07/02/2024
I am shocked and saddened to report that Ann Jeffery passed away peacefully last night. Ann together with her husband Pete exhibited IRWS for many years.
Where do I start to write about Ann Jeffery, her love and commitment to Irish Red and White Setters goes beyond words. It all started in the early 1980’s with Arrowebrook Maev of Llanelwy who was soon followed by an Irish import Teaghlach Copper Duke of Llanelwyn, these two were mated together and produced the ‘Beatles’ litter. Pete and Ann kept two puppies and others went to show homes to start their Kennels. SH CH Llanelwyn Hard Days Night at Chardine owned by Kayte Wilson Smith was one of the first Show Champions in the breed and took Best of Breed at Crufts in 1987. It was a very successful litter, Lucy in the Sky was the foundation for the Drumgarron Kennel owned by Allan and Jackie Jones. Pete showed the dogs and Ann did everything else they kept Mean Mr Mustard and Strawberry Fields. It was always great fun at shows to see Pete competing in Brace and Teams where they had great success.
Ann was dedicated to Irish Red and White Setters and ran our Rescue for many years, so was always forthright in her discussions with the Club to make sure she got the best for her Rescue dogs and she was still very much involved in guiding and support our current Rescue Team. Last Summer Ann handed over all her Rescue archives to the Club and I helped our Secretary go through them, the photo album of all the dogs she had helped was incredible and a real tribute to her. There were lots of other items she had collected over the years, I know Ann would want you to look out for them on sale at the Club Shows. It’s surprising how Rescue can introduce folk to our breed, our now Chairman and fellow exhibitor had her first IRWS Rory in 2000 followed by Dooley in 2009 both through Rescue.
Many of us had some fabulous holidays with Ann and Pete, they were one of the first people to caravan at a Dog Show and as the number grew in all breeds the IRWS Caravan Club was formed and off course we made Pete Chairman. We spent many nights chatting, drinking, and laughing. One year we celebrated Christmas in June, Ann always made it so much fun. They would always be first at the venue and would save us pitches and on arrival Ann would produce cups of tea while we set up. It was obvious how much time Ann spent on Rescue even when she was on holiday, she could be found sitting in her caravan on the phone helping a dog in need or taking to prospective new owners.
Ann and Peter were made Honorary Members of the Club in recognition of their work on Rescue. Ann you are an impossible act to follow and will be missed by so many. Our Condolences to her husband Peter and daughter Sian at the sad time. I will let you have the Funeral arrangements once they are available.
Mary Blackwell Sherratt
President
