24 January 2023 – UGS Novice AV Spaniel Stake

The UGS held our final trial of the season the Novice AV Spaniel trial at Shotesham Park, Norfolk by the very kind permission of the Bailey family. Our judges for the day were Alan Hopkins-Young and Marion Emery.  Head keeper Mark Watson run the line superbly with his team of helpers and made sure we were into game all day. The winning dog ran an outstanding trial, finishing by taking an exceptional running Pheasant on its second run.

The results are:-

(L to R: Peter Avery, Ray Clarke, Mark Reader, Debbie Robertson, Marion Emery (judge), Paul Seaman & Alan Hopkins Young.)

1st Pixiefen Penny, handled by Paul Seaman
2nd Athena Ivy, handled by Debbie Robertson
3rd Purlodge Hot Love Holly, handled by Ray Clark
4th Deepfleet Jagger, handled by Peter Avery.
CoM’s to :
Shallowoak West Frazier, handled by Mike Reader
Cudannsa Taransay, Handled by Daniel Plumb
Skronedale Yew of Dudalen, handled by Mark Page.

3 January 2023 – UGS Open AV Spaniel (ex Cocker) Stake

The UGS held our Open AV Spaniel (except Cocker) trial at Shotesham Park, Norfolk by the very kind permission of the Bailey family. Our judges for the day were Gerry Meehan and Steve Lewis. Head keeper Mark Watson run the line superbly with his team of helpers and made sure we were into game all day.  

After a two dog run off for first place the awards were:-

(L to R:  Peter Avery, Aubrey Ladyman, Steve Lewis (judge), Harry Martin & Gerry Meehan (judge))

1st: Rosebay Meadow, handed by Aubrey Ladyman.
2nd: Deepfleet Yoko, handled by Peter Avery
3rd: Moonreed Ugly Terri, handled by Harry Martin
4th: Deepfleet Malin, handed by Peter Avery.
CoM: Skronedale Grappelli of Dudalen, handed by Mark Page

A special congratulation goes to Peter Avery with his young dog who gained 2nd in its first ever trial. Peter stepped in to run the youngster after a competitor failed to show that morning.

2 December 2022 – UGS Novice Cocker Spaniel Stake

The UGS held their Novice Cocker trial today at Butterfields Farm, Latchingdon, Essex by very kind permission of LE Carr & Sons.

Henry Carr was our Stewart of the Beat and captained the team of guns, who shot superbly. The dogs had to work hard for the birds but sufficient was found for completion of the trial.

The trial was judged by James Luxford and Ray Clarke and they awarded first place to:- Uncleby Matilda, owned & handled by Mark Page.
No other awards were given.

From the left: Henry Carr, James Luxford, Mark Page, Ray Clarke

8 December 2022 – UGS Open Cocker Spaniel Stake

The UGS held our Open Cocker trial today at Audley End by the very kind permission of Mrs Louise Newman and the Audley End Estate.

We were in the very capable hands of head Keeper Geoff Garrod while his son Justin, run the line. The dogs had to work hard to find game and a mixed bag of Pheasant and Hare was shot. We saw a high standard of dog work but number of the dogs fell by the wayside, leave 5 dogs at the end.

Our Judges for the day where Guy Stubbings and Paul Seaman.

After a 2 dog run off for first place the results were:-

1st- Woolpitts Shin, owned & handled by Will Clulee
2nd- Deepfleet Junia, owned & handled by Peter Avery
3rd- Sky of Wellbank, owned by Derrick Lee, handled by Will Clulee
4th- Pixiefen Adelaide- owned & handled by Jack Walton
CoM- Roundgrove Cormac of Hedenham Park, owned & handled by Nick Clitherow

From left: Paul Seaman, Guy Stubbings, Peter Avery, Nick Clitherow, Jack Walton and Will Clulee.

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 Halsted

Second – 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 Hill

UGS (K&ES) Shield for the Guns’ Choice
Buccleugh Bridgeknowes of Chatsworth Handled by John Halsted

Meadowville Cup for the Best-Looking Retriever in the Awards
Brindlebay Mead Handled by Michael Tallamy

The 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.

27 August 2022 – KES Open Walked Up on FT Lines

UGS Kent & East Sussex held their last working test of the season – Open Walked Up on FT Lines on 27th August at Burstow Park Farm, Outwood by the kind permission of Jim & Nina Nicholson. The line today was organised and run by Alistair House and our thanks go to him for a well run day together with the stewarding skills of Wendy Harrison & her team.

Our thanks also go to our Judges, Barry Taylor, Liz Taylor, Kate Bollen & Tracy Flood who gave up their time to set the standard. After 4 rounds, a lot of leg work and some excellent handling they were able to award the following places.

1st – and the UGS Challenge cup went to Mitforton Quarrel of Cadenzahill handled by Carly Madgewick
2nd – Wadeshot Kite handled by Roger Wade.
3rd – Kerrabrah Nelly handled by Jan Abrahams.

We also made a special award, The John Croucher Memorial Trophy which is given to repay the support and loyalty from the most helpful non committee member at the end of the season. This year this trophy was award t Hayley Mack who has helped at every test this year and been a tremendous asset to our team. Well done Hayley and thank you for your support.

Once again a huge thank you all our other helpers, without whom we could not have run the test, for their dummy throwing, game carrying, stewarding and last but not least for Bren and Lesley for the catering. Thank you also to Skinners for their sponsorship of our tests throughout the season

I have enjoyed my first season as Working Test secretary and my thanks go to my committee who have guided and supported me.