NEWS
21/09/2020
26/08/2020
After careful consideration of the latest guidance from the Kennel Club, all Covid-19 guidelines and the noted cancellation of the Championship, as a committee, we have made the decision, SUBJECT TO LICENCE APPROVAL, that we will be able to safely run the following field trials for 2020.
HPR:
Novice (AV) HPR 12 dog stake - Saturday 10th October, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan.
RETRIEVERS:
Novice (AV) Retriever 14 dog stake - Wednesday 7th October
SPANIELS:
Novice (AV) Spaniel 16 dog stake - Monday 9th November, Newtown, Powys
Open (Excluding Spaniel {Cocker}) Spaniel 16 dogs - Tuesday 1st December, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
Please note that the above is also subject to Covid-19 regulations at the time of the events and field trials can be cancelled within 24 hours notice.
Once licences have been approved, schedules and entry forms will be made available to competitors.
We would like to thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you all again soon.
08/06/2020
Further to our AGM this evening, we are pleased to confirm the following appointments;
| RETRIEVER FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY |
Mr Julian Morgan |
| SPANIEL FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY |
Mr Russ Woodward |
| HPR FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY |
Mr Simon Kirby |
| SPANIEL WORKING TEST SECRETARY |
Ms Jane Stenner |
| OFFICIAL TRAINER |
Mr Nathan Quinn |
We also have the pleasure of welcoming Abigail Bird, Alex Matthews, Nathan Quinn and Linda Newnes as new elected committee members.
We are sure you will support us and them in their new roles. We look forward to working with you all within the team.
The date of our next AGM is:
Due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID 19, our AGM scheduled on Monday 11th May has been cancelled.
We will now be hosting this via ZOOM Video Link on Monday 8th June 2020 at 7pm. If you would like to join us, please contact uvsecretary@outlook.com, who will arrange for you to have the meeting code for access. We hope to see as many of you as possible very soon.
Any members of the club that would like to attend our AGM are required to contact Debra Bird on 07989 926925 or email uvchairman@outlook.com at least 14 days before the meeting.
16/05/2020
Further to the recent events of CV-19, we haven't been able to run our gundog training events as originally planned. To support our members, we have set up our "Training Tips for Working Dogs" facebook group, exclusive to members only, with the view to provide fortnightly videos to support HPR, Retriever and Spaniel breeds with their own training whilst restrictions are in place.
If there are any specific videos you would like, please do get in touch by emailing uvtraining@outlook.com.
UPDATED 19/03/2020
It is with regret that due to the latest Government and Kennel Club guidance in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) we have made the decision to postpone the following events until further notice;
- All HPR, Retriever and Spaniel training
- Retriever working test, 28th March
- David Latham training day, 17th April
- Spaniel working test, 25th April
- Young Handlers fun day, 2nd May
- Ben Randall training day, 9th May
- Ben Randall training day, 30th May
- HPR working test, 7th June
All payments received for the above events will be refunded and cheques shredded.
Where possible we hope to run the above postponed events later in the year, but if not we will bring them back for 2021 due to the fantastic level of interest received to date.
We will keep you posted on our working test events scheduled from end of June onwards as we near the time or receive further guidance to aid our decisions. At present, our field trials are planned to go ahead as scheduled, but please keep an eye on our website and social media pages for all the latest updates.
On behalf of the committee, we would like to thank our landowners, judges, sponsors, helpers, guest training and members for continuing to support us through what is a difficult time for everyone.
On behalf of our chairman, I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the secretaries and the committee members who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to plan the events for our members.
Keep safe everyone and we hope to see you soon,
Kind Regards
Usk Valley Committee
14/07/2019
Congratulations and well done to all those that attended and passed our Spaniel 'J Regs Field Trial Seminar' yesterday. Thank you Haydn Morgan and Jane Stenner for coordinating and to Margaret Cox for delivering the training and examination. We wish you all the best for the trialling season.
27/05/2019
Congratulations, well done and thank you to Nathan Quinn, Paul Roberts and Lloyd Canham who won at Sherborne Country Fair today, representing Usk Valley Working Gundog Club Spaniel Team. Thank you to Jane Stenner for coordinating the team and overseeing the event.
