Gundog Working Tests
Annual Gundog Working Tests 3rd August 2008.

The 2008 tests were the first year for the new organisers, we expected some teething troubles but we think that overall things ran OK. on the day. The weather was a little unkind to us with heavy rain and wind coming on just as the winners were being awarded their trophies, so a lot of the photography didn't go ahead as planned, but keep a look out in the sporting press for some excellent "action" shots taken throughout the day.

There has been some feedback, mostly good, but all positive and helpful and we will be using some of the suggestions to make a few changes next year. In 2009 we will be running the Puppy tests first, (and very puppy friendly) followed by the Novice, with the Open (expect the Open to be more testing) as a grand finale as this is the system our competitors seem to prefer.

We had a record 49 entries with 9 Puppies, 26 in the Novice and 14 in the Open, although the scurry entry was disappointing with only 22 entries. In hindsight it was probably too far away from the main competition. Changes next year! Who knows you "may" get two scurries.

Results for 2008

OPEN Champion - Jim Wyld's Labrador POPPY Runner up - Roy Dixon's Labrador MILLIE 3rd place - Jim Wyld's Labrador SAM NOVICE Champion - Pat Wright's Labrador TEASEL Runner up - Barney Mills' ESS SAM 3rd place - Inger Chapman's Labrador NELL Puppy Champion Keith Nicholls' Cocker BRUCE Runner up -Bryan Kent's Labrador EMMA WILDFOWLERS CHAMPION Barney Mills' ESS SAM SCURRY WINNER Pat Wright's Labrador Grouse

Jim Wyld this year's Open Champion

A big thank you to all of the following people, it would not have worked with out you.

Ian McLean for providing a fantastic venue.
Tony Turner and Rob Worrall out Judges.
John Forsey Guns for the raffle prizes.
Peter Masters Dog Food. Our sponsors
Chattenden Syndicate Ltd for equipment and suppliers of Masters Dog Food.

K.W.C.A for equipment and dummies David and Barbara Thorpe Karl and Yvonne Walding Mark and Marion Robinson Liz Jeffery> Clare Dunne James Dunne Martin Short Mick Ward Jen Stopher Brian and Luke Wade Gavin Brown And of course all the competitors and their dogs

We are always looking for new recruits to help out, both on the run up and on the day with putting up signs, erecting tents, dummy throwing and administration. It would be great to see some young people and new members becoming involved. Please email me gundogs@kentwildfowlers.co.uk should you have any suggestions or want to be more involved.

Thank you all for your support
Graham Jeffery