REPORTS FROM EARLY BRITISH CAT SHOWS 1954

1954 NOTTINGHAM SHOW

cat show

NOTTM CAT SHOW. VALUABLE ENTRIES FROM ALL OVER BRITAIN Nottingham Evening Post, 9th January 1954
Over 200 cats from all over Britain and worth many hundreds of pounds settled down in their cages for judging at the Victoria Baths Nottingham to-day when the biggest and best show ever held by the Notts and Derbyshire Cat Club opened. Mostly these valuable pets, in many colours, behaved with typical feline dignity in the hands of the judges - except that some temperamental Siamese, the largest section in the show, were given to scolding. There were some 28 breeds on view and one disappointment was the non-arrival of a smoke-coloured cat from Berkshire which was to be offered for sale for £50. But was turn-up of Burmese and Abyssinian kittens, and a surprise for the club was an entry of 12 household pets which are usually very few.

The entries totalled 829 which was over 100 above year and Mrs M. Basto said that the increase was accounted for by the growing importance o of the Notts and Derbys club in the country. There were £150 of trophies to be won. Among the judges were Miss K York, the club president, and chairman of the governing council of Cat Fanciers; and Mrs Doris Brice-Webb, of Chilwell, who as an international judge of Blue Persians, has been on duty at the Cat Club of Paris. Awards:-
LONG-HAIRED CATS.
Black Cat, female – 1, E.C. Warren, Marlow; 2, E. Amos, Trewell.
Black kitten – 1, M. Newbiggin, Linlithgow.
Brown Tabby, male – 1, C. Radmore, Portsmouth.
Brown Tabby – 1, champion, and 2, Mrs. Lambert, Ballaugh, Isle of Man.
Tortoiseshell – 1 and champion, G. Budd, Knaresborough; 2, A.M. Richards, Rochester; 3, N. Woodifield, Christchurch.
Tortoiseshell and White – 1 and champion, M.E. Beedell, Brixton.
Tortoiseshell Kitten – 1, N. Woodifield.
Blue Cat, male – 1 and champion, J. Thompson, Beckenham; 2, M. Beedell; 3, G.C. Dugdale, London, and M. Steele, Glasgow.
Blue kittens, female – 1, Mrs. Brown, Tadcaster.
Blue kitten, male – 1, K. Nilsson, Chilwell; 2, M.E. Crickmore, Lowestoft; 3, M. Smith, Otley.
Cream cat, female – 1 and ch., G.B. Allt, Farnham.
Chinchilla, male – 1 and ch. E. Langston, Maidenhead; 2, F.S. Barker, Ilkeston; 3, M. Lang, London.
Chinchilla, female – 1 and ch., M.E. Crickmore; 2, L.E. Speirs, Hampton Court; 3, J. Glann, Mucknall.
Chinchilla kitten – 1, E. Langston.
A.V. maiden cat – 1, V. Marchant, Birmingham; 2, D. Robertson, Fife; 3, D. Anderton, Nottingham.
Blue cat, female – 1 and ch., G.C. Dugdale; 2, M.E. Bastow, West Bridgford; 3, K.M. Nilsson and J.M. Covell.
Blue novice – 1, Mrs. Nilsson; 2, Mrs. Crickmore; 3, L.E. Guess, Nottingham.
Blue senior – 1, J.M. Covell; 2, M. Steele; 3, M.E. Beedell.
Blue, breeders – 1, G.C. Dugdale; 2, Mrs. Crickmore; 3, L.E. Guess.
Blue kitten – 1, P. Udall, Dorset; 2, P.R. Laughton, Rotherham; 3, Mrs. Raleigh, Mitcham.
Blue kitten – 1, K.M. Nilsson; 2, Mrs. Brown; 3, J.H.A. Martin, Sleaford.
Blue kitten, breeders – 1 and 2, Mrs. Crickmore; 3, J.H.A. Martin.
Cream kitten – 1, R. Chapman, York; 2 and 3, N. Woodifield.
Blue-cream cat – 1 and ch., G.M. Snowden, Hull; 2, D.M. Benbow, Ludlow; 3, A.M. Richards.
Blue-cream kitten – 1, H.F. Wood, Dudley; 2, D. Robertson.
AOV cat – 1, Mrs. Orridge, Kegworth; 2, M. Newbiggen.
AV maiden kitten – 1, N. Woodifield; 2, J.H.A. Martin; 3, R. Chapman.
AV pair kittens – 1, Mrs. Crickmore; 2, N. Woodifield.
AV breeder's cat – 1, F.S. Barker; 2, A.M. Richards; 3, D.M. Benbow.
AV novice – 1, J. Glann; 2, L. Speirs; 3, Mrs Lambert.
AV senior cat – 1, G.M. Snowden; 2, G.M. Budd; 3, G.G. Mayne, Calstock, Cornwall.
AV junior cat – 1, E. Langston; 2, M. Newbiggin; 3, A.M. Richards.
Radius AV adult – 1, F.S. BARKER; 2, G.M. Budd; 3, M. Bastow.
Radius AV kitten – 1, R. Chapman; 2, M. Smith; 3, Mrs. Brown.
AV breeder's kitten – 1, R. Chapman; 2, E. Langston; 3, D. Robertson.
AV novice kitten – 1, R. Chapman; 2, H.F. Wood; 3, N. Woodifield.
AV brace, adult – 1, G.C. Dugdale; 2, Mrs. Crickmore; 3, M.E. Beedell.
AV Team – 1, Mrs. Crickmore; 2, Mrs. Newbiggin.
AV Special Limit Adult – 1, D. Bawden, Tavistock; 2, Mrs. Crickmore; 3, M.E. Beedell.
AV Special Limit Kitten – 1, Mrs. Raleigh; 2, H.F. Wood; 3, Mrs. Brown.
AV Stud (on progeny) – 1, M.E. Beedell.
AV Brood Queen – 1, D. Anderton.
AV Cat or Kitten (novice exhibitors) – 1, H.F. Wood, Dudley; 2, Mrs Brown; 3, B.M. Graham, Doncaster.

SIAMESE CATS
Seal point kitten, male – 1, R.N. Plant, Huntingdon; 2, C.F. WTSON, Matlock; 3, V. Ullman, Paddington.
Seal point kitten, female – 1, M. Lant.

SHORT-HAIRED
Black cat – 1 and ch., G.M. Budd; 2, B. Farquhar, Coventry.
Russian blue – 1 and ch., V.E. Ray, London.
Red tabby – 1 and ch., G.M. Budd.
Silver tabby – 1 and ch., M.Thake, Coventry.
Tortoiseshell – 1, J. MacFarlane, Didsbury.

ZINIA WINS AGAIN. TWO KITTENS ALSO SECURE AWARDS Stamford Mercury, 15th January 1954
Publicity certainly can go to a cat's head. Llanstephan Zinia, owned by Mr. and Mrs John Clarke, of Melton Road, Oakham, took one look at herself on the front Page of last week's "Mercury" and decided to go showing again at Notts and Derby Cat Club's show the following day, with the result that she and two of her kittens came away with no less than 17 awards. "Mother" was third in the any variety brood queen class, in which she was judged on her kittens, and third in the Siamese Cat Society of Great Britain's class for any variety Siamese cat. She was also highly commended in the Siamese Cat Club class lot any variety adult Siamese and very highly commended in the open class for any variety Siamese cat.

One of the kittens, Phaya Phantom, was first in the Siamese Cat Society's class for any variety Siamese kitten and third in the open class for a Siamese seal-point kitten. Another third prize was awarded her in the Siamese Cat Club's class for any variety Siamese kitten, while she was very highly commended in the any variety Siamese kitten novice class. She was also very highly commended in the any variety special limit kitten class and highly commended in the any variety Siamese kitten breeders class, as well as being commended and awarded a special in the Notts. and Derby Cat Club's class for any variety Siamese kitten. Her brother, Phaya Pharoe, was second in the Siamese Cat Society's class for any variety Siamese kitten, reserve in the open class for Siamese seal-point male kitten, very highly commended in the Siamese Cat Club's class for any Siamese kitten, and highly commended in the any variety special limit kitten class. Together, the two kittens were second in the pairs class. This was only the second time Zinia and her family had appeared at a show.

1954 LANCS AND NORTH WESTERN COUNTIES SHOW

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L. & N.W. C.C.C. 2ND CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser, 22nd January 1954
L. & N.W. C.C.C. 2nd Championship Show at the Corn Exchange, Hanging Ditch, Manchester, tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 23. Pedigree Cats and Kittens of all Breeds, Household Pets. Admission: 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. price 2/-. Children half price. Refreshments and Licensed Bar.