15/01/2019
Our Newsletter for 2019 is now available. Click here for further details.
31/07/2018
** ATTENTION ** Help Required
Usk Valley Working Gundog Club are looking forward to seeing you all next weekend (Saturday 4th August) at our Retriever Working Test being held at Big Pit, Blaenavon. We are lucky enough that we have had a fantastic number of entries for both our Novice and Open Classes. We are however in need of helpers with dummy throwing/placing and stewarding. We really do appreciate all of the help we have been given so far this season. Thank you to all who have supported our club. If you are able to support our day, please contact David Thomas directly.”
29/07/2018 Game Fair 2018
Usk Valley Working Gundog Club had the pleasure of hosting the Euro Challenge and Home International Retriever Events at this years, CLA Game Fair held at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. Euro Challenge results to follow. The results of the Home International Events are as follows:
10/03/2018 ***NOT AN USK VALLEY WORKING GUNDOG EVENT***
SKINNERS TEST EVENT - WELSH TEAM SELECTION
On Saturday 31st March 2018, there is a team selection event being held for the Skinners World Test event on 12th & 13th May. Jamie Bettinson is hosting the selection day and is currently looking for 4 Open AV Retrievers plus a reserve. The selection test will be held at Bridgecroft Kennels, judged by two panel judges who will be responsible for setting the tests. If you require further information, please contact Jamie Bettinson on 07903 276275 or email Jamiebettinson@gmail.com
17/02/2018
Thank you to all those that attended the Spaniel Selection Test at Gelligaer Common today, by kind permission of Jamie Bettinson. Thank you to Mark Bettinson and Steve Erasmus for judging. Thank you to all those that helped with stewarding and dummy throwing. An extended thanks to Mark and Jamie Bettinson for hosting the day for the Club.
The results for the team who will represent Usk Valley Working Gundog Club at the Inter Club Challenge at Byrd's Retreat in April are; NOVICE: Rhys Carpenter and Nathan Quinn with Tina Nicholas in reserve and OPEN: Aled Jones and Jeff McAndrew with Jeffrey Ayres as reserve. The team will be lead by Steve Erasmus.
Congratulations all, thank you and good luck.
Thank you to Dean Melhuish for the photos
08/04/2017
It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that sadly Joy Elson passed away on Friday 7th April 2017.
Joy, together with her husband Don, have contributed greatly to the running of the Club and Joy will be greatly missed by us all. It was only a few years ago that Joy stepped down as Club Secretary, a key role that she had undertaken for many years. Joy was a very kind and generous person always offering help, support and guidance to us all.
Our thoughts at this time are with Don and their family.
20/02/2017 : booking form
14/02/2017 - this is not an Usk Valley Event:
2017 Wales International Retriever Team Selection
A selection test will take place at Pantrhuad Farm, Llanddowror, St Clears, Carmarthen SA33 4JD on Saturday the 8th of April starting at 11am.
The selected Wales team will compete at the Anglesey County Show and the Irish Game Fairs.
If you are interested in attending the selection test please contact Huw Jones for an entry form as NO entries will be taken on the day.
Huw jones 07891175858 email huwh@aol.com
Home International Field Trial 2016 - supplied by Nigel Probert
On 28th November 2016, a special Field Trial was organised by John Stubbs as a celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's 90th Birthday, and to showcase the best retrievers in the United Kingdom. Teams were made up of the best 4 handlers from each of the home nations - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
I was tasked with selecting the 4 best handlers from Wales and did this on a "performance and form basis". The team selected to represent Wales were Diana Wiggin with FTCh Brockweir Daisy, Vicki Stanley with FTCh Patanavac Brough, Haydn Wilmott with Stykes Boy Llangynidyr and Simon Hagain with FTCh Skeviot Emerald.
In the first round we had a duck drive where handlers were asked to pick nominated birds; some of these had fallen into the lake which made for some interesting retrieves. All Welsh handlers made it through and we moved onto the second round.
