Lead for Top Dog throughout 2023 was Arnac Bay Huron At Bergelle, but pipped at the post when Arnac Bay Hebe won BOB & BCC at LKA under judge Tracey Butler BS. This was Tracey’s third time of awarding CCs – in 2017 at Driffield BCC & BOB Anac Bay Flax and in 2019 Darlington DCC & BOB Arnac Bay Huron At Bergelle. Another litter sister, Arnac Bay Harvest, BOB & CC at Bath 2023 making all three from this H litter into SH CH’s and Top Breeder for Christine Mayhew. By Arnac Weatherdeck Buoy, Top Sud Dog 2023 x Arnac Bay Gamble, Top Brood Bitch 2023. Gamble is owned by David and Thelma Thompson, but was transferred to Christine Mayhew to breed her second H litter, then transferred back again.
There are very few founder members of the CBRC left, most have either left the club or sadly passed away. Those 25 people with the passion, dedication and work ethic to start and build a breed club originally named The British Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club (I still have some original rosettes) were not mentioned at The Club’s 40th anniversary show last year, which has been pointed out to me. Reminiscing about the early days really did bring back so many happy memories when I recently went to visit Bruce Gauntlet and Julie, who still live at their farm at Wooton Rivers in Wiltshire. We laughed about cleaning the potato barn to use as a show ring and heaven forbid the caravan portable loo bucket in a stable.
Bruce was not an FM but fell in love with the breed, he had Penrose Bronwen from me as a shooting companion in the season and a farm dog for the rest of the year. When we ran our first Club show, it was a Limit Show with less than 40 dogs, the renowned Millie Bucholz came to judge. Later she said she could never forget following a tractor and hay trailer down the long drive with this stunning sedge Chesapeake on the back. At just 7 months old Millie pulled Bronnie out for BIS, BB & BP saying this is a real Chesapeake. Handled by an amazed Bruce, who only ever showed her at the shows we held at his farm. Bruce & Julie, although older, have not changed. They still have a Chesapeake and a Golden Retriever; no more dog shows though.
Kirsty Watts, who beats on two shoots near where she lives, has been taking novice Chris Hutt out with her. Chris said she was very worried she would do something wrong, but as Kirsty told her there is very little you can do wrong as a beater. She loved the experience, the people were great, Kirsty was a good mentor but doing two back-to-back days was exhausting.
Disappointing news to finish. In the past month I have heard from two long-time breed specialists who although totally passionate about their dogs have both decided enough is enough and will now get Labs.
Janet Morris
01873 88027
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com