News
Spring 2004
David Rowe
On Sunday 11th January 2004 David sadly lost his battle with cancer.
When David and Sandra joined Horsham Newfs their young dog Kodi took to the water immediately. With a little more encouragement and persuasion Sandra donned a wetsuit and joined him. David was a different matter and refused to even dip his toes. This didn’t mean that he sat and sunbathed though. David’s great hobby was photography and he was soon appointed as Horsham Newf’s “chief clicker”. Every Saturday David was to be seen with camera in hand taking photos of dogs and owners. The next week he would bring a folder full of his photos with copies for the relevant owners. Most members have a David Rowe original proudly displayed on their wall. David also attended our charity displays and produced CDs full of memories of the day.
At charity events we have a large display board and a long outstanding project was to have head study photos of each dog on the board. At the end of last summer David heard about this and immediately set to work. This was to become a long and often trying task for him. At the end of the year David showed us the results – a superb poster incorporating the group’s logo and photograph surrounded by all the dogs. He then presented a copy to every member. This poster has now taken centre stage on the display board and will provide a permanent reminder of a man who gave so much to us and never asked for anything in return. David will be greatly missed.
Our Fondest Memories
On the right is a photo of a fitting tribute to Christine Reeve from her husband, John. Her beloved Odin watches over her as captured in this stunning gravestone.
We think of you often Christine.
MERLIN - KARAZAN LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME - 16/3/96 to11/8/03
Trying to write this obituary to a close and special friend is one of the hardest things I have done.
You came home the day after I lost Kaiser to old age, and you were so full of mischief and fun you eased the pain of that parting. But to lose you in such a tragic and sudden way so close after learning of Fudges illness has been very hard to cope with.
I have found that the strangest of things stir thoughts of you that bring a tear to my eye but then remembering your reactions bring a smile.
How do I say goodbye to someone who brought so much joy and sunshine into my life and the lives of everyone that you met.
Losing you so suddenly has left such a hole that will take time to fill.
Sleep in peace dear friend until we meet again.
Andrew Berwick
Shoreham Christmas Fete
Shoreham has become a regular event in the Horsham Newfs calendar and yet again was extremely well attended by the hardy amongst us. The children were as enthusiastic as ever to jump on a sleigh ride with a Newf or a Leo and the smiles and laughter abounded as our trusted dogs strode out across the playground tails wagging and tongues lolling.
We had three decorated carts permanently in action for almost three hours. The dogs as usual were rotated to ensure they were fresh and boy did we struggle to keep up the pace.
It is safe to say that we need more cart pulling dogs to really benefit at these events. We’ve had a few of our trusted steeds retire in the last 12 months and although new dogs have come up the ranks to replace them, we do run short so please consider joining us to help keep our ‘customers’ satisfied. Our main carting events are Shipley in the summer and Shoreham in the winter so put the appropriate dates in your diary.
We recently increased our cart rides from 50p to £1 and as such have
started to really pull in the money at these events. Shoreham was no exception
with just over £100 raised with approximately £70 going towards
club funds.
As usual we had a couple of Newfie episodes with two of our most enthusiastic canine members ‘getting loose’ and running amok. Both Bruno and Dexter decided they simply did NOT want to get back in the van or indeed go for a walk in the park, they just wanted to be with the children and the carts. For those of us used to these hulking great slobbery beasts, to see them come lumbering round the corner ears pricked and tongues dangling is simply delightful. To an uneducated bystander however (particular of the 3ft variety) it can be a terribly fearsome sight! Still, no harm done, all escapees were captured, tickled into submission and returned to whence they came.
Following our success from over a year ago when we raised almost £50 in photos due to Merlin’s presence in the guise of a very tiny puppy, he continues today to be popular with the children. Unfortunately he was not in attendance at this event and there were several very disappointed little faces.
Finally I must report on the article that appeared in the local press regarding our attendance. A very positive piece outlining our club activities and our involvement with a delightful photo of dog hitched to cart with caring handler and smiling child. Only one slight anomaly …. There wasn’t a Newfie in sight! Well done Sheelah and Freya, you do take a beautiful photo together.
Georgia Leybourne
Horsham Newfs Christmas Party
Yet another fun packed club event with much hilarity and alcohol. This year’s Christmas Party took place in Brighton at the China Garden, a very classy Chinese restaurant on the seafront.
