Welcome to our final newsletter of the year!
It’s been a busy few months – marked by some sad news but also filled with wonderful events and shared moments. As we look ahead, there are plenty of exciting gatherings and activities on the horizon.
A special welcome to those receiving this newsletter for the first time – we’re delighted to have you as part of our club!
We always value your thoughts and suggestions. If there’s anything you’d like to see included in future editions or if you feel something is missing, please don’t hesitate to share your feedback with us.
Tania Ledger
Editor
October 2025
In Loving Memory of Shirley & John Broomhead
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend Shirley Broomhead, an early and much-loved member of our Club, has passed away. Tragically, just three weeks later, her devoted husband John also passed away unexpectedly.
Shirley was a remarkable lady with a true zest for life. Her family: John, their adored children, grandchildren and her beloved Cavaliers, Lillie and Betsy were her greatest joy. Talented and generous, Shirley supported our fundraising activities over the years with her beautiful sewing. Her creativity shone through in the wonderful outfits she made for Lillie and Betsy who so often delighted us by winning the fancy dress competitions.
John shared her enthusiasm for Club life. A gifted photographer, he was often present at social events and our memorable ‘mini meets’ capturing special moments as our unofficial “official” photographer.
Shirley and John were cherished friends to so many of us. Their warmth, kindness, and dedication to the Club will be deeply missed. As a lasting tribute to Shirley and John, future fancy dress competitions will be renamed “The Broomhead Award”, in honour of their love for fancy dress, Shirley’s talent, and the joy they both brought to these occasions.
One of Shirley’s many passions was belly dancing, so in their honour, the first Fancy Dress Competition for our wonderful Cavaliers will have the enchanting theme “Arabian Nights.”
Celebrating Karen’s Wonderful Contribution
We are a little sad, but mostly grateful, to announce that Karen Barnard, our much-loved Newsletter Editor and valued Committee Member has decided it’s time to put her pen down. Karen is stepping back from the newsletter to keep up with life at her bustling Guinea Pig Hotel, her chatty flock of chickens and of course her beautiful Cavaliers Breagh and Suzie.
Karen has a real flair for bringing our newsletter to life, keeping tails wagging and members smiling with her creativity and good humour. She leaves some very big boots (or perhaps paw prints and guinea-pig-sized slippers!) to fill.
A huge thank you to Karen for all her hard work and dedication over the years. We’re sure her guinea pigs are already squeaking with joy at having her around more and we know the chickens will be clucking their approval too!
Happily, this isn’t goodbye – Karen will remain an active and enthusiastic member of the Companion Club, just with a little more time for her furry and feathered family.
Mini Meets – Archie’s 14th Bark-day Bash!
On a sunny 28th June, ten humans, eleven Cavaliers, and one honorary Border Terrier wagged into Alver Valley Country Park to celebrate Archie’s 14th birthday.
After a happy park stroll, everyone tucked into tea, coffee, cakes and party treats fit for canine royalty.
The fun rolled on to Stokes Bay, where the pups splashed, paddled, chased sticks, and cooled their paws while humans savoured seaside ice cream.
A ‘fur-tastic’ day for a truly special boy – Happy 14th Archie!
AGM Weekend – Copt Oak – A Weekend of Cavaliers, Competitions and Camaraderie
Sunshine, wagging tails, and happy chatter set the scene for our annual AGM Weekend, where Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their humans (plus a few honorary cavaliers!) came together for two days of pure fun and friendship.
From the very start, laughter filled the field. Saturday morning began with a flurry of games -Fish Stick Races, Egg & Spoon, and the ever-popular Musical Papers – before everyone paused for refreshments and the AGM meeting.
Next came one of the weekend’s highlights: the VE Day 80th Anniversary Fancy Dress Competition. The creativity was off the scale with handmade outfits so clever they could have been on parade themselves! An extra prize for the best original homemade costume made the contest even more exciting.
After a relaxed lunch, the field came alive again for the Fun Dog Show, expertly judged by Lucia, who faced the delightful challenge of choosing winners in categories like Prettiest Girl, Handsomest Boy, Waggiest Tail, Longest Ears, Best Trick, Best Biscuit Catcher and finally, the coveted “Cavalier the Judge Would Like to Take Home.”
