NEWS FROM MEMBERS & Commitee

28th March 2024 : AGM for year ending 31st December 2023

A smaller turn out this year of 19 members including trainers and the committee, we think due to being on top of the easter weekend and also our pen achievement awards where given out in class rather than at the AGM to speed things up.

For members who still want to see last years AGM minutes and 2023 accounts they will be made available in class, ask your trainer, or email us on wdtcas@gmail.com for a copy.

Special thanks was given to

• Our trainers who work extremely hard in helping us all to realise our potential being a pet owner, and of course thanks to all our members for coming every week and doing their home work.

• Sheila Croft who completes a massive amount of admin keeping our classes full, members and trainers liaison and everything in between.

• All our helpers and volunteers from the Open show group and also our working groups who help with jobs at our main site Croydon Post Office and Social & Athletic club

• Thanks to our members who have donated bottles and gifts which are raffled off with profits going to our chosen club charity Thin Blue Paw. 2023 the club raised £977.80 this is a great achievement especially when we only had 3 events.

• Finally a massive thank you to our Committee, keeping the club running, they are a small group of 5, with a passion for dogs being trained and enjoyed by responsible owners in our local community, who give their time freely as volunteers.

  Running a club this large is no small feat, we are now have 203 dogs every week being trained by our 8 trainers covering 3 venues, we should be very proud of the club in all we do.

Event dates to be aware of : all at GPO (Croydon Post office and social & Athletics club - Trenham Drive

Obedience Open Show : runs on Saturday 18th May 2024 link for open show with volunteers from membership and social members helping on 17th & 18th May

New - Bingo possibly early June

Fun dog show for non ring craft experienced members in September

Fish & Chip supper including Quiz night in December 2024

8 way match - Last Saturday in January 2025 - we are running it this year

Garth’s Charity nomination won the most votes on the night - 2024 Charity this year is : Assistant Dogs Uk clink on link for more info

2023 AWARDS : A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MEMBERS BEING GIVEN AWARDS AT OUR AGM and in class

Main Awards given by each trainer as follows

Vanessa Sultana : to Gail Winter and Milo the poodle

Sandy Evens : to Denyse Morris and

Indira Helsby : to Paivi Saarikko and Benson

Jacky Carter : to Sue Whitehorn and Fizzy - amazing good progress with this tiny rescue dog they’ve achieved so much

Liz Evens : to Rebecca Cranham and Roo the Labrador - for her achievement and progress, since joining the competition class last summer she has been placed in pre-beginners and introductory at the clubs open show . She has represented the club in the 8 way match competing in the introductory group, winning the class and contributing to Warlingham’s 2nd place overall

Pat Faulkner : to Sue Rosam and Barney - Originally Barney was Sue’s daughters dog who she took in when things unfortunately changed, when he first came to classes he was very unsettled barking and lunging, he is now a much calmer dog and does what is asked of him in class. Sue has done very well with him.

Adrain Thomas : to Alina Svaldenwde - Pharo Hounds

Fiona Tinwell : to Rebecca Loxham and Luna - because of the partnership and how Luna adapted to the more challenging elements so well

We also had Pen awards to given out by trainers in their classes, these are given to members for their class achievements they are as follows :

 Photos of the Pen achievement awards

Pip Nominations : Congratulations to all our nominations !!

The Committee award the Pips best rescue from nominations from our trainers, a very hard decision to make this year.

Pat Faulkner : Anne Jones and Callie - Lurcher

Anne has worked incredibly hard with Callie who has not been an easy dog, Anne has taken her too many different places to socialise her more.

Callie took a backward step when she changed classes and had to meet new dogs she was reactive, thankfully she is more settled now and takes things in her stride.

Sandy Evans: Sue Whitehorn and Fizzy – Miniature poodle

Sue started classes about a year ago with Fizzy soon after adopting her. Sue always puts her heart and soul into her dog training and Fizzy has already passed her Bronze and Silver GC and is currently working towards her Gold, they are a great match and a pleasure to have in class.

Jacky Carter: Sue Whitehorn and Fizzy – miniature poodle

Amazingly good progress for this tiny rescue dog, they’ve achieved so much.  

Winner chosen by Committee: Gerry Maloney and Lucky

Vanessa Sultana : Pips award plus a pen to Gerry and Lucky

Was a street dog and very reactive also not great at being handled we never thought he would do his bronze but he did and is nearly ready for silver. 

