History
The first official meeting of the Club was held on Friday, 23 August, 1968 at the home of Mr & Mrs John Tremellen. At that meeting a motion was moved for the Club to become affiliated with the SACA (South Australian Canine Association).
The Old English Sheepdog Club of SA Inc. history now extends beyond 50 years. The Old English Sheepdog Club of South Australia was the first breed Club affiliated in Australia. Mr John Tremellen was elected President and Mrs Julie Bonython, Patroness. Most of the members had owned other breeds previously, and others were first time dog owners. One committee member, Evelyn Goddard, had owned and shown Ch Frankston Petite Blue in the early 1950s.
"Ye Olde Shaggy Ragge", the Club's official newsletter, started being produced quarterly in 1968. It is still being produced.
The need was seen for a Club because of the increase of the breed in the show ring and at the second "Parade"; there were 3 television channels recording proceedings. During the 1970s the breed was to be seen on TV shows, in "The Advertiser" and local papers, at the Royal Show, even on stage with Rod McKuen . The publicity was amazing. Television personality Anne Wills became our second Patroness. She became an Old English owner after a litter of puppies was born on "Adelaide Tonight".
At this time too, there were many other litters and with them inherent problems of unwanted dogs. As a result, the Welfare scheme came into being and still exists, albeit that there are fewer litters. However, it is still an important function of the Club.
Many of the events and money raisers started were to become annual events. Not only did we raise money for the Club but also for charities such as Barkuma, the RSPCA and SCOSA. In 1973, for example, we raised $2,500 (a princely sum for those days) with the "Spectacular" we held for SCOSA and that was when the "Woof T-Shirt" was born.
We held handling and grooming days, veterinary lectures at meetings and showed films of overseas dogs. There was bottling of the "Woof Wine" and progressive dinners, not to mention "blue movies being played backwards".
On 10 October, 1970 the Club's first Championship Show was held, judged by Mr G Minchinton of Victoria. Entries totalled 27 and Best Exhibit in Show was Kersbrook Charlie.
In 1973, Len Kelton donated the "Kelton" Perpetual Trophy and on the 23rd August that year the Club celebrated its fifth birthday at Marcellina's Pizza Bar.
In 1974 the Club became incorporated and obedience classes began. There was also talk of a ban on tail docking. Membership of the Club reached 215.
In October, 1975 we had our first overseas Judge for our Championship Show, Mona Berkowitz from USA, with an entry of 92 exhibits and Shaggywag Sir Rupert was awarded Best in Show. Although we shared Mona with the NSW and Victorian Clubs it was a very successful Show. In 1977 we had Norman Harrison from the UK.
The Club also took part in the Glenelg Pageant and won second prize.
The "Code of Ethics" was adopted and a levy on puppies sold through the Club was instituted.
The "Oscar Award" for Obedience and the "Ch Nellemert Hamish" Perpetual Shield for Best in Parade were donated.
We still organise "Fun Days", with BBQs and pancakes as well as races, an OES Calendar, Christmas BBQs and Garage sales all to raise money for the Club.
On 9th November, 1986 the Club held the 4th National Championship Show judged by Birgitte Schjoth of Denmark and Best in Show went to Ch Beltusa China Doll.
During the 1980's Best in Group and Best in Show wins by Old English Sheepdogs were to become quite common. Ch Foamingsea the Gigolo went Best in Show at Battle of the Champions in 1989.
The 7th National Championship Show was held on 15th September, 1991 and judged by Ivor Thick (UK). Best in Show went to Ch Woolliwoof Sho Classic.
Our 25th Anniversary Championship Show was judged by Gillian Rowsell of Victoria and Best in Show was Ch Woolliwoof Allied Spirit and lunch was held afterwards.
The Club celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a dinner at the Buckingham Arms on 21st August, 1998 and was attended by many of the early members. A display of memorabilia was a feature of the evening.
The Club hosted the 12th National Championship Show at the Clipsal Powerhouse on 18th October. The show was judged by Mr Larry Stein (USA) and the theme was "The Pearly King & Queen".
On the 16 November, 2003 the Club hosted the 14th National Championship Show at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium. The show was judged by Mrs Barbara Muller (Pennylane - Switzerland) and its theme was "Bobtail Magic".
The Club's Life Members are: Miss Evelyn Copley, Mrs Lorraine Smith, Mr Rini Verschoor & Mrs Sharon Verschoor
Deceased Life Members: Mr John Tremellen, Mrs Ilo Wittenberg, Mrs Daphne Cain, Ms Judy Chapman & Mrs Nikki Chapman.