The MSCGB Open Show March 2008

By Stelios Elia

Someone remarked that this was one of the best open shows we’ve had for some time and although I only go back two years or so, I was struck by the amount of “fresh blood” that was on show. Not only were we treated to some excellent Maremmas who we all know and love but we also had new puppies and also rather older females and males all imported from Italy. In my view, nothing can be better for the breed than to bring in good, new blood lines and embark on a careful breeding programme. I very much look forward to the next couple of years where we will surely see the Maremmas going from strength to strength.

We owe everything to the dedicated breeders who have kept this magnificent animal on the map. I don’t know how they do it but I think they are wonderful. Thank you to you all. But it’s not just the breeders who are dedicated.

On Easter Sunday people came to Hasland Village Hall from all corners of the country in wind, snow, rain and the cold. Some of us I know, got up at the crack of dawn to be there on time and it was heartening to see that everyone’s enthusiasm was infectious. Some people might think that we are mad to get up at a ridiculous hour and travel through appalling weather just to be there for the maremmas. It sounds perfectly reasonable to me!

The food, provided by the Hagues was so good that it was probably worth the journey just for that. Not to mention the puddings and of course the bacon baps organised by Rob and the wonderful bread baked by Jens. What never ceases to amaze me is how efficiently things get done. While I was cooking some bacon, the entire place was transformed. Decorations, tables, chairs, prizes. Hasland village hall had, for a few hours become a little Italy.

The Club first held a very successful, well attended and good humoured AGM which was then followed by the Show itself. We are grateful to Marion Sargent who very kindly judged the open show and suffered the freezing weather with the best possible humour. Come to think of it, Marion and Rob and Sue have gone up immeasurably in my estimation because they were the only people who survived the cold dressed in what I can only describe as summer clothes. It was a humbling experience watching them float around the ring while the rest of us wore four layers and even some woolly hats. How do they do it, when all you could see of me were just the slits of my eyes?

In addition to the above, thanks also go to Bill Fulton and Andrew Ingram for their excellent stewarding and to Jens Roesner for being Fire Officer for the day.

Congratulations to all who took part and to those who just came because they love Maremmas. As for me, I shall dress scantily and practice walking in the freezer section of my local supermarket in preparation for next year. On the other hand, I could just move up to Scotland...