We held our annual novice and open working tests on Sunday 4 August 2024 at Grundisburgh by kind permission of Lord Cranworth and his keeper Chris. Huge thanks to Steve Hoyle for making the arrangements.

We'd been worried about the temperatures all week, but were very lucky that most of the day was overcast and not too hot. Thanks must go to Michelle Snooks, Dawn Buckland and Emma White who brought trugs/buckets/paddling pools and water to keep the dogs cool.

Our judges for the day were Bonny Sadler and Michelle Lloyd. The tests were held in sugar beet. There were 21 entrants in the Novice; they had a marked and blind retrieve on their first runs and only a marked retrieve on their second. All dogs did well, with most completing all elements.

11 dogs ran in the Open; they had a marked and blind retrieve on both runs. The marked retrieve caused some problems for a small number of the dogs.

There are a lot of people to thank on the day:

Helpers: George Parkinson, Matt Tulett, Ben Fuller, Steve Hoyle, Margriet Van Nieuwburg, & Ben's dad

Lunch for the Judges: Michelle Snooks and Pat Fedi

Everyone that brought prizes and bought raffle tickets; we raised £154!  The cake that Shirley Stephens made was won by Ray Clark who shared it with everyone present 🥰

Nikki Dickson (David Cobb's daughter) for donating a hand drawn 16x12 portrait of the best novice hunting dog. There were some examples of her work on display during the day; if anyone is interested in commissioning a portrait, please contact Nikki directly.

Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Finally, the results:

Novice Test
1st Ruby handled by Emma White
2nd Pursley Pantomine handled by Carol Priestley
3rd Kenzduo Apricotta handled by Julie Cracknell
4th Twizzlecreek Milligan handled by Gill Holliday
COMs
Kenynten Nene Valley handled by Graham Empringham
Great Burglekutt handled by Dawn Buckland
Merlin handled by Trevor Turnnidge
Musspring Super Trouper handled by Dawn Buckland

Best Hunting Dog: Pursley Pantomine
Best Under 18 Months: Merlin
1st Year Novice Handler: Carol Priestley

Open Test:
1st Shiveck Piccolo at Nossewej handled by Steve Newman
2nd Shiveck Moonlight Princess handled by David Cobb
3rd Heathcroft Candy handled by Emma White
4th Julzcrackers Little Sprout handled by Julie Cracknell
COMs
Purlodge Hot Love Holly handled by Ray Clark

Best Hunting Dog: Shiveck Piccolo at Nossewej
Best Handler: Emma White
Most Stylish Dog: Heathcroft Candy

Following our training sessions, all the trainers are asked if they would like to nominate any of their trainees for the most improved dog. This year we had four nominations. Certificates were awarded to:

Richard Speck and Super Ted nominated by Julie Cracknell
Ian Hudspeth and Dot nominated by Mark & Shirley Stephens
Donna Ward and Pip nominated by Ray Clark
Ben Fuller and Chief nominated by Steve Newman

The overall most improved dog and recipient of the Stig Memorial Trophy was:
Ben Fuller and Chief

The top five dogs from both tests have qualified to represent the club in the match against Leconfield Working Spaniel Club on Sunday 15th September. We will be in touch with all handlers in due course.

Once, again thanks to everyone for making yesterday such an enjoyable day.