Maltese Club Of Scotland

Maltese Club of Scotland




It's not often we get the chance to celebrate a coming of age but 2009
saw The Maltese Club of Scotland attaining the age of majority.
Traditionally it was the age of 21 when the 'key of the door' became
available, now it's 18 for most things but a 21st birthday is such a
significant milestone in any calendar and no less so for the MCOS. In
the late '80s dedicated Maltese enthusiasts in Scotland and the
northern borders of England felt the need for a Club where they could
show their breed without the stresses and strains of a long journey south.


 

The Maltese Club of Scotland has operated an annual Open Show almost
every year of it's existence and there has always been a friendly and
warm welcome to every exhibitor and visitor alike. The opportunity to
judge at this show has been extended to many well respected breed
judges and allrounders over the years and these individuals have been
rewarded by a quality entry on many occasions. The main celebration of
this 21st year centered around the Open Show held on Saturday October
3rd at Springfield Village Hall, Gretna Green where the Judge was the
well known breed specialist Mrs Barbara Miller (Barbarella). The hall
was adorned with baloons and Happy 21st Birthday banners, augmented by
traditional Scottish hospitality. All that was missing was a piper,
although one has been known to skirl his pipes around the hall at
previous shows and no it did not frighten the dogs.


 

Our journey from the south entailed battling through high winds and
driving rain on the A66 across the moors but once beyond Carlisle and
approaching Gretna the sun shone as the warmth of a Scottish welcome
drew near. On arrival we were all greeted with a hot cuppa and freshly
cooked Lorne sausage baps along with generous amounts of Scottish fare,
no one would leave hungry! There was a good party atmosphere and it was
apparent that much hard work had gone into making this show a worthy
celebration. The committee are to be congratulated. A host of raffle
prizes were on show to entice vistors to 'have a flutter' and many went
away with some attractive prizes. There were many items to be auctioned
including some brought over from Sweden and a huge 'Maltese' all of
five feet tall when stood on it's hind legs (I actually think it was a
Polar Bear). All class winners received a lovely Maltese brooch with
pens and specials on offer to other place winners. The show was
sponsored by Royal Canin so none of the winners went away hungry. A
21st Birthday cake had been specially baked for the occasion and this
was enjoyed by all.  Well done to the small band of Maltese enthusiasts
north of the border who consistently put on such a friendly show.

 

From an entry of 28 dogs making 41 entries Mrs Miller chose for her
Best in Show the Best Dog, Ir Ch Lafford Trade Marc Sh CM (Jun Ch) W08
CW09 [Multi Ch Divines Marc of Friendship at Delcost x Lafford
Hershey's Hugs] owned and shown by Carol Lees. Reserve Best in Show and
Best Bitch was Sangria White Diamond [Jap Ch Funnyladies Davey Crockett
x Sangria Cartier] owned and shown by the delighted Sharp-Dixon
and  Reyes partnership. Best Puppy in Show went to an equally delighted
Cathy Grant and Linmont Always In Blue Jeans [Am Ch Angels Blue
Moonbeam x Angels Forever Friends at Linmont]. Best Veteran was Carol
Lees' Multi Ch Lafford Hershey's Kisses Sh CM [Lamsgrove The Toy Boy x
Markrem Porcelain Lady] having a day out at the tender age of 11 1/4
yrs. Reserve Best Dog went to Delcost Anidonis of Snowkai [Am Ch Angels
Blue Moonbeam at Delcost x Delcost Annie] owned and shown by Amily
Flannigan and Reserve Best Bitch went to Am Ch Linmont Gift Of
Friendship at Delcost [Multi Ch Divines Marc of Friendship at Delcost x
Angels Forever Friends at Linmont] owned and shown by Christine Gillies.

BY CAROL LEES (Lafford Toy Dogs)