Home | Clubs A-Z | Desperately Seeking | E-vents | Fleamarket | Forum | MessageBoard | Photo Galleries | Rescue | Shop | Agility Warehouse | Show Diary | Show Schedules

Fetch!
Click here to search Agilitynet

Show Snippets

Home
In this section:

Up
2007 Show Snippets
Very Special Classes
On Agilitynet:
Just Added...
Agility Active
Articles
Health
History of Agility
Humour
International
Kennel Club
News
Product Reviews
Reference
Schedules
Shows
Training
Feedback
Contact Us
Advertise on Agilitynet

Click here for more info


A natural way to protect and support the  health of your dog



Dog Toys & Dog Beds


Superb, high quality, animated e-cards for anyone who loves dogs now on site 



Dog kennels, cages & runs from Doghealth,
your reliable supplier




WAG-TAILS.COM
on-line dog supply store



A natural way to protect and support the  health of your dog



Click here to see more than 2000 products just for dogs.





Now available
without prescription


Show news short 'n sweet...

The Internet has come into its own whether it be in times of crisis such as the spring floods or foot and mouth crisis or just the everyday cut and thrust of agility life. The Net is a fast and efficient way of keeping people informed about the little changes as well as the big ones. We can't be everywhere at once and so we rely on your input (and goodwill) to keep Agilitynet up to date so email us your show news as and when...

Please remind your show secretary to keep sending those updates to us and to include the name of the show, date(s), venue and other relevant details.


 MAY 2008

GB European Open Team Change

Following the sad events of the weekend, Laura Derrett has been selected to replace Alan Bray at the E. O. Finals.

A message from Jayne & Alan Bray at Upanova Tigers.

Source: John Gilbert (16/05/08)


More Camping Closed

Camping at both Caerphilly and Wellingborough is closed.

Sources: Alison Gayton & Emma Davis  (15/05/08)


Castlereagh Correction

It has been brought to our attention that there is a typing error on the Castlereagh & District DTC 26th Annual show schedule.

On Page 3 of the schedule under the Schedule of Classes, it states:

    Classes will run in numerical order in each ring. Please note that the YKC Team Agility is the first class in Ring 2.

This should read:

    Classes will run in numerical order in each ring. Please note that the YKC Agility Dog of the Year is the first class in Ring 2.

This show is part of the Northern Ireland Obedience and Agility Weekend. Lisburn & District DTC will be running a championship obedience show and an open agility show on Saturday, 7 June 2008. Castlereagh & District DTC will be running an open agility and open obedience show on Sunday, 8 June. All of these shows will be held at the Lisburn Rugby Football Club.

The Castlereagh closing date is  Saturday, 17 May 2008 (postmark)

Source: Miriam McDowell  (08/05/08)


Camping at Scunthorpe

Camping at Scunthorpe is almost full. Please ring to check availability.

Update: As of May Camping is now full.

Source: Catherine Candy - Scunthorpe Obedience & Agility Training Club  (07/05/08)


Qualifying Procedure for 2009 E.O. Ranking Events (England)

The Kennel Club has again decided to sponsor a UK team to take part in the European Open Agility Championships to take place in 2009. The squad selection process is about to start and all agility competitors are invited to try out for qualification for the European Open Squad Selection Day.

Existing 2008 Agility Shows holding a Combined G6 and 7 Agility Class - or those who wish to put on such a class - will be invited to designate the class as an E.O. Ranking Event. Competitors will enter these classes as normal, but gain points for the top ten places in the same way as the Crufts Singles are calculated at present. i.e. 10 points for 1st place down to 1 point for 10th place. The top ten places will count regardless of whether rosettes are awarded to 10th place.

These ranking events will be for all heights of dogs, but not necessarily at the same show, and are open to all dogs, non pedigree and pedigree that are eligible for Grade 6 or 7. This system of selection will be for England only. Therefore only English handlers in the top ten will score points based on their position at each ranking event.  The other Home Nations Team Captains will put suggestions forward for their own countries.

The number of E.O. Ranking Events is ideally 15 for Large, 10 for Medium and 10 for Small, providing they are spread across England in such a way as to reflect the number of handlers in particular areas. Note: at the time two more shows are required to host an E.O. Ranking Event for Large dogs. Those interested should contact the European Open Team Manager, John Gilbert. The Combined G6 and 7 Agility Class, used as a European Open Ranking Event, can be a class that is already a qualifier, e.g.  Crufts Singles, Olympia, or any other sponsored event.

