Newsletter: October 2016

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The Stay-At-Homes

In the absence of any response at all to my request to hear about – and see photos of - your stay-at-home cats, you will have to make do with my two boys this time.  If I have no volunteers after this newsletter reaches your in-boxes I might be emailing to ask for contributions. :o)  Surely I can’t be the only person in the club who thinks their stay-at-home cats deserve their moment in the spotlight just as much as the club’s show cats do?

- Jane Webster’s stay-at-home Ragdolls - Sam and Mocha

Stay-At-Home Sam
My two ‘boys’ are stay-at-homes for different reasons: Sam because he can be a terror when he doesn’t get his own way (he was an ‘only child’ for too long!) and Mocha because he’s a bit timid.  Even if they did go to shows they would both be companions since they were bought as pets and their markings are quirky rather than show quality.
Stay-At-Home Mocha

Sam is now 9.5 years old and has been living with kidney disease for over 7 years which just proves he’s a fighter - as if the notches out of his ears and other battle scars weren’t a clue.  He enjoys an indoor-access-but-prefers-outdoor lifestyle.

Mocha is 7 years old next month and came to us as a young adult looking for a new home.  I can say without hesitation that he’s the most loving and affectionate cat I’ve ever had, yet he’s wary of many things and most visitors, so few people get to know him the way we do.  He’s also has an over-enthusiastic puppy attitude – all uncoordinated enthusiasm and energy – which makes it surprising to realise that he’s nearly a middle-aged cat.

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Christmas / End-of-Year Get-together

Please put in your diary Sunday 11 December 2016 at 12.30am at Manawatu Golf Club for this year’s Palmerston North Cat Club end-of-year get-together.

This event is a great chance to all our club members and their families to get together outside the show season and the committee would love to see you there. Please RSVP to Emma by 5th December.

Date: Sunday 11, December 2016
Place: Manawatu Golf Club, 19 Centennial Drive, Palmerston North
Time: 12.30pm
RSVP: by 5th December 2016 to Emma Kimberley, secretary@pncatclub.co.nz
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NZCF 2016 National Annual Awards

Congratulations to all our members who had cats or cats of their breeding in the top ten of the annual awards:

Louise Fenn
- 8th LH Neuter/Spay Kitten (Owner): Taitirohanga Zeds No Beta, PER sW/FA
- 4th SH Companion Cat or Kitten: Gld Dbl Gr Pr CC Snicky
- 6th SH Companion Cat or Kitten: Gld Dbl Gr Pr CC Never

Diane Gaskin
- 9th SH Entire Cat (Owner): Dbl Gr Ch Skintastic Black Sabbath (Imp. Aus), SPH
- 7th SH Neuter/Spay Kitten (Owner/Breeder): Nudelicious Benedict Bares All, SPH

Denise Grace
- 3rd LH Entire Cat (Owner): Slv Dbl Gr Ch Just Catnap's Batman (Imp. SWE via AUS) CH, NFO /W
- 5th LH Entire Kitten (Owner/Breeder): Jaymlynkatz White Christmas, NFO W
- 10th LH Entire Kitten (Owner/Breeder): Jaymlynkatz Valkyrie, NFO /W
- 2nd LH Neuter/Spay Cat (Breeder): Gld Dbl Gr Pr Jaymlynkatz Rigoletto, NFO s/W
- 7th LH Neuter/Spay Cat (Owner/Breeder): Dbl Gr Pr & Gld Dbl Gr Ch Jaymlynkatz Oberon, NFO sPD/W 

Karen Grantley and Family
- Best LH Domestic Cat or Kitten (Owner): Slv Dbl Gr Pr Dom Ka Pai Kai
- 6th LH Domestic Cat or Kitten (Owner): Itza Kinda Magik

Best LH Domestic Cat or Kitten, Ka Pai Kai

6th LH Domestic Cat or Kitten Itza Kinda Magik

Paul & Kerry Holden and Family
- 5th LH Neuter/Spay Cat (Owner): Gld Dbl Gr Pr Maineflame Gold Rush, MCO F/D

Judy James
- 8th LH Neuter/Spay Cat (Owner/Breeder): Gld Dbl Gr Pr Concerto Snow Flake, SBI

Keryn McOmish and Sarah Harris
- 7th LH Entire Cat (Owner/Breeder): Slv Dbl Gr Ch Adoradolls Let There Be Love, RAG A/W
- 10th LH Entire Cat (Breeder): Slv Dbl Gr Ch Adoradolls Greta Gaea, RAG A/W
- 3rd LH Neuter/Spay Cat (Breeder): Gld Dbl Gr Pr Adoradolls Zimba the Terror, RAG A/W
- 4th LH Neuter/Spay Kitten (Breeder): Adoradolls Nothing But the Best, RAG /W

Lindsay & Alma Millard and Margaret Morgan
- 4th LH Entire Cat (Owner/Breeder): Gld Dbl Gr Ch Whitestar Hearts Blaise, PER E
- 9th LH Entire Cat (Breeder): Gld Dbl Gr Ch Whitestar Banditt, EXO A
- Best LH Companion Cat or Kitten (Owner): Gld Dbl Gr Pr CC Maltee
- 3rd SH Companion Cat or Kitten (Owner): Slv Dbl Gr Pr CC Sir Boris

Kevin & Yvonne Murphy and Renee Murphy
- 6th LH Entire Cat (Owner/Breeder): Slv Dbl Gr Ch Amoenta Izza Lucky, SBI
- 8th LH Entire Cat (Owner/Breeder): Brz Dbl Gr Ch Amoenta Bouzer, SBI

Genevieve Rogerson and Julie Hansen
- 10th SH Entire Cat (Owner/Breeder): Gld Dbl Gr Ch Sashima Melaka, BUR C
- 2nd SH Neuter/Spay Cat (Breeder): Slv Dbl Gr Pr Sashima Coco, BUR

10th SH Entire Cat Sashima Melaka
Rob White and Keryn Ronald
- 5th SH Neuter/Spay Cat (Owner/Breeder): Slv Dbl Gr Pr Robandi It's Over Now, OSH
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Committee Meeting – 27th October 2016

The October committee meeting was changed from the advertised date and held on Thursday 27th instead.

from Denise Grace

- 2017 Show
More discussion re judges for next year's show and hopefully they are finalised now.

