way and pointed her finger towards first place. He got the CC which pleased me immensely. He eventually got another and then several second placings to the CC before I eventually gave up. I don't think Knockie was much bothered, he thought shows were pretty dull (due to all the second placings I'm sure!) and much prefered playing around at home and walking in the woods. He lived in the kitchen and like nearly all Labradors he was a keen observer of all food preperatio

In October some  exciting things happened. I went to Italy to judge at a very nice Open Show in Bergamo outside Milan. Even though it was an Open show there were some nice dogs present that went on to do well in the finals later in the afternoon. Weather wise I was taken back in time, and it was so nice to be able to dine outside in the evening.

The week after, on October 10-11th, the Labrador seminar which I had written about earlier in the year took place with Mrs Peggy Rae, Mrs Carole Coode and Mr David Craig giving talks on the breed standard and the history of the breed. Mr James Hindley also took part and is equally keen and knowledgeable about Labrador subjects.

There were 70 partcipants from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Russia, a few less during dinner in the evening and we had such a lovely time. I shall try to enclose a photo from the event on this blog as soon as possible.

On January 3rd, my Thornbreaker's Bit of Class (Ch Carpenny Hurricane x Thornbreaker's Wee Bit Of Style) gave birth to a lovely litter of 1 dog and 9 bitches, all black, by Annuals Trendsetter. Trendsetter is out of GB Ch Abbeystead Tranquil who's by Cambremer Tom Cobbley of Charway, Bit of Class is a maternal granddaughter of Cambremer Wellington (nephew of Tom Cobbley) so the breeding ties in nicely with that of Trendsetter. I enclose a photo of Bit of Class - Blondie for short - when she won her first CC under breed expert Mrs Eva W Mjelde of Surprising Labradors, Norway, a lovely sunny day at Borås two years ago.

On Saturday I will go to the international show in Gothenburg MY DOG. See you there!

I had a good entry of Goldens and the overall quality was very good I felt and the winners excellent specimens of the breed. Best of breed went to Ch Gutta Herkus (Guess Giacomo x Erima Herkus), a bitch of outstanding quality in my opinion. Obviously I was very pleased when Henric Fryckstrand shared this opinion and made her best of breed the following day at the Retriever Speciality Show where she also was crowned BIS under Henric, a very worthy winner.

At the Retriever Speciality Show the entries in all Retriever breeds were higher than on the previous day and I did Labrador males and BOB, Rinie Leenen bitches. There were 88 dogs and 94 bitches, a great entry and a great honour to be invited to judge. Again I thought the overall quality was very good. Many coats were on the blow which was a pity but this cannot be avoided, dogs do shed their coats and there is nothing any of us can do about that.

Best Puppy 3-6 months was won by a very charming and well presented black called  Artur The King Totus Tuus by Mallorns Gromit. He later in the day won BEST PUPPY IN SHOW under Rinie Leenen.

Best Puppy 6-9 months was headed by a yellow namely Renji Gorska  Fantazja, again a really lovely puppy, he finished as runner up BIS puppy under Rune Fagerström.

Best Junior and later in the day BEST JUNIOR IN SHOW went to a chocolate bred in Finland, Loresho Bronze Flush by  Stronglines Dalwhinnie out of Loresho Fudgy Brownie.

Runner up BIS veteran Weathertop Storm Cloud who is actually owned by Saudji and John Crook but residing in Poland. Since he is by Balrion Ring Round The World my dear old late Blondella Bally Who can be traced back in his pedigree. Storm Cloud was in very good form and moved without any effort which is just what you want to see in a Labrador.

My Best Dog was won by a yellow from working called Fart Perfect Partner (Addiciated to Love De L'etang Balancet x Brawos Bis Afera). As soon as he entered the ring he caught my eye and he covered the ground when moving.

A very nice masculine dog in good coat of excellent type he, for me, stood out in the dog challenge on the day.

