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Newsletter 1st half 2001
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR AGM 2001
Madam President, Ladies & Gentlemen
I am honoured to be able to present my first Chairman's Report.
The Championship Show held in March of last year at a new venue, Hutton Moor, proved to be popular with exhibitors, despite some misgivings of moving from Shepton Mallet. The fact that this show is now with Kennel Club permission, not benched, makes a healthy profit for the Club which helps to offset general expenditure. It should perhaps be borne in mind, the Club's main areas of income are the annual subscriptions and profit from the championship show, and without the latter it is unlikely your Club would be able to remain profitable, although because of the exceptional circumstances this year, this situation might well alter.
A fruitful Gundog Training Day combined with a Beginners Test in the afternoon was held in May. This of course would not have been possible without the support of members and the trainers who kindly gave up a day of their time to help. The Open/Novice Tests also proved to be successful and here the Club is indebted to two of its members who offered their superb facilities on which to hold these tests. Because we are so lucky that trainers and judges are prepared to help us without charge, the Working Account made a tidy surplus.
The 3 Field Trials for which the forward planning had been undertaken by the former Field Trial Secretary went excellently on the days - I know because I was present at two of them and made to work for my sins - but seriously it was thoroughly enjoyable. Again these events rely heavily on a band of loyal supporters. Both Working Tests and Field Trials are what might be called "labour intensive", but whilst there is no restriction on the number of entries for working tests, perhaps many of you do not realise that Trials are restricted to 12 or 15 dogs. Trials are dependent on the generosity of landowners and guns, but even so the financial outgoings are relatively high in relation to income and it is for this reason only small profits can be expected, if indeed any at all. It is encouraging that the Field Trial Account for the second year running made a profit - no mean feat.
The Open Show in November suffered like so many shows nowadays with a reduction in entries and therefore financial loss. This trend can only be reversed by the loyal support of Club Members.
These were the visible activities of the Club and full reports of the results would have appeared in the appropriate newsletter.
Your Club retook its seat at the Breed Council table but participation has generated a lot of paperwork for the Club's Co-ordinator, who with myself are your Delegates to the Council. We attended our first meeting in October and a report was made in the newsletter. At least one or other of us, if not both, will attend all meetings in order to be able to continue to report back to you via the newsletter. Although membership has brought extra financial burden to the Club I hope you, the members, will agree it is worthwhile.
Control of Membership Records including responsibility for new applications was placed in the hands of a separate Secretary who is also accountable for the annual subscriptions. At the close of the year 2000, membership stood at 92 joint and 177 single making a total membership of 361. Of these only 49% were within the designated South West area.
I cannot complete this Report without recording appreciation to the members who on behalf of the Club, organise such events as training and ringcraft classes, field trials and working tests and to all those who help in so many ways. Neither can I conclude without paying special Tribute to our Rescue Officers who undertake often a difficult job, which reflects the unhappy aspect of the times we live in. This takes a heavy demand on human resources both emotional, financial and in time, and we are indeed grateful there are members prepared to take the work on.
Lastly, the South Western Golden Retriever Club is YOUR club. It can only continue to thrive with its members support and co-operation. Personally I was disappointed that no names came forward to fill the vacancies on the committee for North Somerset or Cornwall, but I or a committee member are always ready to listen to your views or any ideas you may have.
Madam President, Ladies & Gentlemen, this concludes my Report and Thank You.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Like so many club's, the disastrous foot and mouth epidemic caused havoc with the Events calendar and the championship show scheduled for March had to be rescheduled for 17th November with the result that the open show planned for that month has been cancelled completely.
The working tests set for the season have likewise been cancelled for the year.
The AGM original date was another casualty - the committee deeming it unwise, if by holding it on the scheduled date, it might prevent members in affected areas from otherwise attending - this was particularly relevant to the DNA Research Funding topic to be discussed.
The AGM finally went ahead on 15th July, and was attended by some 25 persons.
The ballot for Treasurer resulted in Leslie Richardson being elected. I would like to thank Fiona for her passed services as Treasurer.
