Shropshire: Crufts chairman judges dog show near Whitchurch

Tom Mather was a guest and judge at the Whixall Dog Show which took place on Sunday, June 4 at the village's social centre.

The show is a much-loved event for Whixall and money raised from it will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the social centre which is at the heart of life in the village.

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Organisers thanked Mr Mather for turning up and thanked local businesses who helped support the event.

Many people came to take part and enjoy the warm weather. (Image: Graham Turnbull)

Show manager Elaine Turnbull said: "It was such a pleasure to have Tom come and be part of our dog show and his easy and pleasant manner towards all competitors went along way in making it a fun and special day for all. 

Mr Mather became chairman of Crufts in 2019. (Image: Graham Turnbull)

"Without their great and generous support our annual dog show could not continue and we are very grateful to them all." 

The show took place in Whixall Social Centre. (Image: Graham Turnbull)

Mr Mather became chairman of Crufts in 2019.

He started showing dogs when he was a schoolboy in the 1960s before judging his first championship show in 1978.

The funds raised from the show will go towards the Whixall Social Centre (Image: Graham Turnbull)

He is now approved to judge 80 breeds across all seven groups in the show.

An event spokesperson spoke about the importance of the event and about how Mr Mather enjoyed what he saw while in Whixall.

They said: "All proceeds from the day go towards the maintenance and upkeep of Whixall Social Centre, which remains at the heart of Whixall life.

Both adults and young people took part in the event. (Image: Graham Turnbull)

"It was special day at Whixall Companion Dog show when the chairman of Crufts, the biggest dog show in the world, came to judge local dog competitors at Whixall Social Centre.

"Tom Mather took time out of his busy dog show judging schedule to visit the village and enjoy what has become a most popular and well-attended local dog show.

Mr Mather was pleased with what he saw. (Image: Graham Turnbull)

"On a day of glorious sunshine, Mr Mather judged pedigree dog classes and novelty classes as well as putting junior and adult handlers through their paces.

Mr Mather judged his first dog show in the 1960s when he was still in school. (Image: Graham Turnbull)

"Mr Mather said there were some really nice dogs on the day, but he particularly enjoyed the friendly and community atmosphere feel of the show and congratulated the Whixall Social Centre Committee for their hard work in ensuring the day was a success."