I completed my judging just before Rinie Leenen so went to the ringside of her ring to see what I would get in to challenge for BOB. There were some nice bitches in the final line up and Rinie decided that a young bitch from intermediate called Lemonade  Kociokwik was the winner. She looked very nice from the ringside and I couldn't wait to get my hands on her. I then discovered she was just as nice to go over as she was to watch from a distance and felt no hesitation to make her best of breed. She later finished as runner up BIS under Henric Fryckstrand. Her owner must be very proud of her and I shall follow her future career with interest.

After the show it was a quick good-bye to everyone and then off to the airport. It had really been a lovely and memorable week-end.

1) BOB Ch Olivia Original Sensation BOS Ch Olivia Spirit of American Idol

2) BOB veteran Ch Olivia Original Sensation BOS Ch Finnsky Alan

3) Best Progeny group Ch Finnsky Alan

4) Best In Show Breeders group Kennel Finnsky (Thea Dahlbom and the late Rolf Dahlbom)

Last week-end I had the great honour to judge Skye Terriers at the Finnish Skye terrier Club Main Speciality show and there was an impressive entry of 52. Only 2 were absent so no less than 50 turned up.

It was really lovely to be given the chance to go over such a great entry and even more lovely to among those find so many lovely specimens of the breed. I felt very honoured indeed.

Best dog line up was very impressive. It was headed by Ch Olivia Spirit of American Idol, a super dog with so many virtues including his outstanding showmanship, followed by Ch Finnsky Fireball, Ch Of Skyeline Captain Hook and Ch Finnsky Alan - all super dogs of excellent breed type.

D CAC was awarded to Of Skyeline Eden Glassie, an eyecatching young dog who was long low and level with a beautiful head. R CAC to another nice youngster, Skyeluck Adalia's Aidan.

The four bitches in the final line up were very impressive Skyes of high quality and it was headed by Ch Olivia Original Sensation who also won BOB. She is every inch a Skye terrier in my book, of super breed type, long low and level, fluent mover, coat in first class order. Behind her stood the drop eared Ch Linum La Gioconda, Ch Of Skyeline Dream With Me and Ch Finnsky Acasia - as I said, all super bitches.

BCAC was awarded to Skyewatch Kiss Me Again, a very nice elegant bitch, long low and level, beautiful neck and shoulder. RCAC to Juger Edelweiss Eternal Glory, another very nice bitch who is a credit to the breed.

Ch Finnsky Alan presented a progeny group in which some of his very beautiful daughters were included and kennel Finnsky yet again presented a breeders group outstanding for uniformity and quality. Later in the day it was best in show breeders group.

BD CACIB BOB and later group 3 under Mr John Thirlwell Multi Ch Dewmist Silkmarillion (Ch Cheers Way of the World x Multi Ch Styal Silksilla) br and owned by Mr Henric Fryckstrand

BD-2 R CACIB DCAC, winner of intermediate, Goldmaster's Cellini (Chaveni's Magic Passion x Goldmasters Afrodite) br and owned by Ms Majvor Westerlund

BD-3, winner of Open, Dewmist Serventes (Multi Ch Einderry  Gaelic Minstrel x Multi Ch  Dewmist Shaquille) br Mr Fryckstrand owned by Ms Kathy Braeckman from Belgium.

BD-4, 2nd in Open, Dewmist Sheridan (Chisleay Crysader for Rossgilde x Ch Dewmist Serenella) br Mr Fryckstrand Own Ms Kati Grön from Finland

BD-5, 2nd in championclass, Ch Waterfreaks Nick Name (Ch Goldline's Heart Breaker x Waterfreak's Mellow Mermaid) br Ms Annette Wennberg Ow Ms Maria Klindt

BB-1, CACIB, BOS winner of championclass Silversign Style'N Class (Gunhills Over The Moon x Ch Dewmist Silverinda), br and owned by Ms Ulrika Zetterfeldt

BB-2, R CACIB, BCAC to winner of Open, Golden Edition's Dancing Queen (Begora's Boogie Woogie x Begoras Fazermint) bred in Norway by Ms Maria Bragstad owned by Ms Christine Lindbergh

BB-3, 2nd in open, Festival's Baby Boom (Goldenline's New Feeling x Ch Festival's Baby), br and owned by Ms Tina Angrell

BB-4, 3rd in Open, Dewmist Star of Africa (Multi Ch Einderry Gaelic Minstrel x Ch Dewmist  Starcadia) br Mr Fryckstrand Ow Ms Ann Britt Lavestedt

BB-5, winner of intermediate, Goldone Stardreamer (Ch Dewmist Strands of Silk x Dewmist Starquette) br Ms Madeleine Holmberg ow Ms Anna Nordieng.