An item held over from last year's AGM because the position hadn't been created in our Rules, was resolved with Peggy Owen being made a Vice President with Life Membership of the Club. The meeting accepted the committee's recommendation with regard to an increase in annual subscriptions, which will become effective next year.
The annual Rex Coward Memorial Trophies went to Jane Maye for show; Bruce Ross-Smith for field trial; and Roy Wort for working tests.
A full programme of field trials is planned for the coming season, details of which appear separately.
The judges for the 2002 championship show are confirmed as Wendy Andrews and Tony Axe, and for 2003 Judy Shortman and Rosemary Wilcox.
The meeting discussed the funding of the Animal Health Trust's research into Hereditary Eye Diseases through genetic linkage mapping. The advantages and disadvantages were considered. After debate, the meeting agreed to the principle of funding; that the SWGRC would fund over 2 years; and that towards this end a sum of £300 over the 2 years would be forthcoming. In reaching this decision the meeting were conscious of the Kennel Club's Health Foundation helping to fund any shortfall over the next 2 years - the amount required by the AHT being £10,000 pa for 2 years - and the view it would be best to keep our funds in reserve so to be in a better position in following years to contribute more Finally, David Balaam gave notice last year he would relinquish the post of Working Test secretary, and I am pleased to report that Stuart Robson (FT Secretary) has kindly agreed to take on this role for next year's events only, with the hope someone will come forward for the future.
Jennifer Sweetenham
From the Newsletter Editor
I would like to thank all the persons who have contributed to this newsletter, particularly because of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak which caused the cessation of nearly all canine related activities. Therefore, making it difficult to produce a newsletter of any relevant interest. If anyone has any matters that they would like covered in these publications, or if you wish to write an article, or have any news or information, please contact me. When I took over from Mrs. Richardson as Newsletter Editor several people approached me with regard to advertising in the newsletter. This was agreed by committee and offered in the last publication. Though, as you will see, thumbing through these pages no one has yet taken advantage of this forum. If you would like an advert in the Spring 2002 issue please contact me.
Richard E. Dean
Tel no. 01548 856352 E-mail: Naederac@aol.com
Membership Report
At the Annual General Meeting held on 15th July it was agreed that the membership subscriptions would be increased from January 2002. The new rates are shown below
Single £6.00
Joint £8.00
Overseas £10.00
Joining Fee £2.00
Those members that pay their subscriptions by Banker Order will need to inform their bank of the change.
Can I ask members to contact me if they have any queries about their membership status and only pay their subscriptions to me and not to any other member of the committee. This may seem a little long-winded but it should cut out any confusion.
Please use the renewal form found in this newsletter when sending in subscriptions. Please be aware that subscriptions cannot be paid with show entries, working test entries or field trial entries.
Finally on behalf of the club I would like to welcome our latest members.
Mr. D Pavey, Mr. & Mrs Button, Mrs. S Glyde, Mrs. J Hall, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley, Ms. D Baker
Linda Brice - Membership Secretary
RESCUE REPORT
On the morning of the last Friday of July I was thinking to myself that we seemed to have escaped the deluge of rescue dogs we had in 2000. Silly me!
5 p.m. Friday 27th July we have 3 dogs in Rescue - 2, 4 year old castrated males and an 18-month-old spayed bitch. I think I have found a home for one of the males but my calls to answer phones in respect of the other dog and the bitch have been unanswered. The kennels are full but Janet had managed to fit them all in, till tomorrow.
6 p.m. Richard will be back home - ring him!
After many telephone calls between the two of us and various prospective homes, we manage to find a home for the dog.
9 p.m. I receive a telephone call from the lady who has already got one of our rescue dogs and has been looking for a spayed bitch for company for the dog to say that she will go out and see Milly the next day and see how she and Harvey get on.
Saturday 28th July - I leave home at 8:30 a.m. and meet up with Richard and Carol to rehome the 2 males. One in Sidmouth and the other in Exmouth. It must be the hottest day of the year so far. Both dogs seem to fit in their new prospective homes.
We arrive back in Kingsbridge at about 2:30 p.m.
At about 6 p.m. I receive a call to say that Milly has reacted well to the existing dog and they would like to take her.
