Mrs S F Kearns

little is known about the Collie Association’s second Secretary other than she was something of a professional in this sphere, for Mrs Kearns’ letterhead lists a total of nine secretariats, including ‘The Kennel Club Council of Representatives’ and ‘Richmond Dog Show Society’ with which she had been associated since 1925 after accepting a temporary post as Assistant to Capt E. T. Cox, Richmond’s then Secretary. She obviously proved satisfactory as she remained in this post until Capt Cox retired, when she was promoted to Secretary a position she held until her sudden death in 1960, at which time she was also Secretary to ten specialist clubs, plus Show Manager to a further five. Although Mrs Kearns did not remain at the Collie Association’s helm for long her choice had been fortuitous, and her Kennel Club connections had undoubtedly been influential in the Association’s promotion to Championship Show status in the immediate post-war period.

Above - Mrs Kearn's Letter Head from 1947

Miss Margaret Osborne [Shiel]

Miss Osborne accepted the role of secretary in 1951, bringing with her, her undoubted energy and enthusiasm. Over her 21 year tenure Miss Osborne was responsible for introducing many innovations in her continuing effort to promote the Collie Association, including the now famous Handbook, a quarterly newsletter, all of which she combined with a busy life which included managing a thriving kennel, demanding International judging commitments, in addition to writing Dog World Breed Note and specialist books on her favourite breeds.

It is interesting to note that in an effort to save much needed funds she also produced the Collie Association Show Catalogues, using nothing more sophisticated than a Gestetner Printing or duplicating machine. Having passed her mantel, including said Gestetner, which we are assured still adorns some forgotten corner of Brook Cottage, to Mrs Speding in 1971 the Collie Association elected her the club’s 1st Life Member, then in 1974 she returned to office as the Association’s Vice Chairman.

Mrs Aileen Speding (Antoc)

Having been proposed by Mrs Franklin Mrs Speding joined the Collie Association committee in 1961. Following the Antoc’s move from London Mrs Speding became an enthusiastic supporter of ‘The Collie Associations South West Section’ and just prior to accepting the office of Secretary suggested and developed the now famous Champions Cards and Show Results booklets. In 1992, after passing the Secretarial Office to our current Secretary Mrs Speding was elevated to President on Mrs Margaret Franklin’s retirement.

Mrs Carole Smedley (Antoc)

Mrs Jan Underdown (Clynelish)

Jan is a relative newcomer to the breed with just over 15 years experience in breeding and exhibiting Rough Collies.

Was bought up in a household in Manchester whose interest was in training Greyhounds and Whippets. Dogs have always played a big part of her interests and lifestyle.

Exhibited and bred Cocker Spaniels and English Setters during 1970s and 80s and worked on West of England Cocker Spaniel Club as a committee member and Treasurer.

Played a role on West of England Collie Society’s committee for seven years until co opted onto the Collie Association’s committee in 2003 as Assistant Secretary, became Acting Secretary in July 2007 and elected Secretary in March 2008.

Jan is a Course Director for a London based Project and Programme Management training and education company, with over twenty years project management experience, which is an excellent skill set for holding the office of secretary for this prestigious breed club.