News 2011
The Saturday evening speaker was Derek Scrimgeour.
Derek breeds sheepdogs and trains them for trials work. His talk on dog selection and training was very informative, enjoyable and entertaining and elicited quite a few questions from the audience at the end of the talk.
www.bordercollie.gb.com for more information on Derek.
Derek breeds sheepdogs and trains them for trials work. His talk on dog selection and training was very informative, enjoyable and entertaining and elicited quite a few questions from the audience at the end of the talk.
www.bordercollie.gb.com for more information on Derek.
The January Assessment Course
Despite the atrocious weather conditions another successful assessment course was held in the Lake District on the 14th to 16th of January 2011. This has resulted in 4 more handlers joining the callout list as Operational Search Dogs.
On the Friday night attendees of the course had a picture show provided by Dave Walmsley who has taken pictures on many of the courses that he has attended over the years, some of them dating back to the mid 1960’s. Some of the people in the pictures are still around today although they did take some recognising, mainly due to the change in hair style/colour.
Despite the atrocious weather conditions another successful assessment course was held in the Lake District on the 14th to 16th of January 2011. This has resulted in 4 more handlers joining the callout list as Operational Search Dogs.
On the Friday night attendees of the course had a picture show provided by Dave Walmsley who has taken pictures on many of the courses that he has attended over the years, some of them dating back to the mid 1960’s. Some of the people in the pictures are still around today although they did take some recognising, mainly due to the change in hair style/colour.
January 2011
From left to right Ian Bertie and Ronnie, Graeme White and Fern, Mick Nield and Bob,Steve Garofalo and Finn
Andy Colau (left) thanks Derek Scrimgeour for his talk.
On completion of the assessments on the Sunday, the 4 successful handlers from this course together with 2 successful handlers from the South Wales course held last November, were presented with their certificates by Nev Sharpe (President, on the right in pictures) and Ian Thompson (Chairman, on the left in pictures)
John O'Doherty, Full Search Dog
Alison Nicholson, Full Search Dog
Thanks must go to all who helped make this course successful, as stated before the weather was atrocious with torrential rain and high winds. Many said that this was the wettest that they had known for assessments.
So a great big thank you to all the bodies who laid out on the fell sides and the assessors and others who stood at the bottom of the areas each day to organise, assess and take charge of the training that took place.
So a great big thank you to all the bodies who laid out on the fell sides and the assessors and others who stood at the bottom of the areas each day to organise, assess and take charge of the training that took place.
This site and all images © SARDA England Registered Charity Number 264794
e-mail webmaster@sardaengland.org.uk
e-mail webmaster@sardaengland.org.uk
Graeme White, Operational Search Dog
Ian Bertie, Operational Search Dog
Mick Nield, Operational Search Dog
Stephen Garofalo, Operational Search Dog
February 2011
The February Course
This was the course that was cancelled in December due to bad weather. This time instead of snow we had extremely wet and windy weather conditions however another successful course was held in the Lake District.
This course saw Ken Sloane and Abbie being assessed for upgrade to Full Search Dog grade which they passed. The remainder of the attendees carried on training.
Those training on Kirkstone Pass had a surprise on the road on the Saturday as many yards of dry stone wall had been washed on to the road following the large amount of rain on the Friday and over night into Saturday.
Training continued in the rain and mist over the weekend and everyone who attended enjoyed the weekend.
This was the course that was cancelled in December due to bad weather. This time instead of snow we had extremely wet and windy weather conditions however another successful course was held in the Lake District.
This course saw Ken Sloane and Abbie being assessed for upgrade to Full Search Dog grade which they passed. The remainder of the attendees carried on training.
Those training on Kirkstone Pass had a surprise on the road on the Saturday as many yards of dry stone wall had been washed on to the road following the large amount of rain on the Friday and over night into Saturday.
Training continued in the rain and mist over the weekend and everyone who attended enjoyed the weekend.
March 2011
The AGM
The AGM was held on the March course at Hebden Hey Scout Centre near Hebden Bridge. The course and the AGM were well attended. The Officers reports were circulated and the new committee elected.
