February 19, 2011

Foxhunter Scott Dove's Foxcliffe Hickory Wind Is Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club         Jack Grassa photoFoxcliffe Hickory Wind, a Scottish deerhound bitch owned by foxhunter Dr. Scott Dove, his wife Ceil, and Sally Sweatt, was judged Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York yesterday, February 15, 2011. Hickory is the first of her breed ever to capture that honor at Westminster.

The news clips on TV showed her to be not only a magnificent specimen of a dog, but an astoundingly beautiful mover. Watching her trot across the ring, one would think she was filmed in slow motion—floating effortlessly—were it not for the legs of her handler doing double-time beside her!

Michael and Elsie Frazer just four days before fire destroyed their tailor shop          Noel Mullins photo

The shop of famous Irish sporting tailor William Frazer in the village of Hospital in County Limerick was destroyed by fire on Wednesday, February 16. William Frazer passed away years ago, but the business was continued by his son Michael and Michael’s wife Elsie.

Besides the complete loss of stock, fabrics, and equipment, all their records were destroyed, including measurements and memorabilia of the many well-known customers like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and other larger-than-life foxhunters and sporting figures for whom the Frazers built hacking jackets, hunt coats, vests, breeches, and trousers for over two generations.