3 dogs re-homed in 24 hours! My thanks to Carol who watched over the dogs while Richard and I were dealing with the paperwork etc. She was so popular at the second destination; she met all the local dogs plus all the neighbours. Excellent P.R. work for the Club.
Let's hope that all the dogs settle in their new homes.
On an entirely different topic. Fiona received a very nice letter from a lady we helped with veterinary costs in respect of a Rescue dog, she wrote to say how grateful she was for the Club's help and how much they appreciated it. They are giving a loving home to an elderly dog and it is so nice to hear the pleasure they are getting out of giving a good home to this dog and how much the home is appreciated by the dog.
Penny Beauchamp
FIELD TRIAL SEASON 2001/2002
It is with regret that there has been a delay in advising triallists of the arrangements we have now been able to make for the coming season, however I am sure that everyone will appreciate that the foot and mouth problem, which still concerns us in the West Country, has had a major bearing on matters.
We are hopeful that notwithstanding further outbreaks, we will be able to hold the under mentioned trials, which will all be twelve dog stakes.
I am very pleased to introduce a new ground at Coombe Sydenham, which is north of Wiveliscombe, near Taunton and this is by the kind generosity of Alec and Angus Barnes.
Full details are available in the schedules, which can be obtained from myself and those wishing for schedules and entry forms should send a prepaid envelope to the address at the end.
I would appreciate help from any member or non-member who is able to give up time to ensure the success and smooth running of the trials. It is also an opportunity for those interested in trialing but without experience, to gain experience of the trials.
I would also advise that, for my sins, I have agreed to act as the Working Test Secretary and whilst we have unfortunately had to cancel the tests this year due to F & M, we hope to be able to organise the usual range of tests next year.
I have been asked about organised training facilities and if members feel that they would like to participate, please would they let me know. and if there are sufficient numbers we will try and organise a few dates. Unfortunately because of the changes in field trial Secretaries over the last few years, a trophy has been mislaid and should a winner of one of the novice stakes be holding the 'Warpers Moss' trophy, could they please let me know.
I wish all triallists a successful and enjoyable season.
Stuart Robson
GUNDOG TRAINING
Owing to the Foot and Mouth outbreak, we have not been able to hold official training this summer. However some members with land in Devon have allowed like minded members to get together for a mixture of human and puppy socialisation with some dummies being thrown a few retrieved and a great number of calories being ingested. Hopefully next summer we will be able to continue with some serious training.
Phyllis Southwell
HELEN HARGRAVE.
With profound shock and disbelief we learnt of the sudden death of Helen in mid June. Although Helen did not always enjoy the- best of health, most of us did not know that she had been admitted to hospital to undergo surgery, I believe for a rather complicated procedure, but the out-come was positive as was Helen's attitude. The immense shock to Bob, Simon and the family can only be guessed and we all offer our deep felt sympathy. I know Bob has been so greatly helped by the numerous messages and acts of kindness he has received. Within the wider 'Family' of the Golden Retriever world, both working and showing, we have lost a friend and colleague whose love and compassion for all dogs was an example to all of us. On a personal note I had known Helen for over 25 years, when she was showing her bitch Silhouette of Craybank, from which she bred the last male dog to be owned by Elma Stonex (Harsett Ferinson of Dorcas). In later years Helen was a great help to me, with Rescue in the South Gloucester area, not something that came easily to her for she worried over the plight of these dogs so much and she went to untold trouble and time to make sure she secured the right homes, always following-up the progress of all the dogs. About two years ago Helen featured in programmes on the B.B.C's. 'Vets in Practice' when one of her working bitches needed a caesarean, the next programme followed-up with a visit to Crawley Hill to film the progress of the puppies. Helen was sat on the floor at the whelping box, whilst for the few minutes she allowed the team to film, she quietly and concisely explained how she reared the puppies, cared for their mothers' well-being and just what she expected from any new owners of Harsett puppies. There are thousands of the general public who watch these programmes and I thought Helen did a fantastic P.R. job for all caring breeders. When I told her so, she said, 'Well I just said what we would all say - didn't I?' All of Helen's dogs were special to her and she was very proud of their success in which-ever sphere, to watch Harsett Grebe attain a second C.C. at Paignton gave all of us the thought, 'Wouldn't Helen have been thrilled' to know that Bob has decided to carry on and that her beloved Jamie has gained further success is just what Helen would have wished.