We had a short wait before the second round, and were then accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, for the rest of the day. Her Majesty walked in line for the second round and then observed from her vehicle for the third round, as the wind was extremely cold.
We saw some good work from the Welsh dogs in the second round, with Simon Hagain picking a pigeon shot right off the end of the line which was out of sight of the handler and was good 150 yards out. Haydn Wilmott made a smart job of picking a bird over a fence. Unfortunately, we then lost Diana Wiggin and Vicki Stanley who were both eye wiped by a Scottish competitor. In the third round, Haydn Wilmott did a smart retrieve eye wiping the Scottish competitor who has previously eye wiped the two Welsh ladies. Simon Hagain then had a good retrieve on a pheasant that flew on for about 180 yards before dropping; his dog was out of sight by he handled the dog very well to pick the bird. At this point the trial was declared over.
Final results;-
1st - Scotland, 335 points
2nd - Wales, 285 points
3rd - England, 217 points
4th - Ireland, 215 points
Top Dog was Haydn Wilmott - Wales
All handlers were presented with awards by Her Majesty the Queen.
I would like to thank Ceri and all at CSJ for supporting this and all the Welsh Teams; it was noted how smart the Welsh team looked in their matching jackets and fleeces by a member of the Royal household. The team as a whole performed very well, given the strong field that was attending the event. Congratualtions and well done all.
Nigel Probert
Wales Team Captain
Saturday 14th August 2016
CONGRATULATIONS. . .
- to Mr Nigel Probert and his Labrador, Slipside Danzy Jones for winning this years Skinners Fleece Challenge of 2015/2016
Sunday 8th May 2016
Unfortunately we have had to cancel this event due to low numbers, we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
- Usk Valley are hosting 2 x Field Trial Judges Seminar and Exam Courses, one for Retrievers and one for Spaniels at Little Mill Village Hall, Usk from 10.30am. The courses will be delivered by accredited Kennel Club Presenters and fees include light lunch, J Regs Booklet and examination fees. Pre booking and payment is required before Wednesday 27th April and should be sent to Jill Bowler by completing the attached booking form (address attached). £25.00 members, £35.00 non members. For any enquiries, please contact Jill on 01291 650206 or email JillBowler@hotmail.com Retriever Booking Form Spaniel Booking Form
Posted 26/03/16 This is not an Usk Valley Event
Sunday 8th May 2016 CANCELLED 02/05/16, as only 6 entries were received, we are going to make our team selection based on last years results
- Wales Spaniel Selection Test for the International Game Fair on 30th/31st July 2016. The criteria set for qualification for the selection test is as follows; The dog must have won an Open Working Test OR won or at least an award at a Novice Field Trial. Please contact Alan Rees for more details on either 01269 841281 // 07966 772402 // dsalanrees@gmail.com
14/03/16 The Committee are pleased to announce that Russ Woodward has been co-opted onto the committee as of today. Russ brings with him a wealth of knowledge and support in the field, specialising in spaniels. We are sure you will join us in giving Russ a warm welcome.
17/02/2016
Click here for our Newsletter 2016
01/02/2016
2016 Wales International Retriever Team Selection
A selection test will take place at Pantyrhuad Farm, LLanddowror, St Clears,Carmarthen SA33 4JD on Saturday the 2nd of April 2016 starting at 11am.
The selected squad will compete at both Irish Gamefairs and at the Anglesey country show.
If you are interested in attending the selection test please contact Huw Jones for an entry form as NO ENTRIES will be taken on the day.
Huw Jones 07891175858 email huwh@aol.com
JUDGING SEMINARS:
We have had some registered interest from both members and non-members about hosting a Retriever and Spaniel Judging Seminar in 2016.
We require a minimum of 10 people per event to be able to confirm a date.
Both events will be delivered by KC Registered presenters.
The cost of the course is : £25.00 for members // £35.00 for non-members and includes refreshments, a light lunch, Kennel Club J Regulation Booklet and briefing notes (Exam is optional)
Pre-registration is required for this event due to limited spaces available. Please contact Jill Bowler on Tel 01291 650206 or email jillbowler@hotmail.com by 31st March 2016.
