REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1953

1953 NOTTS AND DERBY SHOW

[1953 NOTTS AND DERBY SHOW] NO PRIZES FOR HER Derby Daily Telegraph, 31st December 1952
Since the championship show of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Cat Club in Becket-street Drill Hall, Derby, last January, Mrs L France, a member Club's committee, has been looking forward to the 1953 show, so that she could exhibit her rare Burmese cats and the Siamese cat that was awarded a championship in annual national show in London this year. But when she goes to the 1953 show in the Drill Hall in January her cats will have to stay at home, and the prizes which might have been awarded to them will go some of the 200 other pedigree cats that will be exhibited. She will be one of the judges at the show and a rule is that no judge may show his or her own cats - although there will be other judges there. Last January's show – the eighth championship show of the Club, but only the first to be held In Derby - was even more successful than the organisers had hoped. They had been told by well-meaning friends that Derby people were interested in dogs, but not cats. So when more than 3,000 cat-lovers crowded into the Drill Hall, they were pleasantly surprised. This year's exhibits, from all parts of England will include Burmese cats (the species has been in this country for only about three years), blue Persians and Siamese.

[NOTTS AND DERBYSHIRE CAT SHOW] FROM KANSAS TO JUDGE CAT SHOW. PROMISE KEPT AT DERBY Birmingham Daily Post, 10th January 1953
In order to attend Notts Derbyshire Cat Club's eighth championship show at Derby yesterday, Miss K Yorke, of St Albans, president of the club and an international cat judge, started out by air from Kansas City, United States, on Monday and arrived at Derby just before the show opened. Miss Yorke, who has judged at cat shows in every European country, said: "The reason I made the special journey was that I had undertaken to be at the show and despite the many thousands of miles between Kansas City and Derby, I was determined to keep my promise."

Miss Yorke had been requested to officiate at a big show being held in New York and had been judging at Kansas City shortly before leaving for Derby. "I shall return to America later this year," she said.

The champion short-haired cat of the show was Champion Pincop Simon, owned by Mrs O M Lamb, of Twyland, Grange Hill, Halesowen.

[NOTTS AND DERBYSHIRE CAT SHOW] WINNERS AT CAT CLUB SHOW Derby Daily Telegraph, 10th January 1953
The President's Cup for the best long-haired adult cat (except blue, male or female) was won by Flambeau of Allington, owned by Miss E. Langston, or Maidenhead, at the eighth championship show of the Notts and Derbyshire Cat Club, held in the becket-street drill Hall, Derby, yesterday. One hundred and fifty-eight cats, from all parts of Britain, made up a total of 752 entries for the 149 classes.

Several prizes were wo by Mrs M Monk, of 61, Macklin-street, Derby, whose entries – Princess Mingolia, Ubol Sin Tye and Nai Yang Tao – had successes in Siamese and short-haired cat and kitten classes. Miss L Pettitt, Matron of the Derbyshire Hospital for Women, Friargate, Derby, was awarded a second prize for her exhibit. Crowdecote Kim, in the class for any variety long-haired cat (premier); neutered cats and kittens section. The secretary and show manager, Mrs M E Bastow, of West Bridgford, won several second and third prizes for her exhibits, and Mrs K M Nilson, of Beeston, won five first awards and one second.

[NOTTS AND DERBYSHIRE CAT SHOW] EDITHWESTON NEWS Stamford Mercury, 16th January 1953
The only Cat from Rutland at the Notts and Derby Cat Club eighth championship show at Derby on Friday won first prize in the class for any variety S.H. cats. The cat was shown by Mrs. Stayner, of the Grange It was a lovely Siamese S.P.. Queen Lindale Linda Bella.

1953 SURREY AND SUSSEX CAT ASSOCIATION SHOW

[SURREY AND SUSSEX CAT ASSOCIATION] CAT SHOW West Sussex Gazette, 29th January 1953
Organised by the Surrey and Sussex Cat Association, a cat show in St. Saviour's Hall last week had nearly 100 entries. The Perpetual Remembrance Bowl for the best cat in the show was awarded to Sheepfold Painted Lady, a tortoiseshell and white, owned and bred by Mr. L. Owen Jones, of Jacob's Well. In the domestic pets class particular interest was focussed on Tangie (third prize-winner), a short-hatred blue cream, owned by Mrs. D. Merritt, of Worplesdon-rd., Guildford. Two years ago this cat was rescued by Guildford's R.S.P.C.A. Mrs. Merritt adopted the stray and under her care it has developed into a fine cat. Another former "stray which gained a prize in the household pets section was Fluffy, long-haired silver tabby rescued from the streets by Miss Knowles, of Artillery-terrace, Guildford.

1953 SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] RECORD ENTRY AT CAT SHOW Leicester Evening Mail, 3rd February 1953
Four hundred cats - a record entry - were exhibited at the Southern Counties Cat Club championship show at the Horticultural Hall, Westminster. Nearly all the 26 known breeds were represented, ranging from the homely brown tabby to Siamese and rare Burmese cats. Cats from the stricken flood areas of East Anglia and Essex were among those on show.

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] ALFORD PRIZE CAT Aberdeen Evening Express, 3rd February 1953
Alford Prize Cat Four hundred cats, a record entry, were exhibited at the Southern Counties Cat Club championship show at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, to-day. Mrs H. Challoner, Whitehaugh, Alford, with Whitehaugh Cinderella, won a first prize in the white female class.

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] Nottingham Evening Post, 4th February 1953
Mrs L France, of Nottingham-road, Derby, with Chinki Yong Jetta, was successful at the Southern Counties Cat Club Championship Show in London yesterday.

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] NOXA WINS A FIRST Croydon Times, 7th February 1953
Champion cat, Noxa Teena, belonging to Mrs. D. E. Axom, of Cheston-avenue, Shirley, was awarded first prize in the tortoiseshell and white class at the Southern Counties Cat Club Championship Show at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday.

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] RAINING CATS AND DOGS Truth, 13th February 1953
Now from the Cat Club Show, at which we met
Both Yancam Greeba and Dalmond Damarette,
(The latter complete with pedigree first class,
The former of unknown parentage, alas!)

ANSON COSY WAS FIRST Drayton Gazette, 13th February 1953
Anson Cosy a cat belonging to Mrs. E. M. Chappell, of High-street, Cowley Peachey, was placed first in the Blue Novice class at the Southern Counties Cat Club Championship Show at the Royal Horticultural Show recently. Anson Cosy was also placed second in the Blue Junior class, while another of Mrs. Chappell's cats, Gaythorne Garson, was placed second in the Blue Novice class and third in the Blue Junior class.

1953 YORKSHIRE CAT CLUB SHOW

YORKSHIRE CAT CLUB SHOW Yorkshire Evening Post, 2nd February 1953
Enter your Pet Cat for the Yorkshire Cat Club Show on Sat., Feb. 14, The Corn Exchange. Classes for non-pedigree cats and kittens, including shop, office, warehouse, market, farm and cafe cats; any colour, any age, any breed welcome; entry fee 2/6 plus 1/- benching fee: entries close Sat., Feb. 7. Apply Mrs. E. W. Taylor. Rowley Cottages, Scarcroft, Tel. Thorner 437.

[YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB SHOW] PUSS IN BLANKETS AWAITS THE JUDGE Yorkshire Evening Post, 14th February 1953
I taut I taw a puddy tat, and how right I was! There were a hundred or so of them in Leeds Corn Exchange. They had arrived heroically, through sleet, snow and slush, for the Yorkshire County Cat Club's show today. This heroism was probably more pronounced on the part of the owners than the cats. The Corn Exchange was cavernous and chilly, and some of the cats looked as if they would rather have stayed peacefully by the fire. In fact, some of them, with less determined owners, did stay at home, and the entry of 327 was correspondingly reduced.

Broadly speaking, there were two kinds of cat, the beautiful and the useful. The beautiful were the thoroughbreds – biscuit-tinted Siamese, blue, black and cream Persians, shorthairs coloured red, white, smoke-blue, tortie and tabby. These aristocrats reposed on blankets or under them, and contemplated the weather with degrees of tranquillity ranging from well-bred calm to downright inertia. One of them stuck his nose as deep as possible into the farthest corner and turned his back on the whole situation. The Siamese were more conversational than the Persians. They talked back to the visitors, after the habit of Siamese, and even went as far as a bit of nose-rubbing between the bars.

The liveliest of the lot were the plain mongrel or household cats. Many of these had never been in a cage before, and the situation had at any rate the charm of novelty for them. A girl clerk from a Leeds locomotive works had entered four of these – Vicky, who belongs to the factory nurse, Cynthia, the pet of the maintenance men, Micky, the property of the canteen cook, and Leonard, the timekeeper's assistant. There were shop, office, warehouse, café, farm, market and other professional cats – among them a 14-pounder called Mickey, from Sowood Street, Leeds, and a cat called Susie, from The Avenue, Roundhay, who had distinguished herself by having 39 kittens in three-and-a-half years. And there was one cat who declined to go to the show. This was Teena, a ginger female who was taken down by taxi to a shop in Central Road, near the Corn Exchange, and made a successful break from freedom. Miss Grace Rycroft, of Riviera Gardens, Potternewton, Leeds, is offering £2 reward for the recovery of Teena.

LONG HAIRED ADULTS
Blue, Male:- 1, Mrs F E Taylor, Blue Peter of Kenton; 2, Miss Rose Chapman, Royal Blue.
Blue, Female:- 1, Mrs Snowden, Anlaby Cleopatra; 2, Mrs F E Taylor, My Love of Kenton; 3, Mrs G Haggerty, Blue Pompom.
Black, Female:- 1, Mrs E Slater, Kala Miranda.
Cream, Male or female:- 1, Miss Rose Chapman, Galtres Posy Minton; 2, Mr and Mrs K Edinboro, Aviary Duke; 3, J W Proud, Molesey Mischief.
Any other colour, female:- 1, Mr George Bolton, Beamsley Moonmist; 2, Mrs Snowden, Anlaby Victoria; 3, Mrs G M Budd, Jessica o' the Nor' East.
Any colour, Novice:- 1, Mr George Bolton, Beamsley Moonmist; 2, Mrs E M A Welch, Galtres Posy; 3, Mr and Mrs K Edinboro, Aviary Duke.
Any colour, Maiden:- 1, Mrs E M A Welch, Galtres Posy; 2, Miss B A Andrews, Hescott Tinkerbell; 3, Mrs J W Paylor, Suzie.

LONG HAIRED KITTENS
Blue, Male or female:- 1, Mrs M Smith, Beamsley Victoria; 2, Mrs K Carbert, Anlaby Jennifer; 3, Mrs F E Taylor, Timothy of Kenton.
Black, Male or female:- 1, Mrs K Carbert, Sarisbury Sacharissa; 2, Mrs E Slater, Main Glen Dark Duchess; 3, Mrs E Slater, Main Glen Misty Night.
Cream, Male:- 1, Mrs Snowden, Anlaby Goldey; 2, Miss R Chapman, Ousedale Amber; 3, Mrs P E Taylor, Cloud of Kenton.
Any colour, Novice:- 1, Miss R Chapman, Ousedale Silver Queen; 2, Mrs E Snowden, Anlaby Goldey; 3, Miss R Chapman, Ousedale Amber.
Any colour, Maiden:- 1, Mrs K Carbert, Sarisbury Sacharissa; 2, Mrs Snowden, Anlaby Goldey; 3, Mrs F E Taylor, Timothy of Kenton.
Brace:- 1, Miss R Chapman, Ousedale Amber and Ousedale Silver; 2, Mrs K Carbert, Anlaby Jennifer and Sarisbury Sacharissa; 3, Mrs P E Taylor, Timothy of Kenton and Cloud of Kenton.
Open challenge:- 1, Mrs M Smith, Beamsley Victoria; 2, Mrs K Carbert, Sarisbury Sacharissa; 3, Mrs M Snowden, Anlaby Goldey.

