Working and Field
Left: Marion Hanman (Working Secretary)
Right: Stuart Robson (Field Trial Secretary)
How the Working side started in 1973
Click HERE for a brief description of how the swgrc working and field side of the club started.
Report on Field Trials in 22/23 season
Last season again proved to be difficult, following on from the Covid outbreak we were faced with “Bird Flu” emanating from Europe. This resulted in many shoots having to slaughter their birds to stop the outbreak from spreading & those shoots that continued to operate imposed strict guidelines regarding hygiene on both people & their dogs.
I was very lucky as Robert Atkinson kindly invited us to hold both our Novice & Open stakes on his farm shoot & dates & KC Licences suitably arranged.
The Novice was held on the 8th October with the game restricted to Duck as the cost & number of Pheasant & Partridge had been severely curtailed following demand by the big commercial shoots.
For the first time in a number of years I reintroduced “The Warpersmoss” Trophy for the winner. We duly had an excellent trial with a high standard of dog work ably judged by Jamie Bettinson, Joy Venturi-Rose, Jane Mann and Sarah Winter.
The resulting winner had hot footed over from Belgium and won in the Dog's First Trial.
1) P Vivijs with Think Twice One Man Show (D)
2) Margaret Allen with Winbeck Loyal Kinsman of Tanderswell (D) & Guns Choice
4) Judy Rainey with Tallygold Glimfeather at Deadcraft (B)
Our Open had been arranged for early December & a few days beforehand Robert phoned, totally disappointed, because his Ducks had, in the main done a runner. Its not unusual for this to happen although not a frequent occurrence but nevertheless very unfortunate as we had to cancel the trial. I did try for another shoot to help us out but with Bird Flu still prevalent it wasn’t possible.
Sadly we therefore were unable to produce a winner to help towards qualification to the Retriever Championship to be held next season.
I would however like to thank those that helped at our Novice trial & made themselves available to be at the Open stake. My thanks also to the entire Atkinson & Mann families who offer your grounds to us. Without you all we would not be able to hold trials.
It goes without saying our thanks goes also to Skinners for their continued support with additional prizes.
Stuart Robson
Field Trial Secretary
16th Open AV Retriever Stake 11th December 2023
The South Western Golden Retriever Club held its 15th Open AV Stake at Holway, Cattistock today 11th December, by kind permission of the Atkinson family. Judges were Sara Chichester, Robert Worrall, Keith Sandercock and Craig Perry. We had a day of sunshine which was a pleasant change from all the recent rain. It was a long day during which the team of guns shot a mixture of duck and pheasant, some driven, some walked up on difficult terrain. The beaters (mostly family members) did a fantastic job. Refreshments were generously supplied. Thank you to all the above, markers, game carriers and Skinners for their sponsorship.
Written on behalf of FTSec Stuart Robson.
1st Mr M Gould’s Lab B FTCH Mitforton Tout De Suite of Hawkerline
2nd Mr M Bagg’s Lab D FTCH Packmores Teal
3rd Mrs S Jordan’s GR B FTCH Tullysedge Incas Gold
4th Mrs R J Coley’s Lab D Kilpen Nightcap of Waterford
Com Mrs L Taylor’s Lab D Valleyend Kamlane
More Pictures from this event can be seen HERE
Golden Retriever Club Inter Club competition July 2023
The Golden Retriever Club Inter Club competition was held on Sunday 9th July at Randolphs Farm, not far from Brighton, West Sussex. Hosted by the Southern GRC. By kind invitation of Carola Godman Irvine.
There were 11 teams in total, unfortunately Ulster GRC and Yorkshire GRC were unable to attend this year.
Each team consisted of 2 open dogs(Judith Evans and Judy Rainey) and 2 novice dogs (Robert Atkinson and Mary Palk), I'm pleased to say we didn't disgrace ourselves, but were unable to defend our win from 2022, we came 6th overall.
6 Judges were in attendance and each judge had a specific test to judge for the day.
The tests consisted of a walk up, hunting, water work, jumping for the open dog with a blind for the novice, long blinds for the open and marks for the novice, the hunting exercise was a mock drive and the team had to collect 8 dummies from woodland, working in pairs each couple had specific areas to pick from.
I'd like to thank the SWGRC committee for asking us to run this year, and my fellow team members for making it such a lovely day. Also to Jon Debnam and his brilliant team of helpers from all the different clubs in his area for turning out to help on the day, these events couldn't continue without that sort of support. Thank you also to the SGRC for the photo's.