Thank you in advance,
12/01/2016
Two vacancies have arisen on the Committee with Usk Valley Working Gundog Club.
We are currently looking for a HPR Working Test Secretary plus one other committee member to join our team.
Those wishing to nominate themselves for the above mentioned posts must submit a written expression of interest to include a brief summary of themselves, an overview of skills and expertise they can share and how they feel they can support the Club.
Members nominated for any of the appointments above must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members of the Club.
Please submit either by email or letter to our Chairman by 7th March 2016. FAO Mrs Debra Bird, Chairman of Usk Valley Working Gundog Club, 7 Heol Isaf, New Inn, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 0QD or alternatively email; Debra.Bird@hotmail.com
12/09/2015
Well done and thank you to all those who took part in the Usk Show demonstrations today. Fantastic feedback has been received and a few more members have been gained. Plenty of enquiries about HPR training and working tests, we hope to have further details early 2016.
08/09/2015
CONGRATULATIONS. . .to the our award winners of the NOVICE (AV) RETRIEVER STAKE 1 F/T held at Riverside Shoot, Sedbury today.
1st & Guns' Choice Shane Padbury with Cynhinfa Nat of Liliarch lab dog
2nd Sarah Cole with Woodruff King of Wellsummer lab dog
For further information and pictures please visit the Retriever Field Trial section of our website.
22/08/2015
The results of our draw for the Novice (AV) Retriever Stake 1 Field Trial is now available on our Retriever Trials page. Good luck everyone.
AUGUST 2015
Results of the INTERNATIONAL WORKING TEST ON ANGLESEY / WALES
1st - Ireland
2nd - Wales
3rd - England
4th - Isle of Man
Congratulation to all teams. Well done to committee and club members, Huw Jones, Nigel Probert, Richard Price, Paul Hobbs and Paul Clark who represented Wales Retrievers.
August 2015
Unfortunately due to circumstances out of our control, the final Retriever Working Test will not be taking place this year. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. Due to this reason, as a Committee, we have also decided to carry the 2015 Skinners Fleece challenge over to 2016.
Thank you for your continued support.
29/07/2015
Please note that we are now taking entries for all of our Field Trial Events for 2015. Further information can be found on the relevant pages of our website. This year, for the SPANIEL Field Trials ONLY, we are trialling the new Fosse Data Booking System, however we are still accepting paper entries for those that prefer this entry method. To enter via Fosse Data, please use the following link
19/06/2015
CONGRATULATIONS. . .to the Welsh International Gundog Teams who ran at the Irish Game Fair over the weekend.
Retriever Team: Paul Clark, Richard Price, Haydn Willmott & Paul Hobbs.
Spaniel Team: Allistair Ross, Huw Jones, Roger Wooldridge & Dai Greggory.
Provided by Huw Jones:
The Wales International Gundog Team had a great weekend at the Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle, supported by a fantastic welcome as always from the Irish Teams. Sadly we did not win the event but both the Wales Retriever and Spaniel teams did very well against teams from Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland, England and Scotland.
Wales came 2nd and only just missed out on top retriever spot with Haydn Willmott scoring a fantastic 96/100 in his first ever International Event but was just pipped at the last by John Barr scoring 98/100.
In the Spaniels, Wales also did very well and most of you have asked for the top hunting scores from the test the top 6 dogs were;
William Edgar 45 Northen Ireland
Sean Moriarty 45 Southern Ireland
Mike Walsh 45 Southern Ireland
Alastair Ross 43 Wales
Huw Jones 43 Wales
Margaret Cox 41 England
Ian Blair 40 Nothern Ireland
I must say from a personal point of view I could have watched those Irish dogs hunt all day they were a pleasure to watch
Again I would like to thank Albert Titterington and the Irish game Fair for the welcome given thank you from me and the Wales gundog team
14/06/2015
CONGRATULATIONS. . .to our Retriever Working Test winners (Dr Gareth Memorial Day, Clytha)
- Kevin Lewis and his Labrador, Trefoel Cerys- winner of Puppy Class
- Chrissie Thomas and her Golden Retriever, Kennine Can't Go Back - winner of Novice Dog Novice Handler Class
- Lucy Mixture and her Golden Retriever, Kaliture Finn - winner of Novice Class
- Julia Redpath and her Labrador, Shuttifield Gracon - winner of Open Class
Vaughan Hillier & Kira Smith raised £145.00 selling raffle tickets today, which has been donated to the Velindre Hospital as suggested by Angela and family. Well done and thank you everyone.
