Utility Gundog Society- founded 1923: K & ES : HBB UGS S,WS&H : EC
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Some of the magnificent trophies to be won at the All Aged Field Trial

Photo
R Pettett

countrysideimages@tiscali.co.uk 
Home phone 01233-731174

 

 

History

The UGS was formed in 1923 for the gentry and their employees to compete together on a friendly basis with any type of gundog.

Separate stakes were run for Honorary Members (The Gentry) and Ordinary Members (Gamekeepers and Professional Handlers).  The Society had several branches in the South of England and at the end of each shooting season, representatives from each branch came together for a Field Trial Final which was often held over two days.  This Field Trial Final is still held today when the winners of each Branch All Aged stake come together to compete for eleven solid silver cups, most of which date back to the first years of the Society.

In the early days, the Society was well supported by many well know enthusiasts of the day including Mrs Quintin-Dick, J Arthur Rank, Vincent Routledge, R Sharpe, Peter Moxon, Lord and Lady Burrell. 

Page last updated
08/11/2007

  

 

 

 

Photo by
Andy Heywood-Farmer
Tel:  01473 831263
Email:  ADHF@hotmail.co.uk

 

 

There was a gap of ten years in the Society's activities covering the Second World War.  When the Society resumed its competitions, only three branches remained, to be joined by a fourth in 1960.

The mixed subgroups in the past meant that wins in the Utility Field Trial Stakes did not qualify for the Kennel Club Stud Book entry or for the open stakes run by other societies.  Judges and triallers were discouraged from judging and entering Utility Field Trials, and inevitably membership dropped.  Later, changes to the Kennel Club regulations made it impossible for the subgroups to run together in competitions.

During the 1990's the UGS bowed to the inevitable and became a registered Society at the Kennel Club thus we now have equal status with other societies.  Membership is in the region of 800.

At present the Society consists of four Branches in the Home Counties and East Anglia.  The Branches still compete against each other both in Working Tests and Field Trials and many of the very valuable and truly historic trophies, shown above, awarded at the Finals, date back to 1923.

We welcome new members
as competitors and valuable helpers at our
Working Tests, Field Trials and Training Classes
and remain true to our original principles:

'...a friendly society, aiming to promote responsible gundog ownership, training and competition.
 

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