“Mendippers” Funday and Picnic 2018
Wow, what a scorcher! We kept it quite short so that we could take shelter in the cool barn and enjoy some cold drinks and our picnic in the shade with the dogs.
The views across the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury Tor were stunning, so thank you to the Lunnon family for inviting us to their farm on Sunday 5th August for our end of Summer training tests.
After many years of stability with regular trainers 2018 has been a little different but thanks to all the offers of help and guest trainers the group has been as well supported as ever and the feedback very positive.
Many sincere thanks go to Paul Smith, Christine Collins, Andrew Maisey, Geoff Shore and Glenn Lambert who have all generously given their time and expertise to train our handlers. Also thanks to John Dugay for his dummy throwing for Geoff.
We encouraged the dogs to attempt as many tests as possible and 15 dogs took part some in more than one class.
After very many years Colin Selwood our “puppy/beginners” trainer has asked to be relieved of his duties so that he can spend more time with his own dogs. We thanked him for all that he has done for Mendip Group and asked him to set and judge the puppies before he went!
As usual with this age group steadiness and heel work were tested as each dog sat while a dummy was thrown out and retrieved by the handler. Followed by a short seen retrieve in to cover for the dogs to demonstrate their marking and delivery to hand.
The scores were very close and all the young dogs completed the tests. Lincoln, our most regular attender at puppy training, performed particularly well much to the delight of Ann the proud owner of this 7 month old flat coat.
Paul Smith, with the aid of Ian Wilson to throw dummies, set tests for the Novice group. This was the first experience for some handlers of a test situation and was intended to build confidence and an interest in entering more formal tests in future.
1 There was a seen thrown and as the dogs came back, a blind in the same place.
2 A seen thrown and dogs had to cross a field and go through a gateway to retrieve it.
3 A seen dummy which landed down a bank so that it wasn’t where the dogs or handlers had seen it fall.
Glenn Lambert set some more advanced tests for dogs and handlers with thanks to Michelle for her dummy throwing. These tests were completed successfully some with extra encouragement from their handlers as the distances were longer and the tests more challenging.
1 A mark up the steep hillside landing on the bank.
2 A blind through a gateway.
3 A 2 dog walk up to a mini drive with each dog making 2 retrieves.
There was a run off for first place which Paul set and judged with the group watching. Luke, the BCC Junior handler aged 15, continued his winning ways and not only won the Group but was awarded Best Retrieve running his bitch Eva. As this was the first time Luke has been in a Run Off it was yet more good experience of handling extra nerves.
Results
Puppy 1st Jeanne Burnett and Ruby, 2nd Merv Hughes and Piper, 3rd Ann Bracegirdle and Lincoln
Novice 1st Hilary Hardman and China, 2nd Linda Newnes and Freyja, 3rd Fiona Passmore and Sirus
Advanced 1st Luke Lambert and Eva, 2nd Merv Hughes and Rosie, 3rd Linda Newnes and Freyja
Our training group also awards two Special Trophies which are given to the handlers that the trainers and judges decide are most deserving and can be given to any class.
Congratulations to Luke Lambert and Eva who were awarded “Best Retrieve” and to Sara Box who was judged “Most Improved Handler” over the Summer with her young bitch Amber.
Alison Wilson was also thanked for coordinating the group and presented with a beautiful bouquet of pink lilies and roses.
The Mendip Group continues to train on the first Sunday of the month until December. All URC members are welcome to join us whenever they can, potential new members are always welcome, just contact Alison Wilson for locations and directions.