Friday 28 January 2011
Thursday 27 January 2011
Fernie Hunt will Appeal
produced by Alice Barnard Countryside Alliance
I am very glad to hear that Fernie huntsman Derek Hopkins and countryman Kevin Allen will be appealing their convictions under the Hunting Act and Badgers Act following the lengthy trial that ended earlier this month. It is worth remembering that the only other contested Hunting Act case involving a foxhound pack saw Tony Wright convicted in the Magistrates' Court and that verdict was emphatically overturned in the Crown Court. The Badgers Act is one of the few pieces of legislation that can rival the Hunting Act for complication and opaqueness so it should be no surprise that the courts can become confused, especially when the trial process is not properly managed and becomes convoluted with irrelevant evidence.
This case ended up taking seven days instead of the scheduled four and many critical questions about the intent of the defendants and the 'current use' of the alleged badger sett were not even addressed when the magistrates ruled. Derek and Kevin's lawyers have advised there is a good chance of success at appeal and we should be grateful to them both that they are ready to go through the whole trial process again to fight the guilty verdicts.
The Fernie Hunt has set up a fund to help cover the legal costs of the appeal and I know that many people will want to support Derek, Kevin and the hunt. Cheques can be sent directly to:
Fernie Appeal Fund
C/o Harrington House
25 High Street
Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU
or for queries and details of the Bank Account, please e-mail
ferniehunt@googlemail.com
I am very glad to hear that Fernie huntsman Derek Hopkins and countryman Kevin Allen will be appealing their convictions under the Hunting Act and Badgers Act following the lengthy trial that ended earlier this month. It is worth remembering that the only other contested Hunting Act case involving a foxhound pack saw Tony Wright convicted in the Magistrates' Court and that verdict was emphatically overturned in the Crown Court. The Badgers Act is one of the few pieces of legislation that can rival the Hunting Act for complication and opaqueness so it should be no surprise that the courts can become confused, especially when the trial process is not properly managed and becomes convoluted with irrelevant evidence.
This case ended up taking seven days instead of the scheduled four and many critical questions about the intent of the defendants and the 'current use' of the alleged badger sett were not even addressed when the magistrates ruled. Derek and Kevin's lawyers have advised there is a good chance of success at appeal and we should be grateful to them both that they are ready to go through the whole trial process again to fight the guilty verdicts.
The Fernie Hunt has set up a fund to help cover the legal costs of the appeal and I know that many people will want to support Derek, Kevin and the hunt. Cheques can be sent directly to:
Fernie Appeal Fund
C/o Harrington House
25 High Street
Harrington
Northampton
NN6 9NU
or for queries and details of the Bank Account, please e-mail
ferniehunt@googlemail.com
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Graded Group Gundog Training Courses for 2011, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire
Gundog Training Group Courses Graded to suit various entry levels of Retriever, Spaniels & HPR's start February & March in the East Midlands 2011 Booking Details
Monday 17 January 2011
Gundog Training Mock Grade Assessments
Gundog Training Mock Grade Assessments Sunday 16th January 2011
A long day of highs and lows! 16 dogs (12 OK on the day 4 Not Ready)
Grade 3 Spaniels both would pass but further training required for Merits & Distinctions.
ESS Murphy poor heelwork with distraction, lacks confidence on deep ditches, improved pattern, training ground was more suitable for hunting, dog more of a retriever than hunting Spaniel? Stop whistle good. Poor steadiness to fall, you need someone else throwing for you. Major weakness nose not on ground ! this dog needs constant hunting in good cover and a few flushes! Cocker Spaniel Sky hunting much improved, although pattern weak, obedience is slipping, handler too relaxed got caught on your basic stay! retrieves ok if the dog has mark well, poor stop whistle when hunting.
Grade 1 Spaniels. Show Spaniel Satchi will not be ready for assessment both handler & dog need more 1:1 work to progress. Cocker Spaniel would pass massive improvement in retrieving skills but obedience has become weak, especially the recall! ESS Wilf Not Ready this dog will always have you on the edge! if the handler has the patience this will be a great G3 dog, firmer leadership still required, less freedom more control required at this stage, no half way house here! failure or distinction!
Grade 2 HPR's both had good results on the day. Do not over train! practise hunting pattern and obedience.
Grade 2 Retrieves Holly, Ruby and Ella all passed further work required to improve points, hope it continues.
Grade 2 Spaniels ESS Purdey was not ready on the day, sit and stay still a weakness, need to close escape hatch! go back to a thin leadline, this dog would have passed with merit last week, your nearly there! Sprocker Skie not ready but sit and stay much improved, poor stop whistle, good retrieving skills.