Show jobs were allocated in preparation for producing the show schedule.

Discussion about the major sponsor for the show and it was decided to approach Pro Plan again.

- Fund-raising
Raffle tickets have been produced and distributed amongst committee members.

Prizes:        1st $300        2nd $150        3rd $50

$5 per ticket or $25 for a book of 5 tickets. Please contact any committee member if you would like to purchase tickets or could sell some for the Club. This is to raise funds towards next year's show so any help with this would be much appreciated.

- Next Meeting: Thursday, 17 November 2016
- - Time: 7.30pm
- - Location: To Be Advised
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Cat News

- Pet Education Day
Nobody contacted me with information about how easy (or not) it was to apply to the Palmerston North City Council for a permit to keep more than three cats but I was nearly able to find out for myself at the Palmerston North City Council stand at the Massey University Veterinary Students' Association’s Pet Education Day at Waldegrave Hall on 9 October.  Sadly it was not to be as the Council staff who were to man the stand hadn’t turned up by the time I’d done a tour of the hall!

I enjoyed most of the displays and events at the Pet Education Day (though I was possibly 40+ years older than the target audience) but one thing that I felt was missing from the cat displays was information on cat containment.  It’s going to be an increasingly important topic and time goes on and I think every chance to make the public familiar with even the idea of containment is going to be time well spent.

- New Zealand Companion Animal Council Conference
Last month I attended the NZCAC’s conference in Wellington.  Although all the of speakers were excellent and their information interesting I was particularly distracted by the Companion Animals in New Zealand report we were given as attendees.  It was chock-full of statistics (admittedly from a small survey size) – many of which I found fascinating.  Here are some examples:

From the New Zealand companion animal population breakdown, 2001 and 2015 chart, the number of households with cats has dropped from 48% to 44% and the number of cats per household from 1.8 to 1.5.

From the International comparison chart the ‘household with cats’ percentages are:
     New Zealand 44%
     United States 35%
     Australia 29%
     United Kingdom 17%

From the Type of cat chart 88% of the cats the survey recipients’ owned were random-bred domestics, and 4% were registered pedigree.  Between those figures is 8% which are identified as ‘purebred’ but not registered.

The statistics went on to cover everything from pet insurance rates (rising) to spending on different pet products (also rising), where cats are acquired, trusted sources of information, microchipping, barriers to pet ownership, etc, etc.  It’s an awesome document and can be downloaded from the NZCAC website, www.nzcac.org.nz/

Information from the New Zealand Companion Animal Council Inc. (2016) Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 report used with permission.
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Returning Member

We welcome Margaret Bull back to the club.
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History Notes – 1965

While looking through old NZGCCF Newsletters for something relating to our club (my first choice) I found this letter about bluepoint Siamese in the June/July 1965 Newsletter (No 132) which intrigued me. (The prefix list is included for interest.)

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Newsletter: September 2016

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Show Results

- Denise Grace of Jaymlynkatz

Congratulations to the Jaymlynkatz Norwegian Forest Cats and their breeder Denise Grace for their successes at the tail end of the show season both here and in Australia.

- - Kapiti
At Kapiti-Horowhenua Cat Club Show on September 4th, Ch Jaymlynkatz Renaissance made his first appearance on the show bench this year and took out Supreme Best Cat in Show!

His young half-brother, Jaymlynkatz White Christmas, aka Kristoff, was awarded Supreme Best Kitten in Show!

- - Australia
Also that weekend, Kristoff's older sister, Jaymlynkatz Skadi, owned by Sandra Dukes of Norskatt Norwegian Forest Cats in Australia, had a great day and finished the day as Reserve Supreme All Breeds Cat at the NSWCFA fund-raiser show in New South Wales, Australia.

- - CatzInc
The following weekend Kristoff attended the Catz Inc Spring Fever show in Palmerston North which was a 7 ring show (4 Longhair rings and 3 All Breeds rings) and finished the day with a clean sweep of 7 Best in Show awards.

Jaymlynkatz White Christmas (Kristoff)
Photo: Emma Kimberley @ CatzInc Show

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'All Breeds' News

Taking an interest in what's happening in breeds other than our own.

In this part of the country we're lucky that we have been able to see examples of the new russet colour in Burmese.  First appearing in 2007 the 'russet' cats are - in simple terms - born looking like ticked tabbies but mature into reds.  (If you haven't seen them and get a chance to see this new colour on a Burmese or Mandalay it's worth taking the time to do so.)  Shown first as companions, then AOC Burmese, the russets began showing alongside the range of Burmese and Mandalay colours in the 2014 show season.

The news for those following the progress of this new colour mutation is that a DNA test has been developed for russet and is available from VGL at UC Davis:

www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat/BurmeseRusset.php

Congratulations to all those involved in the hard work of getting this mutation identified and the colour established.
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Palmerston North Cat Club Remits to the NZCF AGM

The NZCF AGM is still a long, long way away (mid-May 2017) but it's worth starting to think about the club's remits now.  Anybody who has a suggestion for a remit from the club should contact the club secretary with details so that these can be prepared well in advance of the pre-show 'busy season' for our committee.

Contact: Emma Kimberley secretary@pncatclub.co.nz
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Committee Meeting – 15th September 2016

by Denise Grace

- 2017 Show
Further discussion about judges for the 2017 show.

- 2016 National Show
Figures to hand for the National Show:
- Judges' Travel
- - - Total expense: $11,105.00
- - - Income from Clubs who shared judges: $3,612.50

- NZCF Benching Fees: $2,295.00
- Door take: $5,076.50
- Over-all profit: $6,266.77
  
- Judges' Training
Palmerston North Cat Club committee have been asked to assist with the NZCF judges' exams for longhair and shorthair student judges to be held on November 26th at the Community Leisure Centre. A schedule will be sent out early October and we hope that Club members will support our aspiring judges with entries.

