The First Five YearsThe Cat Association of the Northern Territory (CANT) was formed to fulfil a niche! in 1968. Darwin was a Service and Government town, the majority of the population were doing a two year tour of duty in the tropics. Rene and Jim Pearce were transferred to RAAF Base, Darwin from Western Australia at the same time as Glenys Lombardo's husband came to Darwin with the Kailis fishing fleet, to captain a prawn trawler. Rene, Jim and Glenys had been active in the cat fancy in Western Australia. Rene had trained as a judge and they wanted to continue their interest. Already in Darwin, Anne Schoer's husband was with the public service and Anne, who bred Siamese, had to register her kittens with the R.A.S. in N.S.W. Brigitte Wilson's husband was in Darwin with the communications giant A.W.A, and Brigitte also had Siamese. Noel Purich was a member of the Canine Association and also the North Australian Show Society. Julie and Helmut Schuller had just arrived in Darwin from W.A, where they had been on the committee of the Southern and Siamese Cat Club. Roy and Edna Shean represented the N.A.S.S. of which Roy was President.
The inaugural meeting in January 1968 saw the formation of a steering committee followed by the first CANT Committee with Jim as Chairman, Roy Shean as President of the Show Society was President, Rene became the first Registrar and Glenys the first Secretary.
The next few months were a hive of activity. The S.P.C.A. Pet Show, held at the Botanical Gardens in June 1968 and judged by Noel Purich and Jan Hills, saw the first display of pedigree cats in Darwin, all be it very small in number and such makeshift pens as a cocky's cage were used for the exhibition.
Rene had been busy registering cats, Registration Number 1 was given to: The first cat registered chronologically, according to the records was:
The second display was at the 1968 Darwin Show in the chook pavilion and this prompted a commitment by the N.A.S.S. to build a Cat Pavilion and have a section for Cats by July 1969.
But as was the norm in Darwin at that time, the CANT's first year came to a resounding end with the departure of Rene and Jim for Malaysia with the RAAF and Glenys back to Fremantle. In those days, one door opened as another door closed and C.A. (Cherry) McAdie arrived in Darwin with husband Noel, both Public Servants. Cherry had been active in the cat fancy in South Australia and was also a judge. Cherry took over the reins from Jim as Chairman of the CANT with Mrs Edith Goldsmith taking over the reins as Secretary. Julie Schuller became Treasurer and Haidee Lowe took over from Rene as Registrar. Edith Goldsmith and her husband had a 10 year old red tabby Domestic named Frou Frou who had climbed Ayers Rock and used to jump through his masters arms on command.
The first Longhair, a Blue Cream female, was registered soon after on 16 April 1969:
On the 10 May 1969 Cherry judged the 2nd Championship Cat Show - this time for All Breeds. The first Russian Blue was registered for this show on 9 May 1969, he was:
Anne Schoer was in charge of trophies for the second show. Cherry's report on the show described a Chocolate Point Siamese male from Rosema stock. Rosema Cattery was Margaret Horne's Prefix in South Australia and Sister Foster and her husband owned the cat in Darwin. Cherry's Best Cat in Show was Brigitte Wilson's Lilac Point Siamese, Granvale May-Lo, although she did not receive a challenge as she was only entered in the Novice Class. Best Kitten was Berolina Blue Hereward owned by Barbara Schuricht. Barbara had come to Darwin from Queensland where she had been involved in the cat fancy. Best Burmese was Nah Trang Henzada and Best Desexed Foreign Shorthair was Russian Blue, Marshala Rusan Mischa. It seems that the Show Manager ran out of 1st prize cards and 2nd prize cards were issued with a promise that they would be replaced as soon as possible. (These would probably now be a collectors item!)
The second issue of "The Mews" contained the first advert, for Lambrette Cattery of Gosford, New South Wales breeding Siamese and Persians. We also learn that the first Tonkinese come to Darwin, these were Siamese/Burmese hybrids owned by Cherry. The June newsletter also carried the news that the first Korats in Australia were currently in quarantine, they were imported by Mrs Pauline Armit and Mrs Eve Clarke of South Australia. We learn that the Show Society Show in July will have Nita Russack from Adelaide to judge the cats over the show to be held 24 - 26 July 1969. Mrs Russack was also to bring some of her rare cats to Darwin. She was also scheduled to give a talk at the CWA Rest Rooms in Knuckey Street.
