News
Spring 2005
Editor’s Note
Another late newsletter and another set of apologies from me. Life is manic at present. Full time job, two young babies, two newfies …… time is very precious. I can’t promise to become any more timely for the next four years or so but I’ll do my best.
Unfortunately most of the articles herein have been scribed by me, I just hope you are not yet bored with my turn of phrase. More input would be hugely appreciated especially if you committed to writing up an event!
It’s been a taxing year for the group, lack of a water venue has seriously inhibited the progress of our beautiful beasts. Kevin, our wonderful chairman, has sought high and low for an alternative and it looks as though he’s come up trumps with a new ‘exclusive’ gravel pit in Egham. Once we’ve got access we need to make up for lost time.
A quick word about Kevin. As our chairman, Kev works like a demon to support this group and I often feel his diligence goes without a lot of gratitude. Let’s remember that Kev voluntarily chairs our group, he has a busy life outside of Horsham Newfs with family commitments, a demanding job, other official positions at Newfoundland Group level and let’s not forget his 5 Newfs! He dedicates significant time and energy to us as a group. I know my life is richer for it and I imagine many of yours is as well. Let ’s make sure none of us take his efforts for granted.
Our family is rapidly growing and here I speak about the Horsham Newfs family. From the canine perspective we have some new pups in our midst – Aoife Mercer, Orla Hawkins and Monty Scott – and I believe more plans afoot in other families to introduce puppies. From a human perspective Keith and I are not the only ones to have produced a new member this year. Jeff arrived on February 1st to join the Leybourne family and Amelia was born in June to the Mildner family. I can assure you that watching the babies and puppies frolicking is a sight for sore eyes. Jinny has several ‘holey’ tee shirts thanks to the delicious Aoife.
We’ve still a couple of excellent events left in 2005. Whether you’re full or associate come and see us, join us, share a beer or two and compare notes on Newfie’s. Although it tends to be the same families who caravan / camp each time, ALL members are welcome.
Beale Park – September 10th / 11th - water display and carting display
Bo Peep – October 1st / 2nd – carting tests
Call Sue Scott for further details.
I hope you are all enjoying 2005. Hope to see you soon.
Georgia
BRUNO (COUNTY DEEP SEA BREEZE)
22nd November 1997 to 6th May 2005
Steve and I often say how lucky we are that the best Newfs in the world come to live with us and Bruno was no exception.
Bruno, Bruey, Bru, Slim Jim, Scary Newf and String Bean were some of the names we called him. There were others, less flattering, but we will say no more of those! To us he was just “our Bru”.
Bruno came to live with us in October 2000 – we had heard that he needed a new home through a workmate of Steve’s. Bruno had had a wonderful relationship with his original owner (who we only know as Mr. Harvey) but sadly Mr. Harvey died of cancer when Bruno was quite young. Mr. Harvey’s daughter and son in law looked after Bruno for about a year and although they loved him and did their best for him, he proved a bit of a handful with three very small children as well! I will always remember the first evening we went to meet him. He bounded into the room and covered my face with licks. I knew straightaway I had to have this dog in my life. The day that Bruno came to live with us, the last thing that Christian, the son in law, said to us was “Bruno particularly likes shepherd’s pie and cream cake” so Bruno had shepherd’s pie and cream cake on his birthdays.
Bruno was never going to be a show dog and we didn’t have a clue how to channel his energy to do well in tests but none of that mattered, to us he was a very handsome dog and his sheer enthusiasm for life was what made him so special. He was always ready for action and even slept with one eye open so he didn’t miss anything! He was also very sensitive and affectionate and willing to please. When we were together he was either walking by our side or laying at our feet and if he wasn’t, then he was up to no good somewhere! He also had quite a sense of humour. He use to tuck himself under the stairs in the hallway and sit very upright and still so that you didn’t know he was there until you went passed and then it really use to make us jump (hence his “Scary Newf” title).
I
think we always knew Bruno wouldn’t make “old bones” but
we thought he would be with us for a bit longer - it seems he simply
burnt himself out. It was very hard to lose him so suddenly and when
we were so far away from him but he died as we had always hoped he would – very
quickly and whilst he was having fun. He had Robbie with him and he was
in good hands with Susie and Colin Hallett. We are really grateful to
them and their staff at the kennel for their help and kindness.
The house seems very quite and still without him but it is hard to be
too sad when we think of him because he always made us smile when he
was alive.
I am sure many group members will remember Bruno for his love of toys and retrieve items and the battles we had in the water to make him give them up!
Thank you to everyone for their kind thoughts.
Elaine Mallett
First Water Training Session 2005
Shoreham Harbour
Well I wish I could say it was a glorious day with the sun shining keeping us warm, but alas in true British form I can’t. It was overcast and murky, a stark difference to the previous 2 days where we had seen beautiful weather. That didn’t stop us turning up prompt and raring to go, well most turned up promptly and you can’t expect everyone to remember the clocks went forward the night before!!!