Well done to the Midland GRC who came 1st
Eastern Counties GRC 2nd
Northern Golden Retriever Association 3rd
Top Novice Laurie Pittaway who was also Overall Top Dog (running a Novice) Crystestream Raffles
Top Open Adrian Philips Castlemans Soul Man
A couple of Pictures from this Event HERE
Thank you again
Judy Rainey
Training Day 29th April 2023
We held a very successful training day at new ground, Curry Mallet, for 12 dogs of varying abilities, two groups of 6 with trainers Judith Evans and Judy Rainey. All seemed to enjoy the day and would like return if we hold another day later in the year. Michael Hanman and Stuart Robson helped with dummy throwing. We held a raffle and ended the day with tea and cake.
Marion Hanman
Working Test Secretary
More Pictures from this event HERE Thanks to Marion Hanman
SWGRC Breed Working Tests 2023
he South Western Golden Retriever Club held their annual working test today by very kind permission of the Mann Family at Bowerchalke. The weather was perfect, the day was long, the atmosphere was very good natured as expected! Thank you to our lovely judges, Ken Green, Jane Manley, Jane Mann and Nigel Shephard. Also to our helpers many of whom are from the URC Hants and SW. 48 Goldens, 3 from Europe.
The results:
Special Puppy
1st Lucy Mixture - Rothygarth Aira of Kaliture (D)
2nd Armand de Roover Tau ren Faroth du Pays des Gelfes (D) after run off with
3rd Helen Burnie Drumtochty Brodie of Copperburn (D)
4th James Walsh Rookhollow Holly (B)
COM Katrien Boonen Halix Golden Eirish Blue Tweed (D)
Novice Dog/Novice Handler
1st Sally Sturt Threecliffs Mistletoe (B)
2nd Sars Jones Richards Higher Ley Pinkery (B)
3rd Melanie Hill Featherquest Sanza (B)
Novice
1st Andy Fisher Yesrieve’s Wake me UP (?)
2nd Robert Atkinson Holway Spindle (D)
3rd Stuart Robson Haddeo Kerry (B)
4th Jean Baveystock Bramasolie Claret (B)
Veteran
1st Christine Collins Fallowfen Olympic Rings (D)
2nd Jean Baveystock Polihale Bucks Fizz
3rd Jill Gardner Polihale Grizzly Bear of Foxcote (D)
Open
1st Judith Evans Haddeo Digby (D)
2nd Helen Burnie Abbotshall Hawkeye of Copperburn (D) after a run of with
3rd Margaret Allen Winbeck Loyal Kinsman of Tanderswell (D)
4th Andy Fisher Haddeo Jameson (D) after a run of with
COM Craig Gardner Winbeck Wyre of Foxcote (B)
Marion Hanman
Working Test Secretary
More Pictures from this Event HERE With thanks to Marion Hanman
Next Seasons Trials
Dear members
I have been able to arrange a Novice Breed stake at Knowle Farm nr Salisbury kindly provided by Jane Mann & her family; & an Open AV stake by kind permission of the Atkinson family at Holway (Inpark) .
The Novice trial will be the 50th Novice which the club has held & coincides with the 50th anniversary of the formation of the club – cause for cake! However the number of Novice trials includes some years when we held 2 such trials each season. Infact when I took over some 23 years ago we were arranging sometimes 2 Novices &/or an All-Aged stake. Unfortunately the west country is a hot spot for commercial shoots & with the increase in new clubs & the granting of new licences by the KC ; finding grounds & judges has become far more difficult. We have been extremely lucky to have received the support of the entire Atkinson family & I thank them for all they’ve done for us.
If members who actively help at their local shoots, whether picking up or beating , & think the shoot might be interested in holding a trial on their ground , please let me know .
I hope you have an enjoyable summer & look forward to seeing you next season.
Stuart Robson
South Western GRC
Email info@frogwelllodge.co.uk
Message from the Field Trial Secretary
Members –
In view of the current & potential postal problems I would like to remind you of the facilities arranged for submitting entry forms this season.
Entry may be by paper/postal to my address or preferably by email to me by printing form on web site & scanning . The form can also be downloaded & details printed on the screen & then in either case emailed to me.
No entry payment is required until result of draw & successful competitors can then pay on line to bank details below.
