Pictures from events of recent years
22nd and 23rd September
2011
The Woodside Hotel and Conference Centre
Kenilworth, England
Held in conjunction with
BMDC of GB Championship Show Weekend
24th & 25th September 2011
The Officers and Committee of The
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain would like to invite all members
of the worldwide BMD community and their dogs to join them in celebrating our
Ruby Jubilee in 2011 at an extended Bernese week-end in September.
This leaflet mainly gives
details of the Thursday and Friday events and how you can attend them. A
separate schedule will be issued for the show and all main events can be booked
on line (see below).
Full List of The Events
Thursday 22nd
4.00 p.m. - We will host the meeting of the Berner International Working
Group
7.00 p.m. - Informal reception to
welcome our overseas guests on Thursday evening.
Friday 23rd
9.00 a.m. - We are proud to hold the
8th International Bernese Health Seminar
7.30 p.m. Ruby Jubilee dinner
Saturday 24th
9.00 a.m. BMD Championship
show (plus a Limited Obedience show) up to 200 dogs typically. Day opens with Parade
of Swiss decorated carts.
6.30 p.m. Bernknees Up – After show party with food
and fun
Sunday 25th Three Events in One
From
approx 9.30 a.m. Simply a great family
day out with or without your dogs, just
watch or join in and again opened with a parade of Swiss decorated carts.
lWorking Day – a chance to practice and
compete with your Bernese in Working Carting, Agility and Obedience or just
watch other people with their Bernese,
l Bernese Supermatch - New for this year only, a knockout match for
Bernese. A form of show (approved by the Kennel Club).
l Fun Day - Fancy Dress events, and other Novelty competitions, fun
and games such as waggiest tail, biscuit catching etc.
The Area
The whole week-end will be held in Central England
near to the city of Coventry. This area is well served by rail and road links
and is close to the City of Birmingham airport.
.
Nearby
places of Interest
If you’re thinking of making a holiday visit there
are several places you might like to visit.
Stratford
Upon Avon which was the home of William Shakespeare with
many associated attractions but is also an historic English town with lots of
traditional features and buildings, Warwick
is another historic town with a famous well preserved Medieval Castle and
of course you are not far away from Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city
How to Attend
1]
Observer at BIWG Meeting (£4)
Must
be booked in advance. Send an email to 2011seminarsecretary@bernese.co.uk
and you will be placed on the
Reservation List. You will be advised several weeks before the event if you have been successful and the
charge for liquid refreshments will be made when you attend on the day.
2] Informal Thursday Evening Reception (£24)
3] International Bernese
Health Seminar (Members £25 NON Members £35, Lunch £13)
4] Friday Evening Ruby
Jubilee Celebration Meal (£30)
6] Saturday Evening
Bernknees Up Party (£9)
Places
for all the above can be booked and paid for online via the show entry web site
(see below) either independently or as part of your show entry with your dog.
If you prefer to pay by cheque and the postal system you can download the
booking form from our web site www.bernese.co.uk
5] Championship BMD Breed
Show with Limited Obedience
You
can enter online at www.fossedata.co.uk
Scroll down and look for our show plus there is also the option to change
language on this site. If it is your first time entering a show via this site
you will need to register your dog first but this is easy to do. You can then
just choose your class and options, including the above. You do not have to enter a dog to select other option(s) for the
week-end.
Alternatively
the paper schedule will be sent to all club members and available from the
above site and via our club web site. Closing date by post is August 27th
and online September 5th.
7] Working Day, Fun Day and
Bernese Super Match
You
can enter all the Working and Fun events when you arrive in the morning, there
will be a small charge per class that you enter. Entry forms to fill in before
you attend will be available on our web site.
You
can also enter your dog in the exciting new Supermatch in advance as an option
when you enter the Championship show (£5). Entries will also be taken at the
show on Saturday and Sunday morning if
there are spaces left. Places will be limited in this event so to make
sure of your entry it is advised to book early.
We
hope it will be really easy for everyone to book their places for whichever
parts of our week-end they wish to attend. We will be glad to help anyone who
is having any difficulty. Whilst the
closing date for the seminar is the same as for the show places may be
limited so please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. You
can book for the seminar and then revisit the site and enter dogs at a later
stage.
