We returned to the tranquil surroundings of Miserden Park by kind permission of Maj.T Wills & keeper, Martin Weedon, after a year's break. We also appreciated the help from estate shepherd, John Mixture, in moving a large herd of sheep to other grazing.
This event, like all our other tests, is kindly sponsored by Skinners to whom we give our thanks.
In direct contrast to the weather - whilst setting the tests we got drenched - the day turned out sunny and warm with a good entry of 29 dogs; 26 of which actually ran.
With introductory formalities completed, competitors split into three groups and were taken by Adrian Phillips, co-organiser, to the first three tests which were run concurrently.
A single blind with shot saw dogs being sent from a slightly elevated position through a dry reed bed to the dummy placed by Lucy Mixture. Judge Howard Parker, with steward Liz Widdows, witnessed a good standard of dog work, with only a few dogs going self-empolyed in the reeds!
Another group started with a simple (?) mark to shot through artichokes in a woodland clearing, judged by Paula Cullis, assisted by steward Nicky Wellfair and thrower Dave Miller. After four dogs had run and all had experienced great difficulty, Paula called a halt, discussed the situation with the organisers, and the decision was quickly made to re-set the test at less distance and on a different line, on the basis that 'most dogs should be able to complete most tests'. The four dogs were run again during the morning. Handlers still had to be alert as dogs allowed well out of the area could be lost to sight. A wide range of scores were seen on this test.
The third group faced a mark and blind in rising open woodland. The mark was thrown by Dave Godding high up in the woodland straight ahead of the dog. The dog was sent by judge, Helen Goodwin, for the mark but the handler was told that a blind had been placed (by Andy Doyle) on the edge of a track which veered right. The handler was to stop the dog and pick the blind first, retrieving the mark afterwards. It proved interesting that some dogs headed for the mark and were stopped smartly and picked the blind. Having done this, some picked the mark well, while others lost the plot. Some ignored the blind and the stop whistle and forged ahead to pick the mark. A number of the dogs did an excellent job. Sally Thornell was steward.
After a short comfort break, the competitors were split into two groups tackling a four dog walk-up judged by Helen and Howard, comprising two marks to a shot for each dog. Despite the valley terrain, with one side rising steeply and plenty of rabbit scent on the other, most dogs put on a good show.
The other afternoon test, judged by Paula, was three marks thrown in open grassland with woodland behind the thrower. One dummy was thrown well to the left, one well to the right, and one close in front of the thrower. Handlers were asked to pick the left one first, the right one second, and the centre one was not to be picked. This test showed the need for the dog to mark well, to take a straight out-run as commanded, and be responsive to the whistle if needed. A wide variety of performances were seen, with some dogs determined to go for the middle dummy or for the right hand one first, despite action from the handler. One dog went AWOL in the wood! Paula was very willing to give each handler that had problems, a critique to help with the learning process.
Having finished at around 3pm, all returned to base, with the judges and helpers tucking into lunch and competitors into tea, cakes and scones (wth cream & strawberries of course!). This superb spread was prepared by Aileen Jones and so attractively displayed with the help of Jill Justice.
After the closing comments, thanks and presentations were kindly made by John Mixture on behalf of the estate; particular thanks were given to Paula for standing in at short notice, and for the effort and commitment of all those who helped run the day, without whose support there would be no tests for competitors and others to enjoy. The day came to an end with the organisers being delighted to receive many complimentary remarks.
Novice Awards
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr J Dugay |
Lab D |
Hestmoor Spinner |
| 2nd |
Mrs V Elms |
Lab B |
Buffskin Zelda of Alvonoak |
| 3rd |
Mrs D Polley |
Lab B |
Howgillhay Fennel of Gillhays |
| 4th |
Mrs J Gardner |
GR B |
Copleybent Ballistic of Foxcote |
| CoM |
Mrs J Dimmock |
Lab D |
Millerise Leo at Lyanmorshot |
| CoM |
Mr P Bradford |
Lab D |
Black Cassius |