WFTA Update

Blackdale Carousel_02.jpg

We understand it has been a difficult time for all during the pandemic and that things are far from settled, but the Committee of the WFTA have continued to meet for their regular meetings throughout to discuss ways to support our membership and breed the best we can.

Last year we sadly had to cancel our Open show and postpone the Championship show arrangements, but 2020 was still a busy year for the Club and committee. A very successful on line introduction to grooming tutorial for all those struggling to get to their groomers was held – which was very well supported and we continue to have grooming questions and enquiries and we are happy to support owners of our wonderful breed. The rescue and welfare has been continuing with three wires successfully rehomed and one temporarily fostered and we are grateful for all continued donations and support into our welfare fund, it truly makes a difference, we are grateful to Louise Beary for all her efforts in the management of welfare enquiries and relinquishments.

David Hughes MRCVS as Breed Health Coordinator for the Kennel Club conducted the first major health survey for some years with over 1000 complete responses it has provided the foundation for where further surveys and information is require. A big shout out and thank you to all that responded.

The Calendar competition was organised by Annie Dodds and again there were great photos entered and I know the judges had a very difficult time choosing from the anonymous pictures they were given, and the calendars sold out in record time! I’m sure this will be repeated this year – so get those cameras out!

The decision was made not to produce a formal year book for 2020, but that a 2020/2021 Year Book would be created and made available as usual for March 2022. A limited member’s handbook is being produced with a reflection of the decades over the past 100 years, sadly the production has been held up due to lockdown but it is on the way!

We are aware that our puppy coordinator and welfare coordinators have been overwhelmed with enquiries this year. We are sorry if everyone has not received a response but with over 1000 enquiries for bot services it is an impossible task especially with Committee that have been working throughout the pandemic. Please note all application forms will have been processed accordingly to suitability and availability.

Moving forward in 2021 we would like to announce that following discussion with the Kennel Club, Venues and Local authorities the following has been arranged to plan for the following two shows.

The WFTA Open Show will be held as a partnership show with Bath Canine Society Championship Show on Sunday 1st August. It will take place in the Fox Terrier ring upon completion of the championship show breed judging. Our 2020 AGM will be held following completion of Open Show.

The WFTA Championship Show is planned for Saturday 16th October 2021 at Portway Lifestyle Centre, Oldbury, West Midlands. This is our postponed 2020 show. Our 2021 AGM will be held as usual following completion of the show. Our 2021 Championship Show would have been the WFTA’s 100th Championship Show and the Kennel Club has agreed for us to transfer this to October 2022. The plans are for a celebration of the Wire Fox Terrier with back to back shows on 15th & 16th October 2022.

The Officers and Committee of the Wire Fox Terrier Association wish to welcome the new members that have joined this year, and their thanks to existing members for continued support and participation of events that have been occurring. Event updates will be posted on FB and here on our website.