On August 16th I did student judging under experienced judge Mr Benny Blid von Schedwin for West Highland White Terrier. There was a good entry and it really good to be given the  chance to go over them.

Photo above: BOB Group 3 winner Ch Dewmist Silkmarillion

1) Pebblemor's Believe It - BPIS

2) Swiss Junior Ch Ashford Castle Unbreakable - Junior Dog RCAC

3) Swiss Junior Ch Sudeo Mymy - JUNIOR Bitch CAC & Best Labrador Junior

Photos by Mrs S Cajelot, France

4) Chablais Cavalier at Kowalski - Junior Dog CAC

5) Belquest Miami at Kowalski - Intermediate Bitch CAC

6) U'll Love Zerlina - Open Bitch CAC and BOB

7) Onorevole-Rumo Von Haselberg Open Dog CAC BOS

8) My excellent ringstewards

On Saturday June 6th, I caught the plane early for Copenhagen and from there on to Zurich to judge Labradors at the Swiss Retriever Club Show in Burgdorf the following day. The other judges were Mrs Lyn Anderson (Golden Retriever) and Mrs Victoria Stibbs-Willis (Flatcoated Retriever) from the UK and Mrs Lilian Jonsson (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling-, Curly coated, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever). I think I speak for all judges when I say that hospitality was second to none and we were treated like royalities throughout the week-end. Saturday evening was spent in a restaurant in Bergdorf which served the most delicious food you would ever imagine. Absoutley amazing.

I felt very honoured to having been invited to judge at this show and had been looking forward to it for a long time. The venue was excellent in a spacious hall with carpets in every ring. My ringstewards were first class and very helpful

Best Puppy (3-6 months) went to an outstanding black puppy bitch by the name of Pebblemore Believe It (Fameflair After Midnight x Innisfree A Sunbeam of Ashford Castle), bred and owned by Mr & Mrs Scröder Plock.

She went all the way as she also won BPIS under Mrs Anderson who I know was quite taken by her.

Best Puppy (6-9 mths) Yondan Yamen Kayuk von Haselberg (Loch Mor Shamrock x Loch Mor Gift of Love bred by Peter and Ruth Danz but owned by Sandra Von Aesch - a nice puppy who has time on his side.

In Jugendklasse I awarded the CAC to Chablais Cavalier at Kowalski (Chablais Brookhill Joss x Chablais Babychou), bred by the renowned Chablais kennel in Canada and owned by Anton Parreno. A lovely young yellow dog who pressed the winner for BD hard. RCAC to another yellow, Ashford Castle Unbreakable (Innisfree X-cite of Ashford Castle x Sudeo Guglhupf), bred by Löbl and owned by Mr and Mrs Schröder Plock. Both of those young dogs were expertly handled and their skills are well worth studying by novice exhibitors.

In the Zwischenklasse I chosed the nice black dog Cragganmore Chrystal Rock (Tam O’Shanter of Tintagel Winds x Brigburn Black Bramble) bred by Erika Byrne but owned by Jacques Berard as my CAC winner. RCAC to his half brother but out of Dukeland Xszeta Jones named Unlimited Pleasure of Minto, bred by Barbara Schmocker and owned by Ute Remund.

Then it was time for Open and I then went for the black dog Onorevole Rumo von Haselberg (Heatherbourne Watchman x Bluebell), bred by Peter and Ruth Danz but owned by Maria Teresa Rotiroti and awarded him the CAC. This was an eyecatching black dog with excellent body and he eventually won Best Dog. RCAC to another black that was his half brother as he too was by Heatherbourne Watchman but in this case out of Loch Mor Gift of Love called Usko V. Haselberg, again one bred by Peter and Ruth Danz but owned by Adrian and Monika Buri.

