"Wow, what a weekend! Newfs In Action were delighted to host these two levels of draught tests. Little did we know that illness would strike and breakdowns would give us some logistical challenges, but all was sorted and the events went very well.
Firstly a huge Thank you to Chris and John Bodman for the use of their land and property - really appreciated. Like a typical Brit, I shall say the weather was kind ... but at times too kind - it did get very hot! Humans and dogs were kept well hydrated and as always safety came first.
On Saturday we had 8 entrants, many of whom were very new to draught work - both owners and dogs, and they really challenged themselves and did exceptionally well with 100% passes! Thank you to our lovely judges Del and Jackie. Del was very ill and we thank her for carrying on with very little voice. As always taking that first step always feels a HUGE leap. It is great to see so many new people have a go and achieve great things with their dogs. This for me is the true value of a fun day - letting people experience something that they do not normally have the opportunity to do, and having great fun with their best friends - Their Newfoundland.
Sunday was a new day and a new level! Unfortunately our second judge broke down on the way to the venue, and this left us with only one judge (these things cannot be helped and our thoughts are only with the safety of the individual - all was fine). I would like to formally thank Kirsteen Farrar who stepped in to judge, so that the event could go ahead. Kirsteen had spent the whole of Saturday organising and running the Rally Obedience, and so to undertake judging on Sunday was a huge favour - thank you. Our call steward Frances Carter was undertaking this role for the first time, and she was brilliant - thank you Frances.
With three of the teams being on their first attempt, nerves were high and got the better of some teams. However all four teams gave their best, and the result was three teams going on the haul (one for experience) and two very good passes. This was the first time that this venue has been used for a level one and it worked very well
Thank you to all our judges, to the SNC working committee, and most importantly to those who took part or supported. One last thank you - to my husband Phil, for transporting carts, putting up rings, being on call for anything and everything to make it all go smoothly."
Cheryl Payne
