This page was last updated 23rd June 2008



Webmaster - Chris Bridgwater chris@scherzando.co.uk
2008 - 2009 Field Trials [so far...]
Monday 1st December Novice Cocker Malshanger, Hants Judges TBC and Glynn Smith
Friday 19th December Open Cocker Conholt Park, Hants
December 27th December Open ESS Hartham Park, Wilts Judges Jeremy Organ and Stuart Morgan
Meon Valley's Annual General Meeting was held on 20th April.
The unapproved Minutes will be in our next Newsletter.
Thanks went to Nigel Stirrett who took on the Secretary and Treasurer's job last year. He struggled through but didn't quite make the full year due to mounting business commitments. This left the Committee with a bit of a headache.. but with a bit of a (large) twist to the arm Chris Bridgwater was persuaded to take back the reins. Minutes and fully audited accounts were presented to the Meeting and a copy is available to members on request. Shelli Jones, very unselfishly as she had worked herself into the ground last season, resigned her post as FT Sec so that Chris took the job back exactly as it was until March 2007. Shelli remains as Chris' right hand woman and retains the organisation of the Training Days at Hamptworth and Test / Team co-ordinator.
Lady Colman kindly remains as our President
The committee present at the AGM were voted in as follows
Chairman - Ted Cleary michaelcleary@tesco.net
Sec / Treas - Chris Bridgwater chris@scherzando.co.uk
Shelli Jones f1intwell@btinternet.com
Phil Stubbings phil.stubbings@btinternet.com
Keith Roe keithroe665@btinternet.com
Gordon Bowers BGWB1@aol.com
Chas Lister chasbite@hotmail.com
Graham Heaney and Paul Smith also offered themselves for re-election.
All the above Committee are happy to make themselves available to any Meon Valley member should there ever be any queries or problems... from basic training to Trialling.
MEON VALLEY WORKING SPANIEL CLUB's VERY OWN
GUNDOG TRAINING CLASSES
IN ASSOCIATION WITH HAMPTWORTH GUNDOGS
PLEASE NOTE 6th July session has been moved to 13th which means there are two sessions on consecutive Sundays - 13th and 20th July
We have joined forces with Hamptworth Gundogs to bring you a long awaited course of gundog training classes starting in April 2008 .
The course will comprise of one 2hr group training session every fortnight lasting for a total of 12 sessions & concluding in October with a Working Test and Trial Training day, where your dogs will be judged and marked as if in full competition, allowing you to put all that hard work into practice and show off your new or improved handling skills!
There will be an Initial Induction Day (open to all) where you will be assessed and divided into two groups ‘Puppies & Novice Handlers’ and ‘Novice Dogs’.
Hamptworth Estate boasts facilities such as Lakes, Rabbit Pens, varying types of fabulous training ground, and the opportunity to shoot over your dog in a controlled situation.
INDUCTION DAY WAS EARLY APRIL
£15 per session Non Members £10 per session Members
PAY PER SESSION OR IN ADVANCE
for more info please contact:
MV Contact Shelli Jones fl1ntwell@btinternet.com 02392 632858
Nick Gregory www.hamptworthestate.co.uk (select Gundogs) 07799 316037
SPANIEL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009
Cockers - 14/15 January Shadwell Estate, Suffolk
ESS - 8/9/10 January Belvoir Castle, Leicestedhire
There are new DEFRA Regulations that cover the welfare of the transportation of dogs
If you phone 0845 603 8395 they will send you a form for Authorisation of Transport
DOGS FOR SALE
e-mail chris@scherzando.co.uk for further details quoting reference. Area of seller is shown along with date ad was placed
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS SITE CONTACT
chris@scherzando.co.uk
TRAINED Black Lab dog. No vices. Sound and steady, excellent cover basher and strong in water. Could Trial. Will keep til can be demo'd on shoot day. Ref - Chas April (Hampshire)
ESS l/w pups available mid-end May by OFTW Halaze Hickory of Edgegrove ex FTAW Edgegrove bitch Ref - Shears April (Hampshire)
ESS dog and bitches mostly l/w but one b/w bitch - ready mid June out of Glancarw Rhys bitch by Raven Quest. Ref - Roberts 4/5/08 (Oxon/Berks)
Golden Retrievers - Two six month boys (Parents hips / eyes etc) One 4 year old bitch fully trained for the peg. Ref Caroline 11/5/08 (Wilts)
Good strong ESS pups in Somerset - ready 12th July (ish) - Debbie and John Zurick zurick@foxtwitchen.fsnet.co.uk
Lab pups born early May yellow / black very well bred and far too cheap - Ref Swansea Farmer 23/6/08
Liver Cocker dog pup - - Ref Swansea Farmer 23/6/08
ESS b/w back to FTCh Follybreeze Pip docked/chipped/etc Ref WendW e-mail 02/07 Kent
2 year old l/w ESS dog by FTCh
Steadroc Aker of Flintwood
Hard hunting, steady to shot and flush, good marking / retrieving skills
Make excellent shooting companion and has BAGS of trialling potential
£600 no offers now (June/July) £800 August £1000 September
ref- Shell / Hampshire
Two part trained yellow Labs - one bitch born May 06 and one dark (red) dog born March 05 picture below. Both low hips and both by FTCh Tasco Rouble. Ref Kea 26/6/08 Devon
WARNING
Just as the Kennel Club offer
no guarantees about pups on their website, neither can we.
All dogs
ever advertised come with "a fantastic pedigree" but that is all relative
to the breeders knowledge / bias.
YOU PAYS YOUR MONEY AND TAKES YOUR CHOICE! NEVER BUY A
TRAINED DOG UNLESS YOU HAVE SEEN IT SHOT OVER FOR YOURSELF!
* * * * * *
ALSO... PLEASE BE AWARE THERE HAVE BEEN PEOPLE
FRAUDULENTLY "CREATING" THEIR OWN PEDIGREES USING TOP DOGS' DETAILS - BEWARE!!
DOGS WANTED
We can add YOUR requirements to the Dogs Wanted list with your phone number!! Also it's possible to e-mail all of dogdom to see who has what - that might suit your purposes!!
100% steady and sound Lab bitch. Not dark yellow. Perfect home offered to the right bitch - distance no object to see her demo'd. Ref Webmaster chris@scherzando.co.uk May 2008
For Docking Regulations... check DEFRA's site
Meon Valley's local Vet who will only dock working bred puppies is Mr Cartmell in Wickham 01329 834030
This wasn't specially set up - I took this picture myself !
Tail docked too long! ESS running in Trial
January 2008
2008 ESS Championships
were held at Conholt Park, Hampshire Monday 21st - Wednesday 23rd January
Results are shown on http://www.thespanielclub.co.uk/chresults2008.html
2008 Cocker Championships
with the gracious permission of Her Majesty the Queen were held at
Sandringham, Norfolk on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th January
Kintbury Team Event 2007
First Bristol and West's Team
Second Wiltshire Working Gundog Society
Third was a stunning Team from the Meon Valley

