Novice Field Trial - 29th December 2023

The final trial of the season, a Novice, was held by kind permission of the Tyrwhitt-Drake family on the beautiful Bereleigh Estate near Petersfield.  Steward of the beat was Head Keeper Nick Canter, who looked after us very well.  Nick organised a team of guns who shot brilliantly in challenging, windy conditions.  A big thank you to them for giving their time to shoot for us.  Thank you too to all the beaters and Sophie for picking up.  We cannot run this day without you.  It is a truly group effort.

The trial was driven and the first drive was in low rape either side of a quiet lane.  The guns shot well and there was plenty of game on the ground.  Our judges - Heather Bradley, Liz Taylor, Shane King and Mark Schiller - used the game effectively to challenge the dogs. Another big thank you to them for coming to judge for us.  Thank you too to our wonderful helpers, many of whom are on the GWGC Committee, who turn up tirelessly to help on our trial days.  Your support and help is so appreciated and means the days run seamlessly.  You are all stars!  A final big thank you to our sponsors, Skinners and Silent Pool Gin.

Unfortunately it was "Birds one, Dogs nil" and there were no awards apart from Guns Choice (receiving the Gala Vase) for Threecliffs Mistletoe, handled by Sally Sturt.

Novice Field Trial - 21st November 2023

The first Novice trial of the year, a 14-dog stake, was held on the Englefield Estate by kind permission of Lord Benyon.  The club and competitors were made very welcome by Head Keeper David Wiggins and his wonderful team of guns, beaters and pickers up.  The trial consisted of two drives in woodland with varied cover and a deep ditch with a stream that proved the undoing of some of the dogs.   There was a steady flow of birds that were shot well by the guns and provided plenty of opportunity for the dogs to shine.  Thank you to you all.

Our judges for the day were John Stubbs, Reuben Mort, Josefine van der Dussen and Bill Gardiner.  They kept the trial flowing and promoted a good atmosphere throughout the day.  Thank you for giving up your time to judge for us.  Thanks must also go to the wonderful team of helpers and Committee members who turn up without fail and do so much to ensure the day is a success.  Without you, our trials would not happen.  Thank you to our sponsors Silent Pool Gin and Skinners who do so much for our sport and for our Club.

The Club was delighted to offer a full roster of awards:

1st Place and awarded The Hydonsdown Bowl and Skinners Voucher

Fongaillo Eurydome Calista handled by James Prout

Second Place and awarded The Bratton Shield and Skinners Voucher

Griffin via Deerbridge handled by Liz Barnes

Third Place and awarded a Skinners Voucher

Tallamelie Grizzy Bear handled by Nigel Sheppard

Gun’s Choice and awarded the Jed Leonard Tankard

Braltontwist Lou Lou handled by Chrissie Walton

Open 2-Day Field Trial  - 30th/31st October 2023

The Club held its 2-Day Open Stake at the Ampton Estate on 30th/31st October 2023 by kind permission of Mr Peter Rushbrook. Our Chairman, Chris Geal, organised an exceptional team of guns that included Chris, the legend that is Geoff Allen as well as Kevin, Paul, John and Scott.  They knew what the trial needed and they shot very well.  Thank you to you all for your tremendous contribution to the days.

We were very ably led by Mr Alan Hammond, who always knows where the birds are and provided a nice steady flow of game throughout each day as well as calm leadership.  Thank you Alan and all of your team.

I would like to thank our excellent judges who kindly gave up their time to judge this trial when they would almost certainly have got a run in at least one of the other trials taking place on these days.  They were a very good team, giving the dogs and handlers every opportunity to shine.  Thank you to Colin Pelham, John Keegan, Peter Abbs and Andy Mutimer.  And a big thank you to my wonderful team of helpers – Dog Steward Lisa Murrell, Judges’ Stewards Jane Best and Lauren Wright, game carriers Luke Nightingale and James Prout and pickers up Ray Allgood and Angie Musk.  And thank you to the competitors.  There was a very nice camaraderie in the gallery and several of them commented on how enjoyable the days were.  Finally, thank you to our sponsors Silent Pool Gin and Skinners for all that you do for us.

1st Place and awarded The FtCh Deerbridge Alex Trophy, the Cornwood Salver, £75 prize money, a Skinners voucher and a place at the 2023 Championships

Tideshot Vinny of Highsea handled by Kevin Doughty

Second Place and awarded The Curtis Trophy and a Skinners voucher

Etomanni Amber of Corsemalzie handled by Carol Probert

Third Place and awarded a Skinners Voucher

FtCh Ticefield Dazed N’Confused handled by Reuben Corbett

COMs

Bellspaddle Dexter at Wephamdown handled by Kate Bollen

Miss Bossing Master of the House handled by Jan Wiberg

Gun’s Choice and awarded The Foxhanger Tankard

Suthcharic Roux handled by Sue Berman

Best Retrieve and awarded The Norlands Trophy

Tideshot Vinny of Highseas handled by Kevin Doughty