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!