Show Managers Jackie Pell and Elaine Robinson (right)

Professional Photographer Marc Henrie writes:

This amazing show was run by Joint Managers Elaine Robinson and Jackie Pell. Promotions/Hall Manager, John Robinson, is remarkable in his ability to persuade sponsors to provide a profusion of gifts; there were numerous awards and prizes beside the many samples put into every one of the 515 pens. The Main Sponsor was Royal Canin. Associate sponsors were R & L Pet Products, Techni-cal, Hills, Nutrience, Petlife International and James Wellbeloved. Amongst awards made on the day, were those to winners of the Club's Annual Cat Competition. Mrs S Woodley's Champion Bellabonny Johnny Begood - a beautiful Asian Brown Ticked Tabby - won the President's Shield, a personalised rosette, a magnum of Champagne donated by the Tolemac Tribe and free entry to the Ninth Championship Show.
Despite the day being very hot, the felines were in fine form - even sleepy - and none showed bad temper or became difficult to handle. In the many years I have attended the Wiltshire Show, I've found that there's always a remarkably relaxed atmosphere. Russell Hardy, whose super cat climbing products are nationally known, confirmed this to me. We had to smile when interrupted by a tiny lady in the aisle. She jumped up and down shouting "We've won, we've won." In her first cat show she'd won a Best of Breed rosette. How wonderful: to let yourself go and really enjoy the moment. Why don't we all do this - it might catch on? The Worshipful Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Mike Bawden, accompanied by the Mayoress selected the Best in Show Non-Pedigree. A very popular raffle - with 80 or so prizes - was followed by the Best of Variety announcements. Mrs Mary Kalal then selected the Best Overall Exhibit, Mr KA Game's delightful feminine Korat, Grand Champion Chanrakan Karnchana.
Once again, the staff of the Oasis Leisure Centre coped well with the crowd of visitors and 340 exhibitors. Car parking was free for the latter and many enjoyed a hearty English 'Show' breakfast and the facilities of the bar.
The show over for another year, cats returned to their carriers, stall holders packed up their display units and cats and people went home happily to all points of the compass from Lancashire to Jersey, from Kent to Pembrokeshire.
A great show thanks to all concerned: show managers, exhibitors, table workers and, of course, Mr and Mrs Public.

Best Overall Exhibit 2006