04/06/2015
CLYTHA WORKING TEST: IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
PLEASE PLAN YOUR ROUTE IN PLENTY OF ADVANCE. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ROAD CLOSURES ISSUED BETWEEN 5AM & 6PM TO ACCOMMODATE THE VELOTHON, A CHARITY CYCLING EVENT AROUND COUNTIES OF CARDIFF, NEWPORT AND MONMOUTHSHIRE, SEEING 15,000 CYCLISTS PASSING THROUGH THE AREAS. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FOR ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION OR VISIT http://www.velothon-wales.co.uk/en/route/route-information/road-closures/
25/05/2015
CONGRATULATIONS and thank you. . .to our Retriever and Spaniel teams who represented Usk Valley Working Gundog Club at Sherborne Country Fair today. The teams competed against 7 other teams resulting in first place for our Retrievers and 3rd place for our Spaniels. Thank you to Craig Perry, Hayden Willmott, Paul Hobbs and Paul Clark for their time and dedication with the Retrievers and to Alan Willis, Dai Pither and Roger Wooldridge representing the Spaniels. Another great success following on from 2014. WELL DONE EVERYONE :-)
14/05/2015
WELCOME Darren Smith and Paul Hulin who were co-opted onto the Committee on Monday 11th May, and formerly given their positions at the AGM Meeting, also on Monday 11th May. Both Darren and Paul have been a great help to the club over the years and we look forward to the continuation of their support and contributions to Usk Valley going forward.
Thank you to Elizabeth (Sid) Davies, Glyn Hillier, Craig Perry and Debra Bird, who have all done a wonderful job within their acting roles on the Committee. At the AGM, these Acting roles became permanent role. For further details, visit our Officers & Committee page of the website.
26/04/2015
CONGRATULATIONS and thank you. . .to Elizabeth (Sid) Davies and the team of judges, helpers and caterers for running a successful HPR working test. Thank you to all our competitors who supported the club with our first HPR event. Lets hope this is the first of many. Results are now available on the Working Test Results page of the website. As this is the first HPR event Usk Valley have run, if anyone has any feedback, please send to Trudy Hillier, maccadaizegundogs@outlook.com
12/04/2015
CONGRATULATIONS. . .to our Spaniel Working Test winners (Wentwood Forest, Monmouthshire)
- Christopher Williams and his ESS, Cleopatras Smile- winner of Puppy Class
- David Holmes and his ESS, Helmsway Karkila- winner of Novice Class
- David Pither and his ESS, Brynambor Max- winner of Open Class
CURRENTLY ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT - Usk Valley are holding a Retriever KC Field Trial Judges Seminar on Sunday 17th May 2015 at Little Mill Hall, Nr Usk, NP4 0HE. The Presenter is Mr Graham Cox.
Pre-registration is required as places are limited, £25 for members, £35 for non-members, refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Please contact Mrs Jill Bowler if you are interested in attending jillbowler@hotmail.com
29/03/2015
CONGRATULATIONS. . .to our Retriever Working Test winners (Big Pit, Blaenavon)
- Polly Gibb and her Labrador, Killyrudden Beefheart - winner of Puppy Class
- Andy Fisher and his Golden Retriever, Kaliture Rooster - winner of Novice Class
- Nigel Probert and his Labrador, Slipside Danzy Jones - winner of Open Class
27/03/2015
2015 WELSH SPANIEL TEAM SELECTION FOR CLA GAMEFAIR
A selection test will take place at Delfryd, Capel Seion, Drefach, Llanelli SA14 7BS on Sunday 10th May 2015 for the Welsh Spaniel Team to compete at the CLA Game Fair, Harewood House over 31st July, 1st & 2nd August.