ARISTOCRATS Manchester Evening News, 23rd January 1954
There are all kinds of cats, such as this Siamese and her kittens. They are awaiting the judges at the Lancashire and North-Western Counties cat show in Manchester to-day.

cat show

[LANCS AND NORTH WESTERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB] CAT CHAMPIONSHIP DREW EXHIBITS FROM AFAR Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser, 29th January 1954
Over 200 cats competed at the championship show of the Lancashire and North Western Counties Cat Club held in the Produce Exchange, Manchester, on Saturday. Exhibitors came from far afield as Aberdeen, Dublin and Essex. It was a curiously quiet occasion with the exhibits maintaining a sleepy indifference to the admiring public. Swathed in blankets and shawls, sometimes with a hot water bottle in the cage, the would-be champions appeared to be completely bored.

Among local exhibitors, Mrs F.E. Thorman, of 3, Netherwood Road, Northenden, took several prizes with her Siamese cats, including two seconds, a reserve and a very highly commended. Mr and Mrs, Garside, of 142, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, showed a "blue-eyed white adult," Belle Amie, which was number one in the show catalogue and, appropriately, took the first prize in the first class. Their blue kitten, Peter Kirton, obtained a reserve prize. Mrs R.J. Roxley, of Toft, Knutsford, was awarded a third prize in the class for "A.V. Siamese premier." Mrs E.W. Wridgeway, of Mobberley, took the second prize for novice Siamese adults in Salewheel Sabre.

1954 SOUTHERN COUNTIES SHOW

[SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW] CAT CODDLING Birmingham Daily Post, 1st February 1954
Should the cold spell continue, as seems likely, some cat owners will be looking for hot-water bottles for their pets. Intending exhibitors at the jubilee show of the Southern Counties Cat Club , soon to be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, have been advised that hot-water bottles should accompany the competitors. But at least one famous cat will manage to do without. He is a Blue Persian, Harpur Blue Boy, whose owner, Mr. G.C. Dugdale, has equipped him with a "made to measure" pullover.

Every breed is to be represented at the show, including Burmese cats only lately "recognised" by the Cat Fancy. "Litter" classes have not been accepted because it is though that the weather is too cold to expose young kittens to the rigours of such a show.

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SOUTHERN COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW Sunderland Daily Echo, 2nd February 1954
As a precaution against the cold, some of the cats at the Southern Counties Cat Club golden jubilee show in London had hot water bottles in their pens to-day. One wore an angora bonnet.

COVENTRY WINNERS AT LONDON CAT SHOW Coventry Evening Telegraph, 3rd February 1954
Two Coventry women cat-breeders were among principal prize-winners at yesterday's golden jubilee Southern Counties Cat Show in London. Champion Culverden Ceiwen, an 11 months old silver tabby female, won a first prize and a challenge certificate in the silver tabby, male or female, class; and four seconds, three thirds, and a fourth in other classes. It was the cat's fourth championship, and Mrs. Thake, of 53, Greendale Road, believes her to be the youngest champion cat in the country, as she won her first national show in December when only 10 days out of kittenhood. Culverden won more than 30 prizes as a kitten. Before the judging yesterday she was kept warm in a blanket.

Mrs. B. Farquhar, of 74, Brookside Avenue, won two first with her entries. Champion Bourneside Inky Bit took first prize and a challenge certificate in the black male or female class. With seven years old Malice Aforethought. Mrs. Farquhar won first prize and a challenge certificate in the brown tabby male or female class. When Malice Aforethought won at the Birmingham show, last October, she was the first of her type to win a challenge certificate since before the war.

Wanting to catch the 1 a.m. train to London yesterday, Mr. and Mrs. Farquahar made an early check and found that it was not running. So Mr. Farquhar had to catch a train to Rugby with the exhibits, wait there several hours, and then take the connection to London to reach the show in time. Mrs Farquahar followed in the morning. At the show their cats were kept warm with hot-water bottles. Mrs. Farquahar also showed - not for competition - a miniature short-haired cat which, though fully grown, is no bigger than a kitten. This is a breed which she is pioneering.

OUTSTANDING COVENTRY CATS AT LONDON SHOW Birmingham Daily Post, 3rd February 1954
One of the outstanding cats at the golden jubilee show of the Southern Counties Cat Club in London yesterday was a Coventry entrant, Champion Culverden Ceinwen. Shown by Mrs. M. Thake, of 53, Greendale Road. This silver tabby, though only 11 months old, won her fourth challenge certificate and six other awards. Her championship was gained at the national show in December when she was only ten days out of kittenhood. She went on to take prizes at Northampton and Manchester, and yesterday London. Too, succumbed to her charms. Culverden had scored more than 30 wins as kitten, her first being last August, when she started on her successful career with six firsts and three specials.

Another outstanding Midland entrant was Champion Bournside Inky Bit, shown by Mrs. B. Farquhar, of 74, Brookside Avenue, Coventry. The largest short-haired cat in the show, he took a first (and champion). So, too, did another of Mrs. Farquhar's entrants, seven-year-old brown tabby Malice Aforethought, who, when she won at the Birmingham show last October – the first time she had ever been shown – was the first cat of her type to win a challenge certificate since before the war.

In spite of the bitterly cold weather, there were more than 400 exhibits – an exceptionally large assembly – and the animals, some of them enjoying hot water bottles and pretty wraps, seemed less worried about the frost than their owners. Among other Midland exhibitors, some of whom figured in the long prize list – there were 193 classes and 175 special prizes – were Dr. and Mrs. W. Groom, Chester Road South, Kidderminster; Mr. and Mrs. P.C. Gurney, Falcon Lodge, Sutton Coldfield; Mrs. E. Parker, Prestwood, Stourbridge; Mrs. C.J. Roberts, Delves Road, Walsall; and Mr. H.F. Wood, Netherton, Dudley.

[SCCC] CATS Daily News (London), 3rd February 1954
Few of the hundreds of cat lovers who crowded into the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, for the Southern Counties Cat Club Golden Jubilee Show yesterday afternoon knew the history of Exhibit 173 – Tabitha Mau. Tabitha Mau was smuggled from the grip of the Mau Mau gangs in Kenya by the part-owner, Miss Joan Beech, of Virginia Water, Surrey. Miss Beech was visiting Kenya when she saw the cat tied to a post outside a native quarter in Nairobi. "It had a few hours to live before being sacrificed at a Mau Mau ritual," she said today. "I cut the strings and smuggled it underneath my coat past the natives."

Tabitha Mau was second prize in its class of brown tabbies yesterday. "It was in a terrible condition when I found it," said Miss Beech. "One of its legs was broken and the coat badly flea bitten. It was a miracle how it recovered.

Miss Beech and her friend, Miss Nan Coton, went to Kenya together, One of the two cats they took with them – Smokey – was clubbed to death by a native boy in revenge for the rescue of Tabitha, said Miss Beech.

Many of the 400 cats snuggled on hot water bottles as the judges went from cage to cage yesterday afternoon. One cat – Sunset – a short-haired blue-cream – wore a blue and yellow angora bonnet for protections against the cold.

[SCCC] FIRST PRIZE FOR YORK CAT Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 3rd February 1954
At the Southern Counties Cat Club Golden Jubilee championship show In London, yesterday, Mrs. K. Carbert, of Markham Street, Haxby Road, York, with Champion Sarisbury Sacharissa, won first prize in the black male or female class for long-haired cats over nine months old.

THIS SHOW WENT ON Belfast News-Letter, 3rd February 1954
Not only may cat look at king. At the moment it may also gaze in superior fashion at a dog. Cruft's show has had to be cancelled because of the striking electricians - not so the Southern Counties Golden Jubilee Cat Show, which was in full swing at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, to-day. Good show cats, it was pointed out by an official, play their part as dollar earners. They fetch anything from £100 to £150 each and the biggest overseas buyers are Americans. How do cats stand the cold? Much better than dogs, said the official, adding that this kind of weather actually improves the feline coat.

LOCAL WINNERS AT CAT SHOW New Milton Advertiser, 6th February 1954
The following local exhibitors were among the prize-winners at the Southern Counties Cat Club Golden Jubilee Show in London:
Short-haired cats: Master Brian Parker, of Rhinefield, Brockenhurst, with Noxas Charleywite, won first prize in the white male or female class.
Siamese adults: Mrs. L. Parker, Rhinefield, Brockenhurst, with Champion Sabukia Sweet William won first prize in the any variety senior, male or female, class.

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SHE IS TYPICAL OF THE ROYAL CAT OF SIAM Grantham Journal, 12th February 1954
Meet Ramilley Pooh Bear, a Siamese cat owned by Mrs. M.B. Meadows, of Stonewall Cottage, Caythorpe, judged by an international panel at last week's Southern Counties Cat Club Show in London to be the best exhibit – and there were over 400 cats entered! She also gained a championship certificate in addition to taking the first prize in two classes in which she was entered and was judged the best short-haired cat in the show, gaining the Club de Paris rosette.