The nomination fee of £4 payable for the “Open” trial must be paid at point of sending entry form.
Bank details – a/c 28945460 sort 30 98 69 South Western Golden retriever club Working.
My email address is info@frogwelllodge.co.uk Any questions or problems with obtaining entry forms please contact me –mob no - 07798601030
Stuart Robson
49th Novice Stake October 2022
Novice Breed Stake 8th October at Holway Nr Dorchester.
We are indebted to Robert Atkinson & his family for inviting our club to hold our Novice trial at Holway ,at a difficult time both in the history of the working Golden retrievers & the wide spread outbreak of Bird Flu which has affected the shooting fraternity quite severely.
The ground lends itself to a variety of retrieves & over the 4 smaller drives there were plenty of choice for the 4 judges to make use of & test the dogs with retrieves that are in many cases more demanding than on many trialling grounds. The terrain reflects why Rob
ert & before him his Mother June where so successful in making up so many Field Trial Champions.
Our winner was only running in his first trial ,but as the day progressed the dog found increasing confidence to just edge Margaret Allen’s very consistent dog into second place.
My thanks to the Judges – Jamie Bettinson, Joy Venturi-Rose , Jane Mann & Sarah Winter for helping to make it a very fair trial & friendly atmosphere.
I must also thank my helpers ,who without, I could not run the day.
1) P Vivjs dog Think Twice One Man Show
2) M Allen’s dog Winbeck Loyal Kinsman of Tanderswell. & Guns Choice
4) J Rainey’s Bitch Tallygold Glimfeather at Deadcraft
Stuart Robson
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Golden Retriever Interclub 2022
This year the annual competition, delayed due to Covid, was hosted by The Northern Golden Retriever Club in the Peak District, near Sheffield. 9 teams were represented. 5 very good tests were arranged on very undulating ground with water, gulleys and moorland. The Judges were Mrs S Crookes (A), Mrs P Williams (B) Mr S Burns (NP), Miss S Kitson (NP) and Mr A Richardson (NP).
Our team were:
Open Judith Evans Haddeo Digby (D)
Adrian Phillips Cattleman’s Soul Man (D)
Novice Judy Rainey Tallygold Glimfeather at Deadcraft (B)
Lanes Gould Elkshead Skye of Heatherbound (B)
I was unable to run my open dog and delighted that Adrian Phillips was able to join the team. Thank you to him and Judith, Judy and Lanes for doing so well to win the trophy and to Lanes for being Top Novice and Top dog overall with her lovely dog Flo. It was Lane’s first time at the Interclub competition and one to remember!
Test 1 Seen and replace with shot into a gulley for the two novices, the open retrieves being above the gulley in heather.
Test 2 A long blind retrieve, with shot, into a gulley and up through heather. Open and Novice together. Novices sent first for the shorter retrieve, marked by a young rohdedendron bush with bright green leaves in heather. Open dog then sent for their’s to the left of this and above the heather on grassland.
Test 3 4 dog walk up, with shot, one retrieve each
Test 4 Hunt up exercise with two two shots and two dummies thrown with 6 dummies already down on the ground. All 4 dogs being sent to retrieve, working together and timed at maximum of 10 minutes.
Test 5 Water retrieve. All 4 dogs in line. Two shots with a mark thrown onto water for each shot for the novices. Two blinds across the water for open dogs. Two decoy orange duck dummies hidden in cover which were not to be picked, a penalty of zero threatened! On this test there was bonus blind retrieve, at great distance through heather to a lonely silver birch sapling. The team chose Adrian to take this which he did brilliantly.
Many thanks to Anne and Steve Crookes and their team for all their hard work in arranging this event, their catering was brilliant. A Saturday night BBQ was held and bacon rolls, tea and coffee available from 8a.m. A buffet with sandwiches, salads and ice cream at the end of the day. Thank you also go to the landowners.
Having already committed ourselves to attend we (husband Michael offered to throw dummies on Test 5) I very happily attended as team captain and thoroughly enjoyed being with our team and enjoyed their success.
I would like to thank the team for doing so well, being good fun to share the day with and hope they enjoy their success for a good while to come!
The team would like to thank the SWGRC for their support.
Next year the event will be hosted by The Southern Golden Retriever Club.
