Yesterday UGS Surrey West Sussex and Hants branch held our Novice trial at Firle Estate by kind permission of Mr Rees and Mr Coleman. Firle’s very own character of their shoot captain Mr P Setterfield organised a fabulous team of guns headed by Mr B van den Bogaerde who shot brilliantly in super weather.
This was a driven trial, with birds landing in stubble for the first drive and a good crop of stubble turnip for the second. The Keeper and his team did a magnificent job at putting the right amount of birds over the guns all day. It takes skill to do this, so thank you Dave!!! The beaters and picking up team were given a bottle of sloe gin each and a tub of chocolates to show our appreciation first thing in the morning.
The 16 dogs were well tested on straight lines, handling and hunting ability, and “trial over” there were 5 dogs left at the end.
2nd place Anna Mayhews Lab B Wauniago Dara handled by Jason Mayhew
3rd Barry Harvey’s Lab D Packmoors Pintail
C of M’s Keith Townsend’s Lab B Raven black Onyx to Elmertown
Charlotte Hammicks Lab B Muscatelle Calypso
Many thanks to the lovely Judges, Barbara Kuen, Diana Stevens, Sue Jordan and Alistair House. Also big thank you to all my helpers and committee for all your support. Laura Carleton, Lindsay Williams, Tracy DP Alice KirkWendy Harrison, Fay DrewryPat Geary, Victoria Rose, Jane Gray, Kate Wheatley, Jane Fenner, John Malcomson, Sue Convery, Arthur Gosdon, John Debnam. Without all your help the day would never of run so well, so sincere thanks from the bottom of my heart!!
Also our sponsors, as always, your so generous and greatly appreciated Skinners dog food, George Barclay dog beds and Nash Dog coats.
Many thanks also to Rosemary Saddler for taking photos of the day which can be found on our club website.