L-R Steve Shears, me (the Chief Cheer Leader), Shelli Jones, Alan Ward

L-R Ed Hughes and Val Maskell, Paul Rawlings, Rod Chapple watches Shelli Jones, Pete Castleman and Ed Hughes

THE TEAM TERRIFIC!!
April 2006 was our 21st Birthday Year!!
Sunday 15th October started at
4.00 pm
Greatest Field Triallers
of our Time
at Malshanger Social Club near Basingstoke
Jack Davey
presented
"What happened was...."
His personal story of just how he got into the Field Trial
game... when all he wanted was to buy a terrier.
Mike Budden presented his
wonderful film...
"Spaniel Championships from the 1980s"
Superb display of old
photographs
and
sound recordings
...of some of the departed great handlers.. listen to
Peter Moxon, Joe Greatorex, Jimmy Wylie and Keith Erlandson
...presented by Pat Smith
Meon Valley Demonstrations were at CLA Game Fair
2006
in the
Working Gundog Ring - every day at 3.30

Above - Meon Valley Demonstrators and Helpers getting ready Below - Coke the 8 week old cocker

Mark Dowling, Nigel Stirrett, Chas and Sam Lister, Karen Gamblin, Ian Graham and Sue Hewitt helped yours truly with demos of spaniel training from 8 weeks to fourteen years of age. I had an eight week old Cocker to start with who was as bold as brass, followed by a four month old ESS who tore around the arena like a demon after her initial debut shyness on the Friday. Then we had various youngsters - Nigel's ESS pup, Chas's cocker, Mark's ESS 14 mths. Followed by the fully trained dogs dropping to shot, flush, whistle; retrieving whichever dummy they were directed to and only on command. Mark's spaniels appeared all three days and Ian and Nigel shared the weekend. Ian had a lovely stamp of a dog that had passed thru' six pairs of hands before being rescued . Nigel's Piper went like greased lightening - must be a winner this season? Finally Ian's 14 year old and Mark's 12 year old showed just how a dog would remain a faithful obedient shooting companion right thru' it's twilight years. They were all SUPERB! A real credit to the Club.

