Proudly Representing England and Great Britain.
Having represented my country with several of my dogs since 2006; I was honoured to be chosen as the
England Retriever Team Captain from 2015 Click here for the Shootinguk 2014 Article |
The England Retriever Teams are chosen each year following invitation to a selection process.
2024 ENGLAND RETRIEVER TEAM SELECTION
Selection for Retrievers will take place on 14th April 2024. We are awaiting confirmation of the venue after which invitations will be circulated.
This selection will be to choose the Retriever Teams for
Skinners World Cup
Scone Palace
The Game Fair
This selection will be to choose the Retriever Teams for
Skinners World Cup
Scone Palace
The Game Fair
SKINNER'S WORLD CUP 2024
SCONE PALACE
THE GAME FAIR
2023 ENGLAND RETRIEVER TEAM SELECTION
The 2023 England retriever selection was held near Macclesfield by kind permission of
Peter and Bobski Mather.
The weather was kind to us, overcast with the occasional light drizzle and little wind making good condition’s for the dogs. We had a great turn out with several new handlers and their dogs.
We ran three different tests at the same time enabling us to get through the dog’s in good time,
without the need for a run off.
After some time the judges: Annette Clarke, John Yarwood, Andrew Slingsby, Kieth Broomfield,
David Jackson and myself, decided upon the following teams.
The Kennel Clubs 150 year celebrations new one off event
Retrievers: Steve Richardson and Ronnie Laughton
Spaniels: Adrian Slater and Debbie Mould
HPR : Suzi Burton.
Skinner's World Cup
Nathan Laffy
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Ronnie Laughton
Scone Palace (Scotland)
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Elenor Nunneley
The Game Fair
Nathan Laffy
Elenor Nunneley
Ronnie Laughton
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Phil Dyson
The Welsh Game Fair
Phil Dyson
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Elenor Nunneley.
My huge thanks go to:-
John Yarwood (my right hand man). Without your help I could not manage.
Our very experienced team of judges for there in put on dogs and there handlers.
But the most importantly, my team of helpers, who gave up their valuable time having fun, to hide behind trees placing dummies all day! Without your help this selection could never happen. Thanks so much.
To our Sponsors:-
Our main sponsor Skinner’s Dog Food, the gundog world can not thank you enough.
Gundog Gear for supplying the dummies, game bags, blanks etc. and
Peter Barrett for suppling all the teams with your hand made leads and lanyards.
A busy international calendar lie’s ahead of us, and I am looking forward to the competition and some good craic along the way.
Good luck to everyone!
Dave Latham
Peter and Bobski Mather.
The weather was kind to us, overcast with the occasional light drizzle and little wind making good condition’s for the dogs. We had a great turn out with several new handlers and their dogs.
We ran three different tests at the same time enabling us to get through the dog’s in good time,
without the need for a run off.
After some time the judges: Annette Clarke, John Yarwood, Andrew Slingsby, Kieth Broomfield,
David Jackson and myself, decided upon the following teams.
The Kennel Clubs 150 year celebrations new one off event
Retrievers: Steve Richardson and Ronnie Laughton
Spaniels: Adrian Slater and Debbie Mould
HPR : Suzi Burton.
Skinner's World Cup
Nathan Laffy
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Ronnie Laughton
Scone Palace (Scotland)
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Elenor Nunneley
The Game Fair
Nathan Laffy
Elenor Nunneley
Ronnie Laughton
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Phil Dyson
The Welsh Game Fair
Phil Dyson
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Elenor Nunneley.
My huge thanks go to:-
John Yarwood (my right hand man). Without your help I could not manage.
Our very experienced team of judges for there in put on dogs and there handlers.
But the most importantly, my team of helpers, who gave up their valuable time having fun, to hide behind trees placing dummies all day! Without your help this selection could never happen. Thanks so much.
To our Sponsors:-
Our main sponsor Skinner’s Dog Food, the gundog world can not thank you enough.
Gundog Gear for supplying the dummies, game bags, blanks etc. and
Peter Barrett for suppling all the teams with your hand made leads and lanyards.
A busy international calendar lie’s ahead of us, and I am looking forward to the competition and some good craic along the way.
Good luck to everyone!
Dave Latham
KENNEL CLUB 150 YEAR CELEBRATION
Retrievers: Steve Richardson and Ronnie Laughton
Spaniels: Adrian Slater and Debbie Mould
HPR : Suzi Burton.
Spaniels: Adrian Slater and Debbie Mould
HPR : Suzi Burton.
SKINNER'S WORLD CUP ENGLAND WIN!
Skinner's World Cup
After a three year wait, The Skinner’s World Cup is back, bigger and better than ever. A massive thanks to Ben Skinner for bringing this competition back.
Held at Englefield Estate by kind permission of Lord Richard Benyon, just outside London. The ground was perfect, rolling hills, valleys, mature woods and a super piece of water.
After two days and and twenty retrieves each. I couldn't believe it, the judge's called England and France for a run off, both drawing on the same points.
I asked my team to vote on who should take the retrieve, unfortunately I got the short straw, the run off was close but England just piped France to the post.
Can not thank my team enough (running order):
Nathan Laffy
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
and Ronnie Laughton
For their professionalism and consistency over the weekend.
Thanks also go to:
-Peter Castleman and his army of helpers for setting up theses interesting and challenging retrievers.
-The judges.
-The European teams (most of whom travelling days to get here).
-And of course Skinner's our main sponsors everything from hotels etc. and to ground was perfect.
-Peter Barrett from leads and lanyards from his super hand made equipment.
And finally lovely to see and catch up you with a few old friends.
Held at Englefield Estate by kind permission of Lord Richard Benyon, just outside London. The ground was perfect, rolling hills, valleys, mature woods and a super piece of water.
After two days and and twenty retrieves each. I couldn't believe it, the judge's called England and France for a run off, both drawing on the same points.
I asked my team to vote on who should take the retrieve, unfortunately I got the short straw, the run off was close but England just piped France to the post.
Can not thank my team enough (running order):
Nathan Laffy
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
and Ronnie Laughton
For their professionalism and consistency over the weekend.
Thanks also go to:
-Peter Castleman and his army of helpers for setting up theses interesting and challenging retrievers.
-The judges.
-The European teams (most of whom travelling days to get here).
-And of course Skinner's our main sponsors everything from hotels etc. and to ground was perfect.
-Peter Barrett from leads and lanyards from his super hand made equipment.
And finally lovely to see and catch up you with a few old friends.
SCONE PALACE ENGLAND 3RD
Scone Palace (Scotland) - Home Nations
Well what can I say…. Ireland where on top form taking a clean sweep across the board
CONGRATULATIONS..... Your team spirit looked great.
We could only manage 3rd place behind Scotland.
The course was excellent and quite testing. But the difficulty was in the scenting conditions for the spaniels and retrievers. A seventy-yard mark in light grass and dock leaves caused no end of problems, the lucky dogs actually saw the dummy rather than winding it. This retrieve was also the downfall for me!
Our spaniel team saw two new members, Steven Tyson and Mike Foster, put in good solid scores held up by the reliable Debbi Mould, also finishing 3rd. Reserve Garret Marson.
Our retriever team Simon Capstick, Steve Richardson both had super solid runs, scoring highly. Reserve was Ellena Nunneley. Thanks, for a great team spirit.
This event can only happen due to the generosity of our sponsors: Ben Skinner and his hard-working team, Thank you so much “Long may it continue”. We are truly lucky to have Skinner’s dog food behind us. Sharon and Peter Barret from Leads and Lanyards for their super handmade equipment, thank you. And of course, all the other sponsors of the show and events.
The lady who put all this together deserved a special thank you, Sam Boyle.
Not forgetting the judges, all the helpers in the arena, kitchen and secretary.
Looking forward to seeing you all at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall.
THE GAME FAIR, ragley hall ENGLAND 2ND
As the old saying goes -no one remembers second place.
Congratulations to the Irish winning team. You have to admire the Irish team spirit.
England Spaniels came 2nd - England Retrievers came 2nd - And 2nd overall.
England Spaniel team: · Garret Marson 90, Steve Tyson 92, Michael Foster 95,
Debbie Mould 88, Terri Siwek 88. Total 453
England Retriever team: · Nathan Laffy 99, Ellena Nunneley 101, Ronnie Laughton 97,
David Latham 111, Steve Richardson 98 - Total 506
We actually had good consistent scores in both Spaniel and Retriever teams.
Unfortunately a few points behind Ireland, which soon mounts up when you combine 10 scores.
Again this year we had a few new team members (Steve Tyson, Michael Foster and Ronnie Laughton) who performed very well. This experience will only benefit them in years to come.
