(Reprinted From the Autumn 1998 issue of "ExPress") by Peter Romich Werner and Irene Kachel begain breeding Exotics back in 1975, what we could consider the "pioneer days" of our wonderful breed. They are the proud breeders and co-owners of GC/NW Bryn Mawr Brooke of Waneepaw, another national winning kitten this past season. Brooke has absolutely royal parentage, her sire being GC/NW Bryn Mawr Bugsy Malone (6th Best Cat, 1996) and her dam is GC/NW Jovan Miss USA of Bryn Mawr, DM. Irene says, "Brooke was 3rd pick kitten in a litter of three. We didn't give any thought to showing her until she was about 3 months old, when she started to come together. So, we took her to a couple of shows and she did very well, We had no plan to campaign her at all! Everything just fell into place." "The experience of campaigning a cat is very satisfying," said Irene. "The most memorable part of campaigning is being able to visit with old friends, make new ones, and to enjoy a lovely evening out with them." Since the beginning, the Kachels have been blessed with many Grands. From their very first litter of Exotics came GC Bryn Mawr Funny Girl, also a blue, who was born July 18, 1975. She was sired by their famous colorbred blue Persian, GC Ol-Ray La Beau of Bryn Mawr, out of a Silver Tabby American Shorthair bred by Donna Jean Thompson of Jeannel fame. Donna Jean was also a breeder of "early" Exotics, but was best-known for her dilute Persians descended from Bloemhill lines. Another early litter of theirs was also sired by "Beau," but the dam was the incomparable Sable Burmese, GC Lotus Bronzini. This Burmese was the epitome of her breed standard, and absolutely breath-taking. Among her offspring sired by Beau was Bryn Mawr Houdeenie of Kapa, a black female owned by Kathy Reich. When bred into the Persians she had from Prim-Pet, Houdeenie rapidly put Kapa "on the map" for Exotics. The presence of these early cats is still felt today. We can still trace present day winning cats from Perry Acre and other lines straight back to the original hybrid crosses made by the Kachels nearly 25 years ago.