Hey! Gimmee my ball back

Contents:

Page 3 Flyball dogs as therapy/Queue jumping 4 Waltheof results/Membership Sec. Ad 5 Committee News/Thanks Graham 6 Maidstone results/Height dog/Ask a silly qu. 7 Anglesey results/Training tips 8 Hooligan Harley FD 9 Market Harborough results/Puppies ad. 10 Bree 11 Bree/Multibreed Seed List/Walkies 12 Annual Awards 13 Newark results/To god from the dog 14 Maidstone results/ Getting older/Valley awards 15 Sin of omission/Jack’s retirement 16 & 17 Seed times 18 Selby results/Caught in the act 19 Blizzard 20 Welcome to our new members 21 New members cont/More walkies/Nellie 22 AGM 23 New Committee/Dogs & cats 24 Briscoe’s diary/Anglesey results 25 Maidstone results/Belle Stars Awards 26 Diary dates 27 Diary dates cont/Help/Dogs dictionary 28 Tanner/Midshires awards 29 Flyball dog finally/Thanks to Red Rose/Misty 30 Waltheof results/Why is it… 31 BFA Regional Representatives/Don’t be smug 32 BFA Addresses

Items for the next Issue of the Flyball

Record must be received by 1st July 2007

Editor’s Address:

Val Currie 41 High Street

Silverstone Towcester Northants NN12 8US

Tel. 01327 857604

Email –Editor@flyball.org.uk

Greetings Flyballers This year’s AGM was probably the best one I have attended. Although there were some empty chairs, there were many more members attending than last year. The discussions about rule changes/additions were lively but very well considered and voting was made in the best interests of Flyball.

This included the meeting’s decision that nearly all the Annual Awards in their present form were in need of change. Dogs/handlers already receive awards based on points so it was felt that the Annual Awards should be calculated differently. It’ll be a tough job finding alternatives but the new Committee would appreciate any ideas – please write/email to the Secretary don’t use the discussion board. Imagine having to trawl through all the comments when there are other matters to attend to on behalf of the Association!

Graham Nye, our amazing Membership Secretary, who has worked tirelessly for the Association for some seven years, has decided to retire. From a personal point of view as Editor, I would like to thank Graham for his support and exemplary attention to timing (I’ve never had to remind him to send me anything I needed for each issue). If you think it’s ‘up your street’ read the advert on page 4, then don’t forget to apply.

This issue contains sad news of young dogs going off to rainbow bridge and yes I’ve wept buckets editing them, but at the same time I could sense the joy that each dog had given it’s owner during it’s short life.

I’m always delighted to receive items from any member, it doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s my job to ‘tidy up’ the pieces. I seem to have a core of regular contributors but it would be lovely if those who think, ‘I’ll do a piece for the FR’ but feel they aren’t good enough, took the plunge. If you are emailing don’t forget to include FR in your subject. Sometimes I have to query something in an item. I would like to say a big thanks to those who reply promptly, it can be so frustrating not being able to complete a contribution and move on to the next one.

Ed.

Flyball Dog as Therapy

For eight years, Chris McIver (FourPaws Racing) has been permanently in a wheelchair after surviving a stroke and life has been difficult.

Her limited contact with the outside world was normally through her carer, who comes in twice a day, and her daughter whose visits are somewhat limited by her two young children.

Then, three years ago Nick came into her life. Nick is now a rather large, long-legged four-year old Golden Labrador who has been trained by Dogs for the Disabled to help Chris manage her life.

A chance conversation with her tutor at a computer class changed Chris’s life even further. Chris was worried about giving Nick enough exercise and she was told about the FourPaws Flyball Team; it was not long before Nick became the star attraction on the team. Chris said he was a nightmare to begin with. He was so full of energy and in seventh heaven because he was able to scavenge over two fields, it was devilishly difficult to catch him.

Help was at hand in the form of Jan Merrill who, together with her dog Ollie, a JRT, was able to calm Nick down enough to teach him flyball. She was extraordinarily kind and helpful Chris recalls and the two dogs get on so well even though they do look like Little and Large. Nick knows when it’s Saturday and Flyball day; it’s his day of relaxation – his day off from being a working dog. He usually runs amok with the first ball in training but then settles down. To begin with Nick took part in demonstrations of flyball but has progressed to taking part in competitions in one of the FourPaws teams.

Following her stroke Chris had very limited movement but having Nick and then taking him to Flyball meant that, almost unthinkingly, she was having to use her hands and arms more. He became Chris’s therapy. She has to reach to get his bowl and food for his meals. She retrieves the ball from his mouth at flyball and throws it for him when they are out for walks. Having Nick and belonging to the FourPaws Flyball Team has given Chris motivation, responsibility and friendship. Nick has changed her life one hundred and fifty per cent for the better.

[Dogs for the Disabled train animals to help people with their everyday needs. At seven months old the puppy lives with a socialiser who teaches it ‘house rules’. At a year old the puppy goes to the training centre at Banbury where it is taught to do extraordinary things on command such as opening the door of a washing machine, fetching the post, turning on light switches, flipping the foot plates up and down on a wheelchair and other essential activities that make it possible for disabled people to live a near normal life.]

Adapted from an Uxbridge local press article.

Queue Jumping the Shower – Anglesey Style For those attending Anglesey week who become frustrated queueing for the shower – a popular meeting place when not racing – there is an alternative.

The resourceful Wolf Pack found their own solution with this energy efficient and environmentally friendly solar shower. Doreen Wright is modelling the shower with a view

WWAALLTT HHEEOOFF RREESSUULLTT SS – 13th January 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Roger Talbot DIVISION TWO – Judge Peter Vowles 1 Mansfield Marnicks 18.57 1 Cleveland Hurricanes 20.06 2 Molten Magnets 18.56 2 Kellington Spitfires 20.66

3 Dog Friendly Flyers 18.75 3 Red Rose Rascals 20.30 4 Red Rose Rebels 19.01 4 Spanish Rapidz 20.53

5 Molten Meteors 19.64 5 Molten Metals 20.87 6 Podlets 19.15 6 Cleveland Whirlwinds 20.66

DIVISION THREE – Judge Bob Haworth DIVISION FOUR – Judge Ryan Mills 1 Kellington Hurricanes 20.58 1 Dog Friendly Sprinters 21.19 2 Nova Next Generation 20.87 2 Molten Magic 20.93 3 Mansfield Tricks 20.28 3 Blackpool Quasars 21.95 4 Blackpool Super Nova 20.54 4 Sherwood Outlaws 22.41 5 Sheffield Sprinters 21.07 5 Whiterose Curlytails 24.08 6 Doghouse Smash 'n' Grab 21.23 6 Whiterose Bobtails 27.17

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Rachel Child 1 Sheffield Shooters 23.90 4 The Killa Bytes 25.32 2 Dog Friendly Racers 23.95 5 Kellington Crusaders 24.99 3 Blackpool White Dwarf Stars 25.68

Membership Secretary

Graham Nye our Membership Secretary has decided to retire after some seven years in the job and the Committee therefore invites applications from current members who feel they have the ability, time and commitment to take over.

