My devotion to the breed began 33 years ago, in 1974 when I bought my first Golden Retriever, Sam, (Stalyhills Figaro), from Mrs. Freda Broadbent of the Stalyhills kennel in Stalybridge, UK. He was a handsome chap with an excellent pedigree, and although first and foremost my pet, we joined a ring craft training class and did a bit of showing in the North East of England. We did rather well, winning many first prizes and Best of Breeds. That was the start and my life was never to be the same again as  my Goldens began to shape my future. 

Stalyhills Miss Avenger at Amirene - Purdy

In 1977 I bought my first Golden Retriever bitch, Purdy, (Stalyhills Miss Avenger), from the same breeder. Purdy was my pick of bitches from a litter of 10. I chose her for character, length of  neck and superb shoulder conformation with plenty of upperarm. Although not obvious at 8 weeks she went on to have a superb head carriage and stylish eyecatching movement. She also loved the showring and was at her best standing free ,  She was to be my foundation bitch and all present day Amirenes can be traced back to her. I bred my first litter in 1979 and the Kennel Club affix of Amirene began.

Throughout the years I have been devoted to the breed, involved in showing, working, breeding and judging. I endeavour to breed the true gentle, loving, biddable temperament so typical of the Golden Retriever. I strive to retain the intelligence and true working ability so vital for a gundog. My dogs are my family and I only breed a few litters a year.

Sh. Ch. Amirene King Eider of Davern

I have bred many Champions both in UK and abroad. Sh. Ch. Amirene King Eider of Davern & Sh. Ch. Amirene Pacifique being particularly  influencial in the UK.

An Amirene King Eider son, Dual Champion Amirene Intrepid became a show Champion in Switzerland and went on to prove his true dual purpose by winning the Open Stake field trial in France, thus making him up to a full DUAL CHAMPION. He has successful progeny throughout Europe. Several of my goldens have gone to Scandinavia, where they have proved themselves both at showing, and working.

Sh. Ch. Int. Ch. FT champion Amirene Intrepid.

All my Goldens are hip & elbow scored, and their ayes are checked annually. I have supported the KC/BVA schemes since their inception. My present day stud dogs have low hip scores and clear elbows. The girls are all below breed average.

I have been judging for over 20 years, and travel the world judging Goldens. My future highlights in the judging sphere is 2008, when I have been invited to judge at the World Show in Stockholm, and 2010, when I have been given the honour of judging Golden Retrievers at CRUFTS.

My goldens are my life. I usually have a waiting list for puppies, and I vet my prospective puppy buyers carefully. I give advice and support throughout the pups' life and my Amirene family grows with every pup sold. Be prepared to sign a contract. I do everything in my power to sell only healthy, sound puppies, but they do not come with a written guarantee. In return I expect my puppy buyers to love and care for their puppy, and keep in touch with me regularly throughout their dog's life.