• KENNEL:

  Elswood

As a breederexhibitor, Valerie is best known for her Elswood English Setters and Golden Retrievers, producing titleholders in both breeds. Her best known Setters were one time CC record holder Sh Ch Elswood Vagabond King, co-owned with Pam Wadsworth, the important sire Sh Ch Elswood Renmark Baronet and his BIS winning son Sh Ch Elswood Ashpenda Moon Quest. She has been a member of the Kennel Club General Committee for many years, plus the judges and Crufts sub-committees, and is particularly interested in canine history and art. She has, with colleagues, done extensive research into the history and origin of the Golden Retriever, producing several volumes of pedigree books as well as a history of the Wendover kennel of Irish Setters and other breeds. Valerie made a major contribution to the book on Treasures of the Kennel Club and to the setting up of the club�s art gallery. She is president of National Gundog and Manchester societies. She awards CCs in 35 breeds, all the Gundogs plus Dachshunds, Bouviers, Border Collies, Lancashire Heelers and Maremmas, and does the Gundog and Pastoral Groups as well as BIS. She judged the Gundog Group at Crufts in 1995 when her winner, the Irish Setter, Sh Ch Starchelle Chicago Bear, went on to BIS. Judged BIS at Crufts 2010.