Left - Don't you think the headset makes me look like Madonna? Right and below - Nigel Stirrett handles Piper his ESS

I had a couple of slots myself to show
retriever / spaniel training. Aided and abetted by Chas and Sam with their dogs.
My puppies were great - 8 week cocker and 9 week Lab. Then a 4 month old ESS
quartered beautifully whilst I was heard to say "training a spaniel is soooooooo
easy". (How much fuss can one person make?) I was banging on and on about the
do's and don'ts of training such as "always building on firm foundations",
and "never putting a dog in a situation
where it could possibly get anything wrong", and "never giving a command if you
are not in a position to enforce it" .... My older ones were getting a bit
wise by the Sunday morning. Two of my so-called reliable
/ well trained / never put a paw wrong dogs decided to let me down BIG TIME - just when there was a
good sized audience. David Tomlinson on hand complete with his Shooting Times camera.... oh well!
It was Chas' 50th Birthday on Sunday 30th and when anyone normal might have expected a lie in and a day of pampering... he was up at the crack of dawn and running around like a lunatic all day. By the time we went out to celebrate with champagne he was whacked!

Leonberger pulling cart, Cockers in Gundog Breeds Tent , two happy tri-coloured spaniels, HPR shaking off the water

Working Gundog Ring, Jim Clark in the Int'l Arena , Clumbers

Left - David Tomlinson's ESS Fleur by the lake Right - the International Arena's Grandstand
Pictures above from around the show by David Tomlinson - thankyou!!
Saturday 20th May 2006 - to be repeated 19 May 2007!!
We started our 21st birthday celebrations with a party at Highclere Castle. Tickets were sold in aid of the Countryside Alliance and there was fabulous entertainment.... Mike Rutherford, Eric Clapton, Brian Ferry, Dave Gilmore, Roger Waters, Georgie Fame, Gary Brooker, Band du Lac plus several support bands through the afternoon....... the final line-up was stunning. The guest list included many of the great and the good... even Jeremy Clarkson turned up on stage.
Joan Titchener, Mrs Happy and Ray Titchener
The sun went down over the beautiful Castle and the bands played on.....
Highclere Rocked that night
indeed.......
I have some excellent video footage of
various artists... files too big to send by e-mail.
* * * * *
Sunday 18th June 2006
Birthday Extravaganza with Barbeque
L - R Shelli Jones waiting to go in, Paul Bone coming out. Head 'Keeper Ed Hughes. Martin Ashman. Valerie Maskell with Fen.
Pictured on the left is the superb BBQ area (yes that's me in the shorts) and this young Leveret, pictured on the right, was hiding only yards from it....
Although first discussed in 2005 and the Judges were orignally asked a year ago.... there was still a fair bit of last minute dashing around in the few weeks before the day itself. Competitors are notoriously bad at not entering 'til the last minute (that would include me) and catering was a worry to organise. We had secured the services of the Kintbury Gundogs' Catering Corps (Tracey and Andy) but... would we have enough mouths to feed to justify them coming all the way down?? How many burgers to order? How many rolls?? Drinks?? Oh well - it was a one off after all.
How many classes?? Novice? Open? For what breeds?? I'd organised enough Save The Children Test Heats and Finals in the past... this was only going to be spaniels and should surely be a doddle. But would we fill each class if I subdivided?? As the day approached closer and closer I hatched a plot. Send the announcement out and see what the response was like. I could always put on my thinking cap..
Several novices entered,
including first timers, although it was billed as an Open. So I decided that I
would chat to the Judges and leave them to mark the dogs according to the dog'
status. That's exactly what happened.
Wesley Thomas, Me, John Corps and Gordon Bowers
Bacon rolls were available for everyone as they started to arrived from 0830. The Judging would go ahead from 10.00 as planned. There was an official card but several people entered on the day, too. There were lots of committee and their friends as helpers which was a Godsend. Gordon Bowers (A Panel) oversaw a water test from a fishing pontoon whilst John Corps (B Panel) and Wesley Thomas were hunting dogs in pairs through young bracken with a gun saluting a seen retrieve for everyone. Most of the dogs hunted extremely well and retrieved promptly unless they had mismarked, as some of the puppies did.