A points league table will be updated regularly and sent to all relevant media outlets.

When the ranking events have finished the top 30 Large, 10 Medium and 10 Small dogs (subject to change) will then be invited to the 2009 Selection Day.  Reserves will be taken in order from the final list.

The list of shows holding E.O. Ranking Events is listed below. Results of each E.O. Ranking Event class will be sent to the European Open Team Manager within two weeks of the show.

Shows Holding EO Ranking Events

Show Name

Date(s)

Size(s)

Hinckley

31 May -1 June

Large, Medium, Small

Thames

7 - 8 June 

Large, Medium, Small

Newton Heath

13 – 15 June

Large, Medium, Small

St. Edwards 

29 June

Large

Otley 

5 July

Large

Rugby

12 - 13 July 

Large, Medium, Small

Weardale

18 & 19 July

Large, Medium, Small

Agility Club

26 - 27 July

Large, Medium, Small

Scunthorpe

2 – 3 August

 Large

KC International Festival

8 – 10 August

Large, Medium, Small

Roseland  

24 August

Large, Medium, Small

Letchworth

29 – 31 August

Large, Medium, Small

Gillingham

7 Sept ember 

Large, Medium, Small

 All qualification and competition queries should be addressed to the John Gilbert, European Open Team Manager, 100 Bedford Road, Barton-le-Clay, Beds MK45 4LR .

Source: The Kennel Club Press Office (03/05/08)


KC to Attend FCI Worlds

The Kennel Club has responded to requests from a number of agility competitors asking for a ruling on whether individuals are permitted to enter the FCI Agility World Championships in Finland this year.

There is no provision within the FCI competition for individuals to enter the event without the support of their national kennel club. The Kennel Club has agreed to send a team, on the proviso that competitors meet the expense of travelling and entering themselves. In order to select a team of up to nine dogs and handlers, a qualifying competition for those interested in competing at the FCI World Championships will take place on Monday, 28 July 2008 near Rugby.

The 2008 FCI World Agility Championships are being hosted by the Finnish Kennel Club. They will be held at the Helsinki Ice Hall on 26-28 September 2008. The three-day competition will be attended by participants from about 40 countries.

The rules of the qualifying event and the schedule are available from Debbie Deuchar at the Kennel Club via debbie.deuchar@thekennelclub.org.uk or 0870 6066750 ext 211.

Source: The Kennel Club Press Office  (01/05/08)


APRIL 2008

Irish European Open Team Deadline

Entries for people wishing to be part of the 2008 Irish European Open Team close on 30 April so anyone wishing to enter this event need to send in their details asap. for registration. Owners needs to be resident in Ireland and all dogs need to be IKC reg.

Information needed for entry are:

  • Registered Owners name,
  • Address
  • Email, if applicable
  • Height category
  • dogs pet name,
  • Dog's registered name
  • Sex
  • Date of birth
  • Whether the dog is full pedigree or non-pedigree register
  • Tatoo/chip number
  • Dog is to enter team competition - yes or no
  • Dog is to enter individual competition - yes or no, team name if applicable

The entry requirement is Agility 3 which will be Large dogs that have won out of Novice Agility. (i.e. working Open Agility / Premier Agility class only) or eligible for Grade 6 / 7. Small and Medium dogs have to have had two first places in any Agility class. These requirements are for the 2008 show only and may be reviewed for future events.

Send information asap to Judith Owens c/o Julie Ann Holmes at tagnrye@eircom.net.  (30/04/08)


European Open Teams

After having another look at the situation and in the interest of Squad harmony, it has been decided to put all dogs into Teams as well as the individual events; So we will now have four Large Teams, two Medium Teams and two Small Teams.

Source: John Gilbert - E.O. Team Manager  (29/04/08)


Racing Frogs at Bretford!

Q. So where’s Bretford then? 
A. Just outside Coventry, I think. The venue is just off the A45.
Q. Are you staying for the Weekend
A. I hear camping is only £10!
Q. What classes does the show have?
A. There is a great choice for all sizes Grades 1 –3, and the big boys are at The Rugby Weekend just down the road.
Q. Is there a bar?
A. Think so
Q. And are there really racing frogs?
A. Absolutely  -  a bit like a blue water 'h'otter you see occasionally. With luck, this will be the second race meeting of the season, the first race meeting being at Golden Valley in June. Still time to enter both Agility events!

See you there.

P.S. There's lots more information on the show schedule which appears on Agilitynet.