 2023 was am amazing year for Gold good citizen passes, as a reminder of this achievement the club awards to the handler a special crystal cut glass with the clubs logo and name engraved on it.

 Good Citizen Gold awarded to: 13 gold awards

 Collected at AGM

 X2 trophies for Rebecca Loxham  with Luna and another for Loki

Mandy Knowles and Gracie

Kerry Poffley with Luka

Mary Boyce with Rosie

 The following could not make tonight and send their apologies

 Maureen Rees with Thyme , Paivi Saarikko with Benson, Shirley Aylwin with Indie

Mark Oswald and Yogi, Edwina Morris and Molly, Ed Hooson and Kenobi, Charlotte Heijmer and Molly, Denyse Morris and Lily

2023 - Quiz night with Fish & chip Supper Monday evening 11th December

All prizes donated, Profits to this years chosen charity : Thin Blue Paw Foundation

This year we held the quiz inside our hall at Trenham drive, it was a warmer venue than last year with hot drinks available during the evening

What a fun time we had with over 30 quizzers coming on the night, special thanks to Mandy Knowles our quiz master and creator of quiz questions and Vanessa Sultana our supper organiser and scorer

Thanks to all our generous (club and social) members, who donated prizes for the raffle, the committee for their donations towards the major prizes, with Allison, Mandy and Terri sorting and wrapping the prizes, including Marian and the committee in helping to setup. Also our trainers who sold the event and raffle tickets.

And all the quizzers who stayed late to help put chairs and tables away

Quizers : ready with nibbles and drinks

 October : Ringcraft table damaged by someone outside of our club : Special thanks goes to Glen Canning a member from ringcraft who repaired it good as new

 October : Shed Roof storm damage repaired with help from Mandy Knowles, Fiona Tinwell, Marian O’Neill and Terri McNally

Fun Dog Show event

Saturday 16th September 2023

Special thanks to Lavinia Moore our judge for the day

Our last fun dog show was in 2019, the committee where pleased they could put this event on for the non ringcraft members, its been a long time coming.

On a sunny autumn afternoon our clubs fun dog show had members turn out to an enjoyable event. All proceeds going to Thin blue line this years chosen charity

Congratulations to everyone who took part, it was great to see you all

Results are as follows : Best in Show : Becky and Jet her Border Collie

Reserve Best in Show : Michala and Ruby her Australian Shepherd

Best Puppy : Kerry PoFFley and Shona his GSD

Junior Handler : 1st : Tristan and Fudge Reserve : Annabella and Willow

Puppy : 1st : Kerry and Shona Reserve : Mandy and Sprout

Sporting : 1st : Allison and Emma Reserve : Sarah and Nellie

Non-Sporting : 1st : Michala and Ruby Reserve : Sue and Angus

Crossbreed : 1st : Becky and Orange Reserve : Sara and Bella

Veteran : 1st : Mandy and Daisy Reserve : Debbie and Dolly

Rescue : 1st : Becky and Jet Reserve : Sue and Fizzy

Full entries are as follows :

Puppy:

1st : Kerry Poffley & Shona : GSD

2nd : Mandy & Sprout : CKCS

3rd : Michelle & Willow : Working Cocker

Sporting:

1st : Allison & Emma : Labrador

2nd : Sarah Smith & Nellie : SP. Spaniel

Crossbreed:

1st : Becky & Orange : Labradoodle

2nd : Sara Cole & Bella : Cavachon

3rd : Sue Whitehorn & Fizzy : Poodle x

4th: Debbie & Dolly : X

Rescue:

1st : Becky & Jet : Border Collie

2nd : Sue Whitehorn & Fizzy : Poodle x

3rd : Sara Cole & Bella : Cavachon

4th: Mandy & Daisy : CKCS

5th: Sue Lyon ad Vinnie : CKCS

Special thanks to the following volunteers: Our Committee for organising the event and setting up: Terri McNally, Vanessa Sultana, Allison Burrows, Marian O'Neill and Mandy Knowles.

Not forgetting the non committee members who helped setup and tidy up after the event, with Gilda who kept the refreshments flowing: Gilda Wallace, Michele Latif and Michala Blackburn.

