Breed Club Participation
The RCI Team would like to invite breed clubs to take part in the Buddies Scheme, which was first introduced by the Ayrshire Collie Club and has already shown real success in supporting new exhibitors.
The scheme pairs newcomers with an experienced “buddy” who can offer guidance with all things dog showing. It’s a simple but effective way to make the first steps into showing less daunting and far more enjoyable. By adopting the scheme and nominating one or more “buddies” from your club, you can help welcome newcomers, strengthen enthusiasm for our breed, and encourage higher entries at shows.
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We’d be delighted if your club would join us in rolling this out more widely. Please contact us for more information and if you’re willing to nominate a buddy (or buddies), and we can share supporting materials to make it easy to get started.
Named 'Buddies'
Interested in showing your Rough or Smooth Collie but not entirely sure where to start and would like some help?
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Contact us today to be put in touch with your local Breed club or 'Buddy' to assist you with your dog showing venture, or use their contact details displayed to get in touch.
You will receive a 'welcome pack' for your first show containing useful KC information, club items and an example schedule. No question is too silly, we're here to help!
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AYRSHIRE COLLIE CLUB
LYNDA WATT
Ms Lynda Watt is Ayrshire's first named 'buddy' and the individual behind the scheme's origins. Ms Watt is of the 'CULBRAE' Affix and can be contacted at shows or by email.
LONDON & PROVINCIAL COLLIE CLUB
MICHAEL WENSLEY
Michael Wensley is London & Provincial Collie Club's first named 'buddy'. He is also the L&P Collie Club Buddies Scheme Co-ordinator. Michael is of the 'VERSATILIS' Affix and can be contacted at shows or by email.
LONDON & PROVINCIAL COLLIE CLUB
EMILY BEMELMANS
Emily Bemelmans is London & Provincial Collie Club's second named 'buddy'. Emily is of the 'MOSELIQA' Affix and can be contacted at shows or by email.
MIDLAND COLLIE CLUB
ALEX MILLS
Alex Mills is Midland Collie Club's first named 'buddy'. She is also the Midland Collie Club Buddies Scheme Co-ordinator. Alex is of the 'LEMIVEE' Affix and can be contacted at shows or by email.
MIDLAND COLLIE CLUB
CHARLOTTE VESCAN
Charlotte Vescan is Midland Collie Club's second named 'buddy'.
What is the 'Buddies Scheme'?
In the beginning...
Lynda Watt, Committee Member, brought the idea to the Committee and we decided to give it a try.
Because - it is daunting - your first show - your Bestie had to call off at the last minute. So there you are, alone, stood at the entrance to the venue, you, your dog and kit, hoping you’re ready for what is ahead..
This is where the Buddies Scheme kicks in - your first show does not need to be
something fearful or unenjoyable. Yes, it will be a learning curve but we all started somewhere.
This scheme is aimed to help and encourage new people into the breed, assisting with any queries they may have regarding showing their dogs and covering all that showing your dog involves.
As the name suggests, you will be ‘buddied’ with someone to offer guidance through RKC (Royal Kennel Club) and Show jargon, Ringcraft (Training specifically for the Show Ring), Grooming and all that’s involved, to assist you and your dog to become able exhibitors in the Show Ring, but, most importantly, your designated Buddy is a friendly face on arrival at the Show.
Our first exhibitor to come via Ayrshire Collie Buddies Scheme has now achieved a CC (Challenge Certificate) and BOB (Best Of Breed) with her first dog. Well done Kelly and Rodney!
- Morag McCarte
Secretary and Treasurer
Ayrshire Collie Club
BUDDIES SCHEME
Introduced by Ayrshire Collie Club in 2022
Organised by R.C.I in partnership with Collie clubs across the United Kingdom