Marion Hanman
Working Test Secretary
Pictures from this event are HERE
Working Tests June 2022
South Western Golden Retriever Club held their annual tests at Inpark, Holway by kind invitation of Robert Atkinson and his family. Judges were Dave England, Robert Atkinson, Judy Venables and Zoe Townsend.
Dave and Robert set the tests which were very well thought out and challenging. Thank you so much to them and all our very very good helpers, including none other that the magnificent Alistair Twigg and his whizzo scoring system which saved so much time. The weather was very kind and the 4 tests set around the lake, in clockwise order, worked very well. Great atmosphere all day.
Results
Special Puppy
1st Steve Bancroft - Oakleycreek Arya B
2nd Helen Burnie - Drumtochty Brodie of Copperburn D
3rd Sue Jordan - Tullysedge Hunky Dory B
4th Jon Debnam - Tullysedge Lone Star B
Novice Dog/Novice Handler - no awards
Novice -
1st Caroline MacGregor - Mistybrook Ohio D
2nd Mary Palk - Tallygold Enchanter D
3rd Andrew England - Dairycott Hebe B
4th Jill Gardner - Kaliture Coconut Star of Foxcote B
Open
1st Sue Jordan - Tullysedge My Belle Nell (B)
2nd Jill Gardner - Polihale Hot Tikka of Foxcote B
3rd Jane Mann - Windwithe Brandy of Holway (B)
4th Helen Burnie - Abbottshall Hawkeye (D)
Veteran
1st Caroline Caines - Gortons Bannatynes Bell (B)
2nd Sally Pepper - Lilleburne Slope Style Sand D
Special award to Helen Burnie's Hawkeye for best looking dog in the Open.
Thank you to our sponsor's Skinners Dog Food and JTAC K9 Dog training equipment.
I must also thank Sara Hughes for her invaluable help during the day, especially judging the Best Looking Dog/Bitch in the Open Awards, this created some merriment and was very well received.
Marion Hanman
Working Secretary
More Pictures from this event HERE
14th AV Open Stake December 2021
14th Open AV Stake limited to 12 dogs Holway, Cattistock
The South Western Golden Retriever Club held their 14th Open AV Stake for 12 dogs on Friday 3rd December 2021 at Inpark, Holway by kind permission of the Atkinson family. Judges were, Judy Rainey, John Stubbs, Alan Buckland and John Barnes. Chief Steward, Field Trial Secretary Stuart Robson
Results:-
1st The Holway Trophy
Mr S Richardson Sotheby’s Choice of Wedgnock LabD
2nd Mrs S Winter Gospelash Hot Eddie of Philchris GRD
Also The Donna Trophy for Highest placed Golden Retriever
3rd Mr A Fisher Kaliture Rooster GRD
4th Mr PVivijs Think Twice Uh La La La GRB
COM and Guns Choice Mr R Gray Binneybottom Bullfrog Blue LabD
Additional prizes kindly provided by Skinners
A fantastic day on this lovely ground, thank you to the judges, stewards, bird markers, brilliant team of guns and Nicky for refreshments. Congratulations to the award winners.
Marion Hanman
Working Secretary
Over 100 Pictures from this event HERE
Any of these Photographs can be ordered as a High Quality Print from the
Photographer Please go to https://www.featherfoundstudio.com and login using
Inpark as the Password (NOTE Capital I in Inpark)
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Novice Stake October 2021
Novice stake 8th Oct – Knowle Farm by kind permission of Jane Mann & her family.
We were very lucky to have Jane & her family hosting our Novice trial. Lovely testing ground & great hospitality.
There were a number of experienced triallers and as the trial went on the remaining dogs showed their worth with some good game finding and fine retrieves.
It was good to see a former stalwart of the Golden world, (Graham Roberts) make a welcome return and whilst not in the awards showed a talented dog.
After a number of close calls in previous awards, Judith Evans came out on top followed by Andy Fisher.
More Pictures from this event HERE
1 Judith Evans dog Haddeo Digby
2 Andy Fisher’s dog Haddeo Jameson
Guns Choice Margaret Allen’s Winbeck Loyal Kinsman of Tanderswell
My thanks go to Jane, who doubled as one of the judges and to Sean Mcgrath, Mell Brooks and Beth Payne for judging and giving their time up.
Stuart Robson
Field Trial Secretary
Working Test 2021
The South Western GRC held an Open and Novice working test, run concurrently, at Lower Henlade, Taunton on Sunday 25th July 2021 by kind permission of Mr and Mrs J Rainey.