With continually increasing numbers of records, currently at 1350 Members, their Dogs and Teams to maintain, in house and on the Website, it has become virtually a year round near full time job, particularly in November and December when renewals arrive in large quantities.

Applications, to arrive by June 15th, stating qualifications for the position to: Penny Charlton, 2 Chestnut Drive, St Leonards Hill, Windsor, Berks. SL4 4UT

WWAALLTT HHEEOOFF RREESSUULLTT SS – 14th January 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Alison Harrison DIVISION TWO – Judge Shaun Burrows 1 Gofours 18.54 1 Grasshopper Gems 19.34 2 Sheffield Speeders 19.38 2 Wire Sparks 20.07 3 Crazy Chieftains 19.07 3 Cheshire Chasers 21.06 4 Wires A-Live 19.10 4 Melton Foxes 20.18 5 Doncaster Belle Stars 19.31 5 Yorkshire Racers 19.35 6 Mansfield Formula One 19.61 6 Wire Springs 21.13

DIVISION THREE – Judge Robin Holding DIVISION FOUR – Judge Maureen Hendry 1 West Riding Wizards 20.25 1 Wilmslow Jackals 22.20 2 Doncaster Northern Stars 20.16 2 Wire Flash 21.70 3 Sheffield Sparklers 21.32 3 Racing Colours 22.44 4 Mansfield Tantrumz 21.37 4 Melton B’s 22.70 5 Break-Aways (UK) 22.35 5 Yorkshire Leapers 22.49 6 Gofour Yellowbellies 23.67 6 Break-Necks 23.17

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Paula Merryman 1 The Northern Bytes 21.54 4 Doncaster Dinky Stars 24.67 2 West Riding Wizzers 22.42 5 Chocolate Bytes 25.66 3 Scallywags 23.11 6 Hucknall Torkards 25.38

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A few points arising from the Committee Meeting held on 4th March 2007

Hall of Fame – There are no updates but as Wayne is standing down from the committee he will hand over any information to Chris.

Update on Lights – Martin Pollard has looked at the few problems with the Millstream lights. It will be discussed with Dave the possibility of locating lights in order to utilise them more efficiently. A spare console for the Millstream lights (£232.00) will be ordered, plus a spare console for the Watchdog lights.

European Championship – A good response has been received. Any losses incurred will be covered by the B.F.A. Medals will be given instead of rosettes and trophies will be supplied to division winners. There will be two sets of B.F.A. lights available and any problems will result in the immediate change to either Chris’s lights or the Bandits lights.

Summer Championship – A low qualifying limit of three shows between Easter and July 23rd is set.

Secretary’s Correspondence – Although originally the committee had been unable to help following a complaint from a member, new information has come to light and will be investigated further.

It was agreed to look into providing the Stats officer with a new computer that would change hands as and when a new Stats officer was required.

Membership – The total membership as at 3rd March is 1500. Teams for schedules are now 98.

Extending Limited Shows – More tournament organisers are asking to extend their shows after receiving entries. It was agreed that show organisers should be asked to give a more realistic number rather that wait to extend after they had entries in. It was agreed that a limit of extension should be set at six teams/one division.

The specimen tournament schedule will be updated shortly to show the changes that have occurred over the past few years.

Measuring Hoops – A new measuring hoop is being tested at a few shows.

Judges Seminars – The Oswestry seminar went well but the location was a bit remote. The Newark seminar was a better location but the venue wasn’t very suitable for a seminar. Some suggestions were received from the Head Judges seminar but there wasn’t time to go through all the items raised.

A.O.B.

Underlay at indoor shows – A new rule is needed confirming that a minimum thickness of 6mm of underlay is required at indoor shows.

Aggression in dogs – Some judges are not taking this seriously and more incidents have been witnessed. An article would be sent to the Flyball Record in order to highlight the issue.

Area Representatives Addresses – There is no need to show these on the website and will be deleted as soon as possible.

Date of next meeting following the A.G.M. – Sunday 22nd April 2007

***************************************************************************************

Thank you Graham

The committee would like to thank Graham Nye for all his hard work over the past seven years as Membership Secretary for the BFA.

It is going to be a difficult task to find a replacement for this very time consuming job. The successful

candidate will find it a hard act following in his footsteps.

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MMAAIIDDSSTT OONNEE RREESSUULLTT SS – 14th January 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge John Percivaldi DIVISION TWO – Judge Jason Baker 1 Barkshire Bullets 18.28 1 Barkshire Bambinos 19.73 2 Bad Dog Racers 18.21 2 Maple Leaf Stampede 20.31 3 Shooting Stars 18.56 3 The Knights 20.06 4 Barkshire Bandidos 19.30 4 Ball Busters 19.91 5 Maple Leaf Raggers 18.56 5 Leaping Herts 20.92 6 Extrabuccs 19.78

DIVISION THREE – Penny Charlton DIVISION FOUR – Judge Maurice Jenkins 1 Underdogs 20.69 1 Barkshire Boleros 22.14 2 Shooting Star Comets 21.26 2 Hotshots 22.14 3 Brimblecombe Boomerangs 21.73 3 Ball Buster Bandits 22.46 4 Four Bad Dogs 22.42 4 Shooting Star Rebels 23.29 5 Buccaroos 21.52 5 Underdogs Too 23.77 6 Shooting Star Jokers 23.11 6 Beating Herts 27.49

I am the steadfast foundation of some flyball teams. On my small shoulders I’ve carried some of the best teams to victory. I may be little, I may even be slow but I take my job very seriously. To be a true height dog one is small of stature but larger than life itself. Without me great teams become mediocre. I may be one of the highest pointed dogs on the team but I am also the hardest working. I will give you all I can and more. For me, to race is to truly live.

ASK A SILLY QUESTION…

I have a dog and I was buying a large bag of Purina at Tesco and was in the check out line.

A woman behind me asked if I had a dog. On impulse, I told her that no, I was starting The Purina Diet again, although I probably shouldn't because I'd ended up in the hospital last time. However I'd lost fifty pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete, so I was going to try it again.

I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with my story, particularly a guy who was behind her.

Horrified, she asked if I'd ended up in the hospital in that condition because I had been poisoned. I told her no; it was because I'd been sitting in the street licking my b***s and a car hit me.

