English Cocker Spaniel Field Trial Hall of Fame Committee Meeting
December 9, 2020 – 7:00 pm CST (Conference Call)
In attendance were: Bethann Wiley, John Bishop, Robin Putnam, Terry Oliver, Jeff Janousek
New Business
- Update on Inductees and Induction
All of the inductees have been notified and were thrilled with the news! The Board of Directors at the Hall of Fame will be making a decision about the ceremony at the end of the month due to Covid-19. Of course, everyone hopes it could happen but due to the size of the gathering it is likely that other plans will need to be put in place. The ceremony is currently set for February 6th.
- Hall of Fame name change request from Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown sent a request to the committee to change the name of our hall fame to “Cocker Field Trial Hall of Fame” in order to be more inclusive of American Cockers that have always been able to compete in field trials against English Cockers. The main points of the discussion were:
- It was agreed that they are an important part of the history of Cocker field trials
- It was felt that currently the American Cockers are well represented in our wing – both through inductees and on the Wall of Champions plaque from the early era trials. All FC American Cockers have a plate on the plaque.
- While the American Spaniel Club (parent club for American Cockers) did not contribute financially to the development of the Hall of Fame, they later contributed $5000 (possibly in 2015 based on past minutes).
- Issues of cost of a new logo and sign were discussed. Further research on this would be needed.
- Of concern was that the American Cockers played a significant role in the early trials but unfortunately that is no longer the case and there are not many signs of a resurgence from the breed. It is clear in the current by-laws that an American Cocker can be inducted if evaluated on the same playing field (accomplishments) as an English Cocker.
- The American Spaniel Club has shown no interest, to anyone’s knowledge, of being involved with the Hall of Fame outside of their previous donation. From past minutes it took multiple requests to get the donation.
- Mixed comments on need to change the name – not generally needed but could be considered in the future.
The committee agreed to table this discussion for a future meeting in 2021
Old Business
- List of possible new committee members for 2021 – need to replace three current members.
The second term for Bethann, Keith and Sheryl will be complete the end of 2020. A list of possible new committee members was brainstormed. A person’s long-term involvement in field trials and knowledge of the history of the dogs and people in our trials is essential. Geographically it would be nice to have people from various parts of the country as this has been important for knowledge and discussions of nominations. Bethann will contact each of them about their interest in serving on the committee.
- Wall of Champions fundraiserhttps://www.englishcockerhalloffame.com/home/index.php/fund-raising/activities.
The website has been updated with new contact information to develop the modern Wall of Champions plaque. Bethann agreed to manage this plaque even after she is no longer on the committee to keep continuity going. Several announcements will be put out to encourage donations along with collecting information from people that may have donated in the past.
Adjournment: 7:47 PM CST
2020 Calendar
October 14th – Meeting of the Hall of Fame Committee
November – Announcement of 2020 Inductees online
December 9 – Year end meeting