About Me
Name Susan Washbrook
Positions Club, National & International Syrian and Dwarf Judge,Chairman of the Midland Hamster Club, President of the Southern Hamster Club, committee member of The National Hamster Council & part of the Standards panel. In the past I have held many roles within the fancy and helped set up and run GOSH (Group of Other Species of Hamsters) when dwarf hamsters were first shown in this country.
Home Warwickshire, in a small rural town about 40 minutes south of Birmingham.
Occupation Assistant SENCo in a local primary school.
Family I was married to Neil for 26 years before he passed away in 2013. We have 4 amazing children.
How long have you kept hamsters? I had a hamster, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits as a child. I set up home with Neil in Wembley in 1984 and was desperate for a pet. Neil was allergic to cats, dogs and birds so we settled for 2 hamsters. Keen to know as much about the animals as possible we joined the SHC in 1985 and went to our first show at Picketts Lock (London Champs) the same year. We must have been keen as it took 2 buses and a train to get there. At our third show, Leatherhead, Mike Vile had me pen stewarding and I was hooked!
How many hamsters do you have? About 120ish! I have a mix of Syrian, Chinese, Winter White and Campbell Russian, and Roborovski.
Other animals I have 2 cats, a rabbit and 1 goldfish.
Most memorable hamster A short haired Golden called Cast Iron who filled the trophy cabinet in 1996. Also our very first pair of Winter Whites called Kissy and Digger. They came from Chris Henwood in 1985 and were so lovely and tame compared to the evil Campbells we had previously had from our local pet shop.
What is your favourite colour/type of hamster? I love shorthaired Goldens and longhaired black eyed Creams, especially Rex. I also like patterned hamsters. I love all Chinese, especially the Black Eyed White and Sapphire Pearl / Marbled Sapphire Winter Whites.
Who has influenced you most in the hamster fancy?
Lots of people, Bob and Jeannie Parlett, Pam Milward, Roy Robinson, Jean Habkirk, Chris Henwood, Mike Vile, Anne Dray & David Baglin.
How many shows do you attend a year? About 12 a year.
Have you any hobbies apart from hamsters? I am a Rainbow Guider, a member of a book club & a walking group. In the winter I enjoy knitting.
