Novice AV Stake, Maer Shoot 4th January 2016
What a great atmosphere there was at this trial!! It was so good that so many of the committee came to this event, and I feel very privileged to be working for our wonderful sport amongst other folk who are just as passionate about spaniels and just as committed to great trials and great dog work!
The day started in the cover of the shoot lodge with a presentation made by our Chairman Stan Pearson on behalf of the club to Dave pope and Ron Jones who have been long serving members and have given much over the years. A beautifully hand carved stick was presented to them in appreciation of their service over the years.
A great start to the day, it rained as we made our way on foot to the beginning of the trial. We were one gun short, and mindful that things may not be easy with the new keeper Theo having just come in to the job this season, so guns were hand picked for their accuracy and experience in shooting over spaniels, and indeed they made the trial, with out them we definitely might have been much longer than the finish time of 1.40pm.
The weather was kind to us though, and as we commenced it eased off, and remained dry for the duration.
I witnessed some amazing dog work, some very exciting eye wipes, novice dogs taking runners at some great distance and that feeling when after what seems an age the dog appearing with the bird! I thought the standard was very good, and those in the awards were all great dogs!
It was a roller coaster of success and disappointment for one or two dogs, we looked on in disbelief at one point when after two dogs had tried their hearts out, the judges walked forward and picked the bird from the fall! The wet weather had managed to conceal scent from the fallen hen and two dogs were eliminated.
Our judges Ben Randall and Darren Skidmore had a tough day and we appreciate their effort in looking at the dogs for us.
Also sincere thanks to Sharon Harding who again provided a buffet for us to enjoy back at the shoot lodge as well as photographs of the day.
It was appropriate that before the presentations we had a moment of silence in remembrance for Martin Lancaster who shot regularly for the Gwynedd and sadly passed away just after Christmas, and also for Peter Jones' wife, our thoughts go out to Peter at this sad time.
And so to the awards, as follows
1st Cowancourt Jedi - Kevin Richardson
2nd Edwardiana Jess - John Edwards
3rd and Guns Choice Cherygal Diesel of Drury - David Pope
4th Palmarrion Hot Shot - Morwenna McNally
Certificates of Merit
Dainty of Burlinham - Stephen Littler
Sparnhill Adventurer - Alan Rubery- Jones
Wilswin Winston of Merebrow - Paul Johnson
What a great atmosphere there was at this trial!! It was so good that so many of the committee came to this event, and I feel very privileged to be working for our wonderful sport amongst other folk who are just as passionate about spaniels and just as committed to great trials and great dog work!
The day started in the cover of the shoot lodge with a presentation made by our Chairman Stan Pearson on behalf of the club to Dave pope and Ron Jones who have been long serving members and have given much over the years. A beautifully hand carved stick was presented to them in appreciation of their service over the years.
A great start to the day, it rained as we made our way on foot to the beginning of the trial. We were one gun short, and mindful that things may not be easy with the new keeper Theo having just come in to the job this season, so guns were hand picked for their accuracy and experience in shooting over spaniels, and indeed they made the trial, with out them we definitely might have been much longer than the finish time of 1.40pm.
The weather was kind to us though, and as we commenced it eased off, and remained dry for the duration.
I witnessed some amazing dog work, some very exciting eye wipes, novice dogs taking runners at some great distance and that feeling when after what seems an age the dog appearing with the bird! I thought the standard was very good, and those in the awards were all great dogs!
It was a roller coaster of success and disappointment for one or two dogs, we looked on in disbelief at one point when after two dogs had tried their hearts out, the judges walked forward and picked the bird from the fall! The wet weather had managed to conceal scent from the fallen hen and two dogs were eliminated.
Our judges Ben Randall and Darren Skidmore had a tough day and we appreciate their effort in looking at the dogs for us.
Also sincere thanks to Sharon Harding who again provided a buffet for us to enjoy back at the shoot lodge as well as photographs of the day.
It was appropriate that before the presentations we had a moment of silence in remembrance for Martin Lancaster who shot regularly for the Gwynedd and sadly passed away just after Christmas, and also for Peter Jones' wife, our thoughts go out to Peter at this sad time.
And so to the awards, as follows
1st Cowancourt Jedi - Kevin Richardson
2nd Edwardiana Jess - John Edwards
3rd and Guns Choice Cherygal Diesel of Drury - David Pope
4th Palmarrion Hot Shot - Morwenna McNally
Certificates of Merit
Dainty of Burlinham - Stephen Littler
Sparnhill Adventurer - Alan Rubery- Jones
Wilswin Winston of Merebrow - Paul Johnson