One entry only in the working class, a chocolate dog of good quality that moved and showed well called Miodyca Ulk (Fairywood’s Xino x Miodyca Polaire), bred by J Marc-Dia and owned by Nathalie Matter, Ulk was awarded the CAC and Best Gundog.

And now to the bitches.

In the Juniorclass I awarded the CAC to the yellow Sudeo Mymy (Timantti Solid Davidson x Sudeo Cantara) – a truely lovely young bitch who moved and showed like a princess. She is bred by Mr Givan and owned by Mr Mrs Schröder Plock. There was no RCAC awarded in this class since there was only one ’excellent’ grade.

A lovely yellow bitch who moved with reach and drive won the Zwischenklasse, Mr Anton's Belquest Miami at Kowalski (Castlewood Just Do It x Caer Bren Water Lily), bred by Belquest knl., and she was awarded the CAC here. When I read the catalouge in bed at night I thought there was something familiar with that name and on my return home I discovered I had mentioned her as the Res Green Star winner at last week’s show inDublin. Obviously a lady who is used to travelling! R CAC to another nice yellow, Mr and Mrs Anthony’s C’Zerlinda of the Enchanted Flute (Ahti Du Puits De Chanteins x U’LL Love Zerlina).

In Open I again went for a yellow as my winner, the dam of the RCAC in the Zwischenklasse, Mr& Mrs Anthony’s homebred U’ll Love Zerlina (Macintosh of Tintagel Winds x Remember Grace). She caught my eye when she entered the ring and I think she is a lovely labrador and was awarded the CAC and eventually BOB. After the show her owner told me she had won the same award under Mrs Beckett (Kimvalley) when she judged this show some time ago. R CAC to a very nice black bitch of excellent conformation called Baccarat Du Chaudron Des Fees (English Touch Venwood x Sudeo Total Obsession), bred and owned by Severine Cajelot.

In the working class only one entry and she was awarded a very good so there was no CAC unfortuantely.

And now to the veterans and there were three dear ladies entered.

Winner of CAC was the lovely yellow Glenmore Golden Day (Poolstead Part and Parcel x Dream Eyes Larissa) bred by Anne Vittone but owned by Axel Brechbuhl. Later in the afternoon I had the pleasure to do best veteran in show and chosed Golden Day as my winner. She presents a very balanced picture. RCAC to another yellow with lots of breed qualities, Trailer Ring For A  Margarita of Tintagel Winds (Carpenny Catch Pole x Mayday of Tintagel Winds), bred by Mrs Leith-Ross but owned by Mr Gavin Gamble.

Sunday evening was spent in the company of again very pleasant committee members with lots of interesting discussions and laughter. The sceenery seen through the windows of the Italien resturant was simply magnificent and so was their food. I then returned home on Morning morning and was greeted by my dogs, it was so lovely to see them again but since I now have a few days off there will be plenty of time to spend together.

PHOTOS

1)CACCIB Green Star BOB and Group-3rd GB SH CH Antonine Allure

2) BPIB & 2nd BPIS Group 8 Antonine Annastayshere

Many thanks to Mrs McGillivray for sending those photos.

The following four photos have with thanks been recieved from Mrs Carpanini:

3-4-5) Carpenny Made A Million

6) Bitch challenge

Many thanks to Mr Anton for forwarding the following photos:

7) Chablais Cavalier at Kowalski, European Junior Male winner

8-9-10) Belquest Miami at Kowalski, European Junior  Bitch winner & R J BIS

Best Puppy went to Mrs McGillivray's Antonine Anna Stays Here , she was also runner up in the puppy group, and is illustrated here below her famous mother.

Green Star Dog and CACIB R-BOB was awarded to Mrs Carpanini's

Carpenny Made A Million (Ch Carpenny Made The Trip x Sh Ch Mambrinos Spellbound at Carpenny).

Res Green Star Dog R-CACIB to Mr and Mrs Douglas' Int Ch Talard The MAn Who.

