"I would like to thank the committee and show manager for making this, my last show, the best. The show from start to finish was a model on just how an excellent show should be run. It all appeared effortless, which belied the tremendous hard work and organization involved, not just on the day but weeks before. My two stewards were outstanding, which also went a long way to ensure a happy and efficient day.

During the interval, much to my surprise, to mark the event of my retiring from the show ring, I was presented on behalf of the SNC committee with a matching pair of Newfoundland garden ornaments. They are far too lovely and precious to me to be put outside, so take pride of place on my study fireplace, where they will forever remind me of a memorial weekend and the many friends I have had the pleasure to meet over the years.

Thank you also the exhibitors that trusted me to judge their dogs, without whom there would be no show. Overall the quality was good, and I ended up with five dogs whom I could have quite easily have awarded the CC, and it was difficult decision to make. In the end I choose a relatively new youngster out of limit. His second CC, I was later told, and I was delighted that my co-judge the experienced Del Richards also found a new youngster from the lower classes as BIS.

We need new faces and more competition at the top to keep the shows more competitive and interesting, I know it will be controversial, but it is my opinion that there is nothing more certain to keep the entries to shows down than the same few faces taking top honours at every show."