- Next Meeting: Thursday, 13 October 2016
-- Time: 7.30pm
-- Location: To Be Advised
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Cat News

Last week the New Zealand Companion Animal Council held its 26th Companion Animal Conference in Wellington and much of the focus of the speakers was on cat management.  The speakers ranged from representatives of private (non-SPCA) rescue groups to a Wellington City Council Urban Ecologist.  There were some eye-opening statistics and concepts bandied about but of on-going interest to cat owners in New Zealand is the release of the draft National Cat Management Strategy Group (NCMSG) report and the background and summary can be read at the following links:

http://bit.ly/NCMSGbackground

http://bit.ly/NCMSGsummary

Comment on the draft report is invited from organisations rather than individuals, leading on to a point which was made by Myfanwy Emeny (Wellington City Council Urban Ecology team leader) that 'lobby groups' are more effective in consultation than individual voices.  Perhaps this is the difference between one clear message from a group and hundreds of variations from each individual, but it's something to bear in mind in any future local (or national) consultations.

One thing I found particularly surprising in my (very) quick read of the 160+ page NCMSG background document was that Palmerston North City Council (and many other councils throughout the country) already have a cap on the number of cats 'on premises' in the city:

Part 4: 8. CATS ON PREMISES

8.1 No person may keep more than three cats on any private land with an area less than 2,000m2 in the urban area without a permit issued under this Bylaw.

8.2 No cats kept for breeding purposes shall be housed within 1.8 metres of the boundary of any adjoining property in the urban area unless the housing is within a dwelling house.

8.3 The restrictions of clauses 8.1 and 8.2 shall not apply to kittens below the age of three months.

Not that I have any immediate plans to boost the cat numbers in my household, but I would be interested in hearing from anybody who has applied for the permit about how easy the process was.

Contact: Jane Webster talmijane@gmail.com
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History Notes – 1953

Part of page 4 from the NZGCCF July 1957 Newsletter which mentions Palmerston North Cat Club's first show.  The report includes which cats won challenge certificates and the trophies which were presented.


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Newsletter: August 2016

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Apologies for the Missing Newsletters

Yet again I was out of the country - this time in some sort of European (still including the UK) black hole of poor internet access and unfulfilled promises of wi-fi at our accommodation.  Still, we did manage to stay in some lovely places and, as usual, I returned with a few photos of cats I met on my journey including the one on the right.  What a pretty girl!

 Torbie van (Pertisau, Austria)

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Show Results

- Rob White & Keryn Ronald - Robandi
Congratulations from the club to Rob White and Keryn Ronald for Robandi It's Over Now three Best in Shows, and a R/up BIS at the Geyserland in Cambridge in July and at the Hutt Feline Show earlier this month a BIS and three 3rd placings.

- Genevieve Rogerson & Julie Hanson - Sashima
Congratulations to Julie and Genevieve on their great results at the Hutt Feline show on 13th August.

Sashima Melaka (on her 2nd birthday) was awarded three Best in Shows, a R/up Best in Show, a 7th, a BAM, a Judges Choice, a Best Temperament, and a Best Groomed & Conditioned.

Sashima Madagascar (Maddie) received two Best in Shows, a 3rd, a 4th, a 5th, a BAM, a Best Eye Colour, and a Best Groomed & Conditioned.

Sabokah Nikao earned a R/up Best in Show, two 4ths, an 8th, and a 9th placing.

Julie and Rex's Sashima Tuscony Blue (in her first show) was placed Best in Show, R/up Best in Show, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and received a Judges Choice award.

- Denise Grace - Jaymlynkatz
Congratulations to Denise on the successes of her white Norwegian Forest Cats here and in Australia.

So far Jaymlynkatz White Christmas (aka Kristoff) has had a most successful show season with several Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show and Breeders' Awards of Merit to his credit. His greatest achievement to date though was winning Supreme Best Longhair Cat in Show at the Geyserland Cat Club show held in Cambridge on July 24th at the age of 7.5 months.

His white sister, Jaymlynkatz White Rose, who is owned by Debbie Le Strange, Guysndolls Ragdolls and Norwegians, Brisbane, is also having a very successful show career in Australia so it is wonderful to have the two white babies doing so well on the show bench.

Jaymlynkatz White Christmas
(Photo: Diane Gaskin at Pedigree Persian show in July)

- Karen Grantley & Family
With the addition of another white domestic to the household and the show bench, we have the opportunity to congratulate Karen and family on the success of tiny Itza Kinda Magik (Izzy) at her debut at Hutt Feline's show on 13 August.  Izzy earned a BIS, Judges Choice Award, Best Child's Pet, Best Groomed & Conditioned, and an Easiest to Handle.

For those who don't know Izzy's story, she was one of four kittens rescued by Adoptable in Hamilton after being thrown away in household rubbish at 3 weeks old.

- Any Others?
Do you have show results or other news you would like to share with the club?
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Committee Meeting – 11th August 2016

from Emma Kimberley

- 2017 Show
The committee is are in the process of making enquiries with judges for the 2017 show, with the intended line-up being three all-breeds judges from Australia and one New Zealand judge.

- 2016 Show
There was a good door take (over $5000) from the National Show.

- Fund-raising
The club is looking at doing a 2017 calendar.

- Next Meeting: Thursday, 15th September 2016
-- Time: 7.30pm
-- Location: Rumour Has It Cafe, 305 Rangitikei St, Palmerston North

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History Notes – 1956

Usually I try to find items relating to Palmerston North Cat Club or its members to include in the 'history notes' of the newsletter but this time, there isn't a particular link to our club.  Nevertheless, I find this snippet from the show catalogue of the Wellington Cat Club's 7th July 1956 show quite note-worthy.  Here appears to be the entire collection of Abyssinians in the country at the time; three adults and two 5-month-old kittens.


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2016 NZCF National Show: Judges' Reports - Thea Lamprecht

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I left Palmerston North with memories of breath-taking nature, outstanding attention to detail hospitality, wonderful warm and friendly people, and a remarkable variety of beautiful cats presented at the show. Congratulations to the show committee and organisers for an extremely well-run show. Thanks to my most capable book clerk Noel Davis and competent handlers who supported me efficiently on the big day. Complements to the owners of the beautiful cats who I had the opportunity to handle and judge on the day. All of these made unforgettable memories. This format unfortunately allows me to only briefly mention my top cats in each section. However, I want to commend each and every cat that I met on the day - in general every single one was beautiful in his/her own right, easy to handle, well presented and wonderful to spend time with.

