Chairman’s Report

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2020

Dear Member — what a year this has turned out to be — one like no other, and hopefully, no other like it to come again!

However, your club has been very proactive since the first open show, which we all enjoyed at the Speedwell Rooms. Mrs. Butler-Holly was our judge on the day, and she drew a lovely entry, the day was so relaxed, and everyone enjoyed the excellent catering, stewards were super as ever, our trophy table was gleaming, raffle was teaming, food was superb as ever – Big thank you to all our hard-working committee—pictures of the principal winners are in the yearbook.

WELL, the bombshell hit us all just before Crufts, which managed to ‘go ahead’ by the skin of its teeth!! So with lockdown in place, we lost both our championship show and our September open show, and also our annual puppy fun day. However, as soon as the restrictions allowed, we DID have two super days at Wellfield House – our mini fun, socially distanced shows, with some new and upcoming judges officiating were just great… we had classes for baby puppies, bigger puppies, graduates, opens and veterans, so it was just the ‘good day out’ that everyone needed. We were also pleased to present Mervyn and Carol Reynolds with a super acer tree and planter in recognition of their outstanding contribution to this Club over many years – see photos in the book.

Your Field Trial Secretary and committee have also been doing a fantastic job, although they lost the working tests due to lockdown, they did manage to get two trials off the mark – some super photos and descriptions of the days further in the book. It’s never ever been easy to run the tests and trials but Paula and Paul have pulled it off in great style.

In December we had an online photograph competition with 7 categories and 7 judges — the last day in January was the cut off for entry and beginning of February we will see the results of the winners in each class - you will be able to see all the results of this in the 2021 yearbook – It was so well received. it may well become an annual favourite.

I will make a brief reference to the very many puppies that have been bred during lockdown, where prices have been drastically inflated to an almost obscene level – It’s pretty worrying that our lovely breed is now being so horribly commercialised – we will see how long it lasts and where these puppies end up – I think the rescues will no doubt be very busy post lockdown, that’s the sad bit.

We will continue to keep this great club doing what it does best – everything it can for the members. Take great care, stay safe and well. Marion Hopkinson, Chair

Chairmen of Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club 1946 – 1985 Mr H. I. P. Taylor 1985 – 1990 Mr N. D. Robinson 1990 – 2010 Mr F. Whitbread 2010 – present Mrs M. Hopkinson Secretaries Terms of Office 1947 - 1956 – Mrs H Taylor 1956 - 1973 – Mrs Jessie Taylor 1973 - 1991 – Mr Frank Whitbread 1991 - 1999 – Mrs Sue Hill 1999 - 2005 – Mrs Jean Allen 2005 - present – Mrs Julia K. Lewis