Mendip Group Fun Day and Picnic held at Wookey Hole - Sunday, 14th August 2016
Many thanks to our hosts, the Lunnon family for inviting the Mendip Training Group to celebrate our end of Summer event with family and friends on their beautiful farm, and for preparing their barn for our picnic and presentations.
For some handlers this was the first timne they had competed with their dogs, and although it is a 'just for fun' event, it was still a little unnerving, but all tests were completed and so everyone succeeded.
Colin Selwood set the tests and judged a group which included puppies, inexperienced older dogs, new handlers and complete beginners. The training classes are aimed at steadiness, obedience, heelwork, whistle use and recognition, simple retrieves and calmness and confidence with your dog in a group situation. The tests were:-
- Walk to heel, sit the dog and walk on, throw dummy out and handler collected dummy and heeled dog back.
- A seen retrieve
- A seen retrieve folowed by a blind in the same spot.
The winner of the Cup in this group was George Fraser, an inexperienced handler with Sprite, a 3 year old Labrador that had been rehomed from South SAfrica and previously trained with the Cape Field Trials. In second place was a new member, Carole Lenton, with her 5 year old Flat Coat, Merlin, who are both completely new to gun dog handling but are learning fast. In third place was Jill Selwood with her young Springer Spaniel puppy, Pepper.
Paul Smith set the tests and judged the older dogs and more experienced handlers in the Novice and Advanced Groups. The tests were:-
- A mark to shot but dog had to find a long blind first
- A left and right seen with two dogs sat up and one handler nominating the retrieve. The dogs then changed position for a second left and right seen.
The Novice group was won by Jeanne Burnett and her Labrador, Sanchez, who were also awarded the Progress Cup for showing the most improvement over the year. Second place was won by Deanna Jamieson and her Labrador, Peach. Third place went to Mark Parsons and his Labrador, Bo.
The Advanced Group was won by Pat Rogers and her Labrador, Jhet, and they also received the Shield for Best Retrieve on the Day. Second place went to Jane Prichard and Percy, and Third to Brian Rogers and Sam.
During the morning, dogs and handlers were able to test their speed at a timed scurry, set up by Colin and Jill Selwood which was a dead heat at 28.5 secs for Sanchez and Percy.
Tash Smith organised a 'for fun only' dummy throwing competition, and took the opportunity to give tips and technique training and encouragement, which showed immediate improvements for the contestants. Tash also acted as our official photographer and helped with the tests.
At lunchtime, we retired to the barn for our wonderful picnic and to chat and pick up tips. There really was a wealth of knowledge and experience with members new and not so new.
The Mendip Group took the opportunity to thank all their trainers; Ron Dawson (who sent his apologies - Cricket umpring), Paul Smith, Colin Selwood and super-sub Mike White. Thanks also to the Landowners for allowing us to use their venues; Bath and West Showground, Myrtle Farm, Orchardleigh, Old Redhouse Farm, Winchester Farm and Haydon Hill.
May I also thank our dummy throwers and helpers whose contribution goes 'unthanked' all year, and thank you for my lovely bouquet of flowers for being the Group Co-ordinator - thank you all your 'Mendippers' for making my role so easy and enjoyable.
See you in September for the start of the Sunday morning Winter Training.
Alison Wilson
Novice Award Winners
Puppy Award Winners
Advanced Award Winners
