You will be receiving your September 2010 issue of the Newsletter very soon which will include all the forthcoming Retriever and Spaniel Trials.
Trial and Test Forms 2010
July 22nd, 2010 in Retrievers, Spaniels, Tests, Training, TrialsTRIAL and TEST forms are available as a pdf. to download under the MEMBERSHIP page
Results Open Retriever Trial, Culham Estate 19 January 2010
January 21st, 2010 in Retrievers, Trials
Winners, Open Retriever Trial, Culham Estate, 19/01/2010
By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Schwarzenbach.
Judges were Keith Bedford, Phil Parkins, Richard Beckerleg & Ronnie Gent.
Sponsors were Master Pet Foods.
1st & Gun’s Choice Commando Scott Of Craigfelin Lab D, handled by Roger Tozer
2nd Yetioley Inca Of Hatchfield Lab B, handled by Mrs D Harrison.
Again the weather caused a change of plane – with much of the rough ground by the river flooded we could not start the trial with a walked up round. However Mr. Andy Reed lined the guns in a self seeded barley field. The high birds and double banked guns meant long retrieves into a young crop but scenting was good and we got through the first round without the judges having to move more that a few feet! With fog rolling in Andy changed the second drive and the judges were able to give all the remaining dogs a retrieve through a rough strip onto grass or crop. The dogs were a joy to watch with a couple of classic eyewipes and spectacular long retrieves. Thanks must go to Andy who had to change a well planed day, to the judges who gave the dogs, handlers and spectators a great day and to my wonderful team of helpers ALL of whom came out two days in a row to help Again the weather caused a change of plane – with much of the rough ground by the river flooded we could not start the trial with a walked up round. However Mr. Andy Reed lined the guns in a self seeded barley field. The high birds and double banked guns meant long retrieves into a young crop but scenting was good and we got through the first round without the judges having to move more that a few feet! With fog rolling in Andy changed the second drive and the judges were able to give all the remaining dogs a retrieve through a rough strip onto grass or crop. The dogs were a joy to watch with a couple of classic eyewipes and spectacular long retrieves. Thanks must go to Andy who had to change a well planed day, to the judges who gave the dogs, handlers and spectators a great day and to my wonderful team of helpers ALL of whom came out two days in a row to help.
It’s been a testing year as a FT Secretary, the fault of one thing – the weather! I would like to thanks our Hosts, Game Keepers, Guns, Judges and helpers who gave up their time and expertises and provided the society and competitors with such good sport. I have received many messages of thanks from competitors thanking me for all my ‘hard’ work – quiet frankly I enjoy the job! – but there are some unsung heroes, that if you get a chance, please could you thank them….my family and friends. It’s hard enough explaining to one’s family that you’re going to stand in a muddy, windswept field two days in row but its near impossible to face the look of utter horror from one’s dogs as, fully clad in ‘picking up’ clothes, you close the door and leave them behind!
Report:- Mary-Jane Opie Photo:- David Friday
Results Novice Retriever Trial, Englefield Estate, 18 January 2010
January 21st, 2010 in Retrievers, TrialsBy kind permission of Mr Richard and Sir William Benyon.
Judges: Tony Turner, B Kuen, Sue Searle and Sue Berman
1st & Gun’s Choice Wendearose Bobin of Cantabrica Lab B, handled by Heather Walton
2nd Hullabaloo Williegunn Lab D, handled by Mrs G Thompson
CoM Labdom Skye Lab D, handled by Wayne Mitchell
- Winnners Novice Retriever Trial Englefield Estate 18/01/2010
This trial had a record number of nominations -72 in all, so it was with dismay that the deep snow and treacherous travelling conditions led the Society to cancel the trial. We are exceptionally lucky that Mr. David Wiggins, Englefield’s head keeper, offered to re-schedule the trial to the 18thJanuary 2010. The re-scheduling meant I lost three of the judges and a big ‘thank you’ must be made to Tony, Barbara and Sue who quickly stepped in and to Sue Searle who changed her plans in order to keep the appointment. With the team of judges in place and the trial secured I would like to thank the estate and all my helpers – every one of whom is essential to the running of a trial – all changed their plans in order to help without even a raised eyebrow at the quick change of day!
The snow had destroyed much of the cover and the original planned drives had to be changed, however the drives David gave us proved testing for the dogs and the handlers. The last drive for the remaining dogs providing retrieves either in a brook or over onto the opposite bank and we were able to finish the trial with three awards. To paraphrase one judge – the quality of the grounds, birds and dog work made the trial most enjoyable!
Report:- Mary-Jane Opie Photo:- David Friday
Retriever Novice Trial
December 19th, 2009 in Retrievers, Trials
Painesend Farm, Tring, Herts
19th December 2009
By Kind Invitation of Mr Peter Vallis and the Painesend Shooting Syndicate
JUDGES: Mrs J. Coley, Mr. R. Watson Mr. P. Bruton and Mr H. Vilendal (3077)
With the ‘cold snap’ and heavy snow fall the week preceding the trial, competitors were stranded in their homes and unable to take up the offer of a run. At 10 p.m. on the eve of the trial I had at last managed to fill the card but had offered a run to all fifty reserves and phoned more! The snow was still thick on the ground making the undulating ground very scenic and festive.
The Judges were able to try the dogs on a wide variety of retrieves and give each dog a retrieve over a stock fence into light scrub and trees. The top dogs handled the deep snow, long retrieves and fences with little consequence and the judges were able to award first and second.
My thanks to Mr. Vallis, the Guns, Mr. Hawkins and his team of beaters, the Judges and my team of helpers –The weather might have helped in making the trial so memorable – but the friendly atmosphere with between the estate, judges and competitors most definitely defined the day!
Retriever Novice Trial
1st FOLLYOAKWOOD MAGIC lab. D 24/3/07
by FTCh Noiroche Aperitif, ex Olivertash Rosey of Follyoakwood
Owner / Handler : Mr. K. Broomfield
2nd CHILEAN SPICE WITH HAWKSTHORN GR B 28/4/07
by Birdsgreen Stormcreak over Millgreen, ex Roanlodge Chili
Owner / Handler : Mrs. L. Harris
Guns’ Choice: ABNEY ACER Lab D 15/3/05
by FTCh Tasco Rouble of Bedgebrook, ex Greyhill Russet of Abney
Owner / Handler : Mrs I. Whitford
Report: Mary-Jane Opie
Photos: David Friday
