Top dog groomers battle for major honours
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Top dog groomers from all over the UK and abroad competed at the British Dog Grooming Championship, which took place at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Leamington Spa, on Sunday.
The event was organised by the British Dog Groomers’ Association (BDGA), and sponsored by Groomers Ltd; and was in association with media sponsors Total Grooming magazine.
Groomers competed across a range of classes and groups, and at the end of the day, Groomer of the Year judge, Kelly Davis LCGI GMG, had the unenviable task of selecting the 2016 Groomer of the Year. The coveted title was awarded to Amy Manser, who also won in 2014, as she saw off competition from Fee Brook, the winner of the Advanced Group.
Amy won the Champions Group in the morning with her American Cocker Spaniel, and in the afternoon with her Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Commenting the day, Amy said: ‘It's always a long day and with a newborn in our house, I had had less than an hour’s sleep before getting up to prep dogs and set off for the show. I was thrilled to win both the morning class and the afternoon class to become the Champions group winner, however, I never imagined I would be Groomer of the Year again, so to hear my name called was an amazing feeling. It is always lovely to have your work appreciated by others in the industry and I got wonderful comments from everyone. The British Dog Grooming Championship is always a unique event in the grooming industry and one that holds great respect from everyone, so the title is something special to be awarded.’
Earlier in the day, the Newcomer of the Year title was awarded to Katie Owen. This group, judged by Carole Gowers LCGI GMG & Chrisse Warwick LCGI GMG, saw groomers with less than 18 months’ experience take their initial steps into the competition world and then take part in an exclusive feedback seminar with the judges.
In the Creative Competition; Vikki Pearman won the ‘Classic Creative’ Class, and Lisa Hart took first in the brand new ‘Asian Fusion’ Class. Mathew Spry walked away with the ‘Future Star’ title.
A full list of results can be found on the website www.petfederation.co.uk.
Aside from the competition, hundreds of visitors flocked to watch 11 educational seminars and to do some serious shopping at almost 40 trade stands. The ever popular ‘Bring and Buy’ Sale gave visitors the chance to sell any unneeded equipment, and pick up their money when they left.
BDGA Chairman, Kelly Davis LCGI GMG commented on the event: 'The seminar rooms were packed which was very encouraging to see, and competitors particularly appreciated being offered feedback whilst in the ring as everyone felt like they took something positive away from the event. It’s clear that grooming standards continue to flourish in this growing industry. This year’s Groomer of the Year, Amy Manser, stole the show with her two flawless grooms’.
The Pet Industry Federation and British Dog Groomers Association would like to thank; Groomers Limited (lead sponsor), Christies Direct (Champions Group sponsors), Simpsons (Seminar Sponsor), and PetStar (Seminar Sponsor), as well as Total Grooming magazine (media sponsors) for their generous support. We are also very grateful for all the efforts of our judges, seminar presenters, stewards and the organising committee.
The British Dog Grooming Championship is the biggest one day dog grooming event in the UK. We look forward to welcoming groomers in October next year, again at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.For future details or information, please visit the website www.petfederation.co.uk, email info@petfederation.co.uk or call 01234 273933.
Top picture: Groomer of the Year, Amy Manser; with Kelly Davis LCGI GMG (left), Groomer of the Year judge and BDGA Chairperson; and Graham Searle (second right) of Groomers Limited who were the main sponsors of the 2016 British Dog Grooming Championship.
Below: The Newcomer of the Year was Katie Owen. Runner-up was Lisa Mudge, and third was Margaret McDowall. The judges are Chrisse Warwick LCGI GMG (left) and Carole Gowers LCGI GMG (right).
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