SHORT HAIRED ADULTS
Not Siamese:- 1, Mrs L Hardman, Barwell Cheery; 2, Miss M E Rabbitts, Courtral Butterfly; 3, Mrs G M Budd, Nidderdale Black Magic.
Any variety, Breeders, Male or female – 1, Miss M E Rabbitts, Courtral Butterfly; 2, Mrs G M Budd, Nidderdale Black Magic; 3, Miss M E Rabbitts, Courtral Michele.
Pedigree Neuters:- 1, Miss M E Rabbitts, Priory Paulette; 2, Mrs G M Budd, Nidderdale Golden Cloud; 3, Mrs E M A Welch, Blue Star Biggles.

SIAMESE ADULTS
S P Female:- 1, Mr and Mrs H Kitchen, Maharon Perki; 2, Mr Alfred Jarrat, Velhirst Vision; 3, Mrs E C Spencer, Abimbolath The Witch.
B P Male:- 1, Mr A Whitelam, Penruddocke Emilie.
S P, B P or C P Novice:- 1, Mr and Mrs H Kitchen, Maharon Perkie; 2, Mr A Jarrat, Velhirst Vision; 3, Mr H Robinson, Hillran Ming.
S P, B P or C P Maiden:- 1, Mr and Mrs H Kitchen, Maharon Perkie; 2, Mr A Jarrat, Velhirst Vision; 3, Mrs E C Spencer, Abimbolath The Witch.
S P, B P or C P Senior:- 1, Mr A Whitelam, Penruddocke Emilie; 2, Mrs E C Spencer, Abimbolath The Witch; 3, Mrs K Hill, Hambleton Simon.

SIAMESE KITTENS
S P Male:- 1, Mr and Mrs F H Lavender, Riko Deshi; 2, Mrs E C Spencer, Skarfare Wizard; 3, Mr F Toll, Ayredale Jupiter.
S P Female:- 1, Miss B Mitchell, Ayredale Erica; 2, Lieut.-Col. A J A Gray, Muckno Mimi; 3, Mrs H Lowe, Lindale Wonderful Alice.
S P, B P or C P Novice:- 1, Miss B Mitchell, Ayredale Erica; 2, Lieut.-Col. A J A Gray, Muckno Mimi; 3, Mr F Toll, Ayredale Jupiter.
S P, B P or C P Maiden:- 1, Lieut.-Col. A J A Gray, Muckno Mimi; 3, Mr F Toll, Ayredale Jupiter.
S P, B P or C P Breeders:- 1, Lieut.-Col. A J A Gray, Muckno Mimi; 2, Mr and Mrs F H Lavender, Riko Deshi; 3, Mrs E C Spencer, Skarfare Wizard.
Open Challenge:- 1, Miss B Mitchell, Ayredale Erica; 2, Mr and Mrs F H Lavender, Riko Deshi; 3, Mr N Winder, Peerless Harlequeen.

HOUSEHOLD PETS
Non-pedigree (by variety):- 1, Mrs D V Kennard, Etoile Bleue Pierre; 2, S McKone, Whiskey; 3, Mrs Stamford.

[YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB SHOW] CHAMPION CAT ALMOST MISSED SHOW Bradford Observer, 16th February 1953
Beamsley Moon Mist, the long-haired blue-cream female cat owned by Mr. George Bolton, West View, Station Road, Oakworth, Keighley, which was adjudged champion of the Yorkshire County Cat Club's show in Leeds on Saturday, very nearly missed the show. Mr. Bolton was taken ill with influenza last week, and with great reluctance he decided to cancel his entry because he was confined to his home. Only after much persuasion ..did he agree to allow his 22-year-old daughter, Georgina Margaret Bolton, to take Moon Mist to the show and prepare her for the judging. Georgina is probably the youngest secretary the club has ever had, and Mr. Bolton argued that she would have enough work 13 do in organising her first county show

Not only did Moon Mist win the Harrogate Challenge Cup as champion of the show, but also the Nidderdale Rose Bowl for the best long-haired female in the show, the Dominic Cup for the best blue-cream adult, the E. Wentworth Fitzwilliam Trophy for the best long-haired adult, and six special awards. Moon Mist, who is valued at £40, is ten months old and barely qualifies for the adult class, says Miss Bolton. It was the first blue-cream cat her father has owned. For over 10 years he bred blue Persian cats. Miss Bolton has been a member of the club six years, and became secretary a year ago. She is a teacher at Parkwood Junior School, Keighley.

There were classes in the show for shop, office, warehouse, cafe, farm and market cats, as well as those of the more aristocratic breeds. Teena, a ginger female, owned by Miss Grace Rycroft, of Leeds, made a successful dash for freedom from a taxi while on the way to the show, but was later recaptured - in Fish Street. Other trophy winners were:
President's cup for best short-haired cat, Miss Brenda Mitchell, Bingley (Ayredale Erica).
Yeend Neuter cup for best neuter long-haired or short-haired cat, Miss M E Rabbitts, York (Priory Paulette).
Mrs. T. W. Adams trophy for best longhaired male adult, Mrs. P. E. Taylor, Scarcrott (Blue Peter of Kenton).
Adams trophy for best long-haired kitten and Townfield Monarch cup for best kitten under nine months bred by exhibitor, Miss R. Chapman, York (Ousedale Silver Queen).
Wentworth Fitzwilliam trophy for best British short-haired cat or kitten, Miss G.L. Hardman, Killinghall (Barwell Cherry).
Ousedale cup for best cream long-haired kitten, Mrs. Snowden. Hull (Anlaby OGoldey).
Rushmere cup for best B.P cat, Mrs. E. Watson, Grimsby (Mitzi of Milton).

[YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB SHOW] LONG JOURNEY REWARDED. FOURTH PLACE AMONG 200 BEAUTIES AT FIRST CONTEST Staffordshire Newsletter, 21st February 1953
"Betty" is, indeed, a beauty. With her sapphire blue eyes, her lithe figure and her unusual colouring. It is not surprising that, although still quite a youngster, she has earned success as a beauty queen. On Saturday, "Betty" travelled some 120 miles to Leeds, from her home in Alstone-iane, near Haughton, Stafford, to her first beauty contest. True, she did not come first, but it is much to her credit - and certainly a tribute to her good looks - that she came fourth out of the 200 beauties competing, many of them recognised already as "beauty queens " in contests of national and international repute.

The journey to Leeds for this young lady was quite an ordeal; she had never travelled such a distance before in her young life. To make things a little more uncomfortable, she had to leave her home at about 3.30 in the morning, in a taxi chugging its way through snow, to catch the train to Leeds. The trip involved four changes at railway stations. "Betty," however, wrapped up in blankets - three of them - made herself as snug and at home as she possibly could. She emerged from the train at Leeds quite composed, at 8.45 a.m., and was soon at the Corn Exchange, Leeds, where the competition was being staged.

Unlike the rule at many beauty contests, the entrants were not required to parade in their bathing suit. Indeed, it was just as well, for "Betty" would have some difficulty in getting into a bathing suit. You see, she is a cat. Yes, "Betty" - or to give her proper name, "Wandora Lass," is only a seven-months-old Siamese kitten. She is the pet of Mrs. Doris Powell, of Alstone-lane, Haughton, who has had her since she was three months old. After the comfort of a well-heated train, the unheated Corn Exchange chilled her delicate body, but was soon fairly comfortable, after some kind companion hurriedly visited the shops and brought her back a hot water bottle. The competition she was so successful at was the Yorkshire County Cat Club's show. In the open competition she came fourth out of 200, was also very highly commended in the class for the best seal-point female cat and in the maiden class.

Mrs. Powell wants to use her cat for breeding purposes. She hopes to have some fine kittens from "Betty," whose grandfather holds the country's premier award for Siamese cats. Already she plans to enter her in competitions at the Midland Counties' show at Birmingham; and then at the Nottingham and Leeds cat shows

1953 CHESHIRE SHOW

[CHESHIRE SHOW] CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY 14 YEARS OLD EXHIBIT Cheshire Observer, 20th June 1953
Miss E. Hirst, of Central-avenue, Huddersfield, entered her fourteen years old Chinchilla cat, Silver Locket, in the cat class, so that she could show the judge how remarkably well the cat looked for its great age. To her amazement Silver Locket won the top award In the cat class, The Cheshire Agricultural Society's Championship Coronation Year Shield for the best in show.

"l did not expect her to win anything," said Miss Hirst. "She has only been entered in one show before and then she did not win anything." Silver Locket was bred by her owner who also breeds blacks. At present she has nine cats Miss Hirst said, "I keep them all in pens in the garden, where they can have plenty of fresh air My house is situated at a very high altitude and I find that the fresh air is good for the animals."

The winner of the special prize for the best opposite sex, was 13 months old Lightsome Aubretia. a seal point Siamese, bred by Mrs. C. W Dixon, of Duke-street, Formby, Liverpool. In contrast to Silver Locket, Lightsome Aubretia has won many firsts in her short career.

[CHESHIRE SHOW] CHAMPIONSHIP WON BV 14 YEARS OLD EX BARBER'S KITTEN "SUBSTITUTES" FOR THE BARBER'S CAT Cheshire Observer, 27th June 1953
In last year's Cheshire Show, the sensation of the cat world was a half-Persian "joke" which quickly became known as "The Barber's Cat." It was a Joke because it had been entered only in fun - and it won a first prize and three "specials." So this year, when it was to be entered again, rival cats began growling with anxiety. Tragedy came a week before the Show, however, when some cosh-cat bit Smut (that was his official name) on the leg, and putting him out of the running. Disaster for "The Barber's Cat," but simpering smugness from the others.

Thus it was a doubly severe blow when Smut's line reigned supreme again. His owner, John Littlewood, of 8, St. Martin's Ash, Chester, a 17-years old hairdresser (this fact, of course, gave Smut his fearsome nom-de-guerre), took Smut out of the Show, and substituted Smut's younger other, N*gger Only six-months-old, and a last minute, ungroomed entry, N*gger took first prize In the class for short haired animals. If there had been a special prize in that class, he would have been strongly fancied for that too.

John admits to knowing very little about cat-care. He feeds his champions, and looks after them. Apart m that they groom themselves, he says. But with a Smut likely to be well for next year's Show, and a N*gger ready blooded in the Show tradition, the other cats in and around Chester are already worried. Not only about "The Barber's Cat" - but about "The Barber's Kitten" as well.

[CHESHIRE SHOW] CATS Nantwich Chronicle, 27th June 1953
Entries were fewer than last year in the cat section of the show, but the judges, Miss k Yorke (St Albans) and Miss E Langston (Maidenhead) remarked upon the high quality of the exhibits. A possible reason for the lack of entries was the lateness of the breeding season this year. The championship shield given by the Cheshire Agricultural Society for the best cat in the show, was won by a fourteen-year-old Chinchilla Persian female cat, owned by Miss M E Hirst, of Huddersfield. Miss Le Gallais (Northop) was in charge of this section.

1953 SEACROFT SHOW

SEACROFT SHOW Yorkshire Evening Post, 27th June 1953
Over the past seven years, Seacroft Show has steadily grown until this year, occupying twice as much space as last, Killingbeck Park, near the hospital. It attracted the record number of more than 2,000 entries - 400 more than last year. Newest event was a cat show, where aristocratic Siamese mewed alongside champion ratters and working-class warehouse cats. There are 162 entries in this section. Mrs. E. W Taylor (secretary) said: "We have all kinds of cats competing. One is Patch, from Rowley Grange, Scarcroft, a champion ratter. I have seen her at threshing time with two rats in her mouth, one under each paw and not able to catch any mere." A chorus of mews greeted this comment, but the veteran, eight-year-old Flinders took notice.
Long hair adults – Blue: 1, Mrs K Carbert; 2, Mrs Haggerty, Shipley; 3, Miss A Palframen.
Siamese adults – SP female: 1, Mrs J Morley; 2, Mrs M B Meadows; 3, Mr A Jarrett.
Siamese adults – SP Males: 1 and 2, Mrs I Lapper; 3, Mrs K Hill.
Siamese kittens – SP Male or female: 1, Miss M E Lant; 2, Mrs J Morley; 3, iss M E Lant.
Siamese kittens – BP Male or female: 1, Mr and Mrs Tilsley.

