Usk Valley Working Gundog Club · Variety Retriever, the first trial being run in 2010. As a club it still relates to its original concept, that of providing training for its membership

Usk Valley Working Gundog Club

ID 718

Newsletter 2018 Version 1

History of the Usk Valley Working Gundog Club

The Usk Valley Working Gundog Club was formed, as with many other clubs, by a few individuals interested in training their dogs to a reasonable standard. The 'roots' of the Club were planted back in the early 1990's when two couples, Ron and Barbara Hempstead and Pat and Howard Williams, met every week to train their dogs. These 'training sessions' took place on Ron and Barbara's ground at Cobblers Plain, which is not too far from Chepstow. As the weeks and months passed so the 'training sessions' became more popular, expanding to such a level that the 'founders' decided a club should be formed. The club was formed and the inaugural meeting was held on Sunday, 29th March 1992, where the first committee was elected from those 'members' present at The Carpenters Arms in Llanishen, near Chepstow. The club was then registered with the Kennel Club, and at the time boasted some 50 members. The first Chairman was Ron Hempstead, the Treasurer was Pat Williams and the Secretary was Julie Hanks. From that humble beginning the club has gone from strength to strength and now has a membership approaching 550. The Club was awarded field trial status in 1996 and ran its first Novice Retriever and Spaniel Trials the same year. In 2003 the Club ran its first Open Field Trial for Spaniels, followed in 2004 with its first one day Open for Any Variety Retriever. In 2009 the Club was granted permission to run its first 2 day Open for Any Variety Retriever, the first trial being run in 2010. As a club it still relates to its original concept, that of providing training for its membership. In the early days well-known trainers would be invited to come along to the club’s ground and give training lessons; these training events are as popular with the membership today as they were a decade or so ago.

Polite Reminder

Please can all members ensure that they are paying the correct membership fee, which was increased in March 2011 as follows;

Single: £10.00 Joint: £12.00 Juniors (under 18): £ 1.00 Gamekeepers: £ 1.00

If you currently have a standing order set up for your annual subscription, please can you ensure that it is amended to reflect the above fees? Any member who is paying the incorrect fee will be classed as a non-member when entering our events. Please can you also ensure that all contact details to include address, telephone number and email address are up to date. Please also note that Membership must be paid in full by 30th June 2018 to have preference in the draw for field trials. If full payment is not received by 30th June 2018, entries will be classed as non-members. Treasurer / Membership Secretary:

Mrs S. Forrest Lower House Shirenewton Nr.Chepstow Monmouthshire NP16 6AQ

01291 641383 Thank you for your continued support in this matter.

Chairman’s Report

Dear Members, It is an honour to be Chairman of Usk Valley Working Gundog Club and a pleasure to work alongside our hard working Committee members who once again organised a busy year of events which included: Retriever Working Tests, Spaniel Working Tests, Two AV Novice Retriever Field Trials, A Two-day AV Open Retriever Trial, a Novice AV Spaniel Field Trial, an Open ESS Spaniel Field Trial, Retriever and Spaniel Training Classes, Gundog Demonstrations at Monmouth and Usk Show and a Dog First Aid Course - a very busy year indeed and the schedule of events for 2018 has been published within this newsletter, but please visit our website for the most regular updates; www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk . I would like to thank the hard working Committee for their ongoing support and commitment to the Club and we all look forward to another successful year. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Committee Members, David Thomas, Simon Kirby, Nick Price, Steve Erasmus and Rhys Carpenter a very warm welcome to you all. In time honoured tradition my report is full of thank you’s. Thank you very much to the Hosts and Gamekeepers who have generously supported the Club by allowing the Club to run events on their land. Thank you very much to the Judges and thank you to Skinners Dog Food for generously supporting all of our events and to BASC for their generous sponsorship of the Field Trials. I would like to thank Iris Wright who volunteers to take on the role of Chief Steward at our Retriever Field Trials ensuring the Trials run smoothly - thank you Iris. This year we had a new volunteer, Karen McCarthy who very kindly took on the role of Chief Steward at one of our Novice Retriever Field Trials - thank you Karen very much. As we all know events cannot be organised without willing volunteer helpers, thank you all very much for generously giving up your time. The Club activities always need helpers, often behind the scenes but all vitally important to the successful running of the events. This can be, for new members especially, an excellent way of actually seeing what is required from both you and your dog to compete successfully. If you are interested in helping in any way please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our Committee. Thank you Sonja our Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Sonja does a wonderful job looking after the clubs funds and membership and is always available to give me help and support.

http://www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk/

Thank you to Trudy Hiller who is not only our Secretary, she also looks after our website and social media pages, keeping you all informed of our events and results as well as producing our newsletter and is always to hand to give me help and support. Thank you to Craig Perry our Retriever Field Trial Secretary who organised three very successful trials and during the organisation of our Trials still managed to qualify his dog Todd for the IGL, a very busy season for Craig. Unfortunately Craig is stepping down from the FT Secretary role but will be continuing on the Committee, we wish Craig every success. Our new FT Secretary is Nick Price, many of you may have met Nick at one of the events, please join me in wishing Nick every success in his new role. Thank you very much to Johnny Morris who organised the Retriever Working Tests and the Retriever Training Classes. Unfortunately Johnny is stepping down from these roles going forward but I am pleased to say he is remaining on the Committee. Johnny, as you all know, is always at all the events if not organising he is helping so we will all continue to see Johnny in the foreseeable future - thank you Johnny very much. Thank you very much to David Thomas for organising the Gundog Demonstrations and thank you to everyone who participated. David is taking on the role in 2018 as Retriever Working Test Secretary, organising the Retriever Training and the Gundog Demonstrations please join me in wishing David every success in his new roles. Thank you to Alan Willis for organising the Spaniel Training Classes. I know we have a lot of interest for the 2018 classes already so another busy season is on the cards for Alan. Thank you to Jane Stenner for organising the Spaniel Working Tests and for being our Chief Steward at our Spaniel Field Trials and with my Spaniel FT Secretary hat on I would like to thank everyone who helped at the Spaniel Field Trials making the two Trials enjoyable events for everyone. Every year I ask for your feedback from you, our Members, so we can tailor events to suit as many as possible. We took on board your feedback and I am very pleased to welcome to the Committee, Simon Kirby, as HPR Working Test/Training Co-ordinator for HPR's. I know Simon is working on a timetable of events for our HPR members and we look forward to welcoming new HPR members to these events. If you have any suggestions on future events or how we can improve those already in place, or if there is anything that you would like to see on our web-site or Facebook page please contact either myself or one of the Committee. Wishing you and your dogs an enjoyable summer.