In the event, Mrs Russack embarked on her flight to Darwin with two cats sent ahead, one a rare Torti Point Colourpoint Persian, which she had imported from New Zealand. The second was a lovely Brown Burmese boy. Air travel in 1969 was far from perfect with long flights and erratic schedules. The plane landed in Alice Springs and the cats were off loaded. The next we hear in Darwin was that they had been consigned to the luggage compartment of abus on its way to Darwin. You can imagine the chagrin of the CANT committee; the track in those days was a trial in itself, - to tell Mrs Russack or not to tell her! The cats duly arrived, as did Mrs Russack, and it was felt that honesty was the best policy as the cats seemed to have survived their ordeal without harm.
The November 1969 "Mews" indicates that since June the CANT had obtained its official Post Office Box 3870, Darwin. This was originally at the old Post Office in Knuckey Street.
Gina McCabbin and Julie Schuller were Show Managers for the show held 26 October 1969 and judged by Mary Batten. The show commenced at 4.00 p.m. and trophy presentation was scheduled for 9.00 p.m. Mary's stewards were Brigitte Wilson and Barbara Schuricht, and 79 exhibits were entered.
Mary wrote a very comprehensive judge's report on the show: Best In Show was Seal Point Siamese female ME-KONG SHEHEREZARDE owned and bred by Anne Schoer. She was also Cat of the Year and awarded the Mike O'Hara Memorial Cup which had been presented to the CANT in May 1969 by Nancy O'Hara of O'Hara's Roadlines, in memory of her husband Mike.
Fundraising was a big part of the CANT's activities at this time and provided the social interaction of members, which made the CANT a happy group with which to be involved. By October, Sidna May had taken over as Secretary and held a BBQ at her home where Mary presented the Challenges. Sidna's mother Mary Mazlin gave Mrs Batten a gift of frozen buffalo steaks, an over supplied commodity in 1969 when buffalo roamed the Adelaide River Plains by the thousands. Mary Mazlin followed this event with a working bee to make paper flowers, which were sold at $1.00 each. The able and the not so able members turned up to help in this project which proved very successful, much to the surprise of some.As always, cleaning up after shows was a major task, especially at commercial venues, and John and Haidee Lowe took on the task of cleaning up after the October 1969 show by themselves and received grateful thanks from the club. In 1969, the Christmas Party was held on 1 December 1969 at Martina's Restaurant in Nightcliff. The owner, had formally been a chef with Qantas, which had a large workforce in Darwin and owned staff accommodation in Mitchell Street - opposite the present Transit Centre. The CANT moved forward rapidly over the following years. Clyde and Beryl Chandler took an interest in the club and took over training of the first judges. Clyde, saying on one visit to Darwin, that brown Burmese female THONGDARA ELSA merited the most points that he had ever awarded to a cat. In 1970 Cat of the Year was awarded to Chinchilla HINEMOA BIANCA.
Although Rene and Jim Pearce were awarded Life Membership of the Association, the first recorded Life Memberships were in 1971 when Life Memberships were conferred on C.A. McAdie, Dr J.L. Hills BVSc. and Mrs Edna Shean who was Secretary of the Show Society.