If
you wish to join our club prior to booking a seminar place, Membership details
are available from our web site www.bernese.co.uk
.
Any Queries
Thursday and Friday
arrangements
queries to Jackie Green at 2011seminarsecretary@bernese.co.uk
Saturday Event Queries to Karen Bird at secretary@bernese.co.uk
Sunday’s Events Queries to Lianne Marsden
at membership@bernese.co.uk
General Queries to Steve Green at 2011seminar@bernese.co.uk
We look
forward to welcoming lots of new faces and, hopefully a few of their dogs, to
our week-end and we are sure all Bernese lovers will have a great few days
whether they join in or just enjoy watching the huge variety of Bernese
Mountain Dog activities on show.
N.B. All
information in this leaflet is correct at time of going to press and given in
good faith. There may be changes to details before the actual events.
The Events In More Detail
Thursday 4.00 p.m.
1] The Berner International
Working Group Meeting
is a forum for different Breed clubs from around the world to meet and share
breed information from their countries. The meeting is open to representatives
of the member clubs but, subject to available space, observers are welcome to
witness the meeting and hear the news from other countries directly.
BIWG
delegates will be contacted separately but if you are a new breed club (wishing
to attend for the first time) please notify us at 2011seminar@bernese.co.uk
As
we do not know attendance figures at this stage, and therefore how much space
for observers, anyone interested in attending just to listen and watch the
meeting, will be placed on a reservation list and then notified as space allows
(first come first served). This space will be very limited so please book early
to give yourself a chance.
There
will be small (on the day) charge for observers only to cover refreshments (£4
per person).
Please book before June 30th
to guarantee consideration.
2] Following the meeting
there will be an Informal Evening
Reception which all are welcome to attend.
This will be barbeque style food at a cost of £24 per head.
Friday 9.00 a.m.
3] International Bernese
Health Seminar.
This is a seminar bringing together speakers from the UK and overseas on issues
relevant to Bernese Health. The seminar fee is fantastic value for such an
event and includes a booklet plus liquid refreshments through the day but lunch
is an optional extra.
The
speakers are
u Dr Jane Dobson Latest
developments in Cancer Treatments
For
many years the Head of Veterinary Oncology at Cambridge University Veterinary
School, Jane is in a great position to update us on the cutting edge of cancer
treatments for our dogs.
u Dr Benoit Hedan Genetic
Progress in the fight against Histiocytic saroma (Malignant Histiocytosis)
Dr
Hedan is veterinarian at University of Rennes ( France) in Catherine Andre's
lab for Dog genetic research. Since his thesis, he has worked on
deciphering genetic basis of histiocytic disorders in dog with research of
predisposing genes. This work was completed by a post doctoratal position in
Matthew Breen 's laboratory (NCSU, Raleigh, USA) looking for recurrent
chromosomal aberrations in tumor cells leading to histiocytic
sarcoma . He will present the latest results from these researches and the
potential applications for the dogs and breeders.
u Dr Lorna Kennedy Is the Major
Histiocompatability gene a genetic risk marker for Malignant Histiocytosis in
BMD?
Dr
Kennedy is a Senior Scientist at the University
of Manchester Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research. There is some evidence
that the human equivalent of malignant histiocytosis is associated with certain
variants of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes. These genes are
involved in the control of the immune response. We are investigating the MHC in
healthy and affected Bernese Mountain dogs, to ascertain whether there is also
an association in dogs. She has been looking to set up a collaboration with our
breed so is very keen to join in our seminar.
u Professor Jeff Sampson Latest KC
initiatives to produce healthier dogs
Jeff
is connected to the British Kennel Club as their geneticist and heavily
involved in most of their current initiatives and responses to pressures of the
last few years. The problems and issues in the UK world of pedigree dogs are
mirrored in most countries. The way our Kennel Club is dealing with them in the
UK will be an interesting comparison to other countries.