Non-pedigree Household Pt classes:
AV Neuter (excluding black) adults over 9 months: 1, Miss Farley; 2, Miss Rycroft; 3, Mrs D V Kennard.
AV shop, office, café, warehouse, market or farm cat or kitten: 1, Mrs Bolton; 2, Mrs Robson; 3, Mrs E W Taylor.
AV Veteran (over 5 years): Mrs F E Taylor.

Yorkshire CCC classes:
Long-haired adults: AV LH: 1, Mrs K Carbert; 2, Mrs M A Bolton; 3, Mr K Edinbro.
Short-hair kittens: AV SH, 3 – 9 months (excluding Siamese): 1 and 3, Mrs I Lapper; 2, Mr A Jarrett.

1953 KENSINGTON KITTEN CLUB AND THE NEUTER CAT SOCIETY SHOW

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] JUDICIAL CATS Coventry Evening Telegraph, 8th July 1953
Judges are to have their own cats' corner at the Coronation kitten show to be held at the old Horticultural Hall at the end of the month. The judges' cats will include veteran champions and London strays, and the awards will be given, not on the usual "points," but for the animal exhibited in the most appropriate and homely setting. A 15 years old tabby alley-cat, which belongs to one of the judges, will be shown in a cage representing a back-alley and furnished with a model of a coster's barrow and dustbin. A blue Persian, belonging to another judge, will go on display with his friend Bobbie, a red and grey parrot that calls the cats in at night with "Yoo-hoo" and cries "Shurr-up" when they make too much noise.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] NOTTM CAT WINS FIRST PRIZE Nottingham Evening Post, 31st July 1953
An entry by Mrs E.R. Hammond, of Linwold, bilborough-road, Wollaston, to-day won first prize in the class for any variety long-haired premier neuter at the Coronation year show, in London, of the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club. The name of the cat was Fanifold Kitticat.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] THREE FIRSTS FOR COVENTRY CAT Coventry Evening Telegraph, 1st August 1953
Mrs. M. Slade, of 53 Greendale Road, Whoberley, Coventry, with her cat Culverden Cienwen, won three prizes at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club's Coronation Year show in London yesterday. Her cat won first prize in the class for silver, red or brown tabby aged 2-9 months; first in the class for any variety except Siamese maiden cat, aged 2-9 months. and first in the class for any variety novice exhibitor aged 2-9 months. The only entry in the class for black kitten (2-6 months), male or female. was Peter Pan Smee, exhibited by Mrs. B. Farquhar, of 74 Brookside Avenue. Coventry, who took first prize.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] LOUGHBORO' KITTEN TAKES TOP HONOUR Leicester Evening Mail, 1st August 1953
Beaumanor Terry Too, the seal-pointed kitten exhibited by Miss M. Lant, of 261, Forest-road, Loughborough, was judged the best Siamese kitten in the Coronation year show of the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club, in the Royal Horticultural Society Hall, London. It was also awarded first prize in the class for Siamese seal pointed (three to six months) male.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] CATS CONTEMPTUOUS Birmingham Daily Gazette, 1st August 1953
There's nothing like a cat show for making you realise the utter insignificance of mankind. One look into the contemptuous green eyes of a Persian imperiously enthroned today in the Old Hall in Vincent Square, Westminster, and you saw there reflected a bedraggled creature, draped in damp clothes and clutching an umbrella. What an incongruous figure! Yet even for the kingly cats, so superbly lithe, so deceptively languorous and so irritatingly aloof, such shows cannot be completely boring. Surely a Cat must laugh when, as today. somebody says: "I always go to cat shows to see the Siamese, they do so remind me of dogs."

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] HE SELLS HIS BUSINESS BECAUSE OF A CAT Birmingham Daily Gazette, 3rd August 1953
Mr Percy Edwards has decided to sell the little business he bought with his life savings three years ago - all because of a cat "with the most beautiful eyes In the world." This blue Persian, called Misty, has won so many show prizes that she has persuaded 54-year-old Mr. Edwards and his wife, Jane, that cat-breeding is a much better life than selling sweets and tobacco in Birmingham. Now, fresh from Misty's latest triumphs at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club's annual show, they are planning to sell their newsagent's shop in High Street, King's Heath, and buy a country house which will be converted into a "cattery."

Misty came into the household - "just a playful bundle of fluff " - eight months ago, as an eight guinea present for Mrs. Edwards. Despite her pedigree, she came only as a pet, and her food bill for the first week was 15s. But her perfect coat and her grace and dignity soon attracted attention and she was entered in her first show last January. Since then she has won 11 prizes and a special place in her owners' hearts. She is allowed out in the garden only when Mr. and Mrs. Edwards or their daughter can walk with her. And, more often than not, she sleeps curled up on Mrs. Edwards's bed. The couple have declined many offers for Misty, including one of £30. For the Persian is something more than a household pet to them now. "She is our hope for the future," said Mrs. Edwards "And we couldn't bear to part with her now, anyhow. Just look at those eyes . . ."

CAT SHOW IS TOO BIG FOR KENSINGTON Kensington Post, 7th August 1953
The Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club held its annual show at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Friday. The club, which has gained steadily in importance every year, is now the premier club for cat lovers in the country. For many years it held its annual shows locally. Now Kensington is not big enough for it. A wide variety of types of cat were entertained for the show and judging took up most of the day. This year the Club reverted to its original purpose and only kittens and neuter cats were eligible - this provided a bumper entry of 345 animals from all over the British Isles. Cats came from Scotland, the Isle of Man and Jersey.

One of the big novelties of the show-new this year-was Judges' Corner. Judges are not allowed to exhibit under Club rules. This time they had their own section, exhibited their own cats but the pens and not the occupiers were competing. Winner of the silver cup for the most original in this section was Miss Kit Wilson, of South End. W.8. the secretary of the Kensington Cat Club. "But I refuse to take any credit at all." she told the Kensington Post, "it was all done for me by Miss Roma Ferguson' (sister of Miss Rachel Ferguson, well-known Kensington novelist and essayist). Miss Wilson's cage was occupied by Old Bill, her 15-year-old alley cat. Miss Ferguson had designed a pen as an alley, complete with dustbin.

Kensington entries were few but several prizes were taken by members in the Royal Borough. Miss G. Hollybone of Earl's Court won the Household Pet's class with her 17-year-old cat Sam. Mrs. S. K. Sladen of West Kensington won a first and Mrs. Grant Allen, of South Kensington also won a first with her Siamese cats.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] DOUBLE FIRST Worthing Herald, 7th August 1953
Mrs A. H. Morris, of St. Ola, 15 Wallace-avenue, exhibited her four-month-old blue cream Persian kitten, Alphador Avril, in four classes at Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club's show at the week-end. It took two firsts, a reserve and a highly commended. It was first in the class for blue cream kittens from three to six months, and first in the class for any colour breeders' cats from two to nine months. Mrs Morris. who is well known for her blue cream Persians, is the wife of Mr A. H. Morris, manager of Barclays Bank, and former Rotary president.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] CAT SHOW IS TOO BIG FOR KENSINGTON Kensington Post, 7th August 1953
The Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club held its annual show at the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Friday. The club, which has gained steadily in importance every year, is now the premier club for cat lovers in the country. For many years it held its annual shows locally. Now Kensington is not big enough for it. A wide variety of types of cat were entertained for the show and judging took up most of the day. This year the Club reverted to its original purpose and only kittens and neuter cats were eligible this provided a bumper entry of 345 animals from all over the British Isles. Cats came from Scotland, the Isle of Man and Jersey.

One of the big novelties of the show - new this year - was Judges' Corner. Judges are not allowed to exhibit under Club rules. This time they had their own section, exhibited their own cats but the pens and not the occupiers were competing. Winner of the silver cup for the most original in this section was Miss Kit Wilson, of South End. W.8. the secretary of the Kensington Cat Club.

"But I refuse to take any credit at all," she told the Kensington Post, "it was all done for me by Miss Roma Ferguson" (sister of Miss Rachel Ferguson, well-known Kensington novelist and essayist). Miss Wilson's cage was occupied by Old Bill, her 15-yearold alley cat. Miss Ferguson had designed a pen as an alley, complete with dustbin.

Kensington entries were few, but several prizes were taken by members in the Royal Borough. Miss G. Hollybone of Earl's Court won the Household Pet's class with her 17-year-old cat Sam. Mrs. S. K. Sladen of West Kensington won a first and Mrs. Grant Allen, of South Kensington also won a first with her Siamese cats.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] KITTEN'S SHOW SUCCESSES Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 7th August 1953
Mrs. J. M. Burlton, who used live at Pear Tree Cottage, Keysoe, and now lives at Little Staughton Airfield, had several successes with her Siamese kitten, Ona Vendreo, at the Cat Show at Westminster on Friday. The kitten, which has been raised from stud, was sired by Dekho, and its mother was Ona Alfa. It won the first prizes, one second prize, one third prize, one reserve and special prize of a silver spoon. The kitten will be entered for Sandy Show.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT CLUB] STRAY GINGER PETE IS A WINNER Kensington News and West London Times, 7th August 1953
A ten-month-old stray cat walked off with third prize in the Household Pet Class at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club show at the Royal Horticultural Hall Westminster on Friday. He is "Ginger Peter the Pride of the Prairie" a handsome red tabby rescued some time ago by Mr Godfrey Clarke who owns a pet shop in Golborne Road North Kensington and entered for the show by his sister Miss Darlington Clarke. Ginger Peter also won a special prize for being the best household pet entered in Kensington. Another winner from Kensington though not for a cat was the Club's Secretary Miss Kit Wilson of South End W8. Being a judge Miss Wilson was not allowed to enter her cat in the competition but she won the silver cup for her cat's pen - an alley complete with dustbin. Inside the alley was her own cat Old Bill. President of the Club is Rachel Ferguson, well known Kensington author.

KITTENS WIN IN LONDON SHOW Lynn News & Advertiser, 18th August 1953
Beauchat Brunnescens Lynn and his sister Lynia proudly upheld mother's reputation at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club Show, in London, last week, when they were awarded three first and five third prizes. They are Choc Pointed Siamese kittens by Champion Pincop Yangte-Kiang and by Ch. Holmesdale Choc Soldier. Mother and kittens are owned by Mrs. Statham, Of Middleton

1953 BINGLEY SHOW

BINGLEY SHOW Bradford Observer, 7th August 1953
[. . .] Airedale Agricultural Show – the seventy-fifth [. . .] cats show an increase from 206 to 221.

[BINGLEY SHOW] CATS Yorkshire Evening Post, 12th August 1953
Long-haired, blue, male or female, adult: 1, Mrs Haggerty, Shipley; 2, Mrs. K. Carbert, York; 3, Mrs G. M. Budd, Knaresborough.
Long haired, blue, male or female, kitten under nine months: 1, Mrs M. A. Bolton; 2 and 3, Mrs. F. E. Taylor, Scarcroft.
Long-haired, A.O.C., male or female, adult: 1, Mrs. K. Carbert; 2, J. W. Proud, Drighlington; 3, Miss Rose Chapman, York.
Kitten, under nine months: 1, Mrs Haggerty; 2, J. W. Proud.
Siamese, male or female, adult: 1, Mrs. M. Tunnacliffe, Huddersfield; 2, Mrs. H. B. Priston, Barnsley; 3, Miss G. H. P. MacFarlabe, Keighley.