Best regards

Debra Bird

Secretary’s Report

Usk Valley Working Gundog Club has had another successful year in membership growth, working test and field trial events and our demonstrations. None of this would have been possible without the support and dedication of our officers and committee, our members and competitors, volunteers, landowners, judges, guns and sponsors. On behalf of everyone involved in the Club in one way or another, I would like to extend our thanks to our Chairman, Debra Bird, who has done a fantastic job overseeing the running of the club and helped me and many others out endlessly. THANK YOU DEB.

2017 has seen a few changes within the committee and a few more to follow in 2018.

VICE CHAIRMAN Mr. Mike Shukman resigned from his role as Vice Chairman and the role has been taken on by Dr. Richard Price. SPANIEL WORKING TEST SECRETARY: Mr Glyn Hillier resigned from his role as Spaniel WT Secretary and the role was taken on by Ms Jane Stenner. RETRIEVER WORKING TEST SECRETARY: Mr Tyrone Axford (Sarge) resigned from his role as Retriever WT Secretary and more recently within the Committee. We are thankful to Sarge for all his time, effort and support over the last few years and wish him every success in the future. This role was temporarily taken on by Mr Johnny Morris and from 2018 will see Mr David Thomas take on the acting role, supported by Johnny. RETRIEVER FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY: At the end of 2017 season, Mr Craig Perry made a heavy hearted decision to resign from his role as Retriever FT Secretary. The Acting Retriever FT Secretary role will be taken on by Mr Nick Price who we wish the very best of luck. HPR WORKING TEST SECRETARY: Further to many requests from our members, we are pleased to announce and welcome Mr Simon Kirby to the committee and also into the role of Acting HPR Working Test Secretary and HPR Training Coordinator. Simon brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and support in the HPR sector and we look forward to supporting him with the growth of this role. OFFICIAL TRAINER: Mr Glyn Hillier resigned from his role as Official Trainer and also the committee due to personal commitments. The role has been fulfilled by Mr Alan Willis, who is a long standing committee

member of the Club and will specialise in Spaniel Training. Mr David Thomas, supported by Mr Steve Erazmus will coordinate and run the Retriever Training and Mr Simon Kirby will provide us with HPR Training. RESIGNATIONS: Further to the above resignations, we have also seen Mr Darren Smith, Mrs Jill Bowler, Mr Nigel Probert, Mr Don Elson and Mr Tyrone Axford resign from the committee during 2017.

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS: We have had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Russ Woodward, Mr David Thomas, Mrs Pat Williams onto the committee and Mr Simon Kirby, Mr Steve Erasmus, Mr Nick Price and Mr Rhys Carpenter who have been co-opted until the next AGM in May 2018. If anyone has any questions, queries or suggestions for the club, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07763 888177 or email me, [email protected] I am also keen to hear your good news stories and feedback on any of our events that I can publish on our website, in our newsletter and on our social media sites. I wish you all a very successful season and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible again soon.

Best regards

Trudy Hillier

Treasurer’s Report

Once again, at the time of writing my Treasurer’s Report, I cannot produce the definite numbers as to how the Club has done financially over the past membership year, as that year has not quite finished yet – our Club year running from 1st March to 28/29th February. I can, however, with confidence, say that the Club has retained its strong financial position, despite the ever increasing costs of running trials and just about everything else, for that matter. But by careful planning and judiciously deciding on what is important and what is not, the Field Trial and Test Secretaries manage to keep control of the purse strings, while still running challenging and testing competitions. It helps that our tests, which tend to bring in some necessary funds, were, this past year, again well attended, and of course, we ran gundog demonstrations at both the Monmouth and the Usk shows, both of which were well received by the punters, and earned us enough money for there not to be any need at this stage to increase membership fees – which, by the way, still stand at £10 for a single membership and £12 for joint, and are due by 1st March!

mailto:[email protected]

For those of you who would like to see the exact figures for the 2017/18 year, these will be made available at our AGM, which will be held on 14th May, at the Clytha Arms, near Abergavenny, or they can, after that date, obtain them from me, by sending a SAE.

Rests me to say a big ‘thankyou’ to all those who helped to make the past year another successful one for the Club, that is, Committee members, ‘ordinary’ members, landowners who generously allowed us to use their ground for tests and trials, and BASC and Skinners Dogfoods for sponsoring us, where would we be without any of these!

Sonja Forrest January 2018

In this year’s edition:

Officers and Committee

Meet the Team

Dates for your Diary

Annual General Meeting

Training Classes

Working Test Information and Dates

Field Trial Information and Dates

Working Test Results

Field Trial Results

Thank you

Officers & Committee Members (January 2018)

Officers Patron President Vice President Chairman Vice Chairman Honorary Secretary/Webmaster Treasurer / Membership Secretary Acting Retriever Field Trial Secretary Spaniel Field Trial Secretary Acting Retriever Working Test Secretary Spaniel Working Test Secretary Acting HPR Working Test Secretary Official Trainer(s)

The Hon Mrs Legge-Bourke Mrs Gillian Wright Mrs Pat Williams Mrs Debra Bird Dr Richard Price Mrs Trudy Hillier Mrs Sonja Forrest Mr Nicholas Price (co-opt) Mrs Debra Bird Mr David Thomas Ms Jane Stenner Mr Simon Kirby (co-opt) Mr Alan Willis

07989 926925 01531 631229 07763 888177 01291 641383 07583 324581 07989 926925 07852 533009 07932 633148 07792 201874 07932 633148

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Committee Mr Paul Hulin

Mr Haydn Morgan Mr Johnny Morris Mr Julian Price Mr Craig Perry Mr Russ Woodward Mr Steve Erasmus (co-opt) Mr Rhys Carpenter (co-opt) Mrs Pat Williams

01291 689860 01656 646151 01633 485283 01495 233560 07729 477638 07867 902156 07939 586877 07534 959574

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

We currently have two vacancies on the committee. If you are interested in applying, please send an expression of interest to our Chairman, Debra Bird, via email

[email protected] . Minimum of 12 months membership with our club is required.

