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THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW BIRMINGHAM has since 1859 been organised by the
Birmingham Dog Show Society. In the 21st century this old Society is
just as determined to keep up with modern day needs as it was when
exhibition of dogs was a new sport.
Newcastle upon Tyne was the
scene of the first organised dog show in June 1859, prior to which
competitions of various sorts had been held in pubs and clubs up and
down the country. The Birmingham show held in November 1859 was
organised by Mr Richard Brailsford, gamekeeper. An organising committee
of eminent gentlemen and sportsmen ensured the show, held in one of the
galleries of the Horse and Carriage Repository, Birmingham was a
successful event for the 80 or so dogs entered in the 14 classes.
Inspired by the popularity of
this show the committee continued to make this an annual event and some
of the gentlemen involved to become the founder members of the Kennel
Club some 14 years later. The background to the early shows is
fascinating.
Modern day exhibitors expect
very high standards at dog shows - large rings, good layout and
facilities. In the early days sawdust was the
norm for the floor, the dogs were paraded between the benches and held
by stewards while being judged. Lady exhibitors complained if there was
too much wet floorcovering because of their flowing skirts; the
exhibits were often despatched by rail.
In 1859 Pointers and Setters
were the only breeds on show and there were 3 judges. In 2009 the
judges willl officiate over 192 Breeds and Challenge Certificates will
be on offer for every breed that has them. (For historical reasons the
National is a representative show which entitles the Management
Committee to elect a member of the Kennel Club Show Executive Committee
and to have Challenge Certificates for all breeds as at Crufts and the
Welsh and
Scottish Kennel Clubs).
The National has been held at
a number of venues over the years. The late 1980's saw a move from the
National Agricultural Centre to Perry Park Birmingham where the
innovative 'in and out' rings under marquees were first used and now
commonly seen at a number of major dog shows. After a succession of
shows on this site, a move was made to Arbury Hall, Warwickshire, a
lovely venue let down by the weather. Two good shows were then held at
the NEC where an 'Activity Ring' was a new venture in which many breeds
had an opportunity to show off their capabilities and historic origins.
Therapy dogs were introduced to the public there and displays of
heelwork to music entertained visitors and exhibitors alike. In 2002
the Society moved to the Bingley Hall, Stafford which it is hoped will
be its home in the years to come.
Since 2002 the Society has
used all the available ring space in the halls combing this with large
outside marquees . Each year the committee, ever mindful of the needs
of the exhibitors, manipulate the space to suit the entries, with large
rings, wide aisles between the benches, an attractive Stakes and Best
in Show ring and lots of FREE car parking.
A younger group of Committee
members originally from the Young Kennel Club are
now included as part of the management team which should ensure that
the future of this historic society is safe for the exhibitors of the
future to enjoy.
We are also fortunate to have
the support of a large band of willing stewards who regularly fulfil
the administrative requirements to assist our judges. At present;
Stewards receive £20 per day and £10 if they chose to have
lunch. In addition for
those that are able to steward on at least three days we offer free
caravan parking.
RING STEWARDING SEMINAR - 31st January 2009
The Management Committee
appreciate the enormous contribution made by the Ring Stewards to the
running of all shows and acknowledge that we could not run the events
without them. We are planning another Ring Stewarding Seminar on
Saturday 31st January 2009 at the Kennel Club Building meeting room,
Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
This will be a chance for
experienced Stewards and novices alike to 'brush up' on the various
aspects of their role in the ring covering the new Breeder Stakes,
single CC's, how best to assist the judge etc. There will be an
opportunity for questions and discussion on how to deal with a variety
of incidents. Speakers will be Gerald King, Chief Steward at Crufts and
Annette Oliver-Wyles, Chief Steward at The National.
The Seminar will begin at
11am - 2pm approx. Just £2 per person payable on arrival to
include Tea/Coffee and Biscuits. There will be limited places and it
will be a question of first come first served.
The
Seminar is now fully booked, however watch this space for future
dates.
The dog show scene is
changing but the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd [Limited Company
status in 2001] will organise their 2009 show with the same commitment
as did the gamekeepers and gentlemen of the 19th century. A commitment
that has been as much a part of its history as the dogs themselves.
In 2009 the National
celebrates its 150th birthday and some special Stakes classes with lots
of big prize money will be offered. Plus our usual Best Puppy
competetion and the new Breeders Group award. There will also be a
memento for each and every exhibitor.
[See From Little Acorns, The
History of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Est. 1859]
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