Sixteen of us descended upon this wonderful establishment prepared to share some festive spirit. A few of us were teetotal for a variety of reasons – the need to operate moving vehicles and pregnancy were the main excuses – but those not choosing sobriety certainly made up for it. I counted almost 20 wine bottles leaning up against the wall by the end of the night and can certainly report that my husband in particular could barely stand up!
It’s always such a lovely feeling when friends with common interests get together and enjoy each other’s company. Our evening in Brighton marked an excellent end to a truly brilliant year for the club with the promise of a fun packed 2004 lying in wait.
Water Work at Southwater in 2004
Everyone will agree that our water working venue at
Southwater Country Park is really special. We are extremely lucky to have
the use of this
facility and are hoping to continue working there for many years to come.
2003 brought with it a complaint from a local resident that simply
will not go away. The complaint made it in to the press and didn’t do
us any favours whatsoever. The main problem is the ‘noise’ a.k.a.
a lot of dogs barking, not an easy thing to stop when our little wet
nosed friends get so excited. Environmental Health were called in and
although
they are not taking the matter any further, it is the second time they
have become involved.
In addition to this complaint we found ourselves very daunted by the presence of the general public sun worshipping in the height of summer. From a safety perspective our resources were stretched when children started to infiltrate our cordoned-off area. All it takes is one incident and …… well, it just doesn’t bear thinking about!
Anyway, in order to ensure that we do not ‘lose’ the use of this venue we need to start working smarter. First and foremost we are limiting the number of dogs who can be catered for in any one session. If you want to train on a particular Saturday then you will need to book your place on a first come first serve basis. Ange Mercer has kindly agreed to log attendees and your commitment to making that phone call to pre-book is greatly appreciated – 01372 454377. Secondly, we are going to significantly reduce the frequency of our trips to Southwater by alternating with another venue in Shoreham. Shoreham Harbour is proving to be an excellent location even in the midst of summer due to the lack of general public. Being inside the harbour, the water is as still as a mill pond and clear as anything. By contrast to Southwater you can actually see your dog swimming beneath the surface. Underwater retrieves become a totally different learning experience. Please note that additional training fees are payable to cover the cost of fuel for the outboard.
Please work with us to ensure Southwater remains a viable venue for the group. I know that all these rules, regulations and changes can be difficult to swallow but with the group growing at such a steady pace we have to maintain a modicum of control.
Keith Leybourne will be doing a ring round in March to update you all on the changes and gain your feedback personally. In the meantime if you have any comments to make please feel free to email them to me …. mail@horshamnewfs.com
Georgia Leybourne
Moving Day for the Hawkins
Nick & Debs would like
to say a big thank you to everyone who helped them to move into their
new house, despite the rain it all went very well,
and would have taken so much longer had you all not been there to help.
A special thank you to Keith & Georgia for pulling up in not just
an ordinary van but a removal van, thank you very much both of you, everything
went in one load which was great.
Thanks to Kev & Angie for arriving on the Sunday and helping us to
unpack and get a few things sorted. By the way Angie where is my chopping
board?
Many thanks to you all
Debs & Nick
Web Site – www.horshamnewfs.com
The Leybourne/Meadows family (Georgia & Father) deserve a massive vote of thanks for producing and maintaining such an outstanding website for us.
The format and content is excellent and regularly updated unlike many other sites. It’s quick and easy to navigate providing general information, an insight into the group’s activities and valuable information for members.
A website to be proud of, thank you.
Kevin Mercer
Loxley
All our Newfies attend obedience classes from an early age which has more impact on some than others! Loxley has completed beginners and intermediate, at 12 months of age, which enabled him to pass both Bronze & Silver in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme on the same day.
Many congratulations to Angie & Loxley and here’s wishing you both every success in show and working activities during 2004.
Kevin Mercer
The Cost of a Stamp – OOPS!
I owe each and every member an apology for the disruption and cost incurred when I failed to correctly calculate the weight of the last correspondence ….. If I’m not mistaken everybody ended up making a lengthy trip to the central Post Office and had to pay £1.14 for the pleasure. I am dreadfully sorry and will in future be more diligent in my secretarial duties. I was only 2 grams out would you believe!
Thank you to those who have kindly written to advise me of this error. Your comments have been taken on board and I consider myself duly reprimanded.
Georgia Leybourne – Secretary
Photos for the Horsham Newfs Photo Board
Kevin and Ange are currently revamping and updating the photo board and would be grateful for any photos that members think would be suitable – serious, working or funny. All prints will be returned.