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Top 10 Shorthair Entire Adults

A stunning variety of elegant Siamese and Oriental, round-eyed Scottish Fold, exquisite blue Abyssinian, silky coated Burmese, attractive Burmilla, rangy Cornish Rex, glittered Bengal, handsome Toyger and wrinkly Sphynx were presented in the entire adult ring. What an honour to have had the opportunity to come up close with all these marvellous felines. The harmoniously proportioned lilac Burmese female (511 Sashima Melaka) just took my breath away with her gorgeous even colour, typical Burmese expression, sparkling eye colour, gentle profile, super head shape, solid body type and lavishly silky short coat. Entry 508 Sabokah Nikao, a young, very masculine and strikingly handsome seal Burmese male, ticked all the boxes according to the standard and was my very worthy runner up in this ring. Lots of stiff competition from worthy competitors made this a very challenging ring.

Top 10 Shorthair Entire Kittens

Seven gorgeous British Shorthair kittens competed against 6 striking Burmese kittens, 3 big-eared Devon Rex kittens as well as against equally attractive Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex, Russian Blue, Sphynx and Egyptian Mau. 603 Catford Cinghiale Williams, an outstanding British Shorthair female with a crisp, dense, breaking, light blue coat, strong, muscular and cobby body and massive, rounded head with a firm chin and broad nose just had it all in one package and was my top kitten. The well balanced little black smoke bi-colour Devon Rex female kitten (616 Loriendale Isabel de Morningstar) had the extreme short, broad and angular head type with very large and very low set ears that one rarely sees anymore and was a delight to encounter. She was my well-deserved runner-up. I had great joy in judging each one of the fine exhibits in this diverse and exciting ring.

Top 10 Neuter/ Spay Adult

This ring presented athletic Siamese and Oriental Shorthair, 8 crisp coated British Shorthair, 6 solid-bodied Burmese, lovely Scottish Fold, Burmilla, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex, Tonkinese, Sphynx and a truly beautiful Japanese Bobtail. Each of these quality exhibits was a pleasure to have met. My heart missed a beat when I saw the fabulously handsome caramel lynxpoint neutered male (701 Robandi I'll Be Striped) with his slender yet muscular elongated lithe body and matching elegant legs, tail and neck. His harmoniously balanced wedge-shaped head, complementing ears and intense blue beautifully shaped and set eyes made him my best. The dazzling runner up was an outstanding even-toned seal Burmese neutered male (715 Sashima Coco), with wonderful balance, a great solid body, the silkiest coat ever, stunning head, profile and eyes and overall a fine example of the breed.

Top 10 Neuter/ Spay Kittens

Although this ring was smaller in quantity, it still presented a variety of seven different breeds, and each kitten was memorable to encounter. Good-looking British, Burmese, Burmilla, Cornish Rex, Selkirk Rex, Bengal and Sphynx as well as a very rare Tasman Isle of Man Longhair kitten took part and were fine examples of the different breeds. An exquisite brown spotted tabby spayed Bengal female kitten (809 Celerity Dressed to Impress) was the winner. Her short, lustrous, pelt-like silky coat displayed unbelievable pattern with glitter adding to the luxuriousness. But this was a Bengal with more than coat - her perfectly balanced body and head added to the winning quality of this gorgeous feline. The runner-up was an exceptional bluepoint bi-colour Cornish Rex spayed female kitten (806 Sunset Cracklin' Rosie) with a well-proportioned lean body, egg-shaped head and exquisite eye colour, wrapped in a soft, plush, elastic, short wavy coat.

Top 10 Domestic Longhair

I always enjoy judging the domestic section and this time it was no exception. In general I saw fabulous colours, beautiful grooming, excellent presentation and wonderful natures. Exhibit 906 Ka Pai Kai was an exquisite, glistening solid white, impeccably groomed, substantial feline with a muscular body and eyes one can drown in. All in all just a prime example of this division and a well-deserved winner. The tortoiseshell and white spayed female (903 Miss Bella) showed an outstanding temperament, coat pattern, grooming, substance and was overall a worthy runner-up in this ring.

Top 10 Domestic Shorthair

So many stunning felines in this section, so many great natures. However, the rich, warm, red tabby tail-less young neutered male (938 Magoo) stole my heart with his stature and presence. He was larger than life in more than one way and got my winning vote. The beautifully presented tabby neutered male (929 Murphys Law) showed exceptional temperament, grooming and coat texture. I could keep on stroking him for the rest of the day and he was runner-up in this section.

Top 10 Companions Longhair

This was a very challenging ring to judge with such a variety of awesome felines with stunning natures, appearances and presentation. The superbly beautiful black tortoiseshell spayed female (956 Maltee) with rich colouring captivated me with her large, luminous eyes. She was perfectly groomed and presented and was a joy to handle. Another superb spayed female (952 Squeak) was the black exhibit with a splendid coat and engaging expression. She displayed a charming nature and loved being on show.

Top 10 Companions Shorthair

I had so much fun handling these attractive cats and could take a number of them home with me. The extraordinary almost 9 year old russet Burmese spayed female (984 Molly Too) threw herself on the judging table and showed exceptional nature, beauty and condition. This super good looking older lady certainly carries her years very well and has a temperament to die for. The massive brown tabby and white tail-less neutered male (980 Montie) had a masculine body, with good substance, excellent coat texture and enjoyed his encounter with me.
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So much beauty in one hall. What a show! Thank you for the invitation to judge. It was an unforgettable experience.
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Photo of Thea judging courtesy of Catherine Holmes Photography

2016 NZCF National Show: Judges' Reports - Zena Pigden

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I must start by saying that this was a very well run show and a real pleasure to be a part of. Palmerston North Cat Club created a great sense of occasion, the show hall looked inviting and exciting and us judges were very well looked after throughout. An innovation that I particularly enjoyed was the sisal posts on each judging table. They provided an opportunity to get cats to stretch out and show themselves off and for kittens to have fun as well as providing some extra entertainment for spectators (whether or not the cat was interested in the post). I have focussed here on the Top Five in each section. Overall the quality of the top exhibits in all sections was extremely high.
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Entire LH Cat

