The Bullmastiff Club of Western Australia

PRESIDENT'S REPORT 20/11/1998 - 29/7/1999

During the last financial year the Club has conducted three shows, an Open Show in November 1998, our second Championship Show in May 1999 and the Rare Bull Breeds Match in July. Despite enormous effort by the committee, it is disappointing to see entries are still low and unless this situation can be rectified, the Canine Association will not allocate the Club a permanent Championship Show Date. An application has been lodged with the Show Dates Committee applying for April 29th, 2000 for the next Championship Show.

Delia Wells judged our Open Sh9w in November 1998 and chose PJ & Lisa O'Dea's NIGHTWATCH JULIUS CAESAR as her Best in Show, with Runner Up in Show being awarded to Annie White's CH KENBACK GHENGIS KHAN.

Long time admirer of the breed, Tony Johnson agreed to judge our Championship Show in May. Unfortunately, the long awaited date for knee surgery came at the time of the show so at short notice, Mr Jim Truss, who has Great Danes, stepped in and judged. He chose Annie White's CH KENBACK GHENGIS KHAN as his Best in Show and delighted Bronwyn Hooper by choosing her MOANAWAIMA CAMERON as Runner Up.

The 1999 Rare Bull Breeds Competition was once again, extremely successful, with a reduced entry of 40 but with an increased Bullmastiff entry of 18. (thanks to Greg Craig and Tracie Bishop) Sue Henley officiated as the Group 6 and General Specials judge and chose Greg Craig's TIGERGULLY CLAUDIA ROSE as her Best of Breed, Best in Group and Runner up in Show award winner, with Annie White's CH KENBACK GHENGIS KHAN as her Runner Up Best of Breed and Open in Show winner. This Show continues to be a wonderful forum for the promotion of these lesser known breeds and an opportunity to showcase the Bullmastiff to the general public.

Coral Harvey has agreed to judge our next Open Show in November, which is held in tandem with the Utility Dog Show, where Bullmastiffs are judged first. This an opportunity for your dogs to be entered under two judges on the same night.

The National Bullmastiff Breed Council held one face to face meeting in Melbourne and a teleconference during the year. Hereditary Diseases remains on the agenda, with the main focus being on the production of an Extended Breed Standard. The second draft comments must be submitted to the Co-Ordinator, Mrs Pat Quinn by August 28th, 1999.

Excitement mounts as the 1st Bullmastiff National on 3rd October 1999 at KCC Park, Westernport Highway, Skye, Victoria looms. Virginia Rowlands, of Blackslate Kennels in USA is looking forward to the judging appointment and it is wonderful that there will be some Western Australian entries and attendance at this show. Entries close on September 1st, so please give consideration to entering. The Victorian Club will make you very welcome.

During the year, the Club negotiated the construction of a web site which can be viewed at http://www.angelfire.com/wa/bmcofwa/index.html Nicki Beard of Opalguard Bullmastiffs NSW, is the Webmaster and Geoff Warnock our patron, is the sponsor. Nicki has done a great job, with lots and lots of photos, so in recognition of her efforts, Honorary Membership has been bestowed.

Membership of the Club is 37. Irene Yeomans, Sandra Winter, Ailsa Rodway and Nicki Beard are all honorary members, recognising their contributions to the Club.

Congratulations again to Wendy Hodyl on winning Best of Breed at the 1998 Perth Royal with CH BULLMASTER BARNSTORMER and winning yet another Western Classic in 1999. (Barney has since ben retired after an illustrious career)

A big congratulations to Annie White and CH KENBACK GHENGIS KHAN, winners of the 1998 Bullmastiff of the Year Award. Well done, after your years as a bridesmaid.

No bullmastiffs were successful in attaining Championship status during the year, although some are well on the way to titles.

Very few litters have been produced with only 23 puppies being registered for the year 1.1.1998 to 31.12.1998 but with the recent addition of Costog and Tigergully puppies, perhaps we will see a few more making the show ring as it is imperative that the breed prospers and increases in the next 12 months.

Sincere thanks go to those friends of the Club and supporters of the Bullmastiff, who have donated trophies, rosettes and merchandise throughout the past year and special thanks to our joint patrons Pat Pick and Geoff Warnock, Perpetual Trophy Donors - Ken & Maureen Haynes - Bullmaster Kennels - Mary Cox (UK) - Geoff Warnock and Nightwatch Bullmastiffs and to Colin Chinnery of Canine Advanced Nutrition. Our club is very grateful for this ongoing support.

I personally wish to thank my Vice-President - Wendy Hodyl and Treasurer - Lindsay Yeomans who are not seeking re-election. Lindsay was the founding Vice-President and last year agreed to take on the Treasurer's role. Wendy has served on the committee since obtaining Barney and was elected Vice-President when Lindsay assumed the Treasurer's mantle. The club owes them an enormous debt of gratitude and I thank them both and wish them well in the future. Secretary - Annie White has been tireless, as has Ailsa Rodway. I am extremely pleased to divest the Editor's role to Toni Wright and I encourage you all to contribute snippets and stories. The newsletter belongs to you all and having produced 24, I know how difficult it is to continually source relevant information. My thanks to all the committee for their contribution. My thanks also to Peter Marcakis, who served a year on our committee as Treasurer, who audited our books in record time, attributed to Lindsay's good booking-keeping skills.

I have served as President since the Club's inception in 1993 and am not seeking re-election to an executive position. I am confident that the present team will ably administer the Club's affairs, promoting the breed in an environment of friendliness and good sportsmanship into the new millennium. Please support them by entering the three club shows and supporting the Bullmastiff of the Year Point Scores.

Wishing you and your dogs every success in the future.