I thought one guy was going to have a heart attack as he staggered out of the door laughing loudly.

Cheers!

With thanks to Graham Taylor (Top Dog Arena organiser at Stoneleigh)

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AANNGGLLEESSEEYY SSHHOOWWGGRROOUUNNDD RREESSUULLTT SS – 20th January 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Margaret Gore DIVISION TWO – Judge Jenny Tavener 1 Wires A-Live 18.79 1 Cheshire Chasers 19.58 2 Pods 18.52 2 Podlings 19.37 3 Wire Sparks 19.34 3 Valley Hot Dogs 20.39 4 Delinquent Dolphins 19.22 4 Carry On's 20.55 5 Podlets 20.12 5 Wire Springs 21.22

DIVISION THREE – Judge Louise McDermott DIVISION FOUR – Judge Antony Cain 1 The Swifts 20.21 1 Wire Flash 21.24 2 Fylde Rollercoasters 21.16 2 Wired 4 Action 21.48 3 Thor's Paws 20.80 3 Podlers 22.25 4 Valley Hound Dogs 21.48 4 Leaping Dolphins 20.83 5 Cheshire Wheatsheafs 21.17 5 Podextras 22.81 6 Urban Wolves 22.76

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Anne Alcock 1 Carry On Regardless 23.96 4 Dancing Dolphins 27.44 2 Timber Wolves 25.34 5 Peas in a POD 27.64 3 Valley Odd Dogs 25.73

Training Tips Question: We have a dog who is very fast going to fetch the ball but has only half the speed returning to his handler. He does mouth the ball on his return run.

Outside flyball he does destroy tennis balls. We have tried having the handler hold another ball and throwing it when training. This just causes him to drop the ball he is carrying but the speed returns. Answers: (Take your pick!)

1. Hard balls I would use really really hard balls. One dog on our team will go from 4.5 to well over 5 seconds if he has a soft ball!

Also, train the recall to something - ball in a bucket - that is there all the time and if the dog likes soft balls to destroy, let his reward in the bucket be a soft ball!!!

At the moment the reward for the dog is getting the ball out of the box. Really, the dog should think his reward is coming after he gets back to his handler/bucket.

You may well need to go back to retraining the run back for a while to reinforce the come back fast bit. Then only let the dog do a full run every ten or so recalls.

2. Soft balls I would suggest soft balls. Although my dog has never exactly been slow coming back she has a problem holding hard tennis balls as she has quite a small mouth and has to concentrate on holding it. By having a soft ball she went from 4.10 to under 4 seconds consistently.

(plenty to get your teeth into there then! Ed.)

HOOLIGAN (NO MORE?) HARLEY – FLYBALL DOG

Hi everyone,

No more the hooligan, but a proper flyballer now, after gaining my flyball dog certificate to prove it! (Mum said I should have been certified a long time ago, wasn't that nice, I sooo love compliments).

Looking back to nearly two years ago at the beginning of my new life, I've given my poor old mum and everyone else for that matter, a really tough time. From a fractured knee to a badly pulled shoulder, numerous cuts and bruises from being dragged around at warp drive, none stop barking and running off, and that was just the start. I can't help being hyperactive and my old life wasn't a very nice one, so when I came to Mum I didn't know how to behave properly. Over time though, I began to realise there were good things in life as well as bad ones, like lots of long walks every day, games in the garden with the other dogs, cuddles, toys, treats and proper food twice a day. Best of all though, was FLYBALL.

When I first started training I just couldn't control myself, it was so exciting. I've never done anything like it before. I ran all over the place, got in everyone's way, cleared off when there was a nice scent to follow and generally drove everyone to distraction. I went to tournaments with Mum to watch the real thing in action and turned into the dog from hell. I barked non-stop, pulled Mum over in the mud and ran amok in the ring while the dogs were competing, which I'm sure must have gone down a treat! This behaviour continued for months, but being a stubborn old so and so, Mum carried on slogging away with very little reward from me. Looking back, I have to admit I was pretty awful.

Then one day when we were training, a distant light came on somewhere in my brain and I did it right. Not all of it mind you, but Mum went into shock anyway and had to have a drink of tea and a sit down. OK, so it wasn't brilliant, but it was a start. Eventually, after umpteen sessions, I was deemed just about good enough to be unleashed on the unsuspecting public, and was taken to a tournament to run in the starters with the Sherwood Saplings. I didn't do a lot of flyball that day as I kept getting pulled out after jumping the netting and running about like a chicken with its head cut off. By the end of the day though I finally managed one proper run with Mum running at the side of me, but I did do all the jumps and took the ball back, albeit in my own good time. I don't know why, but Mum was over the moon - it's hardly rocket science is it?

Anyway, after a while and with loads more cock-ups, nervous breakdowns (Mum) and starter tournaments under my belt, I began to concentrate on the job in hand and ran all my starters tournaments properly. I loved it and couldn't wait to get in the ring. Then one day at a tournament, I ran a few legs and warm ups in the open with my teammates the Break-Aways. It was a bit confusing to start with as it all looked so different with no netting and higher jumps. I lost concentration and ran out a couple of times so I was pulled out, but everyone was great about it and gave me another go later in the day and I did a lot better. I ran a few more tournaments like this and I gradually started to get used to it, I even got a few points along the way.

Then came the best bit. I ran in the open as first dog with the Break-Necks at Newark and never made one mistake all day, even though the floor was a bit slippery and I landed on my bum once. I ran every leg as fast as I could. I didn't maim anyone, I didn't pinch the ball from the oppositions box, I didn't run out, I didn't ‘bog off’ and I didn't get distracted by the dogs running on the other side. Most of our team were just out of starters like me and we all did our very best and everyone was proud of us. I got loads of cuddles from Mum and she said I was brilliant. What a day!

I expect I will make a few cock ups in the future as I'm still inexperienced, but Mum said experience only comes with time and I will get there, even though I'm a handful and still have my naughty moments. I may not have had a very good start in life, but I'm sure loving it now, so lots of licks and sloppy kisses to the following for putting up with me over the last two years.

Sarah and Paul from Wiccaweys, for giving me a second chance. My Mum, even after all the hassle and stress I gave her, for still believing in me. The Sherwood teams for letting me train and run amok with them, my team mates in the Break-Aways for giving me every opportunity to better myself, all the teams in the past who had to put up with me disrupting their racing in starters and last but not least, the Editor of the Flyball Record for printing all my ramblings from day one.