Generously sponsored by Skinners Pet Food
Judges: Mrs J Rainey, Mrs A Brain and Mrs G Knox
Steward: Marion Hanman
More Pictures from this event HERE
Results:
NOVICE
1ST Judith Evans Askill Loganberry (D)
2nd Mike Andersen Bicknoller Maple (B)
3rd Laurie Pittaway Crystalstream Raffles (D)
4th Robert Atkinson Holway Larch (D)
OPEN
1st Christine Collins Fallowfen Olympic Rings (D)
2nd Mary Jarrod Chishillhyde Lewis (D)
3rd Margaret Allen Winbeck Loyal Kinsman of Tanderswell (D)
4th Robin Gray Haraka Kat of Grayspeed (D)
Certificates of Merit to:
Judith Evans Haddeo Digby (D)
Christine Collins Fallowfen Tinker (D)
David LeMarinel Haddeo Tomatin (D)
Our Chairman Mrs Glennis Hewitson presented the prizes. Hon Sec Sue Porter was a whizz with the scores
Well done to everyone in the awards
Many thanks to the Committee for their help, the helpers throwing and placing, runners collecting scores who all showed great support, to Derek for supplying the sheep wagon. The day was overcast and not too hot, we had 6 tests. The raffle was a great success raising £105.
Some new faces who I hope enjoyed their day and will return next year plus plenty of regulars entered and showed great support.
Marion Hanman
Working Test Secretary
Working Activities for 2021
This years Golden Retriever Inter Club Test was to be held on Sunday 4th July at Wiscombe Park Southleigh Colyton Devon EX24 6JE , by kind permission of Sara Chichester & family.
Unfortunately the date was changed twice due to difficulties, not least the dates applying in the Road Map set out by the Government and now
Due to the extended Covid-19 restrictions, this event has been Cancelled
Marion Hanman has taken on the job of Working Test Secretary
A Working Test has been organised for Sunday 25th July at Stones, Henlade, Taunton by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Rainey, More details on the Events page.
Two Field Trials have been arranged for next season . A Novice Breed stake on Friday 8th October at Knowle Farm Bowerchalke Nr Salisbury by kind invitation of Jane Mann & family; also an AV Open stake on Friday 3rd December at Holway Nr Dorchester by kind permission of Robert Atkinson & family.
Schedules will be sent out & are available on the website. See the Events Page for more details, downloads, Map etc.
If members have any questions or wish to volunteer for helping at any event particularly the Inter Club please email me. My email is info@frogwelllodge.co.uk
Stuart Robson
Field Trial Secretary
Annual Report from Working & Field Secretary 2020/2021
The year 2021 brought us “Covid” which completely disrupted our lives & made life very different in many ways. For those involved in arranging Gundog events , the Show fraternity were exceedingly restricted as most events are held in doors; however whilst we were unable to hold working tests in the summer , the Government guidelines became clearer & as Trials are an outside event & with determination & support from our enthusiastic hosts we were able to hold 2 trials this season.
Firstly a Novice Breed stake held at Holway Nr Dorchester by kind invitation of the Atkinson family on the 10th October.
Although we had a good entry, by the time of the day of the trial we were subjected to a number of withdrawals but still managed a full card. We started with a duck drive & as usual birds landed in the most difficult of places & tested the Novice dogs game finding ability. A subsequent drive proved the downfall of several competitors leaving the walk up to sort out the remaining 2 dogs. Unfortunately the dogs found retrieves difficult & the result ended with only a COM being awarded to Jill Gardners Golden dog Polihale Grizzly Bear of Foxcote.
Our Open AV stake which counts towards qualification to the Retriever Championship was also held at Holway on the 4th December. This date coincided with the Tier system being in operation & again a number of competitors were forced to withdraw; however with a good entry we started the day with a very experienced line up of both dogs & handlers & the standard throughout was very high. The day started with a walk up though the fields & woods & as one judge enthused it was very akin to rough shooting days he had experienced in the past. A Duck drive followed with several pretty tough retrieves including a very classy retrieve by Lesley Crompton’s young Golden,after 3 Labradors had either failed to cover the area or couldn’t make the find. Unfortunately after another good retrieve Lesley’s youngster was eye wiped by the more experienced Kirsty Cousins Lab. Leaving 5 dogs to complete a further walk up – 4 labs & 1 Golden. Unfortunately the Golden - Sue Jordans Tullysedge Incas Gold & Sara Gadd’s lab went out to David lathams Lab leaving 3 dogs . After further retrieves The trial was declared over with Nigel Probert’s Lab Stauntonvale Buckwheat of LLangynidr winning ( & making his dog up to FT Champ- subject to ratification) . In second place D Friedkin’s Lab Meadowlark Big Rock handled by David Latham ( who , the following Monday made the dog up to FT Champ).
