CLUB HISTORY

 

Hello, my name is Fiz. I'm a Black and White cat owned by Sophie.
I Welcome you to the Black and White Cat Club's History page.

 

 

The History of the Black and White Cat Club

 

The Black and White Cat Club was formed in 1900 by two friends, Miss Kerswell and Miss White-Atkins, who both showed Chinchilla cats. The founder members of the club included Lady Decies and Lady Alexander whose famous Chinchilla 'Zaida' was reputed to be worth £1000, a lot of money in 1900.

By 1902, the club had grown in size and became 'The Black and White Cat Club' and it is this official 1902 date that is considered to be the year the club was founded. The club, in its early years, did not produce a show but offered many specials at club shows up and down the country. The specials included silver cups and medals awarded to members. One of the oldest cups was recently found in Australia where it must have been taken by an early winner.

Both Miss White-Atkins and Miss Kerswell became Judges of the Chinchilla, both ladies judging at the National Cat Club in 1922.

By 1932 Cyril Yeates, who was the Chairman of the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy), became the Secretary of the Black and White Cat Club, and prior to this was one of the club's longest serving delegates. He owned and bred Black Persians and promoted the club whenever he could. Very few shows took place during the war years and the cat fancy in general became much reduced.

Many of the club's records have been lost over the years as many of the committee members moved around.

The club has always been small, as by definition, the cats that we consider our own are just Black and White Longhair and Shorthair. In recent years we have tried to support members who own cats such as Bombays, Oriental Blacks and the more Exotic of recent imports.

The club also has a strong interest in our fireside friends, namely our much loved Household Pets.

Every year, in April, we hold a small friendly show in the lovely Cotswold town of Cricklade. We hope you have enjoyed this short history and if you can add to it , please get in touch.