See you all around, Luv Harley FLYBALLER extraordinaire [Break-Aways (UK)]

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MMAARRKKEETT HHAARRBB OORROOUUGGHH RREESSUULLTT SS – 3rd February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Doreen Smith DIVISION TWO – Judge Louise Bolger 1 Barkshire Bandits 18.05 1 Barkshire Bandidos 19.55 2 Molten Magnets 18.43 2 Molten Meteors 20.12 3 Mansfield Marnicks 18.83 3 Mansfield Formula One 20.00 4 Northants Falcons 18.54 4 Nuneaton Dodgers 20.47 5 Bristol Ball-istics 18.91 5 Leamington Royals 20.35 6 Nuneaton Bees 19.25 6 Mansfield Tricks 20.25

DIVISION THREE – Judge Dave Long DIVISION FOUR – Judge Penny Charlton 1 Bassett Allsorts 20.37 1 Mansfield Tantrumz 21.52 2 Barkshire Bambinos 20.48 2 Northants Eagles 21.40 3 The Swifts 20.43 3 Nuneaton Ospreys 21.08 4 Racing Herts 21.11 4 Monday Niters 21.27 5 Midshires Mud Pack 21.58 5 Covert Catapults 21.16 6 Molten Magic 20.65 6 Bristol Ball-istic Rockets 21.05

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Pamela Harrison 1 The Northern Bytes 21.49 4 Sherwood Outlaws 23.11 2 Daventry Buzzers 22.45 5 Bristol Ball-istic Missiles 24.85 3 Hucknall Torkards 24.07 6 Beating Herts 24.40

MMAARRKKEETT HHAARRBB OORROOUUGGHH RREESSUULLTT SS – 4th February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Stuart Harrison DIVISION TWO – Judge Jayne Owen 1 Molten Muzzles 18.71 1 Snatch 'n' Grab 19.59 2 Doncaster Belle Stars 18.79 2 Molten Metals 20.29 3 Cheshire Chasers 18.72 3 Brimblecombe Barkers 20.83 4 Nuneaton Kestrels 19.41 4 Nuneaton Cyclone 21.22 5 Wellingborough Red Wellies 19.92 5 Kiddy Monsters 21.05 6 Melton Foxes 19.35 6 Wolf Pack 21.22

DIVISION THREE – Judge Pamela Harrison DIVISION FOUR – Judge Doreen Smith 1 Cheshire Wheatsheafs 21.36 1 Scallywags 22.81 2 Wolf Cubs 20.92 2 Hotshots 23.06 3 Bassett Hotdogs 20.17 3 Brat Pack 23.46 4 Brimblecombe Boomerangs 22.26 4 Snatch 'n' Grabits 24.23 5 Break-Aways (UK) 21.98 5 Grey Wolves 24.65 6 Melton B's 22.63 6 Golden Valley Eagles 21.58

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BREE – WSD COLLIE – IN MEMORIAM – DIED 26th JULY 2006

I happened to say to Steph, whose team I was in at the time, that I would like another Collie for Flyball. She told me of a litter of blue merles which, at first, I was reluctant to see as I was concerned about the possibility of blue eyes, which is not my preference.

I went along to have a look at the puppies that were only a few weeks old, born to an elderly farm bitch. She had produced 7 puppies, 3 of which had died which was probably the result of her advancing age. They were not

merles at all. The 2 bitches were a glorious soft blue and white, similar to a British Blue Cat and the boys, like their Mum were mostly white. Mum had the most awful overshot jaw I had seen and I picked up one of the little girls and looked at her mouth, which seemed fine, and then I was smitten!

Bree came home at just under 6 weeks old. Steph had one of the boys and her friend had the other. The remaining puppy stayed with Mum. Bree was such a delightful pup and settled with her new canine family. After vaccinations she attended puppy and obedience classes at her local village hall. She did so well that she soon went up to the middle class and then started Flyball training and took to it well.

At 8 months old Bree had to have an x-ray to check for an obstruction. Whilst on the table her bowels emptied loads of foul smelling faeces. She was put on antibiotics and all seemed well. Not long afterwards Bree seemed ill again. This time the Vet diagnosed a stomach disorder and prescribed Tagemet (expensive!). A few days later I was really worried as she wasn’t eating and was obviously depressed. Her breathing became laboured and in the early hours she started to turn yellow and I thought I was going to lose her.

I took her straight to the Vet and Bree was taken from me and I was told that it was ‘touch and go’ as she was in liver failure. My darling little girl spent Christmas at the Vet’s. I visited her daily and she lay there connected to a drip, not even acknowledging me. The day she actually cried when I left, I breathed a sigh of relief because I knew she was going to make it.

Bree came home for a week and then went back for an exploratory laporotomy and liver biopsy and I had here spayed at the same time. The results came back with nothing to report expect that her bile ducts were blocked and a query of an ascending infection of the colon. A prolonged course of antibiotics and she recovered well, except for her temperament!

Bree had gone from a happy outgoing little soul to being afraid of people. It was heartbreaking. Obedience was no longer possible. She would walk by my side until passing someone who was sitting watching, and then shoot across in front of me away from them. Stays only worked as long as no one moved. If they did she tried to leave the hall.

Flyball was good. She did well and although she was never fast, she always jumped twice as high as she needed, but very gracefully. She had to know the box loader. If it were a stranger, she would run up to the 4th jump, look and come back! On one memorable occasion (in hindsight, so funny) the box loader sneezed. Bree did not approach the box for weeks. At a ‘Starters Competition’, Bree refused to be measured. Sam Bawden will remember her as I used to take her regularly to try and build up her confidence. No chance! She ran faultlessly as long as the Judge stepped out of her line of vision. If we were in the left lane no one could lean over the netting to watch. I had to be very careful in case she was spooked as she would run from the ring.

We tried Agility. Thought the one to one would be better. It worked until her first competition when she ran under every jump! Scratch that then?

She continued over the next 2 years to do Flyball and Agility just for fun. A few times Bree went off her food and I rushed her to the Vet on each occasion. A ‘Foodaholic’ this was the first sign of problems and with antibiotics she was fine.

At the May Bank Holiday, it had to be didn’t it? Bree went into urinary retention and the Vet, by using gentle pressure was able to empty the bladder. She came home but returned for x-ray and samples. Results showed absolutely nothing. No stones or abnormal cells – a mystery.

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About a week later I found a couple of small lumps at the back of Bree’s neck that I thought were injection sites. A week later the lumps had grown to the size of the tip of my little finger. I kept my eye on them thinking they were cysts until a week later they were the size of my thumb end. I booked her in for Monday (obviously these things happen at weekends if a Bank Holiday isn’t available). By Monday the lumps were the size of ½ an egg and the surface was breaking down. Bree was admitted for immediate removal of the lumps and they were sent to histology. My poor baby came home shaved from ears to shoulder blades with 32 stitches. Despite this she was her usual Collie self, rabbiting in the forestry during her daily walk.