Typical of the royal cat of Siam, Pooh, a seal-point, now 18 months old, was judged champion of the Sandy Cat Show last September, and gained three other first prizes in addition to a number of second awards. She is of slender build, with that sleek coat which is the aim of all Siamese breeders, although recently the governing council of cat breeding enthusiasts have stated that much of the slender elegance which typifies the breed has been lost, and they have therefore tightened up the standard of judging in an endeavour to regain the sylph-like build and oriental eye shape which, together with the deep blue eyes and rich seal brown points, make the Siamese cat such an exquisite animals.

Contrary to general belief, the Siamese cat is exceptionally hardy, and, after their first few weeks of life, are not more prone to illness that the average cat. They also have a very gentle, loving disposition, but always tend to show their affections and attach themselves to one member of the family in particular.

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1954 TYNEMOUTH PARISH CHURCH CAT SHOW

TYNEMOUTH PARISH CHURCH CAT SHOW Shields Daily News, 18th May 1954
Tynemouth Parish Church Cat Show. Please note that the above Show has been postponed until Saturday, June 19, in the Parish Hall, Albion Road.

MARY'S CAT SHOW (2ND YEAR) Shields Daily News, 16th June 1954
Mary's Cat Show (2nd Year), Saturday Next. June 19. Christ Church Parish Hall, Albion Road. Opener: Mrs Robert Bird in aid of Christ Church Tower Repair Fund. Admission 6d, Tea 1/-. Entlries (including all classes) 1/6. Please bring your cat early. Judging – 2.30.

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[MARY'S CAT SHOW] `PRINCESS ' WILL GO TO THE CAT SHOW INCOGNITO Shields Daily News, 18th June 1954
Princess, a Tyneside cat, will go incognito to Mary's Cat Show in Christ Church Parish Hall, North Shields, tomorrow Reason? She belongs to the organiser, 13-year-old Mary Chappell, who doesn't want any doubts raised as to the fairness of the judging should her cat win. So Princess, a clean and tidy puss who's already had her paws and whiskers smartened up, will be entered in the show in another person's name. Mary, the daughter of the Rev. H. P. Chappell, Vicar of Tynemouth, hopes to raise money at the show for the Christ Church Tower Repair Fund. It's her second attempt running a cat show and she plans to make it an annual event. Last year's show attracted about 30 cats. This year she hopes for more and has put up several advertising posters addressed to cats personally. One of them advises cats who think themselves the feline belle or beau of the town to tell their owners about the cat show. Mary's assistant is 12-year-old Linda Grier, of Balmoral Garden, North Shields, who unfortunately will not be able to enter her cat, Chocolate, in the show because the poor puss is poorly.

Mary, who once ran a circus with ponies, acrobats and ballet-dancing tortoises, in her garden, has called in some grown-ups to do the judging. They are Inspector R. P. Nairn, of Newcastle R.S.P.C.A., Mrs M. Frier, secretary of the society's Tynemouth branch, and Mrs Thompson, who is in charge of North Shields' Animal Clinic.

CATS 'SHOW WHISKERS' FOR CHRIST CHURCH FUND Shields Daily News, 21st June 1954
"Show a whisker" was the call at Christ Church Parish Hall, North Shields, on Saturday to cats who probably thought themselves the cat's whiskers anyway. They answered the call when judges had to decide on the best set of whiskers in Mary's Cat Show – the biggest social event of the year in Tynemouth felines' calendar. And the owner of the winning cat in that class received a box of langues de chats (chocolate cats' tongues). Mary, 13-year-old daughter of the Vicar of Tynemouth. the Rev H. P. Chappell, ran the show in aid of the Christ Church tower repair fund. And her own cat, Princess, came incognito - entered in another person's name so that it would stand a chance of winning without anyone doubting the fairness of the judging. Some of the pussies were really prim and proper, sitting in their cages, looking their all-time best and gazing down their noses at us common humans. Then there were the lazy cats, who spent more time dozing than posing. But, on the whole, they were a pretty pally and well-behaved bunch who took some interest in the proceedings if only to signify their disapproval with a meeow.

Judges were Inspector R. P. Nairn, of Newcastle R.S.P.C.A., Mrs M. Frier, secretary of the society's Tynemouth branch, and Mrs Thompson, who is in charge of the North Shields Animal Clinic. And it fell, appropriately enough. to Mrs R. Bird to present the prizes. The standard was described as "very high" and the show was a financial success, too, bringing in about £14 profit.

FIRST PRIZES
Best cat in show: Entered by Miss Barbara Clay, of Linskill Terrace, North Shields.
Best whiskered cat: Entered by Miss K. Freeman, of Walton Avenue, North Shields.
Best Siamese: Entered by Miss Marjorie Chapman, of Grosvenor Place, North Shields.
Best Tabby female: Entered by Miss Vivienne Cury, of George Street, North Shields.
Best Tabby male: Entered by Mrs V. S. Cutter, of Linskill Terrace, North Shields.
Best black and white female: Entered by Miss K. Freeman, of Walton Avenue, North Shields.
Best black and white male: Entered by Miss Barbara Clay, of Linskill Terrace, North Shields.
Best black male.: Entered by Mrs Abbott, of Holly Road, North Shields.
Best tortoiseshell: Entered by Miss Smith, of Washington Terrace, North Shields.
Best kitten: Entered by Mrs Handley, of Preston Village.

1954 KENSINGTON CAT SHOW

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KENSINGTON CAT SHOW Kensington News and West London Times, 30th July 1954
The first Cat Show of the Season is to be held by the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club at the Royal Horticultural New Hall Westminster on Friday July 30th. The Show will be opened by Miss Codrington the well-known broadcasting personality. Two special features of the Show will be a corner reserved for Decorated Pens the exhibits in which are not for Competition and a section devoted to cats bred experimentally on scientific lines. Judging commences at 10 am until 1 pm neither the public or exhibitors are admitted to' the floor of the Hall but can view the judging from the dais and side of the Hall. At 1 pm the general Public can view the exhibits in their pens from close quarters.

[KENSINGTON] CAT-IN-THE-BAG Bradford Observer, 31st July 1954
Two kittens of a new breed – Havana - made a brief in and out visit to the Horticultural Hall today. They were not put on show at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Show because one was snuffling a little and the other had travelled with her. It was a pity, for there was considerable interest in this novelty - a short-haired cat with chestnut-brown fur and green eyes, which a handful of people are trying to breed as "the ideal pet." That was how the Havana was described to me by Miss Von Ullman who is breeding them in the unlikely quarters of a Paddington barge. She says that Miss V.S. Roberts, a dairy farmer, of Bishop Auckland, is another woman interested and that there are enthusiasts in Bath and Devon.

There are only 12 Havana cats in the world, all bred in Britain. Their grandparents are self-coloured cats and "anything with a chocolate factor, like chocolate-pointed Siamese." Miss Von Ullman, who has a register of them all, says they have the loyalty of Siamese and their value as pets is that they are neither nervous nor noisy – "I have not learned of one that could be heard in the next room. They are not as yet a registered breed.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT SHOW] KITTEN SHOW SUCCESSES Rugby Advertiser, 3rd August 1954
Exhibiting at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club annual show in the New Horticultural Hall on Friday, Mrs. M. Biggs, Pailton, scored several successes with her Siamese entries. Both her stud and her brood queen won their classes, and three kittens gained firsts. One kitten, a blue point, Quasi Blue Harmony, won all five classes in which it was shown

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT SHOW] Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, 6th August 1954
Mrs E. Chappell, of 2, High-road, Cowley Peachey, was a judge at the recent Kensington Kitten and Neuter cat show. Mrs. Chappell judged the cream and blue-cream kittens.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT SHOW] APRIL KEEPS EARS FLAT TO WIN 16 PRIZES Marylebone Mercury, 6th August 1954
A woman came from the heart of Sussex on Friday to steal the honours at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club's show at the New Horticultural Hall, Victoria. And all because her three-months-old kitten, April Violet of Dunesk, kept her ears flat. That, thinks April's owner, Mrs. Marguerite Brunton, from Rudgwick, Sussex, was one of the main reasons why the judges picked her kitten as the best in the show.

April not only won the top prize. She was entered in 15 classes and finished an exhausting day with 12 firsts, three seconds and third. Not bad considering it was her first show. That third, however, worried Mrs. Brunton. Nearby in another cage also looking worried, was April's brother, Daystar of Dunesk, who collected only three firsts.

After the show, Mrs. Brunton took the kittens back to the old world cottage she and her husband have just bought at Rudgwick. She said "Cats, like old world places. I have three mother cats and a dozen kittens. Each mother has its own little house in the garden to sleep in with the family." Mrs. Brunton's only regret was that she wasn't able to show Kensington cat lovers her kittens at their best. "They will be much lovelier when they are four or five months old," she said.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT SHOW] THE DISDAINFUL CATS Kensington News and West London Times, 6th August 1954
A woman who has been supervising a new and rare breed of kittens and neuter cats is the Baroness Edit von Ullman, who has swopped a castle in Austria for life on a London canal barge. The Baroness, who keeps her feline collection on the barge, was among those present at the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Show which was held at the Horticulotural Hall this week. Supervising a strange new breed of kittens, the Baroness was pleased with these snooty animals who ignored attention and remained aloof to all endearments. There were cream and blue Abyssinian-pointed Siamese, and what is reputed to be the world's only long-haired Manx. The Baroness is no newcomer to the cat business; she has been breeding them since she was 16.

