Members’ News
A page devoted to the exploits and adventures of PTA members who have either taken part in non-PTA working test events, or have their own news stories from the working test season.
This page is for you. Club members wishing to feature should send in their own news items for publication please. Mail your article (with or without one photo) to the webmaster. Thank you.
1st May 2022 – St John’s Hospice Open Walked Up Test – Ashlack Hall
3rd April 2022 – Norfolk Gundog Club Open Working Test – Sandringham
“Early start for me and Beau to the Queens home Sandringham.Sorry Chris as of 04.04.22 there’s nothing been posted by NGC so I can’t add any detail. But – WELL DONE FROM ME – you’ve trained that dog into a formidable beast. I love him – Editor
20th March 2022 – Three Ridings Labrador Club Open Working Test
Chris Pilkington and Beau started off the new season with a win at Three Ridings on the North Yorkshire moors.
Well done Chris.
10th July 2021 – Leicestershire Gundog Society Open Working Test – Stapleford Park
Mr Pilkingon and Beau have so far proved unstoppable this season with three open test wins from three outings – this time at Stapleford Park in Leicestershire. This is of course on top of his selection for the England gundog team.
“Nice open test at Leicester today, picking up a first.
Was hard going after night shift last night, but Beau run clean.
Would like to thank everyone that made the day happen” – Chris Pilkington
4th July 2021 – England team selection news
Well done to Chris Pilkington (picture second left). Chris and Beau were invited to the England gundog team selection process near Buxton and subsequentlly chosen to represent our country – starting with a run at the Game Fair at Ragley later this month. Good luck Chris.
“After a barren year of not competing, 2021 so far has seen me good, winning both Open tests that I have entered. Then being invited to the England selections at Buxton and now being invited to run for my country is a dream come true. I just wish my dad was here to see me run for England as he was a rough shooting man with a passion for the Labrador Retriever. I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way” – Chris Pilkington.
LATE BREAKING NEWS
9th May 2021 – Mid Wales Working Gundog Society Puppy Working Test – Welshpool
Congratulations to Bill Dewhurst for a well deserved victory in the puppy test held at Powis Castle.
Bill’s dog continues to show great promise – keep up the good work.
22nd May 2021 – Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club – Roxby
Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club held an Open working test at Roxby and put on some wonderful walked up tests. Chis Pilkington was imperious once more – the second red rosette in a fortnight.
15th May 2021 – URC Midland Open Working Test – Marston Trussell
Chris and Beau picking up where they left off. Well done.
1st. Winner of the Midland Area Open Cup and the Wagtail Misty Trophy for the highest placed black Labrador: Christopher Pilkington – Shadeoak Major.
Ruth Warner said “We are delighted that the day was such a success, and enjoyed watching some excellent work in challenging tests set in beautiful woodland. Although the weather was a bit chilly and we endured a few sharp showers, as our Open Test winner Christopher Pilkington said “It’s been great to get back out again!”.
23rd February 2020 – Barton on Humber Gundog Club Open Working Test – Elsham, North Lincs
Congratulations to Chris Pilkington and ‘Beau’ after finishing in second place following a run off in the Open test.
Just a couple of points separated Chris and the eventual winner and England team member Laura Hill with her dog ‘Moose’.
22nd September 2019 – Mid Wales Working Gundog Society Working Tests – Powys Castle
“Pennine Training Area members were among the awards at the Mid Wales Gundog Society Novice and Open cold game tests at Powys Castle.
After a glorious week of sunshine competitors where faced with driving rain and misty conditions on some great shooting grounds packed with big strong pheasants..
Judges Vikki Stanley, James Murphy, Steve Burns, and Glynn Evans tested the dogs with 4 static tests and a walk up on partridge made even more difficult by the live game present.