Source: Graham Taylor  (28/04/08)


Last Chance to Support GB Team at IFCS World Champs

Attention. This could be your last chance to help raise money to send the UKA GB Team going to the 2008 IFCS World Championships in Belgium. The squad are selling quiz tickets and there are only a limited amount of tickets left for the fund raising draw, taking place on the 4 May at the GT Agility show. Tickets cost £25.00 and there are only 200 which gives you a good chance to win one of the great prizes.

Why not get a group of friends together or ask your club to buy one - or even two tickets and have a chance to win a complete set of First Contact Agility Equipment, a training day with a member of the team or £100 of vouchers from Doggie Solutions.

To reserve your ticket, email Chris@doggiesolutions.co.uk  with the answer to the quiz question 'In which country are the IFCS 2008 World Championships being held in 2008?'  Doh!

Source: Chris Cole - Doggie Solutions  (22/04/08)


WCAOI 1st Agility Show

The first show ever being held under the Irish Agility & Dog Sports Association (IADSA) rules will be held on 10 May 2008 at the WCAOI training grounds, Garryhill, Co. Carlow. All class wins will count towards progression.

Show Secretary Nuala O'Brien admitted, 'I am aware that our show clashes with Ballymena. However, there will be a couple more shows during the year run under IADSA rules.'

Please note that competitors must be registered with IADSA to compete at these shows. The show schedule, entry form and waiver are now available on Agilitynet.

Source: Nuala O'Brien (22/04/08)


Agility Nuts Go Independent!

To clarify the information which appeared recently on another Forum, the Agility Nuts show in August has not been cancelled. Whilst the show will no longer be a BAA show, it is still going ahead as an Independent show. It has also had to be rescheduled for the weekend of 16-17 August.

New schedules and entry forms will be released shortly. Anyone who entered the original show will have their entries returned and will need to re-enter if they wish to come to the rescheduled show.

Source: Paul Sensky - Agility Nuts  (21/04/08)


Book for FCI World Camps in Finland

While it looks unlikely that we will send a GB Team to Helsinki this year, several people have expressed an interest in going regardless so Kate Howard has provisionally booked a block of 12 double rooms at a good quality International hotel suitable for supporters (IMHO). That number can be amended, as necessary, subject to availability. 

The accommodation would be at the modern Hotel Scandic Continental Helsinki, Mannerheimintie 46-48 00260 Helsinki. Tel. +358-(0)9-47371. This is a nine-storey hotel located opposite parkland and the Finlandia Congress Centre, one kilometre from central station. The 512 guest rooms are equipped with cable television with pay movies, and high- speed and wireless internet connections.

Exterior

Price/room/night

Date

Price in Euros*

22 – 25 September

190.00

26 - 28 September

120.00

*Room: dbl/twin      Note special tournament rate for show period.
Prices includes breakfast, morning sauna, swim, and local taxes.

After a dip in the pool and a workout in the gym, guests can unwind with an aromatic turkish sauna, top up their tans in the solarium, indulge in a honey-tar bath, manicure or massage, or simply take in the view from the pool terrace. In the evening, guests can enjoy snacks, coffee and pre-dinner cocktails at bar continents, located in the lobby.

One of Helsinki's most popular and striking attractions is the Temppeliaukio church, 1km from the hotel, which is carved out of solid granite and covered by a 24-metre copper and glass dome. Those interested in local history and culture will find the national museum, the Kiasma museum of contemporary art and the museum of Finnish art within one kilometre of the hotel. Helsinki Vantaa airport is 18 kilometres away, with an approximate driving time of 25 minutes.

Amenities include coffee shop or cafe, bar/lounge, Internet public area - comp, Internet public area - high-speed, elevator/lift, health club, 24-hr room service, massage treatment room, concierge desk, spa services on site, fitness equipment, sauna, beauty services and indoor swimming pool.

Possible flights
Flights to Helsinki leave from many airports around the UK

Flight Options

Depart from

Airlines

Price from

Heathrow

BA, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS

£160

Glasgow

BA, KLM, SAS, BMI

£207

Dublin

Lufthansa, SAS, CZECH

 £150

Birmingham

Lufthansa, SAS, KLM, Air France 

£150

London City

Lufthansa

£160

Stanstead

Air Berlin

£92

Newcastle

SAS

£170

Manchester

Lufthansa

 £155

Edinburgh

SAS, Lufthansa

£175

Bristol

Lufthansa

£166

If you would like to accept this offer or would like more information, please contact Kate Howard by 1 June. After that, unbooked rooms have to be let go to avoid charges. Bookings may be altered as long as the final number of people booked is the same.