It was great to see 2 young & quite inexperienced Goldens doing so well & it will be interesting to follow their progress.
My thanks go to Robert Atkinson & his family for holding the trials. Robert is very enthusiastic over his trials & I’m indebted to his support. Also my thanks to the judges of both trials who gave up their time & helped to make the trials “Covid” compliant. Novice judges – Judy Rainey, Dave England, Beth Payne, & Jane Manley. Open – Barry Taylor, Nick Coates, Liz Taylor & Ken Green.
Your correspondent will continue to arrange trials next season & hopefully a days working tests this spring . Further details will follow in due course. However the club is hosting the 2021 Inter club working tests in June & volunteers will be needed to help with the tests – dummy throwers/ placers/ stewards etc so if anybody is available on Sunday 20th June please let me know.
Stuart Robson
SWGRC working Tests held on Sunday 19th May 2019
Over 100 Pictures from this event HERE
SWGRC WORKING TESTS
Sunday 19th May 2019
Bineham City Farm, Knole, Langport
With kind invitation from Ron, Trish and Ed Coombes.
We ventured onto a new ground this year suggested to me by Andrew England, and what a super venue it turned out to be. Bineham City Farm with our hosts Ron, Trish and Ed Coombes provided us with a lovely variety of test sites, beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife to share our day. I can’t thank the Coombes family enough for their time and effort in bending over backwards to better the ground for us.
Preparation for the tests, as always, was a little stressful with three visits to Bineham beforehand but with my extra right-hand helpers on the day we set up in good time and waited to receive judges and a very good entry of competitors. May I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Jackie Bissell, Sarah Bell, Helen Hanrahan, Sheenagh Gebhard and Andrew England for going that extra mile for me yet again.
After the judges, Tim Shipp, Haydn Wilmott, Mary Palk and Lucy Jenkins were fed and watered, we did a quick tour of the ground and the tests (again thank you to my friendly test setting advisors) before the brief ‘briefing’ and start of the day around 9.30am. With the five class categories running concurrently, the judges, as always have their memory cells taxed as they have to execute three or four differing tests at their station. My crib cards however do help, I think!
My dummy throwers/marshals have, in the majority been with me for three years and cannot be faulted. I acquired a few new ladies this year (one being a complete beginner) who boosted the team and executed their duties like old pros – I am sincerely indebted to these people who are the backbone of our working tests and only hope ‘my team’ will be around for me next year and the for the Interclub in 2021. (Pretty please)!
The weather was absolutely spot on for both the dogs and the tests, and although it did a become a little warm around noon, it soon clouded over and we were mostly all cooled off by presentation time. Indeed, the aftermath of clearing up and packing away was completed with only about 5 minutes to spare before the first rain drops started to fall.
I believe the both day and venue were enjoyed by all (I did receive many positive comments), my only regret is that my own shortcoming, regarding a couple of scores, left a blip at the end of what was otherwise a very successful day. Again, I apologise sincerely to those competitors that were affected by my ‘blip’.
Looking forward to seeing you all back next year and beyond.
Kim Clunie – Working Secretary SWGRC
RESULTS
OPEN
1st Sue Jordan with Tullysedge My Belle Nell
2nd Marion Hanman with Salander Ruby Tuesday
3rd Phillip Blount with Hanwood Gold Archie
4th Lucy Mixture with Kaliture Red Pepper
NOVICE
1st Jane Middle with Vamp Clover
2nd Caroline McGregor with Mistybrook Ohio
3rd Valerie Dowding with Tallygold Moss Campion
4th Craig Gardner with Solverdyke Dimple of Honeystreet
CoM David Heath with Moonwater Briar
VETERAN
1st Marion Hanman with Haddeo Teyla
2nd Bruce Ross-Smith with Silverdyke Dram of Canburn
3rd John Debnam with Lilleburne Colne Point Peg
4th Carolyn Rycroft with Amilone Lilly Marlene
SP. PUPPY
1st Craig Gardner with Polihale Hot Tikka of Foxcote
2nd Annette Shearman with Hickorywood Heart and Soul
3rd Andrew England with Dairycott Hebe
NOVICE D/H
1st Delia Gorse with Tashsheen Sky Surfer
2nd Lesley Eden with Lanlwyd Mallachie
Kim Clunie – Working Secretary SWGRC
Golden Retriever Interclub Working Tests 2019
Golden Retriever Interclub Working Tests, hosted this year by the Midland GRC. Set in a beautiful venue, Owlpen Manor, Uley, Gloucestershire, the home of Sir Nicholas and Lady Mander.
