The committee for 2010 is as follows: all standing members were re-elected with the only change being Ann Wheeler retiring from doing an excellent job as chairman and Liz Richardson taking on the position.
Chairman: Liz Richardson
Secretary: Helen Dickinson
Treasurer: Alison Reynard
Committee: Shaun Bagot, Nicky Ravilious, Theresa Thornton, Jan Walker, Ann Wheeler.
Charity Dog Walk
We had our annual four mile trek on Bank Holiday Monday. Sponsorship brought in around £450 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind. As you can see from the photo, we were a fairly unruly mob!
Five years ago Aurigny Dog Club asked me to judge their Companion Dog Show, and again two years ago, but I was unable to do so. This year I was delighted to accept the offer and I asked Linda Smith if she would like to come as my steward (what a good choice), we are still laughing about our day. My advice to Linda – bring toothbrush and undies in case we have to stop over, and waterproofs as it is known to be wet and the Buttes are very exposed!
The day dawned and we were both up early and I was apprehensive to say the least. On early flight – lovely day – no wind. Linda picked me up, I will put ticket for car park safe in wallet! OK said I.
Go to plane only to find the two of us are the only passengers. They would not let Linda sit with pilot – wonder why!!
We were met by Liz Richardson, who took us for tea and toast and made us feel very welcome. We had a lovely walk and she showed us a few sights. The hour was getting closer, we changed and then off to Buttes. Ten minutes before due to start, not many dogs said Linda, great said I, we won’t take long.
I was ready to start at 2 o’clock, then dogs seemed to come from all corners. Linda made a few comments and I was off to the loo!
Started with puppy, sporting and non sporting – soon great fun all kinds, ages and sizes. So good to see so many children and the classes got bigger and bigger.
They soon learnt what I wanted of them and gave it.
We had a break and welcomed the tea and cake from Animal Welfare.
Presentation of trophies.
The AV classes, well I looked at Linda and said ‘where do I start?’. Large and small, it worked, they were great dogs and it made my job very hard, but I was thrilled to say the club had medals for all 19 entries.
We finished with plenty of time to spare, Liz was pleased as she thought we might have to stay the night!
We got on early flight and said our goodbyes to old and new friends after a very enjoyable day. They have such a variety of lovely dogs and everyone was so welcoming. Do keep it up. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Thank you for inviting me and a big thank you to Linda . . . who could still be at Guernsey airport looking for the car park ticket.
Weather was fair to windy but 14 folk together with their dogs braved the elements. For those who know Alderney, we started at the Buttes – a local playing field high up at the northern end of St Anne's, overlooking the harbour towards Burhou Island. Dropping down to Platte Saline & Crabby Road we followed the shore to the harbour line, and cut along Braye Common. Trekking on up towards the golf course we veered off alongside the railway line along to near the Hammond Memorial. Here we had a very welcome cool drink and biscuits,
humans as well as the dogs. Moving on, we cut back across the common down to the Nunnery, by Longis Bay. By now we had stretched out and to give ourselves a softer-on-the-feet route we went behind Longis Road to wander up Barrack-master's Lane. This eventually weaved around to bring us out halfway along Longis Road. The last stretch was uphill till we arrived in St Anne's and back to the Buttes. It nearly finished me off, though my four year old Luker (Belgian Shepherd Malinois) could have easily done another round!
Jumble Sale
Another fundraiser was our annual jumble sale on 3 June. Alderney’s jumble sales are renowned, a great recycling of absolutely everything, from books to the kitchen sink (I'm not joking – it has been known!) We raised a further £300 approx, which was split between Guide Dogs for the Blind, PAT Dogs and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
Companion Dog Show
The highlight of our show time is in Alderney Week. We start with a Fun Day of Canine Capers on Tuesday August 3rd, with daft games and low key agility. The following Sunday, 8 August, is our companion dog show, judged this year by
Carolyn Le Poidevin. Venue is the Buttes field under the marquee. Entries are taken on the day from 12 noon; judging starts at 1.30pm. We start with four pedigree classes: Any Variety Puppy, AV Non Sporting, AV Sporting & AV Veteran. Best Pedigree is then judged, plus Reserve Best Pedigree and Best Pedigree Opposite Sex. Junior Handling follows. Then we have classes for non-pedigree dogs: Puppy, Veteran & Open, Best Tail Wagger, Best Four Legs, Owner & Dog Most Alike. Our final class – The Most Friendly Dog - is always judged by our local long-standing member Mrs Stych as she donated the Sammy Stych Cup. There are trophies to win in each class plus we have other little "extras" donated by local folk. Refreshments are on hand supplied by kind helpers from the Animal Welfare. We all look forward to having a great day and seeing many dogs and handlers joining in the fun. Visiting dogs are most welcome and in the past have gone on to win Best In Show!
We are a small club with few members, so events and news will not be in great abundance, but it will be a move forward to have this included in your newsletter - letting you all know of our existence. If anyone is thinking of visiting Alderney do get in touch, we are always delighted to meet other dog-minded folk.