Sponsors:
Skinner´s our main sponsor, did us proud as usual. We all looked very smart and had a great time with you Ben Skinner and all your loyal team members.
Peter Barret, from Leads and Lanyards for his super handmade equipment.
Ben McFarlane, from Acme Whistle for your new improved whistle.
The team also received a lovely gift of a smart England tie courtesy of Annette Clarke, from Garronpoint Labradors.
A huge thanks to all the organizers and helpers who made this Game Fair happen.
Let’s not forget, Karen McCarthy and Mark Clifford, who set up a challenging course.
The judges, for their time and expertise.
For the Retrievers, only 4 managed to score over 100 points out of 120 points.
For the Spaniels only 2 scored over 100 points. In total only 6 dogs, - it tells a story!
The Game Fair was a great success judging by the number of people there.
I would like to finish off by thanking my team, for their hard work and dedication running up to this event.
We have only one event left, The Welsh Game Fair in September.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon.
THE WELSH GAME FAIR
The Welsh Game Fair
RETRIEVERS
Phil Dyson
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Elenor Nunneley.
RETRIEVERS
Phil Dyson
Simon Capstick
David Latham
Steve Richardson
Res. Elenor Nunneley.
England TEAM selection - MAY 2022 (click on the + to expand)
The England Retriever Team Selection for 2022
Held at High Lee’s farm near Macclesfield, Cheshire.
By kind permission of Peter and Bobski Mather.
A huge thanks to Skinners Dog Food our main sponsor.
To Peter Barret who supplies the teams with his super hand made Dog Leads and Lanyards.
Also Matty Harrison the new owner of Gundog Gear for game bags, dummies and blanks.
A special thank you to John Yarwood who is a tremendous help to me together with his army of helpers,
Johnathan, Ben, Chris, Tony, Sharon, Louise, Peter, Steve, Paul and little Dave on the tea and coffee.
We had a large turn out, with quite a few new faces.
Blessed with a light breeze and sunshine, we took two dogs into line at once, each having six quality retrieves over fences and valleys.
At the end of the day our two very experienced judges Annette Clarke and Andrew Slingsby along with myself picked the following teams.
The Game Fair at Ragley Hall
Retrievers
1. Brian Chesser
2. Adam Snare
3. Mel Brooks
4. Dave Latham
5. Steve Richardson
Res. Ellena Nunneley
Scone Palace
Retrievers
1. Steve Richardson
2. Brain Chesser
3. Dave Latham
Res. Adam Snare.
Good luck to you all!
Looking forward to meeting a few old friends.
Held at High Lee’s farm near Macclesfield, Cheshire.
By kind permission of Peter and Bobski Mather.
A huge thanks to Skinners Dog Food our main sponsor.
To Peter Barret who supplies the teams with his super hand made Dog Leads and Lanyards.
Also Matty Harrison the new owner of Gundog Gear for game bags, dummies and blanks.
A special thank you to John Yarwood who is a tremendous help to me together with his army of helpers,
Johnathan, Ben, Chris, Tony, Sharon, Louise, Peter, Steve, Paul and little Dave on the tea and coffee.
We had a large turn out, with quite a few new faces.
Blessed with a light breeze and sunshine, we took two dogs into line at once, each having six quality retrieves over fences and valleys.
At the end of the day our two very experienced judges Annette Clarke and Andrew Slingsby along with myself picked the following teams.
The Game Fair at Ragley Hall
Retrievers
1. Brian Chesser
2. Adam Snare
3. Mel Brooks
4. Dave Latham
5. Steve Richardson
Res. Ellena Nunneley
Scone Palace
Retrievers
1. Steve Richardson
2. Brain Chesser
3. Dave Latham
Res. Adam Snare.
Good luck to you all!
Looking forward to meeting a few old friends.
THE GAME FAIR 2ND OVERALL
TEAM SELECTION
RETRIEVERS: 1. Brian Chesser. 2. Adam Snare, 3. Mel Brooks 4. Dave Latham 5. Steve Richardson
Res. Ellena Nunneley
RETRIEVERS: 1. Brian Chesser. 2. Adam Snare, 3. Mel Brooks 4. Dave Latham 5. Steve Richardson
Res. Ellena Nunneley
Firstly I would like to congratulate the winning team from Ireland on a successful weekend. Ireland were the only retriever team not to have a zero, this is and was their answer to success.
Eleven zero´s on the first day was very unusual for The Game Fair course. Not because the dogs underperformed but due to the very difficult scenting conditions on Saturday. This combined with a fantastic new course and some very challenging positions of the retrieves.
Hence the Top Retriever, Steve Richardson from England, super performance, gaining 98 points out of 120.
This winning score proves how difficult the course was. Usually the Top Retriever would only drop a few points. Also well done to Brian Chesser and his dog, winning the Top Marking Retriever trophy.
The Retriever team were second, as was our Spaniel team who also came second.
The icing on the cake was Simon Dixon and his spaniel. It was a pleasure to watch a dog and handler in perfect harmony. Winning the all important Top Hunting Spaniel; the Top Individual Spaniel and Top Overall Scoring Dog. A superb performance Simon!
Let me take this opportunity to thank my Teams and Adrian Slater for their hard work and commitment to this event.
Congratulations to Scotland's winning Spaniel team.
Our sincere thanks go to:
-Skinners, for their loyal support.
It was lovely to see Ben Skinner stepping into his Dad's shoes, well done Ben.
-Peter Barrett from Leads and Lanyards, for their superb handmade equipment.
-Francesca Prentice, Barbara Kuen and Lisa Harrison and all their super helpers.
What a huge effort you all put into this year's course. If we could have used the water it would have been perfect - unfortunately blue algae put a stop to that.
On behalf of the teams; we thoroughly enjoyed this new course.
Sincere thanks to our judges: Retrievers: Simon Hagain and Ricky Johnston
Spaniels: Alec Coutts and Mark Whithouse
Thanks for your time and expertise.
The weekend was sadly marred by some terrible incidents where dogs were stolen from vehicles!
So sadly one of them was Garret Marson's Cocker bitch.
Please everybody keep your eyes and ears open for any information. There is a huge reward for the safe return of this bitch, so please contact Garret if you have any information regarding his dog.
Thanks everyone.
Eleven zero´s on the first day was very unusual for The Game Fair course. Not because the dogs underperformed but due to the very difficult scenting conditions on Saturday. This combined with a fantastic new course and some very challenging positions of the retrieves.
Hence the Top Retriever, Steve Richardson from England, super performance, gaining 98 points out of 120.
This winning score proves how difficult the course was. Usually the Top Retriever would only drop a few points. Also well done to Brian Chesser and his dog, winning the Top Marking Retriever trophy.
The Retriever team were second, as was our Spaniel team who also came second.
The icing on the cake was Simon Dixon and his spaniel. It was a pleasure to watch a dog and handler in perfect harmony. Winning the all important Top Hunting Spaniel; the Top Individual Spaniel and Top Overall Scoring Dog. A superb performance Simon!
Let me take this opportunity to thank my Teams and Adrian Slater for their hard work and commitment to this event.
Congratulations to Scotland's winning Spaniel team.
Our sincere thanks go to:
-Skinners, for their loyal support.
It was lovely to see Ben Skinner stepping into his Dad's shoes, well done Ben.
-Peter Barrett from Leads and Lanyards, for their superb handmade equipment.
-Francesca Prentice, Barbara Kuen and Lisa Harrison and all their super helpers.
What a huge effort you all put into this year's course. If we could have used the water it would have been perfect - unfortunately blue algae put a stop to that.
On behalf of the teams; we thoroughly enjoyed this new course.
Sincere thanks to our judges: Retrievers: Simon Hagain and Ricky Johnston
Spaniels: Alec Coutts and Mark Whithouse
Thanks for your time and expertise.
The weekend was sadly marred by some terrible incidents where dogs were stolen from vehicles!
So sadly one of them was Garret Marson's Cocker bitch.
Please everybody keep your eyes and ears open for any information. There is a huge reward for the safe return of this bitch, so please contact Garret if you have any information regarding his dog.
Thanks everyone.
SCONE PALACE ENGLAND WIN
RETRIEVERS: 1. Steve Richardson 2. Brain Chesser 3. Dave Latham Res. Adam Snare.
One of the toughest game fair courses I’ve ever ran on,
where England where overall winner’s!
I am very proud of the WINNING Team (Retrievers and Spaniels) who represented ENGLAND. Thank you to John Yarwood and Chris Brain for judging the retriever competition.
