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      Fletchhingly 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

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