The FBCE organised various events commemorating the the fact that 100 years have passed since the 10th June 1902 when the club was founded. Much has changed since a group of enthusiasts of the breed met together at the home of the vet Mr. F.W. Cousens. In London, at 23 Eaton Street, the talk was of forming a club, and as president they chose Lady Lewis, a tireless promoter of the breeed in England. Some say that in 1920 this indefatigable devotee of the breed resigned her post. But according to contemporary documents it seems probable that she did not do this of her own free will. Did someone oblige her to resign? . We will leave this story for another day.
On almost the same date, 7th July, the show to commemorate the centenary was held.
The night before the show there was a reception at the Heathrow Park Hotel, Longford. Met together to celebrate a shared passion were many natioanalities, with visitors from France, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Scandinavia, Thailand, Spain....impossible to remember them all, united by a common language. Effusive welcomes, good humour and friendship were the dominant tone. A buffet dinner encouraged people to circulate and talk. One Frenchy pointed his nose at a table to see if there was anything doing. There was. Who can resist that look?
The event finishd late, despite the fact that the show was to begin early the next morning.
During the night I dozed off, and early in the morning the snoring of a million Frenchies awoke me. When I came to I realised that the sound was that of a jetliner taking off from the nearby airport. Fortunately in the show hall the only sound to be heard was the occasional barking of a Frenchy
At the entrance we collected our tickets and catalogues from two members of the committee who greeted everyone with a welcoming smile. Shiela Howard and Malcolm Trevis.
The ballroom of the Heathrow Park Hotel, transformed into a showring, was lit by huge hanging lamps, the ceiling like a starry night, the light wreathing everything in a sepia glow as if in a photo from the 20's. After fallling into the temptaion of buying one or two items from the stalls on the periphery of the salon, the public began to take their seats from the many at the side of the ring.
A central space was dominated by a large table, overflowing with trophies, which presided over the judging area.The ring.
At exactly ten o'clock the ethereal personality of Mrs. Vivien Watkins began the judging. She looked searchingly at every dog, at his development, always with reference to the standard, as only a judge who has exercised her intuition over 50 years can.
The different classes were judged. Breeeders who have helped to make the history of the breed showed their finest: Tommyville, Nokomis, Wilcott, Crindle, Glenlee, Birique, Laudernell, Penburton, Mosiarto, Quatt, Sadepa, Shoebridge, Iverfrenchy, Feniton, Renebeck, Merrowlea…so many it's difficult to recall. Time for lunch and the Parade of Champions. Everything clearly announced by Penny Rankin-Parsons at the microphone.
The big moment duly came. The tense silence was broken only by the distant snoring of a Frenchy dozing in his cage.
The applause that broke out was as if a hitherto hidden orchestra had suddenly broken into tune. We have our Best in Show to commemorate the centenary.
Podium, judge, presidents of the visiting clubs are floodlit by the flashes of the photographers of the various publications present, the sepia tone is banished. All now seems to be artificial light, fireworks. Maureen Bootle and Ch Mid Ship Man of Vardene, Moley to his friends, looked back at us from the podium.
Congratulations Moley! You have a great history behind you.
Ther is also a great history behind the affix Nokomis, and Jill Keates deservedly enjoyed her moment under the flashlights with Nokomis Daughter of the Moon. Best Bitch and Res BIS.
And flashes also for us, Res CC dog went to Shanvic Subeam Bear, our dearest Monty, and in recognition of many years of fine work with the breed Pat and Ken Wilson took home Ch Wilcott Temptress as Res.CC bitch.
Jill D'eath, president of the club, thanked Mrs watkins for her sterling work. Ch. Merrowlea The Enchantress ( Emma) who holds the record number of CC's closed the show in the arms of Mr. Charles Satchell, who presented Mrs. Watkins with a beautiful picture.
Flowers and goodbyes from people who hopefully will meet again.
Another 100 years will pass. Maybe in the next centenary, at a stand selling memorabilia, some hand will reach for a catalogue of the 2002 show and its outstanding Frenchies. I say to that "hand" and to all lovers of the breed and their Frenchies
Show results click on the picture
2002 Winners' rosettes at the Centenary of the FBCofE