News
Committee news
The committee of the Sussex Spaniel Association held a face-to-face meeting on Saturday 6th June. Following the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports the committee discussed briefly the proposed changes to the JEP deferring a more detailed discussion until the RKC have made any final decisions. A follow up report was given by the Secretary following the AGM and Open Show. Everyone was reminded about the deadline for the News and Views which will include a new health questionnaire. The Trophy Secretary is creating an easier form on which to record members wins ready to submit prior the next AGM this will, we hope, encourage more members to submit them. The Breed Health Secretary gave a detailed report from the Health committee and the RKC who she is working closely with. There will be a new Health questionnaire included in the next News and Views which it is hoped will be completed by as many members as possible as it will be a useful addition to all of the research the committee are currently undertaking. Other items discussed included the website and its continuing development, a new breed leaflet and the organisation of several different breed webinars to take place later this year.
Congratulations to our new champions!
- Sh Ch Harasteorra Big BearJW
- Sh Ch Fred Siop Ganol into Bowswizzler
- Sh Ch Stormacre Tiny Dancer with Meggamooch JW
SSA breeding webinars
In a new departure for the SSA, two webinars on breeding were held in November. Both were led by Kathryne Wrigley RVN who has been involved with breeding dogs for over 40 years and attained her Dog Breeding Diploma in 2010. The webinars were on whelping and caesareans. They were very informative and those attending had the opportunity to ask a range of questions. Feedback for the webinars has been excellent and it’s hoped we’ll do more in the future.
New breed record holder
Tom and Jane Graham’s Rodders, Sh Ch Eald Dances with Wolves Among Nyliram ShCEX OSW has taken the Sussex Spaniel breed record receiving his 32nd CC at Richmond 2025 under Ernie Lockett. Rodders was bred by Val Davey and is out of Sh Ch Tawnyka It’s a Puzzle For Belcam JW ShCM x Sh Ch Northern Norriss Charm at Eald ShCM VW. Now 7 years old he won his very first CC at Leeds under Ann Moss, his second at Bath under Valda Day and gained his title at Darlington under Liz Harper all in 2021. Congratulations!
Breed health survey
The SSA Health Coordinator, Sara Sampson, is collecting information about breeding experiences in order to formulate a breed action plan. Go to the breeding pages to find out more and to access the form.
Fun Day 2025
The weather was perfect for the SSA Fun Day which took place on the 9th August at Bearley Village Hall near Stratford-upon-Avon. 41 dogs including 1 cocker, 1 springer, 1 field and 2 clumbers joined their 49 humans for a day of fun and games.
The day started off with the SSA Olympics comprising a number of races (egg & spoon, obstacle course, fastest recall, musical cones) before moving on to a fancy dress fun dog show, have a go ringcraft and some obedience training. A grooming demo followed then the SSA auction of memorabilia which raised over £500!
The final game of the day was ‘temptation alley’ where the dogs could practice their “leave it” command to varying degrees of success! The SSA shop did a roaring trade and as ever, being able to chat all things Sussex was a highlight of the day. A real treat was seeing the 6 puppies who joined us! Everyone managed to get their fair share of puppy cuddles.
A lovely day out in great company. Thanks to everyone who came. Roll on 2026!
Happy birthday SSA!
Although the Sussex Spaniel can be traced back to the late eighteenth centenary, it was not until 1924, that some enthusiasts got together to form a breed club, namely the Sussex Spaniel Association, ‘for the protection of the Sussex Spaniel’.
On 3 April 1924, at the White City, London during the Kensington Canine Society’s Show, the inaugural meeting took place and was attended by 7 people: J.P.S. Clarke, C.G. Talbot Ponsonby, S.C. Batchelor, Major C.H. Wilde, S.C. Mitchell, R. Sharp and Mrs Youell.
Following the original meeting, the first Annual General Meeting was held and one of the proposals was that the association should be duly registered with the Kennel Club. Mr Talbot Ponsonby was elected as Chairman and Mr Mitchell as Secretary/Treasurer.
Committee members were Mr Clarke, Mr Kerr, Mr Sharp, Major Wilde and Mr Batchelor and it was proposed that Mr Campbell Newington should be approached to be the first President. It was also agreed that members should pay 10s.0d (50p) entrance and an annual subscription of 10s.0d.
Throughout the last 100 years, it is thanks to the many volunteers who have willingly given up their time for the benefit of the SSA that the club has continued to thrive and is still in existence today. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the life of the club. Here’s to the next 100 years!