THE CENTRAL WELSH CORGI LEAGUE New Zealand

THE CENTRAL WELSH CORGI LEAGUE, as we know it, began when a meeting was held in October 1965, for all Corgi exhibitors and interested owners. Among those attending were Mr Hugh Hatcher, Drs A & E Loan, Mr & Mrs May, Mrs Sloan, Miss Pat Downes, Mr Pattle, Miss Robin Pattle (now Robertson) and Mrs G Lawson.

A motion "to form a Wellington Branch of the Dominion Welsh Corgi League" was passed unanimously. A committee was formed and the new Branch held its first Ribbon Parade in February 1966.

In February 1969 a Special General Meeting was held, where two motions were considered and carried. First, "That the Branch be disassociated from D.W.C.L. and apply to N.Z.K.C. for permission to form a League." Secondly, "If this is to be accepted then the league becomes an incorporated body." And so The Central Welsh Corgi League came to be.

The League's first Open Show was held in 1970, with the late Mrs Bess Rae judging an entry of 107 dogs. Best in Show went to Ch Anwyl Bronze Goddess, with Reserve Best in Show her sister Ch Anwyl Golden Charm, both bred by foundation member, and now Honorary Life Member & Vice-Patron, Robin Robertson (nee Pattle)

The first Championship Show of any Club is a big event and this took place the following year 1971, on Queen's Birthday weekend. The judge was Mr W Stacey (Aust). Best in Show was Tintagel Cutty Sark (later Ch), with Reserve going to Rhonwen Rebecca.

1989 was an important year in the history of our League and in August we held our 20th Anniversary Show at the picturesque Flock House Agricultural College near Bulls. The show was held over 2 days with Mrs Helen Thomson (Aust) judging the rather special Stakes classes on the Saturday and Miss Sarah Taylor, from the U.K. judging the Breed classes on the Sunday. Best in Show winner was Deavitte Rosette (imp UK) (later Ch), Reserve went to Ch Jodiwyn Sparklin Rebel (imp Aust) who later went on to achieve Grand Champion status. The weekend was an unqualified success.

It was probably the success of the 1989 Flock House Show that started Central on the road to our greatest success to date - the first ever Breed National to be held in New Zealand - for any breed.

The first Welsh Corgi National was held in January 1993, again using Flock House. The time interval between Kennel Club approval and show day was alarmingly brief and consequently fund-raising by the Central's National Committee was something none of us would choose to repeat! But it was all worthwhile and the weekend was a resounding success. The two judges, Mr & Mrs Williamson, from Ireland, judged a good entry in lovely surroundings and a wonderful friendly atmosphere.
Best in Show was Dwynella Suncharmer (later Ch) and, on the Reserve peg, the Cardigan Ch Copperleaf Courtney who has since added Australian & USA Champion titles to his name.

Our next extra-special Show was our Silver Anniversary, held at Levin in October 1994. Officiating that day was Ruth Robbins from Western Australia, whose Best in Show winner was Ch Dwynella Look Me Over, who has also since 'emigrated' and won his USA & French Championships. Reserve Best in Show at our 25th was Ch Anwyl Tickle My Fancy. Bred & owned by Bruce & Robin Robertson, Tickle had won Best in Show at the National Dog Show (NZ's most prestigious All Breeds Show) the previous year and has also left the country - 'retiring' to Australia.

1999 was the year of our 30th Anniversary Show and the committee were delighted to be able to ask Robin Robertson, now of Australia, to serve as our Judge. Tricolours took the top honours, with Ch Belroyd Friarbird (imp UK) Best in Show and his kennelmate Merthyr Doona Wanda Go (later Ch) Reserve Best in Show.

And now, we look forward to the next celebration.......... the Leagues's 40th Anniversary Show in 2009.