[KENSINGTON KITTEN AND NEUTER CAT SHOW] WARWICKSHIRE'S ONLY BURMESE CATS WIN EIGHT AWARDS Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser, 13th August 1954
Six Burmese cats, the only example of this rare breed in Warwickshire, are owned by Mr. and Mrs. H. Massey, of High Street, Warwick. The cats, which are seven months old, gained eight awards at the recent Kensington Kitten Show in London. Mr. Massey, who is manager of W. H. Smith's shop, told the Advertiser this week that the Burmese breed is not widely known in England and was brought here from America by Lord Aberconway. They were introduced to the U.S.A. as a result cat being smuggled out of the forbidden city Lhasa, in Tibet, and the cats owned by he and his wife are direct descendants of the original animal. Their names are Ami, Melody, Viktor, Bepi, Geeli and Topaz-Edouard. With a short haired sable coat, the Burmese is an attractive, lively and intelligent cat. They require no special diet but are partial to rabbit meat. A striking feature of the cats is their energy. They run and down the tree in Mr. Massey's garden, delight in jumping onto an extended arm and generally enjoy exhibiting their athletic prowess. The cats are pictured here with Miss Joan Watson and Mr. A. Johnson, two of the members of Mr. Massey staff, who had the greatest difficulty in controlling the lively animals. With them is a Siamese with which the Burmese are on the best of terms.

1954 HERTS & MIDDLESEX SHOW

cat show

[HERTS. & MIDDX CAT CLUB] MOMPTY GOES TO TOWN East Kent Gazette, 10th September 1954
From time to time reports are received of successes gained by local dog breeders in the show ring. Now comes news of an outstanding achievement in the cat show world by Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Webb, of 188, Park Road, Sittingbourne. At the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Cat Club's championship show held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday, their nine-months-old seal point Siamese kitten, Mompty, was adjudged the best male kitten in the show and best male of female (any colour) novice kitten. It also won in the breeder's class and was just beaten for the title of best Siamese kitten in the show by a kitten owned by Miss Ann Codrington, of television fame.

Mr. and Mrs, Webb have been breeding cats for five years and have achieved some minor successes, but this was their first successful attempt at one of the five major shows in the country. Their ambition is to see Mompty gain a coveted championship awarded after winning three challenge certificates under different judges at open shows as an adult – and then retire him to stud. In addition to Mompty, they have several other promising cats who may well make their mark in the show world in the very near future.

1954 EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND SHOW

cat show

EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND CAT CLUB Edinburgh Evening News, 11th September 1954
Edinburgh and East Of Scotland Cat Club Open Show at the Music Hall, George Street on Saturday, October, 16th. Entries close September 18. Information and Forms, Mrs. Oswald, South Cottage, Roslin.

1954 COVENTRY CAT SOCIETY SHOW

[COVENTRY CAT SOCIETY] Birmingham Daily Post, 13th September 1954
A rare cat, valued at more than 50 guineas, escaped from the Coventry Cat Society exhibition marquee while being put into a pen. Search for it continued during the week end.

[COVENTRY CAT SOCIETY]VALUABLE CAT ESCAPES Coventry Evening Telegraph, 11th September 1954
A valuable cat, being shown by the newly-formed Coventry Cat Society at an exhibition at the Memorial Park, escaped from the tent just before the opening. The cat, Candlewick Penelope which is the property of Mrs. B. Farquhar, honorary secretary of the club, is important for its breeding. It is in the third stage along the line to produce a red point Siamese and there are only about a hundred of these cats in the world.

[COVENTRY CAT SOCIETY] Coventry Evening Telegraph, 13th September 1954
A valuable pedigree cat, "Candlewick Penelope," a red and white tabby of Siamese breeding, owned by Mrs. B. Farquhar, which escaped from the cat and kitten tent, was still missing when the garden party ended.

[COVENTRY CAT SOCIETY] 50 GUINEA CAT IS LOST, BUT A 'STRAY' HAS A HOME Coventry Birmingham Daily Gazette, 13th September 1954
Penelope, a 50-guinea ginger Siamese cat, escaped from an exhibition at the Lord Mayor's garden party here on Saturday. That involved the owner, a steward, four cat breeders, a policeman, five small boys and several gardeners. And at the end of the day, it was a stray cat which had been found a home. Penelope was being lifted into her exhibition cage by a steward when, frightened by the noise and people. she scratched the steward and dashed from the tent. Four cat breeders stopped looking after their own animas and joined the search for Penelope. But amidst the confusion, she ambled up to the tent. There four small boys ran to catch her. Penelope turned tail and went to ground again.

A few minutes later the loudspeaker announced: "If you see the cat, coax her - don't chase her."
Gardeners were warned to be on the alert. They, too, began to search for the cat. When it became dark, the breeder and owner, Mrs. Barbara Farquhar, of Brookside Avenue, halted the search. But at 9.30 p.m., Coventry police phoned her and said: "We have found your cat near the Kenilworth Road."
Mrs. Farquhar rushed there with a basket and found a policeman with a badly-scratched hand - and the wrong cat. It was a "mongrel." Officially it was in the police report, and could not be turned loose. So it was taken to the R.S.P.C.A. Last night Mrs. Farquhar was still looking for Penelope.
Footnote: If you see Penelope –she only answers to " Penny. '
[There were no reports on Penelope being found.]

[COVENTRY CAT SOCIETY] LOST PRIZE CAT MAKING FOR HOME? Coventry Evening Telegraph, 14th September 1954
The 50-guinea ginger Siamese cat that escaped from an exhibition at the Lord Mayor of Coventry's garden party in the War Memorial Park on Saturday is making its way home, believes its owner, Mrs. Barbara Farquhar, 74, Brookside Avenue, Coventry. After searching for some hours in the park yesterday she was told by a shopkeeper in Providence Street, Earlsdon, that a ‘ravenous' cat answering to Penelope's description – ginger with white throat and feet – had been fed there at lunch time.

Mrs. Farquhar said to-day: "I felt immediately that it was our cat and she was making for here. She was going in the right direction and was half-way home."

Presumably the cat, if it is Candlewick Penelope, is heading home off the Allesley Old Road, via Hearsall Common. Mrs. Farquhar added: "We shall probably offer a reward if she does not turn up soon, but we shall see what happens first. With a cat like that, members of the public don't really know what they are looking for."

A cat the police found in the Kenilworth Road area after hearing of Mrs. Farquhar's loss will probably be adopted by her. She feels that it might have found its way home if it had not been collected by the police. They are not permitted to turn it loose now.

50-GUINEA CAT IS USED TO TRAVELLING BY BASKET. 14 MILES IS A LONG, LONG WALK FOR PENELOPE Birmingham Daily Gazette, 17th September 1954
Candlewick Penelope, the 50-guinea Siamese cat which escaped from an exhibition at the Lord Mayor's garden party in the Memorial Park here last Saturday, is expected home this week-end. For its owner, Mrs. Barbara Farquhar, believes Penelope is walking back to Brookside Avenue, Coventry. Penelope is not used to walking - she was always carried in a basket. So Mrs. Farquhar has worked out that it will take the cat just a week to cover the 1 and a half miles from the park to its home.
This is Penelope's timetable:
Saturday, 3 p.m. Penelope scratched a steward at the show and disappeared from the tent.
Saturday, 3.30 p.m. A cat answering Penelope's description - ginger with a white front and feet - ran through a hedge out of the park.
Monday, 6 p.m. A cat similar to Penelope "but rather harassed" - walked into the petfood shop of Mrs. E. L. Cross at Earlsdon, a third of the way from the park to Penelope's home. Mrs. Cross offered it a piece of cheese sandwich. The cat looked at it, spat at Mrs. Cross, and walked out of the shop.
Penelope's normal food Is rabbit and lightly-boiled fish.
Last night Mrs. Farquhar said: "If Penelope had reached Earlsdon by Monday and continues at that speed it will take her five days to cover the remaining short-mile." So the last Item in Penelope's time-table should read: "Saturday - Reach home."

1954 BLUE PERSIAN CLUB SHOW

[BLUE PERSIAN CLUB] CAT CLUB SHOW-MANAGER Portsmouth Evening News, 17th September 1954
One of the oldest Cat Club shows in the country for blue Persians only, which takes place in London on October 6, is being show managed by Mrs. Audrey Cook-Radmore, wife of Lieutenant J. Cook-Radmore, R.N., of Cowplain. Mrs. Cook-Radmore organized the pre-war shows of the Southsea Cat Club and dog shows at Portsmouth and Winchester.

cat show

1954 GLASGOW CAT SHOW

[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB. GLASGOW CAT SHOW]Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, 18th September 1954
Cat Show will be held In the McLellan Galleries, Glasgow on Saturday, 30th October. Diamond Jubilee Year of Scottish Cat Club. Classes for Household, Office and Factory Pets. Entries close October 4. Particulars from Mrs. Richardson, 21 Herriet Street, Glasgow.