NOVICE
1st place: Arthur Telfair with Upperaughton Blackberry
3rd place: Darren Carruthers with Jini In The Bottle
OPEN
1st place: Gary Collier with Brocklebank Vital Of Thornyoaks
2nd place: Gary Collier with Thornyoaks Tanzanite
COM: Vicky Waterfield with Brenjohn Harry”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Coordinator
8th September 2019 – United Retriever Club (North Midland) Open Working Test – Edwinstowe
“A Good day out today with Patanavac Julia (Lacey) gaining 4th at United Retriever Club (North Midland Area’s) Open Cold Game Walked up Working Test held at Edwinstowe Notts by Kind permission of Mr Robert Bealby. Thanks to the judges David Brown & Dorothy Walls Duffin ,Chief Steward Malcolm Peacock & all the helpers & sponsors Alpha dog food.”
Philip Smithies. PTA Member
8th September 2019 – Dove Valley Working Gundog Club Open Working Test – Woodseaves
Congratulations to Scott Marland and Greenbriar Tame for a creditable COM in the Open Gold Game Test held in the heart of rural Staffordshire.
Scott was one of seven handlers who made it through to the final drive in a walked up drive in a beet crop. The birds had already been placed as blinds with the handlers getting a shot as they walked up and a mark as to where the game was lying. After each dog had had its single retrieve, the Judges called a halt to proceedings and the Test was over.
Well done Scott.
18th August 2019 – Pilling Moss Gundog Club Puppy Working Test – Ellel Grange
Congratulations to Gary Collier, Stuart Woodcock, Peter Thompson, and Laura Cooke who were all among the awards at Ellel Grange.
“A great result today and I’m one happy chap! Tom has won the ‘best puppy under 12months’ at Pilling Moss’ puppy test. He also came 2nd overall which I am absolutely overwhelmed with.
We seem to be making good progress and the training is paying off. Thanks to everyone who supported Pilling Moss today and also to Gary Collier (the winner on the day) for his support in training.” Stu Woodcock. PTA member
“Absolutely over the moon for Laura Cooke, all her hard work learning gundog stuff herself, then training her first labrador May, and she gets good scores to get herself a award, well done chuck made up for you.well deserved.” Roz McIlroy. PTA member
The award winners were:
1st place: Hawksgarth Maddison – Mr Gary Collier
2nd place: Garagill Little Scot Able – Mr Stu Woodcock (AND Best Puppy under 12 months)
3rd place: Hawksgarth Kokomo of Dieselbrook – Mr Peter Thompson
4th place: Kipperidge May – Mrs Laura Cooke
Well done all.
18th August 2019 – Galloway Gundog Association Novice Working Test – Galloway
“Great day today at the Galloway game fair with Ruby taking 3rd place in the Galloway gundog novice working test. Good end to the working test season and fingers crossed Ruby will be having Pups in October!!”
Lisa Wadeson. PTA member
17th August 2019 – Arfon Working Gundog Club Novice and Open Working Tests – Anglesey
“Always nice to have a day out with your dogs, even nicer when you are in the prizes. 4th at Arfon Novice Test on Anglesey. Thanks to the club for putting on a challenging novice and open test and thanks to the judges Philip Smithies, Scott Marland and Peter Thompson.”
Steve Burns. PTA member
11th August 2019 – Dukeries (Notts) Gundog Club Open Working Test – Osberton
A very well done to the club’s Training Coordinator.
Thoroughly deserved first and fourth places went to Gary Collier with Ozzie and Bramble in a competition featuring cold game.
4th August 2019 – Cheshire North Wales and Shropshire Retriever and Spaniel Society Working Tests – Ellesmere
Congratulations to Kim Dutton and Jim Murphy for their first and third places respectively in the Open competition. Kim won after an exciting run off against Nicola Reynolds which involved a double mark with dummies thrown to within a few metres of each other, and instruction to both handlers to stop their dogs en route and hunt for a blind that was truly a blind – neither handlers knew the location. This was followed by the dogs picking one of the marks where the onus on both handlers was to ensure their dogs did not swap dummies. The assembled gallery were quick to applaud both competitors for their gallant efforts. Well done you two, and to Jim as well.
21st July 2019 – Burns and Becks Gundog Club Open Working Test – Brackenburgh
“Today we saw some fantastic dog work with some great retrieves from all those still in at the end. Well done to everyone.” Kirsty Howson. B & B Test Secretary
Once again PTA member Chris Pilkington and PTA Committee member Mike Nelson finished among the awards at the walked up test held at Brackenburgh.
