Valerie

Valerie

1986-2000

Valerie was undoubtedly the Greatest winning Springer Bitch of All Time in Australia. She had a Specialty record, that has so far been unequalled, and an impressive Royal show record too

At the first Specialty she attended, Valerie won Res CC from the Junior class, under Judith Hancock of the Hawkhill Kennels, UK. At her second Specialty, she was BIS! Three more BIS wins at Specialties have been added, all under Australian Gundog specialists, and a further CC with Runner Up BIS under Frances Jackson of Mompesson Kennels, UK. She has also been BIS at two Open Shows of the ESSA of NSW, including one BIS from John Thirlwell, UK Ch Wongan Dynasty .
Other treasured wins include a CC from Ellen Dobson, Teesview Kennels UK, and BOB at the Spring Fair under Ernest Froggatt, Moorcliff Kennels, UK. Valerie has also shone at the Royal shows with a Group 1st and Runner Up BIS at Canberra Royal plus plenty of other CC wins there behind her "Other Half" Envoy. At Sydney Royal she had a CC from Junior class under Martin Van Der Weijer from the Netherlands, and a Res CC from Carl Aldercruetz of Sweden.Her finest hour at a Royal show came with a BOB, in hot company, in Sydney, under Kenneth Edh of Sweden. Later on, Valerie was content to compete against her son Oscar Wilde for BOB at Adelaide Royal, under Hans Lehtinen
As a mother, Valerie was a great success, producing two litters for us and five Champions: Gr Ch Alhambra Oscar Wilde, Gr Ch Alhambra Oliver Reed, Ch Alhambra Sean Connery, Ch Alhambra Vivien Leigh and New Zealand Ch Alhambra Ivor Novello.Together with "Higgins" she can be found behind a great many Springers in Australia in a variety of kennels.

True to her name, she founded a "Dynasty" for "Alhambra" which is now all over Europe as well as Australia. BIS under Anne Webster
BOB Sydney Royal
Valerie left us on the 12th December 2000 aged 13.
However, with all her descendants both here and overseas, she will leave her mark on the breed forever.
Kate and Valerie