Grade 1 Spaniels ESS Mille excellent calm handler please! Cocker Mable Brilliant progress delivery issues remain, Sprocker ollie passed with poor sit and stay this week. Previous weeks has been very good, handler nerves?
Grade 1 Retriever Ozzie, excellent progress considering absense, massive improvement in sit & stay, although recall not consisitent. Still has his silly puppy moments! need to keep him away from sticks! he will be ok if not distracted! Barking needs to be stopped
1 G1 Show Spaniel Not Ready
1 G1 ESS Not Ready
1 G1 ESS Ready
2 G1 Cocker Ready
1 G1 Sprocker Ready
1 G1 Retriever Ready
3 G2 Retrievers Ready
2 G2 HPR's Ready
1 G2 ESS Not Ready
1 G2 Sprocker Not Ready
1 G3 ESS Ready
1 G3 Cocker Ready
Results 12 Ready, 4 Not Ready
Results were encouraging considering all the bad weather and dark nights, assessor has a problem with 23rd January cannot attend. So decided to use it as an extra training day, know doubt most of you will be pleased with the extra training time.
There will be no training on the 30th January, those that wish to take extra lessons may do so in the week.Please email request.
Graded Assessments will now take place on the 6th February at Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire. Directions will be available on web site shortly.
Friday 14 January 2011
A Most Dangerous Game Foxhunting or Men
A Most Dangerous Game: British Resort to Hunting Men Instead of Foxes
Something like this story from the Washington Post:
Six years after hunting with dogs was banned, a pack of black-and-tan hounds is in full cry across this swath of semirural southern England, urged on by a huntsman and riders resplendent in fox-hunting habit. Somewhere up ahead is their quarry - limping slightly and straining every sinew to throw the hounds off the scent. The Hunting Act, which became the law of this land in 2005 following months of protest and parliamentary debate, made it illegal to use dogs to hunt foxes. It also protects some other mammals, such as hare (but not rabbits), mice (but not rats) and mink (but not men). Several pink-cheeked and puffing specimens of which are now scrambling through hedgerows of hawthorn and wild rose, plunging into icy irrigation channels and laboring across plowed fields that are sodden with just-thawed snow from Britain's uncharacteristically cold winter. This is a manhunt.
"... The Coakham Hunt began "hunting men for fun," as its Web site boasts, well before fox hunting became illegal. Hunting foxes can be a dangerous pastime, and not just for the fox. That's because foxes show so little concern for the welfare of their pursuers: They'll dart across major roads and leap over train tracks, with unwitting members of the pack following doggedly along behind. Sometimes to their doom. Which is why some 30 years ago the veteran fox hunter and co-founder of the Coakham, Nigel Budd, decided to develop a sport that "would combine all the arts of venery together with a controllable quarry." A human being. Men, Budd argued, can be instructed to stay away from roads and railway tracks. They also avoid disturbing farmers' livestock. And they can choose to lead the hounds and horsemen on a challenging chase over the highest hedges and the triangular wooden fences known as tiger traps.
Traditional English foxhunts using men instead of foxes. I don’t know if that's brilliant or creepy. Thoughts?
Something like this story from the Washington Post:
Six years after hunting with dogs was banned, a pack of black-and-tan hounds is in full cry across this swath of semirural southern England, urged on by a huntsman and riders resplendent in fox-hunting habit. Somewhere up ahead is their quarry - limping slightly and straining every sinew to throw the hounds off the scent. The Hunting Act, which became the law of this land in 2005 following months of protest and parliamentary debate, made it illegal to use dogs to hunt foxes. It also protects some other mammals, such as hare (but not rabbits), mice (but not rats) and mink (but not men). Several pink-cheeked and puffing specimens of which are now scrambling through hedgerows of hawthorn and wild rose, plunging into icy irrigation channels and laboring across plowed fields that are sodden with just-thawed snow from Britain's uncharacteristically cold winter. This is a manhunt.
"... The Coakham Hunt began "hunting men for fun," as its Web site boasts, well before fox hunting became illegal. Hunting foxes can be a dangerous pastime, and not just for the fox. That's because foxes show so little concern for the welfare of their pursuers: They'll dart across major roads and leap over train tracks, with unwitting members of the pack following doggedly along behind. Sometimes to their doom. Which is why some 30 years ago the veteran fox hunter and co-founder of the Coakham, Nigel Budd, decided to develop a sport that "would combine all the arts of venery together with a controllable quarry." A human being. Men, Budd argued, can be instructed to stay away from roads and railway tracks. They also avoid disturbing farmers' livestock. And they can choose to lead the hounds and horsemen on a challenging chase over the highest hedges and the triangular wooden fences known as tiger traps.
