Midland Golden Retriever Club

Club History

It was at Crufts in 1975 that Ron Bradbury first spoke of the ideas for forming a Golden Retriever Club in the Midlands. At that time the breed in the area was particularly strong, with an interesting blend of well established kennels, one or two from before the war and some up-and-coming newer kennels of which some were to become household names in the breed.

This idea of a Golden Retriever Club in the Midlands proved to be immensely popular and there was no shortage of potential founder members.

Ron Bradbury continued with the formation of the Club, and once the Kennel Club had given its permission and the name approved, an inaugural meeting was arranged. This was held on 8th February 1976 under the chairmanship of the late Owen Grindy. Seventy-three Founder Members were present, the Byelaws were approved and the first Committee elected.

On 11th July 1976 the first Open Show was held at The Abbey Sports Centre, Redditch, Mrs Audrey Woods the judge, with a second Open Show held in December the same year. This format continued until 1978 when, having been granted Championship Show status by the Kennel Club, the first Championship Show took the place of the December Open Show. This first Championship show being held at The Tate and Lyle Hall Stoneleigh, where L C James was to be the judge. But, due to the very large entry, permission was obtained from the Kennel Club to appoint a second judge - Val Foss due to officiate at the next Open Show. The following year the roles were reversed!

Club Objectives

The club is committed to the general good and enjoyment of the Golden Retriever as listed in the rules:

a)       to promote and encourage the breeding of Golden Retrievers in accordance with the Breed Standard

b)       to promote and encourage the training and working of the breed

c)       to promote and encourage shows

See also Code of Ethics

Management of the Club

The affairs of the Club are conducted by its Executive Committee of 15 (including Officers)

Officers and Committee for 2010

Executive Committee for 2010

Co-opted for 2010

Three members of the Executive Committee retire each year but may stand for re-election. The Annual General Meeting takes place on the last Sunday of January.

For all Club information, except Puppy Enquiries, Rescue and Working Section please apply to:

The Hon Secretary
Mrs J Ryder
The Hollies
Thorncliffe Road
Thorncliffe
Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 7LW

01538 300076