I was very happy with the performane of FTCH Fendawood Harold, who was in action as part of the England Team at this year’s home international at Scone Palace in Scotland. Scoring 113/120, he was in a run off for top dog of the competition but we got pipped to the post by Declan Boyle.
Massive thanks to Skinner’s Dog Food for providing our team clothing as part of their exceptional sponsorship yet again for the England Team. We are very grateful for your continuing support
Also thanks to Sharon Kitson for providing the team with dog leads and lanyards and Kronch Dog Food for sponsoring the competition.
The organisation that goes into these internationals is immense and sincere thanks to
Sam Drysdale and her team for co-ordinating everything so well.
and I give special thanks to my fellow team members for their determination and skill.
Retrievers: Steve Richardson, Brian Chesser, myself and Adam Snare.
The Spaniel Team headed by Adrian Slater;
Ian Clark, Chris Slater, Simon Dixon and Garret Marson
It was a great atmosphere with some excellent camaraderie between the teams.
WELL DONE ALL
where England where overall winner’s!
I am very proud of the WINNING Team (Retrievers and Spaniels) who represented ENGLAND. Thank you to John Yarwood and Chris Brain for judging the retriever competition.
I was very happy with the performane of FTCH Fendawood Harold, who was in action as part of the England Team at this year’s home international at Scone Palace in Scotland. Scoring 113/120, he was in a run off for top dog of the competition but we got pipped to the post by Declan Boyle.
Massive thanks to Skinner’s Dog Food for providing our team clothing as part of their exceptional sponsorship yet again for the England Team. We are very grateful for your continuing support
Also thanks to Sharon Kitson for providing the team with dog leads and lanyards and Kronch Dog Food for sponsoring the competition.
The organisation that goes into these internationals is immense and sincere thanks to
Sam Drysdale and her team for co-ordinating everything so well.
and I give special thanks to my fellow team members for their determination and skill.
Retrievers: Steve Richardson, Brian Chesser, myself and Adam Snare.
The Spaniel Team headed by Adrian Slater;
Ian Clark, Chris Slater, Simon Dixon and Garret Marson
It was a great atmosphere with some excellent camaraderie between the teams.
WELL DONE ALL
England TEAM selection - JULY 2021 (click on the + to expand)
The England Retriever and Spaniel Team Selection for 2021
The events were held by very kind permission of Lesley Morgan at her super training ground near Buton.
The scenting conditions on both days, (to put it mildly) were horrendous, with some of the dogs making it to the area in one cast but just couldn’t locate the dummies; hence we lost some very good dogs.
The sunshine and heavy rain over the last few weeks encouraged the cover to grow thick quickly, making the retrieves that little bit more difficult.
We give a huge thanks to Skinners Dog Food our main sponsors as always.
Thanks to our little army of helpers and dummie throwers, not to mention the chef,
the bacon baps hit the spot!
Also Peter Barret, who supplies the teams with super hand made leads and lanyards.
and Gary McCarthy from Gundog Gear who supplies dummies and blanks.
A special thank you to John Yarwood, who is a tremendous help to me and also to my other two experienced selectors; Tim Brain and Sean McGrath.
After a long debate, we came to this conclusion for the representative teams.
The Game Fair
Retrievers
1 Nathan Laffy
2. Steven Levoi
3. Christopher Pilkington
4. Mark Demaine
5. Annette Clarke
Reserve: Leigh Jackson
Spaniels
1. Martin Elliot
2. Deborah Mould
3. Garret Marson
4. Adrain Slater
5. David Ross
Reserve Kevin John.
Scone Palace
Retrievers
1 Nathan Laffy
2. Mark Demaine
3. Annette Clarke
Reserve Steven Richardson
Spaniels
1. Garret Marson
2. Deborah Mould
3. David Ross
Reserve Martin Elliot
It’s always nice to have a few new names in the teams - Good luck to you all!
And of course we're looking forward to the competition with Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The events were held by very kind permission of Lesley Morgan at her super training ground near Buton.
The scenting conditions on both days, (to put it mildly) were horrendous, with some of the dogs making it to the area in one cast but just couldn’t locate the dummies; hence we lost some very good dogs.
The sunshine and heavy rain over the last few weeks encouraged the cover to grow thick quickly, making the retrieves that little bit more difficult.
We give a huge thanks to Skinners Dog Food our main sponsors as always.
Thanks to our little army of helpers and dummie throwers, not to mention the chef,
the bacon baps hit the spot!
Also Peter Barret, who supplies the teams with super hand made leads and lanyards.
and Gary McCarthy from Gundog Gear who supplies dummies and blanks.
A special thank you to John Yarwood, who is a tremendous help to me and also to my other two experienced selectors; Tim Brain and Sean McGrath.
After a long debate, we came to this conclusion for the representative teams.
The Game Fair
Retrievers
1 Nathan Laffy
2. Steven Levoi
3. Christopher Pilkington
4. Mark Demaine
5. Annette Clarke
Reserve: Leigh Jackson
Spaniels
1. Martin Elliot
2. Deborah Mould
3. Garret Marson
4. Adrain Slater
5. David Ross
Reserve Kevin John.
Scone Palace
Retrievers
1 Nathan Laffy
2. Mark Demaine
3. Annette Clarke
Reserve Steven Richardson
Spaniels
1. Garret Marson
2. Deborah Mould
3. David Ross
Reserve Martin Elliot
It’s always nice to have a few new names in the teams - Good luck to you all!
And of course we're looking forward to the competition with Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
THE GAME FAIR ENGLAND WIN
TEAM SELECTION:-
RETRIEVERS: Nathan Laffy, Steven Levoi, Christopher Pilkington, Mark Demaine,
Annette Clarke. Reserve: Leigh Jackson.
SPANIELS: Martin Elliot, Deborah Mould, Garret Marson, Adrain Slater, David Ross.
Reserve: Kevin John.
England retriever and spaniel results from the Game fair at Ragley Hall 2021.
Only a few weeks ago we were not allowed more then 30 people together outside. Who would of thought the game fair organisers could have pulled this off in such a short time.
According to the amount of public support there, it was a huge success, WELL DONE!
Congratulations
to The ENGLAND TEAM WINNING first place overall
1st England
2nd Ireland
3rd Wales
4th Scotland
With a run off for first place, unfortunately Adrian Slater and our spaniel team (consisting off 5 new members), just got pipped to the post by the Welsh. Well done.
The icing on the cake was Garret Marson winning best hunting dog with his cocker, some achievement.
Our Retriever team also came 2nd to a strong Irish team.
Both Mark Demaine and Annette Clarke put in fantastic runs on the final day.
I had a good feeling that one of them might just pip Drew Allan’s super 117, (who also won best marking dog), but the final 'mark' was the stumbling point for our team.
Let's not forget some very important people - our kind sponsors Skinners’s Dog Food, who’s support for the gundog world is second to none. THANK YOU.
Peter for our lovely leads and lanyards. Thank you.
The judge’s; Laura Hill and Ally Kennedy for your fair judging. Thank you.
Steve Smith and his army of helpers who have been there all week, giving up there precious time, so we can all enjoy our sport, a BIG thank you.
This event is unique, the camaraderie and tension as the last scores come in is what drives us on.
See you all at Scone Palace in September.
Good luck all.
RETRIEVERS: Nathan Laffy, Steven Levoi, Christopher Pilkington, Mark Demaine,
Annette Clarke. Reserve: Leigh Jackson.
SPANIELS: Martin Elliot, Deborah Mould, Garret Marson, Adrain Slater, David Ross.
Reserve: Kevin John.
England retriever and spaniel results from the Game fair at Ragley Hall 2021.
Only a few weeks ago we were not allowed more then 30 people together outside. Who would of thought the game fair organisers could have pulled this off in such a short time.
According to the amount of public support there, it was a huge success, WELL DONE!
Congratulations
to The ENGLAND TEAM WINNING first place overall
1st England
2nd Ireland
3rd Wales
4th Scotland
With a run off for first place, unfortunately Adrian Slater and our spaniel team (consisting off 5 new members), just got pipped to the post by the Welsh. Well done.
The icing on the cake was Garret Marson winning best hunting dog with his cocker, some achievement.
Our Retriever team also came 2nd to a strong Irish team.
Both Mark Demaine and Annette Clarke put in fantastic runs on the final day.
I had a good feeling that one of them might just pip Drew Allan’s super 117, (who also won best marking dog), but the final 'mark' was the stumbling point for our team.
Let's not forget some very important people - our kind sponsors Skinners’s Dog Food, who’s support for the gundog world is second to none. THANK YOU.
Peter for our lovely leads and lanyards. Thank you.
The judge’s; Laura Hill and Ally Kennedy for your fair judging. Thank you.