The histology report was devastating. Bree had untreatable rampant cancer, non-epitheliotropic cutaneous lymphoma and her prognosis was poor. She wasn’t ready to die. She was so happy on walks and even went and had a run at Flyball. We only got as far as taking the stitches out and 10 days later her left eye began to swell up. More lumps appeared on her skin and the eye was painful to touch. My lovely Vet said it was the cancer behind the eye and I decided it was time to say goodbye and made the appointment for the following day.

We went for our run up the forestry that morning. Bree was so happy that I thought I was being a bit premature, and then she had a wee and passed a large amount of blood and clots. It was time. Bree was good at the Vet’s. Although she wasn’t happy she wasn’t scared of the routine and I was with her. I am sure she went to sleep expecting to wake up in that dreadful cage waiting for Mum to take her home.

I sobbed, the nurses cried and the Vet even had a tear. Such a short life of only 3 ½ years. It was as if she wasn’t meant to be.

I still miss my lovely neurotic twit whose nose grew like Pinocchio’s. Did I forget to say that she ended up as overshot as her Mother? She was so beautiful and she gave me all her love and tried so hard despite her fears. It took a while to fetch Bree’s ashes from the Vet. I kept driving past and it seemed so final. Now they sit on the side waiting for the next step. I shall get a tree to rest her under when I can let go. Goodbye my darling. I wish I could have made it better.

June Conway (Carmarthenshire Chargers)

MULTIBREED SEED TIMES – as at 16th April 2007

Seed Team TRN Time Seed Team TRN Time 1 Doncaster Team Pow Wow 096H 18.65 15 Crazy Comrades 081I 22.24 2 Mansfield Remix 124E 18.86 16 Free Wheelers on Fire 157B 22.36 3 Grasshoppers Multi 055D 20.25 17 Mansfield Freestylers 124G 22.82 4 Cleveland Multibreezes 140D 20.29 18 Yorkshire Allsorts 052D 22.98 5 What a Carry On 121C 20.80 19 Bytes Fusion 027J 23.49 6 Danum Multimix 108A 20.89 20 Melton Mixables 035D 23.73 7 Dog Friendly Mix 'n' Match 098B 20.91 21 Sherwood Mixed Nuts 102D 24.50 8 Multi Rapidz 082F 20.96 22 Whiterose Aristocrats 060D 24.59 9 Doghouse Odds 'n' Sods 154D 21.27 23 Fylde Go4's 038D 25.23

10 Cheshire Jumbles 120C 21.35 24 Bytes Hotchpotch 027G 25.48 11 Bytes Mishmash 027H 21.65 25 Whiterose Won-Offs 060G 26.40 12 Cross Wires 069D 21.73 26 Whiterose True Blues 060E 27.03 13 Fylde Pick 'n' Mix 038C 21.82 27 Yorkshire Variety 052G 27.34 14 Mansfield Mixups 124C 21.86

WALKIES

Humans say they will take you for a walk thus suggesting that they will lead you. Wrong! The lead is affixed to you therefore you are in charge of the direction of travel. Go where you want; your human will follow. If they try to restrain you, make some loud gagging and coughing noises when other people are around. Your human will fear that someone may report them for cruelty, and will therefore ease off the restraining. Always use this moment to run faster!

BBRRIITT IISSHH FFLLYYBBAALLLL AASSSSOO CC IIAATTIIOO NN AANNNNUUAALL AAWWAARRDDSS FFOORR 22000066

Bitch of the Year Dog of the Year

1st Val Currie & Missy Molten Magnets 1st Judy Parker & Bobby Molten Magnets 2nd Jean Meeking & Chica Molten Magnets 2nd Jean Meeking & Tyler Molten Magnets 3rd Jean Meeking & Riva Molten Magnets 3rd Jean Meeking & Rogan Molten Magnets

Border Collie/Working Sheepdog of the Year

1st Jean Meeking & Chica Molten Magnets 11th Nick Greaves & Alfie Mansfield Marnicks 2nd Judy Parker & Bobby Molten Magnets 12th Sarah Prince & Zac Rapidz 3rd Judy Parker & Milly Molten Magnets 13th Tony Cain & Barney Cheshire Set 4th Jean Meeking & Tyler Molten Magnets 14th Mark Child & Charlie Mansfield Marnicks 5th Jean Meeking & Rogan Molten Magnets 15th Jacqui Litherland & Reece Live Wires 6th Val Currie & Smudge Molten Magnets 16th Jenny Wood & Jeep Cheshire Set 7th Rachel Child & Gemma Mansfield Marnicks 17th Valerie R-J & Bridie Break-Aways(UK) 8th Nick Greaves & Diezle Mansfield Marnicks 18th Louise McDermott & Megan Live Wires 9th Nick Greaves & Marble Mansfield Marnicks 19th Paula Merryman& Paddy Sheffield Speeders 10th Neil Meeking & Cassie Molten Magnets 20th John Proctor & Reef Cleveland Comets

Crossbreed of the Year 1st Val Currie & Missy Molten Magnets 9th Jayne Owen & Charliegoo Cheshire Set 2nd Debbie Holding & Belle Doncaster Belle Stars 10th Julia Dixon & Belle Live Wires 3rd Rachel Whitaker & Cara Mansfield Marnicks 11th Lizzie Merryman & Jet Sheffield Speeders 4th Mary Braybrook & Millie Molten Magnets 12th Ann Hinz & Fly Doncaster Belle Stars 5th Lesley Curnow & Chloe Cheshire Set 13th Gail Wright & Buffy Barkshire Bandits 6th Ron Edge & Oggie Cheshire Set 14th Gail Wright & Charlie Barkshire Bandits 7th Julie Hiner & Charlie Dog Friendly Flyers 15th Penny Laver & Emmy Barkshire Bandits 8th Linda Larkin & Lucy Red Rose Rockets

Team of the Year Special Team of the Year Multibreed team of the Year

Molten Magnets

Claire Gristwood Award Multibreed Dog of the Year

Jean Meeking & Riva Molten Magnets Sarah Prince & Zac Rapidz Sortz

Best of the Rest

1st Jean Meeking & Riva Molten Magnets 6th Shaun Burrows & Bramble Gofours 2nd Paula Thorpe & Woody Doncaster Belle Stars 7th Nick Greaves & Jaz Mansfield Marnicks 3rd Mandy Cain & Jess Cheshire Set 8th Colette Parkinson & Nushka Cleveland Comets 4th Shaun Burrows & Mori Gofours 9th Hazel Kitching & Ziggie Cleveland Comets 5th Hazel Smith & Nina Rapidz 10th Marilyn Sutton & Alfie Bassett Allsorts