[SCOTTISH CAT CLUB SHOW] Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, 23rd October 1954
Cat Show, Saturday, October 30th, MacLellan Galleries, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Open 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Adult, 2/-; Child, 1/-. Diamond Jubilee Year of Scottish Cat Club.

1954 SOUTH-WESTERN COUNTIES SHOW

cat show

[SOUTH-WESTERN COUNTIES SHOW] SOME OF THESE CATS WILL COMPETE IN US SHOWS Bristol Evening Post, 23rd September 1954
The South-Western Counties' Club championship which is held only every two years, was staged at Taunton for the first time, and among the entries were some which will be appearing in international shows on the Continent and in America in the year. There were 26 different breeds of long hairs, short hairs, foreign and British animals, and exhibitors in the local counties had a major share the awards. There were also some exceedingly fine looking animals among the non-pedigree household and shop pets.

Local winners of premier awards were: Misses Maclaren and Stennard of Clifton, Bristol who had a trophy for best exhibit with a silver tabby two-year-old cat, Sadie of Silverleigh, and the award for the best short-haired adult for the same entry and Miss P. Dyer of Slapton who secured the trophy for the best long-haired kitten with her Slapton Mischief.
OTHER AWARDS
Championships: Mrs P Dyer, Miss Cathcart, Mrs Rosell and Miss Grace, Mrs M Higson, Miss Grace , Miss Maclaren and Miss Stennard, Miss Cowen, Mrs Hargreaves, and Mrs P Udall
LONG-HAIRS
Black kitten - 2 and 3, Mrs P Dyer (Slapton)
Blue female - 1 Mrs Udall, (Wimborne
Blue kitten, male or female - 2 Mrs J Stacey (Milverton; 3 Mrs Shaw-Fletcher (Dorchester)
Cream cat female - 1 Mrs P Udall
Cream kitten - 2 Mrs Shaw-Fletcher
Smoke cat - 1 Mrs P Dyer
Smoke or silver tabby kitten - 1 Mrs Dyer; 2 Miss M E Grace (Westbury)
Brown tabby cat - 1 Miss J F Cathcart (Paignton)
Chinchilla male - 2 Mrs S Wellington (Bampton)
Chinchilla kitten – 2 and 3 Mesdames Broxton and Robinson (Cirencester)
Tortoiseshell - 1 Mesdames Grace and Rosell (Bratton)
Ditto, white - Miss M E Grace (Bratton)
Tortie or tortie and white kitten - 1 Miss M E Grace.
Breeders cat - 3 Miss Cathcart
Breeders kitten - 1 Mss M E Grace; 2 and 3, Mesdames Broxton and Robinson
Any colour novice kitten - 1 Mrs P Dyer
Any colour limit - 2 Mrs P Udall
Any colour junior - 1 Mrs P Udall
Any colour pairs kittens - 1 Mrs D M Rees (Tavistock); 3 Mrs P Dyer
Any colour stud cat - 2 Mrs M Higson (Bournemouth); 3 Mrs P Udall
Any colour brood queen - 2 Miss M E Grace
Any colour kindergarten - 1 P Dyer; 3 Mesdames Broxton and Robinson

SHORT-HAIRS
Blue British cat– 1 Mrs M Higson
Silver tabby - 1 The Misses Maclaren and Stennard (Clifton); 2 Miss W Galpin (Fishponds)
Any other colour - 1 Mrs E Fisher (Combe Down); 2 Mrs Hargreaves (Bovey Tracey)
Any colour kitten - 2 Mrs M Higson
Russian blue cat - 1 Mrs P Cowen (Okehampton); 2 Mrs M Higson
Abyssinian cat - 1 and 3, Miss M E Grace
Any variety foreign kitten - 3 Mrs D Macaulay (Chippenham)

SIAMESE
Seal point cat female - 2 Mrs J Tancock Exeter); 3 Mrs P Udall
Ditto, kitten male or female 2-5 months – 1 and 2, Mrs P Lambert (Batheaston); 3 Mrs Alexander (Brockley)
Ditto 5-9 months - 2 E M Ellias (Carhampton); 3 Robin James (Calne)
Blue point cat - 1 Mrs A Hargreaves; 2 E Miss E M Ellias
Blue point kitten, male - 1 Mrs Hargreave;s 3 Miss E M Ellias
Ditto, female - 1 and 3, Miss E M Ellias; 2 Mrs A Hargreaves
Chocolate point, female - 2 Mrs E Fisher; 3 Miss H Lawrence (Crewkerne)
Ditto male or female - 1 Robin James; 2 Mrs E Fisher
Any colour breeders cat - 1 Mrs Hargreaves; 3 Mrs P Udall
Ditto kitten, male - 2 Mrs A Hargreaves; 3 Mrs P Lambert
Ditto female - 1 and 2 Mrs P Lambert; 3 Mrs P Udall.
Any colour novice cat - 1 Mrs J Tancock; 2 Mrs P Udall; 3 Miss E M Ellias
Seal point novice kitten - 1 Mrs E Dyke (Brompton); 2 Mrs J Judd (Thornbury); 3 Mrs P Lambert
Any other colour novice kitten – 1 Miss E M Ellias

BRITISH AND FOREIGN INCLUDING SIAMESE
Any variety maiden cat - 2 Mrs A Hargreaves
Ditto kitten - 2 Mrs E Fisher; 3 Mrs Alexander, Mrs E Fisher
Any variety brace cat - 2 Mrs P Udall
Any variety pair kittens - 2 Mrs E Fisher; 3 Miss E M Ellias
Any variety brood – 1 Mrs Hargreaves; 2 Mrs Alexander
Any variety litter - 1 Mrs Alexander; 2 Mrs J Judd; 3 Mrs P Dyer
Any variety kindergarten – 1 and 3, Mrs Alexander; 2 Mrs a J Judd

MISCELLANEOUS
Any variety, long or short haired, Devon county cat or kitten - 1 Mrs P Dyer; 2 Miss Cathcart; 3 Mrs Wellington
Ditto, Somerset county - 1 Mrs P Lambert; 2 Mrs Alexander; 3 Miss H Lawrence
Ditto, visitors - 2 Misses McLaren and Stennard
Ditto, novice exhibitors – 3 Miss H D G (Tavistock)
Experimental breeders, long or short hair cat - 1 Mrs P Dyer; 3 Mrs E Fisher

NEUTERS
Any colour self, Iong hair, premier - 1 Mrs D Clapp (Cullompton); 3 Mrs C Douglas (Uffculme)
Any Siamese premier - 1 Mrs M Giles (Curland); 2 Brig Rossiter (Swindon); 3 Mrs Small ((Taunton)
Any variety British, premier – 1, Brig. Rossiter
Any colour long hair cat - Mrs D Clapp
Any variety short hair cat - 1 and 3, Brig. Rossiter; 2 Mrs M Giles
Any cat or kitten spayed female - 1 Mrs C M Douglas; 2 Mrs M Shrouder (Bournemouth)

HOUSEHOLD PETS
Any variety [adult] – 1 Mrs E A Billing (Combe St Nicholas); 2 Mrs R Mansfield (Crewkerne); 3 Mrs E Bowman-Leaver (Paignton)
Ditto, kitten - 1 and 2 Miss J Tyzack (Taunton)
Shop and office pets - 1 Mr D G Baker (Combe St Nicholas Post Office)

1954 SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW

[SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW] West Sussex Gazette, 14th October 1954
At the Horticultural Hall the other day the Siamese cats were holding court at the Siamese Cat Club championship show. One has to tread delicately among the specialists on such occasions as this, but even observers from underprivileged hearths which have never known Siamese could not restrain their respectful admiration. The devotees of the Siamese cat are growing steadily "More intelligent than any dog," they say. "And hardier." To the uninitiated, not the least extraordinary thing about the creatures as their expressive vocabulary - a vibrant note to match every flash of a jewelled eye. One can only feel that a Siamese cat, having honoured you with its presence, would take a good deal of living up to.

[SIAMESE CAT CLUB SHOW] Tonbridge Free Press, 15th October 1954
"Best Neuter" in the show, a challenge certificate, a premier award and eight firsts were among the many successes gained by two cats entered by Mrs. Kathleen P. Hooper, of East Street, Tonbridge, in the Siamese Cat Club show at the Royal Horticultural Society's hall in London on Friday of last week. Her two Siamese neuter cats, Behenta Yu Phin and Behenta Som Kid, were competing against Siamese cats from all over Britain, more than 230 entries being received for the show. Mrs. Hooper's two cats have now won more than 30 first, second and third prizes (in addition to many commendations) in five successive national cat shows and have featured in cat magazines. Mrs. Hooper's Burmese kitten, with five awards in her first show last month, has also appeared in print and been heard with her brothers and sisters on the B.B. C.