Following this the President of Sarda(England), Nev Sharp, informed those present that Malcolm Bowyer had been elected Honorary Life Membership for all the work and help he has given the Association, Malcolm had been an active Member for over 20 years before his retirement late last year. A certificate of Honorary Life Membership is being sent to Malcolm as he was unable to attend this course.
The AGM was held on the March course at Hebden Hey Scout Centre near Hebden Bridge. The course and the AGM were well attended. The Officers reports were circulated and the new committee elected.
Following this the President of Sarda(England), Nev Sharp, informed those present that Malcolm Bowyer had been elected Honorary Life Membership for all the work and help he has given the Association, Malcolm had been an active Member for over 20 years before his retirement late last year. A certificate of Honorary Life Membership is being sent to Malcolm as he was unable to attend this course.
Radio in new protective bag.
Latest new recruit Purdy
Some of the Dogsbodies with their radios in protective bags.
This course also saw the use for the first time of the new poly bags to keep the bodies radios dry.
Although this course was not as wet as the last two the bags do give great protection from the elements.
Once our thanks again to Scandinavia Direct and PackagingGB for supplying the clips and poly tube that made the manufacture of these possible.
Although this course was not as wet as the last two the bags do give great protection from the elements.
Once our thanks again to Scandinavia Direct and PackagingGB for supplying the clips and poly tube that made the manufacture of these possible.
Nev also presented Ken Sloane with his Upgrade certificate from the February course.
After the AGM many of those present had a communal meal followed by a race night when various handlers and dogsbodies raced over an indoor course under the watchful eye of the clerk of the course Russ Swinburne. I'm sure we all say thanks to Russ for organising a great night’s entertainment.
After the AGM many of those present had a communal meal followed by a race night when various handlers and dogsbodies raced over an indoor course under the watchful eye of the clerk of the course Russ Swinburne. I'm sure we all say thanks to Russ for organising a great night’s entertainment.
OLDHAM MRT News Letter
Mick Nield has written an article in Oldhams MRT news letter that is well worth a read.
Click the following link to read the New letter Oldham MRT News March 2011.pdf
Mick and Bob appear in 2 items on pages 2 and 4 but I suggest you read the whole leaflet as it has very informative news items about their team.
Mick Nield has written an article in Oldhams MRT news letter that is well worth a read.
Click the following link to read the New letter Oldham MRT News March 2011.pdf
Mick and Bob appear in 2 items on pages 2 and 4 but I suggest you read the whole leaflet as it has very informative news items about their team.
Malc Bowyer retires after more than 20 years service with Sarda England.
To mark Malcolm Bowyer’s retirement from Sarda the Handlers and Dogs Bodies in the Peak District had a collection. Local artist Leigh Ashton was commissioned to draw Cap (Malcolm’s search dog), a dog whistle was engraved with his name.
At a small gathering at Wardlow Mires on Sunday 13th March Malcolm was presented with the picture by Leigh.
Dave Mason, who was encouraged to become a handler by Malcolm, made a short speech and presented him with the dog whistle.
Malcolm had been a dog handler in Sarda for over 20 years.
To mark Malcolm Bowyer’s retirement from Sarda the Handlers and Dogs Bodies in the Peak District had a collection. Local artist Leigh Ashton was commissioned to draw Cap (Malcolm’s search dog), a dog whistle was engraved with his name.
At a small gathering at Wardlow Mires on Sunday 13th March Malcolm was presented with the picture by Leigh.
Dave Mason, who was encouraged to become a handler by Malcolm, made a short speech and presented him with the dog whistle.
Malcolm had been a dog handler in Sarda for over 20 years.
Malcolm and Leigh with a picture of Search Dog Cap
Malcolm with some of the Handlers and Dogs Bodies from the Peak District
Woodhead Team Night Exercise.
Ken and Abbie take part in Woodhead MRT night time exercise. Click here to see write up by Bob Smith editor of Grough magazine
Ken and Abbie take part in Woodhead MRT night time exercise. Click here to see write up by Bob Smith editor of Grough magazine
April 2011
The weekend of 9th and 10th saw the first Regional training weekend based from the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire. The staff at the Tan Hill made everyone welcome and we thank them for their support over the weekend.
