Ann Walton – Sad News
We have received the sad news that Welsh Springer Spaniel Club President, Anne Walton, passed away this morning (Sunday 17th August). Anne's daughter, Gillian Coffin, has asked the Club to pass on the following statement, well knowing how much she meant to the Welsh Springer Spaniel community.
"The Walton family wanted to let the Welshie world know that mum, granny and great granny, Anne Walton passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, 17th August 2025.
Fittingly, snuggled up next to her as life slipped away was her dog Luna (Hillpark Princess Aurora). Not sure how many generations down from our first Welshie Polly Garter of Doonebridge who joined us 60 years ago and started Mum’s enduring devotion to the breed.
Mum had spent the last year in the care of wonderful people at a small care home close to her Sandford home. She endeared herself to all the staff with her zest for life, rather dry humour and her interest in others.
In Anne’s latter days Luna visited daily and the staff welcomed her as their own.
In fact they’ve asked Luna to come in as a Carer dog so kind and loving has she been to everyone at the home. Long may that last as she is now 13.
We will post more information as we work through the process of saying goodbye."
The Officers and Committee of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales are thinking of Anne's family and friends at this time.
UPDATE
We have received the following information from Ann's family:-
Hi Welshie folk,
I know it’s been a while coming but, co-ordinating things has been a challenge.
Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has made contact with us after Mum’s passing – overwhelming!
The family have decided to hold a Private Cremation on Friday 5th September close to where she lived, followed by a Celebration of her life at 12 noon, in the Sandford Arms in the village where she lived, Sandford Arms, Sandford, Appleby Cumbria CA16 6NR.
We will have savouries and cake available and the pub is only open to us. We hope to see a number of people there and anyone wishing to stay is more than welcome – it’s a big pub and very nice. If you are coming it would be good to know so we can cater for the right numbers.
We are aware this is a long way for many to travel so we have also arranged a lunch at the Kennel Club on Monday 13th October from 11.30am. Talking to many of you this seems a very popular option and one I know Mum would fully endorse. She loved big, doggy people gatherings.
This will be at a cost of £45/person for a 3 course lunch or £55/person for lunch and a tour. Mum spent many happy hours and days at the Kennel Club and I can’t think of a more fitting place for the dog world to come and share their memories and thoughts with us. The Club is a wonderful place, full of books, photos, dog history and the meals are fantastic value - for those of you who have not yet had the chance to visit its well worthwhile.
As their capacity is a maximum of 80, I have booked exclusive use. If you would like to go, ideally you need to contact the Kennel Club on 0207 5181 017 to book either a lunch or lunch and tour ( or you can tell me).
At both, we will do a Tribute to her life and achievements. We welcome any items I might not know of!
There will be the opportunity at both events to make a donation to the charities she held dear – outside the dog world.
If you type in Anne Walton on the Just Giving search both charities come up or the links are below
Gillian Walton is fundraising for Great North Air Ambulance Service
Gillian Walton is fundraising for Red Squirrel Survival Trust
And, we think no flowers please!
Mum knew a number of people across the gundog and wider dog world so, to start with I am only telling Welshie people of the Kennel Club option. So, I would love to hear from you if you think you would like to come along.
Thank you so much
Gillian, Robert and the Coffin/Walton family
Gillian & Martin Coffin
Condolences are sent to the family from the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales at this very sad time.
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