1954 MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW

cat show

[ MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB SHOW] Birmingham Daily Gazette, 27th October 1954
Wolverhampton. - The Midland Counties Cat Club Show returned here yesterday for the first time since the club was formed in 1902. Over 200 cats and kittens in 146 classes made it one of the largest shows yet held. The value of the kittens ranged from 4 guineas to 20 guineas.

CHAMPION CATS IN THE MIDLANDS Birmingham Daily Post, 27th October 1954
Three prizewinners at Wolverhampton Championship Cat Show yesterday. Mrs Iris Crosthwaite, of Yardley Wood Road, Moseley, with Purring Victor, the best male silver tabby, which was also reserve in the any colour novice class. Mrs Crosthwaite also won the Blue Point Siamese class with Pincop Azure of Tingasha. Mrs L. Dyer, of Oakfield Road, Selly Park, Birmingham, with Lendreena Little Sheeba, winner of cream female class, and of the any colour maiden class, third in the any colour breeders' class, and very highly commended in two other classes. Mr. H. Wood, of Oscott House, Hall Street, Netherton, Dudley, with his litter of four eleven-week-old blue-cream kittens, which won the any colour litter class. Mr. Wood won three awards with his other entry, Blue Croft Butterscotch.

MIAOW ... IT'S THE CAT SHOW AGAIN Birmingham Daily Gazette, 27th October 1954
Wolverhampton. The Midland Counties Cat Club Show returned here yesterday for the first time since the club was formed in 1902. Over 200 cats and kittens in 146 classes made it one of the largest shows yet held. The value of the kittens ranged from 4gns. to 20gns.

FELINE PRIZEWINNERS AT WOLVERHAMPTON. MIDLAND COUNTIES CLUB ANNUAL SHOW Birmingham Daily Post, 27th October 1954
For the first time since its inaugural meeting in the town in 1902, the annual championship show of the Midland Counties Cat Club was held yesterday at Wolverhampton. Entries, which totalled 194, and included animals in 27 varieties from many parts of the country, exceeding expectations and a high standard was reached. The club's shield for the best long-haired adult was won by Mrs. M. Crickmore's Blue, Thiepval Precocious, while that for the best short-haired adult was gained by Mrs. E. Wridgway's Sealpoint, Salewheel Royal Rose, Mrs. D. Benbow's Cream, Bayhorne Ariel, was the best long-haired kitten and the best short-haired kitten was Mrs. D. Powell's Blue-point, McKerrell's Joy. The best long-haired neuter was Mrs. A. Richard's Sharbri Alpha, and the short-haired neuter award went to Mrs. J. Digney's Siamese Quantock's Petroc. Twenty-six other special awards remain to be made. First prize-winners were:-
White, orange-eyed, male or female: Mrs. S. Ball, Great Glenn, Leicestershire, Carreg Clover.
Blue, male: Mrs. J. Thompson, Beckenham, Foxborough Frivolous.
Blue, female: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Lowestoft, Thiepval Precocious.
Cream, male: Mrs. F. Mayne, Calstock, Redwalls Bath Oliver.
Cream, female: Mrs. L. Dyer, Selly Park, Birmingham, Lendreena Little Sheeba.
Smoke, male or female: Mrs. P. Dyer, Slapton, Slapton Dusty.
Silver tabby, male or female: Mrs. D. Crosthwaite, Moseley, Purring Victor.
Chinchilla, female: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Snowcloud.
Tortoiseshell, male or female: Mrs G. Budd, Knaresborough Jessica o' the Nor' East.
Tortie and white, male of female: Miss M. Grace, Bratton, Wiltshire, Gracefield Pollyanthus.
Blue cream, male or female: Mrs. A. Richards, Strood, Sharbry Adela.
Blue, breeders, male or female: Mrs. Crickmore, Thiepval Precocious.
Blue, novice, male or female: Mrs. S. Culley, Urmston, Bennaven Mitzi.
A.C. Breeders (excluding blue), male or female: Mrs. E. Broxton and Miss R. Robinson, Cirencester, Merely Simone.
A.C. Novice (excluding blue), male or female: Mrs. E. Broxton and Miss R. Robinson, Merely Simbo.
A.C. Senior, male or female: Mrs. J. Thompson, Foxborrow Frivolous.
A.C. junior, male or female: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Precocious.
A.C. maiden, male or female: Mrs. l. Dyer, lendreena Little Sheba.
A.C. brace: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Paragon and Thiepval Precocious.
Black or white, male or female: Mrs. P. Dyer, Slapton, Mistinguett.
Blue (three to six months), male or female: Mrs. Watts, Coventry, Lady Vanessa.
Blue (six to nine months), female: Mrs. M. Kirkus, Heswall Hills, Suncroft Floradora.
Blue breeders (three to nine months), male of female: Mrs. Kirkus, Suncroft Floradora.
Blue, novice (three to nine months), male or female: R. Lansdell, Nottingham, Wolseley Musidora.
Cream (three to nine months), male: Mrs. D. Benbow, Ludlow, Bayhorne Ariel.
Cream (three to nine months), female: Mrs. F. Mayne, Fanifold Zamora.
Silver tabby or smoke (three to nine months), male or female: Miss m. Grace, Purring Mystery.
Brown or red tabby (three to nine months), male or female: Miss G. hardman, Harrogate, Killinghall Red Ensign.
Chinchilla (three to nine months), male or female: Mrs. E. Olden, Reigate, Poldenhills Rose-Daphne.
Tortie or tortie and white (three to nine months), male of female: Mrs. A. Richards, Sharbri Bella Mia.
Blue cream (three to nine months), male or female: Mrs. M. Kirkus Suncroft Fair Rosamonde.
A.C. breeders (excluding blue), three to nine months, male or female: Mrs. D. Benbow, Bayhorne Ariel.
A.C. novice (excluding blue), three to nine months, male or female: Mrs. E. Broxton and Miss R. Robinson, Merely Whitsun.
A.C. kitten, brace: Mrs. E. Broxton and Miss R. Robinson, Merely Whitsun and Merely Wikki.
A.C. novice exhibitor, cat or kitten: R. Lansdell, Wolseley Musidora.
Team: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Paragon, Thiepval Precocious and Thiepval Snowcloud.
A.C. litter: H. Wood, Netherton.
Red tabby, male or female: Mrs. B. Farquhar, Coventy, Nidderdale Everest.
Brown tabby, male or female: Mrs. B. Farquhar, Burnbeech Bumphrey.
Silver tabby, male or female: Miss W. Galpin, Bristol, Silvo of Blagden.
Abyssinian, male: Mrs. C. Roberts, Walsall, Heatherpine Herodotus.
Abyssinian female: Miss M. Grace, Gracefield Arrow.
Burmese, male or female: Mrs. E. Matthewson, Birmingham, Chinki Yong Jetta.
A.V. breeders (excluding Siamese), male or female: Miss M. Grace, Gracefield Arrow.
Red tabby, three to nine months old, male or female: Miss G. Hardman, Killinghall Red Sunrise.
Silver tabby (three to nine months), male or female: Mrs. M. Thake, Coventry, Silverseal Pussy Willow.
Abyssinian (three to nine months), male or female: Mrs. M. Foxwell, Corsham, Selborne Chi.
Burmese (three to nine months) male or female: Mrs. M. Smith, Leicester, Sablesilk Bimbo.
A.V. breeders (excluding Siamese) three to nine months, male or female: Mrs. M. Foxwell, Corsham, Selborne Chi.
A.V. novice (excluding Siamese) three to nine months, male of female: Miss G. hardman, killinghall Red Sunset.
Team: Miss G. Hardman, Barwell Cherry, Killinghall Red Sunrise, Killinghall Red Sunset.
Seal-point, male: Miss D. Wells, Reading, Killdown Sultan.
Seal-point, female, Mrs. E. Wridgway, Mobberley, Salewheel Royal Rose.
Blue-point, male: Mrs. D. Crosthwaite, Moseley, Pincop Azure TIngasha.
Blue-point, female: Dr. and Mrs. W. Groom, Kidderminster, Banchor Blue Titania.
Chocolate-point, male or female: Mrs. D. Clarke, Reading, Craigiehilloch Chojula.
A.C. breeders, male or female: Mrs. E. Wridgway, Salewheel Royal Rose.
A.C. novice, male or female: Mrs. D. Crosthwaite, pincop Azure Tingasha.
Seal-point (three to six months), Male: miss H. Purtell, Warwich, Avonside Tudor Prince.
Seal-point (three to six months), female: Mrs. P. Lambert, Bath, Firesprite Tanya.
Seal-point (six to nine months), male: Mrs. D. Nicholas, Macclesfield, Reycroft Rhadamanthus.
Seal-point (six to nine months), female: Mrs. M. Hartley, Shrewsbury, Avonside Clematis.
Blue-point (three to nine months), male and female: Mrs. D. Powell, Gnosall, McKerrell's Joy.
A.C. breeders, male or female: Mrs. D. Powell, McKerrell's Joy.
A.C. novice, male or female: Mrs. Powell, McKerrell's Joy.
A.C. brace: Mrs. Powell, McKerrell's Rajah and McKerrell's Joy.
A.C. team: Mrs. P. lambert, Firesprite Cheta, Firesprite Tanya, Selborne Grisette.
A.V.S.H. senior (including Siamese), male or female: Mrs. M. Biggs, Rugby, Pristine Ma Pinwa.
A.V.S.H. junior (including Siamese), male or female: Miss W. Galpin, Silvo of Blagden.
A.V.S.H. brace (including Siamese): Mrs. C. Roberts, Heatherpine Herodotus, Petroganne Scheherazade.
A.V. novice exhibitor (including Siamese), cat or kitten: Mrs D. powell, McKerell'e Rikki.
A.C. self, L.H. (premier): Mrs. A. Richards, Sharbri Alpha.
A.O.V.L.H. (premier): Mrs. E. Moore, Manchester, Bennaven Rufus.
A.V. British S.H. (premier): Mrs. A. Portnoy, Hale, Moonstone Sherpa.
A.V. Siamese (premier): Mrs. J. Digney, Moseley, Quantock petroc.
A.V., L.H. or S.H. senior (more than two years): Mrs. V. Marchant, Birmingham, Blanmerle Blue Frill.
A.V., L.H. or S.H. junior (four months to two years): Mrs. E. Moore, Bennaven Rufus.
A.V. maiden: Mrs. B. Hughes, Gnosall, Golding Timothy.
A.V. novice exhibitor: Mrs. J. Digney, Quantock's Petroc.

MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB
A.V., L.H Cat: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Paragon.
A.V., L.H. Kitten: Mrs. M. Kirkus, Suncroft Fair Rosamonde.
A.V., S.H. cat: Mrs. E. Wridgway, Sailwheel Royal Rose.
A.V., S.H. kitten: Miss G. Hardman, Killlinghall Red Sunrise.
A.V., L.H. neuter: Mrs. A. Rischards, Sharbury Alpha.
A.V., S.H. neuter: Mrs. J. Digney, Quantock's Petroc.

NATIONAL CAT CLUB
A.V. L.H. cat: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval precocious.
A.V. L.H. Kitten: Mrs. M. Kirkus, Suncroft Fair Rosamonde.
A.V. S.H. cat (incl. Siamese): Dr. and Mrs, W. Groom, Nilgiris Pelleas.
A.V. S.H. kitten (incl. Siamese): Mrs. M. Thake, Silverseal Pussy Willow.

SIAMESE CAT CLUB.
A.C. adult, male or female: Miss D. Wells. Killdown Sltan.
A.C. kitten, male or female: Miss H. Purtell, Avonside Tudor Prince.
A.C. neuter: Miss M. Hampshire, Salford, Sailwheel Silver Catkin.
B.P. kitten (three to nine months), male or female: Mrs. M. Biggs, Rugby, Quesi Blue Delicato.

K.K. AND N.C.C.
A.V. L.H. kitten: Mrs. M. Kirkus, Suncroft Fair Rosamonde.
A.V. S.H. kitten (including Siamese): Miss G. Hardman, Killinghall Red Sunrise.
A.V. L.H. neuter: Mrs. A. Richards, Sharbury Alpha.
A.V. S.H. neuter: Miss M. Hampshire, Sailwheel Silver Catkin.

CROYDON C.C. - A.V. L.H. cat or kitten: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Precocious.
CROYDON C.C. - A.V. S.H. cat or kitten (incl. Siamese): Mrs. C. Roberts, Heatherpine Herodotus.
SOUTHERN COUNTIES C.C. - A.C. L.H. cat, male or female: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Precocious.
SOUTHERN COUNTIES C.C. - A.C. L.H. kitten, male or female: Mrs. M. Kirkus, Suncroft Floradora.
SOUTHERN COUNTIES C.C. - A.V. S.H. cat (incl. Siamese), male or female: Mrs. E. Wridgway, Sailwheel Royal Rose.
SOUTHERN COUNTIES C.C. - A.V. S.H. kitten (incl. Siamese), male or female: Miss G. Hardman, Killinghall Red Sunrise.
SOUTHERN COUNTIES C.C. - A.V. Neuter, L.H. or S.H.: Mrs. E. Minter, Bushey, Martigny of Brentside.
NOTTS AND DERBY C.C. - A.C. L.H. adult, male or female: G. Dugdale, London, Foxborough Faery.
NOTTS AND DERBY C.C. - A.C. S.H. kitten (including Siamese): Miss G. Hardman, Killinghall Red Sunrise.
NOTTS AND DERBY C.C. - A.C. L.H. neuter: H. Wood, Bluecroft Brandysnap.
LANCASHIRE AND N.W. C.C.C. - A.V. L.H. cat or kitten, male or female: Mrs. M. Kirkus, Suncroft Fair Rosamonde.
LANCASHIRE AND N.W. C.C.C. - A.V. S.H. cat or kitten (incl. Siamese), male or female: Mrs. E. Wridgway, Sailwheel Royal Rose.
S.W. C.C.C. - A.C. L.H. cat or kitten, male or female: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Precocious.
S.W. C.C.C. - A.V. S.H. cat or kitten, male or female: Miss D. Wells, Killdown Sultan.
R.C.T.B.C. & B.T. SOCIETY - A.V. L.H. or S.H. cat or kitten: Mrs. D. Brice-Webb, Bramcote, Ronada Sunkist.
SIAMESE C.S. of B.E. - A.V. Siamese, cat or kitten, male or female: Mrs. D. Clarke, Craigiehilloch Chojula.
HERTFORDSHIRE AND MIDDLESEX C.C. - A.V. L.H. adult, male or female: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Paragon.
HERTFORDSHIRE AND MIDDLESEX C.C. - A.V. S.H. kitten (including Siamese): Mrs. L. France, Derby, Sealstream Mistral.
Y.C.C.C. - A.V. L.H. or S.H (including Siamese) cat or kitten: Mrs. M. Crickmore, Thiepval Precocious.

[MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB] LITTLE HEREFORD CAT BREEDER'S SUCCESS Kington Times, 5th November 1954
Mrs. D. Benbow, of Little Hereford, scored a notable success at the Midland Counties Cat Club champion show at Wolverhampton with her cream Persian, Bayhorn Ariel, adjudged the best long-haired kitten.

[MIDLAND COUNTIES CAT CLUB] GNOSALL, A WINNER Staffordshire Sentinel, 5th November 1954
Among the prize-winning cats at the recent Midland Counties Cat Club show at Wolverhampton was Folding Timothy, a two-year-old Seal Point Siamese neuter, owned by Mrs. B. Hughes, of Audmore. Timothy, who was bought as a pet and is allowed to run about like any other cat, received awards in every class for which he was entered, and was runner-up to the champion short-haired cat of the show.

1954 CROYDON CAT CLUB SHOW

[CROYDON CAT CLUB SHOW] THE CATS OBJECT BUT NOT LINDY Daily Herald, 11th November 1954
The cat show officials were busy judging the entrants when a Siamese kitten hissed: "There's a dog in the hall." The challenging news spread from pen to pen – in cat language of course. Ginger, tortoiseshell, red, cream and tabby cats shook their cage doors with indignation. But Lindy the dachshund sat unperturbed in an open suitcase hidden behind a stall. All day she sat there without a single bark.

It happened yesterday at the show of the Croydon Cat Club - a national organisation despite its name. The club had bolted the doors of London's Royal Horticultural Hall against all dogs, but then Lindy is an exception. As her owner, Mrs. Larwood, an animal welfare worker, says: "She recognises no distinction between dog and cat or any other animal for that matter. She started by regarding herself as the complete equal of her fireside companion – a guinea pig."

How could you close the door against such a dog? As might be expected, some cats have objected strongly but it won't make any difference. Lindy will be there again next year. She'd even be willing to compete as a cat.

[CROYDON CAT CLUB SHOW] FAROUK (THE CAT) MAKES HIS BOW Belfast News-Letter, 11th November 1954
Farouk and Faiza, two Egyptian cats named after ex-King Farouk and his sister, Princess Faiza, made their bow at Croydon (Surrey) Cat Club's championship show at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, yesterday. They were awarded 2nd and 3rd places in the household kittens class.

