VETERAN, NOVICE & OPEN GUNDOG WORKING TEST FOR A/V RETRIEVER
SUNDAY, 26 MAY 2024 AT BUSK HILL FARM, WESTOW
By kind permission of Mr James Needler
The beautiful views of the Yorkshire Wolds greeted us yesterday at Busk Hill Farm, Westow – what a spot. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control we found ourselves a couple of judges down. However, not to be deterred and with a bit of good humoured “arm twisting” new judges were sourced and it was with great enthusiasm they were taken off by James Needler (our lovely landowner) to devise the tests for the day.
Judging the Veteran, Novice and Open Tests were John Day and Clair Carvis. Joining them in the morning for the Veteran and Novice Tests were Jason Barnes and Liz Robinson.
Dogs and competitors were honoured with the wonders of our British summer weather – rain! That, along with the total lack of any breeze and basically no scent made for some tricky tests which comprised knee high lush grass, fences, sieves and undulating ground. Huge congratulations to all in the awards – following a run-off for 2nd and 3rd the Veteran Results were as follows:
VETERAN:
1st Byland Bonnie handled by Sheila Tait
2nd Routengill Admiral handled by Paul Stogden
3rd Tildaross Acer of Tattney handled by Paul Hasney
4th Routengill Apollo handled by Paul Stogden
I must apologise for the epic fail on my part as I neglected to get a photo of you all – I am so sorry!
Our Novice Awards were given as follows:
NOVICE:
1st Mekoro Pot Luck handled by Jane Pilling
2nd Labdom Jet handled by Alan Lord
3rd Cardueae Dianthus of Tarnedge handled by Eden Parish
4th Christoberry Molly handled by Wendy Donovan
Following a most delicious lunch our Open Test commenced in good time. Judging were again John Day and Claire Carvis with Paul Stogden and Mollie Lord stepping into the breach. Thankfully the weatherman was incorrect in his forecast and instead of the thunder and lightning we were graced with sunshine and a little breeze – hurray!
As in the morning, the tests incorporated fences, sieves, undulating ground, blinds, and long marks but Mr Day ensured they were all rather longer, tougher and more technical – as they should be! I was so fortunate to be able to see all the tests in the afternoon and thought them well thought out and rather enjoyed being a spectator for the afternoon! Following a run-off for 3rd and 4th places the result was as follows:
OPEN:
1st Tarnedge Storm in a Teacup handled by Eden Parish
2nd Cuckavalda Black Bean handled by Sandra Ellis
3rd Hazeloaks Nell handled by Jane Bell
4th Tarnedge Trial Run handled by Eden Parish
Just feel I should point out here this was our second year at Busk Hill and both Tarnedge Storm in a Teacup and Cuckavalda Black Bean did it again in the Open gaining 1st and 2nd places respectively. Huge well done ladies.
To our Judges – John Day, Claire Carvis, Jason Barnes, Liz Robinson, Paul Stogden and Mollie Lord – you were awesome - THANK YOU so much for giving of your time.
Colossal thanks - as always – to all who helped. Those who thought they’d be throwing dummies and ended up judging - you are ALL fabulous and it really doesn’t happen without you. To the rest of the Committee and VYWRC Members – thank you for your support.
For those who did help we hope you have taken advantage of the VYWRC Voucher which gives a free group training session with Eden Parish (to be arranged). These vouchers are also available to all who have helped in our previous working tests this year (Studley and Wyekham).
Thanks to our sponsors – Skinners Pet Foods.
Finally, to James Needler and his family, our host for the day. Not only did you make us so very welcome, but obviously went over and above to prepare the ground, giving a variety of obstacles to include in the tests and if that wasn’t enough you’re a bit of a top dummy thrower too! ….thank you
As always, I truly hope all who attended enjoyed the day – I felt there was a lovely atmosphere and we loo k forward to welcoming you all to our next test to be held at Fimber (Novice including walked-up) on Sunday, 23 June 2024.
Lucy Eggleston
Working Test Secretary
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