More pictures from this event can be found HERE
Open Stake 7th December 2018
Winners & Judges from this event
The 12th Open stake was held at "Holway" by kind agreement of Robert Atkinson & his family. A team of 6 guns supported the trial & provided some superb shooting. Early on John "Mc" had a left & right followed by 2 birds flying close together with one shot.
There was also a number of excellent retrieves & the standard of the remaining dogs in the final walk up; very high. Culminating in a win for Andrew Wright who's dog Overthwarts Berwick was running in his last trial before retirement; & as a result achieved his title of Field Trial Champion..
My thanks for the support & help of Robert & his family including Martin who keepers the farm shoot; the team of Guns & the Judges- Phil Allen , Nick Coates, Dave Barnes & Keith Broomfield.
Places-
1st Andrew Wright Lab Dog Overthwarts Berwick
2nd Jo Rollinson's Lab Dog Troddenmills Bail Me Out
3rd Phil Highfield's Lab Dog VilendalZac of Featherfly
Guns choice Helen Goodwin's Lab Dog Sorrelcott Excalibur
Stuart Robson
Novice Trial 2018
Photograph courtesy of Jill Gardner
Our trial was held at Knowle Farm Bowerchalke by kind invitation of Jane & Angus Mann.
Our hosts provided a group of young guns who mostly had little experience of how a trial operated but were soon joining in the spirit of the day & helped to make it a very enjoyable day . As one judge commented its a pity more trials are not similarly run as its more in keeping with a traditional days shooting.
The dogs were called on to retrieve Pheasant, partridge & duck & after an initial loss of several dogs we finished with 5 dogs all worthy of an award.
My thanks to Jane for providing a feast for our break in the field & the family for making us all very welcome.
1st Philip Blount's D Hanwood Gold Archie
2nd Marion Hanman's B Salander Ruby Tuesday
3rd Jill Gardner's D Polihale Grizzly Bear of Foxcote
COM Robin Gray's B Haraka Kat of Grayspeed
COM & Gun's choice Lucy Mixture's D Kaliture Red Pepper
Stuart Robson
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2018 Inter Club Test
This years annual Inter Club tests were organised by the GRC of Scotland on the 17th June at the Glenalmond Estate in Perthshire.
It was a long journey for the team but well worth the effort as Glenalmond is situated in a beautiful part of Perthshire where the natural terrain allowed for 6 very varied & sometimes quite difficult tests, & our hosts a well run & enjoyable day.
Our team comprised of Judith Evans with Tallygold Mulberry & Marion Hanman with Salander Ruby Tuesday - both Open dogs. Christine Collins with Fallowfen's Tinker & Caroline Caines with Gortons Bannatynes Bell our Novice dogs. Apart from Judith's "Rooney", the others team members dogs were young & relatively inexperienced so it was a challenging day for them , but all excelled & I was well pleased with 6th place as the standard was very good.
1st Midland GRC
2nd GRC
3rd GRC of Wales
4th NGRA
Next year the host will be Midland GRC.
Stuart Robson
Pictures from this event HERE
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SWGRC – Working Tests 2018
Open, Novice, Veteran, Special Puppy, Novice Dog/Novice Handler Tests for Golden Retrievers.
Held at Little Marston, Marston Magna, Yeovil BA22 8BJ
By Kind Permission of Mr & Mrs Michael Dare & Family.
Judges: Dr Tim Woodgate-Jones (A156), Mr David England (B2946), Mrs Carole Carter, & Miss Zoe Townsend
Well there we are, year two of my working tests completed. As always a lot of hard work and long hours in the preparation - site visits ( three this year ), paperwork, food, phone calls – it all eventually comes together and provides the competitors with hopefully a good and successful day out.
