NDNH & Veteran 17th August 2025 Haxted Farm
Veteran Winners
Today, Sunday 17th August 2025 was our final official working test (our last is held at The Crowborough Ploughing Match) for NDNH and Veteran dogs held at Haxted Farm, Edenbridge by kind permission of Gill Sweeting, who not only allowed us to hold the tests on her ground but stepped in with a moments notice this morning to Judge - a huge thank you. Also to Reuben Corbett who similarly agreed at the 11th hour to Judge for us, which was much appreciated. Our other judges were Robert Worrell A3032 and Pauline Tiplady and many of the competitors commented on the kindness of all our judges, who took the time to give advice, where needed and encourage them with helpful tips. This is so important, as we want to encourage everyone to strive to achieve the very best, in a sport we all love, and go onwards and upwards.
A series of four tests were set, including two with water, mindful of it being a warm day, but we were grateful for the breeze to keep us cool and plenty of shady spots to wait in.
After a two dog run off for first place in NDNH the results were as follows:
1st Kent's Sunny Disposition Lab (D) Simone Crawford
2nd Jazzanraga Countryman FCR (D) Katie Aldred
3rd Flowingfleet Elizabeth Lab(B) Jaqueline Burden
4th Kenzduo Lord Astor Lab (D) Steve Hobbs
COM Willowbeblue Jasmine Lab (B) Eddie Trussell
Veteran group after a two dog run off for 2nd place and three dog run off for 4th place:
1st Troddenmills Fancy Free Lab (B) Andrew Steggles
2nd Mitforton Orchid at Kirbyhall Lab (B) Hilly Hoar
3rd Highholts Kit Kat Lab (D) Sue Convery
4th Pandapaws Angus G/R (B) Sue Jackson
COM Mitforton Neon Lab (B) Michael Crutchley
COM Keatingswood Beech Lab (D) Dee Betts
Huge thanks to all the helpers today who stood in the sun, stewarding, placing dummies, firing shots and throwing dummies, without you these days would not be possible, and to my fellow committee members whose help and support I value hugely - this is a team effort, I cannot do it alone. Wendy Harrison for your support and help with running orders; Anne organising helpers; Fiona and Andy providing bacon butties; Adrian for your help and support with anything that needs 'doing' signage, water, servicing pistols, dummy throwing and being 'told off'; Wendy Hookham pre-test card folding, prep loading/unloading, helpers lunch bags, and many others besides, I cannot thank you all enough.
Our fabulous catering team of Pat Richards and Pat Elliott who provide much needed teas, coffees and lunches.
It was lovely to see you all out today, a great turnout of 26 NDNH and 9 Veterans, particularly good to see Wendy Harrison with Prestonfield Loch Earn of Chalvington - you did Graham proud .
My first year as Working Test Secretary is nearly over and I have loved every minute of it and the challenges it has thrown up. I am still learning but looking forward to next year ... 'there's no I in team' ... now to find a glass of wine ! ~ Aly Flower WT Sec ~