1953 SANDY SHOW

[SANDY SHOW] NEW CUP Biggleswade Chronicle, 26th June 1953
Mrs. Burlton offered to present a cup to be won outright by the novice exhibitor with the best cat in the show. The competitor must not have won a prize before. Mrs. Burlton's offer was accepted with many thanks.

[SANDY SHOW] NINE JUDGES FOR CATS Biggleswade Chronicle, 21st August 1953
Championship status has again been granted to the cat show, and for the first time since the war nine judges will be working in this section. There is an increase in cat and kitten entries this year, over 500 as compared with 405 last year, which is the largest number at Sandy for several years. The tent has been so arranged that the public can watch the judges at work. Other years the judging has taken so long and the public have not been allowed inside the tent until well after lunch.

[SANDY SHOW] CATS AND KITTENS Bedfordshire Times and Independent, 28th August 1953
There were only two local exhibitors in the cat and kitten section - Mrs J. Burlton of Wuthering Heights, Staughton Moor - the only woman committee member of the show - and Mrs. Edwina and Mr. Philip Truelove, of 51 Bushmead Avenue, Bedford.
Mrs. Burlton breeds Siamese cats, and her Siamese kitten, "Ona Vendredo," which recently won a number of awards at the Cat Show at Westminster, was exhibited and won one first, one second and one third prize, and was twice highly commended.
Mrs. E. Truelove took a first prize with her Siamese cat "Silky Boy Simon."
The Coronation Stakes was won by Mrs. M E. Crickmore (Lowestoft) with her three months' old blue longhair kitten, "Thiepval Precocious."
Messrs. Felix Catfood, Potton Road, Biggleswade, offered four special prizes for the best longhair and shorthair adults and longhair and shorthair kittens in the cat section.

[SANDY SHOW] CAYTHORPE CAT WINS CHAMPIONSHIP Grantham Journal, 4th September 1953
Bred and exhibited by Mrs. M. B. Meadows, of Stonewall Cottage, Caythorpe, a Siamese seal point cat of the Ramilley strain was judged first and champion at the Sandy championship cat show. The cat also gained two other first awards, two second prizes, and was very highly commended.

1953 GAYWOOD SHOW

CAT SHOW - LAST WAS PRE-1914 Lynn Advertiser, 25th August 1953
The first cat show to be held in Gaywood since before the first World War is being arranged by the Gaywood Fanciers Association. It will be held at Gaywood Conservative Hall on September 9. The show was the idea of Mr. A. H. Browne, the Association's secretary, and Mrs, C. R. P. Hewlett. They considered that there was not much scope for cat fanciers in the area, as the nearest regular cat show to Lynn is at Sandy, Bedfordshire. There are 23 classes, including three specifically for visiting fanciers. Mrs. Hewlett has presented two cups - for the best pedigree cat and for the best household pet - and Mr. Browne one - for the best exhibit entered by a Gaywood resident. Mrs. J. Statham, of Middleton, has given a cup for the best neuter exhibit.

CAT "SQUATTERS" AT GAYWOOD SHOW Lynn Advertiser, 11th September 1953
"Where's that prize?" says the gleam in the eyes of this Persian blue cat [note: Russian Blue] one of the prizewinners at a cat show organised by Gaywood Fanciers' Association and held at Gaywood Conservative Hall on Wednesday. Holding the cat is Mrs C R F Hewlett, the secretary, who helped to organise the show, the first to be held in Lynn since before the First World War.

There were some very superior cats at Garwood Conservative Hall, Lynn, on Wednesday. The majority of them had pedigrees, and some of them had a proud record of successes in cat shows. And these cats were looked over by the experienced eyes of cat breeders and lovers who visited the hall. But for the ordinary man and woman in the street, who, with small sons and daughters, had called in to look round the first cat show Lynn had had since before the First World War, one cage which was part of the show by chance had a bigger attraction. This held two demure slightly pathetic looking kittens, without pedigrees, and a notice pinned on to the cage said that they would be given in good homes. The secretary. Mrs. C. R. P. Hewlett, organising her first cat show, and exhibiting in it too, told the "Lynn News and Advertiser" that the kittens had been taken in early that morning.

"I don't know who did bring them," she said on Wednesday. "But they asked if we could find homes for them, and we are trying to do so." And yesterday Mrs Hewlett said that two schoolgirls had collected them.

There were shout 50 exhibits in the show which attracted exhibitors from West Norfolk and from as far afield as Ipswich, Lowestoft and Felixstowe. Winner of the cup for the best reserve cat in the show was Mrs. M. E. Crickmore, who comes from Lowestoft. Cup for the beat pedigree cat in the show went to Mrs. J. Statham, of Middleton, for her Siamese, Glebe Fairy.

Arranged by Gaywood Fanciers' Association, the show was the idea of Mr. A. H. Browne, who was show manager, and Mrs. Hewlett. They considered that there was not much for cat fanciers in the West Norfolk area, as the nearest regular cat show was held at Sandy, in Bedfordshire.

"This one has gone remarkably well," commented Mrs Hewlett, who breeds seal pointed Siamese, "I am very pleased with things."

Whether or not the show becomes an annual affair depends on the support given to it by the public. All the cats – including the two kittens which were enforced "squatters" – had to be examined by a veterinary surgeon before they were admitted to te hall. The Judges were Miss K. Yorke (Siamese), ad Mr R F Tomlinson (longhairs, shorthairs and non-pedigree cats). Results were:

Cup for best pedigree in show, Mrs. Statham, with Glebe Fairy.
Cup for best reserve cat, Mrs. Crickmore.
Cup for best household cat, Mrs. Bedford, with Fluffy.
Spoon for the best cat of opposite sex, Mrs. Griffin, with Joey.
Cup for the best neuter, Miss M German, with Prince Dunloe Pavlovitch.
Cup for the best owned by a resident, Mrs. Griffin, with Joey.
Best cat owned by someone under 16, Miss J. Bentley, with Gaywood Benji.
Spoon for best kitten, Mrs. Crickmore.

First prizewinners were:
Blue longhairs, Mrs. M. E. Crickmore. with Thiepval Enchantress; longhair neuter, Mr. B. Stalham, with Nelson; longhair kitten, Mrs. Crickmore with Thiepval Precocious; blue kitten, Mrs. Crickmore with Thiepyal Precocious.
Siamese male, Mrs. C. R F. Hewett, with Sabukia Simba; Siamese SP female, Mrs S. R. Williams, with Gaywood Singa; Siamese blue or chocolate, Mrs. Statham, with Glebe Fairy; Novice Siamese, Mrs. Williams, with Gaywood Singa.
Siamese neuter, Mrs. Barret, with Garwood Chancy; Siamese novice neuter, Mrs. Barrett, Garwood Chancy; shorthair neuter, Miss German, with Prince Dunloe Pavlovitch; novice neuter, Mrs. Griffin, with Joey; Siamese kitten, Mrs. Hewlett, with Garwood Saraphi; Siamese litter, Mrs. Miles.
Long-haired cat or kitten, Mrs. Crickmore, with Thievpal Precocious; Siamese visitors, Mrs. Colman, with Slades Cross Kalouk; neuters, visitors, Miss German. with Prince Dunloe Pavlovitch.
Household pets, longhair, Mrs. Bedford, with Fluffy; shorthair, Mrs. Griffin, Joey; kitten, Miss Twiddy, with Whisky; Gaywood residents cat, Mrs. Griffin, with Joey.

1953 HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CAT CLUB SHOW

[HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CAT CLUB SHOW] CATS WITH FAMILY TREES. RECORD ENTRY FOR ACTON SHOW West London Observer, 11th September 1953
More than 300 pedigree cats will be competing for awards at the Herts and Middlesex Cat Club's annual All-Breed Championship Cat Show at Acton Town Hall next Friday. The entry is the highest in the history of the club. Hertfordshire and Middlesex can claim the highest proportion of pedigree cats in the country. Breeds exhibited will include Siamese (still the most popular), Persians (blue, cream and chinchilla), Burmese, and the British Short Hair recently saved from extinction. Mrs. Gwen Duke, wife of faster-than-sound, record-breaking test pilot Squadron Leader Neville Duke, who is a keen member of the club, will present the cups at the show. She breeds Blue Persians and bids fair to become a record breaker in her own right.

Cat shows are increasing in popularity. In the last year there has been a 60 per cent increase in registrations of pedigree cats. The public are becoming more breed-conscious. Although the "alley cat" still represents 90 per cent of the feline population, the present trend indicates that, in a few years' time, it will be unfashionable to own a cat without a family tree.

[HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CAT CLUB SHOW] AMERICAN WINS AT ACTON CAT SHOW West London Observer, 25th September 1953
Big cats, small cats, long-haired or short-haired. Some looking happy, others not quite so amiable, but all looking very smart because Friday was their special day. It was the date of the Herts and Middlesex Cat Club's championship show, held for the second year running at Acton Town Hall. The show was open to all breeds, and a record entry of 270 animals was on view. They ranged from sad-eyed, smoky-haired Chinchillas to sleek, inquisitive-looking Siamese. Mrs. Neville Duke was there to present the prizes, which included a silver cup for the Best in Show.

Mrs. D. Cooke, of Oakwood Rd., Fortworth, in Texas, has always been fond of cats, and she was heartbroken when some time ago her pet died. Happily for Mrs. Cooke an English breeder offered a fine pedigree Manx in compensation for her loss. She was so happy that she got her friend in England, Mrs. Tooks, to enter him in the show. To complete the happy story, her cat won a championship in the Manx class. Now her new pet, complete with trophy, is to be shipped to its new home in Texas. Other local winner was Miss Lee-Meade, of Cavendish Avenue, Ealing. Her pet got a second prize in the Household Pets class.

AT ACTON TOWN HALL, HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW. Acton Gazette and West London Post, 25th September 1953
Long-haired cats, short-haired cats, black cats, white cats - in fact, the lot - filled Acton Town Hall with their purring and miaowing on Friday when the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Cat Club held their annual championship show. Anyone calling at the Town Hall during the day must have noticed the strong scent of disinfectant that pervaded the building. If you followed the scent you were greeted at the main hall on the first floor by the noise of more than 250 cats and the loving murmurs of breeders, fanciers and the visiting women and children.

Not for nothing are cats called the most graceful of all domestic animals. Here were the sleek, smooth lines of the Siamese; the long, lithe form of the sandy-coloured Abyssinian; the purity of the white Chinchillas and the ball-of-fluff attractiveness of blue and cream Persians. Russian blues were on show; ginger toms had a section and the new breed of tortoiseshell Siamese had a corner to themselves. But perhaps the section that brought forth the most "Ah's" was that devoted to litters of kittens. Five cages in all were filled with these youngsters, all sleeping without the slightest trace of nerves, or the smallest interest in the humans who came to stare and coo.

The judges spent more than six hours on the 160 classes comprising the show, making notes on the shape of a cat, the texture of its fur and the symmetry of its lines. Each judgment was checked and cross-checked before the prizes were awarded. Two Chinchillas and two Siamese captured the most coveted awards of the show - those for the best cat and the best long-haired or short-haired cat and kitten - while a more common silver tabby walked away with the Best Neuter prize. Mrs. Neville Duke, whose famous husband next day set up a new closed circuit air speed record of 709.2 m.p.h., presented the prizes. Prizewinners were:
Best in show: Mrs. M. Dallison's white Chinchilla, Dalmond Damarette, which also won the Best long-haired cat award.
Best long-haired kitten: Mrs. M. Turney's Chinchilla, Vonavia Flora.
Best short-haired cat and best Siamese cat: Mrs. K. Williams' Bluehayes Foxey.
Best short-haired kitten and best Siamese kitten: Mrs. E. Mathewson's Fernreig Zaru.
Best Neuter: Brigadier Rossiter's Bellever Silver Carnelian.

