We are still experiencing the affects of Covid Lockdowns, with a greater number of younger dogs at these Tests than older dogs, and consequently entries at the lower levels remain strong, with quite modest entry levels at the higher levels.
We had a total of 42 entries by the deadline, and three first time A passes – well done to Helen Gray with Rufus, Judith Manser with Hercules, and Dave & Maureen Cawte with Duke. Both Hercules and Duke were able to join us again on the Sunday and entered B, making the total entry for the weekend 44 swims.
On the Saturday we had 2 E’s, 6 C’s, and 14 A tests. We started promptly and comfortably managed to swim all dogs from our Main Swim by a sensible time. Special mention here to Sue Sanders, who not only Judged levels A and E, but was also the C2 Stranger ….. we do like to keep our guests busy….. thank-you Sue.
Unfortunately we had no E or C passes on Saturday, but all A entrants passed, and three of these were first time passes.
Sunday was scheduled to be the busy day, with 3 entries at level D, and 19 entries at level B. Due to logistical constraints, and stewarding resource availability we were forced to only use our Main swim again, but after another prompt start, we were able to enjoy a Sunday lunch-break and still achieve a 5pm finish. Well done to everyone involved for recognising that we needed to keep the day moving.
A hearty thank-you to Susan Marsh, who judged both D and B levels today – as I say we like to keep our guests busy…
Unfortunately we did not have any D passes, but 8 passes at level B was pleasing, and bodes well for future tests and progression through the levels.
Across the weekend the weather was very kind, there was hardly any breeze either day to create any challenges for helms or the dogs, the sun shone gloriously and remained dry all weekend ( until Sunday night when there was a storm – nothing quite like taking down a wet awning on a Monday morning)
To our Judges, the stewards, our entrants, and those guests who came along to observe, thank-you for your support over the weekend.

Section A took place in the afternoon in  beautiful  conditions with little wind and not to much heat fro the dogs.

We had 14 entries ranging in age from under 12 months to 12 years. All the dogs and handlers were successful which was a wonderful result.

A few elements for some more inexperienced dogs need to be worked on but I am sure they will all do well in the 2023 season.

Thanks to Alan Godden as test manager and our team of stewards who worked all afternoon and to the whole Grangewaters team for their hospitality.

On a lovely calm, dry and  warm Grangewaters test day, we had 6 entries of which unfortunately no one managed a pass.
There were some very fine attempts and on another day most would pass.

Thank you to The Newfoundland Club for inviting us to judge, The Grangewater working Newfoundland group for hosting the tests and the stewards for doing a great job.

 

Two dogs were entered for the E test today. Both handlers and dogs are experienced at this level. The conditions were very favourable with calm water and little wind.

Unfortunately all the teams were successful on this occasion but both dogs are more than capable of obtaining E passes. Hopefully both will be successful in the 2023 season

Many thanks to Alan Godden the test manager and all our stewards for their help. Also thank you to all the team at Grangewaters for their hospitality and welcome.