Traditional English foxhunts using men instead of foxes. I don’t know if that's brilliant or creepy. Thoughts?
Fernie Result & Hunting Unity
Fernie result & Hunting Unity by Alice Barnard Countryside Allaince
You may already have heard the disappointing result of a trial of the Huntsman and terrierman of the Fernie Hunt. Huntsman Derek Hopkins and terrierman Keith Allen were yesterday convicted at Market Harborough Magistrates Court of offences under the Hunting Act and the Badger Act. This result marks the third conviction of a registered fox hunt since the Hunting Act came into force in February 2005.
The case, which was heard over seven days (four before Christmas, three after) raises many questions but, whilst unpleasant for those personally involved, it should not be a blow to the hunting community's morale. The case is another example of two men who genuinely thought they were operating within the law, but were found to be outside it. The Fernie has our support if it appeals the judgment, as we hope it does. However, this does not make life any more comfortable for hunt staff up and down the country who struggle daily to comply with an unclear Hunting Act.
We have been here before. Where the recent Sinnington trial saw the huntsman, whip and a supporter cleared, the Fernie trial went the other way. Yet this is by no means proof that the Hunting Act works, as hunting's opponents will claim. In fact, it boosts the campaign for repeal and gives us all cause to lobby for repeal with renewed vigour. We can all see that principle, evidence and legal intentions may count for little when it comes to applying the Hunting Act. And that is because the Act doesn't work.
With widespread Government acknowledgement that the Hunting Act is "unworkable", we can add the names Derek Hopkins and Keith Allen to those who have sharp end experience of the difficulties of trying to work within it. To show our support for those hunt staff who live with the threat the Hunting Act poses, as well as to show our unity and determination, it is important that we all make the case for repeal to our MP. When Parliament revisits this issue, which it will, all supporters of hunting should be able to say they did all they could to communicate their views. You can lobby your MP quickly and easily by clicking here for our e-lobbying campaign.
You may already have heard the disappointing result of a trial of the Huntsman and terrierman of the Fernie Hunt. Huntsman Derek Hopkins and terrierman Keith Allen were yesterday convicted at Market Harborough Magistrates Court of offences under the Hunting Act and the Badger Act. This result marks the third conviction of a registered fox hunt since the Hunting Act came into force in February 2005.
The case, which was heard over seven days (four before Christmas, three after) raises many questions but, whilst unpleasant for those personally involved, it should not be a blow to the hunting community's morale. The case is another example of two men who genuinely thought they were operating within the law, but were found to be outside it. The Fernie has our support if it appeals the judgment, as we hope it does. However, this does not make life any more comfortable for hunt staff up and down the country who struggle daily to comply with an unclear Hunting Act.
We have been here before. Where the recent Sinnington trial saw the huntsman, whip and a supporter cleared, the Fernie trial went the other way. Yet this is by no means proof that the Hunting Act works, as hunting's opponents will claim. In fact, it boosts the campaign for repeal and gives us all cause to lobby for repeal with renewed vigour. We can all see that principle, evidence and legal intentions may count for little when it comes to applying the Hunting Act. And that is because the Act doesn't work.
With widespread Government acknowledgement that the Hunting Act is "unworkable", we can add the names Derek Hopkins and Keith Allen to those who have sharp end experience of the difficulties of trying to work within it. To show our support for those hunt staff who live with the threat the Hunting Act poses, as well as to show our unity and determination, it is important that we all make the case for repeal to our MP. When Parliament revisits this issue, which it will, all supporters of hunting should be able to say they did all they could to communicate their views. You can lobby your MP quickly and easily by clicking here for our e-lobbying campaign.
Tuesday 11 January 2011
URC Novice AV Retriever Field Trial Foremark Hall, Derbyshire
URC 14 dog AV Novice Retriever Field Trial
Foremark Hall, Milton, Derbyshire
10th January 2011
Monday 10th Jan, was the last of the URC Field Trials for season 2010/2011, the stake was provided by the kind permission of the Foremark Shooting Syndicate.
The Judges for the day were Mr. Steve Crookes (A Panel) Mr. David Probert
(B Panel) and Miss Sarah Jaggard & Mr. Tim Brain (Non Panels).