Steve Smith and his army of helpers who have been there all week, giving up there precious time, so we can all enjoy our sport, a BIG thank you.
This event is unique, the camaraderie and tension as the last scores come in is what drives us on.
See you all at Scone Palace in September.
Good luck all.
SCONE PALACE 3rd OVERALL
TEAM SELECTION:-
RETRIEVERS: Nathan Laffy, Mark Demaine, Annette Clarke. Reserve: Steven Richardson
SPANIELS: Garret Marson, Deborah Mould, David Ross. Reserve: Martin Elliot
England fielded a great team of retrievers and were 2nd place of the 4 nations taking part. Congratulations to Mark Demaine and his dog Quinn for being top retriever of the competition. The same scoreline for our excellent spaniel team - coming 2nd.
This averaged out with England coming 3rd overall - a very good performance and with many thanks to my teams.
RETRIEVERS: Nathan Laffy, Mark Demaine, Annette Clarke. Reserve: Steven Richardson
SPANIELS: Garret Marson, Deborah Mould, David Ross. Reserve: Martin Elliot
England fielded a great team of retrievers and were 2nd place of the 4 nations taking part. Congratulations to Mark Demaine and his dog Quinn for being top retriever of the competition. The same scoreline for our excellent spaniel team - coming 2nd.
This averaged out with England coming 3rd overall - a very good performance and with many thanks to my teams.
England TEAM selection - 15th april 2019 (click on the + to expand)
Five challenging tests helped create an amazing day to select the England Retriever Team 2019 - held once again at this wonderful ground in Cheshire and we are thankful that the owners have given us the opportunity to hold this event on this beautiful estate!
Fantastic handlers and dogs have taken part and my personal thanks go to all participants who have shown the highest level of gundog training and handling – really impressive!
As challenging as it was for the handlers and dogs, it was also challenging for the judges - Tim Brain, Mark Demaine and Steve Polly, to select the England Team for the competitions in 2019. My sincere thanks go to the professional judging aswell as to John Yarwood and all the helpers.
And without the support of our loyal friends - Skinner's, Gundog Gear and Linky Leads
this selection and the success of the England Retriever Team would not be possible. Thank you so much for your sponsorship.
I am very proud to introduce my England Retriever Teams for 2019:
Skinner's World Cup:- Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham, Steve Richardson and Sarah Miles (Reserve)
Scottish Game Fair:- Sarah Miles, Nicola Reynolds, Steve Richardson and David Latham (Reserve)
The Game Fair:- Annette Clarke, Sarah Miles, Lee Hartis, David Latham, Steve Richardson and Nicola
Reynolds (Reserve)
Fantastic handlers and dogs have taken part and my personal thanks go to all participants who have shown the highest level of gundog training and handling – really impressive!
As challenging as it was for the handlers and dogs, it was also challenging for the judges - Tim Brain, Mark Demaine and Steve Polly, to select the England Team for the competitions in 2019. My sincere thanks go to the professional judging aswell as to John Yarwood and all the helpers.
And without the support of our loyal friends - Skinner's, Gundog Gear and Linky Leads
this selection and the success of the England Retriever Team would not be possible. Thank you so much for your sponsorship.
I am very proud to introduce my England Retriever Teams for 2019:
Skinner's World Cup:- Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham, Steve Richardson and Sarah Miles (Reserve)
Scottish Game Fair:- Sarah Miles, Nicola Reynolds, Steve Richardson and David Latham (Reserve)
The Game Fair:- Annette Clarke, Sarah Miles, Lee Hartis, David Latham, Steve Richardson and Nicola
Reynolds (Reserve)
skinner's world cup - ENGLAND 2nd PLACE
Skinner's World Cup - Team Members
Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham, Steve Richardson and Sarah Miles (Reserve)
Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham, Steve Richardson and Sarah Miles (Reserve)
England´s Retriever Team were placed second at the Skinners World Cup, held this year at the stunning Glanusk Park and Estate, Crickhowell. On wonderful terrain, retriever teams from 15 countries were competing for this year's Skinners World Cup.
The many helpful hands of the Legge-Bourke family and also Nigel Probert with his helpers, worked tirelessly to create the conditions which provided truly challenging retrieves in a breathtaking landscape. Together with engaged and fair judges, perfect sunny/typical Welsh weather and nice people from around Europe – it was a wonderful weekend and competition.
My friendly congratulations to the winners - Team Scotland and well done to Team Denmark in 3rd place. Very well done!
My heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to our Team England, who mastered the challenges brilliantly. The training of each member and we as a team, was rewarded with 2nd place.
This year we had great team spirit, as the pictures express. I am looking forward very much to competing with this team for the upcoming competitions.
Our deepest sincere thanks to our sponsors SKINNER´S and GUNDOG GEAR, who today are more than sponsors - you have become dear friends!
The many helpful hands of the Legge-Bourke family and also Nigel Probert with his helpers, worked tirelessly to create the conditions which provided truly challenging retrieves in a breathtaking landscape. Together with engaged and fair judges, perfect sunny/typical Welsh weather and nice people from around Europe – it was a wonderful weekend and competition.
My friendly congratulations to the winners - Team Scotland and well done to Team Denmark in 3rd place. Very well done!
My heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to our Team England, who mastered the challenges brilliantly. The training of each member and we as a team, was rewarded with 2nd place.
This year we had great team spirit, as the pictures express. I am looking forward very much to competing with this team for the upcoming competitions.
Our deepest sincere thanks to our sponsors SKINNER´S and GUNDOG GEAR, who today are more than sponsors - you have become dear friends!
scottish game fair, scone palace, perthshire ENGLAND WIN!
Scottish Game Fair Team Members
Retrievers: Sarah Miles, Nicola Reynolds, Steve Richardson and David Latham (Reserve)
England won the overall Team Event, defending their 1st place title from 2018.
Review: SCOTTISH GAME FAIR 2019 - The ENGLAND RETRIEVER TEAM won the Four Nations International Gundog competition for the 3rd time in a row.
Congratulations to the team members
- Sarah Miles
- Nicola Reynolds.
- Steve Richardson
who gave an excellent performance in training and handling their dogs.
Well done to 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. You all made this event very competitive but fun.
It’s a super location with a natural course and some very testing technical retrieves.
The ENGLAND SPANIELS TEAM, impressed in an extraordinarily close competition; and they showed great potential now and for future events.
My Ccongratulations to the team members
- Kim Varty
- Johnathan Bailey
- Steven Blackwell
- Andy Fleming
Team Ireland Spaniels deserve complimenting for their win.
Congratulations to all team members and also many thanks to the Teams from Wales and Scotland for this fair competition!
Congratulations to R. Wilson and Nigel Probert taking top individual places with two great scores on a difficult course.
Our thanks also go to the officials, the judges, the dummy throwers Sam Drysdale and her team, all helpers and of course our main sponsor Mr. Roger Skinner from SKINNERS Dog Food and
Mr. Pete Barrett from Leads and Lanyards.
We are very grateful and know that without them, such successes are not possible - thank you very much!
See you at The Game Fair from July 26th - 28th!
David Latham
- Captain -
Retrievers: Sarah Miles, Nicola Reynolds, Steve Richardson and David Latham (Reserve)
England won the overall Team Event, defending their 1st place title from 2018.
Review: SCOTTISH GAME FAIR 2019 - The ENGLAND RETRIEVER TEAM won the Four Nations International Gundog competition for the 3rd time in a row.
Congratulations to the team members
- Sarah Miles
- Nicola Reynolds.
- Steve Richardson
who gave an excellent performance in training and handling their dogs.
Well done to 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. You all made this event very competitive but fun.
It’s a super location with a natural course and some very testing technical retrieves.
The ENGLAND SPANIELS TEAM, impressed in an extraordinarily close competition; and they showed great potential now and for future events.
My Ccongratulations to the team members
- Kim Varty
- Johnathan Bailey
- Steven Blackwell
- Andy Fleming
Team Ireland Spaniels deserve complimenting for their win.
Congratulations to all team members and also many thanks to the Teams from Wales and Scotland for this fair competition!
Congratulations to R. Wilson and Nigel Probert taking top individual places with two great scores on a difficult course.
Our thanks also go to the officials, the judges, the dummy throwers Sam Drysdale and her team, all helpers and of course our main sponsor Mr. Roger Skinner from SKINNERS Dog Food and
Mr. Pete Barrett from Leads and Lanyards.
We are very grateful and know that without them, such successes are not possible - thank you very much!
See you at The Game Fair from July 26th - 28th!
David Latham
- Captain -
the game fair ENGLAND WIN!