1971 also saw the registration of the first longhair litter, under the POSADA prefix, registered to Mrs E.M. Hughes they were Chinchillas, sire was Mr George Barham's Pinecrest Silver Boy and dam the above mentioned Hinemoa Bianca. The litter was born on 7 August 1971. Over the 1971 - 72 season, Helmut and Julie Schuller presented The Rickmere Domica Memorial Trophy for Breeder of the Year. The first winner was Dot Simpson with her BYAMEE Prefix. Cat of the Year was awarded jointly to CH. THONGDARA ELSA and Red Persian COCHRAN DON PANCHO owned by Mrs Coughran. Haidee Lowe and Julie Schuller became the CANT's first judges to qualify in the Northern Territory. In that year the club had its first Patron, - Mr Martyn Finger, Administrator of the Northern Territory. Show Society President Mr Ray Fosky was now the President. Chairman was Mr Wayne Graham, he was a customs officer originally from Tasmania who had Longhairs. Peter Hagan was Vice Chairman and Secretary was Carol Casey. Carol Casey had joined the Naval Reserves at the outbreak of war and did a Marconi Wireless course. On learning that women would not be allowed to go to sea, as soon as she was 18, she joined the Army in the Signal Corps and spent the war years in Townsville. She came to Darwin in 1952 and worked for the Army as a civilian. She married "Snow" and at a Government auction, bought 2 Thornycroft Low Loaders and began a heavy transport business. In 1965 the family moved to Francis Creek to work a goldmine. Moving back to Darwin they started Premier Garden Supplies which was current with the Casey family's involvement with the CANT. Treasurer was Mrs Rose Hagan, a school teacher, Registrar Sandra Goldring, a nurse at Darwin Hospital, the old hospital in town at the end of Mitchell Street, and Publicity Officer was Carol's son Geoff Casey.
The first Abyssinian registered in the Territory was usual Abyssinian girl:
WITHIT WENONA GIRL born on 23/1/1972 sire: Gd. Ch. Withit Wallace dam: Gd. Ch. Withit WidgetOwned by Diane Oaten and bred by D.S. (Di) & P. Reynolds Vic., this cat registered on 9/7/1972 with Registration Number 427/23.
One of the judges in 1972 was Lesley Hollingsworth (nee Jowett) well known to everyone as Mrs Lesley Morgan-Blythe and currently judging in Darwin at the CANT's 30th Anniversary Show.
Cat of the Year in 1972 was Dot Simpson's Lilac Point boy BYAMEE BIAMEE with Di Oaten and her AMBERRIDGE CATTERY being awarded Breeder of the Year. |
The Cyclone and Beyond
In 1973 the Australia Cat Federation had its beginnings and an initial meeting organised in Melbourne by Clyde and Beryl Chandler of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Australia and Victoria and others was attended by Diane Oaten on behalf of the CANT.
In this year the first Tonkinese was registered in the Territory:
Active members at this time included the Casey Family, Robyn Eldering an ex-patriot from New Guinea with husband Peter, Di Oaten, Rose and Peter Hagan, Wayne Graham, May Joyce, Sandra Goldering, Jan and Rick McInnes, Fred Gray, Diana O'Dowd an ex prison warder from London, Belinda Theofylatos also very involved in dog breeding, Mr Fred Phipps who researched the Hall Mark on our most precious Annual Award and Dot Simpson now well known in the fledgling Darwin Cavy Association.
Cat of the Year was Rosemary Hull's lovely Silver Tabby Persian boy CH ORDEB BEN ALI.
1974 got off to a good start, the first Korat was registered:
Also active club members now included Scottie Fenner a teacher, Sandi Gemmell, D. & M. Wyatt, Liz Needle, Evelyn Mitchell who served in the RAAF and Debbie White. The Chairman was Brigitte Wilson. Brigitte has spent thirty years involved with the club's printing requirements both privately, in the early days operating the club's antique Gestetner and subsequently in her professional association with Marbeth Secretarial Agency and currently, Pink Panther Printing. Vice Chairman was Haidee Lowe, Secretary Fred Phipps, Acting Treasurer Evelyn Mitchell, Registrar Rose Hagan and Editor/Publicity Julie Schuller. The Newsletter's coloured cover was graced by Brown Burmese boy Ch. Amberridge Beyan. White curtains for cages were to be phased in at the October Show, CANT's 25th Show, which was to be judged by Margaret Horne of South Australia and C.A. McAdie. This turned out to be the biggest show so far with 128 entries. We learn from the Newsletter that a fractious cat may be calmed by sprinkling Valarium on the blanket in its cage. Some "BAJIMBI" cats bred by Mrs Jeffreys were now being shown in Darwin.