1st Place – Drakeshead Casey – Simon David Capstick
2nd Place – Dunehead Jet – Ian Metcalfe
3rd Place – Shadeoak Major – Christopher Joseph Pilkington
4th Place – Turpingreen Curry – Mike Nelson
COM – Abbotshall White Ermie – Helen Paterson
COM – Balbirnie Logo of Thornship – Paul Dixon
7th July 2019 – United Gundog Breeders Association Gundog Working Tests – Bagot’s Park
Chris Pilkington was victorious at Bagot’s Park, finishing ahead of a strong field in the summer sunshine.
“Well what a season I’ve had at the beginning winning the Hector Cup with my two good friends showing me the way. Last week second at Chatsworth 2 day event and today finishing on a high winning first at United Gundog Breeders Association. There are so many people to thank, that have helped me along the way. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Keep picking, good luck everyone in the trial season.”
Chris Pilkington. PTA member
30th June 2019 – Northumberland & Durham Labrador Retriever Club Working Tests – Eggleston Fell
“
Good day at the Northumberland Durham prestigious eggleston fell open for pta members Christopher Joseph Pilkington and Gary Collier Chris with a c.o.m. with his young dog beau and myself with a 3rd with bramble.
Some of the most seriously testing ground in the north of England attracts large entries with handlers wanting to test their dogs on massive gullies with bracken and Heather beds on top of the sometimes sheer rocky scree
Today was no exception and it was great to see pta members more than holding their own against the 56 dogs from ‘up north” more used to ” very big country”.
Well done n&d thanks to judges and all dummy throwers.”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Coordinator
23rd June 2019 – Clwyd Retriever Club Working Tests – Halkyn
“A trip to North Wales to Clwyd Novice Test at Halkyn, very pleased to get a COM with Eiderbay Fastnet at Jollybrow. Thanks to Bronwyn and all who organised the tests and the judges..Alan, Gareth, Lee and Wes.”
Steve Burns. PTA member
and Open working tests on Sunday 23rd June.Handlers and dogs had to cope with woodland, a small river and some seriously thick tall cover which made for technically difficult but achievable tests, requiring dogs to go where pointed and hold their lines.
Well done to:
Jill Cummings 1st Puppy
Scott Hoyle 1st Novice
Alan Pearson 1st Open
William Dewhurst Puppy under 12mths award
And to all the other PTA members in the awards.”
22nd June 2019 – Charity Training Day – Capernwray
Several PTA members took part in a Charity Training Day in aid of the North West Air Ambulance. The 
ground was organised by John Lupton, and PTA Training Coordinator Gary Collier was teacher for the day. The atmosphere was relaxed and the challenges set were tweaked to suit ability and experience. Kim Dutton had invested considerable time preparing our very own Charity Bake Off with copious quantities of cake and more cake. Sumptuous.
Watch the video on YouTube
16th June 2019 – URC Northern Working Tests – Meols Hall
PTA members were once again among the awards, including a great Open win for Vicky Waterfield sporting red nails and a cheeky grin, and yet another Puppy win for Adrian Blackledge. Well done everyone.
15th and 16th June 2019 – Kennel Club 40 dog Open Working Test – Chatsworth Estate
PTA member Chris Pilkington’s first ever entry into the prestigious Kennel Club Open competition held at Chatsworth, with the gracious permission of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, almost resulted in an amazing victory following twenty retrieves over two energy sapping days.
No less amazing was the second place gained in competition against some of the country’s best handlers.
Well done Chris and ‘Beau’.