The afternoon rounded off with refreshments, a raffle bursting with prizes, and a lively quiz hosted by Lynn Martin, before everyone tucked into a hearty fish & chip supper (or pizza and chips!).
On Sunday morning, those who stayed over enjoyed a gentle start with coffee and pastries before one last “Fun in the Field” session. By midday, hugs and goodbyes were exchanged, the hall was cleared and everyone was already looking forward to next year.
A heartfelt thank you to our judge, Lucia and to all who helped make the weekend so special. It was a celebration of Cavaliers, companionship and community – a weekend to remember!
Up and Coming Events
25th October 2025
Join Us for a Hayling Island Mini- Meet!
Calling all Cavaliers (and their humans)!
We’re planning a relaxed Mini Meet Walk and Lunch on Hayling Island, and everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Picture it: gentle seaside strolls, happy tails wagging, sand between paws and a friendly lunch stop where we can swap stories while the dogs snooze or charm the tables.
Whether you’re local or fancy a day out by the sea, come along and enjoy the company of fellow Cavalier lovers and their four-legged friends.
More details on meeting time and lunch spot will follow – just bring your walking shoes, your appetite and of course your Cavaliers!
23rd November 2025
Christmas Paw-ty Invitation
In honour of Shirley & John Broomhead
Bring your Cavaliers and friends for a magical day of fun, games, and wagging tails!
When: 23rd November 2025
Where: Chertsey, Surrey
Fancy Dress Theme: Arabian Nights – a sparkling
tribute to Shirley’s love of belly dancing.
Special Guest: ‘Santa Paws’ with gifts for every pup.
Highlights: Festive games, prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Dress your Cavaliers (and yourselves!) in shimmering Arabian Nights style and join us for a celebration full of joy and memories.
Health Matters
New from Professor Clare Rusbridge – Great News for Cavalier Owners!
A new poster from Professor Clare Rusbridge and the University of Surrey team explains their Chiari Check project – a smart, science-based tool that uses owner-reported signs to estimate the chance of Chiari-like malformation pain (CM-P) and syringomyelia.
Why it matters:
Faster help: Dogs can be flagged earlier – even before an MRI.
Saves money: MRIs aren’t always easy or affordable.
Less suffering: Many dogs wait months or years for diagnosis.
Chiari Check will help get early pain relief for Cavaliers showing signs. For further information please contact us.
News from Cavalier Matters
A new website has been created to help future puppy owners make confident, well-informed decisions before bringing a puppy home.
This easy-to-use online tool lets you check the health tests completed on the puppy’s parents and provides details about the COI (coefficient of inbreeding), helping you understand the puppy’s genetic background and overall health.
For further information please visit:
Members Paws and Tails
Esther Kent writes: I can hardly believe the length of Winnie’s tongue – it deserves its own medal! Perhaps we should start a competition for the dog with the longest tongue – I’m convinced she’d win.
On one of our recent adventures, I noticed a boat named Cavalier, and of course I had to take a photo of my very own Cavalier sitting proudly in front of it. The moment felt perfectly fitting.
Winnie has become quite the little explorer. In July alone, she’s already been camping three weekends in a row, and we’re packing up for more adventures in August. It’s hard to believe I’ve had her for nearly a year now; she’s filled every month with joy, laughter and muddy pawprints.
Recently I’ve taken up paddle boarding – a new challenge and a new way to spend time on the water. My goal was to coax both Winnie and Remi onto the board with me. To my delight, they hopped on as though they were born for it, balancing like seasoned professionals.
The next step? Standing up with both of them on board. Watch this space – I have a feeling we’ll conquer it soon!
A Touch of Christmas Magic
At the Cavalier Gift Shop
The Cavalier Gift Shop is getting into the festive spirit with a charming new range of Christmas gifts— perfect for early Christmas planning or a special treat for yourself. This year, you’ll find delightful pieces inspired by the classic 12 Days of Christmas, alongside the 2026 Calendar and other carefully chosen seasonal treasures.
Whether you’re looking for something elegant for a fellow Cavalier lover or a keepsake to make your own celebrations extra special, our new collection is brimming with ideas to make the season sparkle.
Why not take a peek and find the perfect gift to share a little Cavalier cheer this Christmas?
Remember proceeds are donated to Cavalier Rescue, Health and Welfare.