Cat of the Year for 1974 was FIRENZA FANCY PANCE, a lovely usual Aby girl owned by Di Oaten. Breeder of the Year was Brigitte Wilson with her SONETTE CATTERY specialising exclusively in Siamese. Cyclone Tracey too came in 1974 and devastated everyone's lives. Much has been written of this traumatic time and there are many tales of heroism and lucky escapes. The CANT saw two reactions to this catastrophe, the loss of many cats and Cat Fanciers, and the help from southern Cat Fanciers; spearheaded by Florris Hawkins in Victoria, which saw new cats donated to CANT members and a rebuilding force, which saw an influx of new members.
The January 1975 Cat Show was cancelled due to the devastation, a happening that underlined the overall effect of the cyclone on the complete life of Darwin and its community.1975 saw Martyn Finger still our Patron, Rick McInnes as Chairman, with Di Oaten as Vice Chairman, Rose Hagan as Registrar, Haidee Lowe as Secretary, Evelyn Mitchell as Treasurer and Julie Schuller as Editor. This was a heartbreaking year, which saw members such as Haidee Lowe rescuing abandoned cats from the debris that was the aftermath of "Tracey". The Dumigans, Ken and Jenny, Eileen Ovenden and Hilton Parkinson were in evidence on the cat scene with Marion Cooper in Nhulunbuy, who subsequently moved to Queensland where she trained as a judge and is currently listed on the QFA panel, and Brian Wegener in Katherine showing the diversity of the membership and the keenness of exhibitors. 1975 was a time of rebuilding.
The CANT takes the opportunity to thank Florris Hawkins for all her efforts in rebuilding the Cat Fancy in the NT, by conferring Life Membership of the CANT on her. At the same time, Life Membership was conferred on Haidee Lowe, Julie Schuller and Brigitte Wilson. Haidee also gained the honours in 1975 with her lovely Brown Burmese boy GD. CH. AMBERRIDGE BEYAN who was named Cat of the Year and Di Oaten with her AMBERRIDGE CATTERY breeding Burmese was nominated Breeder of the Year.
By 1976 the first British Shorthair was registered, she was:
Rick McInnes was again elected as Chairman with Di Oaten as Vice, Haidee Lowe continued the job as Secretary with Evelyn Mitchell again in charge of finances. Rose Hagan continued as Registrar and Julie Schuller as Editor with May Joyce elected as Prefix Recorder and Ken Dumigan in charge of Publicity. Breeder of the Year went to Belinda Theofylatos' STARLINE CATTERY mainly breeding Siamese at this time with GT GD CH. AMBERRIDGE ADAM, a brown Burmese boy bred by Di Oaten and owned by Robyn Eldering gaining the accolade of Cat of the Year. The CANT had become so large that it was felt that separate clubs were an option. In 1977 the Central Australian Cat Club was founded in Alice Springs by Kay McKibbin, also involved were N. Marriott, C.D.R. & J.C. (Jinx) Smith, along with May Poots and Ruth Glover. The first Show was in May 1977 and saw 63 cats entered, many from Darwin. The officiating judge was Dr Bill Groom who was at that time Chairman of the GCCF in Britain.
In Darwin, the Balzer's, Bob and Marie, E. Lippiat, Debbie Brackenridge and R. & J. Wright had become involved with the cat fancy and the CANT.We now have the first Cornish Rex registered in the Territory:
GAINSBOROUGH TOPAZ born on 28/1/1977 a red female sire: Ch Bajimbi Ripple dam: Bajimbi Mitzi Owned by Peter and Robyn Eldering and bred by B. Lachlan in the A.C.T., this cat was registered on 9/11/1977 with Registration Number 1552/33.
1977 also sees Sandi Gemmell, May Joyce, Jan McInnes and Marie Orchard promoted to the Judges Panel as probationary judges. Marie with husband Peter subsequently moved to Victoria where she is now a qualified F.C.C. Vic. judge.
Cat of the Year in 1977 was CH. SNOWHITE ALWIN a Persian with Rose Hagan's WATANABE prefix gaining Breeder of the Year for Burmese.
