| Lifetime Achievement Awards recognise four decades of success in Border Collies
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Issue: 24/04/2020
The awards were presented in a surprise ceremony by club Treasurer Nik Knight (back left) and Chair Pete Simmons. Joanna Lake read citations listing some of their incredible achievements.
At one of the last shows to run before movement restrictions were announced, Border Collie Club of Great Britain awarded two of the oldest kennels in the breed a Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the club's Championship show on 15 March at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh, proceedings were halted at lunchtime for the surprise ceremony. Judith Gregory of Tonkory and Pat Wilkinson of Altricia received the accolades to a standing ovation from the gathered crowd of exhibitors, honouring over 40 years' contribution to the breed by both.
'This means the world to me,' said Judith; 'It's been my life. The dogs have been my life.'
Pat added 'This is unbelievable. I can't believe it'.
Anyone familiar with Border Collies is certain to know both Tonkory and Altricia dogs; they have had a profound influence on the breed and lie behind many successful kennels in the UK and overseas.
Although rivals in the ring, the years of competition between Pat and Judith have been defined by their lifelong friendship and mutual respect.
Judith Gregory (L) and Pat Wilkinson were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards
Pat and husband Alan always had a Border Collie as a pet alongside the Rough Collies they showed. It was a natural progression to show the breed when the Kennel Club recognised it in 1976, and the pair scoured the country for their foundation bitch, Border Queen of Altricia. Judith meanwhile was competing in obedience with her ISDS-registered dog, Toby of Tonkory, when it was suggested she show him. He was awarded Best of Breed at the National Working and Pastoral Breeds show – and she was hooked.
Forty years on, the pair have both won every major award and between them are responsible for 15% of all UK Show Champion Border Collies ever, having bred 26 each. These include the breed record holder, Sh Ch Tonkory Palmerston at Fayken JW, while the 1994 Reserve Best in Show at Crufts, Sh Ch Dykebar Future Glory, was daughter of Sh Ch Altricia Pandora at Dykebar JW. They are still making up champions, both having titled bitches in 2019, Pat's Altricia Lady Angela JW taking a place in the history books as only the second ever blue merle show champion in Border Collies.
Both have also supported the breed by judging and through involvement with breed clubs as well. They are generous with their expertise, and passionate about the breed they have dedicated their lives to. 'I have a picture of the Border Collie in my head,' says Pat, 'I wouldn't want to change that.' Judith agrees enthusiastically: conformation and movement are paramount.
Pat says she could not have done it without husband Alan (left), pictured with club Chair Pete Simmons.
'I couldn't have done it without Alan, without all my family, but especially Alan' continues Pat, who is helped by daughter Tracey and granddaughter Joanna to look after and show their 17 Altricias. 'I really want to say thank you to them.'
Judith agrees: 'I want to thank all the people who have handled for me, including Craig Gamble and Freya Fairbanks. There are many young fit handlers, I don't want to upset anyone if I leave anyone out!'
Pat continues: 'I do really want to thank people. All the friends we've made, all across the world.'
'Oh yes,' added Judith 'it's a big, social part of life.'
So, is there anything left the pair would like to achieve?
'I've always wanted to make up a full champion,' says Judith, without hesitation.
Later that day, Judith's bitch Tonkory Some Have It JW was awarded the ticket and Reserve Best in Show by judge Allyson King, becoming the 27th Tonkory show champion, edging her ahead of her good friend's record again. It was a fitting end to a memorable day.
For more information, see www.bordercollieclub.com.
Photo credits: Anita Gowing
Comment(s):
Name: Richard & Jules Tarr
Comment: We were thrilled to have one of diggers puppies from Judith. Frankie is just wonderful and we recently took him to meet Judith It was fantastic to spend time with this incredible lady. I hope the tonkory collies will continue to be the benchmark for this amazing breed.