 4th July : Fence screening installed thanks to Mandy Knowles and Terri McNally @ GPO venue

Special thanks to Debbie Parish donating the scaffolding screening and cable ties

AGM 2022 - held on 30th March 2023

A great turn out for our first real AGM in what feels like a long time. (2019, 2020 and 2021 all had a limited attendance due to Covid).

What was lovely about this AGM is that we had long standing members and new members and people across all our classes. Covering pet obedience, competition obedience, tricks, ringcraft and agility. Including trainers who came to give out their progress awards and their best in class progress award to members from their classes.

For members who still want to see last years AGM minutes and 2022 accounts they will be made available in class, ask your trainer, or email us on wdtcas@gmail.com for a copy.

Special thanks was given to

• Our trainers who work extremely hard in helping us all to realise our potential being a pet owner

• Sheila Croft who completes a massive amount of admin keeping our classes full, members and trainers liaison and everything in between.

• All our helpers and volunteers from the Open show group and the working groups who have helped with GPO painting and other jobs.

• Thanks to our members who have donated bottles and gifts which are raffled off with profits going to our chosen club charity Cinnamon trust. 2022 the club raised £2088.85 this included about £1000 from 2019 charity Waggy tails which has since closed

• Finally a massive thank you to our Committee, who give their time freely in keeping the club alive. they are a small group of committee members with a passion for dogs being trained and enjoyed by responsible owners in our local community.

  Running a club this large is no small feat, we are now covering 192 dogs every week being trained by 8 trainers over 3 venues, a tremendous achievement.

Event dates to be aware of :

Open Show : 20th May 2023 link for open show

Triatholon + 1 Members come along and try out Ring craft, tricks, obedience and agility rings - Bring own food and drinks. Summer 2023

Possibly a Family and Fortune quiz evening - (date TBA)

Fish & Chip supper including Quiz night in December 2023 - will be limited to numbers as will have in our club house this year

8 way match - Last Saturday in January 2024 Kennel club good citizen tests - Silver and Gold Saturday 24th June with a bronze test before this

Garth’s Charity nomination won the most votes on the night - 2023 Charity this year is : Thin blue paw clink on link for more info

2022 awards : A Massive congratulations to our members being given awards at our AGM

Pips award : Most deserving award for rescue : Trainers nominated the dog and handler and committee chose the winner.

2019 - Kennel Club Gold Good Citizen awards : to gain a Gold Good Citizen award takes many hours of training and practice, so much so the club gives out a special engraved crystal cut glass with the Clubs name on it as a reminder of their achievement.

Purchase of New Fencing and installation January 2023

January 2023 : New fencing installed : Special thanks to Eric Sepkes in helping to get lots of quotes and organising the contractor. Costs covered by our club funds. This area will be a great improvement for outside training.

Clearing of ground November 2022 at GPO

 November 2022, We saw our contractor clear brambles and rubbish at the GPO outside our club hall, in preparation for replacement fencing. Special thanks to Eric Sepkes for project managing this work.

Pictures show what a fabulous job they did. WDTC : used club funds to complete this task

 Quiz night with fish & chip supper was held at the GPO on Monday 10th December 2022

On a very cold evening, we had a fair turnout with some no shows due to the extreme freeze over night. Around 50 tickets had been sold to members and family or friends.

Special thanks to our Quiz master Eric Sepkes with help from Shirley his wife in creating the question pack.

Our raffle (gifts given by our members and committee) where abundant and Allison Burrows did an excellent job in wrapping up the prizes into bundles of prizes.

All profits going to our current charity for 2022 which is The Cinnamon Trust https://cinnamon.org.uk/

GPO Club Hall Painting Summer and Autumn 2022 by Volunteers

2022 over several months’ a small group of volunteers including club and committee members have painted the ceiling, walls and doors to refurbish our hall at the GPO ground. Funds for paint has come from club funds Special thanks to Mandy Knowles for organising paint team and her amazing art work on the clubs logo all done by freehand

Grace Sinden and Donny, Donny loves tricks and has just ventured into the arena of modelling, these are recent photos taken for Many Pets for dog of the month

“Donny is 7 months old and will do pretty much anything for a treat. The photo of Donny standing on the suitcases is all because of his first trainer, Jacky, who taught him ‘paws on’ so now he has to do it everywhere! He is currently learning to ‘talk’ by pressing different buttons that correspond with different activities. Posing for photos seems to come very naturally to him, and he wasn’t even scared of the equipment or lights flashing in his face, so I was very proud.”