 Email Kateh90@aol.com or ring tel. 01332 551486

Source: Kate Howard  (21/04/08)


Deadline Extended for Orchard Kent County Show

There are still places in all classes at the Orchard Agility show at the Kent County Fair. on 3-5 May 2008. The closing date will be extended to 25 April 2008.

Source: Rosemary Stowers  (20/04/08)


European Champ Squad Announced

The teams for the 2008 European Open Agility Championships have been announced, following the Kennel Club-organised squad selection day held on Saturday, 12 April 2008 in Daventry. The Kennel Club offers its sincere thanks to Kath Dark who hosted the event, welcoming over 100 competitors and dogs to her farm. Undeterred by high winds and hailstorms, competitors had travelled from all corners of the United Kingdom to compete for the privilege of representing Great Britain at the forthcoming Championships in Germany in July.

This is the first time that a team has been chosen at a special selection day, such is the level of interest and high level of skill in Agility in Britain. All competitors had their Pet Passports checked by the team vet, Kobus Englebrecht, and were officially measured prior to competition to ensure that they were fully eligible to compete in Germany prior to selection. The dogs were then run over three testing courses, set by judge Andy Hudson, and points were gained relating to the dogs' placings in each round. The team manager, John Gilbert, then took the dogs with the most accumulated points into the final round. 

Thirty large dogs, 12 Medium dogs and 11 Small dogs contested the final round to select the squad that will travel to Germany. John Gilbert, European Open Team Manager said, 'The European Selection Day was a huge success, with a terrific four round competition. Our judge, Andy Hudson, produced four excellent courses which tested the very best. I am delighted to see two juniors make it into the team, and am very confident that Team GB will do us proud in Germany.'

The teams are as follows (subject to change due to injury, illness etc):-

Large Dog Teams

  • Greg Derrett             Ag.Ch. Withersfarm Sproglett
  • Leah Gardner           Chaffords Herbal Illusion
  • Lee Windeatt           Deeann What a Cracker
  • Alan Bray                Sky’s the Limit at Upanova
     
  • Sarah Osborne         Touchango Top Gear
  • Nic Jones                Slieve Caleb
  • Denise Wilkinson     Tinker Tia
     
  • Dave Munnings        Gunran Misteree
  • Rob Davies              Magical Liquorice Alsorts
  • Nigel Staines           Dragonheart Dark Destroyer
  • Ian Jackson             Taliswood Temptation
     
  • Lee Gibson              Taddymore Jack
  • Marc Saunders        The Dark Dasher of Clybonn
  • Anthony Clarke        Gemmadean Black Magic
  • Katie Mitchell           Comebyanaway Rocket Man

Medium Team

  • Andy Sandercock    Withersfarm Perfect Ten
  • Gary Cummings      Monkey Madness Noworries
  • Lisa Le Signe          Obay Truly Focused
  • Amanda Hampson   Winfren Vulpecula Kayla

Medium Dog - Individuals

  • Louise McClurg        Mighty Maximus
  • Sarah Evans            Wicked William
  • Susie Josty             Set the Juice Loose
  • Tricia Elms              Kaljazzi Reet Petite

Small Team

  • Wendy Fairlamb       Racingredd Brussell Scout
  • Bernadette Bay        Obay Truly Wicked
  • Helen Davey-Smith   Rescue me Henry
  • Rosie Cavill              Fieldspy Leana

Small Dog - Individuals

  • Sharon Brewster      Upanova Limited Edition
  • Cheryl Harkness      Pepperthyme Akamas
  • Peter van Dongen     Sky is the Limit 

All 30 squad members will run in the Individual Championships. The team manager has decided to enter four Large teams, 1 Medium team and 1 Small team. In releasing the details of the make up of each team in advance, the team manager wishes to encourage a bond and team spirit amongst those selected which can be grown over the next three months, including the possibility of each team getting together for practice and tactics. Each team can also discuss their preferred running order (subject to the team manager's final approval).

The Kennel Club would like to congratulate all the dogs and handlers selected to compete at the European Open Championships and, with the rest of the Agility community, wishes them every success in Germany in July.

Source: KC Press Office (17/04/08)


KoF and SBCC Shows Camping Alert

There has been recent heavy rain leading to very wet, soft conditions at Overstenton Park, Glenrothes, putting the staging of the Kingdom of Fife and Scottish Border Collie Club show this forthcoming weekend in jeopardy. In view of this, and in an effort to keep the shows from being cancelled, the Show Committees of these two lcubs  asking competitors who have booked camping to consider an alternative site to camp at the weekend. Any caravans which do arrive may very well need to be towed on and off the venue, if conditions do not improve.

