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Early next morning as the low cloud and mist drifted away, out came the sun which shone brilliantly all day. The marquee, which the night before looked so amazing was now transformed, looking equally good, the tables be-decked in tartan displaying the beautiful crystal, presented by Pedigree Masterfoods for the three top awards, BIS, RBIS and BPIS, together with Pedigree products for winners. Also the Doulton sculpture of GR puppies, kindly donated by Mrs Eileen Caisley for BV, together with the usual cups and trophies and the glorious coloured rosettes which everyone hoped to win. There was a huge raffle, a selection of golden retriever oriented goods for sale and a special sale in aid of rescue funds. Pat Trotter from GRC of Northumbria had generously made two iced cakes to be shared out among those present.







Frank and I had taken some of our historical papers, books and letters which had been accumulated over many years and were pleased that they created so much interest for so many people. Stop Press - there is more to come!





When the venue for an Open Show is rather off the beaten track one wonders what the entry will be but, when the venue is Guisachan, the Judge is Mervyn Philpott (Westley and Standerwick) and it is the Diamond Jubilee of GRCS, one hoped that this magical combination would bring an incredible entry. It did and Carol Wilkinson, the Show Secretary, must have been overwhelmed when the entries kept arriving. It is always a relief when the day arrives and everything goes with a swing. Carol remained smiling all day long. The enormous entry was 188 dogs and, even allowing for a few absentees, Mervyn still had a marathon task judging so many in such hot sunshine. Every colour allowed in the Standard was represented, reflecting the glory of our breed. Spontaneous applause greeted all the winners and there was a magical atmosphere. It was fitting that the two top awards should stay in Scotland, BIS - Gray's Knockothie Anastasia; RBIS - Grady's Stanroph Security Boy (SH CM); BP - Morris's Sandusky Young Pretender; BV - Fisher & Denyer's Rosinante Lady Madonna at Palizolla. Pedigree Masterfoods had generously sponsored the event for which the Club was most grateful.


I must not let this occasion pass without mentioning Alistair Smith who had investigated the Guisachan Tweed and had a bolt of the material specially woven. He looked very much the part dressed in the tweed with waistcoat & plus-fours, giving one the impression of how Lord Tweedmouth's gamekeepers would have looked like in the 19th century. Fiona and I had also sported the tweed at the dinner and were proud to do so. Throughout the day, the Tomich Hotel provide a barbeque which proved very popular. In the lunch break a bottle of whisky was auctioned, Jim as auctioneer getting the price raised again and again until, finally, the massive sum of £85 was raised, a great contribution towards expenses.

Then followed a special handlers class judged by Rebecca Coombes (NZ) and won by Margaret Bourn of Australia. It was good to see UK citizens and some of our overseas visitors taking part, the latter having been given the loan of a dog for the occasion. I was one of the unfortunate people to miss out on buying a historic blue baseball cap embroidered with Guisachan Gathering on the front. I think these will become collectors items so, if you were lucky enough to get one, take care of it and the Guisachan Gathering T-shirts.



The weather man had been on our side but, as the show finished and we were all leaving, there was a heavy downpour.

If you haven't been to Guisachan it is well worth a visit, the whole area is quite enchanting with majestic scenery, the aura of the old mansion, the kindness of the local people and we are indebted to Lord Tweedmouth in that he decided to originate our beloved breed in this glorious valley. To use his daughter's words, the family looked on Guisachan as a kind of paradise with the yellow dogs, mountains, waterfalls and bridle paths. Unfortunately, all good things must end and, with heavy hearts, we bade farewell to everyone. We are richer for being part of this historic event, the initial suggestion was brilliant, the advanced planning together with the culmination of everyone's efforts were greatly appreciated by all who attended. As A A Milne wrote and I quote, "extraordinary, wonderful, fascinating, queer, marvellous, incredible, oh dear, dear”. Congratulations to GRC of Scotland, it will be a difficult act to follow.

Postscript: I took Lynn's fabulous dog photo to be framed and the framer asked whether all the dogs were mine? If only!