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OUR POST
Official Newsletter of Thames Dog Training Club
Summer 2006 From the Chair ........ . “What a brilliant show Thames is.....everyone was so well looked after ~ from ring party to judges, and exhibitors, tannoy well distributed and very informative. Well impressed. ~ Big band was brilliant and a certain few dancing on the tables!!!!” “All the little things including a tannoy system you can hear, skips you can find, a TV for the football fans, helpful and friendly organisers all go towards making it a very enjoyable weekend.” “Another excellently well organised show from Thames” “You certainly thought of everything, I will wear my T shirt with pride.” Well, we did it!!! The above are just a few of the comments that were put onto the Agility internet forum within the first 12 hours of the show ending. As the Chairman of Thames Dog Training Club I feel immensely proud of the work that was done to make our show “the best show ever” (as said to me by one competitor). A show of this size has to have an organising Committee that knows what it is doing. I honestly believe that each and every one of the teams within the Show Committee is simply the best there is. The showground preparation started on the Wednesday before the show, and John Cook, Jeff Holloway, and “honorary” Thames Members, Brian Hazell and Simon Fitchett, marking up nearly 500 camping spots. The job of doing the marking up is an essential one, and because John and his team were able to do this early all of the jobs that followed were made so much easier. I believe that the tone of the show was set at this point. James Cook led his team of equipment builders to build all the courses in record time and in doing so, this meant that everyone was “free” for the afternoon rush of caravans arriving. Various teams of booking in officials maintained a steady flow of caravans to their respective pitches. Having the arriving competitors sucking lollipops as soon as they arrived, and puzzling over the, now traditional, Thames Quiz helped them relax after a long (some as much as 8 hours) journey and being stuck on a partly closed M25. The Show started with a medical emergency of a competitor being unconscious in their camper van with Carbon Monoxide poisoning. They were rushed to hospital where they made full recoveries. In their absence, Helen Cook and Lucy Clifton took it upon themselves to take care and feed and water the couple’s dogs until their return. Their dedication did not go unnoticed by other competitors, and their un-selflessness makes them a credit to our club. Ava Holloway and Kate Austin, organisers extraordinaire, remained cool and calm all weekend and fielded dozens of questions high in the Secretary’s cabin, sending all the “customers” away with a smile! Sally Edney’s excellent choice of ring managers kept all the rings flowing smoothly even though, on Saturday, England was due to play their opening World Cup game just after lunch! Kate Austin, Sally Edney and Dave Jolly’s brainwave of having a free raffle ticket per helping person per hour for the TV that was showing the game was inspirational. It ensured all the rings were manned adequately at all times. Norma Summersby and her catering team ensured ring parties and judged were well looked after, Chris Annis’ team and their “meals on wheels” ringside refreshment buggy kept the rings well watered (when, that is, it didn’t run out of petrol! – At least I wasn’t driving it this time!!) and Veronica Brown, Jackie Griffin and Carol Dicker made sure the presentations went smoothly from their mini marquee! From setting up, to clearing up, the members of Thames Dog Training Club showed what CAN be done. We should all be immensely proud of the Club and its members. Yet again, Thames has set new standards for others to follow. My personal congratulations and thanks for all the hard work to everyone connected to the show. Now the Agility show is behind us, we must look forward to the Obedience Show on the 2nd September at Ockwells Park, Maidenhead. As with any show, either Obedience or Agility, help setting up and taking down is essential. If anyone is able to help in any capacity for any length of time over that weekend, Friday to Sunday, please can they let Becky Coleman or Steve Devaney know. Whilst the Obedience show is small compared to the Agility show, it continues to grow in stature and popularity. If fact our aim is to obtain Championship status when one becomes available in the South. We would be only the second club in the country to have that privilege, the other being Rugby DTS. As we approach the half way point of the seasons, members and their dogs continue to do well. Whilst the points and results are detailed elsewhere in this newsletter, highlights and the “stars” so far must be James Cook and Veronica Brown who represented Thames once again in the Supadogs Finals, the team of Kate Austin with Fly, Dave Jolly with Mirk, James Cook with Panda and Lucy Clifton with Kip who won and qualified for the Pedigree Chum Team Finals, Dave Jolly with Moss and James Cook with Panda qualifying through to the semi-finals of the Olympia Novice Agility competition. Dave Jolly with Mirk and James Cook and Panda also qualified for the Genesis Performance Novice Jumping Finals at the RVA show later in the year, and at our show, Dave Jolly and Cathy McDonald (from Holland) qualified for the finals of the Pedigree pairs relay. Well done everyone, you are having a cracking season! The rest of us have some catching up to do!! Sandra Curry and Chad keep in “knocking on the door” in Obedience Ticket. I am sure it won’t be long before we see you on the Green Carpet at Crufts. All in all, Thames Dog Training Club continues to thrive in all areas, and I wish all our members the very best of luck for the remainder of the season. Andrew Dicker Chairman
