The setting for the Novice Stake, Meols Hall
The Club held its second Novice Stake of the season on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at Meols Hall, Southport, by kind invitation of Mr Nick Aubrey.
The judges Mr Wayne Skett, Dr Nicola Reynolds, Mr Scott Marland and Mrs Vicki Waterfield.
We were given a very warm welcome by Nick and the Meols Hall syndicate. Nick, our URC Northern Area Committee Chairman, has been a generous host to the URC for many years, inviting us to return for the Northern Area Novice each time it reappears on the Club’s trials calendar. Also, many thanks to Mr John Williamson and his team of Guns for supporting our event, and shooting so well for the trial.
Nick and Mr John Williamson
Our judges were Mr Wayne Skett, Dr Nicola Reynolds, Mr Scott Marland and Mrs Vicki Waterfield. We were lucky to be supported by a large group of experienced helpers too: Jennie Dimmock, Penny Aubrey, Caron Chattwood, Gary Collier, Carole Clarke, Matthew Wilson, Roz McIlroy, Philip Burrows, John Trafford and Mike McGuirk. Many thanks to everyone for giving their time and helping to make the day such a success.
The dogs waiting with the Hall in the background
What a beautiful ground, we had views of Meols Hall as a back drop while watching the dogs and handlers work to pick retrieves of pheasant and partridge. Three mini drives took place over fields of rough grass, divided by deep ditches full of tall, dense reeds. Of the sixteen dogs that started the day, two successfully completed all four rounds.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to:
Humberflair Commander; bred, owned and handled by Tom Birchall
Woodmelick Swift Lily; owned and handled by Lucinda Joule
The Monty Carter Memorial Tankard for Guns’ Choice was awarded to:
Tula’s Bear of Bibury; bred, owned and handled by Petula Lowe
Many congratulations to those in the awards from everyone at URC.