The Game Fair
A very successful event for the ENGLAND GUNDOG TEAM, which would not be possible without the continuing excellent support of our Sponsors SKINNERS. We are also very happy about our additional new sponsor Leads and Lanyards.
My team won the Retriever Competition - 15 points in front of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
I was also very proud to receive the award for the Best Scoring Retriever, handling my dog Fendawood Harold (Ricky).
My sincere thanks to the Retriever Team Members:
Fantastic success also for our ENGLAND SPANIEL TEAM who came second - just behind Wales. Many congratulations to:
We are very proud also to report that Kenquartz Ballycastle Lord in the hand of Adrian Slater, was the Best Hunting Spaniel – huge congratulation and deep respect to all of you!
With these successes, THE ENGLAND GUNDOG TEAM won the GAME FAIR AWARD overall and now we can all look forward to the beginning of the trial season.
Last but not least, huge thanks to our friends of the other National Teams competing and the judges, for providing this fair competition in an atmosphere full of friendships that we have in our sport.
The GAME FAIR gave us the opportunity to present our sport to the public. Steve Smith and Michael Farr with all their team members in the background, the dummy throwers, the professional commentators and all the people of the organisation – you delivered a perfect job.
On behalf of the whole ENGLAND GUNDOG TEAM I thank you so much.
David Latham
- Captain -
My team won the Retriever Competition - 15 points in front of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
I was also very proud to receive the award for the Best Scoring Retriever, handling my dog Fendawood Harold (Ricky).
My sincere thanks to the Retriever Team Members:
- Annette Clarke,
- Sarah Miles,
- Lee Hartis,
- Steve Richardson
- Myself
- Nicola Reynolds (Reserve)
Fantastic success also for our ENGLAND SPANIEL TEAM who came second - just behind Wales. Many congratulations to:
- Kim Varty
- Johnathan Bailey
- Steven Blackwell
- Andrew Fleming
- Adrian Slater
- Andrew Skinner (Reserve)
We are very proud also to report that Kenquartz Ballycastle Lord in the hand of Adrian Slater, was the Best Hunting Spaniel – huge congratulation and deep respect to all of you!
With these successes, THE ENGLAND GUNDOG TEAM won the GAME FAIR AWARD overall and now we can all look forward to the beginning of the trial season.
Last but not least, huge thanks to our friends of the other National Teams competing and the judges, for providing this fair competition in an atmosphere full of friendships that we have in our sport.
The GAME FAIR gave us the opportunity to present our sport to the public. Steve Smith and Michael Farr with all their team members in the background, the dummy throwers, the professional commentators and all the people of the organisation – you delivered a perfect job.
On behalf of the whole ENGLAND GUNDOG TEAM I thank you so much.
David Latham
- Captain -
England TEAM selection - 15th april 2018
A beautiful landscape, nice weather conditions, high motivated dogs and exceptionally professional competitors, provided for a wonderful day; the perfect frame for the The England Retriever Selection 2018.
Held on the 15th April in Cheshire, we were lucky to have an excellent ground for the five challenging tests set.
I would like to thank so much, all our helpers on the day as without their efforts the day wouldn´t have been so successful.
A special thank you to Mr. John Yarwood. John; thank you so much for your continuous hard work and sourcing of this excellent ground by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Mather.
Heartfelt thanks to our friends for their continuous support:
Without these sponsors we would be unable to hold such an important and necessary event for our sport. THANK YOU!
Very special thanks to our fair and objective judges who did a wonderful job in selecting such a strong England Retriever Team:
Mrs. Gilly Nickols, Mr. Mark Demaine and Mr. Andrew Latham
This gave us the perfect but challenging conditions and an amazing atmosphere. It is no surprise that we had a very good turnout of competitors with their high standard of dogs competing.
I am therefore very happy to introduce the England Teams for 2018:
Skinner's World Cup:- Laura Hill, Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham (Captain) and
Phil Goulden (Reserve).
Scottish Game Fair:- Laura Hill, Steve Richardson, Phil Goulden and David Latham (Captain and Reserve)
The C.L.A. Game Fair:- Laura Hill, Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, Steve Richardson, David Latham (Captain) and
Phil Goulden (Reserve).
Held on the 15th April in Cheshire, we were lucky to have an excellent ground for the five challenging tests set.
I would like to thank so much, all our helpers on the day as without their efforts the day wouldn´t have been so successful.
A special thank you to Mr. John Yarwood. John; thank you so much for your continuous hard work and sourcing of this excellent ground by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Mather.
Heartfelt thanks to our friends for their continuous support:
- Gundog Gear – Gary and Emma McCarthy
- Skinners
- Linky Leads
Without these sponsors we would be unable to hold such an important and necessary event for our sport. THANK YOU!
Very special thanks to our fair and objective judges who did a wonderful job in selecting such a strong England Retriever Team:
Mrs. Gilly Nickols, Mr. Mark Demaine and Mr. Andrew Latham
This gave us the perfect but challenging conditions and an amazing atmosphere. It is no surprise that we had a very good turnout of competitors with their high standard of dogs competing.
I am therefore very happy to introduce the England Teams for 2018:
Skinner's World Cup:- Laura Hill, Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham (Captain) and
Phil Goulden (Reserve).
Scottish Game Fair:- Laura Hill, Steve Richardson, Phil Goulden and David Latham (Captain and Reserve)
The C.L.A. Game Fair:- Laura Hill, Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, Steve Richardson, David Latham (Captain) and
Phil Goulden (Reserve).
skinner's world cup - 12TH AND 13TH MAY 2018
Skinner's World Cup - Team Members
Laura Hill, Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham (Captain) and Phil Goulden (Reserve).
After last years amazing success at Cawdor, I thought this year, it would be difficult to compare with the Cawdor landscape; however Hampstead Park held its own. The tests held on undulating natural park land with lots of bunkers, super water running through the middle, was the perfect venue for
this prestigious event.
I would like to thank Peter Castleman and his team of helpers for setting up and organising this event , coming up with great retrieves to stretch us all to our limits.
A massive thank you our sponsors, Skinners Dog Food; their generosity is second to none.
Will and his team are in a league of there own - thank you!
To Gary and Emma McCarthy from Gundog Gear who also stepped in to sponsor the Spaniel team this year - thank you for all your support, we all looked extremely smart.
Also Linky Leads for supplying the whole team with a quality lead.
Congratulations to the winners Scotland and runners up Ireland.
Last but not least, thanks to my team who came a creditable third. This years selection and team training could not of gone better, thank you all for your hard work and support, hopefully our luck will change soon.
See you at the Game Fair!
Laura Hill, Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, David Latham (Captain) and Phil Goulden (Reserve).
After last years amazing success at Cawdor, I thought this year, it would be difficult to compare with the Cawdor landscape; however Hampstead Park held its own. The tests held on undulating natural park land with lots of bunkers, super water running through the middle, was the perfect venue for
this prestigious event.
I would like to thank Peter Castleman and his team of helpers for setting up and organising this event , coming up with great retrieves to stretch us all to our limits.
A massive thank you our sponsors, Skinners Dog Food; their generosity is second to none.
Will and his team are in a league of there own - thank you!
To Gary and Emma McCarthy from Gundog Gear who also stepped in to sponsor the Spaniel team this year - thank you for all your support, we all looked extremely smart.
Also Linky Leads for supplying the whole team with a quality lead.
Congratulations to the winners Scotland and runners up Ireland.
Last but not least, thanks to my team who came a creditable third. This years selection and team training could not of gone better, thank you all for your hard work and support, hopefully our luck will change soon.
See you at the Game Fair!
scottish game fair, scone palace, perthshire - 30th june 2018 ENGLAND WIN!
Scottish Game Fair Team Members
Laura Hill, Steve Richardson, Phil Goulden and David Latham (Captain and Retriever Reserve)
Steve Blackwell, Karen Varty and D. Massey (Spaniels)
Laura Hill, Steve Richardson, Phil Goulden and David Latham (Captain and Retriever Reserve)
Steve Blackwell, Karen Varty and D. Massey (Spaniels)
30 degrees in Scotland, super ground and friendly people what a perfect setting for the Four Nations Gundog working test held in its second year at stunning Scone Palace.
I have to start by thanking my team members for a truly excellent, professional attitude to the training we put in before this competition. starting with Steve Blackwell - who scored 118 out of 120, this dog is as good as they get. (I am thinking of asking him to run in the Retriever selection next year 😀 I am quite sure he would hold his own) just kidding 😊.
The spaniels came a close 2nd only a few points behind a super performance from Scotland.
The Retriever team did themselves proud, and me too! Laura Hill - awarded Top Retriever with 106 points and joint second individual place also went to Phil Goulden and Steve Richardson on 105 points along with George Buchan from the Scottish team.
