Edwina Joy Thomas
Country : New South Wales, Australia
DA FCI No : AU 353
" Edwina began grooming in 1970 with her first show dog, a Cocker Spaniel, under the mentorship of John Edwards. She has extensive experience in grooming a wide variety of breeds, including Poodles, Cockers, Terriers, Afghan Hounds, and many others. Edwina has managed grooming operations at Belmont Kennels in Newcastle, ran her own successful salon, Marchal Grooming Parlour in Sydney, and worked in South Africa at Razzmatazz Grooming Parlour. She is highly skilled in hand-stripping Gundogs and Terriers and specializes in Poodle grooming and maintaining show dogs. In addition to her grooming expertise, Edwina is an All Breeds judge with a deep understanding of breed-specific characteristics and conformation."
My CV
I started grooming dogs with my first show dog, a Cocker Spaniel, in 1970. Under the eagle eye of John Edwards I learned to hand strip both English and American Cockers and English Springers. I worked alongside John whilst at University for the next few years. I then had lots of tuition with Poodles. I groomed from home during this time
with a clientele of Poodles, Schnauzers, Cockers, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, many Terrier breeds, Afghan Hounds and a variety of cross breeds, in short too many breeds to mention.
I then worked at Belmont Kennels in Newcastle running the grooming side of the boarding kennel, as well as maintaining and totally preparing my own show dogs for a couple of years, before moving back to Sydney and establishing Marchal Grooming Parlour in Lane Cove. I eventually sold this business as a going concern to Lex Henery and the late Tony Ikin.
Whilst living in South Africa I worked at Razzmatazz Grooming Parlour in Johannesburg for several years. I have worked for Nola Westren on and off for over two decades and have prepared and maintained many of her show Miniature and Toy Poodles over that time. I have also groomed for Louise Thomas van der Weide in her parlour at Normanhurst, Jeanette Seymour also at Normanhurst and for Billie Hardie at Carlingford. For several years I groomed from home at Glenorie following my return from South Africa.
I have deep experience in Poodle Grooming, hand stripped Gundog and Terrier breeds, many double coated breeds, in fact anything that requires intensive coat maintenance, scissoring, stripping and ringside preparation.
In addition, I am an All Breeds judge and so have an extensive understanding of general structure as well as breed specific characteristics that should be highlighted and enhanced by grooming.