EAST COAST LADIES KENNEL ASSN New Zealand

Those of you who knew Alison will know that she always pulled above her weight in whatever she was involved. And those of us on our committee are certainly aware of that now.

Alison and Brian, who is our current President, were involved in our club almost since its inception, first as patrons, then as committee members. It was while on committee that Alison was persuaded to take on the position of acting Secretary. Her job was made permanent at the next AGM, and she retained the position right until her untimely death on April 17 this year.

In addition to her day to day work as Secretary Alison also did an enormous amount to ensure all our events ran smoothly, from our Ribbon Parades and Open Shows, to our Championship Shows.

Our beautiful trophy tables at the Championship Shows were all Alison's work.

Last year Alison, who unbeknown to us all was already quite unwell, hosted our Judges, and they certainly wanted for nothing. Ever the lady, she loved being a hostess, and enjoyed people.

Above all it was the small things she did for the club that we miss most. Things like making sure that there were containers of sweets at ringside for our exhibitors, and providing the table cloths for the Official lunch tables and reminding the rest of us of things we may otherwise have forgotten.

I feel privileged to have been involved in organising this Memorial Show for Alison. Rest peacefully dear Alison. All of us who have been involved in East Coast Ladies Kennel Association, whether as committee, members or exhibitors will remember you fondly today and always.

Judy Tonkin
December 2006