Thames DTC Agility Show - A ‘Newbies’ Perspective The day dawned bright and sunny and would be a scorcher as promised. It was already 22°C at 06:00 when I took Copper for her morning walkies. At least there was a refreshing breeze to allay the feeling of being ‘oven-ready’. The car was packed and all I needed was a strong coffee (or three). I was tired already. The idea of getting to bed early the night before had gone out the window as my “First Show” jitters kept me awake until well past midnight. Not what I had planned, but that’s nerves for you. With the idea that Newbury was at the edge of the planet, I had planned at least an hour from West Wycombe. Needless to say, my car had other ideas and we got there in 45 minutes (it was Copper’s fault – she had her agility go-faster stripes on). The agility show ground was tidy and compact and the gate person pointed me in the direction of ringside parking, as I was a Thames member and Ring Party J With the car set up against the sun and heat, I left Copper briefly to get my bearings and an idea of what was expected. As a “newbie”, this agility show was my first and the idea of competition was terrifying. The secretary’s tent and announcer’s booth were close by and the Thames gang were very helpful despite the mayhem around them. They assured me all would be well and to do my best. I returned to the car to tell Copper the same! I walked the course and decided we could do it all except the weaves, which we’re still working on. I stood in the queue and suddenly it was my turn. Copper sat neatly and waited (good dog). My mouth went dry and efforts to cheer her on were croaky. Still, she did her best despite her handler’s issues. She jumped everything, seesaw, tunnel – the lot. Except the weaves. I know manual handling is not allowed, but there was no other way. I knew we would be disqualified, but that really didn’t bother me. I lavished her with praise when we finished and she seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. Jeff told me I looked terrified, and I truly was. I tried to “lighten up” in the third class, but Copper was hot and tired, and we finished the course with relief that it was over. We competed in three classes, were eliminated from them all, but it was the experience that mattered this first time. I have learned that my wonderful dog is far more sensitive to my moods than I ever believed. My nerves put her off - she went under fences instead of over, past tunnels instead of through and she wasn’t watching me as she normally does. It was also a very hot day, our first time, and I know I need to work on staying calm for the sake of my dog (and myself!). We have bought a proper set of weave poles that are brightly set up in the garden, much to Phillip’s horror. Phillip drove out to take Copper home (to watch the footie together) so I could stay on to help out. I really enjoyed helping for the rest of the day, as everyone was friendly and patient as I ‘booked in’ the competitors, some of whom were very chatty in an effort to soothe their nerves. I was sorry to witness one competitor who was less than kind to his dog when it ran off course. I hope he gets his come-uppance. The Thames DTC gang were all very helpful and supportive. I am delighted to say this “newbie” thinks the show was extremely well organized. Everything was close-by, not too many trade stands, staff helpful and easy to find, judges very forgiving with “first-timers” in the ring…. Of course, the organizers may have a different opinion, but I thought it was a terrific day. Thanks, Thames DTC, for a great day out!! Carolyn Van Vlijmen and Copper
AROUND THE SHOWS ……………….. Insect Repellent at Axstane!!!!!!
Overheard at Dordale ………’Would anyone that would like to be measured please see Kate in the men's changing rooms………….!!!!!!!’ SHOUT ABOUT SUCCESS This is your column! If you or one of your fellow club members has had some success and they want to boast about it, let the editor know! It could be your first clear round at an agility show, winning out of a class or just a generally good result. If you are proud of it, we’ll print it! Congratulations from Sally to Peter Edney & Millie for gaining enough points in agility and jumping classes over the last two years to gain the Agility Warrant. She is now known officially as Magic Millie AW! Congratulations from Linda to John Cook and Fred (Shanowl Light said Fred) for winning Intermediate Agility at Supadogs. They ran first in the class, held the position all the way, making it their first win towards advanced - not bad for a 2 year old! Congratulations from the Editor to Andrew Dicker with Tag for winning into Senior in one weekend, and finally (blowing my own trumpet!!) congratulations to me for gaining my first clear round (which was actually 9th place!) with Ben!!
