Arriving on time to replace my 2023 BASC gundog members’ card was my new BASC gundog members’ card. I could not imagine working my dogs without being a member, it’s not expensive and covers a wide variety of issues that may crop up in the shooting field, plus a BASC magazine with masses of information including offering access to a wide variety of training days and introduction days to country sports. BASC is a national organisation. You can also apply for free tickets to access the renowned CLA Game Fair. If you think you may want to join BASC why not go along to the BASC stand at Crufts on gundog day, which adjoins the BASC gundog rings.
It has been impossible for me to be away from home for the past few weeks, so a big thank you to Kirsty Watts for sending me the results of the URC Spring Open Show. BOB & BIS Joy Middleton & Christine Mayhew’s SH CH Arnac Bay Hebe GWC Euro 22; BP Arnac Bay Jellicoe which is out of Hebe, also owned by Middleton & Mayhew; RBOB & BOS Cathy Bloomfield’s Glaniels Count On Me. Kirsty said she was over the moon when her Oakmarsh Acorn VW SGWC won BV in Show & BSW in Show at 13 years 5 months old, Kirsty said this is Acorn’s last open show.
Katie Capps & Wicca (Oakmarsh Indian Dream Maker for Cravessa) after going out beating on a few days this past season went for their first working/competition day. Katie said she had zero expectations but her goal was to complete everything, she said it wouldn’t have been the end of the world if she hadn’t, but it would give her an idea of where improvements needed to be made. Wicca exceeded all expectations coming out at the end of the day with a very respectable 4th from a field of 18 all breeds. Katie said Wicca stopped on the whistle, was steady and handled well. Always room for improvement, but said “I am so pleased with her – thanks to the Gundog Girls for a great day”. Gundog Girls is not a club but a gathering of like minded girls, gentlemen are allowed, providing affordable training and competitions in a friendly environment. Designed for ladies and run by ladies to encourage more female handlers to enjoy working their dogs. For more details, contact 07891232316, sillyspaniel.wixsite.com/gundoggirls . All Gundog Girls events have insurance, it is a very open group which was created in January 2016.
When I was told back last year that The Gundog Club of North Wales was putting on 5 Chesapeake classes I decided it was a really good reason to have a short break up on the lovely beach at Rhyl after a long hard shooting season. Arranging accommodation with good friends I entered the show and said I was happy to sponsor a prize for each class. Jo Coppin, Daren Davies, Kirsty Watts and Skinners to name just a few have all offered amazing prizes, gifts, prize money and brilliant rosettes. If you are thinking to enter, the show is at Ruthin North Wales, entry forms on Fosse Data. Or if you would also like to be a sponsor please contact Kirsty Watts. Unfortunately, the CBRC changed their show date for the championship show, open show and special classes to the same date, 31st March. Both shows will be affected.
If you are going to the CBRC shows please be advised to take your own food and drink as there were none available to ordinary members last year. I remember we sat for hours and could not even buy a cup of tea, even though this was in the KC buildings. Maybe this year it will be different. I am sure that many of the older Club members will remember all those lovely days when the Club shows were held at Baginton, you could book a hot bacon roll for breakfast with all sorts of things to eat for lunch, all freshly made and then strawberries and cream for afters. On a sunny day with well manicured grass under your feet it was always a lovely day. It is so sad to think back that many of those amazing hard working people that made the Club Show so enjoyable are no longer members of the Club or are not active any more. Such happy memories.
Janet Morris
01873 880271
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com