Mrs Norma Staff - Ringlands
It was with deep regret that the Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Club learnt of the passing of its President Mrs Norma Staff on 24 September.
Norma's 'Ringlands' prefix was granted in 1944 and prior to turning her attention to papillons in 1950 she had gained experience in a number of breeds including Greyhounds, Whippets, Smooth Fox Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels and Pomeranians. Indeed as long ago as 1946 Norma bred the late Joe Braddon's famous post war Cocker Spaniel Sh Ch Golden Rule of Ide whose dam was Norma's own Ringlands Pin Up Girl. Norma's first champion in Papillons was Ch Ringlands Polly Flinders, bred by Mrs F M Rogers and sired by Norma's own Ringlands Peter Pan, she was born in January 1953 and gained her title in 1956. Since that time some 108 papillons throughout the world carrying the Ringlands name have gained their titles. As if that were not enough there have been champions in other breeds, notably Pomeranians where some 22 Champions have been made up with the Ringlands name, including the famous bitch Ch Ringlands Gaiety Girl at Rosskear.
Over the years Norma imported a number of dogs including in 1963 Danaidae Beausacq d'Royal, imported from the USA and more recently Elegant Boy at Silver Ridings at Ringlands from Japan and from Norway Int Ch & UK Ch Smaragdens Kicking Up Ruby Wings At Ringlands. Elegant Boy in particular had a significant impact on the breed siring a number of UK Champions. The successes of the Ringlands dogs both here and overseas are far too numerous to list but there can be few kennels who have not in one way or another benefited from Norma's experience. The contribution that the Ringlands Papillons have made to the breed has been felt throughout the world.
Norma was a great supporter of the Breed Club here in the UK and served as Secretary from 1954 until 1961 and as Show Manager from 1961 until 1962. She was made a Vice President in 1968 and was elected President in 2002. As a judge she was in great demand, judging the breed on many occasions here in the UK as well as elsewhere in the World. She first judged Crufts in 1969 and had the honour to do so again in 1983. She judged the Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Club Championship Show for the first time in 1962 and subsequently when the sexes were split judged on several more occasions.
Wherever there are papillons the name of Ringlands will be known such has the influence of this kennel been in the breed throughout the world. Sadly with her passing the cliché holds true, we will never see her like again. All of us who knew Norma know how willing she was to part with the great experience she had built up over the years and how much we have each individually benefited from that experience. As a breeder, exhibitor or judge she was always approachable, always good company and always but always full of enthusiasm and love for the breed.
Our condolences go to her daughter Pat and son Richard, we share their loss.