Green Star Bitch CACIB and BOB to Sh Ch Antonine Allure (Sh Ch Ramsayville Route Sixty Six x Trailblazer of Antonine), many congratulations are in order to her owner and breeder Mrs McGillivray for this excellent win, she also went third in group 8.

Res Green Star Bitch Mr Anton's Belquest Miami at Kowalsky.

R-CACIB Ms&Mr Williams & Revitt's Jimdi Nora Betty

Best veteran  Jimdi's Sweet Flora, another owned by Williams & Revitt.

It feels like an eternity since I last wrote which actually is a matter of fact rather than anything else! I can only envy those who can find time and inspiration to verbally address various issues, often on a daily basis. It should be recognized that I've not had the intention to create debate in my blog, but rather to report various events, mainly shows, and occasionally take a trip down memory lane.

It has been a relatively quiet times on the dog front, hence the silence! But in April, I was in Stockholm to meet with Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Club's show secretaries from across the country to lift various 'judge- issues" as I am on the show committee. Some representatives from the breed clubs were also present, Katarina Ramberg representing Labrador Retriever Club.  There were some really interesting discussions and various issues were raised. One would only hope that many more would be involved in organising club activities.

Last week, I was elected as alternate member of the Swedish Terrier Club's general committee of which I feel very honoured. Since I have never before been involved in activities other than around the Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Club, it should be interesting to see if there are differences. I'm sure there are and that feels exciting

.

I trust you will have a HAPPY EASTER and enjoy all the tasty things that go with it.

The lecturers are well known profiles in the breed and the Labrador Club is extremely thrilled and proud that they have accepted our invitation ;

Mrs Peggy Rae, Cornlands Labradors UK-

Mrs Carole Coode, Warringah Labradors UK-

Mr David Craig, Davricard/Foulby Labradors UK.

The seminar is open for all Labrador enthusiasts, new and old and regardless of nationality!

Seminar host will be Dan Ericsson, Raglan, and myself and we would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Dan Ericsson 0046-171-414125 email: raglan@telenordia.se

Jan-Erik Ek 0046-121-32050 email: jan-erik.ek@swipnet.se

In the UK best of breed is judged jointly. This causes confusion sometimes when British judges come over here as there is only ever one best of breed judge as we don't have the referee system.

This year two Sandylands were found at the top, and it doesn't stop there - they're litter brother and sister. Must have been some litter.

Both blacks, the dog Sh Ch Sandylands Pressed For Time, won DCC x BOB and his sister Sandylands Pandora BCC, by Sh Ch Rockabee Blue Peter at Sandylands out of Rocheby Pure Shades of Sandylands.

All Cruft's wins are important but this one especially so as this was a double. A win of this calibre has only been previously achived by Cornlands (Mrs D P Rae) and Cambremer (Mr D Brabban) as far as I can tell.

Pressed For Time and Pandora are bred by Mr Anthony and Mrs Jayes, the former also owned by the breeders and the latter owned by Mr A Taylor, the late Mrs Gwen Broadley's nephew - better known for his Belroyd corgies.

When arriving to the venue the day prior to the Retriever show on the Spaniel day I was very happy to meeting a dear old friend, Thornbreaker’s Maestro, whose mistress Eva also is a Welsh Springer Spaniel owner. Maestro, aged 9 years, spends four hours per day in a day care centre where people with various issues socialise with the dogs, take them for walks etc. Bertie, as Maestro is called, has the rock solid temperament required for those activities. I think I speak for all breeders on this planet when I say you really feel especially proud when a dog you’ve bred makes a difference for people with special needs. I am very happy to be able to tell you that another from this kennel, Thornbreaker’s Right On Time, aged 10, also spends time in the centre and makes people happy just being what she is.

The entry was a good one by Swedish standards, 89, which meant one of the puppy classes had to be removed as there is a limit of 80 dogs per day and judge in Sweden. Many thanks to all those brave exhibitors that challenged the rough weather and made the journey – it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.

Best Puppy aged 4-6 months was won by Lab Nova Diamonds Are Forever (Ch Licithas Terje Vigen x Eatons Heidi), a lovely yellow boy, showed and moved very well.