u Samantha Goldberg Steroid Responsive Meningitis (SRM)
Sam
is a British companion animal vet who is also a dog breeder and judges to CC
level in Beagles. She is the KC Health Coordinator for the UK Beagle Clubs
but also very interested in all pedigree dog health issues. She has
taken a special interest in SRM which occurs in Beagles has also been
observed in other breeds including the Bernese Mountain Dog. Fortunately
it appears not to be too widespread in BMD but is something we all
need to be aware of and watchful for. The Animal Health Trust has been
collecting DNA samples from Beagles affected by SRM and is conducting research
to see if there is a genetic basis for the disease. Other breeds have also
started collecting samples pending the results from the beagles.
u Dr Urs Geissbühler
Swiss study
into Morbidity in the Bernese Mountain Dog
Dr
Geissbuhler is Chairman of the Health committee of the Bernese Mountain Dog
Club of Switzerland and will be presenting this study undertaken by Menga Rossetti
who recently completed her Doctorate analysing this study of Bernese Health in
the breed’s homeland of Switzerland. The study was carried out over many years
and followed a large sample of dogs born in 2001 and 2002 and gives a uniquely
accurate view of issues such as causes of death.
u Professor Berndt Klinghorn
Swedish Pet
Insurance Survey of Bernese Health
Berndt
is a retired professor of veterinary virology, Chairman of the Breeding
Committee of the Swedish Club of Swiss Mountain Dogs, consultant to the Swedish
Kennel Club, and the President of two research foundations promoting research
on dogs and cats. The study he will be presenting gives a good insight into our
breed’s problems.
u Pat Long
Bernergarde
and why you should support it.
Pat
is massively respected for her work towards Bernese Health in America and has a
long and well known association with Berner Garde in America and gives regular
updates at our International seminars. Berner Garde is a well established
fantastic tool for our world wide to use and many countries are now using it to
record BMD details.
u Steve Green
Berner
International Working Group
A
very brief update from the President of the BIWG
Depending
available time there will be a question and answer/discussion session to end
the day.
Also
included is a seminar booklet in which there will be the
usual synopses of the speaker’s presentations and a list of delegates (as
usual) but also a summary from other projects around the world involving, or
relevant to, Bernese Mountain Dogs. It is also hoped to include summaries of
the previous day’s presentations to the BIWG from each countries breed
representatives. This booklet will therefore be much more than just a guide to
the seminar but a summary of BMD health worldwide.
The
cost of the seminar, accompanying booklet and including liquid refreshments all
day is stunning value at just £25 per
person (club members) and £35 (non members).
If
you wish to include a finger buffet lunch the cost is an extra £13 per person.
Please note you will not be able to consume your
own food inside the premises.
PLEASE
BOOK AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ASSIST OUR PLANNING AND GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE ON
THIS IMPORTANT BREED SEMINAR. BOOKINGS WILL BE LIMITED TO WITHIN THE BREED
UNTIL JUNE 30TH THEN OPEN TO ALL.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SEMINAR
WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED IN
ENGLISH
4] Friday Evening 7.30 p.m. Ruby Jubilee
Celebration Meal
A more formal 4 course meal to commemorate 40
years of the club.
Cost
£30 per person
5] Saturday 9.00
p.m. Championship BMD Breed Show with Limited Obedience
This
is our annual club show and usually attracts an entry second only to Crufts in
the UK of up to 200 dogs. Our judges this year are Breed Specialist Jan
Herngren from Sweden judging Dogs and Sandra Gatward judging Bitches. All UK
BMDs or those registered in any FCI country are eligible to enter but the show
is run to UK Kennel Club rules. Details of how to bring your dog into Britain
can be found via the club’s website. Show entry details will be in the schedule
and available online. (see below). The Show is opened by a parade of Bernese carters in
Swiss costume.
Our show system is very
different to most countries but this usually makes it interesting to visitors
who are used to the FCI structure. For example all the show judging will take
place in one ring so it is easy to see all the dogs
The
Obedience Show, alongside the Championship show, is also fully licensed by the
Kennel Club and open to all BMDs and again details can be found via the web
site or in the schedule.