My best cat in this section was a blue bicolour Ragdoll Adoradolls Let There Be Love. A young girl with wonderful eye colour not always seen in Ragdolls, good head type all round, great length of body and excellent coat - a silky easy care coat that breaks as it moves. Reserve went to Bronze Dbl Gr Ch Concerto Holly Holy, a lovely lilac point Birman, again with outstanding eye colour. It is always more of a challenge to get good type in recessive colours (not to mention double recessives!). This girl had good width across her cheekbones, a slight roman nose, correct eye shape, size and set, good chin and a very typical Birman expression. Third best was a black and white Norwegian Forest Cat Gr Ch S*Just Catnaps Batman (Imp Swe), a handsome boy of good size and substance. He had a great coat texture and a very pleasing head with a straight profile and correct triangular head shape without being too pointy about the muzzle, complemented by a long body and long legs. Each of these three cats represented outstanding examples of their respective breeds. Each also demonstrated excellent temperament. Next at fourth was the black van Persian Dixykatz Andromeda. Like the other Persians entered, this cat was beautifully groomed and in fact got my award for Best Groomed. All three Persians had fabulous eye colour and good type. However what put this girl ahead of the others was a shorter body and more open nostrils. She also took out the award for Best Eye Colour. 5th best was Flurmonz Garvantua, a young red silver tabby Maine Coon. They always say that as judges we tend to be hardest on our own breed and this may well be true. All of the Maine Coons entered had good qualities but sadly none of them was perfect. This was my best Maine Coon on the day, a beautifully presented boy with outstanding temperament - he got my award for Best Temperament. His body development was excellent for his age, long, strong and muscular with heavy boning. I loved his square muzzle, open expression, and large ears with lynx tips. My Breeders Award of Merit went to my Best In Show - not just for excellent type, but for achieving good eye colour.

Entire LH Kitten

Once again a Ragdoll took out Best in Show, Kiwimagic Cover Girl, a lovely blue bicolour who was my best Ragdoll in a strong field. Her excellent body, true to type coat, perfect profile and head shape were complemented by ideal Ragdoll temperament. While Ann Baker may have used chemical assistance to achieve the required relaxed attitude in her Ragdolls, Kiwimagic Cover Girl's breeder has clearly achieved the desired temperament through good breeding choices. My Reserve was Flurmonz Quintella, a gorgeous black Maine Coon. It takes something extra for a Maine Coon to stand out when it is a solid colour, as the tabby markings help to accentuate the face shape and muzzle, and ears on black cats often look smaller. This girl ticked all my boxes with large ears, a nice concave dip in her pofile and great square muzzle, along with good body and tail length. She got my Breeder's Award of Merit. Third was Chalfont Uncle Sam, a really handsome seal point Birman who went on to take out Supreme LH in show. Another cat that showed all the desired type characteristics for his breed with a correct roman nose, good chin, excellent eye colour and shape, good width across the cheekbones, excellent size, body development and boning, These three cats were all equally deserving of Best In Show, however judges are not allowed to award joint Best In Show awards and these were my awards on the day. Fourth best was a white Norwegian Forest Cat, Jamlynkatz White Christmas. At just over four months she had wonderful size, body length, and boning and excellent coat. In a slow developing breed, we don't always see this in young kittens. Nice head type, with good ear size and set. My fifth best kitten was Rosimorn Gemtastick, a lilac tortie tabby bicolour Exotic. She was my best Exotic with a good dome, round head, short body and tail and good eye colour with correct plush coat. A very pretty and unusual colour - well done to breeder Robyn Morrison, achieving this type with a double recessive colour.

Neuter Spay Kitten

Working to a theme here (no, not really) Adoradolls Nothing But The Best, a seal Bicolour Ragdoll was my Best in Show. I actually judged this section first. I must say though that the consistent high standard of the Ragdolls I had the pleasure to judge was very impressive. A lovely all round cat with great temperament. This was my nomination for Breeder's Award of Merit (which was decided in conjunction with Jane Slabbert who judged the N/S LH cats in this ring - and did go to this exhibit). Reserve was Kiwicoons Fire and Ice, a really lovely white Maine Coon girl who was let down a bit by her grooming. But we know that Neuter Spay novice exhibitors may not know just what they need to do to present a cat at its very best so in the end it did not hold her back much. She had a great square muzzle, large well set ears, good body length and tail length. A girl with lots of potential for the future if her owner chooses to continue to show her. Third best was a black Exotic, Eastside Mr Darcy who was very nice all round (round being the operative word, lovely rounded head, short solid body and tail, beautiful eyes), with a lovely temperament - so he got my Best Temperament. Then came Concerto Jasper Blu at fourth, a blue point Birman with good head type, breadth across the cheekbones, stunning deep blue eye colour, and good body length. He was beautifully presented and got Best Groomed and Best Eye Colour. Then fifth best was Ranchdolls Alexander, my second best Ragdoll, a seal bicolour, with generally good type but somewhat paler eyes than Adoradolls Nothing But The Best.
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What a joy it was to judge all these wonderful cats. My thanks to the club and to the exhibitors for giving me this opportunity.
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Photo of Zena judging courtesy of Catherine Holmes Photography

Newsletter: April 2016

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Denise & a Norwegian
Diane & the Sphynx
Mini Expo @ the Library

A very successful 'mini expo' was held at the Palmerston North Public Library on Saturday 16 April.

The public were invited to 'pat-a-cat' and had story time with the wonderful Sphynx, Mr Magoo, who brought in some books he wrote himself. It was a great hands-on experience for the public, but also great for the cats as they contemplate the show scene again.
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Our Sponsors

Our thanks to the following businesses, breeders, and individuals which are supporting the 2016 National Show:

•    Ethical Agents, specialist veterinary marketing

•    Immunovet, for animal supplements

Visit our 2016 National Show page at any time to see how our sponsorship is growing.
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Help Needed


- Show Set-Up on Saturday 30th April
Could we please have some extra hands to spread the load for the set up on Saturday 30th April from 9am. We're not asking people to commit to staying until the whole job is done – even an hour or so of your time would be much appreciated.

Let show manager Paul Holden (021 541 755) know if you are planning to drop in and give us a hand so that he can tell ahead of time if we're going to have enough hands to get the job done.