Junior Handler Award (Age 7 – 11) Junior Handler Award (Age 12 – 16)

1st Jakob A.G. Aubrey-Wilson West Riding Wizards 1st Faye Frost Mansfield Marnicks 2nd Robert Merryman Sheffield Speeders 2nd Katie Merryman Sheffield Speeders 3rd Sam Whittaker Mansfield Marnicks 3rd Kate Nicholas Live Wires

1st Molten Metals 2nd Molten Magnets 3rd Mansfield Marnicks

1st Rapidz Sortz 2nd Doncaster Mixed Stars 3rd Mansfield Remix

13

NNEEWWAARRKK SSHHOOWWGGRROOUUNNDD RREESSUULLTT SS – 10th February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Bob Haworth DIVISION TWO – Judge Doreen Smith 1 Gofours 19.41 1 Doncaster Belle Stars 20.25 2 Mansfield Marnicks 19.32 2 Cleveland Hurricanes 20.51 3 Nuneaton Flyers 19.35 3 Cleveland Whirlwinds 21.17 4 Dog Friendly Flyers 19.95 4 Leamington Royals 22.00 5 Mansfield Formula One 20.85 5 Mansfield Tricks 21.42 6 Crazy Chieftains 20.18 6 Break-Aways (UK) 22.77

DIVISION THREE – Judge Stuart Harrison DIVISION FOUR – Judge John Proctor 1 Nuneaton Kestrels 21.35 1 Nuneaton Ospreys 21.80 2 Dog Friendly Sprinters 21.56 2 Monday Niters 21.97 3 The Northern Bytes 21.97 3 Dog Friendly Racers 24.32 4 Gofour Yellowbellies 22.57 4 Sherwood Outlaws 24.14 5 Mansfield Tantrumz 21.30 5 The Killa Bytes 23.13 6 Break-Necks 24.54

TO: GOD… FROM… THE DOG Dear God:

Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the "Chrysler Beagle"?

If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

And, finally, my last question...

When I get to Heaven, may I have my testicles back?

NNEEWWAARRKK SSHHOOWWGGRROOUUNNDD RREESSUULLTT SS – 11th February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge William Whiteley DIVISION TWO – Judge Louise Bolger 1 Molten Magnets 18.46 1 Cheshire Chasers 19.07 2 Molten Meteors 18.96 2 Molten Monarchs 19.97 3 Wire Sparks 19.74 3 Doncaster Northern Stars 20.26 4 Bristol Ball-istics 19.35 4 Nuneaton Dodgers 20.66 5 Sheffield Speeders 19.60 5 Molten Metals 20.69 6 Grasshopper Gems 19.58 6 Kiddy Monsters 20.94

DIVISION THREE – Judge Val Currie DIVISION FOUR – Judge Scott Harrison

1 Cheshire Wheatsheafs 21.27 1 Springers 22.16 2 Molten Magic 21.20 2 Yorkshire Rockets 22.99 3 Sheffield Sparklers 22.33 3 Scallywags 23.02 4 Wire Flash 20.55 4 Doncaster Dinky Stars 24.07 5 Nuneaton Cyclone 22.14 5 Bristol Ball-istic Missiles 23.83 6 Sheffield Shooters 24.50

14

MMAAIIDDSSTT OONNEE RREESSUULLTT SS – 11th February 2007 DIVISION ONE – Judge John Percivaldi DIVISION TWO – Judge Jason Baker

1 Barkshire Bandits 17.76 1 Barkshire Bambinos 19.75 2 Shooting Stars 17.89 2 Bad Dog Frustration 19.49 3 Bad Dog Racers 18.33 3 Ball Busters 19.76 4 Barkshire Bandidos 19.24 4 Extrabuccs 20.23 5 Hampshire Harriers 19.07 5 Underdogs 20.56 6 Ace's Rapids 20.02

DIVISION THREE – Judge Penny Charlton DIVISION FOUR – Judge Maurice Jenkins 1 Shooting Star Comets 21.56 1 Shooting Star Jokers 22.36 2 Ball Buster Bandits 22.17 2 Barkshire Boleros 21.78 3 Hotshots 22.17 3 Underdogs Too 25.33 4 Shooting Star Rebels 22.56 5 Brimblecombe Boomerangs 21.63 6 Four Bad Dogs 23.68

ON GETTING OLDER

Getting in and out of the car can become more difficult. Encourage your human to buy a ramp that will allow you to climb smoothly in and out. Ramps are often advertised in catalogues that you can drop gently into your human’s lap when they are asleep. Should your human fail to take the hint, next time you get into the car, make sure your claws are fully extended as you try and grip the colour-coded bumper and clamber in. (Puppies and young dogs can also use this ploy to their advantage! Ed.)

Congratulations to the Valley Hound Dogs

on achieving their awards 2006 - 2007.

Flyball Dog

Delta and Sue Armstrong Bod ie and Liz Evans

Brow nie and Jennifer Ward-George

Flyball Dog Inte rmediate

Gw yn and Sue Armstrong

Flyball Dog Graduate

Liffy and Dave Jones

Well done everyone

15

SIN OF OMISSION

Following a serious ‘Sin of Omission’ incident (by a prominent member of the host team) on the Sunday of the Market Harborough tournament that nearly resulted in an ASBO (Alzheimic Senior B******s Occurrence) award, the Molten Magnets have been issued with these Supplementary Rules and Guidelines that also take into account other occurrences by various members of the team.

All rooms, dog sleeping quarters etc. are to be checked at least three times to ensure all dogs have vacated them. Make certain that all the dogs have checked into your vehicle, particularly the ones you intend

to run that day (other team members may become a tad upset if they are down to three dogs). Running a three-dog team is not an option. Magnets members are to be issued with windscreen stickers bearing the inscription ‘Have you

got all your dogs? Check now! Should a light flash while you are speeding on your mission to rectify your error, any speeding

fines ‘gained’ as a result may be shared with the rest of the team; points however are your own responsibility. Be aware when advising a fellow team member of your ETA that 10 minutes is not 2. When returning to the venue, it is advisable to check that you are not likely to run over any

dogs as you screech into your parking place. The number of a rescue agency such as the AA is a good idea as you may just be in the habit of

locking your keys in the car… A magnet is quite useful in case you drop your car keys in the exercise area. A large torch is a

must for searches of dropped equipment in the dark. Make sure that you have a spare pair of contact lenses in case your manic dog knocks one out

of your eye during racing or exercise. When filling out scribe sheets for your team, triple check that you have put the correct team on

each sheet before handing it in to the organiser (thus avoiding serious stress for several people) [Tournament organisers will know which ‘muppet’ usually does the scribe sheets! Ed]

JACK’S RETIREMENT

Jack has enjoyed 11 ½ years of flyball and it was a very sad day for both of us when the vet said it was time for him to retire.