********************CAPTION COMPETITION***************************** Want to Win a £10 M&S Voucher? Take a look at the photo of Kate Austin's Moss below and submit your captions to the Editor by 31st August. Send to Sally Edney at 20 Charlecote Close, Farnborough, GU14 7EG or email to sally.Edney@btinternet.com
Dates for your Diary AUGUST Tuesday 15th No Agility Training SEPTEMBER Saturday 2nd Open Obedience Show, Ockwells Park, help required Tuesday 26th Diploma Night at Agility, Ring Party & Judges required (if you would like to have a go it can be arranged for someone to stand out with you to help for those areas you are unsure of) OCTOBER Saturday 14th Agility Winter League, Burchetts Green NOVEMBER Saturday 18th Agility Winter League, Burchetts Green Tuesday 28th Diploma night, Ring Party & Judges required (if you would like to have ago it can be arranged for someone to stand out with you to help for those areas you are unsure of). DECEMBER Tuesday 19th Agility Christmas Party Games with dogs at Burchetts Green
Thames DTC Agility Points You may not realise that all those places and clear rounds achieved at agility shows throughout the year can result in a club trophy! There are nine trophies awarded at the AGM so make sure you let Graham Tappin know whenever you achieve a place or a clear round. These details can either be emailed to grahamtappin@yahoo.co.uk or submitted via a form available from Graham or Ava Holloway. Not many people appear to have done this so far!!!! Points so far for 2006 STARTERS
STOP PRESS!!! A MESSAGE FROM DOWN UNDER!! Hi All, Just a quick message to let you all know how we are settling in over in Australia. My girls, Tembe and Aisha, were "released" from quarantine a week today (Friday), and have settled back into normal life once again. They both lost a lot of weight while in the quarantine kennels, but are putting on weight once again. The whole quarantine experience was not that great unfortunately. The kennels are all the same size, whether you have 1 fox terrier or 2 large Bouviers! They had a TERRIBLE water system, that was continually leaking, consequently my dogs were always wet, and smelly! You have to exercise your dogs yourselves in outside yards, which in themselves are very nice. But, dogs from all over the world use the same yards (ok, at different times), drink out of the same water bowls they have in there, and do all their business there. Please somebody remind me why we have to do quarantine!!! Saying that, the staff were fabulous and would go out of their way to meet any request I had. Apparently they will be closing the Perth quarantine station down in the near future, and all animals will have to go to the Sydney station. Ho hum! The weather has been FAB since being here, and I am at this moment, sitting with all the doors open, sunshine pooring in and a t-shirt on. And this is winter! We are still staying with my folks, but have bought a house 30 minutes out of Perth in a semi-rural situation. It is really a dream home, with a business attached, all on 7½ acres of land and our own spring and dam! We will be running a conference / reception venue and facilitation business from the purpose built "barn", made of solid jarrah, and is totally unique and beautiful. The original house, which is attached to the barn, is 100 years old this year, built in 1906. It is in a fabulous situation, and we were really lucky to find it - more than what we had ever dreamed of getting. There will be enough space for anyone who wants to visit, as we have 8 bedrooms! Saying that, 3 of them will be turned into conference rooms! Neil is back in the UK today and will be doing a stint of contracting with BP around the world for the next month. We will move into our new home when he gets back. Hope you are all well, and would love to hear your news. Keep well. Love Kerry Hamerton & the Bouviers (7th July 2006)
YOUR COMMITTEE FOR 2006
Your Post! Are you happy receiving your newsletter through the post, or would you prefer to receive it a few days earlier by e mail? Please email the editor at sally.edney@btinternet.com with the subject title ’Thames Newsletter’ if you would prefer to receive your newsletter by e mail. Do you have anything you would like included in the newsletter? If so, please either e mail the editor at sally.Edney@btinternet.com or send it to: Sally Edney, 20 Charlecote Close, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 7EG
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