Chief Steward was Mr. Graham Stanley,
Steward of the Beat was Mr. Neil Gee
It was a very special day for the Graham Searle who is retiring from the position of FT Secretary after 12 years of excellent service, he has decided to take a break from the admin duties of the largest gundog club in the UK.
The competitors drawn on the running card came from all over England, some travelling in excess of 4 hours for a 9am start. The field trial attracted some of the best gundogs handlers in the uk, along with both John & Sandra Halsted most famous for the Drakeshead Kennel and Mr. John Stubbs HM Queens Keeper at Windsor.
January field trials see top handlers giving opportunity to their young dogs after having competed in the retriever championships and open qualifiers.
After the usual introductions the field trial started with a drive with all the gundogs inline split equally between the judges Mr. S Crookes & Miss S Jaggard on the left and Mr. D Probert & Mr. T Brain on the right.
Despite the drive producing several birds, they unfortunately decided not to come over the guns and judges had approx 3 retrieves to use.
Mr. R Stone Number 3 was sent on the left for a bird and did not make the area, he was eventually called up. Mr. J Halsted Number 4 picked the bird quickly, his dog was not deterred by the head wind.
Mrs. A Buckley Number 1 and Miss C Wood Number 2 successfully pick their birds on the right.
The field trial proceeded with a walk up with Mr. J Barnes Number 5 & Mr. T Lowe Number 6 on the left and Mr A Hewer Number 7 & Mr. J Stubbs Number 8 on the right.
Number 5 was sent for a runner, when the bird reached the wood, after making a good attempt he was called up and Number 6 was sent, who found the runner. This eleminated number 5. Number 6 would probably have been credited with a good eye wipe on a runner.
On the right hand side Number 7 after picking his first bird was believed to have eye wiped Mr. J Stubbs Number 8 on his first retrieve.
Number 9 was sent to the right and number 10 to the left, who were subsequently joined by Number 11 on the right and Number 12 on the left.
After a considerable wait the line started to move forward and Mr. S North Number 10 was asked to pick a wounded bird on the edge on the wood, which look like it was going to run!
Number 10 was then sent to right ready for the second round, Mrs. S Halsted Number 13 had just failed to pick a bird which landed in some hay bales, which was very unfortunate "it was like a maze".
The walk up continued in the wood with dogs numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 14 completing 2 retrieves. Mr. J Halsted Number 4 failed on a runner and eliminated as a first dog failure. 9? Numbers 11 & 12 were eye wiped by the judges, the dogs could not locate a bird which had fell into a ditch.
The Third round started with another drive numbers 1, 6, 7, 10, & 14 Number 2 had been dropped after the 2nd round and number 14 still needed to complete the 2nd round.
On completion of the drive, Mrs. S Morewood Number 14 was sent for a partridge and picked the wrong bird.
Number 1 was sent for the partridge under some laurels, a difficult bird considering the dog had mark other birds. the handler Mrs. A Buckley got her dog to hold the area very well and picked the partridge.
Numbers 6 & 7 were sent for pheasants on the top of bank, close to where they sat in the drive, both birds were close to each other, which did not present a problem to Number 6. Number 7 pick the remaining pheasant. Number 10 was asked to pick a partridge out in the field from the wood.
At this stage the 4 remaining dogs had picked 4 retrieves and the judges decided they needed more birds!
The Keeper arrange another drive and the dogs were position such that they could have a long retrieve into the wind!
The drive only produced 4 birds, numbers 1,6 & 7 were sent for pheasants into wind on open ground, number 1 could see her retrieve, numbers 6 & 7 were just out of sight but close together. Number 10 did not have the advantage of a mark retrieve but picked a unseen partridge at some distance into wind after some handling.
Results
1st Websend Zeta
(6yr old Black lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Tom Lowe
2nd Dolesfarm Skye of Scovellsway
(4yr old Black Lab Dog) handled by Mrs. Annie Buckley
3rd Delfleet Cedar of Lundhill
(7yr old Red Fox Lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Arthur Hewer
4th Russlayne Bracken of Northglen
(2yr old Black Lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Stewart North
Guns Choice was present to Mr. T Lowe
Best Yellow was presented to Mr. A Hewer.
More Photo's
The writer is not always in position to see all the retrieves and offers opinions on the successes and failures of dog seen in the field, which will sometimes be different from the views of the judges, who are best placed and have their own views and opinions.
Foremark Hall, Milton, Derbyshire
10th January 2011
Monday 10th Jan, was the last of the URC Field Trials for season 2010/2011, the stake was provided by the kind permission of the Foremark Shooting Syndicate.
