South of England
bassethound club
About the South of England Bassethound Club
South of England Basset Hound Club is registered with the Kennel Club and operates under their umbrella rules and regulations. The SoE BHC serves the area south of the M4 motorway, in southern England, although we are happy to accept membership from any location.
The Clubs mission is to:
- promote awareness & proper, safe, ownership of the Basset Hound breed
- encourage working activities & responsible breeding to the standard as recognised by the Kennel Club
- organise & encourage shows for the breed in the South of England
- and, just as importantly, to provide a social focal point and meeting place for all who like, own or want to own Basset Hounds.
History of our Club
In 1989 keen show-goer & Siouxline Basset owner Sue Ergis established that there was a need for a canine club to organise dog shows in her part of England. The nearest "local" clubs were based in the South East & South West and both were branches of the Basset Hound Club. Although these clubs held fun days, garden parties and organised walks, they were unable to hold Open Shows on their own without the authority of the Basset Hound Club.
Sue set out to remedy this by contacting the Kennel Club and all the Basset Hound owners she knew in the South of England.
In 1990 the South of England Basset Hound Club (registered with the Kennel Club) was born and Sue Ergis became its first Chair(man). Sue persuaded Jeanne Rowlett-Johns (owner of Wingjays) to become President who was joined by Sandra Thexton (owner of Barrenger) as Secretary, John Carter (owner of Castlebrook) as Treasurer and a Committee of twelve other members.
Since then, the club has steadily grown and has established two annual and successful Open Shows along with other popular activities to suit Basset Hound owners in the area.
The Club's membership is open to all who love the breed and wish to take part in the Club activities. If you would like to join us, contact the Secretary or send an email to Membership Matters.
Officers and Committee 2008
Please refer to the Contact Us page for contact details
| President | Mr Patrick Walden | Vice President | Miss Wendy Thomas |
| Chair | Mrs Valerie Davies | Vice Chair | Mrs Sandra Farrier |
| Secretary | Mrs Sue Ergis | Treasurer | Mr Andrew Scott |
| Committee | Miss Lauren Armstrong | Committee | Mrs Ruth Davis |
| Committee | Mr Keith Gater | Committee | Mrs Linda Gater |
| Committee | Mr Julian Houdley | Committee | Miss Kathy McCarthy |
| Committee | Mrs Monique Scott | Committee | Mr Philip Wood |
| Committee | Mrs Pat Upshall |
Website Maintenance
All website design and maintenance is being carried out for us by Bill Hyde of Priday Design Studio, Birmingham. All enquiries or comments about the contents of the web pages can be sent direct to the Webmaster.
Club Shows
The Club's Open Shows, held each February & July near Newbury Berkshire (and close to the M4 motorway) have gone from strength to strength.
The summer show includes a BBQ and fun day with games & fancy dress (for the dogs), good food and great company for the owners.
Other Activities
In addition to the Open Shows, the Club organises approx. 6 walks per year, some on the coast and others through beautiful countryside. Often these walks include the opportunity for a stop at a cafe or pub (purely as r & r of course).
In the addition, lectures and Christmas meals have been organised and we would hope to do so again.
Club Journal
The Club regularly produces an informative journal for its members.
We are lucky to have Kathy McCarthy as our Editor. Kathy has been able to produce some wonderfully professional magazines during the past five years. We hope Kathy will be able to continue with this valuable contribution to Club life into the future.
South of England Basset Hound Club is registered with the Kennel Club, ensuring that we adhere to their guidelines in dealing with dogs and people alike.
All shows are conducted in
adherence with Kennel Club rules and we endorse the good canine care practices promoted by the Kennel Club.