- Show Day and the Club Raffle Table
There was a somewhat underwhelming response to the request last newsletter for people to do shifts manning the club's table (selling raffles and other fund-raising items) in that only one person responded that they could help - and that only for a couple of half-hour stints as they have other work on the day.

We know that this might seem like a long, boring job for one person (if we could even find someone to do the job) but if we could please have some more club members who can volunteer as little as half an hour out of their day to help with this it wouldn't be a burden to anybody.

Contact Kerry (kerrypaul@xtra.co.nz) if you are willing to help.
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Committee Meeting – 13th April 2016

- 2016 National Show
Kerry reports that the committee have been having some very long meetings dealing with all the issues large and small which need to be sorted out before a show of this size - but that other than repeating that things are on track there's little else she can add.

- Next Meeting: Wednesday 11th May 2016
-- Time: 7.30pm
-- Location: Rumour Has It Cafe, 305 Rangitikei St, Palmerston North

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Getting the Word Out: Show Details

I'm sure most people receiving the newsletter will want to tell their friends and family about the National Show, including details about where, when, and how much.  Here are all those details in a handy little box:
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2016 NZCF National Cat Show

When:    Sunday, 1st May
Where:    Barber Hall, Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North
Hours:    10am - 4pm
Admission:
- $5 adult
- $2 child
- $12 per family
- $3 senior or student
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Share Your Show Results

Here is the usual call to our members for you to share your show results with us.  (We love photos too, but they're nice-to-have rather than essential.)  We do want to hear how your cats have got on at the shows you attend.  Part of being a club is celebrating successes of other club members - big or small.  Email me at talmijane@gmail.com
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History Notes – 1953

Name: Simon Printing Co Challenge Cup

History: Originally appears in the 1953 show catalogue being awarded to the Best Cat in Show, either longhair or shorthair, but later as a longhair trophy.

Inscription: Simon Printing Co Challenge Cup / Best Cat in Show / LH

Award Inscriptions:

1953    Mrs Barker's Farway Michael
1954    Mrs Downey's Merryman of Dunesk
1955    Slapton Black Magic
1956    Miss D Hore
1957    Miss D Hore
1958    Miss R Lovejoy
1959    Miss R Lovejoy
1960    Miss R Lovejoy's Ch Bonavia Campanello (Imp Eng)
1961    Miss R Lovejoy's Ch Highland Scotch Mist
1962    Miss R Lovejoy's Ch Highland Woodland Fay
1963    Miss R Lovejoy's Ch Highland Woodland Fay
1964    Mrs M. J. Rummins Int Ch Snowcloud Eros
1966    Taitirohanga
1967    Pembroke
1968    Abralyn
1969    M. Woods
1970    Ch Marraleigh Ting-a-Ling
1971    Ch Lynnedell Ima Kiwi
1972    Gd Ch Lynnedell Ima Kiwi
1973    Scot's Glen Mi Kairn Gorm N.S.W. Aust.
1974    Ch Lynnedell Conguero
1975    Abralyn Georgy Girl
1976    Ch Kimberley Adorian-Tiki
1977    Mrs B. Bly's Ch Goldmist Ricardo
1978    Ch Yendarra Mystical Miss
1980    Gd Ch Taitirohanga Babe
1981    Taitirohanga Fidji
1982    Gr Ch Taitirohanga Fidji
1984    Gd Ch Rochelle Buccaneer
1986    Gifkins Ch Rochelle Matador
1989    Benjer Riegal Tekani
1991    Ch Meljoy Charlie Blue
1992    Dbl Gr Ch Leegrgo Francisco J.J. Davey
1996    Gd Ch Gillamatong Quilliam M McDougall
2004    Ch Sublime Summer Dreams (Imp Aust) K Simmons
2005    Slv Dbl Gr Ch Amoenta Riche Holmes K YL & R Murphy
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Newsletter: March 2016

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New Life Members

It was the pleasure of the Palmerston North Club committee to present to the 2016 AGM two candidates for life membership - and the pleasure of the meeting to pass them both.

Yvonne Murphy

Yvonne bred her first litter of Birmans under the AMOENTA prefix in 1993 and soon after that was elected onto the committee of the Palmerston North Cat Club. In 1998 she took over the position of president of the club from Bryan Surgenor and held this position until she stepped down in 2005.

During her time as president Yvonne very ably represented the club on the Central Region committee, a very important role as this was one of the links between the Club members and the NZCF Executive Council. She also produced a very informative and entertaining club newsletter as part of her job as president. From 1998 to 2005 Yvonne oversaw the organisation and running of several very successful Palmerston North Cat Club shows and the biggest and most important of these was the 2000 NZCF national show which was held in Palmerston North. This was a huge event and very demanding but it was also a very successful show, due largely to the input by Yvonne and her Palmerston North Cat Club committee.

During her years of involvement with the Palmerston North Cat Club and especially during her long tenure as president, Yvonne and her husband, Kevin, committed a huge amount of time and effort to the Club.

Colleen White
Her love of Siamese started in 1975 with her first Siamese neuter cat Anvago Lilac Adonis bred by Margaret Wiseman. Colleen obtained her breeding prefix of GRYMALKIN in 1976 under her own name. Her foundation cats Branmar Chocolate Petunia and Westhaven Sweet Charity.

Colleen was elected as Southern Region Secretary in 1976 and finishing on 1982. From 1982 to 1984 Colleen went onto the NZCF EC as the delegate for South Region.

Colleen started her shorthair judging in 1980; at this time was a requirement to have been a breeder for five years. Colleen took leave from judging in 2000 and then later resigned from judging.

Colleen and Rob started their very successful prefix ROBANDI in 1982, producing multiple national winners and best in show cats. Today they still have an active prefix.

Colleen became a member of Palmerston North Cat Club on arrival to the city in 2003. Since then Colleen has performed the role of Secretary and committee member and was heavily involved in working with Albie Johnson NZCF EC in 2006 when Palmerston North Cat Club held the national. Today that national show has been the benchmark to other clubs.

Over time Colleen has served on several other committees, NZ Siamese as President, Shorthair Breeders Secretary (at that time had 500 members and biggest club in NZ), was a foundation member of TOSCA and served time as President.
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Annual General Meeting

There was a great turnout for the AGM on Sunday 28th February. There were 17 members present (including 1 junior member) which is about 30% of our membership and very pleasing when we recall the dark days (literally) of winter AGMs and the struggles to achieve a quorum.  Thank you to those who attended or sent apologies.

