30th January - AV Spaniel Trial

A wonderful end the the Trialling Season for Dove Valley with the AV Spaniel 16 Dog Stake at Cubley. A full card, with plenty still in reserve, the day started with delicious bacon and sausage baps, kindly cooked by General Secretary Bob Seaman and Helen. Julia Bott Chief Stewarded the day, ably assisted by Jane Burton, Heather Clarke and Helen Fern. Our Judges John Sexton and John Eyre along with Head Keeper Shane Wood took the first 8 handlers, dogs and guns Paul Woodcock, John Gainey, Philip Walton and Jon Fern in the trusty Gun Bus, whilst the Gallery hung back to see what unfolded. Plenty of birds in some cover crop, followed by some thick cover in the wood, the dogs all had to work hard. The Gallery joined the others on the edge of the wood, where a few dropped by, but the handlers all re-appeared with smiles, pleased with how their dogs had performed, but knew there was plenty still to work on. More woodland, a long walk through some game crop and a run off between two dogs, the Trail was over at 2pm.