Your expression should detail current experience that you hold and what you can bring to the club. We look forward to hearing from you.




















For all the latest updates on our news and events within the Club, please continue to check our website www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook.

January 2018 Monday 8th January

Committee Meeting, Clytha Arms, Abergavenny

February 2018 Monday 5th February

Committee Meeting, Clytha Arms, Abergavenny Saturday 17th February

Spaniel Selection Test, Gelligaer Common

March 2018 Sunday 4th March

Retriever Training begins Saturday 24th March

Retriever Working Test, Garn-yr-Ewr, Blaenavon Sunday 25th March

HPR Training begins

April 2018 Friday 6th April

Spaniel Training begins Saturday 24th April

Spaniel Working Test, Clytha Park, Abergavenny

May 2018 Monday 14th May

Committee Meeting followed by AGM, Clytha Arms, Abergavenny

June 2018 Saturday 23rd June

Retriever Working Test, Clytha Park, Abergavenny

July 2018 27th – 29th July inc

Home International & Euro Challenge Competitions, coordinated by Usk Valley WGC at The Game Fair, Warwickshire

August 2018 Saturday 4th August

Retriever Working Test, Big Pit, Blaenavon Monday 6th August

Committee Meeting Saturday 25th August

Spaniel Working Test, Big Pit, Blaenavon

September 2018 Thursday 13th September

Retriever (Novice) Field Trial (Stake 1), Riverside Shoot, Sedbury

October 2018 Tuesday 2nd October

Retriever (Novice) Field Trial (Stake 2), Riverside Shoot, Sedbury Wednesday 17th October

Spaniel (Novice) Field Trial, Riverside Shoot, Sedbury Friday 19th / Saturday 20th October

Retriever (2 Day Open) Field Trial, Riverside Shoot, Sedbury Wednesday 24th October

Spaniel (Open) Field Trial, Riverside Shoot, Sedbury

November 2018 Monday 12th November

Committee Meeting


Notice is hereby given that the

Annual General Meeting of the Usk Valley Working Gundog Club will be held on

Monday, 14th May 2018 at 8.00 pm at Clytha Arms, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 9BW

Election of Committee Members: Members may submit nominations for election to the Committee or for any vacancies that may exist. Current vacancies we have are:

Retriever Field Trial Secretary

Retriever Working Test Secretary

HPR Working Test Secretary

2 committee members One Officer and two Committee members retire by rotation, but are willing to offer themselves for immediate re-election; they are Jane Stenner, Tyrone Axford and Hayden Morgan. Nominations: Members nominated for any of the appointments above must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members of the Club. Nominations must also be accompanied by written consent from the Nominee which must include a brief summary of themselves and an overview detailing their skills or areas of expertise they would you like to share. We currently have a preference for anyone with Retriever or HPR experience that may be able to assist us in growing this provision within the club. Please submit either by email or letter to our Chairman by 6th March 2018 FAO Mrs Debra Bird, Chairman of Usk Valley Working Gundog Club, 7 Heol Isaf, New Inn, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 0QD or alternatively email; [email protected] Agenda: Items for inclusion in the Agenda must reach the Honorary Secretary by 24th April 2018 correctly proposed and seconded. Email: FAO Trudy Hillier, [email protected]



HPR, Retriever and Spaniel Training

We are running XX group(s) per breeding category which will accommodate puppy and novice dogs/handlers. We are able to take a maximum of 8 people per group and you will be required to complete the booking form and submit it with full payment in advance to the first session starting.

Booking forms are available to download by visiting www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk/training.aspx

For each Retriever & Spaniel group we will run 6 SESSIONS in total at a price of £60.00. HPR groups will have 4 x 2hr SESSIONS for £60.00. If paying by cheque, please make payable to "Usk Valley Working Gundog Club". If you wish to pay via BACS, please contact our Treasurer, Sonja Forrest on 01291 641383.

HPR Training: Mr Simon Kirby, 07792 201874, [email protected]

HPR training will commence from Sunday 25th March 2018 from 10.30am at Man Moel, Blackwood. Dates: 25th March, 1st, 8th & 15th April. (We will run new groups every 4 weeks subject to demand) Members will be emailed full confirmation of venues and contacts details on receipt of payment and booking form. Please note training is on a first come first serve basis.

Retriever Training: Mr David Thomas, 07852 533009, [email protected]

Retriever training will commence from Sunday 4th March 2018 from 10am at Coombe Farm. Venue: Coombe Farm, Shirenewton, Chepstow, NP16 6LN Dates: 4th, 11th, 19th, 25th March, 8th, 15th April Members will be emailed full confirmation of venues and contacts details on receipt of payment and booking form. Please note training is on a first come first serve basis.