6]
Saturday 6.30 p.m. Bernknees Up Party
This
is the annual after show chance to relax and have a laugh. There is an
excellent buffet provided as well as music , dancing and entertainment. Held in
the Kennel Club building the price includes an excellent buffet but you need to
bring your own alcoholic drinks. (Time
may be changed via announcement at the show) Cost £9 per person.
7] Sunday approx 9.30 a.m. Working
Day, Fun Day and Bernese Super Match
Working Day - This is a chance to take
part in working events with your Bernese or sit and watch others work with
their dogs. There will be friendly competitions for Working Carts, Agility,
Obedience as well as tuition if you wish to try out Carting or Agility for the
first time. If you wish to try your dog in a cart, for example, this will be a
chance for you to borrow a cart and receive some training. At the end of the
day there is an overall Top Working dog award who can gain points in all
disciplines. There will also be dog training and advice sessions with the
chance to ask a Professional Dog Trainer about your dog. Other opportunities include
Character Assessment and KC Good Citizen testing.
Fun Day – The programme is not yet
completed but is basically a chance to have some fun with your Bernese, there
will be decorated carts in Swiss and other styles, games such as biscuit
catching or waggiest tail as well as a Puppy parade and the ever popular
Veteran and Rescue Parades where you get the chance to hear some moving stories
of our Bernese friends.
Bernese Super Match – Held with Kennel Club
permission this is a friendly show based knock out competition for this Special
year only. Open to all dogs including Champions and overseas dogs with (ATC
number). Exactly how it is scheduled
into the day depends upon the size of entry but the final rounds will be in the
main ring and there are excellent prizes and stunning rosettes on offer. Match Entry fee is just £5 per dog
We hope you agree there are lots of fascinating
things to see and do. In all this is a Bernese family day out with something
for every Bernese Mountain Dog person whatever their interest in the breed. You
can join in with your dog or just enjoy watching other people working their dog
or just having fun.
The Venues
The
Thursday and Friday events will all
be at The Woodside Hotel and Conference
Centre, on the outskirts of the town of Kenilworth. This fantastic venue is
set within 32 acres (13 hectares) of secure grounds so is perfect for people
staying with dogs. Access to the whole site and car park is via a security gate
so dogs that have to be left in cars for example should be as secure as they
are anywhere. The club has reserved a number of rooms for people attending the
seminar and negotiated a discounted room rate for delegates as follows.
Room Rates (including VAT)
1
Night £70.00 Single £80.00 Double
2
Nights £130.00 Single £140.00 Double
3
Nights £180.00 Single £190.00 Double
4
Nights £220.00 Single £230.00
Double
All
include breakfast.
Dogs
are an extra £20 total (per stay not per night)
To
find out more or book your accommodation
Tel:
0845 504 9550 (From UK only) From overseas
call 44 1926 852217
Woodside, Glasshouse
Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2AL
N.B. To claim your seminar
discounted room rate please quote the promotional code 65933 and we recommend booking early
to ensure your place in the hotel and at the seminar.
To avoid confusion please note that all prices in this
leaflet are given in British Pounds.
The
venue for the Saturday, Saturday evening and Sunday Events is The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park
and Showground. This venue is 10 minutes drive away from the seminar hotel
and we plan to arrange some transport between the two locations to assist our
overseas visitors without transport. It is a large purpose built show venue
with inside and outside rings (we hope to be outside if possible).
Camping
The
Kennel Club building is sited within Stoneleigh Park which is a very large
exhibition complex which includes a camp site for camping and caravans. If you
wish to stay on this campsite you should contact them on the following details
Stoneleigh
Park Campsite, Stoneleigh Park, Nr Coventry, CV8 2LZ
Email:
info@stoneleighparklodge.com
Website:
www.stoneleighparklodge.com
We have arranged for all
those Bernese campers who want to be together in one area of the site to be
located on the side of the camp site closest to the showground and the KC
building. When booking please state
that you are attending the Bernese weekend event.
Campsite Prices
Caravans and motor homes - £15 per night or £18 with electric hook up
Tents - £8 per night or £10 with electric hook up
ALL CAMPSITE BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE DIRECT TO
STONELEIGH PARK
TEL 44 /0 2476 690123
Please note these camping prices
are as at February 2011 but may be subject to change.
