Intermediate and Novice AV Retriever Working Tests – 13th June 2026

The second test of 2026 was held at Knaphill Manor Farm, Chobham by kind permission of the Slocock family and their keeper Paul Stevens.  The family and Paul have been friends and supporters of the club for many years and we extend the warmest gratitude to them.

This exceptional ground with its shady woods and grass fields was the perfect setting for 5 challenging tests, set by Colin Pelham, Lisa Murrell and Alan Buckland, and we welcomed a large field of entrants.  The weather was great and handlers and their dogs were able to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Our sincere thanks go to our judges on the day - Martin Bagg, Alan Buckland, Pete Castleman, Joy Venturi Rose and Kirsty Harris.  They certainly demonstrated their stamina in judging nearly 70 dogs.  We are so grateful to them for giving their time and support to the club.

Congratulations go to the following award winners:

Intermediate

1st      The Gunners Challenge Cup – Tanglefield Fig, handled by Clare Jackman

2nd     Stantonvale Dickens, handled by Jill Thorpe

3rd      Folkington Flyte, handled by Sarah Haskoll

4th      Crickmay Ares, handled by Juan Mason

Novice

1st      The Entonlee Trophy – Sunshimmer Hawthorn, handled by Carly Madgwick

2nd     The Hoopwick Trophy – Pixie of the Meadows, handled by Dee Betts

3rd      Gwidigada Bombay Sapphire, handled by Jennifer Thomas

4th      Jubilee Bakewell, handled by Lois Richardson

CoM    Leadburn Faye, handled by Robert Lovegrove

We have the most fantastic team of committee members and helpers on board to help with the organising and running of the tests.  We all appreciate how much work, time and effort goes into putting together a working test and all helping hands are most valued.  Thanks also go to our sponsors - Skinners Dog Food, Silent Pool Gin and Sporting Saint Gundog Equipment for their continued support this year.

Novice Dog-Novice Handler, Special Puppy and Veteran AV Retriever Working Tests – 21st March 2026

The first test of 2026 was held at Deerbridge, Elstead by kind permission of John and Liz Barnes.  The club offers a huge thanks to John and Liz for their longstanding and dedicated support for the club.

We were truly blessed with exceptional weather and fabulous ground on which to challenge and test the three entry classes – Veteran, NDNH and Special Puppy.  We were delighted that the event was so well attended, with over 60 entries, including some newcomers to the sport testing their dogs for the first time.  The setting provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and social atmosphere in which to catch up with friends and form new acquaintances.

Dogs and handlers stepped up in front of our esteemed judges for the day – Kim Jinks, Liz Barnes, Karen Handley and Gill Sweeting – to whom we are extremely grateful for giving their time, expertise and feedback.  Each of the 4 tests gave our judges the opportunity to assess steadiness and control, marking ability, water work, handling and overall competence in retrieving.

The judges agreed that the standard of entry was impressive and noted that the field of dogs held a lot of natural ability and potential for future success.  Congratulations to all the award winners:

Novice Dog-Novice Handler

1st      The Foxhanger Mascot Trophy – Greatered Mountain Ash, handled by Karen Bellows

2nd     Kenxtwen Bega, handled by Natalie Riches

3rd      Fletchingly Elgol, handled by Donna Sprott

COM   Humberflair King Louie, handled by Sam McAlea

COM   Drakesgreen Warlord Copper, handled by Grant Smith

Special Puppy

1st      The Copsey Bracken Salver – Bellspaddle Ronald Of Roosthole, handled by Dave Bevan

2nd     The Rayleas Trophy – Jones's Country Life, handled by Sophie Jones

3rd      Woodlandway Silver Seraph, handled by Beth Morgan

4th      Willow Weeping Lassie, handled by Chris Lewington and owned by Jennifer Lewington

Bellspaddle Ronald Of Roosthole also won The Roderick Award for the highest placed puppy under 18 months. 

Veteran

1st       The Thamis Trophy – Mitforton Orchid At Kirbyhall, handled by Hilly Hoar

2nd      Troddenmills Fancy Free, handled by Andrew Steggles

Planning and running a Working Test is most certainly a team effort, pulled together by a fantastic committee and a dedicated band of helpers.  Our stewards, runners, throwers, placers and pistol handlers were instrumental in ensuring all tests ran smoothly and are an asset to the club.  A special thanks to Sam for her delicious buffet table laid out for judges and helpers, to Jane and team for deftly collating scores and to Colin Pelham, Liz Barnes and Lisa Murrell for setting excellent tests.

We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our sponsors for their continued support this year:

Skinner’s Dog Food

Silent Pool Gin

Sporting Saint Gundog Equipment

George Hodgson kindly provided his professional photography services for the benefit of the club and participants.