At the Cat of the Year dinner dance on December 10th 2004 Mrs Marjory Hawkes anounced her retirement as an FCCVic All Breeds Judge.

It is with personal regret that this retirement has to be acknowledged tonight. Marjory was considered a backbone of this organisation.

Marj is one of now only two foundation members of the FCCV. She, her husband Robert and a huge number of other breeders and exhibitors approached the RASV in 1962 to form a cat registering body. Robert was invited by the RASV to form part of the initial administrative committee. It was interesting in those very early days there were men only on the committee and positions were by invitation only.
Unfortunately Robert passed away in the mid 1970s. However in 1976 a short time after that we then had the privilege of Marjory taking up a position on our committee.

Marj, obtained her All Breeds licence in 1959 and was appointed our tutor and examining judge, she conducted the first FCCV judging course in 1964 which was Longhair and British Shorthair. I was fortunate to obtain my licence from that course. This was just one of many courses Marj tutored and examined in her years of evolvement with FCCV.

Marjory and Robert played a very big part in activities of the Melbourne Cat Club. Robert and Marj held executive positions, records show their involvement with the club was prior to and after their affiliation to the FCCV.

Marj was made a Life Member of the FCCV in 1981 in recognition of her contribution and dedication to our organisation.

Marjory and Robert owned the breeding affix of "Martigny". They went abroad in 1949 and purchased two beautiful Chinchilla Persians that they imported on the ship with them back to Australia. BTW this was along with another love in their lives, their beautiful Rolls Royce.

Throughout the 42 years that the FCCV has been in existence Marj has remained completely dedicated and has always been an excellent and professional ambassador who we have all admired so very much.

We will sincerely miss Marjory's expertise, friendliness and advise in the coming years but will never forget that she has given us so many treasured memories and set us so many wonderful examples to follow.

The Committee, judges and members of the FCCV bid you a happy, healthy and well-earned retirement.
Cheryle Uren

Marjory thanks everyone

Marjory at the dinner with Allan, her close friend and escort

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