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The Halcyon Days1978, and May Joyce who has been active in the CANT for some years is promoted to full judge of Siamese. After all the rebuilding of Darwin and the monumental effort made to restore the city to normal, 1978 is declared a Back to Darwin year which the CANT takes on board by organising a Back To Darwin Show on 21 May 1978. The show was sponsored by Qantas and judges were Sandra Bullock of the U.K., Florris Hawkins from Victoria and Mrs Pauline Stevens from South Australia (formerly Pauline Armit who imported the first Korats into Australia)
In time to compete in this show was the first Oriental registered in the NT: SOLITAIRE PAKIKE (IMP U.K.) born on 5/4/1977 a Havana (chocolate) female sire: Artinian Bilberry Boy dam: Solitaire Apiki Imported from the U.K. by Julie Schuller and bred by Angela Sayer who later went on to be instrumental in the formation of the Cat Club of Great Britain. This cat was registered on 8/4/1978 with Registration Number 1673/29. "Kiki" went on to be named the Best Pedigree Cat in Show.
In April 1980 the Central Australian Cat Club invited Pauline Stephens to judge. The Show was held in the gymnasium of the Gillen Primary School. This show was an " Open style show" of 1 ring, a first for Alice Springs, a show which exhibitors and public could stay and watch the judging. 40 exhibits were entered of which 3 were absent on the day. What was lacking in numbers was made up in variety. There were 12 Persian (3 Blacks, 2 blues, 1 red self, 1 smoke, 1 tortie, 1 blue cream & 3 bi colours) of these a Red bi-colour male WAROO AUTUMN GLORY owned by K & K McKibbin, took out Best Longhair award. 10 Siamese were benched (8 Seal point, 1 Blue point, & 1 Lilac Point). The Blue Point won Best Siamese award, Pauline also mentioned a 4½ month old Seal Point Kitten "who would hold his own in any competition in the World". This was CLEVELAND ONEENIS TOBIAS, owned by P G White and bred by E Jonas (now Andresen). ! Russian Blue was entered, going on to win Best Other Shorthair, 1 British blue female, 4 Part Pedigree exhibits and 3 Domestic exhibits. Pauline did a write up for the Club which appeared in the 1980 edition of the CFA Year Book.
sire: Platypuss Sultan Pepper dam: Dble. Gd. Ch. Adina Elsa Owned by Peter and Robyn Eldering and bred by Peter and Anita Quinliven in South Australia, this cat was registered on 18/3/1981 with Registration Number SR/39/33a.
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The Years of Consolidation1983, and Lee Oliver takes over from Rose Hagan as Shorthair Registrar. Lee continues in this position for the next 15 years until the present day. Dot Brown takes over as Prefix Recorder with Dan Van Aalst as Editor. These years of consolidation herald the heyday of the Russian Blue and the Cornish Rex.
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The Bicentenary and Beyond
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The Twentieth Anniversary
The audience sat in front of the judge and there was a bank of cages behind Betty and stewards transferred the exhibits from their own cages to these. Show Managers were Haidee Lowe and Julie Schuller and Best Cat in Show was Leona Gott's CH. IMAPATCH SHERISE a Cornish Rex. 2nd Best Cat was a usual Aby, R & D.J. Powell's MERINDALEE LOVE POTION with Sarah Hills MINE a Tonkinese, as best Golden Oldie. Afternoon tea was served with a Birthday cake donated by Dot Brown. The event was recorded on video. Rather than the age of Aquarius, we now approached the age of the Abyssinian. The club continued forward with shows up and down the track with cats continuing to travel to all centres. Shows in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek were well supported, Libby Thompson's BELLAMI CINNAMON RIPPLE a Cornish Rex Torti girl going Supreme in both the March and May shows 1989 in the Alice. Syd and Tracy Redfern's KOKHAN NATASHA SELKET was Best Cat in March and Monika Bloedorn's SIMLU GYPSY JOE was Best Cat in May in Tennant. In Darwin, the February Show created a lot of public interest being held at the Casuarina Shopping Square and by October, the club had moved to the new club venue at Nightcliff Community Centre. Lilac Point Siamese SALAMANDER LILAC SHARRIE owned by Pat and Debbie Richardson was Best in Show, and at this show also, Liz Ryan successfully completed her final judges' examination. May Joyce was now President of the club with Julie Schuller and Haidee Lowe Vice Presidents. Elaine Vincent was Prefix Recorder and Margaret Gray was Secretary. Beryl Mulder is in evidence breeding and exhibiting her Orientals.