Spaniel Training: Mr Alan Willis, 07932 633148, [email protected]

Spaniel training will commence from Friday 6th April 2018 from 5:45pm (Meet in Usk Square) Venue: Local to Usk. Dates: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th April, 4th, 11th May Members will be emailed full confirmation of venues and contacts details on receipt of payment and booking form. Please note training is on a first come first serve basis.

http://www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk/training.aspx




USK VALLEY WORKING GUNDOG CLUB (ID 718)

Retriever Working Test Schedule 2018 (To be held under Kennel Club Rules and Gundog Working Test Regulations)

Please note: We no longer accept entries ON THE DAY at Working Tests

Acting Working Test Secretary: Mr David Thomas, 07852 533009

E-mail: [email protected]

to be held at Garn-Yr-Erw, Blaenavon on Saturday 24th March 2018 by kind permission of Mr Steve Williams, Torfaen CBC

Judges: XXXX, XXXX, XXXX

Classes: AM: Novice (9am for 9.30am Start) PM: Open (not before 1pm)

Entry Fees: Members £10.00 per entry, Non-Members £15.00 per entry (please make cheques payable to Usk Valley Working Gundog Club)

Directions: Take the B4248 Blaenavon to Brynmawr Road Postcode: NP4 9RX

Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Closing date for entries: Saturday 10th March 2018

Kindly sponsored by






to be held at Clytha Park, Abergavenny on Saturday 23rd June 2018 by kind permission of Mr Hanbury-Tennison


Classes: AM: Puppy, Novice Dog Novice Handler (9am for 9.30am Start)

PM: Novice (not before 1pm)


Directions: Take the Old Raglan Road (B4598) towards

Abergavenny Postcode: NP7 9BW Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Please respect Mr Hanbury-Tennison wishes do not drive or park on the grass at

this venue and please do not enter via the main entrance. Entrance to the Working Test will be sign posted off the main road.

Closing date for entries: Sunday 10th June 2018

Kindly sponsored by








to be held at Big Pit, Blaenavon on Saturday 4th August 2018 by kind permission of Mr Alan Llewellyn


Classes: AM: Novice (9am for 9.30am Start) PM: Open (not before 1pm)


Directions: M4 follow the brown Tourism signs from J25a (westbound) or

J26 (eastbound). Also, signposted off the A465 at Brynmawr and Abergavenny. On arrival at the visitor car park you will see a road to your right hand side with a white gate, please open the gate (please close it after you) and make your way down the road to the end.

Postcode: NP4 9XP Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Closing date for entries: Sunday 22nd July 2018

Kindly sponsored by


Spaniel Working Test Schedule 2018 (To be held under Kennel Club Rules and Gundog Working Test Regulations)


Working Test Secretary: Ms Jane Stenner, 07810 028522


to be held at Clytha Park, Abergavenny on Saturday 28th April 2018 by kind permission of Mr Hanbury-Tennison

Judges: Mr Nick Davies, Mr Richard Hestletine, Mr Haydn Morgan

Classes: AM: Puppy, Novice (9am for 9.30am Start) PM: Open (not before 1pm)


Directions: Take the Old Raglan Road (B4598) towards

Abergavenny Postcode: NP7 9BW Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Please respect Mr Hanbury-Tennison wishes do not drive or park on the grass at

this venue and please do not enter via the main entrance. Entrance to the Working Test will be sign posted off the main road.

Closing date for entries: Saturday 14th April 2018

Kindly sponsored by




Spaniel Working Test Schedule 2018 (To be held under Kennel Club Rules and Gundog Working Test Regulations)


Working Test Secretary: Ms Jane Stenner, 07810 028522


to be held at Big Pit, Blaenavon on Saturday 25th August 2018 by kind permission of Mr Alan Llewellyn




Directions: M4 follow the brown Tourism signs from J25a (westbound) or

J26 (eastbound). Also, signposted off the A465 at Brynmawr and Abergavenny. On arrival at the visitor car park you will see a road to your right hand side with a white gate, please open the gate (please close it after you) and make your way down the road to the end.

Postcode: NP4 9XP Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Closing date for entries: Saturday 11th August 2018

Kindly sponsored by


HPR Working Test Schedule 2018 (To be held under Kennel Club Rules and Gundog Working Test Regulations)


Acting Working Test Secretary: Mr Simon Kirby, 07792 201874


to be held at XXXXX, XXXXX on XXXXX by kind permission of XXXXXXXX



Entry Fees: Members £10.00 per entry, Non-Members £15.00 per entry

(please make cheques payable to Usk Valley Working Gundog Club)

Directions: Postcode: XXXXXX Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Closing date for entries: XXXXX

Kindly sponsored by



AV Retriever, Spaniels and HPR Working Tests 2018

Please refer to the website for Working Test dates and locations before sending off any forms to the Working Test Secretaries

The Schedule for ALL Working Tests will be as follows:

Definitions:

JUNIOR HANDLER: Is a handler under the age of 14 yrs on the day of the test.

PUPPY: Is a dog less than 18 months of age on the day of the test.

NOVICE DOG NOVICE HANDLER: Confined to dogs and handlers that have not gained an award in a working Test or Field Trial

NOVICE: Confirmed to dogs that have not gained a place or CoM in a Field Trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Open GWT or 1st in a Novice GWT

OPEN: Open to all dogs although preference will be given to those dogs that have gained an award in a field trial, been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Open KC GWT or won a Novice KC GWT.

Meeting Times:

Junior Handler, Puppy, Novice Dog Novice Handler and Novice competitors will be able to register from 9.00am on the day of the test, in preparation for a 9.30am start.

Open competitors will not be able to register before lunch, approx. 1.00pm on the day of the test.

Entry Fees:

Members £10.00, Non-Members £15.00 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLUB WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT ENTRIES ON THE DAY

Entry Forms:

Can be downloaded from the Usk Valley website, www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk

Please remember to put the date of the Test on the top of the Entry Form, and send to:-

RETRIEVERS: David Thomas, 6 Clos Croseo, Usk, Monmouthshire NP15 1AZ 07852 533009 or [email protected]

SPANIELS: Ms Jane Stenner, Underhill, Kelly’s Lane, Tidenham, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7LY 07810 028522 or [email protected]

HPR: Mr Simon Kirby, 15 Park Street, Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF39 0DH. 07792 201874 or [email protected]






Spaniel Selection Test

Saturday 17th February 2018 at Gelligaer Common, CF82 8FU

by kind permission of Mr Jamie Bettinson

The results of the selection test will determine the team who will go on to represent Usk Valley Working Gundog Club in the Skinners Inter-Club Team

Working Test on 14th April 2018 at Byrd’s Retreat.

The team will consist of 2 novice dogs (as per field trial) and 2 open dogs (as per field trial).