Everyone was ready to go, boat in the water and humans tentatively dipping toes in the cold water. The customary testing of the boat was duly started and seemed to go well until……… a piece (sorry, not being boated minded the name evades me but I do know it involved a ball bearing) fell apart right in the harbour entrance. Then along comes the pilot boat which Robin ‘helpfully’ points out is often followed a by larger (much larger) ship but luckily on this occasion the pilot boat was on its own. Thanks to Kev and his good thinking to always carry spares the boat was fixed and in prime working order in no time.
It was then down to some serious training. One thing stood in our way, but only for a short time while a replacement for a missing bilge pump could be found, getting back to basics it’s surprising what uses can be found for a water bowl. There wasn’t many willing volunteers for drowning strangers but the men and Debbie saved the day with that one. Considering the winter break all dogs done extremely well and were very enthusiastic, which hopefully will prove promising for the rest of the year, only time will tell.
All too soon it was time to pack up and go home, I’m sure most of us were looking forward to a nice warm bath. At least it’s the start of the season so there will be warmer water training sessions humans to look forward to.
Sue Scott
Washington 2005
The first weekend away camping for this year saw all the usual hardy campers arrive on the Friday morning ready to set up for a weekend of booze and fun. The typical circle of caravans displayed around the gazebo makes it a friendly, laid back affair. Even the dogs chill out on their stakes watching the world go by. (I remember the first time we went away with the group, we pitched, put our kettle on and sat outside our awning with a cup of tea. We were soon told the way things were done – grab and chair and all huddle in – very cosy when its raining, as long as you dodge the leaks in the roof!)
One
particular highlight was when Keith arrived - we all stared in amazement.
His new van which was huge in comparison to his old one
was full to the brim. One item after another was unloaded, it was
a bit like the conveyor belt on the generation game. Eventually underneath
it all – there were two newfs!
If my memory serves me correctly, this was the weekend that the Hawkins
family first introduced their “burger van” to the group,
amidst the hilarity. (It was nice to see you Nick and Debs). It’s
quite weird seeing poppadoms and nan bread appearing from a burger
van.
The weather was good and a lazy afternoon was spent chatting about what was planned for the following couple of days. The children all got on tremendously well, as they always do and Keith and Georgia’s nephews Zak and Will also joined us for the weekend. All the youngsters were playing hide and seek, however, Will suddenly saw a man shooting “desert rats” in the field opposite and decided to call the police – he was taking no chances – Keith by now was crimson with embarrassment! Guess what we talked about all evening, accompanied by the usual amount of alcohol.
The next day dawned and we all set off to Shoreham for the weekly swim – the boys, of course, had to take the boat out of the harbour to see “how rough it was”. Children and non swimmers watched in amusement whilst getting absolutely drenched as it poured with rain all day.
The evening passed with the usual copious amounts
of alcohol. Keri did a midnight flit home at 2.00 am as Billy-Dalton
decided he did
not want to sleep in the caravan and preferred his home comforts.
Luckily they returned back in time for the next morning – no-one
was any the wiser! Nice to be missed!
Sunday morning arrived and the scheduled AGM took place. Various
other members arrived for the day to see John receive the David Rowe
Memorial Shield, which he was really touched to receive. Alfie received
the Tasha trophy which brought tears of shock but utter joy to Mark’s
eyes and Ellie received the Junior Handler Award for all her hard
efforts with Bramble.
The highlight of the weekend was that all the children did the washing up EVERY day. Well done kids!
We reluctantly packed up Sunday afternoon and set off for home, looking forward to the next trip away.
Keri Kingsley
PS. Ben managed the whole weekend with no injuries!
Mepal 2005
I couldn’t believe it was time for Mepal yet again … another new venue, even better than the last, and a bit closer to home … a second child for me, goodness was that possible in such a short period of time? … Mepal is always good fun and this year was no exception.
We had perfect weather for the May bank holiday. It was gorgeous. Having forgotten to bring sun hats for the children I was constantly seeking out the shade. It was a nice problem to have quite frankly after a seemingly endless winter.
We were five families this year – Mercers, Leybournes, Scotts, Kingsleys and a Lawlor. As always we ate well, drank well and laughed a lot. The dogs this year were exceptionally clever in the water and some surprise commendations were made regarding their ability.
The water training was really well organised and the French truly contributed to the overall professionalism of the training. Closer links were forged with Alain and his team and as a group we have been invited to France next year to train with the French in their territory. An opportunity not to be missed.
The hog roast on Saturday night was a festive occasion.
Horsham Newfs invested heavily in the raffle and was rewarded with a
large number of
prizes including additional booze to add to our stocks.
Fortunately I refrained from getting as inebriated as last year and avoided
offending the chairman. A feat I was monumentally proud of.