 Playing a starring role in an ad. We have such talent!! It’s Maureen’s dog Thyme

 Katrina and Dermot : Most inspired award from Crufts - 2020 - A well deserved runner up, a massive congratulations to both

Katrina Arnold & Dermot McSquirmott

Article by Katrina Arnold

I have trained with Warlingham Dog Training Club since 2012.  I started in Jacky Carter’s lowest class with my rescue Collie, Dermott McSquirmott, who was unruly, difficult, and often times bitey.  Great care had to be taken when handling him as he could strike with lightning speed, and painful accuracy.  Warlingham and Jacky were Dermott’s last chance before the one way trip to the vet and an abject admission of failure.  Thankfully due to Jacky’s, and then Pat Faulkner’s, patient interventions, Dermott has turned into the loveliest of dogs.

So, imagine how proud I was to qualify him for the National Obedience Class Finals, which were held at Sports Connexxion near Coventry at the end of November.

Dermott and I have been competing in Kennel Club Obedience competitions since 2016 – another of Jacky’s suggestions which was at first dismissed as “dressage for dogs” and a sport for “sad, middle-aged women in flat shoes and fleeces”.  But how I love it!  Dermott has yet to voice an opinion but he has his moments of brilliance achieving places and rosettes,and others when I wish the ground would open up and swallow me - like the day he abandoned me at a competition for a jaunt in the woods bringing the entire 17 ring competition to a halt for over half an hour as we sought to retrieve him, but that’s a story for another day.  Taking up where Jacky left off, Pat has schooled us in Kennel Club Obedience and presently we compete at Pre-Beginner and Beginner levels.  These are the lower classes in the order, but for a dog I thought would have to be destroyed due to poor temperament a real achievement.

At the National Finals the organisers had clearly gone all out to give us a day to remember. From the rather chilly looking car park marshalls, who directed us with speedy efficiency, through to the check in desk, catalogue stand, and trade stands, everyone was warm and friendly. The judges and their stewards worked hard to get us all through and, in Pre-beginners, where Dermott McSquirmottand I were working that day, the epitome of charm and welcome. Always given to ring nerves we were slow to set up as Dermott eyed up the retrieve exercise going on in the adjacent ring. The judge and steward quickly suggested I go out and come in again and waited patiently until I nodded that I was ready. Gosh, I felt like a real pro. How lovely of them to do that rather than leave me to flounder about. Our heel work was that of the curate’s egg - good in parts, and the steward had her work cut out to get me off the far wall due to my inability to work my dog and look where I am going. But we made it, finishing in a slightly different place to everyone else, but thankfully in one piece and still together.

Eighteen of twenty entrants worked my class and we came in at number fourteen. I have no complaints, I enjoyed every second and never once thought that anyone around me wasn’t with me as we strutted our stuff.

The day was longer than a usual competition day to allow for parades and prize giving, providing ample time to shop, eat all the things only the slimmest of us should really contemplate, and have coffee with like-minded friendly people, many of us all blinged up for the occasion. What lovely people they all were, listening carefully to my theory that if this was the national final then one’s final place must, surely, be one’s national ranking 😂. By my reckoning Dermott and I are 14th in the country for Pre-beginner Obedience!

To add to the day we all got to rub shoulders with some of the rock stars of the Competition Obedience world. I bought my raffle tickets from Mary Ray (you may have seen some of her musical obedience demonstrations on television), that’s tantamount to meeting the Queen! Sadly, her winning abilities did not rub off on my tickets and all were duds, but others in my little band had winners so we went home with goodies amongst us.

The end of the day brought the parades, prize giving, and applause. The rosettes were to die for - what a trophy to take home. I must make do with my rather handsome competitor’s rosette and certificate and, for the benefit of my non Obedience friends, will stick to my assertion that Dermott and I are 14th in our class in the country!

If you are training at Warlingham and completely new to the sport there are several routes in to Competition Obedience and all of our class trainers will be able to advise and guide you.  Any type or breed of dog is permitted to compete and there is a one-time fee of £15.00 to enter the Kennel Club activity register.  Why not aim for our club show in May?  It’s a great place to start.