The Judges for the day were Mr. Steve Crookes (A Panel) Mr. David Probert
(B Panel) and Miss Sarah Jaggard & Mr. Tim Brain (Non Panels).
Chief Steward was Mr. Graham Stanley,
Steward of the Beat was Mr. Neil Gee
It was a very special day for the Graham Searle who is retiring from the position of FT Secretary after 12 years of excellent service, he has decided to take a break from the admin duties of the largest gundog club in the UK.
The competitors drawn on the running card came from all over England, some travelling in excess of 4 hours for a 9am start. The field trial attracted some of the best gundogs handlers in the uk, along with both John & Sandra Halsted most famous for the Drakeshead Kennel and Mr. John Stubbs HM Queens Keeper at Windsor.
January field trials see top handlers giving opportunity to their young dogs after having competed in the retriever championships and open qualifiers.
After the usual introductions the field trial started with a drive with all the gundogs inline split equally between the judges Mr. S Crookes & Miss S Jaggard on the left and Mr. D Probert & Mr. T Brain on the right.
Despite the drive producing several birds, they unfortunately decided not to come over the guns and judges had approx 3 retrieves to use.
Mr. R Stone Number 3 was sent on the left for a bird and did not make the area, he was eventually called up. Mr. J Halsted Number 4 picked the bird quickly, his dog was not deterred by the head wind.
Mrs. A Buckley Number 1 and Miss C Wood Number 2 successfully pick their birds on the right.
The field trial proceeded with a walk up with Mr. J Barnes Number 5 & Mr. T Lowe Number 6 on the left and Mr A Hewer Number 7 & Mr. J Stubbs Number 8 on the right.
Number 5 was sent for a runner, when the bird reached the wood, after making a good attempt he was called up and Number 6 was sent, who found the runner. This eleminated number 5. Number 6 would probably have been credited with a good eye wipe on a runner.
On the right hand side Number 7 after picking his first bird was believed to have eye wiped Mr. J Stubbs Number 8 on his first retrieve.
Number 9 was sent to the right and number 10 to the left, who were subsequently joined by Number 11 on the right and Number 12 on the left.
After a considerable wait the line started to move forward and Mr. S North Number 10 was asked to pick a wounded bird on the edge on the wood, which look like it was going to run!
Number 10 was then sent to right ready for the second round, Mrs. S Halsted Number 13 had just failed to pick a bird which landed in some hay bales, which was very unfortunate "it was like a maze".
The walk up continued in the wood with dogs numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 14 completing 2 retrieves. Mr. J Halsted Number 4 failed on a runner and eliminated as a first dog failure. 9? Numbers 11 & 12 were eye wiped by the judges, the dogs could not locate a bird which had fell into a ditch.
The Third round started with another drive numbers 1, 6, 7, 10, & 14 Number 2 had been dropped after the 2nd round and number 14 still needed to complete the 2nd round.
On completion of the drive, Mrs. S Morewood Number 14 was sent for a partridge and picked the wrong bird.
Number 1 was sent for the partridge under some laurels, a difficult bird considering the dog had mark other birds. the handler Mrs. A Buckley got her dog to hold the area very well and picked the partridge.
Numbers 6 & 7 were sent for pheasants on the top of bank, close to where they sat in the drive, both birds were close to each other, which did not present a problem to Number 6. Number 7 pick the remaining pheasant. Number 10 was asked to pick a partridge out in the field from the wood.
At this stage the 4 remaining dogs had picked 4 retrieves and the judges decided they needed more birds!
The Keeper arrange another drive and the dogs were position such that they could have a long retrieve into the wind!
The drive only produced 4 birds, numbers 1,6 & 7 were sent for pheasants into wind on open ground, number 1 could see her retrieve, numbers 6 & 7 were just out of sight but close together. Number 10 did not have the advantage of a mark retrieve but picked a unseen partridge at some distance into wind after some handling.
Results
1st Websend Zeta
(6yr old Black lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Tom Lowe
2nd Dolesfarm Skye of Scovellsway
(4yr old Black Lab Dog) handled by Mrs. Annie Buckley
3rd Delfleet Cedar of Lundhill
(7yr old Red Fox Lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Arthur Hewer
4th Russlayne Bracken of Northglen
(2yr old Black Lab Bitch) handled by Mr. Stewart North
Guns Choice was present to Mr. T Lowe
Best Yellow was presented to Mr. A Hewer.
More Photo's
The writer is not always in position to see all the retrieves and offers opinions on the successes and failures of dog seen in the field, which will sometimes be different from the views of the judges, who are best placed and have their own views and opinions.
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