The north eastern counties of Northumberland and Durham have produced several influential Collie Kennels, and most of their owners have actively supported the region’s Collie Club, which can trace its foundation to a casual meeting in the beer tent after judging was completed on Whit Monday 1910. With founding members making up the first committee, and drawn about equally from well established Rough and Smooth exhibitors the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club was quickly recognised by other specialist clubs despite initially electing to stay outside Kennel Club control. EARLY INFLUENCE In the October of its foundation year the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club organised its first competition, a members match judged by founder member Mr S. Gall ‘Walker’ with contemporary reports suggesting it was a popular and enjoyable event. In the same month it became the only none Kennel Club registered society to send a delegate to the joint council of Collie Clubs and major kennel owners, convened to discuss the introduction of a unified breed standard to be adopted by all breed societies and officiating judges. The results of their deliberations, which stood the test of time, eventually adopted in 1911. KENNEL CLUB REGISTRATION By the end of 1922 after twelve years of organising successful events, and with the original secretary Mr H. Walton ‘Weardale’ back in the driving seat, Kennel Club registration was sought and granted. There followed a period of consolidation with the club concentrating on supporting local breeders and exhibitors with ‘Members Only’ shows through several difficult years. CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS Having maintained Kennel Club registration throughout the war the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club were in an excellent position at its end to become one of only three societies to host one of the first four Championship Shows for Rough Collies in 1946, when well known Collie specialist Mr E. Watt ‘Dryfesdale’ awarded the Challenge Certificates to the 6½ year old dog Waldorn of Waldemar and the tricolour bitch Delwood Meryl who added her title in 1949. The following year saw the Club repeated this event but by 1948 the Kennel Club withdrew championship status from breed clubs in an effort to encourage general canine societies who were then struggling to re-establish support.
MORE THAN A SHOW SOCIETY The support of local breeders and exhibitors has always been a feature of the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club. Initially the needs of Rough and Smooth Collie breeders and exhibitors were given equal prominence, after the war, when travel was still difficult, a variety of social or fun events, aimed at bring supporters from all levels together, were organised. Today, with greater mobility and fewer Smooth Collie breeders in the locality, the club concentrates its efforts on providing exhibitor friendly shows for Rough Collie supporters. As to the future, this largely depends on members’ needs but of one thing you can be certain; we will continue to encourage a greater participation in canine activities.
The above Trophy, dedicated to the memory of one of the Club's staunchest supporters, is beautifully engraved with the following words: N • D • C • C - The Tom Purvis Memorial Trophy - photo F Sargeant
For more details about what the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club has to offer and up to date information on shows and events, contact the Secretary. Secretary: Email: kyleca1966@outlook.com Tel: 07714 014887 READ THE NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM STORY - HERE READ ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEMBER - MR STEVEN GALL HERE last update 27-Apr-202301-May-2023 |
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