BD-1, DCAC and BOS Winnies Route Sixty Six (Guidelines One Size Fits All x Ch Winnies Mary Go Round), photo on top, a lovely yellow junior dog who gave all of his best from start to finish. He caught the eye standing and on the move he excelled in reach and drive. His very nice sister was 4th in BB-line up.

BD-2 Kefverön’s Earl of Dunmore (Ch Lab Treasures Great Choice x Kefverön’s Celina)

BD-3 Ca’Krist Muscato Molleux (Dwight of Misty Dreams x Ch Max-Mara)

BD-4, Best Veteran Fabracken Pablo (Ch Cambremer Tom Cobbley of Charway x Ch Fabracken Meadow Mint)

BD-5 JWW-08 Trendmakers Indian Summer (Alaincobin x Trendmakers Italian Bella Donna)

BB-1, BCAC and BOB Blizzami Lady Hillingdon (Ch Mambrinos Triumph x Ch Attikonak Crescenza), yellow bitch from open that looked the part. Very well balanced. Showed and moved beautifully, see photo above. Her lovely dam was runner up.

BB-2 Ch Attikonak Crescenza (Poolstead Parmesan x Attikonak Don’t Mess With Dynamite)

BB-3 Posters Sweet Juliet (Ch Ramsayville Route Sixty Six x Attikonak Spring Hat With Veil)

BB-4 Winnies Rag Doll, litter sister of W Route Sixty Six

BB-5 Eatons Jajamensan Lab Nova (Ch Applejacks Whoop de Doodle x Ch Eatons Zaga)

Balrion Royal Mischief of Rodarbal had a son in Sweden called Rodarbal Ruler. He was succesful in the show ring as well as a sire. It is interesting to note that there have actually been two Rodarbal kennels, one in Sweden and one in the UK. This is possible as Sweden belongs to the FCI whilst Britain does not.

Sh Ch Balrion King Frost became a world famous Labrador. He won 28 CC’s and several gundog groups. In 1978, he won best in show at SKC under Judy de Casembroot.

I look at King Frost every day. On my living room wall I’ve got a big framed photo of him together with Ch Fabracken Comedy Star and Ch Charway Ballywillwill. The photo, which was taken by David Dalton, is a numbered edition, mine is 70/200.

King Frost was bred and owned by Mr John and the late Mrs Glenda Crook who is here seen showing him to that magic win in 1978 at SKC.

 It was an eye opener in many ways, British and Swedish lifestyle is not quite the same and the doggy world is different, too – not in any particular dramatic way, it’s just different. Not hearing a word of your own language for months is an experience in itself and something most people never encounter. Another thing: Swedish politicians were never quoted on British TV. When some Swede had made a statement in the United Nations or where ever and it was reported here, you got the feeling the whole world stopped and listened. Or that was what I thought. From then on I knew better

 Margot was one of the driving forces behind the start of the North West Labrador Club where she was their first secretary; eventually she became the club’s patron. She was Scottish by birth and had grown up with animals. Her son and daughter were not interested in Labrador breeding so the Follytower affix did not carry on after her passing on April 12th, 2007. Brian passed away about ten years before her. Brian and Margot had kept Labradors since the 1940’s and had bred the odd litter now and then but it was in 1963 Margot decided she wanted to start showing. They went to look at a litter by Ch Breaduke Joyful out of Silsdale Glenarvey Quita; Miss Ward (Heatheredge) had on beforehand kindly sorted out the two best bitches for the Woolley’s. Margot is supposed to have said she just stared at them in total ignorance and passed the ball over to Brian with the words: you chose! He chose what eventually became Ch Follytower Silsdale Old Chelsea and the rest is history. Just fancy making up your first show dog and in Britain too, with all that hot competition. Not a bad start! 