Judges: Mr Mark Bettinson & Mr Steven Erasmus.

Entry Fees: No entry fees are applicable.

Entry Form: Are available to download on our website; www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk/workingtests.aspx Please note we will not be accepting entries on the day.

Postcode: CF82 8FU Club signs will be out from 08:30 on the day.

Closing Date: Saturday 10th February 2018.

If you would like any further information, please contact Mr Steve Erasmus on 07939 586877 or email [email protected]

http://www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk/workingtests.aspx



FIELD TRIAL DATES FOR DIARY *Full schedules will be available once approved by the Kennel Club*

Stake: Novice (Any Variety) Retriever, 14 dogs

Date: Thursday 13th September 2018 Venue: Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7ET Entry Fee: Members £35.00 per dog Non-members £60.00 per dog Entries: Paper entries close First Post Monday 27th August 2018 (in hand, not postmark) On-line entries close Midnight on Wednesday 29th August 2018 Draw: The draw will take place Thursday 30th August 2018 at 18:00hrs. The draw will automatically

be performed by the Fosse Data System.

Stake: Novice (Any Variety) Retriever, 14 dogs

Date: Tuesday 2nd October 2018 Venue: Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7ET Entry Fee: Members £35.00 per dog Non-members £60.00 per dog Entries: Paper entries close First Post Saturday 15th September 2018 (in hand, not postmark) On-line entries close Midnight on Monday 17th September 2018 Draw: The draw will take place Tuesday 18th September 2018 at 18:00hrs. The draw will

automatically be performed by the Fosse Data System.

Stake: 2 Day Open (AV) Retriever, 24 dogs

Date: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th October 2018 Venue: Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7ET

Entry Fee: Members £55.00 per dog Non-members £70.00 per dog Entries: Paper entries close First Post Monday 24th September 2018 (in hand, not postmark) On-line entries close Midnight on Thursday 27th September 2018 Draw: The draw will take place on Friday 28th September 2018 at 18:00hrs. The draw will


Stake: Novice (Any Variety) Spaniel, 16 dogs Date: Wednesday 17th October 2018 Venue: Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7ET Entry Fee: Members £35.00 per dog Non-members £60.00 per dog Entries: Paper entries close First Post Saturday 29th September 2018 (in hand, not postmark) On-line entries close Midnight on Tuesday 2nd October 2018 Draw: The draw will take place on Wednesday 3rd October 2018 at 18:00hrs. The draw will


Stake: Spaniel AV [Excluding Spaniel (Cocker)] Open, (16 dogs)

Date: Wednesday 24th October 2018 Venue: Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7ET Entry Fee: Members £35.00 per dog Non-members £60.00 per dog Entries: Paper entries First Post Saturday 6th October 2018 (in hand, not postmark) On-line entries close Midnight on Tuesday 9th October 2018. Draw: The draw will take place on Wednesday 10th October 2018 at 18:00hrs. The draw will


Please Note: Membership must be paid in full by 30th June 2018 to have preference in the draw for the Field Trials. If full payment is not received by 30th June 2018, entries will be classed as non-member. The result of the draw will be communicated to all entrants by email and to those who have enclosed a stamped self-addressed envelope (SAE) for the purpose.

Please refer to Usk Valley Working Gundog Conditions of Entry for further information.

USK VALLEY WORKING GUNDOG CLUB

ID 718

FIELD TRIALS CONDITIONS OF ENTRY 2018 DEFINITIONS OF STAKES

J3.d.(1) Open: A Stake in which dogs have the opportunity of gaining a qualification towards the title of Field Trial Champion and towards entry in the Championship or Championship Stake for its breed; in which entry is open to all dogs of a specific breed or breeds except that such Stakes may not be confined to Any Variety Spaniel [except Spaniel (English) and Spaniel (Cocker]. It may be limited to a prescribed number of runners (J4 refers), in which case these shall be decided by a draw conducted in accordance with Regulation J7i so that preference is given to previous performance.

J3.d.(3) Novice: A Stake which is confined to dogs which have not gained a place that would qualify them for first preference in the draw for Open Stakes…

PREFERENCE IN THE DRAW FOR OPEN STAKES:

J7.i (1) Retrievers -

A First, Second, Third or Fourth in a 24 Dog Open Stake. First,

Second or Third in a 12 Dog Open Stake. First in All Aged or Novice Stakes. J7.i (2) Spaniels –; A First, Second or Third in an Open Stake or a First in an All Aged or Novice Stakes To qualify for preference in the draw in an Open Spaniel Stake, the dog must have gained the appropriate places in a Stake open to its breed.

J7.j: Preference in the draw for Open Stakes will be given to club members’ in the following order

(1) Members’ dogs which have gained places as shown above.

(2) Non-members’ dogs which have gained places as

shown above

(3) Members’ dogs which have gained other places

(4) Non-members’ dogs which have gained other places

(5) Others dogs

The foregoing places must have been gained in a Stake qualifying for entry in the Kennel Club Limited Stud Book. If a competitor enters more than one similarly qualified dog his first ‘preferred dog’ must be balloted for in the normal manner. ‘Second and Subsequent dogs must then be placed in separate ballots before entries are drawn from other categories’. CONDITIONS

1. All Field Trials will be conducted in accordance with the Kennel

Club Limited Field Trial Regulations (section J) together with

these Conditions and the Rules of the Usk Valley Working

Gundog Club. Dogs must be registered at the Kennel Club Limited

in the name of the owners, or joint owners prior to the closing

date for entries. Owners who have applied for change of

registration (name or ownership) prior to entry date can also apply for a run. All owners must be fully paid up members of the

Club. Joint owners will be considered the same as single

ownership with regards to preference in the draws. All dogs

resident outside the UK must be issued with a Kennel club

Authority to Compete number before entry to the event can be

made. All overseas entries without an Authority to Compete

number will be returned to the competitor.

2. All persons attending the Field Trial must consider themselves

under the control of the Judges and Chief Steward of the Club.

They must be dressed appropriately and conduct themselves

according to shooting field practices and traditions.

