Spaniel Working Test Secretary Nigel Franklin’s first novice test was held on Sunday 28th August and proved to be a typical North Devon day of mixed sunshine and drizzle. Happily, the marvellous spaniel country offered by hosts Julie Kelvie and John Mackeldon together with the cheerful atmosphere and good nature of all involved made for a truly memorable day. Judges Jeremy Davies, Jud Lascelles and Neil Harris saw a strong field of 21 dogs and handlers and it was encouraging to observe a significant entry direct from our own Summer Training Programme.
As the final pair ran in the hunt-up and participants moved back towards the vehicles the clouds broke and warm summer sun dried the soggy coats. Generous members had provided ample prizes for the Raffle of which a beautiful hand-made stick donated by Ian Wyler was the first to go and raised £90 in aid of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society. By a consensus of committee members present, this was supplemented from Club funds to make a contribution of £150 to this worthwhile and respected charity.
Prizes were awarded as follows:
1st Mrs V Brookes : Gannowfell Truth Will Out. ESS
who also took the Novice Handler award
2nd Ms M McNally: Nederscot McMinnie. ESS
3rd Mr J Pascoe: Trewonnal Flake. ESS
4th Mr C Jones: Glynebwy Marley. ESS
COM Mr G Dibble: Quailbank Hogan. CS
COM Mr A Wickett: Uppacott Rumba. ESS
The club gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors Skinners, our hosts Julie Kelvie and John Mackeldon and the Judges, stewards, dummy-throwers and other helpers without whom none of our events would be possible.