8th and 9th June 2019 – Lancs & Mersey Field Trial Society Working Tests – Meols Hall
PTA members were once again among the awards at the LMFTS two day Gundog biathlon at Meols Hall. All award winners were as follows:
PUPPY
1st: Karen Vere-Hodge with Applebriar Clyde
2nd: Scott Hoyle with Applebriar Trent
3rd: Peter Thompson with Hawksgarth Kokomo Of Dieselbrook
4th: John Drury with Think Twice Each’ Every
COM: Ian White with Tyddynbrooks Zoey Of Minstead
NOVICE
1st: Paula Diamond with Ashwynd Golden Tropics
2nd: Paul Edmunds with Kinigos Midnight Magic
3rd: Lisa Wadeson with Auslander Valentine
OPEN
1st: Henry Vincent Price with Gallowayrose April
2nd: Judith White with Minstead Axel
3rd: Paul Murphy with Lady Emma of Shamrock
4th: Scott Marland with Greenbriar Tame
COM: William Dewhurst with Kelmagra Billy
The award for best dressed and colour coordinated competitor went to PTA Vice President Mr John Benyon and his dogs Mel and Peg (see Home page).
2nd June 2019 – Dove Valley Working Gundog Club Working Tests – Hamstall Ridware
PTA member Steve Burns continued his winning streak with two more awards at Hamstall Ridware where his two dog team swept aside the long grass which featured on every retrieve.
“Good day for Jollybrow Gundogs at Dove Valley Novice Test. (No 1st prize awarded) 3rd with Eider and a Certificate of Merit with Treacle.”
Steve Burns. PTA member
1st June 2019 – Arfon Working Gundog Club Working Tests – Bodorgan Estate
Arfon Working Gundog Club held their Summer Retriever test where PTA members collected several awards.
Novice
3rd: Arthur Telfair with Upperaughton Blackberry Lab D
COM: Paul Murphy with Elmsmoor Paige Lab
Open
2nd: Henry Vincent Price with Galloway Rose April Lab B
3rd: Paul Murphy with Lady of Shamrock Lab B
4th: Arthur Telfair with Upperaughton Blackberry Lab D
COM: Kim Dutton with Shady Acres Teardrop Lab B
1st June 2019 – Burns & Becks Gundog Club Working Tests – Brackenburgh
“Great day for PTA puppies at the Burns and Becks Gundog Club Puppy working test at Brackenburgh, Cumbria.
1st: Adrian Blackledge with Ingdalehowl Orccus At Turtonmoor.
3rd: Gary Collier with Hawksgarth Maddison Of Thornyoaks
4th: Adrian Blackledge with Jaycote Firefly At Turtonmoor.
Great advert for our training classes!!!!
Successful transition from HPRs to labradors for Adrian Blackledge winning his first test today in his first season of competition.”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Coordinator
26th May 2019 – URC Northern Gundog Working Tests – Winster
“Good day despite a wet start at the URC NORTHERN AREA Puppy ,Novice, and Open tests at Winster near Windermere.
PTA members, Committee members, and training class regulars again featuring well in the awards .Well done you guys and everyone else in the awards”. Gary Collier. PTA Training Coordinator
Open
Gary Collier: 1st place
Barry Prescott: 2nd place
Amy Collier: 3rd place
Novice
Wendy Battinson: 1st place
Mike Pilling: 3rd place
Gavin Kelly: 4th place
Steve Burns: COM
Mark Palmer: COM
Puppy
Neil Appleton: 1st place
(no other information available)
18th and 19th May 2019 – St John’s Hospice Charity Gundog Working Tests – Capenwray
A great turnout for this charity event hosted and organised by the tireless John Lupton provided a memorable two day competition. PTA members were well represented among the awards including:
Gary Collier: 1st place in Open
Chris Pilkington: 2nd place in Open
Other Open awards went to Amy Collier and Scott Marland. In Puppy and Novice on the Saturday award winners included Adrian Blackledge, Roz McIlroy, and Gary Lakey.
If anyone has more precise information regarding awards please email me.
18th May 2019 – Shropshire Gundog Society Novice and Open Working Tests – Codsall
PTA members Kim Dutton (2nd place in Novice, COM in Open) and Steve Burns (COM in Novice) handled their dogs well at The Wood Farm.
The event was held in windless conditions where most of the exercises took advantage of the stunning mature deciduous woodland – complete with a heavily scented cover of bluebells and wild garlic.
