Welcome
The Utility Gundog Society is divided into four autonomous branches spread throughout the Home Counties and East Anglia, these are Eastern Counties (EC), Herts, Beds and Bucks (HBB), Kent and East Sussex (K&ES) and Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire (S,WS&H).
The Parent Body is responsible for the Society administration and each year hosts Spaniel Events including The Open English Springer Spaniel Field Trial, The Open Cocker Spaniel Field Trial, and two Novice Spaniel Field Trials.
The branches take turns to host the annual Two Day Open Field Trial, the inter branch All Age Field Trial Finals and the Team Working Test Finals each year. The branches also organise a series of Retriever Field Trials and Working Tests. Training events, classes and seminars are also occasionally available, see the individual branch pages for more information.
Non-members can enter any advertised event, but members will get preference in the draw. Please note that membership of one branch does not confer membership of all branches and there is a separate joining fee for each branch. To participate and gain preference in Spaniel events, membership of only one branch is required.
We hope you enjoy visiting our site and look forward to welcoming you at one of our events.
Branch event secretaries are always in need of volunteers to help during tests, trials and training events. Contact a branch for more information.
Society News
- 10/11 October 2022 – UGS Two Day 24 Dog Open Stake
Held at Ampton Estate, Great Livermere
The first day of the trial involved a damp start, a scorching sun, some difficult scenting conditions and impressive eyewipes from Laura Hill’s Ft Ch Stauntonvale Lemon Posset and Jon Halsted’s Buccleugh Bridgeknowes of Chatsworth. The 9 dogs left in the trial continued into day two.
On day two the 9 remaining dogs melted down quickly to the 4 dogs in the awards. Credit was given to some good eye wipes in thick cover. Laura Hill’s Ft Ch did a fabulous retrieve that will stay long in our memories! And the dog work that Buccleugh Bridgeknowes of Chatsworth produced over the 2 days was absolutely fantastic.
Results:
The Manymills Salver and President’s Trophy to
The winner – Buccleugh Bridgeknowes of Chatsworth Handled by John HalstedSecond – Brindlebay Mead Handled by Michael Tallamy
Third – Ft Ch Mistigri Finn of Featherfly Handled by Phil Highfield
Fourth – Ft Ch Stautonvale Lemon Posset Handled by Laura Hill
Skinner’s Trophy to the Best Marking Dog
Ft Ch Stauntonvale Lemon Posset Handled by Laura HillUGS (K&ES) Shield for the Guns’ Choice
Buccleugh Bridgeknowes of Chatsworth Handled by John HalstedMeadowville Cup for the Best-Looking Retriever in the Awards
Brindlebay Mead Handled by Michael TallamyThe Berry Trophy for the Best Retrieve of the Day
Ft Ch Stauntonvale Lemon Posset Handled by Laura Hill
We are grateful to:
Peter Rushbrook for allowing us to have a trial at the Ampton Estate, Allan Hammond for thoughtful management of the line. And I’m sure he’s grateful for Sue Stonebridge’s mentioning his fruit pastilles in her trial report! Our judges Phil Askew, Roger Ketley, Jo Rollinson and Julia Reed for being dedicated and fair. Our guns organised by John Keegan who all shot superbly. Thank you again for supporting our sport. Our sponsor Dale Watson from Sindermill Dog Food who came to watch the trial on the 2nd day. Our photographer Jordan Brooking. Our Game carriers: Craig, Arron, Alistair, Gill, Amanda and Jenny. Our judges steward: Tammy White. Our dog steward, red flag, first aider: Gill Davis. - Eastern Counties Field Trial Schedule posted
Please visit the Eastern Counties Events page to see the field trials scheduled for the upcoming season. Linked below is an update the Kennel Club rules.
- 10 April 2022 – HBB Special Puppy, Novice Test
UGS HBB held a Novice and Special Puppy Working Test on Sunday 10th April at Easneye Estate, Ware by kind permission of The Buxton Family.
Judges: Rodger Ketley, Mark Polley, Sue Berman and Charlotte Wilkinson.
We were very kindly sponsored by Skinner’s Field and Trial and Sporting Saint. A big thank you to the landowner, judges and helpers for all your hard work and for a great day.
Special Puppy
1st place – Jessica Webster with Lucky Billy Boy
2nd place – Jane Trowell with Ingdalehowel Himalayan Musk Of Janfran
3rd place – Roy Jarman with Winners Avenue
Novice
1st place – Tammy White with Birdsgreen Lyric
2nd place – Gill Davies with Fleetbelmont Calla Lilly
3rd place – Andy Ince with Naughtland Popcorn
4th place – Jacqui Crew with Casblaidd Chizel
COM – Fay Drewry with Think Twice One Shot - EC – Judges Training Weekend
In memory of Peter Johnson, who left us a legacy, the UGS Eastern Counties branch are running a judging weekend on the 20th and 21st August.
The Saturday will be a practical day “in the field” at Hintlesham by kind permission of Kevin Doughty and will be a “scenario” based day giving “trainees” the chance to experience “sending”, “decision making” and “assessing” a number of usual and unusual situations that may occur when judging.
The day is aimed primarily at non panel judges (but panel judges will be welcome to attend), especially those about to start their judging career. This day will be overseen by seven experienced A panel “educator” judges, Kevin Doughty, Steve Polley, Phil Askew, Sara Gadd, Mike Tallamy, Rodger Ketley and Phil Highfield.
The Sunday will be a presentation and examination of the J Regs by Kevin Doughty and will be held at Woolpit Village Hall at a cost of £30. Applicants can choose to do one or the other or both. There will be spaces for 36 trainee judges on the practical day at a reduced cost of £20. Current members of Eastern Counties Branch will have preference.
We will also need 16 dogs and handlers of a good standard (at least open WT award winners) that are able to “hunt” their dogs in a specified area. Dogs\Handlers will be free of charge but will be able to listen in on the discussions but without input.
Please contact me, by email on julia.nigel@btinternet.com if you are interested. Help on the day would be appreciated especially if you’re a good dummy thrower!!
- 25 Jan 2022 – Novice AV Spaniel Trial
Novice AV Spaniel Stake held at Shotesham Park, Norfolk
Judges: Martin Deacon & Dave Gosling
First Place & Gun’s Choice: Mark Stephens – Shiveck Boss of Wateravens
Second Place: Marion Emery – Palmarrion Promise
Third Place: Peter Avery – Deepfleet Malin
Fourth Place: Julie Cracknell – Julzcrackers Moana
CoM: Paul Rogers – Purlodge Cherry Pip of Tippasheath