The retrieves were perfect in the degree of difficulty, which made life easier for the very experienced judges Mr Les Mclean and Mr Roger Tozer who set up theses testing exercises using the water to its full advantage in theses extreme temperatures we are having.
The English Retrievers WON and we also took overall combined 1st place with Scotland 2nd, Wales 3rd and Ireland 4th.
The general atmosphere from the event and the teams was superb!
Thanks go to Sam Drysdale and all her team for their tremendous effort, making this one of my favourite competitions. A huge thanks to the dummy throwers who spent the day in 30 degrees plus, so we could run our dogs 👍
And of course our Sponsors:- Skinners Dog Foods, Gundog Gear, and Linky Leads.
Without your loyalty and generosity we could would struggle. A huge thank you from our team.
Looking forward to seeing everyone next at the Game Fair.
I have to start by thanking my team members for a truly excellent, professional attitude to the training we put in before this competition. starting with Steve Blackwell - who scored 118 out of 120, this dog is as good as they get. (I am thinking of asking him to run in the Retriever selection next year 😀 I am quite sure he would hold his own) just kidding 😊.
The spaniels came a close 2nd only a few points behind a super performance from Scotland.
The Retriever team did themselves proud, and me too! Laura Hill - awarded Top Retriever with 106 points and joint second individual place also went to Phil Goulden and Steve Richardson on 105 points along with George Buchan from the Scottish team.
The retrieves were perfect in the degree of difficulty, which made life easier for the very experienced judges Mr Les Mclean and Mr Roger Tozer who set up theses testing exercises using the water to its full advantage in theses extreme temperatures we are having.
The English Retrievers WON and we also took overall combined 1st place with Scotland 2nd, Wales 3rd and Ireland 4th.
The general atmosphere from the event and the teams was superb!
Thanks go to Sam Drysdale and all her team for their tremendous effort, making this one of my favourite competitions. A huge thanks to the dummy throwers who spent the day in 30 degrees plus, so we could run our dogs 👍
And of course our Sponsors:- Skinners Dog Foods, Gundog Gear, and Linky Leads.
Without your loyalty and generosity we could would struggle. A huge thank you from our team.
Looking forward to seeing everyone next at the Game Fair.
the game fair - 28th and 29th July 2018 - england win!
ENGLAND WIN The Game Fair 2018!
Retriever Team:- Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, Steve Richardson, David Latham (Captain) and Phil Goulden
Spaniel Team:- S. Blackwell, A. Slater, K. Doughty, D. Massey and A. Badger
Retriever Team:- Annette Clarke, Lee Hartis, Steve Richardson, David Latham (Captain) and Phil Goulden
Spaniel Team:- S. Blackwell, A. Slater, K. Doughty, D. Massey and A. Badger
An excellent result for the England Spaniel and Retriever Teams at The Game Fair, Ragley Hall.
Both teams were 1st in their respective categories.
The organisers have done a brilliant job making this event happen with the extreme heatwave we have had for the last few weeks. But they did it! and as always it was one of the year's highlights.
The weather on Friday hit the mid thirties with clear skies and wonderful sunshine, and the setting was in place for a close battle for the Four Nations Retriever and Spaniel tests.
Saturday and Sunday saw a drastic change in the weather with strong winds, heavy prolonged rain with thunder and lightning mixed in for good measure!
The scenting conditions at times could not have been worse; the dogs were a foot good side of the wind, but could not scent the fall of the dummies.
This proved very difficult for the long retrieves for both Spaniels and Retrievers in the light cover crop which had been sown specifically for the competition.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Roger Skinner and his amazing team. Your generosity in sponsoring this event is second to none. The hotel and food where excellent (the lager was pretty good too!)
A big thanks to Will Delamore for stepping in at the last minute to organise the huge task of sorting the lunches out, which were lovely.
Gary and Emma McCarthy from Gundogear - a massive thanks to you both for the sponsorship you continue to provide with the Retriever and Spaniel teams clothing.
Also many thanks to Linky Leads.
To the event organisers; I cannot begin to thank you enough, your workload must be huge and with far too many to mention - thank you all so much. Huge thanks to the unsung heroes too - the countless dummy throwers, stewards etc. who work so hard behind the scenes.
Last but not least, thanks to the judges for your time and expertise.
Now to our team. What a performance!! and a weekend we will remember for a long time 👍
Top Spaniel Team - ENGLAND
Steve Blackwell
David Massey
Adrian Slater
Alex Badger
And
Kevin Doughty
Top Hunting Spaniel:- Adrian Slater
Top Retriever Team - ENGLAND
Lee Hartis
Philip Goulden
Steve Richardson
Dave Latham
Annette Clarke
Reserve: Louie Robertson
Top individual Retriever:- Annette Clarke
Top Scoring Dog:- Annette Clarke
Best Marking Dog:- Dave Latham
AND COMBINED OVERALL WINNERS - ENGLAND!
Also thanks to Vice Captain Roy Proctor for all your help.
What a brilliant end to the working test season - now on to the real thing!
To Wales , Scotland and Ireland - we really enjoyed your company and all the crack we had!
See you all again next year.
ENGLAND SPANIEL TEAM selection - 22ND aPRIL 2018
For the second year in succession I was requested to select the England Spaniel Team for 2018 and selection day was held at Wirral Gundogs, superb training facility courtesy of Gary McCarthy of Gundog Gear.
What a great day, with a perfect venue and decent weather. We had a good turn out of handlers with a few new faces. With fences, water and light cover, the spaniels where well tested.
I would like to thank so much, all our helpers as without their effort, the selection day would not have been so successful. A huge THANK YOU to our friends and sponsors:-
Gary and Emma McCarthy
Roger Skinner and his Team
and Linky leads
Without their sponsor we would be unable to hold these fabulous events. Thank you!
A very special thanks to the experienced judges; who both have represented there country at the very highest level many times:- Paul Dyson and Jack Highcliffe.
They did a wonderful job of setting the course and judging as they did. The tests where challenging and the conditions and atmosphere amazing; therefore it's not surprising we finished with a strong team.
The Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace:- Steve Blackwell, Kim Varty, David Massey Res. Alex Badger
The Game Fair at Ragley Hall:- Steve Blackwell, Kim Varty, David Massey, Alex Badger, Adrian Slater
Res Kevin Douerty
One last thank to Roy Proctor for putting the event together, which ran like clockwork.
Many thanks to everyone who turned out to compete as well as the invaluable dummy throwers and helpers on the day.
What a great day, with a perfect venue and decent weather. We had a good turn out of handlers with a few new faces. With fences, water and light cover, the spaniels where well tested.
I would like to thank so much, all our helpers as without their effort, the selection day would not have been so successful. A huge THANK YOU to our friends and sponsors:-
Gary and Emma McCarthy
Roger Skinner and his Team
and Linky leads
Without their sponsor we would be unable to hold these fabulous events. Thank you!
A very special thanks to the experienced judges; who both have represented there country at the very highest level many times:- Paul Dyson and Jack Highcliffe.
They did a wonderful job of setting the course and judging as they did. The tests where challenging and the conditions and atmosphere amazing; therefore it's not surprising we finished with a strong team.
The Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace:- Steve Blackwell, Kim Varty, David Massey Res. Alex Badger
The Game Fair at Ragley Hall:- Steve Blackwell, Kim Varty, David Massey, Alex Badger, Adrian Slater
Res Kevin Douerty
One last thank to Roy Proctor for putting the event together, which ran like clockwork.
Many thanks to everyone who turned out to compete as well as the invaluable dummy throwers and helpers on the day.
England RETRIEVER TEAM selection - 9th april 2017
The England Retriever Selection was held on the 9th April at High Lee's Farm, Macclesfield, Cheshire by the kind permission of the Mather Family, the land owners.
Thanks to our judges Keith Bedford and Kevin Doughty; and to John Yarwood for sourcing the ground and being event coordinator. Sincere thanks to Gary McCarthy of Gundog Gear for the kind sponsorship.
The ground was perfect and the weather sublime as five challenging tests were set.
Three consisted of two different retrieves, the fourth was a walk up line again with two retrieves ending with the fifth test being water.
We had a good turn out of competitors with a high standard of dogs competing.
The three teams required were selected as below.
May we talk this opportunity to thank ALL the helpers on the day; everyone's help was very much appreciated.
Thanks to our judges Keith Bedford and Kevin Doughty; and to John Yarwood for sourcing the ground and being event coordinator. Sincere thanks to Gary McCarthy of Gundog Gear for the kind sponsorship.
The ground was perfect and the weather sublime as five challenging tests were set.
