2007 Review

Ladies and Gentlemen

The North West Labrador Retriever Club held three Field Trials in 2007.

The first a 14 dog any variety All Aged Stake saw us go to a new ground at Meols Hall Churchtown near Southport on September 11^th by kind permission of Nr N Aubrey and Mr D Alty And Mr J Swindlehurst and his team of guns. Our judges on the day were Mrs C Clarke Mr S Tweedy Mr P Hargrave Mr D Porter.

The fields of carrots, potatoes, and stubbles produced an ample supply of partridges and the accurate team of guns were able to provide the dogs with some demanding retrieves.

The difficulty of retrieving on partridges in early September proved to be the downfall of many of the dogs but an excellent run off of the remaining dogs enabled the judges to come to a convincing result to the trial which was as follows

1st Mr D Newton’s Labrador bitch Zealous Zeta.

2^nd Mr S Marland’s Labrador bitch Clayton brook Rayn

C.O.M Mrs A Licciadi’s Labrador dog Lionheart Brodie

Guns Choice Mr D Newton’s Labrador bitch Zealous Zeta

Our second trial saw us return to the Checkley Shoot for a 14 dog any variety Novice Stake on October 8th by kind invitation of Mr Ivor Beavis and family with the guns provided by Mr John Benyon and friends.

The judges on the day were Mrs G Gent Mr D Capel Mr P Garton Mr B Cooper.

A good morning’s work on partridges and pheasants produced an ample supply of game in the roots

This was a difficult piece of ground and only three dogs survived for the final run off. Later in the trial the eventual winner was able to eye wipe the other two dogs in the stake confirming its superiority on the day

The awards were.

1^st Mr G Hodgson’s Labrador bitch Kilpen Jazz of Garrogill

C.O.M Mr G Nevitt’s Labrador dog Greenbriar Cobra

C.O.M Mrs S Coomber-Smith’s Labrador dog Kiermill Utah of Abbtsleigh

For our final trial of the season we were able to return to the Hoghton towers Shoot by kind permission of Sir Bernard De Hoghton , the guns being provided by Mr Peter Peddar and his team.

The judges were Mr D Benson Mr F Mitchinson Mr K Brady Mr R Watson

Under the guidance of the head keeper Mr Brian Redfern the trial started on a piece of ground that we had never been to before walking through woodland that proved to be very difficult terrain with the game proving hard to catch up with the judges were unable to complete the second round, leaving fourteen dogs for the second day. The next morning the trial started with a duck drive and then a good pheasant drive produced some good retrieves on pheasants that landed in rushy cover. providing the judges with sufficient game to complete the trial before lunchtime.

The awards were then given in the barn, presented by our hard working general secretary Mrs Maureen Darcy which were as follows.

1^st Miss a Clarke’s Labrador bitch Garronpoint Liffey

C.O.M Mr D Newton’s Labrador dog Drewery Lane Dillon

C.O.M Mr W Skett’s Labrador dog Emmanygen Gypsy

Maureen Wilkinson Memorial Trophy Mr D Newton’s Labrador dog Derwery Lane Dillon

Gun’ choice Mrs K Tuck’s Labrador bitch Oliver Primrose

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts who have generously donated ground for our trials. All the helpful keepers who have produced the game at the right time. The guns that have generously paid for the game to be shot at our trials. The judges who have given up their time to judge for us. To the game carriers, dog stewards, number board, and red flag carriers and people who provided refreshments, we greatly appreciate the time that they have given to us, also our generous sponsors Skinners Pet Foods, who have supported all or trials with prizes of dog food and Quest Gundog Equipment for their generous raffle voucher.

Last but not least I would like to thank the General Committee who have supported our trials. The Field Trial sub committee supportive members who have donated the prizes for the raffles at the trials, and more importantly given up their time to help at the trials, often giving up runs in other trials for the benefit of the club and its members.

Without the dedication and commitment of such people, the club would not be able to conduct their Field Trials as successfully as they have done in the past year. We are indeed fortunate to have such a team working for the benefit of the club and its members enabling the club to go from strength to strength.

My sincere thanks go to you all.

Brenda Drury .Hon. Field Trial Secretary.

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