News
Autumn 2003
Helen Adcock
All at Horsham Newfs were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of Helen Adcock (Wendy’s mum). Helen had been a supporter of our group for many years and regularly attended displays, cart rides and social events. She was often seen enjoying a bottle of beer with the rest of us! Helen always welcomed visitors and didn’t bat an eyelid when her house and garden were invaded for barbecues and carting. Dice was her constant companion and guardian and Panda kept her company at night – they have found her passing very difficult. Our thoughts and sympathy go to Wendy and her family.
The Group
Merrybear Queen of the May – Maisie – 17/06/90 to 28/06/03
As many of you may know, we have just recently lost Maisie at just over thirteen years of age. We would like you to share in her lifetime’s achievements as perhaps not everybody may be aware of how much a way of life owning a Newfoundland had became for us.
After doing our research, attending several championship shows and seeking advice from respected Newfoundland breeders, Paddy & Gordon finally relented (Wendy was quite persuasive) and let us have a bitch from Merrybear Matuta and Ch. Merrybear Luigi. Choosing a puppy was very difficult as we really did not know what to look for but we were steered towards Maisie as she had the stronger head out of the bitches in the litter. The next two weeks saw the Montego estate duly converted into a Newfmobile, rear seat mainly folded down, towels and soak up cloths in position in case of “accidents” and of course, plenty of water as apparently these dogs love getting wet. When the big day arrived we duly set off very early in the morning to Southampton to collect the newest member of the family. This was done to avoid the heat of the day on a long car journey and to give all of us as much daytime at home to settle Maisie in. A lot of things were crammed into Maisie’s puppyhood including ringcraft, open and exemption shows and obedience. We were introduced to Southern Newfoundland Activity Group (snag) where we made a number of friends and over the following years attended many of their events. At this age Maisie earned herself the nickname of “Crazy Maisie” not least of all because she demolished the side of Mum’s greenhouse whilst playing with Buster, one of our Beagles. The evenings spent at Mum’s were often spent chewing bark from logs in front of the fire; perhaps this is why she floated so well in later life! This love of water came from about ten months of age as until then we were convinced that we had the only Newfie that could not swim despite our best efforts. She followed Mums dog Sadie into the local lake after a stick and obviously thought that this was great fun and from that day could not be kept out of water.
We saw the Mepal weekend advertised and thought we should give it a go
and travelled to Cambridgeshire for our first official training. Everyone
here gave us a warm welcome and this is where we were first introduced
to Dick & Francis Marchant who suggested that we meet with Hangdogs
at Southwater Country Park. As Maisie really enjoyed all of her day and
members of E.A.W.N. said how she was so enthusiastic in all that she did
we decided to join in. We were to be found at this venue on Saturday mornings
for the next ten years, which shows just how much fun this water training
can be! Maisie passed levels A& B in July 1992 at Chelmsford on the
same day which only went to heighten our enthusiasm for working. She passed
level C at Penshurst in August 1994. Unfortunately she did not attain
any further passes as she became reluctant to jump from the boat because
of her hip problems. This, however, did not deter her from enjoying swimming
right up to her last Newfoundland Spectacular in 2002 where she completed
the 50m swim and boat tow.
Maisie attended two local ringcraft clubs since she was old enough where she had great fun often clearing the floor whilst playing with her Husky friend, Pip. Often, judges here would like to be clever and ask for the dog to be seen on the table. This was no problem as Maisie was used to jumping up on to her grooming table, one giant leap for newfkind and she was in a position to wash the face of the unsuspecting person. She won several best adult in Match and gained dog of the year under Dagmar Kennis in 1993. Open shows also featured constantly on our calendar where Maisie won a number of best of breed and even going on to reserve best in group. She attained her stud book number at Bournemouth Championship Show in 1994 under Zena Thorn- Andrews which entitled her to enter Crufts every year.
Maisie took to carting at an early age as we already had a cart and harness that had belonged to the Bernese that we previously owned, and this seemed a natural extension to obedience training. She worked her way up through the levels to attain her multi award pass at Gold level four. She gave a demonstration off lead at a Sussex County cricket match and at 11 years old she won the carting at the Hangdogs Summer rally. She also won trophies for carting at the Brubor annual event, Cornish working competition and the Spillers Festival of Working Dogs.
Maisie really was the “all round Newfoundland
“who gave us thirteen years experience with the breed and an understanding
of each discipline that this breed is famous for. She was always willing
to do whatever was asked of her and would enjoy each experience to the
full. Through her we have made so many friends and we both feel so fortunate
to have shared this time with her.
