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30-12-2021 – UGS All Aged Retriever Finals

UGS Kent & East Sussex Branch held The All Aged Retriever Finals Trial on the 30th December 21 at Wotton, Dorking, by kind permission of Laurence Matthews & Keeper David Smart.  We were very privileged to be invited to join the shoot syndicate on their fabulous ground. 

We started with a heavy drive on mostly open ground, which meant a lot of birds in area’s that needed skilful handling to pick the right bird.  The second drive saw the eventual winner pick a fantastic 250 yard runner, which was a over a ditch & where the dog had to work his nose onto the scent first.  We finished on a woodland drive, with the remaining 6 dogs needing to hunt in some very thick bramble cover & where the judges were able to conclude the trial. 

My special thanks go to Judges Robert Worrall, Barbara Kuen, James Bailey & Louie Robertson & to all our amazing team of helpers, you certainly make my role a much easier job.  Thank you to Laurence & David along with your guns & helpers, we are extremely grateful to all of you for allowing us to be there & for making us feel so welcome. Also congratulations to all of the competitors for qualifying for the stake & showing us some brilliant dog work, it was lovely to spend the day in your company.  We were also very lucky to have keen photographer Tony join us for the day who will forward photographs once he has had chance to go through them all.

With a lot of silver ware up for grabs the awards were as follows –

  • First Place to Isleoman Gorse of Wylanbriar handled by Di Stevens also winning Trophies for The Best Labrador, Best Retrieve of a Runner, Best Game Finder of the opposite sex to the best game finder & Best Lady Handler at the trial
  • Second Place to Ftch. Brockaghs Forba handled by Jim Collins also winning the Trophy for Best Looking Labrador competing in the finals
  • Third Place to Annington Bay Maddi May handled by Mell Brooks also winning Trophies for The Best Opposite Sex Dog to the Winner & The Best Game Finder at the trial
  • COM to Hollowgate Red Grouse of Rufriver handled by Allie Hogsbjerg
  • COM to Ftch. Ticefield Dazed N’Confused handled by Reuben Corbett
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EC – From the Chairman

I am sure the last year has proved difficult and testing for all.

We aim to run a full program of events this summer. Our activities will be subject to any Government and/or KC restrictions in place at the time.

You will be meeting up face to face with many friends after some time. Please respect social distancing and hand sanitising requirements along with any other safety protocols we may put in place to ensure safety. Although the situation appears to be improving we must continue to behave with caution and show due regard to the safety of all attending the events.

I draw your attention to our Novice Sugar Beet test on 24th July. All the proceeds from the test are to be donated to charities that were close to Kevin Easey and Ivor Reynolds. Both made significant contributions to our sport, which is poorer for their passing. They will be sadly missed.

Stay safe.

Phil Askew

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General Covid-19 Statement

The individual branched continue to monitor the government and Kennel Club advice, and in some instances will continue to hold winter events in line with current guidelines and rules. Please contact your branch for more information. You can find the Kennel Club statement on the subject here.