Training and accommodation for the 2 days was organised by John O'Doherty who was also give more stock training when he was given the job on the Sunday of feeding one of the Inn's 2 resident lambs.
2 Large areas of land had been cleared for use over the weekend so Saturday saw the Graded dogs going to use the land in 'Dukerdale' and on the lower slopes of 'Nine Standards Rigg' whilst the younger trainee dogs trained and worked in the area bounded by 'Wygill Rigg', 'Kettlepot Gill' and 'Kaber Fell'.
These two areas were used again on the Sunday with the two groups swapped over.
Training and accommodation for the 2 days was organised by John O'Doherty who was also give more stock training when he was given the job on the Sunday of feeding one of the Inn's 2 resident lambs.
2 Large areas of land had been cleared for use over the weekend so Saturday saw the Graded dogs going to use the land in 'Dukerdale' and on the lower slopes of 'Nine Standards Rigg' whilst the younger trainee dogs trained and worked in the area bounded by 'Wygill Rigg', 'Kettlepot Gill' and 'Kaber Fell'.
These two areas were used again on the Sunday with the two groups swapped over.
The course was well attended with Handlers and dogs from the Yorkshire Dales and the North East teams, also in attendance were 2 dogs and Handlers from Sarda(Isle of Man) who also kindly brought 2 of their Dogsbodies to help with the course. We hope that they enjoyed their training, the hospitality and had a safe journey home.
The weather over the weekend was fantastic this was a great help to all of those who were camping for the weekend. Some of the local team members assured us that they have never been able to see as far as they could this weekend, we think this was only because they had said previously how difficult an area it is to search, but to be honest having seen pictures of this area in winter I am inclined to believe them.
Despite how cute he looks, what the bar staff say, and that some of the Handlers thinking that passing a stock test will be easier it was the general opinion of most of those present that training lambs to find missing persons would be very difficult so we are unlikely to see any search sheep, like 'Boris' here, in the future.
Once again many thanks to Sarah and all the staff at the Tan Hill Inn for putting up with us over the weekend and I think I can say that we all look forward to training in this location again.
Once again many thanks to Sarah and all the staff at the Tan Hill Inn for putting up with us over the weekend and I think I can say that we all look forward to training in this location again.
May 2011
Dartmoor was the venue for the May National training weekend with accommodation just across the border into Cornwall at Drakewalls. The local handlers had ordered a mixed bag of weather so that the skills of the handlers could be well and truly tested.
The Friday was sunny and tested the dogs in the hot dry conditions. Saturday was cool and the mist proved to be challenging to the navigation skills of those searching large areas. Visibility was only a few yards at times and most of the rolling landscape looks very similar under those conditions but everyone arrive back at base.
Sunday training took place on Kit Hill in Cornwall which included corridor searches along a footpath that was busy with members of the public walking their dogs.
The Friday was sunny and tested the dogs in the hot dry conditions. Saturday was cool and the mist proved to be challenging to the navigation skills of those searching large areas. Visibility was only a few yards at times and most of the rolling landscape looks very similar under those conditions but everyone arrive back at base.
Sunday training took place on Kit Hill in Cornwall which included corridor searches along a footpath that was busy with members of the public walking their dogs.
Anya finds Body John
Ronnie gets reward
Last of the Summer Wine Bodies get lost on Kit Hill
Dartmoor National Training Weekend 6th-8th May
Scarsdale Vets Dog Show 15th May
Update Show raised £682.40
The Scarsdale Veterinary Group (Website) nominated Sarda (England) to receive the proceeds of this years Dog Show. The show was held in Darley Park, Derby on Sunday 15th May. Despite a short shower during the morning the day was well attended. There were 15 classes for the dogs to enter.
The Search Dog handlers in attendance were Ian Burley with Anya and Nick Smith with Zak. Also helping on the day were Dogsbodies Freda Hill, Sarah Barrett and John Hill. Two demonstration sessions were given on how we train and search for missing persons.