Colin and Wendy Chrismas
One small step for a Newf one giant leap for Debi
I had never really enjoyed being in the water, as a small child I had a bad experience in a swimming pool that meant I did not ever intentionally go under the water, I couldn’t even bear the water from the shower going on my face.
Since owning Newfs and joining the group I have come to really enjoy the water, up to a point. That point being I still couldn’t go under the water, which meant no boat jumps, the thought of it scared me to death. I have watched the very young and the older members of the group throwing themselves out of the boats, and wished I could conquer my fear and join in.
Well this week after 2 years or so in the group I was bullied (in a nice way) by Angie, who said it was about time I jumped. So off we went, still not convinced I would actually do it. Angie said she would jump with me, to be honest that didn’t make me feel any braver especially when Angie said ‘don’t worry we have a paramedic on shore’. My legs went to jelly and I felt physically sick as Angie stood up and said ‘come on then, one foot on the side and off you go’. I chickened out, Kev turned the boat, as we had come too close to shore, time to try again. I put my foot on the side of the boat, gripped my nose tightly and over I went. Obviously I came back to the surface, and I didn’t swallow half of the lake. Merlin came out to rescue me from behind the boat, and we went back to shore, I was shaking like a leaf, but I was really pleased with myself. Just to prove it wasn’t a one off, Kev told me I was jumping for Izzy next, and I did.
I don’t know if the fear will ever go, and I must practice jumping in such a way that I don’t go down so far.
Thanks to all of you who said well done, you all realised what a big deal it was for me.
But I would like to say A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ANGIE for being so bossy, if she hadn’t pushed me (so to speak) I probably would never have done it.
Debi Hawkins
Horsham Newfs Roadshow 2003 – Part One – Ragley
Friday 25th July and a convoy of travellers headed north on the M1 in the pouring rain – destination Bosworth Water Trust. All arrived safely. Others had headed for Bo Peep and Island Meadow.
Saturday 26th July and we all converged at Ragley for the Newfoundland Club Annual Water Trials. Learning from previous experience the vans were loaded with shorts, suntan lotion, fleeces, waterproofs and umbrellas. “Forget the picnic” someone said, “we’ll get something from the catering van”. Our first sight when we arrived was the vacant spot where the catering van should have been – and the café didn’t open until 11.00am! The second sight was Mark Kingsley with his foot bandaged – he had cut it open on the dog stake and was out of action for the rest of the day. Throughout the day dogs were put through their paces in swimming, carting and obedience. Izzy gave the obedience judge and steward a laugh when her “fielders” came out and they managed to catch her (nifty footwork by Nick). Tallie achieved full marks for “rescuing the stranger” – a first for her. In beginners water we swept the board with Merlin Hawkins 1st (89 points), Kayos Mercer handled by Ben 2nd (88 points) and Loxley Mercer 3rd (87 points). Mica Hawkins was 4th in carting beating Hudson Chrismas (5th place) after a run off. Izzy Mercer was narrowly beaten for best Veteran but retained her title for best working show dog. All the dogs and owners enjoyed themselves despite the pouring rain at the end of the day. Back to the campsite for celebrations and a barbecue. In the campsite raffle Nick “I never win” Hawkins scooped first prize and Keith won a large teddy for Baby Leybourne.
Sunday 27th July saw the lads donning wetsuits again and training with Bosworth Bears who were also camping for the weekend. The girls were busy grooming the show dogs for the next day.
Monday 28th July saw Angie & Debi (+ dogs) on the road at 6.30am
heading for Leeds Dog Show while the rest enjoyed a lie-in. During the
day they kept themselves busy carting and grooming dogs – the fur
was really flying around the campsite! In the evening we sat down to a
full roast dinner – many thanks to the chefs! Ben ended the day
with a nosebleed when he collided with a Frisbee.
Tuesday 29th July the girls declared a full day of doing nothing but the boys had other ideas of course and headed for the water for another days training.
Wednesday 30th July was definitely a day of rest for everyone. Izzy and Mica spent the whole day snoring and Charlie had a haircut. Ben went to play crazy golf and returned with a super black-eye.