The selected Welsh team will compete against England, Ireland and Scotland and are hoping to beat last years position of 2nd place.
If you are interested in attending the selection test, please contact Team Captain, Alan Rees on 01269 841281 / 07996 772402 or email dsalanrees@gmail.com
For further details, click here
09/03/2015
CONGRATULATIONS. . .
- to Mr Alan Willis and the Spaniel Team, who were placed 2nd at the Skinners Challenge held over the weekend of 28th February. This is a great result for all - WELL DONE!
07/03/2015
Our next Spaniel training class is due to commence from Friday 3rd April, for further information, please visit our training page.
02/03/2015
Click here for our Newsletter 2015
26/02/2015
Our next Retriever training class is due to commence from Sunday 8th March, for further information, please visit our training page.
03/02/2015
Usk Valley are holding a Retriever KC Field Trial Judges Seminar on Sunday 17th May 2015 at Little Mill Hall, Nr Usk, NP4 0HE. The Presenter is Mr Graham Cox.
Pre-registration is required as places are limited, £25 for members, £35 for non-members, refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Please contact Mrs Jill Bowler if you are interested in attending jillbowler@hotmail.com or telephone 01291 650206
2015 WALES INTERNATIONAL RETRIEVER TEAM SELECTION
A selection test will take place at Rhydlewis Trout Fishery, Rhydlewis, Nr Newcastle Emlyn SA44 5QS on Saturday, 21st March and Saturday, 4th April, dogs must compete on both days to qualify.
The selected Wales team will compete at the Anglesey County Show and the Irish Game Fair.
If you are interested in attending the selection test, please contact Huw Jones for an entry form as NO entries will be taken on the day. Huw Jones: 07891 175858 email: huwh@aol.com
29/01/2015
- Our Retriever and Spaniel Trials for 2015 have now been approved by the Kennel Club. Please visit relevant pages for further information.
28/01/2015
- All Working Tests for HPR, Retriever and Spaniels are now confirmed. For further information, please visit our working test page.
- We are pleased to confirm that Skinners will be sponsoring Usk Valley WGC with the "Skinner Fleece Challenge 2015"
- We are hoping to host a Judges Seminar in May 2015. Watch this space for further information.
19/01/2015
- The 1st of our Spaniel Working Tests has been confirmed for Sunday 12th April 2015 at Wentwood. For further information, please visit our working test page.
- Throughout the year, Usk Valley are invited to attend a number of events, which include Demonstrations and Team Events.
If any of our members would like to be considered to participate in these events any please register your interest by emailing me on maccadaizegundogs@outlook.com. Please note that not all events require selection, but you will be notified if and when this is applicable.
13/01/2015
- NEW FOR 2015 Usk Valley Working Gundog Club are pleased to announce that we are running our first HPR Working Test at Big Pit, Blaenavon on Sunday 26th April. Booking forms are available on the Working Test Page of our website. For further information, please contact Ms Elizabeth Davies (Sid) on 07879 646245 or email peggywoo@talk21.com
07/01/2015
- Dates for Retriever Working Tests are now available. Venues are still being confirmed. For further information please visit our Working Test pages.
- We will be running two Spaniel Working Tests this season, dates to follow shortly.
- Our Novice Retriever Trials will take place at The Riverside Shoot, Sedbury and is PROVISIONALLY BOOKED Tuesday 8th September and Saturday 10th October 2015. These will be partridge and pheasant days.
- Open Retriever 2 day Trial will take place at New Farm, Nr Norton and is PROVISIONALLY BOOKED Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October 2015.
- Our Spaniel Trials will also be hosted at The Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, with AV Novice PROVISIONALLY BOOKED on Wednesday 14th October and the ESS Open PROVISIONALLY BOOKED on Wednesday 28th October 2015.
01/01/2015
A number of amendments have been made to the Field Trial "J" Regs, due to commence from 1st January 2015. For further information, click here.
