The award winners
The Club held its final trial of the season, a 12 dog Novice stake, on Saturday 7th January 2023 at Home Farm Shoot, Spratton, by kind permission of Mr John Matts and Mr George Matts.
The Matts family run a farm shoot, and had never hosted a trial before. They extended the warmest of welcomes to their guests, and all members of the shoot relished the opportunity to watch proceedings and learn about trialling. The Home Farm Shoot syndicate adapted their day to shoot for us, and John Matts requested that the cost of the trial be donated to charity: the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. It is fair to say that, despite the atrocious weather, there was a great atmosphere throughout and that everyone in attendance enjoyed our hosts’ generous hospitality, which made it a very special day indeed.
Our trial judges were Mr Henrik Vilendal, Miss Laura Marsh, Mr Mike Jones and Mr Adam Holmes. Many thanks to them for giving their time and expertise, and a special mention of thanks to Mrs Carol Probert, who kindly agreed to step in at short notice as Chief Steward. The URC Midland Area Committee provided helpers for the day; grateful thanks to them all for braving such inhospitable weather to provide the essential help needed to make the day possible: Jane Samson, Ollie Hauxwell, Dan Clarke, Simone Barrett and Gordon Corner. And most particularly, thanks go to Mr Maurice Fitch (our URC Midland Area Chairman) and Mr Doug McArlie (Home Farm Keeper). Both worked incredibly hard making all the necessary plans and preparations in the months and weeks beforehand, to ensure that the trial would be a success.
Four drives took place over undulating farmland; pheasant and partridge were picked from grass and drill fields with hedges, ditches, white grass and woodland cover. The Home Farm Shoot members were impressed by the high standard of the dogs’ and handlers’ work, but at the announcement of trial over, just three dogs remained. The results were as follows:
The Froud Memorial Trophy for the winner, and the Monty Carter Memorial Tankard for Gun’ Choice to: Partridgefen Tids Lad, owned and handled by Dean Tidswell
2nd: Bellspaddle Banjo of Highshot, owned and handled by Basil Smith
Certificate of Merit to: Field crest Timber, bred, owned and handled by Philip Garton
Many congratulations from everyone at URC to all those in the awards; and a special mention for Dean, running in his first trial!
Award winners and Judges
Award winners, judges and Hosts
The Club awards table
The winner