3. Should circumstances dictate, the Club in consultation with the

Judges may alter the Trial arrangements as necessary. Such

changes and the circumstances surrounding them will be

reported to the Kennel Club Limited at the earliest opportunity.

4. The order of running in the trial is the order of the draw. All dogs and handlers must be present at the ‘commencement’ of the Trial, as announced by the Chief Steward. Those who are not present will forfeit their run and their number will be allocated to the next available reserve(s). If exceptional circumstances prevail this will be dealt with in accordance with to Kennel Club Limited Field Trial Regulation J9b (1).

5. Substitution may be allowed up to 7 days before a Trial. Open

Stakes will require similarly qualified dogs.

6. Judges at a trial are prohibited from entering a dog which is

recorded in their ownership or part ownership.

7. After an applicant has been successful in the draw for a place in

the Stake, or as a reserve has accepted an offer of a run, if the

run is not taken up the applicant may become liable for the full

entry fee if his or her place is not taken up by another competitor except;

(1) Where the applicant has qualified out of Novice Stakes

(where applicable) or,

(2) Where the dog drawn to run has qualified for the

championship after entries have closed or,

(3) On the production of a veterinary certificate confirming that the dog entered for the stake is unfit to compete or,

(4) On production of a medical certificate that the applicant or

the applicants nominated handler is unable to compete (J7f).

We would request any withdrawal

BE DONE BY TELEPHONE NOT BY EMAIL.

8. If a member enters more than one dog for a Trial, the name of

the dog in Box 1 of the REGISTERED NAME OF DOG section of

the Field Trial Entry Form will be taken as their first ‘preference’. The draw will be conducted in accordance with Regulation J7j.

9. Members may make separate entries for each of the Novice

Stakes but having been successful in one, even having refused

the run, will rank below other unsuccessful members for any

other Novice Stake that season.

10. It is at the discretion of the Club to confine the handling of dogs

to one dog per owner unless the trial is under subscribed. Only

the handler whose name appears on the official entry form may

handle the dog on the day.

11. The date, place and time of the draw will be as published in the

Field Trial Schedule. No modification may be made to the schedule after publication except by permission of the Kennel

Club Limited, followed by advertisement in appropriate journals

if time permits before the closing of entries.

12. Any dog suffering from any infectious or contagious disease must

not be brought to the trial ground (as required by entry declaration). Usk Valley Working Gundog Club recommends that

competing dogs are fully vaccinated.

13. Bitches in season must not be brought to the trial ground.

14. If notification of the Draw is required by post please include a

large stamped addressed envelope with your entry.

15. Completed entry forms must be received by the Hon. Field Trial

Secretary by the closing date. An incorrect fee or illegible entry will be returned, the applicant must then re-apply. The Club

reserves the right to refuse any entry.

16. Field Trial entries can be made on-line via

www.ft.fossedata.co.uk. We will still accept paper-based entries.

17. Please also note that Membership must be paid in full by 30th

June 2017 to have preference in the draw for field trials. If full

payment is not received by 30th June 2017, entries will be classed as non-members.

18. All trophies are held for one year and it is the recipient’s

responsibility to ensure the safe return to the Club in good time for the following year’s Trial. The recipient is responsible for any

engraving required and must return the trophy in the condition it

was received.

19. Once the Trial is deemed to have commenced (as announced by

the Chief Steward) all mobile phones must remained switched

off or put into silent mode.

20. Failure to return arm bands will incur a fine of £20.00

21. The Club accepts no responsibility for injury, loss or damage to person or property however occasioned.

22. DOGS IN CARS ON HOT DAYS – Your dog is vulnerable and AT RISK if left in a vehicle in high temperatures and even on days

considered as slightly warm. Please take care of your dog. If

your dog is found to be at risk forcible entry to your vehicle may be necessary without liability for any damage caused.

23. Welfare of Dogs – A competitor whose dog is entered at the

Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to

ensure the needs of their dog (s) are met, and should not knowingly

put their dogs health and welfare at risk by any action, default,

omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred

to the General Committee for disciplinary action under Kennel Club

Rules and Regulations.

http://www.ft.fossedata.co.uk/

WORKING TEST RESULTS 2017

Spaniel Working Test, Clytha, Abergavenny Saturday 4th March 2017

PUPPY & NOVICE WINNERS OPEN WINNERS

Thank you Neil Brookman for the photos.

Thank you to Mr Jack Hanbury-Tennison for kindly permitting Usk Valley to host their Spaniel Working Test at Clytha, Abergavenny. Thank you to our judges, Mr Jeff Ayres and Mr Kevin John. Thank you to Jane Stenner our working test secretary, our dummy throwers and all other helpers on the day. Thank you to our competitors and members who continue to support our club, enabling us to host such great events. If you have any feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Congratulations to all our award winners, the results on the day were as follows;

PUPPY

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM COM COM

Barcudwen Molly Barcudwen Mambo Barcudwen Rocket Skirrid Fawr Casper Duberville Dash Cippin Osprey Lynchside Shikra

Aled Jones Aled Jones Aled Jones John Pearce Jonathan Stephens Steve Jones Rhys Carpenter

NOVICE OPEN

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Pendaran By Halia Kentridecim Whispa Girl Barr Boyd Jack Spratt

Sarah Gazey Sue Bailey B James

1st 2nd 3rd COM COM COM

Cleopatra's Smile Kirstzo Paperwork Writer Gatekeeper Joy Kentelv Knight of Tynybryn Carnival Willow Peacock Girl of Lynchside

Chris Williams Phil Sayce Steven Erasmus B James Phil Sayce Neil Turner

Retriever Working Test, Garn-Yr-Erw Lakes, Blaenavon

Saturday 25th March 2017

What a great day we have had today at our first Retriever Working Test of the season. A fantastic turnout from our competitors and thank you to all those that have shown their support to one and other and the club.