12th May 2019 – Burns & Becks Gundog Club Working Tests – Winster
12th May 2019 – Dove Valley Working Gundog Club Open Working Test – Yoxall
PTA members blitzed the awards on a wonderfully sunny day at the breathtaking Winster gundog playground.
Bill Dewhurst was a well deserving winner in the Open test, while Chris Pilkington took second place and Scott Marland fourth.
PTA Secretary Karen Parkinson wrested first place from a strong field in the Novice test with Gary Collier finishing third. Gary Lakey scooped second in Puppy and first in the Puppy – Under 12 Months category.
Meanwhile at Yoxall PTA member Kim Dutton stormed to a second place finish at the Dove Valley Open competition.
Well done all.
28th April 2019 – Clwyd Retriever Club Working Tests – Gwysaney
PTA member Chris Pilkington took second place in the Open category with his dog ‘Beau’.
Great result Chris. Well done.
28th April 2019 – North West Labrador Retriever Club Working Tests – Drakeshead
PTA members featured in the awards at the two day test extravaganza.
It was held at Drakeshead for the last time and provided the perfect test environment.
Roz McIlroy scooped first places in both Puppy and Novice, and Richard Cawthray with his mercurial dog was victorious in the Open. Gary Lakey (COM in under twelve months Puppy, and first in over twelve months Puppy – only dog to complete the test) and Linda Scott (second in Novice) also acquitted themselves very well.
21st April 2019 – Northumberland & Durham Labrador Retriever Club Working Tests – Wemmergill
A very ‘well done’ to all PTA members who featured in the awards on demanding ground in typically Mediterranean weather. Very hot by all accounts. In particular congratulations to PTA Training Co-ordinator Gary Collier for his first place in the Open category.
RESULTS
Puppy
1st: Nessa Thompson with Glorishears Bonnie Parker of Haventrent
2nd: Jill Cummings with Brocklebank Delight
3rd: Jimmy Fisher with Syltoni Summer Breeze
Novice
1st: Ian Metcalfe with Copperbirch Flynn
2nd: Eden Parish with Tarnedge Blue
2nd: Karen Parkinson with Torrisdale River
3rd: Brent Both with Levendale Redhead
4th: D.Orr Ewing with Lymiecleuch Carron of Greenfoot
Open
1st: Gary Collier with Thornyoaks Tanzanite
2nd: Grant Dawson with Copperbirch Farrier
3rd: Drew Allan with Bearnard Bowden
4th: Margaret Pearce with Salemasky Ebor of Brackenfarg
COM: Helen Patterson with Peallaidh Caledonia
COM: Eden Parish with Tarnedge Flynn
COM: Amy Collier with Brocklebank Vital
14th April 2019 – URC Northern Working Gundog Tests – Lazonby
“A cold but satisfying day for the PENNINE TRAINING AREA today at the United Retriever Club.
Big valleys with many varied undulations, bracken, banks, and birch woods thoroughly tested all categories. It was a pleasure to see so many training class regulars featuring in the prizes at the end of the day.”
Puppy
1st place: Jill Cummings
2nd place: Gary Lakey
3rd place: Adrian Blackledge
Novice
1st place: James Murphy
2nd place: Roz McIlroy
3rd place: Lisa Wadeson
4th place: Karen Parkinson
Open
2nd place: Ralph Kleeli
3rd place: William Dewhurst
4th place: Amy Collier
“Very nearly a clean sweep for PTA training and committee members. Well done you guys we must be doing something right in training!!!!”
Gary Collier PTA Training Co-ordinator
14th April 2019 – Dove Valley Working Gundog Club Novice Test – Brailsford
More awards for PTA members – this time on a freezing cold Derbyshire spring day hosted by Dove Valley. The five exercises included woodland, fields and ditches, water, and a walked up finale.
Arthur Telfair with LAB D Upperaughton Blackberry achieved third place.
Steve Burns with LAB B Eiderbay Fastnet At Jollybrow was awarded a Certificate of Merit.
