Inter-Area Finals 2023 at Isenhurst 2nd July 2023
On 2nd July 2023 it was the turn of the Southern Area of the United Retriever Club to host the annual Inter-Area Finals with 9 Teams of the best Open dogs from all over the country. We were fortunate to be invited to the Isenhurst Estate, in East Sussex, home of Mr & Mrs Clive & Gilly Nickols. What a wonderful venue with such a variety of terrain. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Five panel judges put the 27 Open dogs through their paces:Helena Sully, Colin Pelham, Louie Robertson, Graham Stanley and James Bailey.
Our Working Test Secretary Bill Gardiner did a sterling job setting the test exercises and was ably assisted by a huge team of helpers to whom we extend our very grateful thanks for their support of this prestigious event. They were rewarded with goodie bags filled with all sorts of gifts from our sponsors: Skinners; Sporting Saint; Chris Potter Country Sports, Sussex Guns, J Hudson & Co for Acme Whistles, F A Anderson Gunsmiths & Country Clothing; Arden Grange; Eukanuba; Burns Natural Food & Benyfit Natural Raw. Thank you Pat Richards for your supreme efforts in obtaining these “thank-yous” for our helpers and award-winners. It enabled us to show our appreciation.
Congratulations to the team taking the top position:
1st Northern (Anglia Cup) who’s team member Gary Collier was the Highest Placed Individual (Atherbram Cup)
2nd Border Counties & Cotswolds (Bernard Hall Memorial Trophy), with Lauren Wright being Individual Runner-Up (Shooting Times Trophy) & Highest Newcomer (H W Froud Trophy)
3rd Midland
4th North Midlands
5th Essex
6th Bucks
7th Lincs
8th Southern (Castleton Trophy) Carly Madgwick, highest in host area
9th Hants & SW
Although thanks were expressed, it doesn’t hurt to reiterate again, the tremendous amount of time and work put in by all on Southern’s Committee (and partners) particularly Sam & Fiona (jobs too numerous to mention), Emma (photography), Andy (scores), Pat R, Pat E (catering) and others, whether admin, baking or on the day. Thank you