Three consisted of two different retrieves, the fourth was a walk up line again with two retrieves ending with the fifth test being water.
We had a good turn out of competitors with a high standard of dogs competing.
The three teams required were selected as below.
May we talk this opportunity to thank ALL the helpers on the day; everyone's help was very much appreciated.
skinner's world cup, cawdor, nr inverness - 13TH AND 14TH MAY 2017 - ENGLAND 2ND
Skinner's World Cup - Cawdor Nr Inverness - 13th and 14th May
Lee Hartis with Troddenmills Beck and Call Of Leacaz,
Nicola Reynolds with Waysgreen Comet,
Nathan Laffy with Westmacott Gaelic,
Annette Clarke with Castlemans Gobi Of Garrenpoint
Reserve and Team Captain David Latham with Nettlebrae Andy Of Fendawood
The splendid setting of Cawdor, Nr Inverness saw the Skinner's World Cup showcase some excellent dog work from the 15 teams taking part from all over Europe. When setting tests, the ground dictates the quality and type of retrieve you can set up.
The ground at Cawdor is outstanding for retriever work; hence the tests where some of the most demanding I have seen. The dogs where certainly up to the task, and it amazed me how many 20/20 were achieved on the first day, which shows the standard of dog now attending the competition.
A huge thanks to Roddy Forbes and his army of helpers, who spent hours looking at the grounds. He and his team should all be proud as the event was perfection from start to finish and will be a hard act to follow.
The England Retriever Team offer their sincere appreciation to Skinner's for their continued sponsorship of this event and also Gundog Gear and Linky Leads for their sponsorship.
Following some very challenging tests set by the judges over the two days, we were very pleased to finish 2nd place overall with 1020 points
only 8 points behind the winners Denmark with 1028 points;
and to whom we offer our congratulations and to all other teams taking part.
Well done to all my team for their performances.
Lee Hartis with Troddenmills Beck and Call Of Leacaz,
Nicola Reynolds with Waysgreen Comet,
Nathan Laffy with Westmacott Gaelic,
Annette Clarke with Castlemans Gobi Of Garrenpoint
Reserve and Team Captain David Latham with Nettlebrae Andy Of Fendawood
The splendid setting of Cawdor, Nr Inverness saw the Skinner's World Cup showcase some excellent dog work from the 15 teams taking part from all over Europe. When setting tests, the ground dictates the quality and type of retrieve you can set up.
The ground at Cawdor is outstanding for retriever work; hence the tests where some of the most demanding I have seen. The dogs where certainly up to the task, and it amazed me how many 20/20 were achieved on the first day, which shows the standard of dog now attending the competition.
A huge thanks to Roddy Forbes and his army of helpers, who spent hours looking at the grounds. He and his team should all be proud as the event was perfection from start to finish and will be a hard act to follow.
The England Retriever Team offer their sincere appreciation to Skinner's for their continued sponsorship of this event and also Gundog Gear and Linky Leads for their sponsorship.
Following some very challenging tests set by the judges over the two days, we were very pleased to finish 2nd place overall with 1020 points
only 8 points behind the winners Denmark with 1028 points;
and to whom we offer our congratulations and to all other teams taking part.
Well done to all my team for their performances.
scottish game fair, scone palace, perthshire - 1st july 2017 - ENGLAND WIN
Scottish Game Fair - Scone Palace, Perthshire - 1st July
Team Captain (Retrievers and Spaniels) - David Latham
Retriever Team: Mark Demaine, Lee Hartis, Roz McIlroy. Reserve Nicola Reynolds.
Spaniel Team: G. Devine-Jones, N. Cannon, Steve Blackwell
Team Captain (Retrievers and Spaniels) - David Latham
Retriever Team: Mark Demaine, Lee Hartis, Roz McIlroy. Reserve Nicola Reynolds.
Spaniel Team: G. Devine-Jones, N. Cannon, Steve Blackwell
Congratulations to the England Team!
Overall winners of the four nation challenge (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) at Scone Palace.
I was asked to field an England Team consisting of a Retriever and Spaniel Team for the newly resurrected Four Nations Challenge at the Scottish Game Fair, which had not taken place for over 20 years.
Our England Spaniel team took first place and top individual with Steve Blackwell.
The retrievers were pipped into 2nd place by one point from Ireland the winners.
An excellent event brilliantly organised by Jamie Erskine, Sam Drysdale and their team and also huge thanks to our loyal sponsors Skinner's (we are very grateful to Roger Skinner and his team), Linky Leads and Tamdhu Whiskey .
After five challenging tests set by the judges, the England retrievers performed very well, finishing one point behind the winners, Ireland.
Our England Spaniel team won by 9 points which meant an overall England win of the competition!
Well done to all teams taking part. Fantastic event, with a great atmosphere!
Our England Spaniel team won by 9 points which meant an overall England win of the competition!
Well done to all teams taking part. Fantastic event, with a great atmosphere!
the game fair, hatfield house, hertfordshire - 29th and 30th july 2017 - ENGLAND 3RD
The Game Fair - Hatfield House, Hertfordshire - 29th and 30th July
Retriever Team: Lee Hartis, Roz McIlroy, Annette Clarke, Nicola Reynolds, David Latham.
Reserve Louie Robertson. Team Captain David Latham
The final event for the England Team was the prestigious CLA Game Fair in July. I'd like to thank all my team members for their hard work during the tournament.
The England Retriever Team finished in 2nd place - only 7 points behind Wales - however after terrific runs by the Ireland Spaniel Team, it was they who took overall first place and we offer our congratulations to all the teams taking part.
I ran FTW Nettle Brae Andy of Fendawood and was very pleased that on his CLA debut, he was Top Scoring retriever in the England Team and joint 2nd highest scoring retriever of the competition.
Well done to all the teams taking part, it was an excellent atmosphere at an event that was as usual, organised brilliantly.
Sincere thanks to our Team sponsors GUNDOG GEAR who provided the England Team Clothing and
To Skinner's Dog Foods and Linky Leads.
Retriever Team: Lee Hartis, Roz McIlroy, Annette Clarke, Nicola Reynolds, David Latham.
Reserve Louie Robertson. Team Captain David Latham
The final event for the England Team was the prestigious CLA Game Fair in July. I'd like to thank all my team members for their hard work during the tournament.
The England Retriever Team finished in 2nd place - only 7 points behind Wales - however after terrific runs by the Ireland Spaniel Team, it was they who took overall first place and we offer our congratulations to all the teams taking part.
I ran FTW Nettle Brae Andy of Fendawood and was very pleased that on his CLA debut, he was Top Scoring retriever in the England Team and joint 2nd highest scoring retriever of the competition.
Well done to all the teams taking part, it was an excellent atmosphere at an event that was as usual, organised brilliantly.
Sincere thanks to our Team sponsors GUNDOG GEAR who provided the England Team Clothing and
To Skinner's Dog Foods and Linky Leads.
england retriever selection day 1o th april 2016
ENGLAND RETRIEVER TEAMS SELECTED FOR THE 2016
HOME INTERNATIONAL AND CLA GAME FAIR
The England Gundog Selection Day for Retrievers was held on the 10th April at Drakeshead in Chorley, Lancashire by kind permission of John and Sandra Halstead. Following three challenging tests set by the Judges, Mr John Halstead, Mrs Sandra Halstead and Mrs Jayne Coley; and seeing some very good dog work,
the England Retriever Teams for 2016 were selected as follows:
Skinners World Cup - Englefield Estate, Berkshire 14th and 15th May
Team Captain: David Latham with FTCH and Int. FTCH Beiley's Aguzannis Of Fendawood,
Nathan Laffy with FTW Westmacott Gaelic
Lee Hartis with FTW Troddenmills Beck And Call Of Leacaz
Andrew Latham with FTCH Rimrock Hurricane
Reserve: Mark Demaine with FTW Leacaz Ricky Of Caytonfell
The CLA Game Fair - Ragley Hall, Warwickshire 29th to 31st July.
Team Captain: David Latham with FTCH and Int. FTCH Beiley's Aguzannis Of Fendawood
Mark Demaine with FTW Leacaz Ricky Of Caytonfell
Nathan Laffy with FTW Westmacott Gaelic
Lee Hartis with FTW Troddenmills Beck And Call Of Leacaz
Andrew Latham with FTCH Rimrock Hurricane
Reserves: Nathan Laffy (2nd Dog) and Roz McIlroy, Autumnwillow Scout
Thank you to everyone for their support for the event and to all the helpers and dummy throwers for the day.
