Ditton DTC was formed in 1972 by the Club President, Maureen Shelley, and was registered in 1978 when the first Open Obedience Show was held. Prior to this, the club ran many Exemption and Limit Shows using Maureen's experience as a working member of Dartford Dog Training Club Shows.

In 1974 the Club moved to a larger training hall, the Ditton Community Centre, where it still trains. There is a large recreation ground attached, which was used by the Club for their shows for many years.

Membership grew and produced a strong competitive element, including such names as Wilf and Monica Young, Ian Brown, Ron Mills, Irene Stapley, Sharon and Doreen Webley, Anne McHugh, Sue Purnell, and Elaine and Adrian Soper, all of whom enjoyed much success at shows, including The Guide Dog Show, which held a team event, and in 1986 Ditton DTC swept the board, winning the Kent Shield and coming 1st in both the Junior and Senior team events.
     

Left: The winning team at the Guide Dog Show in 1986.

In 1988 Ditton applied for, and obtained Championship Show status, holding the first one on August Bank Holiday Monday 1989. The addition of a Pro-Dogs stake and extra classes necessitated a change of venue to the Kent Agricultural Showground for a few years, and then to the Cobdown Sports and Social Club. The 2001 show saw a move to yet another new venue, Aylesford Rugby Club, but there were some problems so the 2002 show moved back to Cobdown. 

2002 also saw the introduction of an Open Show, making it a wonderful Ditton weekend.

The 2006 shows will see yet another move, this time to Hadlow College.

         

August 2003 saw Maureen Shelley retiring from active participation in Ditton DTC.  

In Maureen's own words "This weekend was probably the saddest in my Dogging life, as I was giving up the Club & the Show I had nurtured from a small pet training club (members who had never heard of dog shows) to one of the largest in the South-East and one club, with one of the best respected Championship Shows by Judges and Competitors alike.  My committee did me proud at lunchtime with a wonderful cut glass Decanter & Glasses all etched with the well known Club logo of the handler and dog, (German Shepherd), and  also a bottle to fill it.  I know that the Club will continue to be successful and I shall remain a Very Proud President".

As well as the Championship Show and new Open Show, other activities scheduled by the Club are; an annual Limited Show (Pre-Beginners to Test 'A'), a coach to Crufts each year, a sponsored walk each April, inter-club matches, and a Christmas party / Awards ceremony.

Training is on a Monday evening from 7.00pm until 9.30pm, scheduling obedience training for the raw beginner (puppies from 4 months onwards) right up to competition Test 'C' level.

The club also gives demonstrations of obedience, involving club members with dogs of all standards.  We recently participated in the 'All About Dogs' exhibition at Brentwood in May 2002.  Our demonstration was enjoyed by hundreds of spectators, and all the club members and dogs also had a great time.

All About Dogs Demonstration - May 2002

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