Nick entered Zak in the “Best Celebrity Look-a-Like” class as “Marilyn Manson” and won 1st prize.
The Scarsdale Veterinary Group (Website) nominated Sarda (England) to receive the proceeds of this years Dog Show. The show was held in Darley Park, Derby on Sunday 15th May. Despite a short shower during the morning the day was well attended. There were 15 classes for the dogs to enter.
The Search Dog handlers in attendance were Ian Burley with Anya and Nick Smith with Zak. Also helping on the day were Dogsbodies Freda Hill, Sarah Barrett and John Hill. Two demonstration sessions were given on how we train and search for missing persons.
Nick entered Zak in the “Best Celebrity Look-a-Like” class as “Marilyn Manson” and won 1st prize.
Sarda(England) would like to say a very big thank you to all at Scarsdale Vets for their hard work in organising this event to help support our Association
Group photo of Scardale Vets Staff and our Dogs and Handlers
Search Dog Zak with his 1st prize rosette
Search Dog Anya says I've had enough of demonstrating my skills
The team on the day by the Scarsdale Vets van.
June 2011
National Trust Contryside Open Days 29th & 30th May
The bank holiday weekend weather was not so good this year but handlers and bodies put on 3 demonstrations each day.
The event was at Dunscar Farm located just below Mam Tor in the Peak District.
The Countryside Open Days this year concentrated on the outdoors and had many interactive activities for children and adults to try.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Trust for inviting us to Dunscar Farm again and also for the land they allow us to use for training.
The event was at Dunscar Farm located just below Mam Tor in the Peak District.
The Countryside Open Days this year concentrated on the outdoors and had many interactive activities for children and adults to try.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Trust for inviting us to Dunscar Farm again and also for the land they allow us to use for training.
Trainee Search Dog Elf making sure that our stand mascot Domino behaves himself.
June's training started with the second of this year's regional training weekends.
The handlers from the South West held a very successful regional training weekend with SARDA South Wales on the Brecon Beacons.
Many thanks to SARDA South Wales for the hard work which resulted in a very productive weekend.
Congratulations to Dave Evans & Maisy from South Wales on completing their indication test, especially on their find on Dave Hubbard who was so well hidden Dave was standing next to him and he could not see him.
Regional training in the Peak District was held on Eyam Moor on the Saturday and Cressbrook Dale on the Sunday with some of the attendees staying on a camp site in Bradwell for the weekend. It was a great training weekend for all of those who attended.
The handlers from the South West held a very successful regional training weekend with SARDA South Wales on the Brecon Beacons.
Many thanks to SARDA South Wales for the hard work which resulted in a very productive weekend.
Congratulations to Dave Evans & Maisy from South Wales on completing their indication test, especially on their find on Dave Hubbard who was so well hidden Dave was standing next to him and he could not see him.
Regional training in the Peak District was held on Eyam Moor on the Saturday and Cressbrook Dale on the Sunday with some of the attendees staying on a camp site in Bradwell for the weekend. It was a great training weekend for all of those who attended.
Great Midlands Fun Run at Sutton Coldfield
Sarah Barrett, one of our dogsbodies, and her husband Tim took part in the Great Midlands Fun Run at Sutton Coldfield on Sunday 5th June.
This year they decided to raise funds for Sarda (England).
Tim managed to beat the time he set last year and Sarah completed the 8.5 mile course which included the section known as 'Cardiac Hill'.
They hope to have raised £700-£800 between them. Well done to Tim and Sarah and many thanks from all at Sarda(e).
Sarah Barrett, one of our dogsbodies, and her husband Tim took part in the Great Midlands Fun Run at Sutton Coldfield on Sunday 5th June.
This year they decided to raise funds for Sarda (England).
Tim managed to beat the time he set last year and Sarah completed the 8.5 mile course which included the section known as 'Cardiac Hill'.
They hope to have raised £700-£800 between them. Well done to Tim and Sarah and many thanks from all at Sarda(e).
Dogs Unleashed - Bakewell 18th/19th June
Dogs Unleashed Show at Bakewell show ground was another great success.