24th March 2019 – Mid Wales Working Gundog Society Working Tests – Loton Park
PTA members made a significant contribution to proceedings and came away with the following awards:
Novice first place: Danny Astley
Novice second place: Jim Murphy
Novice third place: Arthur Telfair
Open first place: Jim Murphy
Open COM: Vicky Waterfield
Open COM: Kim Dutton
Well done everyone.
Above photo courtesy of Nigel Kirby Photography. Thanks Nigel
23rd February 2019 – Hectorkirk Annual Charity Gundog Working Test – Bolton Abbey Estate
PTA members Chris Pilkington (Captain), Vince Price, and Bill Dewhurst finished ahead of over 20 other teams to secure victory and The Hectorkirk Moorland Challenge Cup. The competition was held in glorious sunshine on the Bolton Abbey Estate north of Skipton, and all proceeds went to the Burnsal Primary School. Congratulations to the ‘Three Wise Men’.
“Had an amazing day with 2 good friends we’ve had good training this week together, which paid off today. The ground at Bolton Abbey was the best I’ve run on. We competed against some big names and left with a win. I know this will be a day for my scrapbook and I’m sure it will be for Bill and Vinny. Too many names to thank over the last 3 years and a journey I have enjoyed so much. P.S. I would like to thank Danny Astley for breeding my Labrador.”
Chris Pilkington. Wise Men Team Captain
17th October 2018 – training exercise
PTA member Chris Pilkington out training with his dog ‘Beau’.
Posted by Christopher Joseph Pilkington on Wednesday, 17 October 2018
31st August 2018 – Chatsworth Country Fair Special Open Working Test – Chatsworth House
Congratulations to Roz McIlroy with Autumnwillow Scout (Bolty) for a well deserved second place in a field of forty five dogs.
26th August 2018 – Pilling Moss Gundog Club – Ellel Grange
PTA and regular training group member Julie Hunter was victorious with her puppy Smithies Annie.
19th August 2018 – CNWSRSS – Blackenhall Farm
PTA members Scott Marland with Greenbriar Tame and Roz McIlroy with Autumnwillow Scout finished first and runner up respectively in the Open competition, with Cathy Allsop finishing in third with Glasybont Springing Teal.
8th July 2018 – Northumberland & Durham Labrador Retriever Club – Eggleston Fell
“Pennine on Tour at Eggleston Fell with the N&D at their Open Working Test
Brilliant day out on superb ground at a fantastic club. Pennine members scooped up a few awards I’m pleased to say, in the hardest, most challenging tests I’ve ever done. Thanks to all the judges, helpers and Committee members.
Amy Collier got a 3rd with Ozzy and COMs went to Michael Nelson with Rogan and Karen Parkinson with Danny.”
Karen Parkinson. PTA General Secretary.
24th June 2018 – Clwyd Retriever Club – Halkyn
“Lovely hot day out at Clwyd Gundog Club in Halkyn. Very well run event, thanks to the organisers, judges and helpers. Danny and I ended up with a COM in Novice.”
Karen Parkinson. PTA General Secretary.
Linda Scott was also awarded second place in the 12-15 month puppy test.
23rd June 2018 – Pilling Moss GC Working Tests – Bleasdale
“Award winners at Pilling Moss today included regular PTA attendees Linda Scott (2nd in novice), Barry Prescott (1st in Open) and Kim Dutton (1st in Puppy). Very well done to all the other award winners too. Thank you also to Pilling Moss, Judges, organisers and helpers for putting on such a good day with well thought out tests.”
Mark Palmer. PTA Committee member.
Linda was also placed second in the puppy test.
17th June 2018 – URC Working Tests – Southport
PTA Committee member and Working Test Secretary Linda Scott was once again victorious in a puppy test with her Labrador dog Brocklebank Carlson. The club’s Training Co-ordinator Gary Collier, with Thornyoaks Tanzanite, and Committee member Scott Marland with Greenbriar Tame, were placed first and second in the Open test, and member Amy Collier and her Labrador dog Brocklebank Vital received a Certificate of Merit.
17th June 2018 – Mid Wales Working Gundog Society Open Working Test – Welshpool
PTA member Chris Pilkington was again among the awards – gaining a 3rd place in the Open competition with his Labrador dog Shadeoak Major.