Competitors who have booked camping will get a full refund if they do not camp at the venue. The show organisers would ask all competitors who stay within a reasonable distance to the venue to consider travelling.

A further inspection will be carried out on Thursday evening, after which they will be in a position to decide if caravans, other than those for judges and scribes, will be allowed on at all.

Source: Nikki King (16/04/08)


New Venue for Burnham

Burnham &  District DTC are pleased to announce a new venue for this year's agility show. Sadly, they have outgrown the field behind the Huntsman and Hounds. However they have been very lucky to secure a new venue at London Hayes Farm, Cold Norton Road, Latchingdon CM3 6LQ, where there should be plenty of room for everyone.

For sat nav devices, use CM3 6HP. This should take you to close to the entrance to the farm's road. The venue will be signposted.

Source: Nina Gibson Show Manager (16/04/08)


IFCS World Team Fund Raising Raffle

There are still tickets left for the raffle.  If you belong to a club or a training group have you considered risking £25 for the chance of winning

  • £2500 of Agility equipment
  • A free training day with one of the world team members (approximately £400)
  • £100 of Doggie Solutions vouchers

Only 200 to be sold so your chances of winning are far higher than in normal raffles or lotteries.

The 2008 IFCS World Cup will take place at Sportstadion in Ingelmunster (West-Flanders), Belgium from 9 - 11 May 2008.

Wendy Fairlamb will be at Wallingford if you want to buy a ticket from her. Her email address is wendy.fairlamb@googlemail.com

Source: Greg Derrett (14/04/08)


Wallingford Laser Pairs Clarification

There was an 'ooops' on the running orders for the Laser K/O pairs for Wallingford Show next weekend. The note that accompanied the running orders indicated that the Prelims started at 68. The Secretary's paperwork reflected this, but everyone's running orders were printed with the Prelims starting at 1.

The easiest way out is to keep your running orders correct and change the paperwork, so - please ignore the notes that accompanied your running orders relating to the K/O pairs. The Prelims start at 1. Please pass on to one and all.

This is a good opportunity to remind everyone - especially anyone who has not run in this class before - that you must run exactly in your running order. This event zips through very very quickly so keep a close eye on this class. Please be ringside well before you are due to run.

Source: Jacky Hutchinson - Show Secretary (13/04/08)


Norfolk Festival Reminder

The Norfolk Easter Show Committee would like to remind any entrants who might have misplaced their running orders that re-placements are available at liz@lnshowservices.com

The Show has been re-scheduled for 19-20 April 2008.

Source: Sue Batley - Show Secretary (13/04/08)


Supa Dog Judges and Allocated Classes

Due to the massive increase in the number of classes scheduled to enable competitors to have as many split grade classes as possible, the show organisers are  not able to gauge at the time of schedule release what the sizes of each grade will be – therefore the classes listed below for each judge may well change once entries are received and calculated.

Judges & Classes by Number

SATURDAY

  • Michael Bye (11,14)

  • Sally Grove (4,5)

  • Kay Faiers (11, 29, 30)

  • Fran Hildersley (10, 20, 27)

  • Jane Holland (8, 9, 20)

  • Margaret Kyriakou (1, 2, 15, 22)

  • Norman Love (13, 19,  21)

  • Sarah MacNeil (12, 20, 23)

  • Leslie Osborne (13, 24, 28)

  • Lynne Shore (6, 7, 26, 31)

  • Fran Walton (3, 17)

  • Denise Welsh (5, 16, 17,  25)

TUESDAY

  • Lisa Bailey (99, 113)

  • Sue Choux (107, 108)

  • Vic Christopher (107, 123, 124)

  • Peter Crew (102, 111)

  • Wendy Fairlamb (105, 109, 110)

  • Becky Layphries (97, 113, 117)

  • Kirsty Luttman (114, 118, 120)

  • Lindy Margach (98, 101)

  • Sarah Palmer (102, 104)

  • Liz Saggers (106, 115, 119)

  • Rosemary Steen (96, 112, 116)

  • Sandra Hammond & Owen Edwards (108, 121, 122)

SUNDAY

  • Barbara Banks (41, 51, 57)

  • Mark Boxall (48, 60, 63)

  • Val Clarke (33, 34, 49, 55)

  • Don Curtis (46, 47)