Diane Dale
TRAINING at WEST PARLEY
For a couple of years the Club has held training/social evenings on the last Tuesday of the month at The Memorial Hall, West Parley near Christchurch in Dorset. Of late, the number of members taking advantage of these evenings had started to dwindle. Then a number of sessions had to be cancelled due to the foot and mouth restrictions. After discussing the situation with the members who have run the last few sessions, Sue Brewer, Jean Davis and Hilary Green, the decision was taken to stop holding these activities.
May I take this opportunity to thank Sue, Jean, Hilary and also Sheila Linter for all their hard work and also to say thank you to all those who helped make these evening both informative and enjoyable. The highlights, for me, were the number of dogs who passed the Kennel Club Good Citizen Awards, the Gundog demonstrations given each year followed by the 'have a go session'. Watching some of our rescue dogs coming along and seeing them settling with their new families and finally the fantastic fun everyone, including my children and dogs, had each year at the Christmas party. The memory of watching Goldens and their owners playing musical chairs, pass the parcel and competing for the title of fastest eater will remain with me for a very long time.
Rest assured, the door on these evenings isn't entirely closed - if I hear that a significant number of members would like them set up again for the future I would see what could be done.
Lesley Richardson
SOUTH WESTERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB
DOG QUIZ
Dogs have been around for a longer time than our language; the term dog is regularly used in everyday speech. How many of the following can you complete?
1. An elementary form of swimming - 2. A shabby book is - 3. If your exhausted your - 4. What restaurants will give dog owners - 5. A wretched existence - 6. A perennial grass - 7. Someone out of favour - 8. A comic verse - 9. A small littoral shark - 10. Hot sultry days in July and August - 11. Found in the hedgerow - 12. Sirius - 13. A nautical term - 14. Cornus - 15. A spring flowering wildflower - 16. A statement of religious faith - 17. A sand shoal in the North Sea - 18. Combat at close quarters - 19. In a place of concealment - 20. A Shakespearian character -
The owner of the first completely correct answer sheet to be received will receive a small prize.
Send your answers to: - Phyllis Southwell, Rosedene, Tithill, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset. TA4 3LY
South Western Golden Retriever Club Application for Membership
| Name (Print).. | .............................................................................................. | Date ................................. | |
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| Prefix | .............................................................................................. | ||
| Proposed by Name(Print) | ........................................... | Signature............................... |
| Seconded by Name (Print) | ............................................ | Signature................................. |
| Please tick area(s) of interest | ||
| Show | F/Trials | W/Test |
Joining Fee £2 per person
Annual Subscription £6 single £8 joint
Overseas £10
Junior Members (under 17years of age) 50p
Note Proposor and Seconder must be fully paid up members of the club.
All applications for membership are subject to committee approval. All members
are required to adhere to the rules of the Club and to the Code of Ethics of
SWGRC. Failure to do so may result in their membership and 1 or renewal not
being accepted by the committee.
Please return all applications to Linda Brice 60 Birch Road, Radstock, Bath. BA3 3TP Tel. 01761 435116
Committee approval Yes / No Date
Letter of confirmation Date
South Western Golden Retriever Club Subscription Renewal
Subscriptions are due on the 1st of January. Subscriptions not paid by the 31st of March will be considered lapsed and a rejoining fee will become payable.
Please complete this form even if paying by Bankers Order.
Single Membership £6 Joint Membership £8 Overseas £10
Please renew My / Our Single / Joint membership. Bank SO Yes / No
Name (Print) .Date .
Address (Print)
Post Code Tel No ..
Signature ..Affix ..
All members are reminded that they are required to adhere to the Rules of the Club and to the Code of Ethics of the SWGRC. Failure to do so may result in their membership and / or renewal not being accepted by the committee. Anyone wishing to pay their membership by Bankers Standing Order, please contact the Membership Secretary. Please return all renewal forms to Linda Brice 60 Birch Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3TP
Please note that subscriptions cannot be paid with show entries
