"Arising from the defunct Horticultural Society, Newtown & District Canine Society was founded on 29 November 1961 by a group of dog enthusiasts at a meeting in the Old College of Further Education.
Its name started in controversy when a resolution to call the Society Montgomeryshire Canine Society was narrowly defeated.
The object of the Society was and remains 'To foster interest in canine matters and, more especially to organise and hold dog shows under the rules and regulations of the Kennel Club'.
The first subscription was 5/- (25p).
The first show was a 35 class Limited (to members) Show held in November 1962 in the now demolished Pavilion in Newtown opposite what is now Bradley's Garage.
This was followed by the first 50 class Open Show on Easter Monday in 1963. This set the pattern for the Society's shows although over time the dates have changed.
Early in its history the Society was involved with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society in the setting up of dog shows in the showground at the Royal Welsh Show before the RWAS became a dog show organiser recognised by the Kennel Club in its own right.
After several years absence, this show moved to the Smallholder's Show in Builth Wells in 2007.
Records show the Pavilion was abandoned as a venue as it was too cold in winter and shows were then held at the Church House and then for some years at the Maldwyn Leisure Centre in Newtown.
More recently the Shows moved to Llanidloes Community Centre which was very popular until the regrettable decision to close it by Llanidloes Town Council.
For 2007 the Open Show will return to the Maldwyn Leisure Centre on 21 October. It will cater for dogs large and small and is expected to attract entries from all parts of Wales and the Border Counties.
Throughout its history the Society has conducted Ringcraft classes to help people new to dog showing to develop their skills and for experienced members to train new dogs.
Currently, these classes are held at Caersws Village Club on Thursdays between 7.30 and 9pm. Anyone wishing to participate is welcome to turn up.
The members' Limited Show was recently held at Buttington and Trewern School on 10 June when excellent weather enabled it to be held in an almost village green atmosphere in the attractive tree lined grounds.
This proved very popular with competitors and the venue has been booked again for the second Sunday in June 2008 when it is hoped the weather will again be favourable but if not the show will be held inside.
The Society has always tried to encourage young dog handlers and always includes Junior Handler classes in its Open Show. It was gratifying to note that one exhibitor who started this way was the winner of Best in Show at the 2007 Limited Show.
Whilst the principal objective of the Society is to organise dog shows, members have other dog related interests including agility, heelwork to music, obedience, working trials and gundog field trials.
Details of the Society's activities can be obtained from its Officers:
Richard Welch - Chairman fosscottbrit@aol.com
Lyn Hall - Secretary aceca79@yahoo.com
Liz Stevenson - Treasurer liz@dogstuff.co.uk
Article written by Roland Stevenson
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