[CROYDON CAT CLUB] Cornish Guardian, 18th November 1954
Mrs. Thomson. of Warleigh, Downderry, entered three blue kittens at the Croydon Cat Club Championship Show at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, and won a third place, a reserve card and a commendation. The reserve kitten was sold at the show and the kitten placed third has been sent to New Zealand for breeding purposes

[CROYDON CATCLUB] PREMIER FOR NINE LIVES Tonbridge Free Press, 19th November 1954
A third win as Premier, and Best Neuter in Show award were gained by Mrs. Kathleen P. Hooper, of The Golden Lantern, East Street, Tonbridge, with her Siamese cat Behenta Yu Phin, at Croydon Cat Club Championship Show at the Royal Horticultural Society's hall in London, on Wednesday of last week. This entitles Behenta Yu Phin to bear the prefix "Premier" for the rest of her nine lives! Over 300 cats of all breeds were competing for official recognition as champions. Mrs. Hooper's other Siamese Behenta Som Kid, and her Burmese kitten, Sablesilk Babu, were also entered, the three cats earning for their owners a challenge certificate, four firsts, three seconds, three thirds, and more than a dozen other awards and special prizes.

1954 YORKSHIRE COUNTY CAT CLUB SHOW

NINE EXTRA PRIZES FOR IMPRESSIVE YORKS CATS Bradford Observer, 29th November 1954
Because the judges were so impressed with the quality and condition of the domestic pets entered in their special classes at the Yorkshire County Cat Club show in Leeds on Saturday, they gave nine extra prizes so all the entries could receive an award. The domestic pet classes, which cater for shop, office, warehouse, cafe and farm cats, are a popular feature of the show which attracted 600 entries. Mrs. F. E. Taylor, treasurer, said: "The domestic cats were in lovely condition. All the entries have got prizes."
Trophy winners were:
President's Cup for short haired exhibit: Mr. N. Winder, Staincliff Road, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury.
Harrogate Challenge Cup for best exhibit in show: Mrs. S.S. Culley, Urmston.
Yeend Neuter Cup for neuter (l.h. or s.h.): Mrs. E. Bean, Whitehall Road, Westfield, Wyke, Bradford.
Nidderdale Rose Bowl for l.h. female: Mrs. S.S. Culley.
Mrs. T.W. Adams Trophy for l.h. male adult: Mrs. K. Brough, Hull.
Adams Trophy for l.h. kitten: Mrs. V. Raleigh, Mitcham, Surrey.
Wentworth Fitzwilliam Trophy for British s.h.: Mr. L. Butterfield, Drub Lane, Gomersal, near Leeds.
Dominic Cup for blue-cream adult: Mrs. G.M. Snowden, Patrington, near Hull.
Ousedale Cup for cream l.h. kitten: Mrs. M.A. Bolton, Station Road, Oakworthm near Keighley.
E. Wentworth Fitzwilliam Cup for l.h. adult: Mrs. S.S. Culley, Urmston.
Rushmere Cup for B.P. cat or kitten: Miss G. Macfarlane, Bank Road, Cross Hills, near Keighley.
Mrs. G.M. Bydd Cup for Siamese (m. or f.) bred by exhibitor: Mr. S. Travis, Thorner, Leeds.
George Bolton Memorial Cup for blue l.h. cat or kitten: Mrs. S.S. Culley.
Mrs. U. E. Hillyer Trophy for a.v. breeders, s.h. cat (ped.): Mrs. G.M. Budd, Knaresborough.
Mrs. Morley Novice Exhibitor's Cup (Siamese): Mr. C. Travis, Thorner.
Meivien Cup for Siamese with best eye colour: Miss J. Hoyland. Kings Mill Lane, Huddersfield.
Miss R. Chapman, York, won the prize for the best household pet.

1954 NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW

cat show

[NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW] MIDLAND SIAMESEBirmingham Daily Post, 9th December 1954
There were about 500 exhibits West to-day at the National Cat Club's annual show and it was declared the best since the war. All types were displayed, but the Midlands did best with Siamese cats. Dr. W. A. Groom, of Kidderminster, and Mrs. Crosthwaite, of Moseley, had a curiously similar experience. Both showed blue-point Siamese of about 18 months which were the best of their sections and will be champions if they get one more challenge certificate. Both declared that Siamese cats are no more delicate than other breeds.

Dr. Groom told me that he and his wife began their Siamese colony about five years ago and it is now becoming known in the locality. He allows his females only one litter a year–instead of the usual two–and sees that the kittens are born in the spring so that they get the benefit of sunshine. He inoculates them against enteritis and is careful for their comfort. Mrs. Crosthwaite described how she had begun with one pet - "I showed him for fun, did not win anything, but got bitten with the idea." The best points you look for in judging Siamese cats, she explained, are the long head, legs and tail, upstanding ears and "slinky" body.

[NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW] PAILTON CATS WIN SHOW AWARDS [NATIONAL CAT CLUB SHOW] > Coventry Evening Telegraph, 11th December 1954
Mrs. M. Biggs, of the Bunslow, Pailton. won two awards in the National Cat Show in London on Wednesday. Over 500 cats were exhibited. Mrs. Biggs' Seal Point Siamese "Pristine Ma Pine" was adjudged the best short haired cat in the show, and her kitten "Quest Blue Delicato" the best short-haired kitten.

CHAMPION CAT Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser, 31st December 1954
Viktor, a Burmese cat owned Mr. and Mrs. H. Massey, High Street, Warwick, became the first male Burmese champion in England at the recent National Cat Club championships at London. Another of Mr. and Mrs. Massey Burmese cats, Melody, was placed second.

1954 REGIONAL CAT SHOWS

[CATS PROTECTION LEAGUE] SILVER CUP FOR SHOP CAT CHAMP! Kensington Post, 19th February 1954
Kensington shop cats have their points it seems-apart from catching mice. The Cats Protection League (London Area) is offering a silver challenge cup for the best-cared-for shop cat in Kensington. For particulars of the competition and entry forms, cats, their masters or mistresses, should write to the Hon. Secretary. C.P.L. (London Area). 29 Craigen Avenue, Croydon, Surrey. Closing date for entries is March 30. Miss I. Barras, Secretary of the Cats' Protection League told the Kensington Post this week that she had already had a number of enquiries about the competition. "I should like to make it clear that this is a competition for the best-cared-for shop cat in Kensington, but it is not a cat show. The animals are not expected to be sent anywhere," she said. The judge will be Miss Kit Wilson who lives in Kensington and is chairman of the League. She will call and see the cats in their shop surroundings and award the Silver Challenge Cup to the one she considers the best.

[CATS PROTECTION LEAGUE] NOT JUDGING Kensington Post, 5th March 1954
Due to previous commitments. Kensington's well-known worker for animals, Miss Kit Wilson, will be unable to judge the Cats' Protection League competition to find the best-cared-for shop cat in the borough. Name of the judge will be announced shortly.

[CATS PROTECTION LEAGUE] SHOP CATS WILL BE SEEN AT HOME Kensington News and West London Times, 19th February 1954
The Cats' Protection League have had a good many enquiries following the announcement in the "Kensington News" that they are to award a Silver Challenge Cup to the best shop cat in the area. Now the League has asked us to make it clear that this is not a cat show the cats will not be required to go anywhere The Judge, Miss Kit Wilson, will visit them in their own home i.e. shop surroundings and award the prize to the one she considers the best cared for. So now all you Toms and Tiddles lurking behind the counters - polish your whiskers and sleek your fur - for Miss Wilson may be calling on you any day now!

[OUR DUMB FRIENDS LEAGUE] CHILDREN'S ANNUAL DOG AND CAT SHOW East Kent Times and Mail, 28th April 1954
Our Dumb Friends' League Children's Annual Dog and Cat Show at West Cliff Hall, Ramsgate, Saturday, 1st May at 2 p.m. Free Entry Farms from Superintendent, Our Dumb Friends League, High Street, Ramsgate. Closing date for entries Friday, 30th April. Winners to compete in Finals at Hyde Park - All Expenses Paid.

[CHESHIRE SHOW] Cheshire Observer, 5th June 1954
There was a smaller number of entrants in the cats exhibition than in previous years, but what they lacked in number they made up in value. Many of the cats were valued up to £20 each. The star of the cat show was undoubtedly Miss Marie Wright's Avonside-Brilliant, from Hawarden, which won more events than any other feline in the exhibition. The cat also won two silver cups. In this year's show there were two Manx cats who, despite the fact that they are without tails, managed to be placed in several competitions.

URMSTON SHOW Manchester Evening News, 23rd July 1954
Urmston Show, Bank Holiday Monday, August 2. The family show with something for everybody [. . .] Canine and Cat Shows.

SALVATIONISTS FETE AT HAVERHILL Saffron Walden Weekly News, 30th July 1954
[. . .] Features of the event were a dog and cat show and a baby show, staged for the first time. The baby show was successful, but unfortunately the interest in the animal classes was small [. . .] The dog and cat show was judged by Mr. E. Burgon, Haverhill veterinary surgeon. [. . .] The owners of the prizewinners in the cat show were Marion Willett and Gwen Rowley.

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