  • Alison Grimes (38, 64)

  • Den & Nikki Keeler (38, 40, 42)

  • Alan Lewell (53, 59, 60)

  • Beverley Manners (35, 37)

  • David Morrison (43, 44, 52, 58)

  • Keith Owen (36, 50, 56)

  • Helen Saunders (39)

  • Julie Westwood (45, 61, 62)

WEDNESDAY

  • Sarah Boxall (129, 131, 152)

  • Hazel Butler (135, 143, 149)

  • Andrew Dicker (128, 136)

  • Marie Douglas (130, 133, 134)

  • Gary Doyle (129, 131, 153)

  • John Gilbert (139, 144, 150)

  • Lisa Jordan (130, 147)

  • Fran Hildersley (125, 126, 136)

  • Tamara Hollands (137, 145, 151)

  • Nigel Hughes (127, 140, 146, 155)

  • Sue Montgomerie (132, 142, 148, 154)

  • Janet Wood (136, 141)

MONDAY

  • Claire Alderson (69, 81, 88)

  • Ray & Val Amps (76, 95)

  • Max Archenhold (74, 85)

  • Ian Balchin (75, 84, 91)

  • Lee Broadhurst (70, 83, 90)

  • Enid Buckland Evers (67, 95)

  • Peter Horsler (69, 79, 86)

  • David Isbister (73, 93, 94)

  • Lynn Jamieson (80, 82, 87, 89)

  • Heather Knowler (71, 72)

  • Amanda Pigg (77, 78, 92)

  • Jennie Thorpe (65, 66, 68)

THURSDAY

  • Ruth Abrahams (166, 167)

  • Eleanor Balchin (167, 174, 182)

  • Danny Clarke (163, 168)

  • Hilary Crew (158, 171, 179, 189)

  • Mark Douglas (161, 175, 183)

  • Sue Culmer (156, 157, 172, 180)

  • Leah Gardner (169, 170, 178, 186)

  • Tom Hadaway (162, 163, 176, 184)

  • Malcolm Jones (164, 168)

  • Caroline King (160, 187, 188)

  • Suzanne Morrison (160, 177, 185)

  • Jeanette Tandy (159, 173, 181)

Linda Croxford has asked us to remind all competitors not to forget to to send in their declaration form along with their individual entry forms or else she will be unable to accept them.

Source: Linda Croxford - Show Secretary (08/04/08)


RVA Camping Already Full

The camping for the RVA 3 day show on 13-15 June 2008 is now closed.

Source: Teresa Stretton - Show Secretary  (07/04/08)


Tuffley Camping Closed

Tuffley has announced that camping at their summer show in July is full. A local campsite is available should anyone need a place. Email Gary Woodham at tuffley_ac@btinternet.com for details.

Source: Gary Woodham  (03/04/08)


 MARCH 2008

Norfolk Easter Show Re-scheduled

The Norfolk DTS Easter Show Committee are pleased to report that the Norfolk Easter Show has been re-scheduled to 19-20 April 2008.

Having taken note of the Kennel Club Guide lines, no further entries can be accepted, but they can open up the camping list. If you were not camping originally, but would now like to do so, -please complete the camping form and send to the Show Secretary, with your cheque. Be sure to include an SAE for return of your camping pass. Camping is £15 for the week-end, and is subject to availability.

If you have not been involved in organising a show you may not appreciate the cost of hosting such an event. Rather than disappoint everyone who had entered NDTS have taken the decision to re-schedule the show, even though it means incurring significant further costs: let alone the time and commitment of the members. Consequently, we regret that we cannot make and refunds of entry fees to those of you unable to attend the re-scheduled show.

Source: NDTS Easter Show Committee (29/03/08)


Thames Camping Closed

Due to unforeseen circumstances and showground restrictions at Newbury, the Show Committee of Thames DTC has had to stop taking any more camping entries for the show on the 7-8 June 2008.

Source: Andrew Dicker - Show Manager (28/03/08)


Update on the Norfolk Update

It's good news for the organisers and competitors who were rained and snowed out at the Norfolk Easter Show this past weekend. The Kennel Club has confirmed the re-scheduled date of 19-20 of April for the 2008 Norfolk Easter Show-which had to be cancelled

Further information will follow so please watch this space.   

