Welcome to the Griffon Bruxellois Club of Victoria 

Vale: Vanessa Van Der Helm

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and member, Vanessa Van der Helm . Vanessa passed away peacefully in her sleep last night (Feb 17th. 2026).
Vanessa was a long time member of our Griffon club and dedicated member of the club committee, up until this year, for many years, serving as our Vice President and Health committee leader amongst the many other commitments she was always happy to undertake. Apart from her friendship, her warm and loving nature, her constant support of our club and total devotion to her dogs, Vanessa will be very fondly remembered for her delicious and nutritious contributions to our club shows, committee meetings and Get Togethers. Her sandwiches were 'world famous' and much sought after as well as her scrumptious sweet offerings. Vanessa was always ready with a smile and would chat to one and all. She attended out Get Togethers, Shows and our many Dog Lover shows- always coming with me on 'bump in' day to help set up. Vanessa is survived by her husband, Henk and her 3 children plus her 3 remaining Griffons and our sympathy is extended towards them. Pictured in many of the photos attached is Olly (Resamelad Olympia)- her beautiful smooth black girl, who provided Vanessa with her most special success in the Griffon ring, winning the B**tch Challenge and Runner Up to Best in Show in our March 2015 show (judge Mrs Lorene Vickers  (USA griffon specialist judge) - a very proud moment for Vanessa and a win celebrated by all present. 
Vanessa, we hope you have been welcomed 'upstairs' by Beth, your family and friends and your beautiful dogs who have passed on before you. You gave us much love and friendship and we will miss you so much. Go gently dear friend. You will be forever in our hearts. ❤️ Kathy Grass on behalf of the Griffon Bruxellois Club of Victoria Inc.

VALE (by Club Secretary: Mrs Robin Simpson)

It is with much sadness that the Club announces the passing of Beth Canavan (Elizabeth).
Beth was a long time member of the Club and served 32 years as its Secretary, then President and Committee member. She was also one of our Patrons, along with Denis Montfort.
I was fortunate to meet her when I was a teenager and she has been a wonderful friend and mentor over the years. When she was preparing for a litter I was tea maker and company. (I was also quite good at keeping puppies warm down my shirt if needed.)
Beth bred many Griffons under the Azande prefix that she shared with her daughter Jennifer. Her latest Champion is Azande Little Red Wagon, known to his friends as Baxter. 
Beth is survived by her children Jennifer, Len and Roger, their partners and families.
Thank you to Kathy and Kellie Jayne Photography for the photos of Beth and Baxter.
If you have any memories or anecdotes about Beth, feel free to share them on our Facebook page where we have also placed this VALE. 

Beth is to be laid to rest in a Private Graveside Ceremony attended by family members on January 30th.

The club will hold a Memorial Get Together for her. Date and time to be advised. 

 

**Find us on Facebook - search for 'Griffon Club of Victoria' group and ask to join. Enjoy the posts from members. This is a closed group so you must join to read/ view posts.

                                          *No advertising of any product or dogs permitted at all. 

Lots of pictures and exciting happenings.

                     Sketches used on our website are by the talented artist Deidre Hunt

 Aims of the Club

We are a club whose members share the aim of promoting the Griffon Bruxellois as a premier toy dog breed that is not only a show and performance dog but is also a healthy, robust, cheerful and loyal pet. Our Club was Australia’s first dedicated Griffon Bruxellois Club and has been affiliated with Dogs Victoria since 1975. The Club’s membership isn’t only comprised of breeders and exhibitors of Griffons but also past, present and potential Griffon pet owners.

We work to encourage responsible and ethical breeding practices and continue to support veterinary research into health issues that may be relevant to our breed. Our Club donates prizes and fosters participation at exhibitions and shows involving the Griffon Bruxellois breed including our own annual Championship Show. Our Club also holds member competitions and other Griffon social gatherings as well as lectures and forums devoted to our breed. Through both our regular member subscribed newsletter and our website, we actively disseminate information for all those interested in Griffons, whether Dogs Victoria or relevant State laws and regulations, Committee deliberations, other Club activities including finding homes for rescued Griffons, information that is helpful for the grooming and care of Griffons and news regarding our members and their Griffons.

Most importantly, in all our activities including Club committee meetings and in our relationships with Dogs Victoria and other Griffon dedicated clubs throughout Australia, we work in a spirit of good fellowship, courtesy and consensus for the betterment of our Griffons.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

               


Contact Details

 

 President: Mrs Colleen De Haan [email protected]

Secretary -Mrs Robin Simpson [email protected]

0409 255 369

         

 

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