NEWS
July 2020
Achievement Award
(Kindly donated by Eileen Cooper in memory of her husband Tim and their Wolfhounds, Bess and Moira.)
The Irish Wolfhound Club Achievement Award has traditionally been made at the club rally, with candidates being taken from those present and the winner selected by the committee on the day.
2019 Achievement Award winner Lacey receiving the trophy.
This year, with the restrictions on gatherings, we are unable to hold the rally so we are taking the opportunity to widen the scope for this annual award. Any club member is welcome to nominate either their own Wolfhound, or one belonging to another member. We would like to hear why you think a particular hound would be a worthy winner. For instance, does it serve as a PAT dog? Is it maybe a blood donor? Has it helped raise money for charity? Has it overcome significant problems?
Entries should be emailed to John Sharpe by 4 August 2020.
Submissions should be up to about 50 words, explaining why a hound has been nominated, and should ideally include a picture. Details of candidates will be circulated to club members to vote on their choice of hound considered most worthy of the Achievement Award. The winner will be invited to collect their award at the next club event and will be featured in the club magazine.
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May 2020
Important Announcement for Breed Mentors/Observers
Following recent announcements by the Kennel Club concerning the way forward for the Judges Competency Framework, new criteria now apply for Breed Mentors and Observers. The current list has been removed from the KC website and will be compiled afresh.
The new criteria are as follows:
MENTOR: Persons who have bred/owned two UK champions in the breed and awarded CCs
more than once.
OBSERVER: Persons who have bred/owned more than two UK champions in the breed and
awarded CCs at least three times.
Should you wish to be considered as a mentor and/or observer and meet the new criteria, please apply directly to Sue Cole, the Breed Education Co-ordinator to indicate willingness to be included on the list (REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE BEEN LISTED PREVIOUSLY). Please also indicate which of the four mentoring experiences you wish to be involved in: group mentoring, one to one, Special Award classes or student judge.
For those who don’t meet these amended criteria but would like to be considered, please contact a breed club who will submit names to the BEC for inclusion, per the KC guidelines (ie who have the support of at least 50% of the breed bodies). These lists will then be submitted to the KC Judges Committee who will consider the nominations.
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Statement from the Kennel Club
"The safety and security of competitors, spectators, volunteers and staff at Kennel Club events continues to be of paramount importance. In light of the continued restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kennel Club has taken the decision with regret to extend its strong recommendation that clubs and societies cancel forthcoming events until the end of September and that serious consideration should be given to events due to be held after this date.It is vitally important that those responsible for organising events, large or small, conduct a risk assessment which will include ensuring that the event is Covid secure, i.e being compliant with Government advice and guidance on COVID-19. We will be working on further advice to clubs and societies on the issues which need to be addressed in a risk assessment once the Government publishes further guidance or instruction.This latest recommendation is based on all advice issued by the Government so far which continues to restrict non-essential travel and maintain social distancing. The Kennel Club also recommends that alternative arrangements continue to be put in place regarding other activities such as meetings, seminars and training classes."
Taking the above into account, it is necessary for us to cancel the IWC Championship Show scheduled for 31st August. We realise this is disappointing but, as ever, the health and welfare of our members is paramount.
We will continue to keep you updated on any further developments. Keep well and stay safe everyone.
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Annual General Meeting
Following the Irish Wolfhound Club postal AGM, the results are as follows:
The minutes of the 2019 Special General Meeting accepted with no objections.The adoption of accounts accepted with no objections.Honorary three year memberships granted to:
Mrs Pauleen Ashby, Mrs Pat Box, the Hon Mrs Gillian Fane, Miss Betty Murphy.
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To all our members:
We hope you, your families and hounds are remaining safe and well throughout this extended lockdown period. It's a difficult and trying time for everyone, but is what we need to do to get through this. Please remember we are always at the end of an email or phone call if you ever feel isolated or concerned and would just like to talk.
We know that some of our members have succumbed to the virus and we wish anyone that has been through it, or is currently going through it, a swift and full recovery.
The list of show cancellations continues to grow and there is little more that can be done at present other than carry on following the government, PHE and KC guidelines and wait and see what happens. The Irish Wolfhound Health Group is keeping people updated with any heart testing session cancellations so, if you have something booked, make sure you check with their website.
The Irish Wolfhound Club Social Group has been set up on Facebook and is a place just for club members to have a little fun and general banter and is intended to help keep our spirits up as we while away the days. We would be very happy to see you there!
Stay safe everyone, and keep well.
The Officers and Committee of the IW Club
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April 2020
Limited Show
Our Limited Show which was due to take place at the Houndshow on 28 July is now cancelled due the the cancellation of the Houndshow itself.
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IWC magazine
Preparations for the 2020 issue of the club magazine are underway, with publication provisionally set for August. However, with no, or very few, show results to include content will be thin unless members contribute. Sonali Das Simpson, our indefatigable editor, is pleading for articles and features, whether wolfhound/dog related or of general interest.
If you have anything you feel able to contribute please email Sonali.
All contributions will be most gratefully received, but please send photos at as high a resolution as possible.
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March 2020
Facebook group
We have set up an Irish Wolfhound Club social group on Facebook to keep us connected throughout this difficult time. It's for club members only and for FUN only and you are very welcome to join us. There will be occasional quizzes and photo contests etc. just for light-hearted entertainment, not reward! (Unless we run the odd 'spot prize' event). We encourage contributions to the quizzes etc, if you have something you think would be enjoyed by the group members. All ideas and suggestions very much welcome and you can post them on the group!
As ever, stay safe and keep well.
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