Jack was awarded his JADE award just before his retirement, so ended his career on a high note.

Since he was 18moths old Jack has run in the first team for the Bristol Ball-istics and during this time he recorded some very fast times, many under 4 seconds.

I really do miss running him and he still tries to get into the ring wanting to take part.

Thank you to everyone who has made Jack’s life so enjoyable.

Special thanks go to the Bristol Ball-istics team captains, to Steph who trained Jack, Nicky, Big John, Sam & Andy, Kay and Robert and all who made it possible for Jack to compete.

A very big thank you to Natalie who ran Jack for when I was injured – he was never sure who to go to!!!

(Picture taken August 2006 at a display in Somerset)

I am now concentrating on my young and very lively collie Rosie, who now runs for the first team and recently gained her advanced award.

Flyball is a great sport and I hope Rosie gets as much fun from it as Jack has.

June Smele (Bristol Ball-istics)

16

Current Seed Times (Open) - as at 16th April 2007

Seed Team TRN Time Seed Team TRN Time 1 Barkshire Bandits 017 17.76 49 Wire Sparks 069H 19.69 2 Maple Leafs 049 17.82 50 Barkshire Bambinos 017E 19.75 3 Shooting Stars 001 17.85 51 The Swifts 048 19.77 4 Live Wires 069 17.99 52 Wire Flash 069G 19.91 5 Bad Dog Racers 053 18.21 53 Wellingboro’ Red Wellies 067 19.92 6 Cleveland Comets 140 18.22 54 Ace's Rapids 094B 19.93 7 Dog Friendly Flyers 098 18.26 55 Bassett Allsorts 011 19.93 8 Barkshire Bullets 017C 18.28 56 Valley Hot Dogs 129B 19.94 9 Mansfield Marnicks 124 18.29 57 Molten Monarchs 107A 19.97 10 Red Rose Rebels 093A 18.30 58 Kiddy Monsters 145 19.99 11 Gofours 110 18.34 59 Maple Leaf Stampede 049D 19.99 12 Nuneaton Flyers 051 18.34 60 Extrabuccs 025A 19.99 13 Barney Owlers 119A 18.36 61 Racing Herts 134 20.00 14 Cheshire Chasers 120A 18.40 62 Blackpool Super Nova 063 20.00 15 Pods 015 18.41 63 The Knights 036 20.06 16 Crazy Chieftains 081E 18.41 64 Red Rose Rascals 093C 20.06 17 Molten Magnets 107 18.46 65 Thor's Paws 070C 20.15 18 Doncaster Belle Stars 096 18.47 66 Nuneaton Dodgers 051C 20.20 19 Northants Falcons 151 18.54 67 Fylde Coasters 038 20.21 20 Maple Leaf Raggers 049A 18.56 68 Cleveland Whirlwinds 140A 20.25 21 Sheffield Speeders 058 18.59 69 Marsh Cheetahs 123 20.25 22 Molten Muzzles 107D 18.71 70 Ace's Dominos 094E 20.27 23 Wires A-Live 069F 18.76 71 Molten Metals 107E 20.29 24 Yorkshire Runners 052F 18.80 72 Brimblecombe Barkers 113 20.29 25 Bristol Ball-istics 018 18.91 73 Barking Owlers 119B 20.31 26 Molten Meteors 107B 18.96 74 Urban Wolves 050H 20.31 27 Delinquent Dolphins 122D 19.00 75 Hilltop Dare Devils 101 20.31 28 Cleveland Hurricanes 140B 19.05 76 Cleveland Arrows 140C 20.32 29 Running 4 Mutts 054A 19.06 77 The Northern Bytes 027 20.33 30 Hampshire Harriers 132 19.07 78 Leamington Royals 139 20.35 31 Nuneaton Bees 051A 19.11 79 West Riding Wizards 118 20.41 32 Grasshopper Gems 055H 19.14 80 Underdogs 085 20.46 33 Red Rose Rockets 093 19.15 81 Greedy Grasshoppers 055A 20.47 34 Podlets 015A 19.15 82 Thorne Troopers 125 20.49 35 Kellington Sapphire Blue 105D 19.21 83 Doghouse Smash 'n' Grab 154A 20.49 36 Barkshire Bandidos 017D 19.24 84 Nova Next Generation 063C 20.49 37 Melton Foxes 035B 19.30 85 Carry On's 121 20.55 38 Yorkshire Racers 052B 19.35 86 Mansfield Tantrumz 124B 20.56 39 Podlings 015D 19.37 87 Shooting Star Comets 001E 20.56 40 Crazy Cannons 081 19.38 88 Kellington Hurricanes 105B 20.58 41 Mansfield Formula One 124F 19.40 89 Kellington Spitfires 105G 20.59 42 Bassett Hotdogs 011B 19.40 90 Cheshire Wheatsheafs 120B 20.60 43 Mansfield Tricks 124A 19.46 91 Molten Magic 107H 20.65 44 Bad Dog Frustration 053G 19.49 92 Soxon Sprinters 155 20.69 45 Greetland Grasshoppers 055 19.57 93 Covert Catapults 114 20.71 46 Doncaster Northern Stars 096A 19.58 94 Wolf Pack 050 20.73 47 Snatch 'n' Grab 083 19.59 95 Spanish Rapidz 082B 20.74 48 Ball Busters 043 19.60 96 Leaping Dolphins 122A 20.77

