On Saturday, 6th September, by kind permission of Simon and Ursula Pomeroy, the FT Sub will be holding an Introduction to Field Trials seminar and training day at Duddle Farm, near Dorchester.

There will be a mock walked up trial in the morning preceded by an explanatory talk with a question and answer session afterwards followed by a mock driven trial in the afternoon again preceded by an explanatory talk and another question and answer session at the end of the day.   Both sessions will use dummies with accompanying gunfire and dummy launchers.

The day is designed to help those who may want to trial their dogs and would like to find out more about the sport - all aspects will be covered including the entry process.  However, members would also be very welcome to come along without a dog because we can put you in line near the Judges/Trainers so you can still be involved with what is going on.  Although we will try to accommodate all the interested handlers, if the day were very over-subscribed, I will have to do a draw.  It is not a competition but in fairness to the other participants, if your dog is known to squeak (an eliminating fault which can be 'catching') or consistently run in, please leave him or her at home and come on your own.

The Judges/Trainers are Dr Tim Woodgate-Jones (A Panel), Francesca Prentice and myself; we will do our best to put you at your ease and help you as much as possible throughout the day.

The venue is Duddle Farm, Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8QL on Saturday, 6th September, 2008 at 09.00 for 09.30.  The closing date will be Saturday, 30th August, 2008 after which I will send out directions and the result of the draw. 

If you would like to take part, have any queries about the day or want more details, please either email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or phone 01398 371537 and leave a message if I am not in.  There will be no charge for members as the day is being funded by the Founder Members Memorial Fund for which we are very grateful.

Sheila Neary