The Groomer of the Year was crowned at the recent British Dog Grooming Championship and the title went to a former winner of the competition – who had only just left hospital.
Alison Rogers won the award with a Purebred Scissor Bichon Frise and a clipped/stripped Springer spaniel, with Linda Barker finishing runner-up and Mike Wildman taking third spot. A full list of all the categories can be found at through the PetCare website.
Competition was fierce, as just under 120 competitors groomed almost 150 dogs – making this the biggest competition in history. Over 600 spectators flocked to the show, soaking up the vibrant, competitive atmosphere and watching the demonstration classes.
On receiving her trophy, two time winner Alison said she didn’t expect to take the title because she had only recently left hospital. She said: “I’m a bit shocked actually, and in a bit of pain as I only came out of hospital a week and a half ago!
“I wanted to win so that I could semi-retire and concentrate more on showing and grooming abroad. My dogs were brilliant; they didn’t put a foot wrong all day. I’m so proud of them.”
New for 2012 was the Student Team of the Year Challenge, which saw six grooming school teams competing against each other to take home the BDGA Memorial Trophy. London-based Dog’s Delight came out on top, with the AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming Training and Evesham Grooming Academy taking second and third places respectively.
Also making a first appearance at the event was a cat grooming qualification, launched in front of over 100 seminar attendees, by Liza Cox and Heidi Anderton LCGI. Interested groomers will be able to register for the course from early 2013, and a list of accredited centres approved to offer it will be available from the Pet Care Trade Association website from mid-December.
