Report on the VYWRC Novice and Open Working Tests - held at Bedale Grange, Wykeham On Sunday, 11 May 2025 by kind permission of the Viscount Downe

On a beautiful sunny day in the super wooded valley of Wykeham Estate 4 challenging Static Tests were set by our 4 Judges - Andrew Slingsby (A Panel), Keith Eastwood (B Panel), David Sidwell (NP) and Daniel Marx (NP).

The 30 Novice competitors were first to go. The Judges were very efficient at keeping the event moving along smoothly and the team of helpers did a great job.

After a short lunch 24 Open dogs took up the challenge of the tests adjusted to a standard expected of Open dogs.  It was a very hot afternoon but fortunately there was plenty of shade and no one got into difficulties.

The Novice Results after a run-off for 2nd and 3rd places were as follows:

1st  Midgewater Golden Rod     Handler - Elizabeth Bramley   

2nd     Snowdell Silas                       Handler - Serena Richardson

3rd         Tarnedge Run a Mile                Handler - Jane Burniston

COM  Morkulla’s Aurora Borealis           Handler - Maria Clausson Hopkins  

COM  Loweforge Yorkshire Belle of Labdom Handler - Jason Barnes   

Open Results after a run-off for 2nd and 3rd places were as follows

1st      Liverycroft Billie Jo                     Handler - Sheila Tait

2nd      Willodeep Stan                            Handler - David Houghton

3rd      Hanrebor Black Night                  Handler - Serena Richardson

4th      Tarnedge Cornish Cream            Handler - Claire Carvis

COM  Tarnedge Storm in a Teacup        Handler – Eden Parish

COM  Labdom Quinn                            Handler - Jason Barnes

COM   KeniateenMarvel                         Handler - David Houghton

Congratulations to all our worthy Winners

Grateful thanks go to our Sponsor’s Skinners Dog Foods who donated vouchers to our winners and to Brocklebank Labradors who donated 2 months free access to their Gundog Academy Training Videos to the Open Stake Winner.

A massive thank you must go to our judges for giving up precious free time today and for the efficient way they ran the tests, gave advice to those who struggled and for an encouraging summing up at the end of each Class.

Once again, we really struggled for helpers particularly in the morning and are very, very, grateful for those helpers who came to the rescue and to those who stayed back to clear up!

If you can help at any future Tests, please contact me on 07973 805123.

As well as dummy throwers assistance in setting up, managing registration, the raffle, lunch, dog stewarding etc is always gratefully received.  A lot can be learnt by watching others run!

I am grateful for massive help and support from lots of VOYWRC committee members with the behind-the-scenes preparation both before and after these Tests - it is so important.

For your diary:

Our next Event is to be held on Sunday, 15 June 2025 at Westfield Farm, Fimber, Driffield YO25 9LY where we will be running tests for Novice and Open dogs.

Another stunning ground in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds

Hope you will join us

Best wishes Mollie Lord

Joint Working Test Secretary

Novice Award Winners

Open Award Winners