OBITUARY


Sadly the Committee of the NEDC have been made aware of the death of one of our previous Committee members – David Knowles

David was instrumental in getting the NEDC into the 21st century and served on the committee for a number of years.  He had been battling cancer for 2 years.  He and Sarah married in 2017 and it is very sad she couldn’t have had longer with him. Our condolences go to her and his family.  RIP David

 

Miss Rita Anderson L.R.A.M

It is with great sadness I have to report the passing of Rita Anderson of the Carnagh affix on Thursday 15th January at the age of 97 years, she would have celebrated her 98th birthday in June.

Rita was born in 1911 in the Broadheath area of Stockport, her family then moved to Stamford Road in Altrincham for a short while then on to her home at Carnagh in Altrincham, Cheshire when  Rita was just eight years old, the home she was to love dearly and live in for nearly 90 years.   

She had a very interesting life, having been educated in London at The Royal Academy of Music where she obtained her degree. She was a most accomplished pianist. She was also a very athletic person and loved most forms of sport. Tennis was her real love and she competed in many Tournaments along with her beloved sister Norma in the summer months, enjoying many successes, then in the winter months she would turn to the ice rink, skating proficiently to Championship level in the Manchester area.

Latterly her skilled continued on to the golf course where she had a handicap that many men would have wished for, holding the post of Lady Captain at The Hale Golf Club for some time.  

In 1942 Rita very tragically lost her fiancé Pat with lung cancer. Rita’s garden was her pride and joy and in World War 2 she turned her garden into a large vegetable plot, saving the precious petrol by not having to mow the lawn. Rita also did her bit in the war effort by driving ambulances in the Altrincham area. Her sporting activities came to an end when after the war Rita parents health started to fail and she became a full time carer to both her parents during this time. It was after their death that Rita became interested in the Dobermann breed.

She owned her first Dobermann in 1956 and started her showing career in 1957. She had since shown and bred five generations of Dobermanns. She had served in the early years on the committee of the Dobermann Club, then the Midland Branch of that Club and became founder member of The Midland and Trans-Pennine branch of the North of England Club (holding both the post of Secretary and Cup Steward) which of course evolved into the present North of England Dobermann Club, where Rita also served as the Chairman, then becoming President, and finally an Honorary Life Member.

She started judging Open Shows in 1964 and moved up to Championship level in 1971. She was delighted to have judged her beloved breed at Crufts in the 1980s. Sadly due to her own failing health, her last Dobermann bitch was to be Ch Ectasy of Tramerfield (Sheena).

Rita was a staunch supporter and Patron of Dobermann Rescue for many years.

I was very proud to have had her as a very dear friend for nearly 40 years. She will be very sadly missed by Dave and myself and all her friends in the Dobermann world.

Ann Winterbourn

 

Jim Hall (Trammerfield)

I am saddened to report the death of Jim Hall, in hospital, on the 10th September, aged 80. Jim had not been well for some 12 months having had circulatory and breathing trouble, and he had also had a femoral bypass operation and had not regained the health he had enjoyed prior to the operation. He was re-admitted to hospital with breathing problems and unfortunately was not strong enough to overcome this.

Jim had been involved with Dobermanns since 1957 when he purchased his first Dobermann, a bitch named Ira from a Danish ships Captain. He later made up a grand-daughter of Ira to be Ch Trammerfields Du Bonny Princess and maintained his interest in the breed up until his death although in the later years due to failing health he felt he was not able to care for a dog in the way he would like, so reluctantly his ownership of the breed came to an end.

He was a Founder Member of the Trans Pennine Dobermann Club which was established in 1964 as a branch of the original North of England club but subsequently merged back into the NEDC in 1971 and has always maintained his interest in the affairs of the Club in the role of Chairman, President and latterly Honorary Life Member. He was also a Ch Show judge of Dobermanns and had the honour of judging the breed at Crufts.

Whenever possible, he attended each of our three shows, and fittingly, the trophy which he donated many years ago to the Club, in memory of Ch Trammerfield Du Bonny Princess, and named after her, was awarded at our Open Show on the day he died to the BIS winning dog.

The funeral was held on Monday 18th September at 12.30 at Agecroft Crematorium, Clifton, Manchester and the family would like any donations in memory of Jim to be made to the St Francis Childrens Hospice. Jim was a widower, his wife Ann died some 2-3 years ago. He leaves a daughter, Ann, to whom my thanks go for providing me with the details of Jim's early association with Dobes. Our condolences go to Ann & her family, I'm sure Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The NEDC shows will not be the same without his presence.

Judith Balshaw.
PRO, North of England Dobermann Club

 

Mr Ken Ridings (Kalancho Dobermanns)

Our breed has lost a true gentleman. Quiet and honest with a keen eye for a beautiful dog. Ken lived with his sister Dora and together they travelled around the country showing their Dobes and often staying at the show campsites.

Ken, who just recently became an honorary member of North of England Dobermann Club, always supported the club showing at our shows and if not, always supported our events. Enjoying the judging, the dogs, and the refreshments!

Ken and Dora along with their dad have bred Dobes for many years and have produced some very beautiful animals. Their dog Kalancho Cavalier won 2RCC’s in his career which in the early 80’s was the heyday of the Dobermann, with classes of 30 plus being the norm!

I was lucky enough to have a beautiful bitch from them and their late dad in 1979. She was definitely a showstopper. They always followed her career whilst I showed her. Close was the bond Ken had with his pups that at the age of 11 years she could pick him out across a crowded show hall.

Ken was a rare gem in dog breeding and showing and it was a privilege to have known him.

Beverley Barber.
Vice Chairman North of England Dobermann Club