Thank you to Steve Williams of Torfaen County Borough Council for allowing us permission to use the grounds at Garn-Yr-Erw Lakes, to our working test secretary - Johnny Morris, our judges - Brian Gregory, Roger Colver, Tyrone Axford & Glyn Hillier. To Deb and Abi on administration and refreshments, to Mo for stewarding and to all our helpers and dummy throwers who provided support throughout the day.

Four tests to include one over water resulted in the awards being given as follows:

PUPPY

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM COM

Stykesboy Shooting Star Frynongain Buzzard Stykesboy Taff the Tranch Vamp Clover Swift Lands Austin Roxhart Trinca of Frizelwood

Paul Clark Mike Jones Paul Hobbs Jane Middle Ellena Nunneley Simon Pullin

NOVICE

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM

Stauntonvale Buckwheat of Llangynidr Trefoel Cerys Fordbank Oaksey Copperbirch Boss of Llangynidr Howgillhay Fennel of Gillhays

Nigel Probert Kevin Lewis Paul Green Nigel Probert Debbie Polley

OPEN

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM

Slipside Danzy Jones Cynhinfa Jarman of Wauniago Luisenga Highland Lad Stykesboy Llangynidr Slipside Ebony

Nigel Probert Mike Jones Paul Hobbs Hayden Willmott Paul Green

Retriever Working Test, Clytha Park, Abergavenny

Saturday 10th June 2017

Thank you very much to the Judges, Mr Roger Tozer, Mr Dick Stanley, Mr Julian Price, Mr Nigel Probert and Mr Tyrone Axford. Thank you to our Working Test Secretary, Mr Johnny Morris, Debra Bird for the administration and to everyone who helped on the day with dummy throwing, stewarding and providing ongoing refreshments - without your help we would not be able to hold events like this.

A big thank you to Mr Hanbury-Tennison for permitting us to use his grounds again, a favourite with the club and our members. Thank you to Skinners for sponsoring the prizes. Results on the day:

PUPPY


Roxhart Tinca of Frizelwood Kaliture Red Pepper Waterford Jaipur Afon River Kaliture Neros Flame Moonflow Night

Simon Pullin Lucy Mixture Claire Raymond A J Fisher David Gooding John Derrick

NOVICE DOG NOVICE HANDLER

1st 2nd 3rd

Ffynongain Alf Ffynongain Arthur Snoop Dog Ballsbrake

Derrick King Derrick King Julian Morgan

NOVICE

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Briabar Flaming Finale Consgrove of Sollershope Saunders Roe Princess Manormynd Vision of Wickmoore

Trish Constantine Veronica Harris Merv Newnes Miss M Cox

OPEN

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM

Llangunwood Storm Slipside Ebony Kaliture Cathmor Artistryn Usain Morgies Missy

Barney Williams Paul Green David Gooding Roger Colver David Thomas

Spaniel Working Test, Big Pit, Blaenavon

Saturday 19th August 2017

Judges: Andrew Faulkner, Richard Biggs, Haydn Morgan Congratulations to our Award Winners and thank you to the Competitors for entering and supporting the day. Thank you to our landowner, dummy throwers, stewards, catering team and all those that gave the club a hand on the day. The results are:

PUPPY

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM

Lynchside Skikra Donna Chaidh Black Charm Ozbecka Apache Donna Chaid Black Opal Shelispooncometh the Hour

Rhys Carpenter John Robertson Matt Jones John Robertson Stuart Lewis

NOVICE


Barcudwen Molly Lynchside Shikra Clentohill Dutch of Countryways Durberville Dash Vodka on Ice Kings Oak Flyer

Aled Jones Rhys Carpenter Julie Thatcher Jonathan Stephens Christopher Williams Rhys Carpenter

OPEN

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Gatekeeper Joy Carnival Willow Gatekeeper Outlaw Cazakara Flawless Whisper

Steven Erasmus Phil Smith Alan Willis John Robertson

COM COM

Clippyn Osprey Skirrid Fawn Casper

Steve Jones J Peace

Retriever Working Test, Big Pit, Blaenavon

Saturday 12th August 2017

Bella Brown (NDNH), Elizabeth Davis (NOVICE), Haydn Willmott (PUPPY), Lisa Harris (OPEN)

Judges: Mr Mike Larkin, Mr Brian Gregory, Mr Craig Perry, Mr Julian Price, Mrs Debbie Polley and Mrs Laurie Pittaway. Thank you very much to the landowner for allowing us to hold our working test and a huge thank you to our judges. Many thanks to our working test secretary Mr Johnny Morris for organising the day, thank you very much to our helpers and dummy throwers without whom we could not hold our events. Congratulations to our Award Winners and thank you to the Competitors for entering and supporting the day. The results are:

PUPPY


Stykesboy Lighting Roxhart Red Rum Westmacott Jagger Stykesboy Taff the Tranch Kaliture Heros Flame Roxhart Trinca of Frizelwood

Haydn Willmott Trish Constantine Mark Stevens Paul Hobbs David Godding Simon Pullin

NOVICE DOG NOVICE HANDLER

1st 2nd

Neville Briar Emmanual Ffynongain Trigges

Bella Brown John Williams

NOVICE


Willowyck Harry Roxhart Aquene Jobeshill Blue Nile Cheweky Moterey Jack Consgrove at Sollershope Lannakers Orchid

Elizabeth Davis Deana Cornforth Desiree Hurenkamp Roy Morris Veronica Harris John Lysyj

OPEN

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM

Gortons Blackthorn Lad of Hawksthorn Kaliture Cathmor Hickorywood Heart of Gold Stykesboy of Llangynidr Wyenor Golden Delicious

Lisa Harris David Godding Annette Shearman Haydn Willmott Ian Waddington

FIELD TRIAL RESULTS 2017 Kindly sponsored by

Thank you to all our members and competitors who continued to support Usk Valley Working Gundog Club during the 2017 Field Trial Season.

Results of our Retriever and Spaniel Field Trials are now available on our website and are also detailed below.

Our season has come to an end for this year, but we wish you all every success for the continuation of your trialling season.

