I became a member of the FCC in 1979 after purchasing my first pedigreed cat – a Blue Colorpoint. I bred and showed successfully under the prefix 'Chryle' for approximately 15 years. During this time, I was an active member of the Pedigreed Persian Cat Club, serving in various positions on the committee. This close involvement at the club level fuelled my interest in judging – and I completed my Group 1 license in 1990, and my group 3 license in 1993. I have judged in all states of Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia – this has helped me to broaden my outlook, experience and knowledge base, particularly in relation to various breed, quality and standards. Although I no longer breed or show, I live with three Devon Rex, and three Boston Terriers. My love of animals also extends to my employment, for some 30 years I have worked, primarily in veterinary surgeries, grooming animals, specializing in cats. I expect my involvement with cats will be a lifelong interest.