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25 Years Of Service To The Territory
July also saw the registration of the first Maine Coon in the Territory, she was Silver Torti Tabby and White:
Exhibitors now in evidence include Richard Corbett and Muriel O'Connell and Sherrida and Eric Edgecombe. The Twenty-fifth Anniversary Show is a spectacular presentation with a theme of Silver, Purple and Black and specially engraved glasses for the occasion. A cocktail party for past members is held in the foyer of the Foundation Rooms at Casuarina Shopping Square. The lovely catalogue had a silver cover and contained a potted history of the CANT compiled by Lee Oliver and Elaine Vincent. Challenges were purple and the trophy table was draped in purple satin. Trophies included a silver coffee service. The judging panel too was formidable, Ann Rickson from the United Kingdom, Hayden Pollock from New Zealand, Terry and Dorothy Dever from Queensland and NT Judges, Haidee Lowe and Julie Schuller. Best Cat and Supreme Exhibit was Ross and Diane Page's lovely chocolate Burmese girl, CH. RIOKAY SWEET LIBERTY. Cat of the Year was R Powell and B. Templeton's blue Aby boy CH. BALLAKAT BLUEFIRE BOY. Breeder of the Year was Elaine Merryfull with her KADONKANI prefix.
In 1994, the first show at the Alawa Community Centre was held and Diane Page has by this time show managed a number of shows. President is Elaine Vincent with Haidee Lowe and Richard Corbett as Vice Presidents, May Joyce is Secretary, Julie Schuller Treasurer and Muriel O'Connell is Prefix Recorder. On the committee are Wayne and Wendy Clarke, Bridget Adair, Elaine Merryfull and Jim Horne. In February, the club petition the Royal North Australian Show Society for permanent club rooms at the showgrounds and this is granted in June.
The first Turkish Van is registered in the Territory, he was:
The ACF National Show was held in Darwin in June and was an official Bougainvillea Festival event and Darwin was nothing if hospitable. Judges were entertained to an Alfresco Breakfast at East Point. The Mayor, George Brown, held a Civic Reception for all interstate visitors and local dignitaries. Judges included Tom Herbst from the U.S., Ian Rivett from Victoria, Tops Jowett from Tasmania, June Richardson from South Australia, Margaret Bush from Western Australia, Barbara La Rocca from Queensland and Sandi Gemmell from Northern Territory. The show was held in the Foskey Pavilion at the Showgrounds with an innovative design for cages, which were set up in bays. The official opening was by Chief Minister of the NT, Marshall Perron and ACF President Mr Lance Barnard AO responded. Official guests included Mrs Cherry Perron, Lord Mayor, Mr George Brown, and R.N.A.S.S. Secretary Mr Merv Brown and visiting judges. Honoured guests were then entertained to afternoon tea. Supreme Exhibit was Seal Silver Spotted Oriental, BROADACRES MATA HARI brought from Queensland to the show by owner Val Harney. Approximately 180 cats were entered in the show.
Sherrida and Eric Edgecombe's black Exotic boy CH MARTES HIGH ROLLER does well on the show bench and Diamond status is awarded to AUST. NAT PN AND PLATINUM GT GD CPN PANKIWA DASHING DION owned by Harry Vincent.
Adele Glovasky from New South Wales judges at the Royal Darwin Show in July and writes one of the most comprehensive reports ever received. This was greatly appreciated by members.
Cat of the Year is Ross and Diane Page's chocolate Burmese girl GT GD CH RIOKAY SWEET LIBERTY while Richard Corbett and Muriel O'Connell gained the accolade for Breeder of the Year with their KOKHAN prefix. Diane is accepted as a trainee judge and completes her first assignment at the October 1994 show.