[HERTS AND MIDDX CAT CLUB] CATALOGUE OF CATS – ALL THE BEAUTIES OF TWO COUNTIES. HERTS AND MIDDLESEX CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Middlesex County Times, 3rd October 1953
Long-haired cats, short-haired cats, black cats, white cats - in fact, the lot - filled Acton Town Hall when Hertfordshire and Middlesex Cat Club held their annual championship show. Anyone calling at the Town Hall during the day must have noticed the strong scent of disinfectant that pervaded the building. If you followed the scent you were greeted at the main hall on the first floor by the noise of more than 250 cats and the loving murmurs of breeders, fanciers and the visiting women and children. Not for nothing are cats called the most graceful of all domestic animals. Here were the sleek, smooth lines of the Siamese; the long, lithe form of the sandy-coloured Abyssinian; the purity of the white Chinchillas and the ball-of-fluff attractiveness of blue and cream Persians. Russian blues were on show; ginger toms had a section and the new breed of tortoiseshell Siamese had a corner to themselves. Rut perhaps the section that brought forth the most "Ah's" was that devoted to litters of kittens. Five cages in all were filled with these youngsters, all sleeping without the slightest trace of nerves, or the smallest interest in the humans who came to stare and "coo."

The judges spent more than six hours on the 160 classes comprising the show. making notes on the shape of a cat, the texture of its fur and the symmetry of its lines. Each judgment was checked and cross-checked before the prizes were awarded. Two Chinchillas and two Siamese captured the most coveted awards of the show - those for the best cat and the best long-haired or short-haired cat and kitten - while a more common silver tabby walked away with the Best Neuter prize.

Mrs. Neville Duke, whose famous husband next day set up a new closed circuit air speed record of 709.2 m.p.h., presented the prizes. Prizewinners were:-
Best in show: Mrs. M. Dallison's white Chinchilla, Dalmond Damarette, which also won the Best long-haired cat award.
Best long-haired kitten: Mrs. M. Turney's Chinchilla, Vonavia Flora.
Best shorthaired cat and best Siamese cat: Mrs. K. Williams' Bluehayes Foxey.
Best short-haired kitten and best Siamese kitten: Mrs. E. Mathewson's Fernreig Zaru.
Best Neuter: Brigadier Rossiter's Bellever Silver Carnelian.

1953 SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW

[SIAMESE CAT SHOW] YOUR FISH SIR – ON TIME Coventry Evening Telegraph, 29th September 1953
First came the early morning tea clock – now comes the cat's meal clock. Designed for career girl cat owners, it will be on show at the Siamese Cat Club championships which opened at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, on Thursday. The clock is set in the morning, then at feed time – out pops the meal.

[SIAMESE CAT SHOW] IN SEARCH OF CATS Birmingham Daily Gazette, 2nd October 1953
Mrs Lucas Combs, of Kentucky, has flown the Atlantic to buy a Siamese cat and a poodle dog. I met this elderly grey-haired American at the Siamese Cat Show in Westminster today where she is acting as steward. She is staying for the Coronation Cat Show next week. At her home on a Kentucky farm, Mrs. Combs breed s racehorses. Also installed are 20 Siamese cats and five poodles. Their owner thinks no more of embarking on an aeroplane trip to buy other cats and dogs than we should of a shopping trip by car or bus.

[SIAMESE CAT SHOW] SIAMESE COST LESS Liverpool Echo, 2nd October 1953
There is consternation in the Siamese cat world. These blue-eyed aristocrats are so popular as pets and for exporting to America that too many inferior varieties are being bred. At the Siamese Cat Club Show in London it was stated that prices are dropping. You could buy a male kitten for about seven guineas or a female for about five guineas. But a Siamese with a perfect pedigree may command around 40 guineas from an enthusiastic American cat-lover. There were only three varieties among the 260 cats and kittens shown, seal-pointed. blue-pointed and chocolate-pointed. Soon there will be a new variety (not formally recognised until the third generation). It is a red-pointed Siamese. cross-bred from a ginger cat and a Siamese.

[SIAMESE CAT SHOW] BINGLEY CAT MAKES GOOD Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 2nd October 1953
Brenda Mitchell, a 17-vear-old Bingley girl, was convinced that her Siamese cat Tickie "was a pretty good puss," but she was not sure how good. So she decided to enter it (and Its litter of three kittens) In the Siamese Cat Club Show at London yesterday. This meant that Brenda had to leave her home at King's Road, Crossflatts, on Wednesday evening and travel overnight to London - the cat and kittens romping over her sleeper berth. Once at the show, Brenda fed and groomed the cat (the official name of which is Ayredale Erica) and kittens and while waiting for the results wandered round looking at the other Siamese cats and kittens the show. "Some of them looked wonderful to me." she said.

Then the results started trickling in. Brenda found her cat - the first Siamese one she has owned - was getting prizes. Five first places, one third and a challenge certificate were awarded her cat. Then came the biggest surprise of all. Her Tickie was awarded the title "Best female in the Show," and later secured the prized position "Best cat In the Show."

"I never dreamt of this," Brenda told a London colleague of mine, "although I always thought she was very good cat." Brenda said she bought the cat, which is now 16 months old, for four guineas, a low price for a first-class Siamese cat. It was bred Mrs. Mary Glaister, of Bingley.

[SIAMESE CAT SHOW] SIAMESE CATS Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 2nd October 1953
Practically all the breeders of Siamese cats so proudly showing their blue-eyed pets in London today claim the title "professional amateurs." For they insist that it impossible to make Siamese cat breeding a profit-making venture. One keeps and breeds Siamese cats for the love of it and hopes (at the best) to level up the proceeds from the sale of kittens with the cost of food. The breeders found it difficult to agree on the exact cost per week of a cat in 1953. It depends on whether a particular cat has expensive tastes. But the average figure for a single cat per week was settled at 10s. for a diet of fish, horseflesh and rabbit. It is with litters (usually twice a year) that the cat lover-owner hopes to see back a little of that weekly outlay. The price a Siamese kitten can fetch when eight weeks old, depending on its quality and parentage, varies from four to 15 guineas. "But taking the average figure at 6 guineas." said a woman who owns 18, " that roughly what It costs rear."

Sir Compton Mackenzie, the author, is president of the Siamese Cat Club - a fact, he said jokingly, that had been recognised by the Siamese cats he had met in the Far East. "As a matter of protocol they come up to me and say 'How do you do?'" he said. But although is president, Sir Compton had to admit at the Club's Championship Show today that he has not kept a Siamese cat for two years. He explained that he liked them to roam about freely without danger, and conditions had not been suitable. "But I Intend to move to Edinburgh at the end of this month," he said, "and there I may be able to keep my Siamese cats again."

[SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW] West Sussex Gazette, 8th October 1953
A year ago when entered as a kitten In the annual show of the Siamese Cat Club at the Royal Horticultural Hall. London. a blue point Siamese cat, Greenhill Pepita, bred by Mrs. C. M. Peskett, of 26, Lansdowne-rd, Wick, was televised. At this year's show Pepita, now 18 months old, was awarded one first, three second and one third prizes. She also gained a special award for elegance.

1953 CORONATION CAT SHOW

CORONATION CAT Birmingham Daily Post, 24th January 1953
From Miss Kathleen Yorke, chairman of the governing body of the Cat Fancy, which appears to be the feline counterpart of the Kennel Club, I hear that Britain's biggest ever cat show is about to be organised. It will take place in the autumn at the Royal Horticultural Hall, when cat fanciers from the United States and the Continent will help to assess an entry that may amount to as many as 2,000 cats and kittens. The supreme champion may be given the title of "Coronation Cat." This will be essentially a show for well-bred cats. As Miss Yorke put it to-day, they will all have pedigrees as long as their tails – except the Manx cats, whose pedigrees will be longer.

A CORONATION CAT Liverpool Echo, 29th January 1953
At the biggest cat how ever held in London, to take place this autumn, the best animal will be given the title of Coronation Cat. Surely with the prize there ought to go an official opportunity to take a look at the Queen? (Daily Post, London Letter) [A play on the saying "A cat may look at a king."]

[CORONATION CAT SHOW] TWO CHAMPIONS WILL TAKE PART IN BRITAIN'S SUPREME CAT SHOW Birmingham Daily Gazette, 8th October 1953
Two distinguished Siamese cats travel from the Midlands to London today to compete for the title of Britain's Supreme Cat. In their two years Pincop Simon, a seal-pointed Siamese, and Pincop Azure Zeldena, blue-pointed, have both collected enough prize-winning certificates to rate as champions. Their owner. Mrs. O. M. Lamb, of Grange Hill, Halesowen, has entered them in tomorrow's Coronation Championship Cat Show. For the first time a champion of champions will be chosen as the country's best cat. Rivals for the title will include Whiskers, who once earned a living as a taster to a food firm, and 26 cats which a kindly lady has rescued from the Mau Mau.

Our candidates come from a very nice home. At present they share it with 12 other adult Siamese, including two more champions, and 16 kittens. Mrs. Lamb is honorary secretary of the Midland Counties' Cat Club. Her adult cats live in five special wooden houses out in the garden. When the sun shines there are two acres of grass playpen in which to romp; if it rains, they can sit on ledges in the houses and stare out of the windows. The floors of these luxurious feline abodes are lino-covered, and there are basket chairs with cushions. And if it gets very cold in the winter there are even hot water bottles.

[CORONATION CAT SHOW] BRAMCOTE CAT BREEDER'S SUCCESS Nottingham Evening Post, 10th October 1953
A local cat breeder and international judge Mrs Brice-Webb of 249 Chilwell-lane, Bramcote, Nottingham, won the award for the best blue cream Persian kitten in the Coronation Championship Cat show held in London yesterday. Exhibited for the first time, the five months' old kitten Mayblossom Pensford, took the first prize in the open class and three special awards.

[GRAND CORONATION CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW] PURRS AND HISSES FILL THE HALL News Chronicle, 10th October 1953
The first cat equivalent to Crufts' world famous dog -show drew 463 purring or hissing felines yesterday to the Royal Horticultural Hall, S.W. 1. The cats were competing in a Grand Coronation Championship show – first show held by the 50-year-old Cat Fancy, opposite number to the Kennel Club. And 23 men and women (mostly women) who are the cat's whiskers when it comes to judging had a strenuous time sorting out the best. But smooth o long-haired, dark or fair, fierce or complacent, cats from the rooftops or cats accustomed to the toy mouse on the silken cushion, their catty nature came out from the rows of cages, even to the meandering layman.

There was the rare cat: Red Robin is the rather morose looking result of cross-breeding between Siamese seal-point, red tabby and tortoiseshell. He has Siamese face and coat, but ears, eyebrows and tail are tinged with apricot. Breeder Mrs. K. M. Dunks, of Acton, must wait for another "true" generation - in about four years – before she can claim the red-point as a new cat species – first since the Burmese, still the most valuable of show cats.

Temperamental cat: Fanifold Kitticat, a massive bundle of Persian fur and spite, declined to be lifted on to the judging table. He showed claws and teeth with such effect that a card was pinned above him: "Regret this cat cannot be handled."

Cat-with-a-history: snow-white eight-month-old Magic is deaf. He was born near Nairobi after a liaison between his pedigree mother Sunset (also in the show) and "a wild white monster of a cat." Song-writer Joan Beech and musician Nan Coton took Sunset, and and another cat with them to Kenya 16 months ago. They returned six months ago with 29 cats - including four "rescued" as strays from the Mau-Mau ceremonies. Magic is not stone-deaf. He can hear the vibrations of Miss Coton's electric Unifox" - and likes to walk over its weird keyboard.

Common cat: Old Bill was rescued during the blitz. He was a walking skeleton and the Kensington Heavy Rescue Squad tried to put him to sleep. But he survived the gas-chamber as he had done the V.2's. Yesterday, with an indestructible and still belligerent gleam in his eyes he glared through the bars of his temporary cage at the mollycoddled cats around him. Call themselves cats!

