The Ayrshire Agricultural Society’s decision to drop the canine section from its shows, which left the South West corner of Scotland without a Championship Show, prompted a number of enthusiasts, including Mr Andrew Hunter, Mrs Elizabeth McGhee, and Mrs Janette Wilson, to instigate the establishment of a specialist Collie Club to cater for and encourage the Rough Collie within its area. The Ayrshire Collie Club was granted its title in 1958, making it the second youngest of the United Kingdom’s Kennel Club registered Collie Societies, with Mrs McGhee as Secretary a position she held until 1961, Mr Hunter in the Chair and Mrs Wilson holding the Treasurer’s post.
FEBRUARY - Annual General Meeting including the presentation to the winner of the Ayrshire Collie Club’s Junior Handler of the Year Competition, an annual points competition confined to members’ children. MARCH - Spring Open Show with outside ring facilities and scheduling our popular Baby Puppy walk which allows 4 to 6 month old puppies to get the feel of the show ring without the pressures of competition. Every entrant receiving one of our special Baby Puppy Rosettes — currently held at the Hurlford Community Centre, Hurlford, Ayrshire KA1 5DD. JUNE - Summer Open Show often taking advantage of the available grass rings thereby giving the show a friendly garden party atmosphere, and scheduling our recently introduced Baby Puppy Class with special rosettes for all entrants — currently held at Hurlford Community Centre, Hurlford, Ayrshire KA1 5DD OCTOBER - unbenched Championship Show for Rough Collies with ample room for cages and a real Scottish welcome, with Miniature Whisky Bottles for all class winners, and informal catalogue adding to the festive flavour — to be held at the Citadel Leisure Centre, South Harbour Street, Ayr, KA7 1JB. Part of a new complex built on the site of the 17th century Protectorate Citadel of Ayr, a new venue for Ayrshire Collie Club’s 2008 Championship Show with carpeted rings Buffet/Dance, follows the Championship Show allowing exhibitors, spectators and their friends or family to enjoy a relaxing evening with judges and club officials — within walking distance of our Show venue the pet friendly Horizon Hotel, Esplanade, Ayr, KA7 1DT is also new to the Ayrshire Collie Club — overnight accommodation is available for those who require it. The Ayrshire Collie Club host an annual seminar, usually at their Open Show venue, with subjects as diverse as formal Rough Collie Breed Council approved ones necessary for aspiring judges who wish to progress through the A2 procedures, to the more basic requirements of novice exhibitors and breeders such as grooming demonstrations, ring etiquette, etc. Members of the Ayrshire Collie Club and the All Ireland Collie and Sheepdog Society regularly support each others’ events with entries and specials, which has encouraged several enduring friendships. The Ayrshire Collie Club is managed by four officers assisted by a committee of twelve members. In line with Kennel Club directives the Ayrshire Collie Club has appointed Mr John Robinson as its Health Co-ordinator. For more details about the Ayrshire Collie Club, and its activities contact the Secretary: Mrs Joan McIntyre 49 Main Street • Carnwath • Lanark ML11 8JU Telephone: 01555 840922 email: meryctin@btinternet.com Annually the Ayrshire Collie Club’s committee elect two delegates to the Rough Collie Breed Council, currently these are: Mr Bill McIntyre and Mrs Joan McIntyre Membership, which currently averages 200, is open to all. For more details about what the Ayrshire Collie Club has to offer, plus information on shows, dates, and judges visit their website |