This year saw the handlers and dogsbodies from Sarda give 3 demonstrations each day in the main ring.
A lot of interest was also shown on the stand about the work that we do as an organisation and the methods that we use to train the dogs to find missing persons.
We also got an invite to attend Ashbourne Animal Welfare's Grand Gala Open Day and Fun Dog Show on the 24th July (see events page)
Dogs Unleashed Show at Bakewell show ground was another great success.
This year saw the handlers and dogsbodies from Sarda give 3 demonstrations each day in the main ring.
A lot of interest was also shown on the stand about the work that we do as an organisation and the methods that we use to train the dogs to find missing persons.
We also got an invite to attend Ashbourne Animal Welfare's Grand Gala Open Day and Fun Dog Show on the 24th July (see events page)
Dolly finds runaway Dogsbody Sarah
Even a big cat does not put Zak off finding.
Sheep Dogs Trials - Harden Moss
18th/19th June
Even though the weather was forecast to be torrential, over Harden Moss the skies never shed a drop and the centenary of the sheep dog trials was spared.
On Saturday, Paul Taylor with Toby and Mimi Davies with Blue set up shop beside the entrance to the trials. Paul was able to show case, with great success, his new Sarda banners which completely covered his van. We were a little concerned with his method of securing them and didn't know if the double sided tape would do any damage but everything was fine.
18th/19th June
Even though the weather was forecast to be torrential, over Harden Moss the skies never shed a drop and the centenary of the sheep dog trials was spared.
On Saturday, Paul Taylor with Toby and Mimi Davies with Blue set up shop beside the entrance to the trials. Paul was able to show case, with great success, his new Sarda banners which completely covered his van. We were a little concerned with his method of securing them and didn't know if the double sided tape would do any damage but everything was fine.
Just before the demonstration Ken Sloan and Abby arrived to set things up . The demo went off with out a hitch and everyone was impressed with the dogs' abilities. In fact we did so well that we were brought back for an encore later in the afternoon.
Sunday was a repeat of Saturday's events with a few more players. Steve Ward with Bryn and Mike Neild with Bob joined the team. We had a request from the local lady PC to be a dog's body and Paul happily agreed to work with her.
Another personality to join us was Philip Mellin who competed in the Grand Champion class. All in all the whole weekend was a great success and the committee have already requested that we return next year. Let's just hope the weather cooperates as well as it has this year.
Sunday was a repeat of Saturday's events with a few more players. Steve Ward with Bryn and Mike Neild with Bob joined the team. We had a request from the local lady PC to be a dog's body and Paul happily agreed to work with her.
Another personality to join us was Philip Mellin who competed in the Grand Champion class. All in all the whole weekend was a great success and the committee have already requested that we return next year. Let's just hope the weather cooperates as well as it has this year.
Blue locates body
North East Course 1st-3rd July
The July course at Thropton was once again well attended and the weather stayed fine. Training was conducted over the weekend at Darden, Kidland Forest, Simonside and in area 4 miles North-East of Rothbury know as Cross Roads.
As part of Saturday’s training at Cross Roads the graded dogs searched for bodies hiding up trees. It was very interesting watching the dogs having to work at locating the bodies who were no higher than 6 feet off the ground.
The July course at Thropton was once again well attended and the weather stayed fine. Training was conducted over the weekend at Darden, Kidland Forest, Simonside and in area 4 miles North-East of Rothbury know as Cross Roads.
As part of Saturday’s training at Cross Roads the graded dogs searched for bodies hiding up trees. It was very interesting watching the dogs having to work at locating the bodies who were no higher than 6 feet off the ground.
The barbeque was held on Saturday evening at the Cross Keys in Thropton village. This year we celebrated our Chairman’s (Ian Thompson) 60th birthday and helped him to eat his cake decorated with mountains and two dogs.
July 2011
SUCCESSFUL ADVENTURE DAY FOR PRINCES’ CHARITIES
Several of Prince William and Harry’s charities had a great day out in the Peak District organised by the region’s Mountain and Cave Rescue teams on Friday, July 22nd.