1995 and President is Elaine Vincent with Diane Page joining Haidee Lowe as Vice. Haidee also taking on the Secretary position with Sherrida Edgecombe as Minute Secretary. Editor is Margaret Gray and Sue Langmair is Treasurer. Committee members include Muriel O'Connell, Wendy Yorke, Annette Kemp, Richard Corbett, Julie Schuller, and Eric Edgecombe. The club supplies stainless steel water bowls for all cages. Liz Haimes from Queensland judges the Darwin Show and attends a very convivial show dinner at the Diamond Beach Casino Pool hosted by the Show Society. Elaine Vincent's imported Korat girl GT. GD. CH. JENANCA SERENA (Imp U.K.) does well on the bench. Spotted Mist is seen for the first time on the bench, when Natalie Page shows her boy XYRIS AARON.Cat of the Year is Sherrida and Eric Edgecombe's black Exotic boy CH. MARTES HIGH ROLLER with RATCHASIMA (AUST) cattery owned by Elaine Vincent taking out the Breeder of the Year award. The CANT held for the first time, a very successful Cat Expo in June 1996. The aim was to present all the breeds of pedigree cat to the public and also educate the general population in responsible cat ownership. Held at the Winnellie Showgrounds, there were stalls, displays, and talks on cat care by local veterinarians, breeders, the RSPCA and sponsors.
Also in June the first Ragdoll a Seal Point was registered, he was:
1996 and there is a big celebration at the Diamond Beach Casino official Royal Show dinner where F.I.Fe President Mrs Alva Uddin from Sweden presents judges Liz Andresen (Ryan) (All Shorthair) and Rikki Proudlove (Schuller) (Siamese/Oriental/Balinese/Javanese) with their diplomas. Rikki had to wait until she was 21 before being empanelled as a judge, although she started her training when she was 18 years. The Show was a 3-ring show, Alva officiating in Ring 1, Margaret Bush from Western Australia in Ring 2 and Liz, Rikki and Sandi Gemmell in Ring 3.
A Bengal is entered for the first time in the Territory in the April Show, but is not seen on the bench until July. This is a rare breed all over Australia and was owned by Sue Hatcher. In 1996 Richard Corbett became President and Muriel O'Connell Minute Secretary with Sherrida Edgecombe taking over as Editor. Committee members included Mrs Corinne Watts. Subsequently, Sherrida and Eric move to Nhulunbuy and Sherrida edits the Newsletter from there. Cat of the Year was again GT.GD.CH. MARTES HIGH ROLLER, with Lee Oliver's KOKADJO cattery taking out the honours for Breeder of the Year. The presentations were made at an alfresco dinner under the stars at Pee Wee Camp at East Point and catered by Australian Gourmet Wild Foods. Richard Corbett continues his presidency in 1997 with Mark Watts and Julie Schuller as Vice. Treasurer is Corinne Watts and Diane Page takes over as Editor. Committee members include Mandy Corkill and Lyn Smith.BLAUMEISE TARQUIN, a chocolate tabby Oriental does well, gaining Supreme at the February Show and in 1 ring at the ACF National in Perth. Ocicat appear on the bench at the Show in April the first one registered in the Northern Territory is: OSCISPOT THE LEOPARD born on 7/12/1995 a male with Registration Number 9135sire: USA Gd.Ch. Echoes of Major Runs With Thunder dam: USA Ch. Aldrin Ice Dancer Owned by John and Sue Mitchell and bred by J. & E. Frittums in South Australia, this cat was registered in December 1997.
Wendy York is back on the cat scene breeding once again after a gap of some years. Unfortunately by 1997, Tennant Creek had ceased operations and Alice Springs had wound down to one show per year.
Central Australian Cat Club held an open style Show, the first for many years. The Show was deemed a success with many of the visitors staying to watch the judging. Judge for this Show was Mrs Keryn Rivett (All Breeds Vic) who gave a very in depth and informative talk on each breed.