Thank you to Colin Markey and his team of guns who have provided us with great ground and opportunities, thank you to all our helpers and

supporters who without, we could not run our events. Most importantly, thank you to Debra Bird and Craig Perry, our Field Trial Secretaries, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of our trials before,

during and after the events. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in 2018.

Kind Regards

Usk Valley Committee and Officers

Novice (AV) Spaniel Field Trial held at Riverside Shoot

by kind permission of Mr Colin Markey Wednesday 18th October 2017

Judges were Mr A Badger and Mr P Williams, Chief Steward Mrs J Stenner

On behalf of the Committee we would like to thank our judges Mr Badger and Mr Williams, Mr Markey for allowing us to hold the trial on fabulous ground, thank you to the guns for their generous support and thank you to BASC and Skinners for their on-going sponsorship. Thank you to everyone who helped, we appreciate you giving up your time and thank you to the Competitors, who continue to support the Club with your entries for our trials. Congratulations to everyone in the awards, results are:

AWARD REGISTERED NAME OF DOG HANDLER

1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH COM COM COM COM

Kirstzo Fergie Tyn-Y-Waun Typhoon Kirstzo Genie Peppercrest Bewitched Pool House Polly Middletor Atlas of Spannerwood Talycoed Mary Festival Bracken

Mr H Morgan Mr J McAndrew Mr R Woodward Mr S Shimwell Nr A Rubery-Jones Mr W Swiggs Mr N Quinn Mr P Smith

Open (AV Spaniel except Spaniel {Cocker}) Field Trial held at Riverside Shoot by kind permission of Mr Colin Markey on Wednesday 25th October 2017

Judges Mr D Lloyd and Mr S Jones, Chief Steward Mrs J Stenner

On behalf of the Committee we would like to thank our Judges, Mr M Lloyd and Mr Jones, thank you to Colin Markey and his team of guns for their continued support over fabulous grounds, thank you to BASC and Skinners for their sponsorship, thank you to all our competitors who continue to enter and support our trials. Without you we would be able to run successful events. Finally, a huge thank you to Debra Bird, our Field Trial Secretary who has worked continuously behind the scenes and on the day to ensure that you all get the experience expected at a field trial event. This is the closure of our field trial season for 2017, but we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible again in 2018 and wish you every success. The results were;

AWARD REGISTERED NAME OF DOG HANDLER

1st 2nd 3rd 4th COM COM COM COM COM

Deepfleet Sanchez Sprinervill Rosie Gill Carnival Willow Phortaigh Dair of Countryways Buccleuch Gracie Rushbrook Willow Raging Roxy Bucklawren Luna of Stockingford Helmsway Harkila

Mr P Avery Mr Thurston-Woolnough Mr P Smith Ms A Perrett Mr S Shimwell Mr R Bindfoff Mr J Thompson Mr M Stanbury Mr D Holmes

Novice (AV) Retriever Stake 1

held at Riverside Shoot by kind permission of Mr Colin Markey on Monday 11th September 2017

Thank you to our Judges; Mr B Gregory, Mr N Coates, Mr T Axford and Mr K Lewis. Thank you to our helpers to include catering, game carriers, picker up, stewards and flag marshals. Thank you to our Field Trial Secretary, Mr Craig Perry. Thank you to Mr Colin Markey and his team of guns and finally thank you to all our competitors for entering and supporting our field trials.

The results are:

Award Registered Name of Dog Handler

1st 2nd 3rd COM COM & Gun's Choice

Turpingreen Aluna of Corsemalzie Hawksrigg Balgaire of Meonvalley Willowyck Harry Swiftlands Dora Hummer of the Spring Cottage

Mrs C Probert Ms SJ Miles Miss E Davies Miss E Nunneley Mrs E Bos

Novice (AV) Retriever Stake 2

held at Riverside Shoot by kind permission of Mr Colin Markey on Tuesday 3rd October 2017

Thank you to our Judges; Mr C Brain, Mr D Brown, Mr M Gould and Mr C Perry. Thank you to our helpers to include catering, game carriers, picker up, stewards and flag

marshals. Thank you to our Field Trial Secretary, Mr Craig Perry. Thank you to Mr Colin Markey and his team of guns and finally thank you to all our competitors for

entering and supporting our field trials.

The results are:


3rd & Gun's Choice Laggengill Dawn Mr L Jackson

2-Day Open (AV) Retriever Field Trial, held at Riverside Shoot by kind permission of Mr

Colin Markey on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st October 2017

Thank you to our judges, Mr B Gregory, Mr C Brain, Mrs T Salaman and Mrs L Harris. Thank you also to Mrs Iris Wright who was our Chief Steward.

Congratulations to all our award winners, the results are:


1st 2nd 3rd 4th

FTCH Woodash Sky of Valleyend Ardmuir Field Pansy Diglake Jasmin Waysgreen Comet

Mrs Taylor Mrs Hankey Mrs Scott Mrs Reynolds

Thank you to Mr Colin Markey for allowing us to hold the Trial on fabulous grounds, thank you to the Guns for their generous support and thank you to BASC and Skinners for their ongoing sponsorship.

Thank you to everyone who helped, we appreciate your time and thank you to the Competitors for supporting the Club with your entries to our trials.

Lastly but not least, a very big thank you to Craig Perry, our Field Trail Secretary who has worked tirelessly ensuring the Trials have been the great success that they have been. We are very grateful.

Usk Valley Working Gundog Club would once again like to thank Skinners Dog Foods for their continued

sponsorship of our events!

For membership or further information and entry forms for the 2018 working tests and field trials, please visit;

www.uskvalleyworkinggundogclub.co.uk Thank you to all our members who have continued support Usk Valley Working Gundog grow from strength to strength. We could not do it alone without you.

We wish you every success for the next season and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

Usk Valley Working Gundog Club Committee & Officers

If any of our members have success stories and/or photos they would like to share, feedback on our events or would like to register

their interest in participating in any of our demonstration events, please email Trudy Hillier at [email protected]



Documents

Usk Valley Working Gundog Club · Variety Retriever, the first trial being run in 2010. As a club it still relates to its original concept, that of providing training for its membership