The London and Provincial Collie Club’s foundations
can be traced to early 1906, when interested Collie
enthusiasts from London and surrounding areas,
including Mr R. H. Roberts ‘Ashtead’, met to establish a
new regional Collie Society aimed at encouraging the small
and novice fancier living within a 50 mile radius of London.

Under the guiding influence of secretary Mr E. Davies ‘Colindale’ and Kennel Club registered from the outset, its early events were often confined to monthly matches, membership only shows, and members’ only classes or specials
at London based Championship Shows including Cruft’s.

 

The years between the two wars were eventful with the
owners of many of the collie’s most influential kennels,
including Westcarrs, Sandy, and Eltham Park
holding executive posts within the London and
Provincial Collie Club. During the thirties when
the country’s general economic state was at
such a low ebb, it was these associations, and
in particular the support of Mr Richard Roberts
and Mr Fred Bristow ‘Brismack’, secretary, with
only one short break, from 1933 to 1956,
which enabled the club to prosper when others
were having difficulty maintaining interest.

 

Post-war revival was initially slow, but by the
mid 50s a full programme of events were
established, and once again the London and
Provincial Collie Club was fortunate in attracting
the support of dedicated enthusiasts in the shape of
Mrs Lyn Westby ‘Lowerpark’ secretary for eleven years
from 1968 and Peter and Lisa Burtenshaw ‘Pelido’ who,
over almost three decades, have each held a variety of
posts including secretary.

 

Championship status was eventually granted in 1975 only to be withdrawn three years later after the Kennel Club changed their method of calculating each breed’s Challenge Certificate allocation, which reduced those awarded to the Rough Collie. Increased registrations and show entries during the late 1970s and early 1980s ensured Rough Collies were allocated additional Challenge Certificate, with Championship status being restored to the London and Provincial Collie Club
in 1984, when Mrs Sandra Wigglesworth ‘Sandiacre’ and Alan Clarke ‘Lynway’
handed the tickets to Pelido Laughing Cavalier and Ch Arranbrook Sugar ‘n’ Spice of Rixown who took Best of Breed. The club’s popular Championship
Show, having moved from its spring date in 1994, is now a permanent fixture towards the end of each Show calendar.

 

In 2006 the London and Provincial Collie Club published its Centenary Handbook as part of its celebrations. Unique in the annals of such
publications this small A5 soft-cover book, which relates a detailed history
of the club and those who have helped its developments, does not rely
on kennel advertisements for its funding, although it does include a few advertisement from those company’s who were generous enough to
sponsor its publication.

The London and Provincial Collie Club’s current objectives and aim are to:

Promote the reputable breeding of Collies,
whether Rough or Smooth.

Support shows and matches bringing fanciers together
in friendly rivalry.

To instruct Novice Collie breeders and exhibitors, whilst doing all in its power to protect and advance the interests of Collies both Rough and Smooth.

 

Membership is open to all.

For more details about what the London & Provincial Collie Club has to offer
contact the Secretary.