The Duke of Cambridge is the patron of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) and one of his requests is that his charities work together in order to promote their work and to give opportunities to disadvantaged young people where possible. In keeping with this, the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO) put on an adventure day in support of three charities associated with the Princes.
Mike France from MREW said: “For the last three years, different regions of Mountain Rescue have organised a day of outdoor activities for young people from several associated charities. This year, the charities included Centrepoint, which provides a range of accommodation services for socially excluded homeless young people, Wellchild, which supports children and families in managing the consequences of serious illness and the Child Bereavement Charity, which supports families affected by the loss of a child or children suffering bereavement.”
Several of Prince William and Harry’s charities had a great day out in the Peak District organised by the region’s Mountain and Cave Rescue teams on Friday, July 22nd.
The Duke of Cambridge is the patron of Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) and one of his requests is that his charities work together in order to promote their work and to give opportunities to disadvantaged young people where possible. In keeping with this, the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO) put on an adventure day in support of three charities associated with the Princes.
Mike France from MREW said: “For the last three years, different regions of Mountain Rescue have organised a day of outdoor activities for young people from several associated charities. This year, the charities included Centrepoint, which provides a range of accommodation services for socially excluded homeless young people, Wellchild, which supports children and families in managing the consequences of serious illness and the Child Bereavement Charity, which supports families affected by the loss of a child or children suffering bereavement.”
The young adults from Centrepoint started the day on a high ropes course at the Hollowford Centre in Castleton, followed by a rapid descent on a zip wire before heading off for a walk up nearby Mam Tor and ending with caving at Giant’s Hole. The children from the Child Bereavement Charity spent the morning caving at Giant’s Hole before moving on to Burbage Rocks to take part in climbing and abseiling. Several families who were due to attend from Well Child were unfortunately unable to make it on the day due to the ill health of some of the children, but those that made it, along with their siblings, were treated to a guided tour of Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, followed by descending a hill by rope slide in the nearby woods as well as meeting and finding out about mountain rescue search dogs
At the end of the day, all parties met up at Edale Mountain Rescue Team’s base in Hope for drinks and cakes. The participants were presented with certificates of achievement and gift bags filled with goods donated by local businesses.
Neil Roden, Chairman of the PDMRO said: “We were happy to take on this challenge and try to provide a very special day for all those involved and I think everyone’s in agreement that we succeeded.”
Many other rescue team members commented that it had been a fantastic day for all concerned with one saying that it had actually been his favourite day in mountain rescue after many years of service.
Kevin Corcoran of Derby Mountain Rescue Team said: “Whilst it’s common for several teams to work together on a large callout, it is probably the first time that all the teams have come together for a single event and was a fantastic opportunity for us all to work together for such a worthwhile cause. All the hard work that went into putting it all together was more than rewarded by the smiles on the faces of the children on the day.”
Trainee handler Nick (Kinder Team) helps on adventure day.
August 2011
The August national training course this year was based from North Tawton Rugby Club and we thank them for their hospitality over the weekend. Taining over the weekend was held at Black Down/ West Mill Tor on Dartmoor and at Wood Estate.
The handlers were split into two groups for the weekend with experienced handlers going to Wood on the Friday and the trainee handlers on the moor, the groups swapped locations on the Saturday. The owner of Wood kindly let us search the grounds and buildings looking for the hidden dogsbodies.
To add a little bit extra to the training over the weekend dogsbody Rob hid in a boat on the small lake. Each of the dogs were given the chance to search for him although not all where as enthusiastic as Floss when it came to swimming out to the boat.
The handlers were split into two groups for the weekend with experienced handlers going to Wood on the Friday and the trainee handlers on the moor, the groups swapped locations on the Saturday. The owner of Wood kindly let us search the grounds and buildings looking for the hidden dogsbodies.
To add a little bit extra to the training over the weekend dogsbody Rob hid in a boat on the small lake. Each of the dogs were given the chance to search for him although not all where as enthusiastic as Floss when it came to swimming out to the boat.
Scoot searching at high speed
Floss indicates having located Rob
Rob in boat watches Floss get reward
Handlers, Bodies and Dogs who trained at Wood Estate on the Saturday
September 2011
September - The National Training Weekend this month was based out of the Yorkshire Subterranean Society School House in Helwith Bridge.