We stopped for lunch when all dogs had completed one of their hunting tests and the water test. A very special mention for Paul Blakey (pictured below) and Rydanlue Elegance. The little bitch struggled trying to actually pick the dummy from the water and, after circling it a couple of times, started to return without it. Paul took his shoes off and looked as if he might be going to wade into the water to help her... not so. He launched himself like a train swimming strongly out 30 or 40 yards into the lake. He took his bitch alongside him, she picked the dummy and he swam back with her. A stunning performance and no bloomin' camera in sight.
L - R Tina Smith handling her Welshie out. Paul Blakey - Marathon Swimmer!!! ESS Winner flanked by Natasha and Tom
After a sumptuous BBQ lunch we were off again. An area of reeds was used for the afternoon's hunting test, again with a shot and a seen retrieve, under John and Wesley. There had been several geese seen there earlier in the morning but it was pheasants that were pushed out during the afternoon.
Gordon organised a separate test with a blind retrieve further up the valley for the dogs to finish on.
Back at the BBQ people topped up with burgers, hot dogs and a drink. The marks seemed to take forever to add up and sort out. We needed a calculator. Poor Shelli Jones' dog had his total added up wrong (we know how good he is, Shelli) but the results were finally announced as follows.
Top ESS Martin Ashman's - Dans Rex Glenmakie - Trophy and £50.00
Top Cocker Alan Ward and Arthur McGregor's - Almazura Augustus of Rowansbourne - Trophy and £50.00
Top Minor Breed John Nettleton's Clumber - Deuchars Ruan - Trophy and £50.00
Best Puppy Chris Page's Cocker - Raycroft Dill at Mickelmess - Trophy
Best Novice Handler - Sophie Neary - Bottle of Wine
Can I thank ALL the helpers that threw dummies, fired guns, sold raffle tickets (which took £96) and particularly those that helped behind the scenes... several people came the night before - I hope they thought it was worth the effort. We more or less broke even which makes it even more fantastic! See you again soon....
Can I 100% recommend a website to you????
www.thegundogclub.co.uk
Have a look if you haven't already !
FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR EXCELLENT TIPS ON INSURANCE
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1130761827,56015
HOUSE SITTERS!!
Maureen and Bernard Grove - 01628 559590 - UK or Overseas.
Or my wonderful Nina - excellent with all animals but expect to pay extra if you have a LOT of them!
Both of these are PERSONALLY recommended by me - any reference!!
Wood Burning Stoves
Excellent supplier based at Highclere, Hampshire
Phone Clive or Julie on 01635 278 768
Would you like a portrait of your dog??
Excellent work from photographs
by Nathan
www.nathanart.co.uk
Please have a look at the detail - the pictures are
absolutely fabulous
He has designed the logo for our new
Banner - it will be at all our Events and on display at CLA Game Fair!!
Check this Website for Lost or Found Dogs...
AT OUR
2005 ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
It was decided that Subs would go up to £10 per annum
from 1st March 2006 - we're well worth it!
Non-members that handle member's dogs in competition must sign a declaration that they will be bound by Kennel Club aswell as our own Rules. There will also be an additional Non Member Fee of £50.00. This shall not affect the Draw in any way.
Stuart
Morgan is taking in dogs for Training
in South Wales
I personally recommend him... along with Jeremy Organ and Ian Bateson... Numbers available from me..
Flying Your Dog Internationally???
I have always flown my own dogs but then I spent a lot of time around the airlines and it was easy to know who to ring. There is a huge company near Heathrow Term 5 called Airpets www.aipets.com that is excellent if you need someone to do the lot for you. They also supply great containers "off the peg" for any size of dog and know ALL the regulations if you are having a go at DIY - Tel 01753 685571
From Bristol International Airport... they may not be the only
Agents but they were the only ones to contact me for the Club..
Ward Aviation Support Limited have a
DEFRA approved reception centre, will handle your pets in and out of the UK. Can
give up to date information on all requirements in and out of Bristol -
contact
operations@wardaviationsupport.com or phone 01275 472292
Please, please, please, please...
WATCH YOUR DOGS!!!!!
AND ALL YOUR OTHER ANIMALS KEPT OUTSIDE
Thefts are occurring all over the UK!! In broad daylight and some dog wardens are not as good as you would wish them to be! The Police are even tearing their hair out.
RECENTLY IN HAMPSHIRE
RABBITS, FERRETS AND CHICKENS HAVE BEEN TAKEN / LET OUT
Safety First
For the dog's sake DO NOT work them close to any road and keep a good eye out for any other dangerous transport... tractor tyres, beaters carts, over zealous Guns dashing off for lunch... Two members have had dogs killed... absolute tragedy!