Source: Sue Batley (Show secretary) (28/03/08)


Spring at Shuttleworth Show to Go On

According to Show Manager Bernadette King on the Agility Addicts Forum, the Spring at Shuttleworth (BSDA OF GB) on 29-30 March is definitely going ahead as planned but at another part of the grounds. THe layout of the rings and trade stands will be different from last year. The organising party is on site already and they say that the camping area is decent under foot and that vehicles are not being allowed in the ring area - only humans and dogs!

'Would you believe,' said Bernadette from the venue, that I got a suntan setting up on Thursday!'

The weather forecast for the weekend is changeable - chilly with some showers but also some bright spells.

The organisers look forward to seeing everyone camping after 3.00pm on Friday or when you arrive on Saturday morning.

Source: Bernadette King (Show Manager) (28/03/08)


KC Festival Set to Break World Record

Records entries for the 4th Kennel Club International Agility Festival are set to make it the world’s biggest ever agility show. Competitors from three new countries - Poland, Sweden and France – have already signed up to take part in the Festival which will be held at the East of England showground in Peterborough from 8-10  August. Overall figures are expected to outstrip last year’s record of 2000 dogs competing.

Agility is the world’s fastest growing dog sport and up to 24 rings are planned for this year – four times the number at the inaugural show in 2005 – in preparation for the ever increasing number of competitors. The Festival is the only international show to be open to all Kennel Club registered dogs, whether pure-breed or cross-breed.

Competitions will range from the International Young Handler of the Year and the Kennel Club Starters Cup to the Kennel Club Novice Cup and the Kennel Club British Open, with opportunities to qualify for the agility competition at Crufts 2009.

Agility competitors are reminded that the deadline for entry to the Festival, which is sponsored by pet food producer, Arden Grange, is 25 June 2008. Schedule can be downloaded from Agilitynet. For more information, contact debbie.deuchar@thekennelclub.org.uk

Source: Kennel Club Press Office (27/03/08)


Easter at Shuttleworth Refunds

As the organisers of the Easter Agility Show held at Shuttleworth over the bank holiday, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who pulled out all the stops to enable the show to continue despite the appalling weather conditions.

They coped with the storms and gale force winds of Thursday night and Friday morning. They had to manage without lots of people who could not get there for various reasons to do with the weather, many of whom had offered to help or ring manage. The freezing winds were very trying for judges and helpers alike. The mud was akin to the Somme. All in all, it was very unpleasant for the whole day.

As Show Manager, Ian Stowers felt that the conditions could improve for the following day, Sunday, provided that the weather was good overnight. The morning looked good at 6.00am. The decision was made to hold the show at 6.00am on Sunday as the night had been clear. The winds had dropped and it was sunny. The walkways between rings had become very muddy during Saturday, so as suggested by concerned competitors, 4 rings were marked out on fresh ground.  Having marked out the ring corners, everything was set for another day of competition until between 6.15-6.30am when the snow started to fall.  Despite this, everyone - competitors, judges and organisers alike - helped to move four courses to new locations. This all took place with lots of snow falling.

At a briefing held at 8.30am in the marquee, it was clear that the show could not go ahead at that time but a final decision would be made at 10.00am. At that time the conditions had not improved sufficiently so the show was cancelled.

It was clear by mid afternoon that the Monday show could not go ahead as the ground was water logged. Many people camping were leaving the show including some of the helpers. The weather forecast said that more bad weather was on the way. Many people had arrived on Sunday expecting to compete but were not able to. The organisers did not want that to happen again.

Much of Sunday afternoon was spent towing people off site and also most of Monday doing the same.

Grateful thanks go to those who unselfishly did more than should be expected for the show to continue, especially Yvette Pettican and Angela Gadenne who were there from the start. They were doing the camping booking in job, to the finish, giving their full support at all times, even at 6am on Sunday morning in the snow.

The organisers now have to wait for the Shuttleworth invoice to arrive to do the final figures and then do the calculations regarding refunds. They would appreciate your consideration and patience during this process which is not something they've done ever before.

Source: Ian & Rosemary Stowers, Alan & Janet Humphreys  (27/03/08)


Norfolk Easter Show 2008 Update

Sue Batley has managed to contact the Kennel Club and has applied for the re-scheduled dates 19-20th April.

She said, 'We know its the same weekend as Wallingford, but unfortunately once the season starts we are going to clash with somebody. In this region it's the only weekend when there is not an agility show in April. It's also the only weekend we can use the ground, 8 out of our 10 judges are free, equipment etc is available, and club members and local clubs will be available to help us before they all go off to shows elsewhere. We would love to be able to please everybody, but The KC will take a few days to confirm the licence. Hopefully we will have more to report by end of next week!

