Helper Licensing by Chris Bows

This event was held at the grounds of the 'Gentlemen of Moore' Rugby club at the Village of Moore near Warrington on 8/9th August 2009. It proved to be a super venue for the event, offering two large training areas, very good parking facilities and a fully equipped clubhouse with bar facilities. The attendance was truly excellent, with members from afar afield as Scotland and Cornwall.

The function took place over two days. The first day consisted of an initial, very well attended, question and answer session with the WUSV Judges who attended the event (Jim Jackson, Gavin Smith, Richard James (GSDL WDG) and, Eric Roberts (BAGSD). This session stimulated an informed and lively debate, which was nevertheless good natured and constructive.

Subsequently the Licensing of "A" grade Helpers took place. The importance of this selection was exacerbated as a consequence of it also being decided that it would serve as an indicator for selection for the 2009 National Championship, and the WUSV/FCI qualification events for 2010.

The following individuals were tested and qualified as "A" grade; (The assessors being Jim Jackson, Gavin Smith, Richard James and Apprentice Judge Henrietta Bohnstedt)

The Judges then considered which Helpers merited consideration for the National Championship and decided on Jamie Bows, Chris Goodridge, Saul Wolsencroft and Danny Roberts. After further assessment, Jamie and Chris were selected and Saul made first reserve.

For the WUSV Selection Trials in 2010, the Top Six Helpers Jamie Bows, Chris Goodridge, Nick Koskinas, Danny Roberts, Wesley Roche and Saul Wolsencroft were selected. These individuals are to be congratulated on the high standard of work shown at this event. We now have, in my opinion, helpers at our disposal that would be deemed of excellent quality anywhere in the World.

On Saturday night the social event took place in the Rugby Club ground and included a hog roast, which went down very well.

Sunday began with the A grade helpers forming four groups to facilitate some training for aspiring "B" grade helpers who were attending the event. This training was very well received and proved very useful and productive. Later, the Judges undertook Licensing of "B" grade helpers; the following individuals being successful in this assessment;

Congratulations to all who attended and were successful at the event; we obviously have a number of very promising young (and not so young!) helpers for the future. A big thank you also to those who, very selflessly, took high quality current competition dogs along to the event to make the assessment of so many helpers possible. We are not a big organisation and, unfortunately, cannot rely on the few "fit but retired" dogs we have available. Thanks also to all the members of the GSDL/WDG Executive who made this event possible, and also the members of South Cheshire SCH Club who worked hard to make it the success it was. The event will be repeated next year, hopefully at the same super venue.

By: Chris Bows