The subs remain at their previous rate and much of the meeting was taken up with the election of officers and committee members.  Emma Kimberley has taken up the job of secretary and a new committee member was appointed (Diane Gaskin).  Rangi Busby was appointed Health and Safety Officer for the club.

The highlight of the meeting (as already mentioned) was the passing of two life memberships.  Yvonne Murphy and Colleen White now join Lorraine Smith and Bev Thompson as our club's life members.

For 2016/2017 the officers and committee members of Palmerston North Cat Club Inc are:

- President: Denise Grace 
- Vice-President: Paul Holden
- Secretary: Emma Kimberley
- Treasurer: Lorraine Smith
- Committee:
-- Miria Busby
-- Rangi Busby
-- Diane Gaskin
-- Rosalie Heckler
-- Kerry Holden
-- Genevieve Rogerson
-- Judy James
-- Ross James
- Health & Safety Officer: Rangi Busby
- Honorary Veterinary Surgeon: Genevieve Rogerson
- Patron: Yvonne Murphy
- Webmaster: Jane Webster

After the meeting closed most of us were able to go on to the Rose & Crown at Terrace End for a very enjoyable meal and chat.
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Membership Stats

The current membership of the Palmerston North Cat Club stands at:

-- 51 full members
-- 4 life members
-- 2 associate members
-- 1 junior member
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Our Sponsors

Our thanks to the following businesses, breeders, and individuals which are supporting the 2016 National Show:

-- Paws Pet Litter
   
Visit our 2016 National Show page at any time to see how our sponsorship is growing.
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New Members - A Correction

New member Patricia Buwalda mentioned in the last newsletter is known as JANNY.
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Committee Meeting – 9th March 2016
by Kerry Holden

- Show News

There's no business like Show Business.... certainly true at the moment for the Palmerston North Cat Club committee as we get closer to hosting our cat fancy's national show and our club show.

Our meeting started by welcoming our new committee member, Diane Gaskin, to her first meeting. Thank you Diane for stepping up and pitching in, welcome!

We also welcome another new member to our Club, Chris Tidey. Chris joins us with a domestic cat, welcome Chris! It's fabulous to see our club grow, with a variety of cats for us to admire.

We're deep in planning mode, with the majority of our meeting dedicated to all those jobs that need to be done to make the show successful; confirming flights for judges, accommodation, issuing roles and responsibilities on show day, ensuring all the little details are sorted.

We spent time discussing plans for advertising, with a range of options explored to ensure we reach a wide audience.

- Job Vacancy

Our quest for fundraising will continue right up to, and including, show day. To this end, we have a number of raffles and products to sell on a stand. As the committee are all assigned to other jobs we would be very appreciative if there is someone, or several people, who could volunteer to give us some time on the stand to sell. If many people volunteer this could be as little as half to an hour of your time. The reward for this selfless act will be the committee's undying gratitude and the knowledge you are helping your club's success. Sound good? Great! Please get in touch with Kerry on 06 354 9521 kerrypaul@xtra.co.nz or speak to one of your committee members.

- Next Meeting: Wednesday 13th April 2016
-- Time: 7.30pm
-- Location: Rumour Has It Cafe, 305 Rangitikei St, Palmerston North
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History Notes – 1956

A Wellington Cat Club show catalogue (their second show, 7 July 1956) supplies us with an ad from a Palmerston North breeder and club member, Miss Ruby Lovejoy. Her ad includes great information about her cats - as does the ad below which will no doubt be of interest to the Siamese folk.

(Click on picture to enlarge.)


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Newsletter: February 2016

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High Tea
by Kerry Holden

 
Well what a fantastic afternoon we all had at our fundraiser high tea. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our club patron, Yvonne Murphy, her husband Kevin and their son Scott, for opening their home and garden to be overtaken by your hardworking committee.

The food was delicious and the company delightful. The weather really turned it on for us and playing ladies and gentlemen for the afternoon was 'such fun'.

A lasting memory came from the "men's table" hearing one explain to their masculine counterparts, struggling with getting their fingers in the dainty cup handles, "You don't put your finger through, you just pinch it, like this."

It was a shame more of our Club members could not attend, but mark your diaries because it was such a great success that we hope to do it again next year.




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New & Returning Members

We welcome back to the club, Pat Fletcher (Scallywags Cattery).

We also would like to welcome Patricia Buwalda who has some lovely pet Ocicats.
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Annual General Meeting Reminder

The club AGM will be held this Sunday, the 28th February 2016 at 4.30pm at the Leisure Centre in Ferguson Street.  After the meeting we will be heading off for our usual social gathering over dinner at the Rose & Crown in Terrace End.

- Annual General Meeting: Sunday, 28th February 2016
-- Time: 4.30pm
-- Location: Leisure Centre, Ferguson Street, Palmerston North

- RSVP / Apologies:
-- Colleen White, secretary@pncatclub.co.nz
-- Emma Kimberley, 0212108077 emikobirmans@gmail.com
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Our Sponsors

Our thanks to the following businesses, breeders, and individuals that are supporting the 2016 National Show:

•    Bayer, makers of the Advantage family of flea treatment products
•    Orivet Genetic Pet Care, doing DNA tests for our breeders  
•    Guys 'n' Dolls Ragdolls (Debbie Le Strange) from Australia
  
Visit our 2016 National Show page at any time to see how our sponsorship is growing.
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Committee Meeting – 16th February 2016
by Kerry Holden

- Show News
A lot of the committee meeting was spent going through all the different tasks and decisions that need to be made for the show. Airfares are being booked and arranged for the judges. All seems to be on track.

- Fundraising
We have LARGE bags of pinecones for sale, $7.50 per bag or 3 for $20, delivered in Palmerston North, ph Paul 021 541 755 for more information.

- Next Meeting: Wednesday 9th March 2016
-- Time: 7.30pm
-- Location: Rumour Has It Cafe, 305 Rangitikei St, Palmerston North

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History Notes – 1988

As I've mentioned before the 1980s is a very difficult decade to research for some reason but here, in all its yellow glory is the front cover of the 1988 show catalogue.  Do any of our current members remember this show?  I'd like to hear from anybody with recollections to share.