3rd June 2018 – Lancs & Mersey Field Trial Society Open Working Test – Southport
“PTA on tour. Lancs & Mersey Field Trial Society Open test at Meols Hall Churchtown. 28 dogs completed 4 static tests in the morning in hot sunny dry conditions with challenging tests on water, fences, ditches, tight windows and long delayed marks, 8 dogs only with no fails where taken through to a walk up in the afternoon.
Great to see PTA team members and training class regulars in the top awards again well done you guys!
1st Alan Pearson
2nd Gary Collier
3rd Amy Collier
4th Vince Price
COMs to:
Chris Pilkington
Judith White
Scott Marland
Simon Capstick
Well done Barry Prescott for setting good challenging technical tests that showed good correct training off perfectly.
Thanks Alan, Trefor, Wayne and Gareth for judging.”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Co-ordinator
2nd June 2018 – Lancs & Mersey Field Trial Society Puppy and Novice Working Tests – Southport
Vicky Waterfield and Avril Marland continued the excellent form of PTA members in all competitions.
Vicky was victorious in the Puppy test, and Avril achieved her second runners’ up Novice award in less than a month.
Big smiles all round. Well done girls.
2nd June 2018 – Burns & Becks Gundog Club Working Tests – Brackenburgh
“Committee members Linda Scott and Michael Nelson winning the Puppy and Novice tests today at the Burns and Becks Gundog club.
Great to see PTA Committee members winning with their dogs.”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Co-ordinator
27th May 2018 – Northumberland & Durham Labrador Retriever Club Working Tests – Slaley
“PTA on tour!!! Close run tests up in the sunny northeast of England at the Northumberland and Durham
Labrador Retriever Club with Michael Nelson missing out on first with his promising young dog Rogan by a point, Amy Collier finishing joint third with Ozzie, and myself winning the Open with Bramble by a point. Great ground with challenging retrieves – proof that if you train for difficult scenarios and technical retrieves you can compete with the best clubs. Well done you guys and thanks Karen, Paddy, Ian, and Thomas for judging.”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Co-ordinator
20th May 2018 – LRC of Wales Novice Working Test – Neuadd Cwmyoy (near Abergavenny)
Well done to PTA member Danny Astley.
With his Labrador dog Shadeoak Rusty (aka Dipper – not even 2 years old) Danny finished in first place after a run off in a field of thirty nine dogs.
13th May 2018 – Burns & Becks Gundog Cub Working Tests – Winster
Well done to all PTA members who received awards. Noteably:
PTA Committee member Mark Palmer for the award for Best Puppy under 12 months with Calonbridge Diplomat.
Second place in the Novice Test went to Avril Marland with Torrisdale Loch, and fourth place was awarded to PTA Committee member Mike Nelson with Turpin Green Curry.
In the Open category second place went to Amy Collier with Brocklebank Vital, and Scott Marland took third place with Greenbrier Tame.
5th and 6th May 2018 – North West Labs Working Tests – Drakeshead
Congratulations to PTA member Alan Pearson with Kenquince Rising Kite who was awarded first place in the prestigious Novice Test held at Drakeshead, and also to PTA Training Co-ordinator Gary Collier who finished third in the Open competition.
“North West labs Open Test at the stunning Drakeshead kennels what a challenging day technically difficult but achievable tests – cover, ditches, fences, double ponds, moorland ,baking hot sunshine. 1 point between the top 3 dogs.
Great test good company.”
Gary Collier. PTA Training Co-ordinator.
22nd April 2018 – URC Working Tests – Lazonby
“Massive well done to our Committee members Karen Parkinson and Michael Nelson for their awards in the URC Northern Novice test today, and another massive well done to our Committee member Gary Lakey for 1st and 3rd in the Open at the same venue.
Special mention goes to our club webmaster and training class member Phil Gilmore for winning the Puppy with Sally – his promising young yellow bitch.
Added to training class regular Scott Marland’s Open award proof if any were needed that we are on the right LINES with the club’s training policy and test standards.
Well done you guys.”
Gary Collier – PTA Training Co-ordinator.
