In
1937, when Ferelith (Feffie) Hamilton was born, the Oudenarde affix
had already been in use by her aunts and her mother, who had joined
them at a later date. It were two dogs that were responsible for the
life-long interest in dogs of Feffie: a Cairn called Sally and a Dalmatian,
the devoted war-time companions of Feffie and her brother John.
1955
Feffie Hamilton not only joined Dog World as a trainee sub-editor,
but also judged for the first time. In 1963 she awarded CCs for the
first time- to Cairn Terriers and thirteen years later for her first
time to Dandies. She has now awarded CCs to the breed on ten occasions,
including the Dandie Dinmont Club in 1980. She is thrilled to be making
a return visit in the millennium year and to be part of this very
special weekend for the breed.
In
1977 she married Stafford Somerfield, whose affix was Panfield, and
through him she added a deep interest in Boxers, Lhasa Apsos and various
other terrier breeds. Yet, whatever breed she has been involved with
and become passionately fond of it is always the terriers she returns
to.
Dog
World has always been an important part of her life and for some years
she was editor and presently she is chairman. And as a judge, too,
she has progressed and now awards CCs in 120 breeds, also judging
all seven groups and awarded Best in Show at Crufts in 1990. She judges
extensively abroad.
Feffie
Somerfield often recalls her first visit to Ireland when she heard
someone asking who she was. The reply came: "She's a short-legged
terrier judge"! She swears she is very proud of that description
and would like the words to appear on her tombstone.