European Gundog Working Tests
You might like to have a look at this link?? All spaniel breeds competing against each other, including IWS,
http://www.papillonphoto.fotopic.net/c1064425.html
Pictures taken in Holland and link sent in by Patricia Huskins who owns and handles her own Clumber bitch, Ivy.
Recommended reading
Give Your Dog A Bone
written by Dr Ian Billinghurst BVSc (Hons) B Sc Agri Dip Ed.
The Kennel Club
have Q & A Roadshows throughout
2006-7
Highly recommended!!
Would you like to treat
your pet to a pampering for a special occasion?
Use
a professional
dog grooming/clipping service available locally at
The Dog Room, Waltham
Chase
Thoroughly recommended for all breeds -
hand stripping a speciality - by Karen Gamblin
Telephone 01489 892272 (Mob 07710 622881)
Micro chipping Service
I offer this to anyone,
from my home, at the reduced rate of £15 per dog.
(Only £12 for members)
Tel 01962 793152 for
appointment
I have to say that, as costs are coming
down, I recommend DNA testing as this NEVER changes throughout the dogs life.
Microchips do move when put into puppies but do not when put into more adult
dogs.
MEON VALLEY'S FIELD TRIALS
our Field Trial Prizes are Sponsored By
CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds
Food to suit all
breeds,temperaments and work levels
for more information look at
www.csjk9.com
Nationwide excellent website...
http://www.dogslost.co.uk
Beaters required
Westerham Kent area Alternate Wednesdays well looked after
Please telephone Mr. Munnion 01737 370604
Reliable Picker-up
required near Petersfield, Hants
Must have at least two dogs!
Own 4WD would be a bonus but not essential Contact
fairoak@onetel.com
Pickers Up Wanted
Southwick, Hants
Contact Bob Bone 01329 833410
Meon Valley Connections
The Best Motor Mechanics in Hampshire bar
non - in my opinion
Specialists in Saab and Isuzu
North Motors, Holden Farm, Cheriton
01962 771331
* * *
Butcher El Suprimo - Harriotts in West Meon
Meet the boys with the best cuts of meat in the
business and their champion sausages!!
01730 829246
* * *
Hampshire Bowman - near Bishops Waltham
Friendly welcome, open fires, home cooked
food and their own prize winning ales.
Excellent Beer Festival every summer
* * *
Possibly the Best Pub to Stay at in Hampshire??
The Flowerpots in Cheriton village.
Mobile phones BANNED in the bar - Dogs welcome
Super accommodation. Friendly
welcome, open fires, home cooked food and their own prize winning brewhouse. Famous for it's many summer activities and Bob Longville sleeping in
the Car Park once when he judged for us!!
Excellent Beer Festival every August Bank
Holiday
* * *
the best Pub food in The Meon Valley is to
be had at
The Hinton Arms also in Cheriton (on
main A272)
a wonderful Pub welcome from Roger and Ann Matia
Dogs welcome
* * *
The Bakers Arms in Droxford
(on main A32)
Under new Management since 2006.
Already non smoking. Comfortable. Excellent food.
Excellent range of wine and real ales if a bit pricey...
50p for a splash of soda... 50 pence a pint more than other Pubs
in the area but probably worth it?
* * *
The Thomas Lord in West Meon
(just off A32)
Under new Management since 2006 - dogs welcome
Comfortable. Excellent food. Quaint Library with
Second hand books for sale
Excellent range of wine and real ales - various
"theme" nights and regular acoustic music
* * *
The Tichborne Arms in Tichborne (near
Alresford)
Under Lenny Larden's fabulous Management since 2006 - dogs
and children (!!!) now welcome
Excellent range of wine and real ales. Great home
cooking.
* * *
If you're already in the area you should also
try a
quick visit to
The Milbury's in
Beauworth
just up the road from my house
You may never see another well like it in your life..
300 plus feet deep - and it's in the bar!!
This "character" Pub is a must to visit on the South Downs Way. It changed hands
in Feb 2006 and we are keeping our fingers crossed!!!! The new
landlord is still a bit strange.. the place is only open when he feels like it..
look at the well and leave quickly...
* * *
Hampshire Ideas for Gifts
Wendy Keith - specialist in hand knitted shooting stockings and country
knitwear 01264 810300
Rachael Coward - pet portraits 01264 023207
Aron Gadd - pet portraits 01264 359054 (mobile 07796 831546)
Sue Feast - pet photographic portraits - Kodak Award Winner - 01962 626007
Barbara Parsons - Really lovely dough art creations - 01489 789574
A Picture of your
dog from a photograph?? www.nathanart.co.uk
Superb Caterer Available
Ms Dedi Leech has NOT asked to be advertised on this website but I was so
impressed with her that I'm putting her details on for you anyway! From intimate
dinner parties to state banquets call Dedi on
01869 350300 (Oxon) or 07788 718668 mobile