Also thanks to Sharon Harding of Hi Bird Photography, Skinners Dog Food, and Gary McCarthy of Gundog Gear.
the England Retriever Teams for 2016 were selected as follows:
Skinners World Cup - Englefield Estate, Berkshire 14th and 15th May
Team Captain: David Latham with FTCH and Int. FTCH Beiley's Aguzannis Of Fendawood,
Nathan Laffy with FTW Westmacott Gaelic
Lee Hartis with FTW Troddenmills Beck And Call Of Leacaz
Andrew Latham with FTCH Rimrock Hurricane
Reserve: Mark Demaine with FTW Leacaz Ricky Of Caytonfell
The CLA Game Fair - Ragley Hall, Warwickshire 29th to 31st July.
Team Captain: David Latham with FTCH and Int. FTCH Beiley's Aguzannis Of Fendawood
Mark Demaine with FTW Leacaz Ricky Of Caytonfell
Nathan Laffy with FTW Westmacott Gaelic
Lee Hartis with FTW Troddenmills Beck And Call Of Leacaz
Andrew Latham with FTCH Rimrock Hurricane
Reserves: Nathan Laffy (2nd Dog) and Roz McIlroy, Autumnwillow Scout
Thank you to everyone for their support for the event and to all the helpers and dummy throwers for the day.
Also thanks to Sharon Harding of Hi Bird Photography, Skinners Dog Food, and Gary McCarthy of Gundog Gear.
skinner's world cup, englefield estate, berkshire - 14th and 15th may 2016
Skinners World Cup - Englefield Estate, Berkshire 14th and 15th May
The English Retriever team at the Skinners World Cup would like to thank our very kind sponsors Skinner's for their generous sponsorship and Emma and Gary McCarthy from Gundog Gear for their continuing support.
Also thanks to Peter Castleman and his team of helpers who did a fantastic job.
We had challenging tests and enjoyed the whole weekend. Big thank you to my team :
Lee Hartis , Nathan Laffy , Andy Latham and Mark Demaine for a super effort
and close second place to winners Holland.
Also thanks to Peter Castleman and his team of helpers who did a fantastic job.
We had challenging tests and enjoyed the whole weekend. Big thank you to my team :
Lee Hartis , Nathan Laffy , Andy Latham and Mark Demaine for a super effort
and close second place to winners Holland.
C.L.A. GAME FAIR, RAGLEY HALL, WARWICKSHIRE - 29TH TO 31ST JULY 2016
The CLA Game Fair, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire - 29th to 31st July 2016
England won the CLA Game Fair Home International. The organisation of the event was as always exceptional and well done to everyone taking part. The top retriever team was Wales with 561/600 points with the England Retrievers five points behind on 556/600. It was a very close competition showcasing some excellent dogs; and I was exceptionally proud of my team (below) who all performed well and were proud to represent their country.
Team Captain: David Latham, Roz McIlroy, Lee Hartis, Andrew Latham, Peter Thompson and Mark Demaine.
Team Captain: David Latham, Roz McIlroy, Lee Hartis, Andrew Latham, Peter Thompson and Mark Demaine.
ENGLAND retriever selection day - april 2015
My first official duty as England Team Captain began in April 2015 at the England Retriever Team Selection event in the beautiful grounds of Aske Hall, Richmond, Yorkshire. The day proved very challenging to the top dogs and handlers who had been invited for the selection tests with very changeable weather conditions throughout the day.
Comprising of five demanding tests set by our judges Ian Openshaw and Phil Parkins;
the 2015 England team was selected at the end of the day as follows:
(Team Captain) David Latham - (I will be running FTCh & Int FTCh Beiley's Aguzannis of Fendawood at the C.L.A.); Andrew Latham, Lee Hartis, John Halsted, Richard King, Jayne Coley with reserves John Yarwood and Brendan Kelly.
Our event co-ordinator will be Stan Tweedy.
Comprising of five demanding tests set by our judges Ian Openshaw and Phil Parkins;
the 2015 England team was selected at the end of the day as follows:
(Team Captain) David Latham - (I will be running FTCh & Int FTCh Beiley's Aguzannis of Fendawood at the C.L.A.); Andrew Latham, Lee Hartis, John Halsted, Richard King, Jayne Coley with reserves John Yarwood and Brendan Kelly.
Our event co-ordinator will be Stan Tweedy.
skinner's world cup, ENGLEFIELD ESTATE, BERKSHIRE - 16TH AND 17TH MAY 2015
ENGLAND WIN THE SKINNER'S WORLD CUP 2015
My first competition as England Team Captain was a very challenging but very rewarding two days at Englefield Estate, Berkshire (16th and 17th May).
The new venue for this year was excellent and hosted 13 exceptionally good international teams. England were narrowly in the lead at the end of Day 1 with Austria and Denmark close behind. Day 2 saw the team put in some great retrieves and England finished worthy winners some 30 points clear of Austria in 2nd and Denmark 3rd.
We were also pleased to celebrate Richard King's FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale Of Lincswolds taking
Top Dog of the Competition.
Well done to the England team and to all the competitors who took part. Many thanks to the judges and organisers of the event with special mention to Skinner's Pet Foods for their sponsorship and brilliant organisation and also to Gundog Gear for their continuing sponsorship of the England Team. Next stop..........CLA!
The new venue for this year was excellent and hosted 13 exceptionally good international teams. England were narrowly in the lead at the end of Day 1 with Austria and Denmark close behind. Day 2 saw the team put in some great retrieves and England finished worthy winners some 30 points clear of Austria in 2nd and Denmark 3rd.
We were also pleased to celebrate Richard King's FTCh Saxaphone Brown Ale Of Lincswolds taking
Top Dog of the Competition.
Well done to the England team and to all the competitors who took part. Many thanks to the judges and organisers of the event with special mention to Skinner's Pet Foods for their sponsorship and brilliant organisation and also to Gundog Gear for their continuing sponsorship of the England Team. Next stop..........CLA!
C.L.A. GAME FAIR, HAREWOOD HOUSE - AUGUST 2015
ENGLAND WIN THE HOME INTERNATIONAL, CLA GAME FAIR 2015
My first season as England Team Captain has been very rewarding as the team powered to a 38 point clear victory in the second of our annual competitions at the CLA Game Fair at Harewood House in August 2015.
Both days saw the team put in some great individual performances beating good teams from
Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
We were also able to celebrate John Halsted's, Brocklebank Navigator Of Chatsworth taking
Top Dog of the Competition.
The England Spaniel Team, under Captain Ian Openshaw performed equally as well and I would like to give my sincere thanks to the judges, organisers and sponsors of the event including Skinners Pet Foods, Barbour Clothing and Linky Leads (Pet Care Products) for their sponsorship of the England Team. We look forward to 2016.
Both days saw the team put in some great individual performances beating good teams from
Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
We were also able to celebrate John Halsted's, Brocklebank Navigator Of Chatsworth taking
Top Dog of the Competition.
The England Spaniel Team, under Captain Ian Openshaw performed equally as well and I would like to give my sincere thanks to the judges, organisers and sponsors of the event including Skinners Pet Foods, Barbour Clothing and Linky Leads (Pet Care Products) for their sponsorship of the England Team. We look forward to 2016.
ENGLAND 2014 - JOHN HALSTEAD RETIREMENT
2014 was a fitting conclusion for retiring England Retriever Team Captain, John Halstead after the 2014 C.L.A. Game Fair. England yet again managed the 'double' in 2014; with England Winning the Skinners World Cup in May and the Team holding onto their title of Winners at the C.L.A. Game Fair at Blenheim in July 2014 and then culminating with winning the International at Anglesey August 2014. John will be a very hard act to follow and after his 15 years at the helm as I embark on the new challenge of England Team Captain.
I'm delighted to be given this wonderful opportunity; having had some experience of the role when I was put in caretaker charge in 2011. That was a great year as the England Team won the World Cup and the Game Fair. Having the continuing support and friendship of John and Sandra Halstead, will be invaluable and is greatly appreciated.
The role will undoubtedly bring new pressures; not least the knowledge that other European teams are coming up fast meaning a home nation win is no longer a certainty. I will strive to win every prize I can in the 5 years of my captaincy and am deeply honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious role.
I'm delighted to be given this wonderful opportunity; having had some experience of the role when I was put in caretaker charge in 2011. That was a great year as the England Team won the World Cup and the Game Fair. Having the continuing support and friendship of John and Sandra Halstead, will be invaluable and is greatly appreciated.
The role will undoubtedly bring new pressures; not least the knowledge that other European teams are coming up fast meaning a home nation win is no longer a certainty. I will strive to win every prize I can in the 5 years of my captaincy and am deeply honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious role.
SLIDESHOW OF MEMORABLE ENGLAND MOMENTS UP TO 2014