Source: Sue Batley (26/03/08)


Portland Show Called Off

Unfortunately there will be no Portland Show this September due to a variety of reasons including the fact that they are in the process of building a hotel on the current site. The Kennel Club have been informed of the decision.

Source: Hazel and Tony Thorp  (26/03/08)


Laser Pairs Changes

Due to the bad weather at Easter, the Laser Knockout Pairs heat at Dashin Dogs Easter Show could not be held. As it is too late to re-schedule this heat at another show and in order to maintain the number of competitors at the final, the first eight pairs from the Wallingford Show heat will now qualify for the final in August 2008.

Source: Jenny & Blair Willis  (24/03/2008)


Two Days of Easter at Shuttleworth (Ely & District Show)

Regrettably the Easter at Shuttleworth Show had to be abandoned because of weather conditions. It was hoped that by cancelling Sunday that Monday could go ahead but with more snow forecast overnight it is just not possible.

Source: Show Secretary Rosemary Stowers & Graham Harris (24/03/2008)


Update on the Norfolk Easter Show 2008

The Norfolk Easter Show Committee and club are aiming to re-schedule their show which was cancelled for safety reasons for the 19-20 April. Show Secretary Sue Batley is hoping to get The Kennel Club to issue the necessary licence. She will be contacting them on Tuesday and keep us informed, she advises everyone to please hold on to those running orders and other paperwork.

Source: Sue Batley (Show Secretary) (24/03/2008)


Dashin's Dogs Over Easter Cancelled for Safety Reasons

All four days of Dashin’ Dogs were cancelled due to high winds and dangerous conditions.

Sue and Charlie Wyatt sent in their personal account of what happened, 'We arrived there early afternoon Thursday. It was very cold and blustery and it took four of us to put two awning up through the very windy conditions but we managed it in the end. That night the wind got even worse increasing to force gales/rain. The caravan was being constantly knocked about. We were constantly checking out of our windows to make sure that our fencing was coping with the awful conditions. We eventually noticed around 2.30am that our fence had blown down so we dressed and quickly tried to hold it together. We saw that quite a few other awnings had blown off the caravans, The wind had managed to overturn the main Secretary's marquee which was wrapped around someone's caravan plus the sound system trailer was toppled. These were very scary conditions.'

'It was the longest/awful night I can every remember in my agility career of 15 or so years. Many people helped to rescue the Marquee while others tried to save their battered belongings. So glad Easter will not come this early for another 200 years but thankfully I won't be around when that does happen again.'

'We travelled home safely Friday and we are thankful to be in a safe nice warm house where the dogs are now happy and safe out of the terrible conditions we were in for that  24 hours.'

Source: Ann Jordan & Sue & Charlie Wyatt (24/03/2008)


Camping at Lune Valley

We have been notified that camping at the Lune Valley Show in June is already full.

Source: Pam Wood (24/03/2008)


Easter Celebration Thanks Ring Parties

The Easter Celebration Organising group would like to thank the following clubs, their members and other individuals in advance, for helping us run next weeks Easter Celebration Agility Show.

As usual ring parties will be well catered for with breakfast and lunch vouchers from Smiffy's and Amanda's generously stocked ring boxes morning and afternoon. Helpers please feel free to use the marquee for lunch where tea and coffee will be available.

Saturday Ring Parties

Club Ring Judges
Penniwells 1 Michelle Ward/ David Isbister
Northdowns & Newlands 2 David Isbister /Elizabeth Morgan-Rumley
Tenterden 3 Virginia Harry
Hilders Lane 4 Hazel Tait
Moorepaws Dave Jolly
Sunniday 6 Liz Saggers / Andy Drury
St. Edwards 7 Suzanne Morrison

Sunday Ring Parties

Club Ring Judges
Mid Downs 1 Karen Fuller
PADS 2 Marc Saunders
Tunbridge & Chart 3  Jennie Thorpe
Sunniday  4 Hilary & Peter Crew
Upandover  5 Martin Tait / Jo Sermon
Bookham Lodge 6 Lesley Slade
ActivePaws    7 Caroline King

Not forgetting all those Small dog handlers helping Sue Culler on Ring 8 both days.

A token of the Committee's appreciation - depending upon the profit - will be handed out at Supa Dogs as normal and is expected to be around the usual amount. As most of you know by now, Easter Celebration is a non-profit making show. All the proceeds are ploughed straight back into Agility via The Celebration Connection and Power and Speed Events.

Thank you. Without your help this show would just not exist.