Dove ValleyWorking Gundog Club.by kind invitation of James and Rupert Major. Sunday August 8th 2010. Page created by Guy. All photos by Ian Hookham. All 2010 Spaniel and Retriever Working Tests Generously Sponsored by Ian and Clare Harford of Countryman Fairs. Ian and Clare very kindly presented the Top Three Handlers with an engraved glass. www.countrymanfairs.co.uk Trying to find a field of roots - and an owner who's prepared to let us tramp through it with our dogs - has never been easy in this part of our green and pleasant land. For the last few years we've been lucky enough to be invited to Tim Williams' farm at Acton Trussel, but this year, Tim's plans didn't include his usual crop of fodder beet. Word of this spread quickly through the Dove Valley grapevine and Kevin Edwards, keen trainer and head stockman at Castle Hayes came to the rescue with an invitation from James and Rupert to hold this important Test right in the middle of Dove Valley's area.  The Man who made it all possible - Kev Edwards. As usual, the Test was run on field trial lines and eliminating faults applied. 33 dogs took on the challenge and Judges Linda Partridge in the middle, Charlotte Smith on the left and Jane Fairclough on the right, gave handlers 2 retrieves in the first round and 1 in the second.  The standard of dog was generally quite high but faults ranging from failing to find, the odd run-in and squeak saw the end of 10 dogs by lunch time. Walking-up continued after lunch until the field was reduced to 5 for the final drive. At the drive, handlers were asked to sit their dogs in the beet whilst a walking gun saluted birds thrown over a hedge. Each dog had to negotiate a ditch and the hedge to pick birds from a grass field before the Judges declared the Test over. It had been a very long hot day and Test Secretary, John Mee, has asked me to tell you that the dozen or so Stewards who gave up their day were absolutely brilliant - as they always are! As I'm sure most of you know, a lot of effort goes into organising a Test. Lots of phone calls to make, trophies to get in, sort out the entries, print the running cards, collect the pigeon - the list goes on. When I hear that someone complains because there's a 10 minute break during the proceedings to give the Judges and Stewards a cold drink, I become quite annoyed. If you ever hear anyone complaining, remind them of this and ask them to help with the organisation. Perhaps then they'll understand. We're providing handlers with the opportunity to get their dogs in a trial type environment with 3 experienced Judges and a team of dedicated Stewards and helpers - all for six quid. Need I say more! A big thank you to Ian Hookham who, in between chucking pigeon around, took these photos! Results. First - Clare Raymond with Levenghyll Beetle. Clare won the Merriwych Shield which was presented to us in 1995 by our second Chairman and devout supporter, the late Denis Stevens.  Second - Ray Agent handling Kenmilquin Clary Night. (Ray won this Test in 2008 and was Gun's Choice last year with the same dog) Ray won the Northash Trophy which was given to us by the founder of Dove Valley and our first Chairman, George Handley. (See Memories - History of the Club)  Third - Ez Ban handled by Bob Clay.  Fourth - and Gun's Choice, Roger Thomas with Keepersgrace Warning Shot. The Riverfleet Shield - Gun's Choice - was given to us by Cliff Brace who used to travel to Dove Valley Tests and Trials from Anglesey. I believe he now lives in Cornwall, so if you ever come across him, say hello from me!  Background - Retriever Test Secretary John Mee.  L to R. Clare Raymond, Jane Fairclough, Charlotte Smith, Bob Clay, Ray Agent, Roger Thomas and Linda Partridge.  Phwwwwww!  A well deserved drink - but don't take all day about it!!!  |