Thursday 31st July and all too soon it was time to pack up. Later that morning the convoy of travellers headed back south down the M1 towards the Bat & Ball for the Horsham Newfs Rally…………………
Angie Mercer
Horsham Newfs Roadshow 2003 – Part Two – The Rally
…………………….the
rest of Thursday was spent setting up camp. During the early part of the
afternoon Sheelagh arrived in car on a reconnaissance mission to see if
her accommodation for the weekend would fit through the gate. Later that
afternoon, large horse lorry arrives at speed through gate, hotly pursued
by the landlord of the Bat and Ball making sure she was with us and not
a traveller looking to set up camp. Fortunately for Sheelagh it was still
early and not too much alcohol had passed our lips so we said ‘yes
she’s with us’. The lorry proved to be a very good idea all
the children used it as a playhouse for the weekend.
Friday 1st August the boys went off to collect the boats from Kev and
Angies. The rest of us must have been suffering from withdrawals because
most of us went off on retail therapy trips of different sorts. Friday
also saw our judges Alan and Denise from the Bosworth Bears arrive for
the weekend. It was a fairly quiet day, rounded off well by a lovely meal
cooked by Georgia.
Saturday 2nd August saw an early start at the lake to set out the buoys
and section off a part of the beach, which was a really good idea as the
park was very busy due to the hot weather. 22 dogs took part in the water
competition which comprised of a boat tow, rescue stranger, item retrieve
and a freestyle exercise to impress the judges. All the dogs did very
well, in the first 3 exercises, but not too many of the freestyle exercises
went exactly to plan. One that sticks out for me was Hagrid, he was supposed
to swim out and rescue John, but when Mark released him he jumped straight
into the boat on shore instead, (it would have been very impressive if
he had taken the boat out). We also had 4 junior handlers, Danni, Charlie,
Ben and Ellie, they all did very well. That evening we had a BBQ followed
by the results of the water competition. First place went to Izzy, second
place to Robbie, and third place to Tallie. We also had some extra awards
to present, the perseverance award went to Ellie and Bramble, the horny
award to John and Duke/Odin, the tug of war award to Elaine and Bruno,
most promising youngster award to Robin and Ebony and fastest dog in the
wrong direction award to Mark and Hagrid. Kev, on behalf of the group,
presented Steve and Elaine with a lovely picture of their dogs (past and
present), to say thank you for all their hard work as Chairman and Treasurer.
Sunday 3rd August bought even hotter temperatures for the carting competition, so Alan and Denise designed a course that would not take too long to complete, and I think all the dogs (and handlers) appreciated that. 9 dogs took part, and all did very well, again we had junior handlers, Danni, Ellie and Charlie, who again all did very well. There were some very good elements in the course, especially the children throwing to each other a very colourful beach ball, while the dogs had to do a 10 second wait.
Merlin went last
as we didn’t want to rebuild the course for the next dog but surprisingly
he didn’t knock everything down. First place went to Mica, second
place to Izzy and third place to Tallie. Next we had the presentation
of the trophy for the Best Overall dog, which went to Mica. In the evening
some of the girls made up a team called the hairy beasts and took part
in the pub quiz, and won.
Monday 4th August saw a very hot day for packing up caravans.
We hope everyone enjoyed the Rally and will take part again next year.
And we hope everyone agrees that having guest judges is a very good idea.
Thank you Alan and Denise.
Debi Hawkins
Some sad news from one of our members….
Andrew Berwick’s Fudge, was taken to the Vets on 10th July due to an upset stomach for which he was prescribed some tablets to settle the complaint with a follow up visit arranged for the 18 July.
On the evening of the 16 July it was noticed that he was passing a small amount of blood so he was taken back to the vets on the 17th, this caused some concern and a referral was arranged with the Dick White referral clinic for the 18th. Fudge was kept in overnight and a biopsy was taken and sent for analysis.
On the 23rd Fudge was diagnosed with an intestinal lymphoma. Dick White informed them of the options they could take and that for this type of lymphoma there is a 20% chance of a full recovery and at worst case Fudge could expect 6-8 months of a good quality life.
After much soul seeking and discussion at home the Berwicks have decided to progress with the treatment and give Fudge every chance possible. Fudge started his Chemotherapy and drug regime on 29th July.
Andrew and family – our thoughts are with you, best of luck with the treatment and here’s hoping Fudge pulls through!
Shipley School Fete
The day began with a swim at the lake. This gave all a chance to cool down before heading off to Shipley fete. As in previous years it was a very good turnout with experienced and novice dogs and their handlers. Although it was very warm we had a few clouds and a light breeze. There were four dogs giving children’s rides for the first time. These were Freya, Panda, Hagrid and one other whose name escapes …… well done to all.
