Broomleaf: The 1940's onwards

During the 1940's, the Broomleaf Kennels went from strength to strength a major factor being the arrival of Bonny Lad of Shillwater (see photo left). Bred by Mrs Webb, Bonny Lad was whelped on 20/10/1946 out of the bitch Caroline of Shillwater by Blaze of Broomleaf. Transferred to Kay Doxford on 10/12/47, he was re-registered on the same day as Broomleaf Bonny Lad of Shillwater. Bonny Lad, trained by Kay, qualified in the field on 8/10/49. During his illustrious career, he won 14 CC's which is of course well short of the present record for a red/golden of 26 CC's held jointly by Perrytree Sun Dreamer and Quettadene Copper Glow.

Bonny Lad's true worth was as a sire of 16 CC winners. Of note the bitch Broomleaf Black & Tan (6 CC's), the first of her colour to be made up, also Broomleaf Kim of Churdles and Broomleaf Torquil of Churdles.

In 1953 the Broomleaf advert in The Gundog Year Book indicated that since the end of the war 35 CC's had been won by Cockers from the Broomleaf kennels. Bonny Lad was not the only sire of note, Sh Ch Bronze Knight of Broomleaf (see photo right) won 10CC's and sired many champions.

In bitches, Sh Ch Broomleaf Blithe Spirit gained 15 CC's during her career and produced many winners in the show ring. Whilst solid cockers were undoubtedly the mainstay of Broomleaf, one must not forget the parti- colour, Sh Ch Blueprint of Broomleaf winner of 4 CC's, the Res. CC winner at Crufts on two occasions, no mean feat. Another Broomleaf blue roan, Baby Belle of Broomleaf found fame in a different venue, the London stage where she appeared as the cocker "Flush" in The Barrets of Wimpole Street !

Additionally, three Broomleaf Welsh Springers gained their title. In 1977 Sh Ch Black Silk of Broomleaf owned by Poppy Becker gained her title. Further back the undoubted star of 1952 was the bitch Sh Ch Broomleaf Ballet Shoes ( Aust.Ch Broomleaf Kim of Churdles ex Brown Bess of Broomleaf) who at just 8 months won 10 CC's and 4 Res CC's. Broomleaf stock was exported around the world with great success.

Needless to say Kay judged the breed on many occasion. Her first appointment at Championship Show level was in 1949 at the Cheshire Agricultural Society show. She judged bitches at Crufts in 1963 and dogs in 1972. The Cocker Spaniel Club invited her to judge on several occasions, starting with dogs in 1950. The venue was Ascot with an entry of 611 from 270 dogs in 46 classes, her winner was Mrs H Gold with Ch Oxshott Marxedes (15th CC) This dog also won the CC the following year under Capt. R George. The owner of the bitch CC winner in 1950 was another famous cocker breeder/exhibitor Miss Joan McMillan with Sh Ch Lochranza Lisbon Story, made up on the day. 1956 saw her judge the bitches awarding top honours to Mrs A L Cloke with Sh CH Gatehampton Jennifer. In 1964 Kay judged dogs once again with JR & DR Clarke's Sh Ch Carmabar Glengharrie getting the nod. 1977 was her last appointment for the parent club with Mrs T R Bebb's dog Sh Ch Ramiro of Ronfil being awarded the CC.

Broomleaf stock was awarded top honours at the Cocker Spaniel Club show in 1952 with Broomleaf Ballet Shoes, 1958 with Broomleaf Blackeyed Susan and, in 1967, Mrs P Wise found her winner in Sh Ch Broomleaf Thulemoor Tulip. A Broomleaf bitch once again took the CC in 1971 in the shape of Sh Ch Broomleaf Blithe Spirit whilst 1978 saw the famous Sh Ch Broomleaf Bright Memory gain the dog CC

As happens in life, during her later years Kay concentrated on reducing the number of dogs at Broomleaf, also gradually withdrawing from the show scene, her death in 1984 bringing to an end a remarkable life in dogs.
I am indebted to the following for their assistance in the compilation of this modest tribute to one of the great Cocker kennels: Miss Poppy Becker and Mrs Jennifer Lloyd-Carey, our Parent Club for the comprehensive list of past winners and judges as published in the commemorative catalogue for the Anniversary Show of 2002 and finally to the great lady herself who kept such meticulous records, an archivist's dream.

Lorraine Palmer 2006

Broomleaf:Early History | Broomleaf: The 1940's onwards | Broomleaf Photo Gallery