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Newsletter: January 2016

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Annual General Meeting

The club AGM will be held on 28th February 2016 at 4.30pm at the Leisure Centre in Ferguson Street.  After the meeting we will be heading off for our usual social gathering over dinner at the Rose & Crown in Terrace End.

Annual General Meeting: Sunday, 28th February 2016
- Time: 4.30pm
- Location: Leisure Centre, Ferguson Street, Palmerston North

RSVP / Apologies:
- Colleen White, secretary@pncatclub.co.nz
- Emma Kimberley, emikobirmans@gmail.com
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Membership - Last Call!

We really appreciate most of our members who have now paid their subs.  For those still needing to pay theirs this is a reminder that after 1st February 2015 those who have not paid will be removed from the list of financial members.  This may affect your ability to hold a prefix with the NZCF.

- Full Membership
Single $15.00 / Double $25.00 / Triple $35.00

- Associate Membership
Single $15.00 / Double $25.00 / Junior $5.00

- Family Membership
Mixed membership (full for adults, associate for juniors) $25

Please make cheques payable to ‘Palmerston North Cat Club Inc’.

The club account number for online payment is 02-0630-0172405-000.  It is important to include a reference when making your payment (your surname at the very least) and to follow it up with an email to the club secretary.

Contact: Colleen White, secretary@pncatclub.co.nz, 2 Sheraton Grove, Palmerston North 4412
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Our Sponsors

Our thanks to the following businesses, breeders, and individuals that are supporting the 2016 National Show:

- Cahill Animal Hospital / Genevieve Rogerson
- Robandi Orientals and Siamese / Colleen and Rob White
- Paul & Kerry Holden
- Jane Webster

Visit our 2016 National Show page at any time to see how our sponsorship is growing.
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Winning Cats

Ross and Judy James have reported in on some of the awards their cats received during the 2015 show season.  Congratulations to both of you - and to the cats.

Sophie: Bz Dbl Gr Ch Concerto Snow Flake
Ch Concerto Pinball Wizard
BAM, Trophy for Best Eye Colour at Sacred Temple Birman Show
Isla: Concerto Princess Eulalie
Supreme Entire Kitten at Birman Cat Show

Bz Dbl Gr Pr CC Monty
6th Best Longhair Companio, NZCF 2015 Annual Awards
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Committee Meeting – 12th January 2016
by Kerry Holden

Show prep is gathering momentum as we are now in 2016, time to get down to business!

Fundraiser - High Tea: Sunday 7th February, 130A Cook Street Palmerston North, 2pm, $20 per ticket. Tickets available from committee members. Get a group together and come along to support your club.  (Thank you to our club patron, Yvonne Murphy, for offering her home and garden as a venue for this fundraising function.)

Fundraiser - Fantastic Cat Gyms: $80 each, great value for money! These can be viewed on our Facebook page. Please contact Genevieve.

The committee are very grateful for the support received from others to help make the show memorable for all, if you would like to donate your time, sponsor ribbons, sponsor prizes, help with fundraising etc then please feel free to contact Colleen or Emma, or contact a committee member.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th February 2016
- Time: 7.30pm
- Location: Rumour Has It Cafe, 305 Rangitikei St, Palmerston North
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History Notes – 1960

An early Palmerston North Club member Mrs Ruby Lovejoy features in this column by Australian judge Fred Pearce (News from Down Under, Our Cats Jan 1960, p.27) - as does Miss Pinkerton.  (My apologies for the quality of the image.)


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Newsletter: December 2015

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Award Winners

I didn't have a huge response to my request for photos of the 2015 National Annual Award winning cats (and would still welcome your photos) but Genevieve and Julie's Maddie and Melaka feature this issue.

(Photos by Catherine Holmes Photography.)

Sashima Melaka, 2nd entire SH kitten 2015 (lilac Burmese)

Silver Double Grand Champion Sashima Madagascar, 9th entire SH cat 2015 (chocolate Burmese)
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NZCF 2015 National Annual Awards

Congratulations to all our members who own or have bred cats placed in the top ten of the annual awards:
 •    Louise Fenn
•    Diane Gaskin
•    Denise Grace
•    Karen Grantley
•    Paul & Kerry Holden
•    Judy James
•    Keryn and Sarah McOmish
•    Alma & Lindsay Millard and Margaret Morgan
•    Casi Renner
•    Genevieve Rogerson and Julie Hansen
•    Colleen & Rob White and Keryn Ronald
•    Christine & Mushfik Yeung 
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Our Sponsors

Our thanks to the following businesses, breeders, and individuals that are supporting the 2016 National Show:

•    Guysndolls Ragdolls (Debbie LeStrange)

Visit our 2016 National Show page at any time to see how our sponsorship is growing.
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End-of-Year Get-together

Thanks to all those who attended another wonderful Christmas get-together on 6th December.


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Privacy - Reminder

As a club affiliated with the NZCF we may send our membership list to the EC Secretary so that she can confirm the people renewing or applying for prefixes are financial members of an affiliated club.  It is important that our club members are aware that this is part of renewing their membership with the Palmerston North Cat Club Inc. 
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Membership

We really appreciate most of our members who have now paid their subs.  For those still needing to pay theirs this is a reminder that after 1st February 2015 those who have not paid will be removed from the list of financial members.  This may affect your ability to hold a prefix with the NZCF.

- Full Membership
Single $15.00 / Double $25.00 / Triple $35.00

- Associate Membership
Single $15.00 / Double $25.00 / Junior $5.00

- Family Membership
Mixed membership (full for adults, associate for juniors) $25

Please make cheques payable to ‘Palmerston North Cat Club Inc’.

The club account number for online payment is 02-0630-0172405-000.  It is important to include a reference when making your payment (your surname at the very least) and to follow it up with an email to the club secretary.

Contact: Colleen White, secretary@pncatclub.co.nz, 2 Sheraton Grove, Palmerston North 4412
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Merry Christmas

I would like to wish all the members of the club a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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History Notes

Some results from the Palmerston North Cat Club kitten show in 1960 from the May 1960 Our Cats magazine.  There might be some names in there you recognise.


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