The first Spaniel Trial of the season was the Novice English Springer Spaniel held at the stunning Savernake Forest. As expected fantastic cover and no shortage of Game but unfortunately for most of the handlers it was a bad day in the office.
Some dogs just enjoyed the cover and game supply a bit too much. Only two dogs got in the awards
Steven Blake with his Haredown Teddy of Bryarpoynt was awarded a 4th place and
Damien Fitchett (the new wwgs field trial secretary 2025) with his Beesfits Ash gained a certificate of Merit.
Thanks to the four Judges Ben Randall and Matthew Warren,
Alex Badger and Mowenna McNally who gave up their day
along with many of the Wiltshire committee members and our Chairman Howard Feltham who helped me fill all jobs on a trial day.
Lastly I wanted to say my thanks to Paul Howard Simon Blackman and team for allowing the dogs to work on this lovely ground - Tom Sheppard, November 2024
The second Spaniel Trial was an ESS Open and took place at Upton Pyne by kind invitation of Paul Bowyer.
Stuart Lewis with his Ess bitch Dreelside Rita at Trigpoint took the first place
The Trial was held in the woodland at Upton Pyne on a cold but dry and windless day. Judges Simon Jones and David Templar made their decision after a run off between
Stuart Lewis and Tommy Giles dog Borrikanni Indulge that was awarded 2nd place along with the guns award (the silver fuller bowl trophy).
3rd was Dave Locke with Jandavic Grenadier, 4th Ddunant Elysian handler/ Owner Nick Lyons. Certificates of merit were awarded to Merebrook Kiwi of Breweryfield Matthew Harry and Rosebay Evita of Graigscourt Craig Killpack.
The WWGS are very grateful to Game Keepers goods once again for their sponsorship and prizes. As one of guns on the day I can say it was a nice day but not easy for the dogs as virtually no scent but can't fault Paul and his team that made sure that there was plenty of game in front of the dogs all day. As this was my last day as the stand in field trial secretary my thanks must go to all that helped me not just yesterday but over the years. I will do one more report to follow this one regarding the future of spaniel trials and thoughts the last 30 years since I was one game carriers at a trial. Tom Sheppard, November 2024
The final Spaniel Trial of the season was a NOVICE AV SPANIEL on 14th January 2025.
We would like to express enormous thanks to The Great Durnford Estate,
and Head Keeper Tom Paul for inviting us to hold this seasons 3rd and final Spaniel Trial on this beautiful ground.
Our judges were Paddy Williams and Clare Baker and we are extremely grateful for their time and expertise. They gave each competitor a fair chance to show the dogs at their best on sometimes challenging ground.
There was absolutely no shortage of game and the weather was perfect.
The day was efficiently run by the clubs new Spaniel Field Trial Secretary Damien Fitchett with his team of helpers Steve and Ruth Phillips, Steve Langdon and Ella with Tom Sheppard the outgoing FT secretary there as support and Perc Fleet as picker up. Thank you for all you do for the club.
Finally thank you to the continued support from our sponsors Skinners and to all those that entered and contributed to the jovial atmosphere and success of the day.
Results and congratulations go to:
1st Geoff Shore with ESS Ribble brook riot of Hestmoor
2nd Andrew Faulkner with ESS Penwills Yas Shellspoon.
3 rd and guns choice Rob Singleton with ESS Foxholes Farm Fern
4th and best hunting spaniel Jennifer Albert with ESS Rhanna Reckless.
COMS
Terry Steadman with ESS Syncerus Sedition
Rod Thompson with ESS Mallora Belle
Daniel Skudder with CS Baildonmoor Otley Leskudmoor.