[CORONATION CAT SHOW] THE CAT'S WHISKERS Dundee Courier, 19th October 1953
Foreign buyers with an eye for the feline form were busy at the recent Coronation Cat Show. For £20 upwards they snapped up 15 to 20 animals to found new cat dynasties in France, Holland, Switzerland, and Sweden. And in the next few days the thoroughbreds will travel to their kingdoms and queendoms as befits them - by air. It is heartening that Britain can boast of another export. But some of the cream is skimmed off the achievement when one learns that most of the kittens going abroad are Siamese or Blue Persians. Such names will obscure their British pedigree unless a pussy stud book is hung round their necks. Many will feel the native cats heard in the night in the backyard could well be exported, too. It might reduce the miaow-miaow terrorism.

1953 SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB SHOW

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] CAT CLUB TO HOLD SHOW Portsmouth Evening News, 3rd October 1953
Southsea Cat Club's third championship show takes place at the South Parade Pier on October 21. It is the first at Southsea since 1938. It is the only show south of a line from Bristol to London allowed this year by the Governing Council. Only 12 shows are held in England. The show manager, Mrs. R. Cook-Radmore, daughter of Alderman H. G. Cook, is now an international judge. She will officiate at the Coronation Show, London, on October 9, and the Croydon show on November 11.

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] PLACE FOR PLEBEIAN TIDDLES, ARISTOCRATS, TOO Portsmouth Evening News, 21st October 1953
Two hundred refined-looking cats and kittens meowed, purred, and in some cases slept in their cages at the South Parade Pier, to-day, where the Southsea Cat Club held their third championship show - the first post-war show. The cats, of all shapes and sizes and breeds, ware entered and, in addition to the pedigree breeds, there were several classes for the ordinary household animals, many of whom were named Tiddles, Tabby or Tibby. Altogether there were between 500 and 600 entries, and exhibitors travelled from all over the country. Many came from Cornwall and one from Scotland. The Scottish entry was a Manx cat (Yancam Gleeba), a champion female, which was entered for the Manx class and for several of the side classes.

A local champion (Albany Zettweg) belonging to Mrs. A. R. Cook-Radmore, the Show Secretary, was an entry in the golden-eyed while class. Two years ago. a new breed was introduced to the country from Burma. This Burmese cat is similar to the Siamese, but it is completely brown. Most popular breed now being raised by show enthusiasts is the Siamese, which has increased in popularity since the war. These cats first came into the country in 1928. The popularity of this breed is thought by some officials to have been caused the fact that this type is always seen in company with the film actor James Mason.

The last show, organized the Southsea Cat Club was in 1938, and many of the exhibitors then are back again this year, although there are a considerable number of novices. Judging started at 10.30 a.m. to-day, and continued throughout the day. There are many valuable prizes and trophies, including some from other cat clubs in the country. , The show was opened this afternoon the Lord and Lady Mayoress (Councillor and Mrs. - Frank Miles).

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] SOUTHSEA SHOW OF FELINES. HOUSEHOLD CATS WERE NOT OVERAWED Portsmouth Evening News, 22nd October 1953, Hampshire Telegraph, 23rd October 1953
Tucked away in pens at the side of the minor hall at the South Parade Pier yesterday, away from the haughty eyes of the aristocrats in their centre stalls, were the common-or-garden household cats. They awaited their turn to be judged at the third Championship Show organized by Southsea Cat Club. And most these cats did not seem to care whether they had a pedigree or not - they remained calm and looked around with complete indifference. They did not have such grand names as their counterparts in the Siamese, Chinchilla, or blue cream classes, but they were quite happy to be known by such affectionate labels as "Smut," or Timothy" or just plain "Ginge." As for Blackie, a black neuter - well, he did not mind how many titles the pedigrees had in their family tree. For he was happy in the thought that judges had accorded him the honour of being the best household cat in the show and worthy of the first prize, too. And his owner, Miss Betty Jordan, of 10, Taswell Road, Southsea, a member of Portsmouth Players, was quite content with her pet's success. Blackie has won two other prizes at previous shows.

On the other side of the fence was Mrs. Duncan Hindley's "Silken Yacaranda" a beautiful seal-pointed Siamese female which was adjudged best in the show. Mrs. Hlndley, a well known cat breeder, comes from Chiddingfold, Surrey. The meowing and purring of the 200 cats and kittens in the show was stilled for few minutes, shortly after lunch, when the Lord Mayor (Councillor Frank Miles) opened the show. He and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Miles, then toured the lines of cages accompanied by Mrs. R. Cook-Radmore, the Show Secretary, who herself won several awards with her entries, gaining several championships.

Paying a return visit to Southsea, where she has exhibited many times, was the noted judge of cats, Mrs. Joan Thompson, of London. She exhibited a blue Persian which was awarded a championship - its first. Another blue Persian belonging to Major Dugdale, of London also became a champion - both these cats were of the same mother. Mrs. Thompson has just returned from a 30,000 mile tour of Australia and New Zealand where she has been judging shows. She has judged shows in many European countries. The Lord Mayor presented a special gift to Mr. G. Allt for his efforts in getting £17 in prize money for the show.

WINNERS OF ROSETTES
Best cat show, and best shorthair, Mrs. Duncan Hindlcy (Chiddingfold), Silken Yacaranda.
Best longhair, Mr. Allt (Crowborough) Starkey Nugget.
Best blue-eyed white, Mrs. A. R. Cook-Radmore (Cowplain) Albany Adorable Poppet.
Best kitten, and longhaired kitten, Mrs. P, Udull (Wlmborne Minster) Bayhorne Decima.
Best shorthair kitten, Mrs. Udall, Bluecroft Benjamin.
Best neuter, Mrs. Marshall (Eastleigh) Ashdown Twinkletoes.

Winners of the first prizes were:
LONG HAIRED
Mrs. A. R Cooke-Radmore (Cowplain): Albany Adorable Poppet (white); Albany Zeltwegs Minor (golden eyed white) (four first prizes); Albany Flash Tigerboy (brown tabby) (3); Dainton Adam (cream); Albany Pashers.
Mr G. Allt (Crowborough): Starkey Nuggett (cream( (2); Danehurst Black Prince (black kitten) (3); DanehurstNicolette (cream).
Mrs. Ruffell (Oxford): Wonderland Mirabel (blue cream).
Mrs. Herbert (Bournemouth): Muffin of Pineland (cream kitten) (3); Terry ot Pineland (cream kitten).
Mrs. G. de Udy (Christhurst Abbey): Bruton Snowflake (golden eyed white); Sablesilk Melinda (Burmese kitten).
Mrs. P. Chapman (Whitton): Bridgeway Miranda (Chinchilla).
Mrs. E. Hacking (Liphook): Redwalls Fleur (Chinchilla kitten( (5).
Mrs. E. Aitken (Banstead): Ch. Bourneside Black Diamond (black) (2).
Mrs. M. Calder (Guildford): Slapton Susan (black) (2).
Miss D Collins (Warfield): Kala Moonmlst (smoke).
Miss E. Langston (Maidenhead): Laurel of Allington (Chinchilla) (3).
Mrs. Beedell: Magyar Nusi (tortoiseshell kitten); Magyar Yanos (blue).
Mr. L. Owen Jones (Guildford): Sheepfold Painted Lady (tort. and white); Sheepfold Pansyface (tort. and white kitten).
Mrs. Chappell: Gaythorne Gaisy May (blue kitten).
Miss Walker: Bayhorne Karen (blue kitten).
Mr Dugdale (London, SW 5): Foxburrow Frivolous (blue) (4); Foxburrow Faery (blue) (3); Harpur Play Boy (neuter) (2).
Mrs. P. Udall (Wimborne Minster) Bayhorn Deeima (blue kitten) (2); Ch Hathaway Heyday (blue cream).
Miss E. Jury (Catford): Purring Hazel (brown tabby).
Mrs. Marshall (Eastleigh): Ashdown Twinkletoes (2).
Mrs. E. Broxton and Miss R. Robinson (Cirencester): Merely Simbo (Chinchilla).
Mrs. Cyril Tomlinson (Wlllington), Ch Pekeholm Paprika (red tabby; (2); Ch. Pekeholm Pomona (tortoiseshell) (3).
Mrs. N. Rosell (Shortlands): Bruton Rowanberry.
Miss G Camfield (Worthing): Beresford Queen Balkis (black).
Mrs. Morris (Worthing): cream long haired litter.

BRITISH SHORT HAIRS (EXCEPT SIAMESE)
Mrs. W. G. Higson (Bournemouth): Ch. Scamperdale Blue Boy (blue and self).
Mrs. A. Palgrave (Worthing): Clinton Blue Velvet (self kitten) (2).
Miss J. Gilkson (London. S.W.3): Culverden Cherry (silver tabby) (2).
Mrs. Pendergast: Red Walls Prejudice (tort. and white).
Mrs. A. F. Hamilton (Saltcoats): Ch. Yancam Greeba (Manx) (4).
Mrs. Monro-Smith (Reading): Elmtower Bronze Idol; Elmtower Brown Study.
Miss J. Flatman (Christchurch), Pathfinders Apple Blossom (2).
Misses E. and C. Chatterton (Southwick, Sussex) Littlewichers Periwinkle (3).
Miss F.A. Bone (Billericay): Albyn Jera (Abyssinian).
Mrs. C. Baines lElham): Ka Ptah (Abyssinian kitten) (2).
Miss E King (Bognor Regis): Blue Hayes Chingaling (Burmese).
Mrs. R. D. Macaulay (Chippenham) Chinki Amoer (Burmese kitten).
Miss M. Rochford (Hampstead), Ch. Dunloe Domokvitch (Russian blue).
Mrs. M. Shrouder (Hurn): Amer Ibn Morag (foreign neuter) (2).

SIAMESE
Miss D. J. Wells (Slinfold) Sayam Zar Prak (chocolate point Siamese).
Mrs. M. Foxwell (Corsham): Selbourne Pantherina (seal pointed) (4); Selbourne Coppershell; Selbourne Royalet.
Mrs. Duncan Hindley (Chiddingfold): Silken Yacaranda (seal pointed) (4i: Prestwick Blue Crackers; Velvet Mask Down.
Mrs. Stephenson (Guildford): Scarlett Pippikin (2).
Mrs. Udall: Bluecroft Benjamin (seal pointed kitten).
Major and Mrs. Rendall (Ringwood): Misselfore Syrinx Print (blue pointed; Misselfore Bryna (blue point kitten) (2).
Mrs. Cook-Radmore: Albany Princess Tuha (blue pointed).
Mrs. D. W. Clarke (Reading): Chocolate Dragee (chocolate point); Craigehilloch Chofergo (chocolate point kitten) (2); Craigiehilloch Josuil (blue point kitten).
Mrs. Kemp (Chichester): Princess Osaki.
Miss D. Sladen (Basingstoke): Nautic Anthony (foreign neuter).
Mrs. Stubbs (Cadham): Long Beech Rama and Long Beech Jason (seal pointed).
Mrs. P M. Lambert (Bath): Selbourne Grisette (seal pointed).

HOUSEHOLD PETS.
1, Mrs. Jordon, Blackie; 2, Mrs A. Fisher, Marvel; 3, Mrs. Davey, Timothy.

Mrs J. Brunner, of Southsea,. secured a third prize with her Siamese litter, and Mrs. Ivey of Milton also obtained a third prize with a neuter cat, Blue Devil. Another third prize winner was Miss H. Ellis, of Waterlooville with a pair of kittens. Mrs J. Cooper, of Sea View, was second with a litter of two Siamese and also second with blue pointed Siamese Albany Blue Argente. Mrs A. V. Smith of Meonstoke, obtained two second prizes with her blue pointed Siamese Sinbad. In addition to the winner of the prizes in the various classes there were more than 100 special awards comprising trophies, medals, spoons, and money prizes.

