Championship Show News 2020
The current Covid-19 situation has caused many a great deal of anxious moments and for some families great sadness. The “new normal” is far from normal as we all recognise. We hope that an effective vaccine is found soon so that we can all enjoy our lives as we used to.
With the current conditions in mind, and having reviewed the latest Kennel Club guidelines (see link below), the BGSC committee debated as to whether our 2020 championship show should go ahead in 2020. There were strong opinions both for and against the show taking place. The conclusion, by a slim majority, was that it should not, and that we take the opportunity to hold two championship shows in 2021.
Reasons in this decision included the welfare of our senior members, concerns for anyone shielding relatives who have an increased risk to the virus, and reducing the risk of exposure in general through travel and meeting outside of any “bubble” groups. Although the Kennel Club would permit a show to take place the conditions imposed mean that it would be very far removed from a normal show.
Our apologies if you were looking forward to it taking place this year. It was not an easy decision and it was taken with sadness by all involved. However the virus is still out there in the world, hot spots and local lockdowns are still taking place, and our primary thoughts are for the well being of all. Stay safe everyone and let’s all look forward to a brighter, happier, and much safer 2021. Sonja Upton-Lovett BGSC President (www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/operational-plan-for-the-resumption-of-licensed-events/operational-plan-for-the-resumption-of-dog-shows/)
BGSC 100 Club
We thank our 100 club members for their support. Over the years many charities have benefited from the funds raised.
However the committee have taken the hard decision to close the 100 club, the decision was based around the ever increasing committee responsibilities and time constraints for its administration and banking difficulties caused by the current situation.
We will be offering proportional refunds to members for Standing Orders paid between November 1st 2019 & June 30th 2020.
We ask that all payments to British Gordon Setter Club 100 Club are cancelled forthwith.
Kind regards
Sonja Upton Lovett
President
Message from our new President Sonja Upton-Lovett
Dear Members and Friends
Having taken advice from the Kennel Club re our 2020 AGM, it looks highly unlikely that our meeting will take place this year due to Covid-19 and social distancing regulations. To enable the Club to move forward the KC have advised that as there were no votes needed for committee personnel changes, these can be ratified with our members at a meeting immediately prior to our 2021 AGM next year.
We thank our retiring President Kay Reid for her many years of service to the BGSC and wish her a happy and healthy retirement. Please read Kay’s retirement speech here:
And we offer a warm welcome to the new members and returning members to the Committee.
Committee for 2020/2021 is
President: Sonja Upton- Lovett
Vice President: Tilly Thomas
Honorary Secretary: Annette Mappin
Treasurer: Peter Sandiford
Jean Collins-Pitman, Rachel Horler, Karen Marsh, James Newton, Bob Roberts, and Keith Whiting.
Introducing Sonja
I have been owned by Gordon Setters since 1976 and at present have 4, including two 8 month old puppies, yes I am a little mad !!
I have been a member of the BGSC since 1978 and I was elected to the Committee for the first time in 1998, taking on many responsibilities including treasurer for 8 yrs.
I am extremely honoured to become President of the Club and promise to do my best for the members and our wonderful breed. My main interests in Gordon Setters are first and foremost loving them as wonderful companions, they give so much love back it makes it easy, followed by showing, training them (purely to be fun, sociable well behaved dogs) and I also judge them at Championship level.
I look forward to many laughs working alongside this hardworking committee and hope members support and enjoy our shows, events and publications, all of which take a huge amount of work and effort to put together, but we have fun doing it for you and your dogs. I would like to thank all the long suffering family members of committee and friends that give us a hand at events, your help is very much appreciated, long may it continue. 😘
Once we are safe and free, I look forward to meeting you and your dogs at BGSC events, but for now keep safe, well and enjoy your Gordon cuddles, there’s nothing better !!!
Sonja Upton-Lovett
Hon President
Please note
Please note while we all are under house arrest the committee will only be undertaking very urgent issues so we can focus on our families during this unusual situation.
We would like to wish our members a safe journey through this.
Take care and stay safe everyone.
Your BGSC Committee.
Latest link to KC release – events recommend cancel to end of September 2020 http://Dog Showing and Crufts Exhibitors news from @TheKennelClubUK