We held our 12-dog novice field trial on Monday 8th December 2025 at Bretby Park Shoot, Bretby, Derbyshire, by the kind permission of Mrs C. Perkins and Keeper, Mr Matt Smith. We are extremely grateful to them for their support.
Thank you to our judges Paula Cullis, Steve Cullis, John Day and Casper Jonsen, and all the others who worked so hard to make the trial run so smoothly – Chief Steward Roz Bellamy, judges’ stewards Heather and Nicky, game carriers Darren and Nick, markers Sarah, Andy and Caroline, red flag Sharon.
Catering was provided by Roz too – absolutely delicious chilli and cakes at the end of a long day!
Thank you to the guns and to the beaters, who were very patient between the drives.
We had a full card of 12 dogs, including 3 from Sweden. Thank you to everyone who took part and made the trial happen.
The day was fine and bright with a light wind. We had pheasant and partridge to test the dogs. The drives were in a grassed valley, with birds falling onto the grass, into cover and among trees. Some fell into the lake.
Thank you too to our sponsors Skinners Dog Food for the cards and vouchers.
Results:
Winner:Signy Never Touching Ground, owned/handled by Sue Rodgers.
2nd:Casblaidd Charlotte Cum Cleirwy, owned/handled by Anna Crampton.
COMs:Staverton Yakub of Percuil, owned/handled by Helen Ford.
Ollersett Shimmering Nymph, owned by Julie Matthews, handled by Garry Ellison.
Blacktoft Dancing The Blues, owned/handled by Helen Fox.
Miss Mallorys Let’s Go Crazy, owned by Anders & Annica Reitmaier, handled by Anders Reitmaier.
Guns’ Choice: Blacktoft Dancing The Blues, owned/handled by Helen Fox.
The winner also took home the Heather Trophy for the best dog in the awards handled by a lady.
Thank you to Chris Lawrence from Earthdog Photography (https://earthdog.smugmug.com) for taking pictures throughout the day. They will appear on his website in the next few days.
