In the mid-late 1970’s, in the Sheffield area, Hillsborough, Darnall, Sheffield, Handsworth, Chapeltown, Stocksbridge, Sharrow, Frecheville, South Yorks Hound Society and another 2 canine societies in Rotherham, held weekly Match Nights. At most of these the number of Whippets greatly exceeded all other breeds. An application was made to the KC re formation of a ‘new’ Whippet club.
The KC approved the formation of the ‘South Yorkshire Whippet Club’ in late 1979.

Janet Williamson (Willham) sent an invitation to Whippet exhibitors to ‘attend a meeting to discuss the formation of a committee and other business’** (See image below). The inaugural meeting was on 20th Jan 1980 and was very well attended.
A committee was formed with Mr V Williamson (Gainscliffe) President, Mr H Bradley (Killigrew) Chairman, Mrs J Williamson (Willham) Secretary & Mr T Williamson (Willham) Treasurer.
Also on the committee were Mr M Bellamy, Mrs D Bradshaw, Mrs F Broadbent, Mr & Mrs G Davies, Mrs P Gilmour, Mr & Mrs R Mason & Mr J P Moran-Healey. It’s pleasing to see how many of the committee are still active/interested in the breed.

Early shows were held in various locations including Stannington, Ranby & Newark until settling in 1983 at The Newton Memorial Hall in Chapeltown, Sheffield.
The 1981 Open show was judged by Mrs J McLeod Dogs & Mr R Pye Bitches
BIS Ch Novacroft Madrigal (Nicholas & Broadbent)
RBIS Thurma Just A Rose (Rose)
BPIS Trimar Auriga Lady ( Marsh)

The 1982 Open show was judged by Mrs E Newton-Reid & Dogs & Mr R Poli (Italy) Bitches
BB, BPIS & BIS Succhini Silver Gilt (van Raalte)
BD & RBIS Flossiefield Basalt (Roberts)

The first SYWC Ch show was 1st Oct 1983 and was held on the same weekend every year until forced to change in 2022.
Kath Sedgley was judging Dogs & Rachel Flatt judging Bitches. 153 Whippets with an entry of 221
BCC & BIS Ch Peperone Papermate (R Oliphant)
DCC Savilepark Subastral (B Robinson)
BPIS Happy Dondelayo (A Knight)
Some of those showing at this show and still active in the breed include Maureen Blanks, Pat Dufty, Molly Head, Roz Holland, Barry Kennett, Rob Newsham and Mike Howgate.

It was in 1982 that the first SYWC Results Book was produced which covered the 1981 show season when the Ch show judges included Anne Knight at Crufts, Joe Braddon, Lady Anderson, Bill Pinches, Paulo Dondina, Arthur Nicholson and Mary Lowe. Names familiar to some of us but will be unknown to others. It wasn’t until 20 years later that the Results Books included critiques & photos of CC winners. Sadly another 20 years on the committee of SYWC decided the club could no longer afford the costs of producing and issuing a Results Book FOC to SYWC members.