[SOUTHSEA CAT SHOW] THE CAT AND I Portsmouth Evening News, 23rd October 1953
Any reference to a Lord Mayor and cats would immediately conjure up visions of Dick Whittington and his companion of pantomime fame. Portsmouth's Lord Mayor (Councillor Frank Miles) remarked on this when he opened Southsea Cat Club show at the South Parade Pier. He said that it was generally known that Lord Mayors are cat lovers, and thinking of the Whittington story he added "After to-day, I shall be known as 'Frank Miles and his Cats.' "

[SOUTHSEA CAT SHOW] HANDSOME SIAMESE CAT Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, 24th October 1953
Mrs. M. Foxwell, of "Selborne," Gastard, achieved further notable successes at Wednesday's Southsea Cat Club championship show with her Siamese "Selborne Pantherina," which was placed first in: Siamese Seal Point Male, short-hair cat (including Siamese), any variety Siamese breeders, and Siamese Cat Club any variety adult. He also gained second for any variety Siamese Limit, any variety Siamese novice, and any variety junior.

[SOUTHSEA CAT CLUB] BRED CLASS WINNER Portsmouth Evening News, 30th October 1953
The seal pointed Siamese kitten Princess Osaki which look first prize in the 6-9 month class at Southsea Cat Show was bred by Miss Laura Beal, 7, Anglesey Road, Alverstoke. Princess Osaki is owned by Mrs. Kemp, of Chichester.

1953 EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND SHOW

[EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND SHOW] CHANG THE CHAMP Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, 24th October 1953
At the first time of asking, this Siamese kitten brought home enough prizes from one of Scotland's premier cat shows to fill a sideboard. Chang, bred by Mrs E. G. Cairns, 4 Blair Road, Coatbridge, was shown at Edinburgh and East of Scotland Cat Show on Saturday last by Mrs Catherine Bruce, 37 Strain Crescent, Airdrie to whom she was given as a present. Only six months old, Chang was awarded the silver cup for the best Siamese in the show, and a silver salver for the best short-haired kitten in the show. Also awarded were the Bob Martin and the Walters-McCrae prizes for the best Siamese. Two other firsts and one third were won and the kitten was reserve best cat of the show. This was Mrs Bruce's first venture in showing, but next week will have Chang competing at the Glasgow Show.

1953 SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW

[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB] Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, 24th October 1953
As will be seen from our advertising columns the Scottish Cat Club are holding their annual show on 28th November, at Paisley Town Hall. There are special classes for household, office, and factory pets, as well as for the pedigree cat.

1953 MIDLANDS COUNTIES CAT SHOW

[MIDLANDS COUNTIES CAT SHOW] Evening Despatch, 24th October 1953
Some of the aristocrats of the cat world came Birmingham today wrapped in warm blankets to keep out the October cold. There were 165 cats altogether - some of them champions - competing in the Midland Counties Cat Club championship show in the Friends' Institute Moseley Road. There were Siamese, Burmese, Chinchillas, silver tabbies, Persians and red tabbies They had names like Pedmore Sweet William, Foxborrow Faery, Gaydene Cherub and Sarisbury Saccharissa - all very aloof, and all quite obviously show cats. Pictured above is 14-year-old show steward Miss Penelope Herod of Muckley Corner, Lichfield, with an armful of Siamese kittens. Right: Mrs O M Lamb, Halesowen, show manager, with Redwalls Fleur, a young Chinchilla.

[MIDLANDS COUNTIES CAT SHOW] CAT SHOW SUCCESSES Nottingham Evening Post, 26th October 1953
Mrs Brice-Webb of Chilwell again took principal prizes with her five-month-old kitten at the Midlands Contest [sic] Cat Show at Manchester last Saturday The kitten Mayblossom of Pensford was awarded the Best Blue Cream prize in the show as well as two firsts, a third, a reserve and two specials. Another Notts winner was Mrs M Bastow of West Bridgford. Her blue-black 15-month-old cat called Upland Blue Jasmine two firsts as well as the Champion Blue-Black Female, two reserves, two specials and a third.

[MIDLANDS COUNTIES CAT SHOW] PERSIAN WINS AGAIN. CARREG CRACKER FINDS HIS ROSE-BOWL EMPTY Birmingham Daily Gazette, 26th October 1953
A fluffy white cat with orange-coloured eyes sat in his show cage on Saturday and yawned - he had won yet another first prize for his Lichfield owner. He took no notice of the crowds in the Friends' Institute, Birmingham, who milled round him admiring his clean appearance. He ignored his silver rosebowl - after finding that there was nothing in it to eat. Carreg Cracker is one of Britain's champion cats. In four years of luxurious living he has won more than 100 first prices, and the eight times he has been entered for the best cat in the show he has always come out champion. His owner, Mrs. Doris Herod, of Clevelands, Muckley Corner, Lichfield, took him to the all-England Coronation cat show in London recently - Carreg the Persian was the best in the show. On Saturday he was one of 170 cats entered in the Midland Counties Cat Club championship show, and he came first in the long-hair adult class. His daughter, a long-hair kitten, took several seconds and thirds in her classes.

Witherford Solomon, a neutered Siamese, was also top of his class, but he was meeting white-coated judges for the first time. When he was awarded first prize as the best short-hair adult no one was more surprised than his owner, a well-known boxer dog breeder, Mrs. Patricia Withers, of Rose Cottage, Upper Bentley, near Redditch. "We just put him in the car and brought him along," she said. "He has never been shown before and had not been groomed for it. He is happier out hunting in the fields."

MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS. ‘MOST SUCCESSFUL SHOW' Birmingham Daily Post, 26th October 1953
The annual championship show of the Midland Counties Cat Club, held on Saturday at the Friends' Institute, Moseley Road, Birmingham, attracted 178 entries from all parts of the country. Officials of the club, which celebrated its golden jubilee last year, believe that the show was the most successful it has ever held. The youngest exhibitor was 13-year-old R.B. Parker who won a first prize with his shorthaired cat Noxa Charley White. Mrs D. Herod, of Lichfield, and Mrs O.M. Lamb, club secretary, of Halesowen, were highly successful with their exhibits. More than 900 people visited the show, at which the cats ranged from Abyssinians and Burmese to Siamese and brown tabbies. Results were:

Best long-haired adult, Mrs D Herod.
Best short-haired adult, Mrs O. M. Lamb.
Best long-haired kitten, Mrs P. Udall, Wimborne Minster, Dorset.
Best short-haired kitten, Mrs G M Rudd.
Best long-haired neuter, Mrs J Edwards, Birmingham.
Best short-haired neuter, Mrs Withers, Redditch.
Best long-haired in show, Mrs Herod.
Best short-haired in show, Mrs Lamb.

First prize-winners were:
Long-haired adults: Mrs K Carbet (York), Mrs Herod, Mr G C Dugdale (London), Mrs M E Bastow (Nottingham), Mr and Mrs Gurney (Sutton Coldfield), Mrs M E Crickmore (Lowestoft), Mrs G M Budd (Knaresborough), Mrs McVady (Edgware).
Long-haired kittens: Mrs Herod, Mrs Crickmore, Mrs P Udall, Mrs V Marchant (Birmingham), Mrs L M Francis (Derbyshire), Mrs E M Hacking (Liphook, Hants), Mrs D Brice-Webb (Bramcote, Notts)
Short-haired adults: Mrs Budd, Master R G Parker, Miss G L Hardman (Harrogate), Mrs B Farquar (Coventry), Miss B Bracey (Bristol), Mrs F Hamilton (Ayrshire), Mrs C J Roberts (Walsall), Mrs L France (Derby).
Short-haired kittens: Mrs Farquhar, Mrs B Atwell (Sheffield), Mrs Budd.
Siamese adults: Mrs Lamb, Mrs Atwell, Mrs E Matthewson (Birmingham), Mrs P M Withers.
Siamese kittens: Mrs J A Morley (Fulston Louth, Lincs), Mrs H B Priston (Barnsley), Mrs H Lowe (Stockport), Mrs C F Watson (Matlock), Mrs Matthewson, Dr and Mrs W A Groom (Kidderminster), Miss H Dible (Castle Donnington), Mrs Lamb, Mrs L Parker (Leicester), Mrs Atwell, Miss Purtell (Warwick), Mrs A Portnoy (Hale, Cheshire), Mrs M E Turner (Hungerton).
Neuters: Mrs Edwards, Brig. F H C Rossiter (Shrivenham), Mrs Withers.
Coronation classes: Mrs Herod, Mrs Lamb, Mrs Crickmore, Mrs Priston, Mrs Edwards, Mrs I Lapper (Loughborough), Mrs Udall, Mrs D G Dafforn (Birmingham).
Midland Counties Cat Club: Miss B V Bracey, Dr and Mrs Groom, Mrs l Baker (Netherton), Mrs Herod, Mrs Lapper, Mrs Crickmore.
National Cat Club: Mrs D Herod, Mrs Crickmore, Mrs G L Hardman (Harrogate), Mrs K R Williams (Sutton, Surrey).
Blue-pointed Siamese Cat Club: Mrs Matthewson, Brig. Rossiter.
Siamese Cat Club: Mrs Lamb, Dr and Mrs Groom, Brig. Rossiter.
Red, Cream, Tortie, Blue Cream and Brown Tabby Society: Mrs Brice Webb.
Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club: Mrs Crickmore, Mrs Lowe, Mrs J Edwards, Brig. Rossiter.
Croydon Cat Club: Mrs Crickmore, Dr and Mrs Groom.
Southern Counties Cat Club: Mr Dugdale, Mrs Crickmore, Mrs Lamb, Mrs Matthewson, Brig. Rossiter.
Herts and Middlesex Cat Club: Mrs Crickmore, Mrs Lamb.
Notts and Derby Cat Club: Mrs Herod, Mrs Lamb, Mrs Udall.
Siamese Cat Society of the British Empire: Mrs Lamb, Miss M E Smith (Leicester), Brig. Rossiter.
South Western Counties Cat Club: Mrs Crickmore, Mrs Udall, Mrs Lamb, Mrs J M Haughton (Rednal).
Yorkshire County Cat Club: Mrs Carbert, Mrs Portnoy.
Lancashire and N.W. Counties Cat Club: Mrs Udall, Mrs Lamb.

[MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB] MORE HONOURS FOR CARREG CRACKER. BEST OF MIDLAND CHAMPIONS. Lichfield Mercury, 30th October 1953
Carreg Cracker, the orange-eyed white Persian cat owned by Mrs. D. Herod, of Muckley Corner, Lichfield, was judged the best long-haired in the show at the annual championship show of the Midland Counties Cat Club held in Birmingham on Saturday which attracted 178 entries from all parts of the country. Carreg Cracker is one of Britain's champion cats. In four years of luxurious living she has won more than 100 prizes, and the eight times she has been entered for the best cat in the show she has always come out champion. On Saturday Mrs. Herod also carried off first prize awards in the following classes: Long-haired adults, Coronation classes, Midland Counties Cat Club, National Cat Club, Notts and Derby Cat Club and long-haired kittens.

1953 CROYDON CAT CLUB SHOW

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] LONDON CAT SHOW various, 11th November 1953
Cats ranging from the common tabby to the rare Abyssinian were before the judges at the Croydon Cat Club Championship Show in London to-day. There were 1,500 entries in the 187 classes. In addition to class prizes, challenge trophies are being awarded to the best animal of each type.

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] ‘MAU MAU' CAT ON SHOW Evening Despatch, 11th November 1953
A cat rescued from Mau Mau terrorists in Kenya is being exhibited at the Croydon Cat Club's championship show in London today by the Stratford-upon-Avon woman who saved its life. The Good Samaritan songwriter Miss Joan Beech, whose home is at Old Town Croft, brought 27 cats with her when she flew home to Britain recently with her friend Miss Nan Coton. The cat - 12-month-old Beechcote Tabitha Mau - a mackerel tabby Kenya cat was found by Miss Beech near the native quarter in Nairobi where suspected Mau Mau were living.