The star of the kennel was Ch Follytower Merrybrook Black Stormer. He won CC and BOB at Cruft’s in 1973 under Mr James (Wendover) and again DCC in 1974 under Mrs Docking (Ballyduff). In 1978 he was 9 years old and the kindest, most lovely dog you would imagine. He put the Follytower affix on the Labrador world map and produced many lovely Labradors. One of Stormer’s, or Sam to his friends, great sons was Sh Ch Sandylands Stormalong, BIS at Blackpool Ch show in 1976. Stormalong was a producer and is found behind a number of good Labradors although he left this world too early.

 The last Follytower champion was the black granddaughter of Kupros Moonriver of Follytower, Sh Ch Follytower Leonora. She made up at the same time as Sh Ch Follytower Pandora at Rocheby got her title; both bitches were campaigned and owned by Margot. A black dog, Follytower Rosy Outlook,was close to winning a title at the same time, and got 2 CC’s and 5 RCC’s. Before him, Leonora’s dam Follytower Willow, had been unlucky not to get her title and finished with 2 CC’s and – I think – 7 or 8 RCC’s. 

As a judge Margot Woolley travelled the world and judged in the Scandinavian countries on a number of occasions as well as in the rest of the world including Australia, USA and Britain obviously. She told me she first gave tickets in Bath in 1972, first time she paid Sweden a visit was in 1974 at Hunneberg outside Gothenburg. Her BCC and BOB was a chocolate called Curnafane Flicka (Ch Sandylands Mark x  Ch Curnafane Seamansal). The DCC went to an Australian (!) import called Lindhills Cattinda, bred in Sydney. In Britain she judged at Cruft’s as well as at the Labrador Club championship shows.

PHOTOS by Annika Lehtonen, Dalwood Labradors, Finland:
1) Brian and Margot Woolley in 1986

2) Kupros Moon River of Follytower, important brood

3)Sh Ch Charway Blackthorn of Follytower, sire of Sh Ch Cambremer Madonna and Ch Follytower Black Cypress

4) Follytower Brownthorn, daughter of Blackthorn and sister of Black Cypress

5) Follytower Willow, by Charway Ballywillwill x Kupros Moonriver of Follytower. 2 CC, 7 RCC's

6) Ch Follytower Merrybrook Black Stormer, one of the great sires in the breed Photo by Anne Roslin-Williams

The photo thing proved to be easier said than done because in spite of the fact that this dog is so well known I haven't been able to come across anything that shows what he looked like. As I never got the previlege to see him myself I am unable to deliver any description of what he looked like. Charlie Boy is behind the Jayncourt dogs; J Star-Extraodynar, J Star-Exelance - themselves both behind good winners and I'm sure there are also others with various connections.

First time I read his name was in 1975 when several of his children from one litter over here started to make a name for themselves. The late Brit-Marie Brulin, Puhs Labradors, had imported the black Keithray Marianne, a Mark daughter and littersister of British titleholder Keithray Marcus, in whelp to Charlie Boy. There were two really nice litter sisters being shown at Sto ckholm international in 1975 under Michael Boothroyd called Puhs Maya and Puhs Parvati. Maya won intermediate on the day and I think Parvati was placed 2nd or 3rd but later they both went on to bigger things. None of them became import broods.

From the same litter came the black dog Puhs Indra, see photo above. I did see the dog once or twice but his offerspring seem to have made a longer lasting impression on me as I remember them better than Indra. There were several nice ones, the first that caught my attention was a yellow bitch called Western-Sun who went on to win her title and tickets under visitng UK breed specialists, another was the yellow eye catching dog Cannons Be Good. One frosty February morning in 1981 I went to Tönsberg in Norway with Lennart Wumer (Rodarbal) to help out with some of the dogs. Inge E-son Thoor was judging and Eva Mjelde was there with a young Surprising's Mathias. He did very well and anyone could see here was a star in the making, later he went on to very big things.

Mathias then became an important sire. It would be a major undertaking to mention all of his winning offerspring but since I found a photo of groupwinning Minnows Tilda I thought she would illustrate a pleasant example of what Mathias was able to produce. Tilda was a granddaughter of Sandylands Poser by Poolstead Problem out of Sandylands Midnight Magic out of Sandylands Katrinka of Keithray, dam of Charlie Boy.