Horsham Newfs have been attending this event almost every year over the past twelve to thirteen years. We are always a very popular attraction with this year being no exception. All the dogs and handlers worked very hard giving lots of pleasure to the children and in addition to this they promoted good, positive publicity to dogs in general. This year we raised more money than in previous years with the total being in excess of £70.
Many thank to all of you who gave your time and energy to make this so successful. We do value everyone’s support.
Thanks again – Wendy Adcock
Ghost from the Past
When
my Mother died earlier this year it became necessary to sort through her
belongings. This obviously caused a few tears and stirred many memories.
One of the most poignant finds, (and was to prove quite eerie), was a
collection of postcards sent by my Grandfather to my Grandmother, Father
and his siblings, from the trenches during World War I. These postcards
were evidently hand embroidered by the French women and sold to the soldiers
and are truly works of art. Imagine then, my surprise when I came across
the postcard (pictured right), which I can only take to be a brown Newfoundland
pulling a cart full of flowers. This is where things get a bit spooky.
I turned the card over to read it and found to my utter surprise that
this particular card had been sent to my Father. Sadly he died long before
I became involved with Newfoundlands and so never got to meet one.
Steve Mallett.
Steve
and Elaine Mallett – Thank You
Dear All, August 6th 2003
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone for the beautiful picture that Kevin presented to us at the Rally weekend.
We were both too overcome to respond at the time, so we thought that we would ask Georgia to publish this in the newsletter.
The picture now has pride of place in our lounge were it will remain to stir our memories of the very happy times that we had at the lake with Max and Byron and continue to have with Robbie and Bruno.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish Kevin, Debi and Georgia every success in their new roles and we would hope that they receive the support of all the members, old and new and that the Group continues to be a place were all members will be welcomed, encouraged and receive assistance and guidance.
Finally, on a sad note, Helen Adcock (Wendy’s Mum) passed away on the 25th July. Whilst she wasn’t a member in her own right she was often at group events to help Wendy and was ever willing to open her house to Group meetings and barbeques. But above all she loved her dogs, who will miss her as much as Wendy and her family.
Once again, thank you all. It was an honour and a privilege to have served as officers of the Group.
Yours affectionately,
Steve and Elaine Mallett
A Word from the Editor
This edition has been so packed full of wonderful articles that I hardly needed to add anything of my own – a HUGE thank you for everybody’s input – I for one have been spell bound by some of the content, particularly Steve’s family memories.
I would however like to take the opportunity to welcome two new members to the group:
Nick and Adele Lawlor, their daughter, Eloise and their newfie, Bramble. The Lawlors have made a welcome addition to our group. Nick very kindly donated some extremely high class walkie talkies to add to our sea going safety kit.
Although I wasn’t present I can imagine the fun the boys had with those on the high seas. We were also delighted to see them at the Rally with hi spec tent and gazebo under which to park the car!
Eloise has been doing some exceptional work with Bramble, both in the
water and on land.
A most impressive young lady! (See picture at right)
The Kingsleys, Mark, Keri, Dean, Georgia and newfies, Leo and Alfie. Our newest members to date but what dedication they have brought already. During the weekend of the Rally, the Kingsleys attended both the Saturday water training and the carting on Sunday. They weren’t able to stay over however because the Saturday evening took them off to a wedding and the Sunday morning off to a Christening, but they still showed up despite their hectic schedules.
It is wonderful to greet new members who make such an impact from day one and we thank you for all that you have given the club already.
I would also like to make a belated thank you on behalf of the group to Kevin and Angie Mercer who laid on a fantastic day of carting at our last Committee Meeting. The BBQ was as good as ever and their generosity in allowing us to invade is just overwhelming. Can we all come again next year?
PLEASE DON’T FORGET BOAT CLEANING DAY SUNDAY AUGUST 31st – we need your help to service the boats and check the equipment.
Thanks again for the content, keep it up and let’s see if we can keep these bumper editions going all through Winter!
By the way – we’ve no formal show results in this newsletter but I happen to know that Merlin Hawkins and Loxsley Mercer both received a 2nd at their last event in their respective classes. It’s wonderful to see the hard work of the showing contingent paying off. Please do let me have your results as we are all keen to see what star performers we have in our midst!
And
finally, a little photo that found its way into my collection, a photo
I felt I should share with you as it depicts our new Chairman in all his
glory!
Georgia Leybourne
© Horsham Working Newfoundlands