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] TROUBLE AT THE CAT SHOW Daily Herald, 12th November 1953
When trouble flared up at a London cat show yesterday I was picked out – on the strength of recent experience in Korea and British Guiana – as just the man for the job. Six London pets, addressed by their mistresses in such term as "booful dinky petsums," were trying to terrorise the judges, stewards and stewardesses of the Croydon Cat Club's show at the Royal Horticultural Hall. Most cuddly of all seemed to be Hendon Orlando, a huge ginger neuter whose eyes oozed trustfulness (just look at him up there). Judge Mrs. Mackenzie was saying: "That cat must not be taken out for judging. I will not have stewards and stewardesses mauled."

A few pens away, exhibitor Mrs. Walter all but wept over the angelic figure of Simon Briggens (on the right). He was also too dangerous to remove for judging. The time had come for a journalist who hade been affectionately greeted by a captive jaguar in British Guiana last week to show his worth. I put a hand in Hendon Orlando's cage. A paw flashed. A photographer said: "Stroke Simon." I did, with a folded paper. Jaguars for me in future!

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] COVENTRY CAT'S SHOW SUCCESS Coventry Evening Telegraph, 12th November 1953
At the Croydon Cat Club championship show in London yesterday, Mrs. B. Farquhar, of Brookside Avenue, Coventry, with Bourneside Inky Bit, won first prize in the any variety shorthaired cat (male or female) class, and first prize in the black male or female short-haired class.

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] KITTEN WINS PRIZES Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, 20th November 1953
Owned by Mrs. Blanche Barron. of 54, Sweetcroft-lane, Hillingdon, "Apollo of Pensford," a cream long-hair kitten, was awarded first prize in the open class at Croydon Cat Club championship show in the Old Horticultural Hall last Wednesday. He was also the best longhair cream kitten in the show. He was featured in the T.V. newsreel programme "Very Important Cats." Apollo was also the best kitten of its kind at the Herts and Middlesex show.

1953 YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB SHOW

[YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB] CATS OF THE WEST RIDING ON SHOW IN LEEDS Bradford Observer, 30th November 1953
The Yorkshire County Cat Club attracted nearly 600 entries at the Leeds Corn Exchange on Saturday. The show included the aristocrats of the feline world down to household pets. The best cat in the show last year, owned by Mrs. G. Bolton, of Keighley, gained only third place in its class this year. Results.-

LONG-HAIR ADULTS:
Blue male: Mrs. G. Haggerty (Shipley).
Blue female: Mrs K Carbert (York).
Black female: Mrs K Carbert.
Cream male or female: Mrs J W Proud (Bradford).
Any other colour, female: Mrs G M Snowden (Patrington).
Any colour breeders, male or female: Mrs Snowden.
Any colour brace, male or female: Mrs K Carbert.

SHORT-HAIR ADULTS, NOT SIAMESE:
Any variety, male or female: Mr N Winder (Dewsbury).
Any variety breeders, male or female: Mrs H Woollin (West Ardsley).

SIAMESE KITTENS:
Seal, blue or chocolate pointed, novice male or female: Mr A Jarratt.
Seal, blue or chocolate pointed, maiden: Mr A Jarratt.
Seal, blue or chocolate pointed, brace, male or female: Mrs M Tunnacliffe.

Short-hair kittens, not Siamese: Mrs H Woolin.
Any variety breeders, male or female: Mrs Woollin.

SIAMESE ADULTS.
Seal pointed male: Mrs C Watson.
Seal pointed female: Mr and Mrs H Kitchen (Bradford).
Seal, blue or chocolate pointed, maiden: Miss L Shell (Newcastle).
Seal, blue or chocolate pointed, breeders, male or female: Mrs C Watson.
Seal, blue or chocolate pointed, brace, male or female: Mrs C Watson.

BLOSSOM THE CAT IS A CHINCHILLA Yorkshire Evening Post, 22nd January 1954
The pussy in picture is another entrant for the closely-contested title of Yorkshire's Loveliest Cat. She is a Chinchilla, which gives her a certain advantage, for the breed is better known in the South than here. In fact, when her owner took her to a cat show in Leeds, there wasn't another Chinchilla to compete with her. She Is called Blossom, and has the largest and most lustrous emerald eyes I ever saw. Her fine, long coat is white tinged with silver. She was imported by train from Surrey by Mrs. Anne Dacre, of Bell Mount View, Bramley. The six guineas' worth of fluffy white kitten which emerged from travelling basket wasn't much in size, but was more than money's worth her new owner.
"She looked Just like a little fairy," says Mrs. Dacre.
Mrs. Dacre has always kept cats, sometimes several.
"If you have one or two cats, others come and Join the colony," she says.
But this is her first thoroughbred. And it makes a difference. "You can't Just chuck down a fish head for her ladyship and expect her say ‘Thank you,'" says Mrs. Dacre. "She'd take against you for a week. Her food has to be cooked Just so and served nicely. She's partial to bit of rabbit, followed by small portion of milk pudding. She's very sensitive. She needs affection, and she returns it. If you pick her up she talks back to you with an exceedingly musical cooing noise, something between a purr and mew."

1953 NATIONAL CAT SHOW

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] TARZAN FINDS IT TOUGH TRYING TO BE CHAMP Daily Herald, 9th December 1953
What's a fellow to do when a pretty girl grabs him and starts to brush his hair and back? Just bear it, with a suitably fierce glare, seems to be the answer of Tarzan, the Blue Persian cat. Especially if you want to be The Champion Cat. Tarzan – he uses his show name of Magyar Yanos – on the big occasions – is being got ready by Linda Charles, of Brixton, S.W., for to-day's National Cat Show in London's Horticultural Hall. Certainly it's tough for a cat with a name like Tarzan – but he hopes it will all be worthwhile.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] WINNERS AT CAT SHOW Coventry Evening Telegraph. 9th December 1953
Mrs. B. Farquhar, of Brookside Avenue, Coventry, with Champion Bourneside Inky Bit, won first prize in the any other variety class of short-haired adults in the National Cat Club's championship show in London to-day. With Malice Aforethought she won first prize in the brown tabby male or female class. Mrs. M. Thake, of Greendale Road, Coventry, with Culverden Ceinwen, won first prize in the silver tabby male or female class.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] 400 CATS ON SHOW various, 10 December 1953
Over 400 cats and kittens were exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, yesterday in the championship show of the National Cat Club. All breeds were represented, including the increasingly popular Burmese. "Our show has turned out to be one of the biggest since before the War," an official said. Miss E. Langston's chinchilla tom "Mark of Allington" was adjudged best in show. Miss Langston lives at Maidenhead.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] SIAMESE PREMIER various, 10th December 1953
Westminster today was full of women who were literally taking the wrong turning. Some were bound for the New Horticultural Hall which was showing a Christmas decoration competition. Others sought the Old Horticultural Hall and a cat show. By lunchtime a blackboard had been installed outside each place with chalked messages to the effect "Cats" (or Christmas decorations) in the Other Hall.
"A uniformed attendant said, "They keep on coming to the wrong place."
I am by this time rather muddled myself for one of the most decorative exhibits was at the Cat Show. Imperial purple satin drapes starred with gold were hanging round the cage of Mirza Taklif, winner of nine premier certificates and 55 first prizes. Above these was the legend "Siamese Premier," a term of the cat fancy. The cat was not to be seen, but had rolled itself in a satin bedcover and was sleeping soundly.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] CHINKI COMES SECOND Leicester Daily Mercury, 10th December 1953
Chinki Yong Kassa, the first Burmese cat to be imported from America to Leicester, which belongs to Mrs M E Smith, 19, Wimborne Road, won a second prize and two reserves at the National Cat Club Championship Show at Westminster, yesterday. The first time there was a class for this breed of cat was at the Croydon show last year, when Mrs Smith exhibited. Earlier this year she was awarded a challenge certificate at Manchester. Chinki Yong Kassa is brown and has three kittens of milk chocolate shade.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] DERBY BURMESE CAT WINS Derby Daily Telegraph - Thursday 10 December 1953
More than 400 cats and kittens were exhibited in London yesterday at the National Cat Club's 57th championship show. In the class for the increasingly popular Burmese, a comparatively new breed in this country, Mrs L France, of Nottingham Road, Derby, with Casa Gatos Dar-Kee, won first prize.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] 14 PRIZES FOR BROCTON KITTENS Staffordshire Newsletter, 12th December 1953
Trenton Raffles and Trenton. Royalist, two pedigree blue Persian kittens bred and exhibited by Mrs. D. H. Harrington-Harvard. of Brocton, won 14 prizes, including five firsts at the National Cat Club Show held in the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on Wednesday. There were 42 blue Persian kittens competing from all over England.

[NATIONAL CAT SHOW] Uxbridge & West Drayton Gazette, 18th December 1953
A small bundle of long cream fur – called Apollo of Pensford – is bringing fame and trophies to Mrs. Blanche Barron, of 54, Sweetcroft-lane, Hillingdon. Apollo has twice been best cream kitten in important national shows this season, and last Wednesday he was again best cream male kitten at the National Cat Club show, at the Old Horticultural Hall, London. He was also winner of his Open class.

1953 REGIONAL SHOWS

CAT SHOW Shields Daily News, 24th April 1953
Twelve-year-old Mary Chappell, daughter of the Vicar of Tynemouth, is a girl with ideas. Two years ago she put on a circus in the vicarage garden and raised more than £20 for the Christ Church Restoration Fund. Now she is planning a show for household cats to be held in the parish hall to help to pay for the restoration of the church tower. Anyone who thinks his or her cat could beat the one next door in a competition for the finest tail, the glossiest coat and so on is welcome to take it along. Small fees will be charged for entrance and for the classes. I understand that R S P.C.A. officials will be judging.

MARY'S CAT SHOW Shields Daily News, 15th May 1953
Mary's Cat Show. Christ Church Hall, Albion Road, tomorrow, 16th June, 2.15 – 5 p.m. Judginh 2.45. Entrance 1/-

MIAOW – AND CAT SHOW WAS ON TO AID CHURCH Shields Daily News, 16th May 1953
M-I-A-O-W went the big Persian cat in the steel cage. Miaow went the small kitten in the cage next door. In fact, it was miaows all round in Christ Church Parish hall, North Shields today. For this was a cat show. Proud cat-owners brought their pets from far and near and by doing so they were unconsciously bringing the restoration of the Christ Church tower and ceilings a little near. The brains behind the show was 12-year-old Mary Chappell, daughter of the Vicar of Tynemouth, the Rev. H P Chappell. Her father appealed for £3,000 to carry out the repair work. Why not a cat show, thought Mary, who was always been an animal-lover. So a cat show it was. And all the entry fees would be for the fund. Black cats, white cats, ginger cats, tabby cats, Persian cats – they were all there today, and making themselves heard. There were ten classes and handsome prizes. There was even a prize for the best tail and the best eyes. Mary herself spent some time this morning grooming her own black and white cat for the show. But it was entered by a friend "to avoid any favouritism," said Mary. The RSPCA inspector for Newcastle, Mr R P Nairn did the judging, together with Mrs Thompson, of the Tynemouth Animal Welfare Society. Referee was Mr M Frier.

SHIELDS CAT SHOW REALISED £21 Shields Daily News, 18th May 1953
The cat show organised by 12-year-old Mary Chappell, daughter of the Vicar of Tynemouth, raised £21 3s 6d for Christ Church funds. There were 29 entries in the show, which was held in Christ Church Parish Hall on Saturday. Entries ranged from small girls' pet tabbies to prize Siamese. Mary's black and white cat, which was entered by a friend "to avoid any question favouritism", took third prize.

ELLEMFORD SHOW Berwickshire News and General Advertiser, 1st September 1953
Lammermuir Pastoral Society. Annual Show at Ellemford, Saturday, 26th Sept. [. . .] Entries only for CAT SHOW open till Wednesday, 23rd Inst. [. . .] Schedules can be had on application from Mrs Anderson, Hardens, Duns (Secretary).