Simone Griffiths was doing well in Alice and Darwin as well as interstate with her desexed Cornish Rex boy GT. GD. PN IZABE MIDNIGHT MAX. Elaine Vincent has taken over the mammoth task of making Show Rosettes from Leona Truman. Diane Page completes her judge's training and in empanelled as a junior Group III judge. The second Cat Expo is held in August at The Wharf Precinct and is very well attended by tourists as well as locals and created a lot of interest. Cat of the Year is Richard Corbett and Muriel O'Connell's GD. CH. KOKHAN SEASPRITE AURORE a red Burmese boy and they also took out Breeder of the Year with their KOKHAN cattery. |
The Thirtieth Year
Life Memberships of the CANT are bestowed on Elaine Vincent and Dr. Leigh Truelove our honorary veterinarian. Research by: Haidee Lowe Lee Oliver Julie Schuller Sandi Gemmell Compiled by Julian R. Schuller September 1998.
1999 sees the Central Australian Cat Club hold its first two ring Show with well-known local judges Haidee Lowe and Julie Schuller officiating. The Show is held over 2 days with Julie judging ring 1 on the Friday and Haidee judging ring 2 on the Saturday. Supreme Exhibit in ring 1 is GT GD PN IZABE MIDNIGHT MAX a lovely Black Cornish Rex owned by Simone Griffiths and bred by Libby Thompson of Alice Springs. Supreme Exhibit for ring 2 is a lovely Scottish Fold Kitten KATZEARS MORAG bred and owned by Ken Hibbert and Fiona Blackley.
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2003 ACF National Show held in Darwin
(Judges include Israeli judge Olga Abramova who lived in Russia. Unfortunately she was badly bitten by an Abyssinian and had to go to hospital, Ian Rivette took over her assignment. Rikki Proudlove a CANT(Inc.) Judge now living in England Judged Group II Exhibits. Best in Show was ACF AoE pdgc Katzrus Kuta Kinda a black Persian Neuter All functions were held at the Casino and MGM Grand sponsored the event together with Europa Cars, Whiskers Cat Food (Uncle Bens) and Croccodylis Park who hosted a Breakfast with the Big Cats for interested members of the Cat Fancy.
Cat of the Year 2012 Taiendi Klara K.J. & S.L. Gemmell and Taiendi Cattery won Breeder of the Year with Richard Corbett receiving The Presidents Award
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2013 Forty Five Years onThe Annual General Meeting is now held in March. This year the Office Brearers are President: Heather Havens Vice President: Richard Corbett Treasurer: Lee Oliver Registrar: Sandi Gemmell Prefix Recorder:Liz Andresen (Alice Springs) Editor: Julie Schüller (Brisbane) Chief Steward: Haidee Lowe Committee Scoot Andresen Rebecca Harris.
Scoot Andresen has now passed Group I Examination and Judges Group I at the March 2013 Show.
The year is spent on many Fund Raising projects including sausage sizzles at Bunnings and Harvey Norman, the Pet Expo and Christmas for Kids. 4 shows are held,The Royal in July is judges by Sue Game of FCCWA, the March, May and September Shows are all 2 ring shows. The September show celebrates CANT’s 45 years with a sapphire theme. Trophies for 2 Supreme Exhibits sponsored by Cameo Gifts and Homewares Darwin and Julian R Schuller. 45 Anniversary cake made and donated by President Heather Haven’s daughter.
Judges were Judith Lewis QFA and Nick Tricarico GCCF Vic. Supreme in Ring I was Bi-colour Ragdoll PN AMBERGLADE SHARTIN owned by Nicky Blenkinship and in Ring II lilac Ozicat OZSPOTS BARTON owned by Michelle Auld. An outstanding array of blue and silver rosettes and ribbons were presented to the other winners in each ring.
Cat of the Year for 2013 was ACF AOE Gold GT. GD. CH Brithaven Elijah Blue Ble British Shorthair male owned by Heather Havens and Breeder of the Year was Brithaven, Heather Havens. Lee Oliver won the Presiden’s award.
2014 ushered in a new committee with President Heather Havens, Vice President Richard Corbet, Secretary Julie Schuller, Treasurer Lee Oliver and Registrar Sandi Gemmell. We heard of the retirement from active participation in the CANT by Haidee Lowe after 46 years. At the March Show Scoot Andresen completed the requisite assignments in Group I to become an All Breeds Judge. A concerted effort was mounted to bring the website up to scratch as a functioning asset of the CANT.
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