Mrs JAN JANES (Coedybrain)

It was with heartfelt sadness that we reported, on 14/05/2025, the passing of our Club President Jan Janes of the Coedybrain kennel of Welsh Springer Spaniels.

Jan was a founder member of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales formed in 1981 and had remained a Committee member ever since, holding the position of Secretary for many years also.

Jan started in dog-showing in the early 1970s, firstly with an Irish Setter, then a Welsh Springer was added, but she quickly realised she needed a proper show dog.

Her first show Welsh was of Dalati breeding, a leading kennel at the time, and Jan continued to show both breeds with much success – but it was on a visit to the Wainfelin kennel of Mansel & Averil Young that she purchased a bitch pup who later went on to become Sh Ch Wainfelin Chantilly Lace ‘Sian’. Sian was a lovely Welsh and is behind all the Coedybrain Welsh that followed.

Jan together with late husband Barrie (pictured here on holidays with their grandsons) were extremely proud of breeding several Show Champions at home and abroad (pictured below), always following the breed type which was paramount to the Kennel.

• Sh Ch Coedybrain Dafydd
  Sh Ch Coedybrain Carys at Typica JWShCM
  Sh Ch Coedybrain Nelli
  Sh Ch Coedybrain Nia at Cwmbeili

Jan and Barrie were delighted in 2009 when the Coedybrain Kennel was awarded the prestigious 'Our Dogs' Top Breeder of the Year award.

Jan felt privileged to have been involved in the South Wales show scene when the all time great kennels of Pencelli (Harold Newman), Tregwillym (Cliff Payne) and Dalati (Noel & Dodo Hunton-Morgans), were around. Jan always said she learned a great deal from these greats which stayed with her to this day, and has helped her shape her appreciation for breed type. When asked she always stated among her favourites Sh Ch Wainfelin Barley Mo (featured in our club logo) and Sh Ch Dalati Afon.

Present day Jan had a young bitch bred by Jane and Craig Sutherland called Jacranella Georgia Belle (pictured with Jan at the top of the page) who was sired by an American dog (AM Ch Rolyarts Its All About the Timing) at Jan’s suggestion and who came home to South Wales to live and is already enjoying much success.

The American connection was always strong with Jan and myself and we visited the National Specialty in Atlanta in 2013 and again last year in St Louis, making many new friends, sharing knowledge etc along the way. They even had a special nickname for us ‘The Travelling Jan’s’ which always brings a smile. Jan together with brother-in-law Rowland were planning to attend again this year in Wisconsin but sadly it was not to be.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales will certainly miss Jan and her huge input into the Club.

Among her many duties Jan enjoyed mentoring aspiring judges, conveying her wealth of knowledge to those working through the new JEP Judges system on many occasions, plus much much more.

Jan's departure is all the more upsetting when 2026 was to be a very special year for her, as she had been invited to judge her beloved breed at Crufts, an appointment she was so excited about but sadly not meant to be.

Fellow Officers & Committee of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales wish to convey their sincere condolences to Jan’s lovely family, sons James and Matthew, daughter-in-law Becky, grandsons Harrison and Alfie, sister Bev and brother-in-law Rowland.

RIP Jan Janes

Jan Rees (Typica)
Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

When Jan's passing was announced on Social media there was a flood of comments from many in the Welsh Springer Community at home and abroad which bears testament to Jan's standing - here are just a few of those more personal  comments:

Lost a very dear friend today, just heartbreaking, Jan we have such great memories together over some 40 plus years of owning and showing welsh springers, will miss you terribly. Sincere condolences to all your lovely family. RIP my dear friend
Jan Rees

I've had the pleasure to know Jan for over 40 years. We have laughed, cried and sometimes thrown our toys out of the pram, but always managed to see past the differences. The majority of our conversations was always Welsh Springers. Jan served the WSSCSW in many roles, the club was her passion. I will miss my manic phone calls checking I havnt messed up, for you to tell me 'It's OK'. All of our dogs have been from Treggwillym lines, so it's not a surprise we like the same dogs. My favourite of Jan's breeding was Sh Ch Coedybrain Nellie and I had the pleasure to award her a Challenge Certificate. Jan has many friends in this country and world wide and she will be missed. Jans family was her proudest achievement and always talked of them with a big smile. Matthew and James I hope from all of the comments you see how much your Mum was loved and respected. She has now been reunited with her beloved Barrie. Goodnight Jan, you will be missed x
Debra Roberts

I can only echo Jan Rees’ words in saying we have lost a very dear friend today. Jan Janes was there the day Terry and I met up with club members at a show in Builth and she made us most welcome and coached us straight away on how to get the best out of our dog, Megan. Little did I know then that under her expert guidance I would eventually work alongside her as the club’s Assistant Secretary. I will be forever grateful for our time together and fondly recall her banter of the dog showing world as we travelled from show to show.
Jan was a close friend who I will miss immensely and we send our heart-felt condolences to all her family.
Sue and Terry Evans

When I first came into WSSs I was in awe of some of the more established breeders and exhibitors, quite rightly so I feel, such as Janice Janes. Her knowledge, which she happily shared with others, was immence and she will be so sorely missed.
Over the last 2 years we became much closer as we seemed to have the 2 really naughty pups from Janey and Craig Sutherland 's litter and spent much time comparing and laughing at their antics.
People know more about Arthur's activities but only because Jan didn't write so often about her Georgia. She loved her dearly but did also miss the pots and tubs of flowers that were absent from her garden for the past 2 years.
I will miss you Jan in every way, including our regular messages comparing notes about two lovable rogues.
RIP Jan and condolences to all who knew and loved you.
Sharon Barkley

Craig and me are both devastated by the loss of our dear friend Janice Janes, our lives are immeasurably richer for the privilege of knowing you. We’ve shared tears and joy, built memories and made plans. We will hold you forever in our hearts.
Jane Sutherland

Sadly the news we hoped wouldn't come. Jan was such a fighter & may her spirit live on in her precious Georgia. Jan's willingness to help others & newcomers alike knew no bounds. Her love & devotion for our beautiful breed was immense. Bless her & may she find peace with her beloved Barrie, together again as one. My heart felt sympathy goes to Jan's family. Rest easy Jan, you will be sorely missed x
Jan Reynolds

This is such sad news. I took this photo of Jan [shown above], and the rest of the traveling crew, when they joined us in St. Louis for the WSSCA National Specialty. I'm sad I won't see her again. My best to her family and friends.
Wendy Jordan

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