With the weather forecast pretty much dry and hot for the day, I was horrified to get up to Yeovil at 7.30 am to find it grey, overcast and misty. We couldn’t see more than 30 yards in front of us!! Trying to keep calm I took a look at Test 1 for the Open dogs where they had a blind right across to the field…….. I couldn’t even see half way across! Praying that the sun would burn through before the off, I just carried on setting up. There are certain things a Working Secretary can’t change; the weather is one and secondly there is the presence of a pair of nesting swans on the pond! – but thankfully there was a Plan B where the swans were concerned – a second set of tests not using the water.
After the usual introductions we set off, albeit a little late, 4 judges, 8 throwers and 36 dogs were carefully despatched as I had planned, to the Test sites in groups that I hoped would accommodate the multi-handlers with not too much running back and forth. With some competitors running two or more dogs, a process of juggling has to take place to make it all fit….I think this year my set up worked quite well with only one competitor, who had dogs in three categories perhaps having to change sites a little more often. As if by magic just as everyone set off the sun burst through and the test sites were fully visible.
The four judges saw all five categories of competitors with Tests being set at each post to accommodate. This does take a bit of thinking out but it worked well last year - It is quicker for the competitors and the judges do not have to move very far! This year one of our members Jill Gardener had double booked herself on dates so could not run her dogs on the day – this however was to my advantage, as she very kindly came with me to set the tests. Test setting, I think, is an art and takes years of learning from both observation and running your own dogs – still a novice, I do need to ask for assistance but I am learning fast!
The Tests – in brief were:
Open: Memory Distraction and Blind: Jump and Blind: Hunting for two and Seen Memory: Walk up:
Novice: Memory Distraction and Blind: Jump and Blind: Hunting for Two: Walk up:
Veteran: Memory Distraction and Blind: Seen and Replace: Hunting for Two: Walk up:
Sp. Puppy: Heelwork and Seen: Seen & Replace: Hunting for Two: Double Seen (judge to advise pickup)
ND/NH: Heelwork and Seen: Seen & Replace: Hunting for Two: Double Seen (judge to advise pick up).
Changes to the distance of the retrieves obviously varied between the categories.
The judges worked through and surprisingly we completed the tests sooner than I had anticipated. Jackie Bissell and Jenny Scott, my right-hand helpers, set to work on the raffle and food while I sat with the calculator and managed to finalise the scores. I am very much indebted to both Jackie and Jenny who as non-committee members gave up their time to help me and keep the show running smoothly.
The venue, Little Marston Farm, is owned by Michael Dare and his family who very kindly allowed us to use the ground this celebration year. Michael had been a South Western Member and has worked and trialed his dogs for many years, he has also served on the Kennel Club Working Committee. I have learnt much from his advice and expertise and I thank him for his hospitality.
With my thank-you’s to the judges, dummy throwers and helpers out of the way, Michael closed the day presenting our prizes to the winners. With the final competitors disappearing on their journeys home, we took a breather before packing up and hitting the road for a well earned rest.
I hope all enjoyed their day and I look forward to seeing you again next year.
Results:
Open:
1st – Mary Palk with Tallygold Blackthorn
2nd – Mary Jarrod with Chishillhyde Lewis
3rd – Andrew England with Dairycott Populus Tremula
4th – Marion Hanman with Haddeo Teyla
Novice:
1st Christine Collins with Fallowfens Tinker
2nd – Valerie Dowding with Tallygold Moss Campion
3rd – Mike Andersen with Merryway Regina
4th – Mike Andersen with Bicknoller Maple
Veteran:
1st – Robin Gray with Grayspeed Kapuki
2nd – Mary Jarrod with Lilleburne Ripple Reed
3rd – Jon Debnam with Lilleburne Colne Point Peg
Special Puppy:
1st – Elizabeth Pelham with Bell Oktave C-Pollo
2nd – Mary Jarrod with Crystalstream Harris
3rd – Andrew England with Lizwenda Ashley at Dairycott
4th – David Heath with Moonwater Briar
Novice Dog/Novice Handler:
1st Robin Mitchell with CH. Tashsheen Martinique
2nd – James Hood with Goldbounty’s Juniper
3rd – Alison Lang with Dikeadaze Dagan
4th – Edith Kreutner with Auchencloch Fable
Pictures from this event HERE
Kim Clunie
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