Regional support network

Regional Support Network Advisor Name: Tania Gardner

Region: Northeast and Scotland

Phone:

0203 540 2639

Originally from Scotland and now based in Yorkshire, Tania will be covering the North East and Scotland. She has been with The Kennel Club for eight years, working in various roles. 

Tania brings a wealth of experience in dog ownership and dog showing, which has provided her with extensive knowledge across various disciplines. She has also managed several clubs and successfully organised the relocation of an agricultural show, ensuring its long-term sustainability for everyone involved. 

Over the years, she has owned various breeds, including Irish Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, English Setters, Afghan Hounds, and Rough Collies. Currently, she owns two top Irish Red & White Setter Show Champions, an Afghan Hound, an English Setter, and six Irish Setters. 

Tania runs ringcraft and match nights, attends shows and participates in breed education and field training with her Setters. She is secretary of the Irish Setter Association, organising events, and serves as secretary of a local all-breed canine club, hosting shows, seminars, and handling masterclasses. As chair of the IRWS Club of GB, she oversees operations and promotes the breed at game fairs. 

She looks forward to meeting everyone in her region, building relationships, and promoting the fantastic shows and activities available for dogs in the area.   

Regional Support Network Advisor Name: Caron Bell

Region: Northwest, Ireland and Isle of Man     

Phone:

01296 318 540

Email:

Caron Bell covers the North West, Northern Ireland, and Isle of Man regions. She has been with The Kennel Club for eight years with the Assured Breeder scheme where she managed a team of assessors nationwide. 

Caron awards CCs in Keeshonds and Finnish Lapphunds, having bred dogs that have earned CCs and many stud book numbers. She also holds a diploma in dog behaviour. Based in Seaton, Cumbria, Caron has owned and bred Keeshonds for over thirty years and has bred two litters of Finnish Lapphunds. Currently, she has three Keeshonds, two Finnish Lapphunds, and a Miniature Longhaired Dachshund. 

Caron enjoys trying various activities with her dogs, including showing, judging, hoopers, scentwork, and mantrailing, and hopes to try rally in the future. She has also served as a show secretary for both a general canine society and a breed club and has been involved in several committees.  

Passionate about helping people and problem-solving, Caron looks forward to meeting everyone in her region, building strong relationships, and promoting the many fantastic dog-related activities available.  

Regional Support Network Advisor Name: Yohann Dieul

Region: East of England      

Phone:

0203 540 2715

Email: 

Yohann Dieul, is the Regional Support Advisor for the East of England and brings over fifteen years of experience at The Kennel Club, having worked across a variety of departments, including education and training, health and breeder services, registrations, and field trials. 

With extensive experience in organising Judges seminars, managing endorsements, handling ATC, and maintaining show diaries, Yohann is well-equipped to confidently address customer queries. His broad knowledge and hands-on experience enable him to offer detailed guidance and support, ensuring a thorough understanding of the processes involved and helping customers navigate any challenges they may face.  

While he currently does not own dogs, he grew up in France with Brittany Spaniels, which sparked his lifelong love for dogs. Yohann is passionate about animals and proud to work for an organisation dedicated to their welfare. 

He looks forward to meeting everyone in the region and connecting at various shows and events. 

Regional Support Network Advisor Name: Helen Reaney

Region: Midlands and Wales     

Phone:

0203 540 2677​

Helen Reaney will be covering the Midlands and Wales. She has been with The Kennel Club for thirteen years, beginning with the Assured Breeder scheme, where she met breeders and their dogs, gaining a solid foundation in disciplines such as obedience, agility, and field trials. 

Helen brings extensive experience working with societies and clubs, developing excellent administrative skills in organising shows and seminars. She is active in several breed clubs, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of GB and NI, the Nottinghamshire, and Derby District Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, and the Black and Tan Coonhound Club. She also serves as Breed Education Coordinator and Secretary for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of GB. 

A passionate Staffordshire Bull Terrier exhibitor, Helen has earned top honours, awarded Challenge Certificates, and organised judges’ education programmes within her breed. She currently owns a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and three Black and Tan Coonhounds, enjoying training, mantrailing, and scent work with them. 

Helen is enthusiastic about working with people and solving problems. She looks forward to meeting everyone in her region, building relationships, and promoting The Kennel Club’s activities. Eager to learn more about The Kennel Club’s disciplines, she is excited to attend events and gain further insights.

Regional Support Network Advisor Name: Denise Newson

Region: Southeast  

Phone:

0203 540 2781

Email: 

Denise Newson will be representing the South East. With extensive experience at The Kennel Club in roles such as managing judges, awards, the roadshow, registrations, and the breed shows team, she has developed a broad and in-depth knowledge of the organisation’s operations. 

Based in Essex, Denise will be covering the South East region. She currently owns two Duck Tollers, Sienna and Remy, and a Cocker Spaniel named Cody, and has previously owned Rottweilers. While she does not handle dogs herself, Denise enjoys attending shows with her daughter, who handles their dogs. She is passionate about preparing and caring for them daily and loves attending events like The Game Fair and other country shows, where she helps at the Duck Toller breed booth. 

Denise has worked with several committees, assisted at various shows, and serves as a committee member for a general canine society and a breed club, holding roles as rescue coordinator and Breed Liaison Council Representative. She enjoys helping people and looks forward to building strong relationships with secretaries to support societies in her area. 

Regional Support Network Advisor Name: Kirsty Jones

Region: Southwest    

Phone:

0203 540 2579

Email: 

Kirsty Jones will be covering the South West, having recently joined The Kennel Club after working in the agricultural events industry, where she managed behind-the-scenes administration and operations. Based in Llanwrtyd Wells, near Builth Wells, Kirsty will be covering the South Wales and South West regions. 

Kirsty has owned dogs for eighteen years, starting with a Beagle and now primarily keeping Labradors, along with one Beagle. She enjoys attending Open and Championship shows across the UK with her Labradors and exploring the Welsh countryside. Kirsty also participates in basic gundog training and looks forward to advancing this in the future. 

She is actively involved in the Labrador Club of Wales Committee, the Labrador Breed Health Sub Committee, and serves as the Working Test Secretary for the club. Kirsty also sits on the Bog Snorkelling Committee and regularly volunteers for events like Man v Horse and the Devils Staircase Ultra Marathon. 

Kirsty is passionate about interacting with people and solving problems. She is excited to meet everyone in her region, build strong working relationships, and promote all the fantastic activities The Kennel Club offers.