Additional PTA success at Lazonby came in the form of Christine Thompson’s second place in the Puppy, and Barry Prescott’s second in the Open.
2nd September 2016 – Individual Open Gundog Working Test – Chatsworth Country Fair
It was a clean sweep for the PTA. Roz McIlroy finished second, Gary Collier third, and Scott Marland fourth. However first place, and not for the first time this year, went to Junior Member Miss Amy Collier who gave a sublime and composed display of dog handling, followed by a magnanimous winner’s speech served up to an eager and appreciative audience. Amy was presented with the winner’s trophy and Amy’s proud mum Louise was presented with a bottle of champagne. Pass the tissues. Brilliant.
10th July 2016 – Lancs & Mersey Field Trial Society Novice Working Test for AV Retrievers – Meols Hall
Congratulations are due to the winner of the competition – PTA member Mr Sydney Ralphs with his Lab.D Thornyoaks Nightshade who produced a memorable display with a total of 127 points.
I’m sure I can speak on behalf of all PTA members – well done Syd – a very deserving winner.
8th May 2016 – Dove Valley Working Gundog Club Open Working Test for AV Retrievers – Yoxall Lodge
Keith and ‘Nev’. Photo courtesy Guy Radford.
In his own words PTA member Keith Aldred said that he’d had ‘a bit of an extraordinary day’ on Sunday.
Keith and ‘Nev’ (FCR.D Donascimento Santos) were awarded the Connie Cup for finishing in 1st place in a field of 35 dogs (consisting 32 Labs, 2 FCRs, 1 GR, and including a FT Champion and several FT winners).
There were six tests during the day including two retrieves from water, the second of which saw twelve dogs fail.
More details on the Dove Valley Results page. Their headline reads ‘First – Keith Aldred with his very stylish Flatcoat’. Well done Keith.
Left to right: Dorothy Walls-Duffin, Ann Blake, Keith Aldred, Carol Probert, Suzanne Bailye, host Richard Featherstone, Sally Morewood, and Kevin Turner. Photo courtesy Guy Radford.
1st May 2016 – Lancashire & Merseyside Field Trial Society walked up Open Working Test – Chipping
PTA member Peter Thompson awarded first place. More details required – please mail to: Secretary
17th April 2016 – Northumberland & Durham Puppy Test – Wemmergill Estate
Steve Burns and Eider achieved a third place in a close run competition where only a few points separated the first three places. The event had to be rescheduled at short notice due to waterlogging of the original venue at Scotchcoulthard. The Northumberland & Durham Labrador Retriever Club worked wonders to move the test to a new location and should be commended for their efforts.
17th April 2016 – Clwyd Spring Open Working Test – Gwysaney
Congratulations to the father and daughter team of Gary and Amy Collier for finishing first and second in the 40 dog Open test. PTA Chairman Trefor Richards watched events unfold and commented that the rest of the field had provided stiff competition which made a truly great display from one of our junior members all the more memorable.
Amy, Ozzie, Gary, and Bramble. Photo courtesy Aidrian Lakey.
10th April 2016 – URC Working Tests – Lazonby
A contingent of PTA members took part with Amy Collier and Ozzie winning the Novice, Gary Lakey and Mick Kay taking first and fourth places in the Puppy, with Emma Haslam and Gary Lakey both gaining a Certificate of Merit in the Open test.
Happy Hunting at the URC (Northern) Working Test for PTA training members (left to right): Emma Haslam, Amy Collier, Gary Lakey, and Mick Kay. Photo courtesy Adrian Lakey
9th April 2016 – Vale of York Puppy Test
Steve is far right. Photo courtesy Philip Smithies
A text message told of two of our valiant Committee members venturing over the Pennines – both acquitted themselves well. Steve Burns came fourth and Jim Murphy was awarded a Certificate of Merit.
3rd April 2016 – Northumberland & Durham Puppy Test
Steve and ‘Eider in action. Photo courtesy Gary Barrett
A grueling round trip to Hexham proved worthwhile for Steve Burns and ‘Eider’ (Eiderbay Fastnet) who were awarded third place.