The Friday was a splendid day in Kingsdale, the weather was truly splendid, light wind, dry ground and plenty of progress made with the dogs.
The Saturday was not so splendid due to the persistent heavy rain but this did not hamper training.
During the evening Kevin Stead put on a short lecture on 'Working an Area' in the new lecture room at the YSS Hostel. A very interesting talk by Kevin and appreciated by all those who attended.
The Friday was a splendid day in Kingsdale, the weather was truly splendid, light wind, dry ground and plenty of progress made with the dogs.
The Saturday was not so splendid due to the persistent heavy rain but this did not hamper training.
During the evening Kevin Stead put on a short lecture on 'Working an Area' in the new lecture room at the YSS Hostel. A very interesting talk by Kevin and appreciated by all those who attended.
Also on the Saturday was a birthday celebration for Dave Walmsley one of our long standing dogsbodies.
Sunday was another great day with glorious sunshine and plenty of training with some of the dogsbodies airing their kit on the hillsides (whilst still managing to stay hidden).
Sunday was another great day with glorious sunshine and plenty of training with some of the dogsbodies airing their kit on the hillsides (whilst still managing to stay hidden).
Ronnie takes a break on the Yorkshire Dales Course
This year saw the first NSARDA weekend hosted by Sarda Isle of Man. This was attended by Handlers, Dogs and Dogsbodies from associations in Anglia, Ireland, South Wales and England. A great days training was had by all on the Saturday and the Sunday was a joint excerise with the Isle of Man Civil Defence. Bodies were placed in several areas based around old disused mine workings and a plantation.
When the bodies had been located by the search dog teams they were assessed for their injuries and if necessary the Civil Defence teams where call to evacuate the casualties. The excercise was a great success for all.
The training on the Saturday and the exercise on Sunday were followed by a debrief and tea and cakes at the Civil Defence HQ. Thanks must go to Michelle for all the lovely home made cakes.
Travel to and from the Island was assisted by the Steam Packet Co who run the ferry service and we thank them for their support.
When the bodies had been located by the search dog teams they were assessed for their injuries and if necessary the Civil Defence teams where call to evacuate the casualties. The excercise was a great success for all.
The training on the Saturday and the exercise on Sunday were followed by a debrief and tea and cakes at the Civil Defence HQ. Thanks must go to Michelle for all the lovely home made cakes.
Travel to and from the Island was assisted by the Steam Packet Co who run the ferry service and we thank them for their support.
Yorkshire Dales Training Weekend
November 2011
November Assessments in South Wales
The Assessment course held in South Wales over the weekend of 4th to 6th of November was another great success.
Two more dog teams successfully passed their Initial Grade Assessment tests and have made it on to the call out list.
On this assessment weekend three search dog teams passed their Upgrade Assessment tests to become Full Grade Search and Rescue Dog Teams.
The Assessment course held in South Wales over the weekend of 4th to 6th of November was another great success.
Two more dog teams successfully passed their Initial Grade Assessment tests and have made it on to the call out list.
On this assessment weekend three search dog teams passed their Upgrade Assessment tests to become Full Grade Search and Rescue Dog Teams.
Passing their Initial Grade were Ian Thompson with Ben and John Coombs with Flash. Passing the Full Grade Assessment was Nick Smith and Zak and Wayne Thackray with Dodge. For those of you who are visiting this site for the first time may I point out that this is no easy achievement. It can take up to 3 years hard work training to get to the Initial stage and then serving on the callout list for another year before being considered for upgrade.
Pete Farnell and Meg passed their Stage 1 Indication test on this course as well so well done to them.
We would also like to say to those who did not succeed this time do not give up you have already put in a tremendous amount of work and we wish you success next time.
Pete Farnell and Meg passed their Stage 1 Indication test on this course as well so well done to them.
We would also like to say to those who did not succeed this time do not give up you have already put in a tremendous amount of work and we wish you success next time.
From Left to Right Ian and Ben, Nick and Zak, John and Flash