Our Open Cold Game Test was held at Tumby Woodside near Coningsby, Lincs by kind permission of the Laird Family. Our judges were Dave Probert, Paul Rawlings, Laura Hill and Carol Goodes. Chief Steward Mick Roberts was assisted by dog steward Theresa Jonsen. The weather was unseasonably warm for the time of year at 24o C but a pleasant breeze made it tolerable for the dogs. The test was walked-up in sugar beet and we are very grateful to the members who supplied a good assortment of game.
The line walked into the wind for the first round and there were two marks for each dog. The second round was the usual single crossing retrieve.
After a short break for lunch the judges took forward all dogs without an eliminating fault and the third round began with a walk-up with the wind. There were marks in front and blinds to the side and rear. Each dog had two retrieves but by this time the scent had all but disappeared with the warm weather and many dogs failed to find partridge in the beet, giving a chance of an eyewipe to several competitors. Eight dogs were taken through the cut and were given a very long marked retrieve to decide the awards.
Judges and handlers alike enjoyed a welcome cup of tea and cakes at the end of what had been a very warm but enjoyable day. The proceeds of the raffle (£85) were donated to Hounds for Heroes.
We thank everyone who helped on the day, but a VERY SPECIAL ‘thank you’ must go to Gill King as this was her last test as Working Test Secretary. Gill has brilliantly organised all of our working tests since 1995!!! A hard act to follow ......
| Position | Name | Breed/Sex | Dog's Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Peter Wadsworth |
LR B |
Melanie Jane |
| 2nd |
Richard king |
LR D |
Saxaphone Brown Ale of Lincswolds |
| 3rd |
Lee Hayman |
LR B |
Leadburn Matilda |
| 4th |
Lee Hayman |
LR D |
Copperbirch Ross |
| COM |
Richard King |
LR D |
Leacaz Lapwing of Lincswolds |
| COM |
Geoff Dobb |
LR D |
Woodcockhill Madoqua |
Peter Wadsworth (1st) won the Ferndown Trophy.
Richard King (2nd) won the Bryan Capps Memorial Trophy for the highest placed Lincolnshire Area member other than the winner.
Geoff Dobb (COM) was awarded the Lintran Trophy, for the best retrieve of the day other than the winner, and the Springflight Trophy, presented by Sue Lowe in memory of her dog Mead for the best looking yellow labrador at the Open Cold Game Test.