We were sad to pack up and go. Mepal has become an institution, a permanent fixture in the annual calendar. More of you should come. It’s fun, educational and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends.
Hopefully see you there next year ……
Georgia
Fairlop Carting Tests
A small contingent of members attended the carting tests at Fairlop Waters with a mixed bag of results.
I personally was not present having chosen to stay home with the children rather than chasing Jinny round a lake (Mepal to be fair was exhausting from that perspective!). So, Keith went alone with his girls hoping to crack level 3 with Tallie and get another pass for Millie at level 2.
Mmmmm – instead of chasing Jinny round the lake Keith spent most of his day running hell for leather after his dogs. Neither of them were in the mood for the control section let alone the down stay and haul. Tallie took off round the lake, didn’t quite make it in fortunately. Millie on the other hand did laps of the field with Keith legging it after her. My understanding is that yet again Keith and his girls were the entertainment for the day.
On a more credible note were some of the passes that we achieved as a group. Bramble and Nick passed level 3 – well done both of you. Loxley and Kevin were also successful in gaining their level 3 certificate. I’m sure there were other successes but not having been made aware of them I am unable to report.
Well done to you all.
Georgia
Cuckfield / Bat & Ball
This is the second time we have been to the Cuckfield fete and although not quite as lucrative as last year, it was still a very good day out.
The weather was awful,
we had a couple of incredible torrential downpours where everything and
everyone ground to a halt. Thank goodness for our
numerous gazebos and dog canopies. We had one for the adults, one for
the doggies and another for the babies play area.
The display was absolutely fantastic. Very professionally done. The opening
sequence involved Kev / Loxley, Ben / Dexter, Nick / Merlin, Charlie
/ Mica – two grown men with their young pups and two young lads
with their mature dogs – they separated to the far corners of the
ring, left their dogs and carts, walked into the centre and called the
dogs to them …. It was executed perfectly and extremely impressive!
After this incredible display of obedience, the rest of the team played follow the leader in two groups in a series of interlinked moves. The dogs were really well behaved, only a couple of comfort breaks were needed and the pooper scooper was on hand to remedy the situation.
The crowds were delighted with our efforts and crowded in at the end to pat the dogs.
Before and after the display we offered cart rides to youngsters. Although it was a relatively quiet day we had a couple of busy moments during the day with very long queues.
Leading up to the fete we had as a group taken the opportunity to camp over at the Bat & Ball to enjoy each other’s company. The Bat & Ball always proves to be a good venue. The younger generation sought entertainment in the pub games room with pool being the game of the weekend.
On the Saturday we went swimming at Shoreham, if memory serves this was the fateful day that we were banned from using Kingston Beach. Too many complaints regarding the noise had led the harbourmaster to ask us to leave. There ensued many weeks of toing and froing regarding Shoreham, Southwater and the future of water training for Horsham Newfs.
Sunday was spent enjoying a lazy day. It was indeed a lovely day only affected by the extensive wait for our lunch, unusually the service at the Bat & Ball was not good and we had some very hungry people on our hands by the time lunch arrived.
All in all however it was a great weekend.
Georgia
Shoreham College Event
Although it was a last minute decision to attend this event there was a very good turn out. Sorry to those I didn’t manage to inform about the earlier start time. It was a great day with lovely weather and we were once again as popular as ever raising £40.00 for our funds. We were also asked to judge the children’s fancy dress competition!!! This deed was done by Kev and myself and was really quite difficult as some children had put in a lot of effort. Some were also very inventive. The cart rides were given throughout the event and each dog was rotated after giving three rides. We were asked several times if we were the group seen training in the harbour. When people found out that we had been stopped from training there they were surprised and offered support. Someone said they would write to the papers and others also advised they would speak to their contacts in the council and harbour authorities. We also had the neighbour of the person who complained offer their support!!!
After we packed everything away we decided to take the dogs for a swim along the coast. In convoy we followed Robin and Sue and eventually found somewhere to let the dogs have a well deserved swim. Sue also decided to have a little paddle!!! We then went off to see if there was anywhere that may be suitable to swim and launch the boats. I don’t know how but we didn’t manage to lose anyone from the convoy :-) We drove down to Hove lagoon and then doubled back on ourselves ending up the other side of the harbour walls. After another short walk we decided that we would try out swimming here on the 10th July without the boats to see if it would be any good. Watch this space………..
All in all it was a great day. Many thanks to all those who gave rides, walked as safety officers with the carts, took the money, helped set up and put away and talking to members of the public gathering the much needed support for the group’s activities.
Wendy Adcock
Shipley School Fete
We supported the Shipley School Fete again this year with numerous cart pulling dogs. The weather was lovely, a bit hot for carting but Shipley offers excellent shade and we all managed to stay cool.
The Fete was less busy than previous years. They changed the time to morning and there was definitely a lighter footfall over the course of the day.
Despite the numbers however we raised a good deal of money and enjoyed a day with our four legged friends.