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About Us It is hard to believe I first came into the Cat Fancy in early 1988; time has certainly passed very quickly. Little did I realise how much involved I would become. I actually came across the Cat Fancy by chance having met a local breeder at my vets. All I could see was two sets of beautiful blue eyes looking at me very intently, I naturally assumed they were Siamese, I had never heard of Birmans. I was determined to have a Birman, or two, luckily I did not wait long, there was a blue female kitten available in Birmingham, I returned with the most beautiful Blue Birman kitten I had ever seen, namely Adixilo Dizzy Lizzy, on St Valentine’s Day, a love affair with Birmans that still exists today. I acquired a lovely seal Birman female from local breeders shortly after, who told me the Misha was show potential, needless to say I attended my first show as an exhibitor at the Northern Counties in September 1988, the adventure had begun and continues to this day, some 21 years on. My second litter in Dec 1991 with Ch Adixilo Dizzy Lizzy, produced 3 show quality Birmans, all Blue points. 1992 was a momentous year for us, as both Lordotheisles and his litter sister, Enchantress Bleu were Top Blue Birman kittens, gaining their title as Champions, with litter brother Shaka joining in to become Premier in three straight shows, The show year 1994-95 was without doubt a year to remember, achieving what was deemed the impossible, Three Grand Birmans from the same litter, which had never been done before and are affectionately known as “The Honours Three”. 1994-95 also saw the very first Whiskas Semi LH Breeders competition, which was won for the Fancytoo Prefix jointly by GrCh Fancytoo Lordotheisles and GrCh Fancytoo Enchantress Bleu, the Fancytoo Prefix had arrived. Against the background of showing, breeding I had in 1990 began to steward, being a steward for eight years before joining the official stewarding scheme in 1998, frequently just going to steward for a particular judge, having acquired an excellent reputation for being a very good steward and handler. Going on to become a judge never crossed my mind in the early days, I enjoyed being involved, in particular stewarding, which I did in every part of the UK and in all sections, which for me was a tremendous experience, I learnt from my peers. Indeed it was these top judges who saw my potential, and encouraged me to come forward bring my knowledge, experience and eye of the Birman breed. In 1995 the long talked of Northern Birman Cat Club was formed, myself being the prime mover, it proved to be a very interesting period, I was voted in as the clubs first Chairperson, which I held for 8 years, retiring in 2003, I found being a full judge of Birmans (promoted in 2002) along with returning to further education in 2002, I could not give the time I was previous able to. I saw the NBCC through its early years, affiliation to GCCF and sat on the Birman BAC representing the NBCC, for 4 years, which I had greatly enjoyed; I was also a delegate to council. My love of and for the Birman breed was always paramount, which remains to this day. Being a full judge of Birmans for me is a privilege and honour, I promised to uphold and maintain the Standards of Points, which I have done. I am very conscious of those who were before me, accepting the baton with humility and the desire to preserve and protect our beautiful breed and to in turn to hand the baton on.
Irvine
North Ayrshire Scotland |