10/12/2014
It is with sadness that Usk Valley Working Gundog Club have to announce that overnight on 9th December, our Committee Member, Dr Gareth Davies, passed away peacefully in his sleep whilst at home with his family.
Losing someone we know and love is not easy, but knowing we can hold onto the happy memories that we’ve shared keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us.
May fond memories of Dr Gareth Davies bring comfort to all who knew him during this hard time in life. We are able to look back on all the good memories and are able to smile knowing that we were honoured to have known such a great person.
Our hearts and prayers go out to family, may Dr Gareth rest in peace.
29/10/2014
Our ESS Spaniel Trial took place at The Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow on 22nd October 2014. Thank you again to Mr Colin Markey and his guns for continuing to provide excellent grounds, shooting and trialling conditions.
Congratulations to our winner, Mr J McAndrew with Tyn-Y-Waun Pearl. Gun's Choice was awarded to our 4th placed winner, Mr K Jones with Mileka Starlight of Miskinfern. For futher information on all our award winners and a couple of photos of the day, please visit the Spaniel Trial section of our website.
22/10/2014
- Our AV Spaniel Trial took place at The Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow on 22nd October 2014. Thank you to Mr Colin Markey and his guns for making this yet another very successful day for Usk Valley Working Gundog Club and its trialling competitors.
- Congratulations to our 1st place award winner, Mr C Thurston-Woolnough with Woodash Akiki of Halaze. Gun's Choice award winner was Mr Paul De Challans with Merovigian Mistletoe. For further information on all our award winners of the day, please visit our Spaniel Trial results page.
18/10/2014
Our two day Open Retriever Trial took place at New Farm, Norton over 17th & 18th October.
Congratulations to our 1st place award winner, Mr Roger Colver with Artistryn Quail. This was Roger's first ever 2 day open field trial and he has now been invited to qualify for the IGL Retriever Championships to be held at Windsor this December.
2nd place and winner of the Brockweir Trophy for highest placed Breeder & Handler was awarded to Laura Hill with Stauntonvale Story.Gun's Choice award winner Mr Craig Perry with Cynhinfa John.
11/10/2014
The second of our two Novice Retriever Trials took place today at The Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow. Congratulations to our 1st place award winner, Mrs Tess Lawrence with Willowyck Avenger and to the Gun's Choice award winner Miss Clare Baker with The Windbreak Whispered of Arcklebear.
08/10/2014
The draw for the Novice & Open Spaniel Trials are now available. Please visit our Spaniel Trial Section of the website for details.
04/10/2014
The first of our two Novice Retriever Trials took place today at The Riverside Shoot, Sedbury, Nr Chepstow. 1st place was not awarded, but congratulations to Mr P Hobbs who was given 2nd place with Luisenga Highland Lad.
27/09/2014
The draw for the Open Retriever Trials are now available. The draw took place at 6pm on Saturday 27th September 2014. To view the competitors and to download a list of reserves, please visit the Retreiver Trial Section of the website for details.
14/09/2014
The draw for the Novice Retriever Trials are now available. Please visit our Retriever Trial Section of the website for details.
13/09/2014
We had a very successful day as Usk Show today. Both demonstrations were well received by the spectators and we were continually busy on the stand. We were able to provide lots of advice and guidance to visitors and continue to build up the membership and support of the club.
Thank you to all the committee, officers and members who kindly took time out of their day to come and support the club. A special thanks to Lindsay Prosser who did a sturling job at commentating whilst we were in the show ring.
To see photos of the day, please visit our gallery.
17/08/2014
CONGRATULATIONS. . .
- to Mr Nigel Probert and his Labrador, Slipside Danzy Jones for winning this years Skinners Fleece Challenge.
- to the Retriever & Spaniel Teams who came 1st and 2nd in the Sherbourne Gundog Event.
- to the Spaniel Team who were awarded 3rd place in the Cornish Gundog Event on 3rd August.
- to our members who represented the Welsh Team in the Irish Event in late August.
TRAINING
Full information on our Training Classes, Working Tests and Field Trials for 2014 can be downloaded from the relevant pages across the website.
If you have an initial Gundog Training Enquiry, please email