In the early 1950's dog showing was beginning to take off again after World War II.

The English Setter Association (ESA) was formed in 1951 and by the early 1960's

 there were a substantial number of English Setter exhibitors in the North of

England and Scotland.

Harold Schofield, of Thrumall English Setters, together with a small group

of enthusiasts approached these exhibitors with the intention of forming a

Northern English Setter Society. A meeting of founder members was held at

the Great Northern Hotel, Warrington Street, Leeds on Sunday 16th July 1967

at 3:00pm. The ESA had kindly agreed to sponsor the application to the Kennel Club

and after an exchange of correspondence with the Kennel Club, the application

was granted on 21st September 1967.

The 44 founder members gave a deposit of £2.00 each to ensure that there were

sufficient funds for the society to start operating. The first few years of its existence

saw the society operate limit and open shows and as the membership and entries

gradually increased, the society was granted Championship status in 1970.

The Northern English Setter Society was the first society to be formed independently

of the ESA but has since been joined by Midland English Setter Society,

Southern English Setter Society, English Setter Society of Wales and

English Setter Society of Scotland.

It must be stressed that the society was not formed as a breakaway organization

to the ESA but as a complimentary organization working side by side to promote

the best interests of, as I am sure you will agree, the most attractive and delightful

of breeds.

The society's membership now stands at  and almost 34 years after its formation

still strives to achieve the ideals of the "Pioneers of 1967".

Thanks to Doug Patterson and John Harrison for information and resume.

Anyone interested in seeing the original paperwork for the original meetings and

constitution of the society can contact Lois Buckley -

email lb@turner-bianca.co.uk

The papers were kindly donated to the society by Mr D Patterson.