FORTHCOMING EVENTS

DOCTOR BARBARA SCORGIE (ARDTALLA).

RESUME.

Born and educated in Glasgow, I graduated MBCHB, Glasgow University in 1970, and was employed by the NHS for 37 years, the first 27 years , before retirement, as Consultant Anaesthetist, with special interests in Obstetric Anaesthesia and Analgesia, and Major Gynaecology, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

I have been interested in all animals since childhood when I spent my summer holidays on the West Coast Isle of Islay, my Mother’s birthplace, running free with border collies and pups, cattle, sheep, horses, cats and kittens.

I considered a career in Veterinary Medicine but was dissuaded by my family, and so I pursued my subsequent path in Anaesthesia instead!

My first dog was a Beagle, called Bengo, which was excellent preparation for entering the world of equally single-minded Springer Spaniels in 1978, with the purchase of a male AIRYKNOWE puppy called Barney. Barney was a much-loved pet, and unbeknown to me at the time, he taught me lots about the Springers to follow him.

In 2001, I bought another male puppy from Mrs Joan Dinwoodie of Lockerbie who, in partnership with Mrs Nina Best, had the well- known LOCHAR affix. They suggested that this puppy LOCHAR BORDER HERITAGE might be of show quality, and that I might learn how to enter the Show world, and attend ring craft with my new and very active boy. This was the start of a long and interesting journey for dog and owner! We made many mistakes along the way, as there was much to learn, but we met many kind and helpful people who guided us , and eventually Robbie became SHOW CHAMPION LOCHAR BORDER HERITAGE.

Robbie won 7CC’s, and 6 RCC’s, with 4 BOB’s. He won Open Dog and RDCC at CRUFTS in 1997, under Mrs Jenny Miller, and in 2001 won Veteran Dog under Pam Wadsworth. Robbie sired numerous pups and I kept and subsequently showed two of his daughters, BERKENBAR ROYAL DESTINY AT ARDTALLA, and ARDTALLA SWEET JUNIPER.

I am currently showing two BERKENBAR bitches which I bought after my retirement.

I am on the B list of Judges for the Southern English Springer Spaniel Society, and the Scottish English Springer Spaniel Society (Show Section). I judged the Scottish Club Open Show in 2006 and the Midland English Springer Spaniel Club Open Show in 2008.I have also judged several Gun Dog Society Open Shows, and consequently have judged most of the Gun Dogs as well as English Springers. Additionally , I have judged Junior Handling.

I have, also, enjoyed greatly judging some Limited Shows and, in particular, was very proud to be invited to judge the Dog Show at the Islay and Colonsay Agricultural Society, which, for me, was like ‘coming home’, to a Show I had attended on numerous occasions, during childhood summers spent on Islay.

I have attended numerous KC Judging Seminars, and have passed the JESS Dogs Breed Standard, and Confirmation and Movement (hands-on) Seminars. I have also acted as Steward lots of times.

Outwith the world of dogs, I am enjoying my retirement thoroughly. I am married to Sandy, and my Daughter Emma is being married in the summer, on the Saturday after the Southern Show.

I am very interested in Sport generally, having been an International Hockey Player, with 50 caps for Scotland, in my younger days. Now, I play Ladies’ Doubles Tennis for my local tennis club, and we take part in the Local West of Scotland Leagues.

I enjoy Pilates, gardening, and travelling, particularly cruising. I am a member and Past President of Soroptimist International Paisley, and do volunteer work for our local Accord Hospice.

21st April, 2013.