Junior gundog handlers Tristan and Sophie Berry were one of 150 people in Dorset who took part in the Working Dog Fun Day at Hawkers Hill, Motcombe, by kind permission of Mr Phil Levers and Mr & Mrs Martin.
12 year old Tristan Berry who won the Junior Handler Award and his 14 year old sister Sophie had the unique opportunity to work their Clumber cross English Springer Spaniels in a variety of fun gundog tests. Both handlers pick up with their 2 year old Clumber crosses on their family shoot and they were delighted to work their dogs on new terrain. “The water test was my favourite" said Trisatn, "Digby loves the water as he can be adventurous.”
12 year old Tristan Berry who won the Junior Handler Award and his 14 year old sister Sophie had the unique opportunity to work their Clumber cross English Springer Spaniels in a variety of fun gundog tests. Both handlers pick up with their 2 year old Clumber crosses on their family shoot and they were delighted to work their dogs on new terrain. “The water test was my favourite" said Trisatn, "Digby loves the water as he can be adventurous.”
A team of dedicated volunteer gundog handlers spent the day offering the local community a chance to try out an array of tests, scurries and fly fishing, raising money for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Event Organisers Kevin and Nicky Philips said the team wanted to raise money as earlier in the year the Air Ambulance was called to Hawkers Hill when a machine operator had a heart attack and needed an urgent
stent insertion to save his life. “It’s an essential service for people who live and work in the rural community. Our event will hopefully raise awareness of this vital service which is completely self-funded and has no Government funding” said Nicky who is passionate about raising the awareness of the Air Ambulance service.
stent insertion to save his life. “It’s an essential service for people who live and work in the rural community. Our event will hopefully raise awareness of this vital service which is completely self-funded and has no Government funding” said Nicky who is passionate about raising the awareness of the Air Ambulance service.
One member of the volunteer team, Ken Green had a personal reason to be part of the fundraising day. “I’ll never forget the day my wife called whilst I was at work to say a heath fire was close to our house and kennels.” Ken knew his family was in danger as he heard a huge explosion whilst talking to her. “The fire had spread to our neighbour’s car which had gone up in flames. I knew it was only a matter of time before it would reach our house.” By the time Ken had driven home he found the area swamped with fire engines and police cars. “The fire had been put out and the house was ok but there was no sign of my family or the dogs.” For a while Ken was frantic until he was told two Air Ambulances had rescued his wife, children and four gundogs. “My wife told them she didn’t want to leave the dogs behind. The Air Ambulance crew were reluctant to take them at first but once they knew they were highly trained they made make shift leads out of some rope and got them into the second helicopter.”
The fun day, which was sponsored by Snyeds Wonder Dog Food incorporated an auction which included a donation for a 80 bird shoot day for one, shooting lessons and lots of fabulous raffle prizes. Gundog Test Co-ordinator Roland Stacey was pleased to see so many visitors enjoying their dogs and was delighted to discover £3524.24 had been raised from the day.
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