The Open Working Test Finals, organised by the Eastern Counties
Branch, was held at Stutton Park, Suffolk on Sunday 29th June 2008
by kind permission of Mr Henry Strutt. Judges for the day were Mike
Tallamy and Sarah Gadd.

The 4 Branch teams were:

Kent and East Sussex
James Bailey with Mansengreen Fletcher
Geoff Nicolson with Pryanduke Classic Leader
Helena Sully with Braidenvale Speiran of Quabrook
Sheila Wade with Luddesdowne Mark

Herts, Beds and Bucks
Lady Hugh-Smith with Biney Bilko
Vince Mitchell with Barkmadbury Desert Storm at Kirkmore
Mary-Jane Opie with Endacott Jaffa
Paul Wheatley with Kenmillto Dante of Danbrias

Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire
Gwen Butcher with Yettolley Maple
Reuben Corbett with Oakvalley Black Jack
Gay Marshall with Riversway Bustle of Thealefarm
Nick Potts with Wadeshot Honey

Eastern Counties
Laurina Blankenspoor with Whispering Oaks Dora for Cleynehage
Geoff Devine-Jones with Gillygaben Flute
Liz Ingram with Gillygaben Tara
Mick Moore with Redbreck Archie

Peter Fulcher and his team of helpers had set some interesting tests
on this lovely ground. During the morning each team completed
4 tests, 2 involving both marks and blind in and over water, and the
others making use of the sloping terrain for some long marks and
blinds.

At lunchtime, the leading dog, Oakvalley Black Jack, had accrued
75 pts and was looking good but others were close behind him.

The helpers and officials were treated to an excellent lunch provided
by Ann Fulcher, and all four teams then completed 2 walk-up
exercises, where the ‘top dog’ obtained top marks for his first
exercise, but then had a slight problem with the second, which,
unfortunately for him, meant that a run off was needed between
Mansengreen Fletcher and Gillygaben Flute. The final results were:

1st - Surrey West Sussex & Hampshire 405pts
Winning the Halday Cup

2nd - Kent and East Sussex 398pts
3rd - Herts, Beds & Bucks 368pts
4th - Eastern Counties 365pts


The Surrey, West Sussex & Hamsphire Team with the Judges and Keepers

Despite Eastern Counties coming 4th, the
‘top dog’, winning the Westernash Trophy,
was Geoff Devine-Jones with Gillygaben
Flute, and coming a close runner-up was
James Bailey with Mansengreen Fletcher.

Bob Hammond, the Head Keeper of the
estate, presented the prizes which included
dog food vouchers generously sponsored
by Skinners.