17

Current Seed Times (Open) - as at 16th April 2007

Seed Team TRN Time Seed Team TRN Time 97 Monday Niters 144 20.79 144 Break-Necks 090A 22.59 98 Break-Aways (UK) 090 20.83 145 Red Rose Ravers 093E 22.81 99 Wolf Cubs 050E 20.92 146 Bristol Ball-istic Missiles 018B 22.89 100 Leaping Herts 134A 20.92 147 West Riding Warriors 118A 22.94 101 Sheffield Sprinters 058A 20.93 148 Whiterose Bobtails 060C 22.95 102 Four Bad Dogs 053B 20.95 149 Doncaster Dinky Stars 096F 22.98 103 Dog Friendly Sprinters 098C 21.00 150 The Killa Bytes 027B 23.37 104 Fylde Rollercoasters 038A 21.00 151 Grey Wolves 050F 23.39 105 Molten Marvels 107C 21.00 152 Lomond Raiders 126 23.43 106 Bristol Ball-istic Rockets 018F 21.05 153 Brat Pack 050A 23.46 107 Nuneaton Ospreys 051E 21.08 154 Dog Friendly Racers 098A 23.46 108 Brimblecombe Boomerangs 113C 21.19 155 Marsh Cougars 123A 23.47 109 Wire Springs 069E 21.22 156 Thorne Trotters 125A 23.54 110 Nuneaton Cyclone 051B 21.22 157 Yorkshire Rockets 052E 23.67 111 FourPaws Racing 142 21.29 158 Yorkshire Bouncers 052 23.72 112 Nuneaton Kestrels 051F 21.35 159 Kellington Crusaders 105A 23.76 113 Blackpool Quasars 063B 21.39 160 Underdogs Too 085A 23.77 114 Northants Eagles 151A 21.40 161 Hampshire Hounds 132A 23.82 115 Valley Hound Dogs 129 21.48 162 Hucknall Torkards 152 23.83 116 Wired 4 Action 069A 21.48 163 Carry On Regardless 121A 23.84 117 Thorne Moorends 125B 21.50 164 Blaxton Blades 133 23.86 118 Buccaroos 025B 21.52 165 Terrierists 054H 24.22 119 Free Wheelers Fast 'n' Furious 157A 21.53 166 Snatch 'n' Grabits 083A 24.23 120 Cheshire Set 120 21.54 167 Greeny Grasshoppers 055B 24.30 121 Golden Valley Eagles 135 21.58 168 Blackpool Orion 063E 24.36 122 Sheffield Sparklers 058B 21.58 169 Beating Herts 134C 24.40 123 Midshires Mud Pack 138 21.58 170 Sheffield Shooters 058C 24.47 124 Whiterose Wagtails 060 21.66 171 Fylde Surfers 038B 24.51 125 Yorkshire Leapers 052C 21.67 172 Four In The Fast Lane 097 24.58 126 Hotshots 153 21.68 173 Whiterose Curlytails 060B 24.58 127 Barkshire Boleros 017F 21.70 174 Fun 4 Mutts 054B 24.63 128 Hillam Hot Dogs 086 21.71 175 Box Raiders 103 24.77 129 Racing Colours 064F 21.71 176 Chocolate Bytes 027K 24.79 130 Podlers 015B 21.77 177 Blackp’l White Dwarf Stars 063D 24.85 131 Shooting Star Jokers 001A 21.85 178 Peas in a POD 015I 24.88 132 Podextras 015H 21.93 179 Underdogs Untamed 085C 25.11 133 West Riding Wizzers 118B 21.97 180 Dodgy Dolphins 122G 25.18 134 Sherwood Outlaws 102 22.01 181 Malmesbury Abbotts 128B 25.25 135 Crazy Cadets 081B 22.12 182 Timber Wolves 050G 25.34 136 Springers 041 22.16 183 Night Owlers 119D 25.43 137 Ball Buster Bandits 043B 22.17 184 Break-Evens 090C 25.63 138 Wilmslow Jackals 150A 22.20 185 Valley Odd Dogs 129A 25.73 139 Melton B's 035A 22.22 186 Bishop Burton Brainiacs 148 26.19 140 Daventry Buzzers 099B 22.38 187 Mansfield Ifit 124H 26.35 141 Scallywags 059 22.56 188 Dancing Dolphins 122B 26.97 142 Shooting Star Rebels 001D 22.56 189 Malmesbury Monks 128 27.80 143 Gofour Yellowbellies 110D 22.57 190 Midshires Mud Larks 138C 99.99

18

SSEELLBB YY CCOOLLLLEEGGEE RREESSUULLTT SS – 17th February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Doreen Smith DIVISION TWO – Judge Rachel Child 1 Dog Friendly Flyers 18.60 1 Cleveland Whirlwinds 20.25 2 Mansfield Marnicks 18.29 2 Cleveland Hurricanes 19.51 3 Mansfield Formula One 19.40 3 Fylde Coasters 20.21 4 Red Rose Rebels 18.75 4 Nova Next Generation 21.12 5 Red Rose Rascals 20.06 5 Barking Owlers 22.08 6 Barney Owlers 19.78 6 Yorkshire Runners 19.62

DIVISION THREE – Judge Bob Haworth DIVISION FOUR – Judge Julie Rumsey 1 Mansfield Tricks 19.85 1 The Northern Bytes 21.04 2 Blackpool Super Nova 20.00 2 Blackpool Quasars 21.39 3 West Riding Wizards 20.80 3 Mansfield Tantrumz 21.31 4 Thorne Troopers 20.49 4 West Riding Wizzers 21.97 5 Dog Friendly Sprinters 21.35 5 Fylde Rollercoasters 22.63 6 Break-Aways (UK) 21.06 6 Thorne Trotters 23.54

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Peter Vowles 1 Hucknall Torkards 23.83 4 West Riding Warriors 24.56 2 Dog Friendly Racers 23.46 5 The Killa Bytes 23.37 3 Fylde Surfers 24.51 6 Blackpool White Dwarf Stars 25.61

Aw shucks – caught in the act!

SSEELLBB YY CCOOLLLLEEGGEE RREESSUULLTT SS – 18th February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge William Whiteley DIVISION TWO – Judge Alison Harrison 1 Doncaster Belle Stars 18.47 1 Grasshopper Gems 19.14 2 Wires A-Live 18.76 2 Doghouse Smash 'n' Grab 20.49 3 Live Wires 18.74 3 Wire Sparks 19.69 4 Crazy Chieftains 19.40 4 Doncaster Northern Stars 20.34 5 Crazy Cannons 19.75 5 Wire Springs 21.80 6 Sheffield Speeders 19.31 6 Sheffield Sparklers 21.58

DIVISION THREE – Judge Paula Merryman DIVISION FOUR – Judge Val Currie 1 Wire Flash 19.91 1 Doncaster Dinky Stars 23.49 2 Free Wheelers Fast 'n' Furious 21.53 2 Sheffield Shooters 24.47 3 Racing Colours 21.71 3 Whiterose Curlytails 24.58 4 Yorkshire Leapers 21.67 4 Yorkshire Bouncers 23.72 5 Crazy Cadets 22.32 5 Chocolate Bytes 24.79 6 Whiterose Bobtails 22.95 6 Yorkshire Rockets 23.67

19

BLIZZARD 4TH FEBRUARY 2003 - 19TH FEBRUARY 2007

I am so touched by everyone's good wishes, thoughts and memories of my big lad as I fondly called him. There have been so many messages on the web board, sent privately, emails and texts. I am so very amazed that he was so well known, and it just hammers home what a close-knit community we flyballers are. I have shed so many tears and now want to share so many smiles about him and remember him for what he did best... making me proud.

Blizzard was a huge part of not only my life but of the flyball world too, just ask any of the Belle Stars. He was a clown prince, a showman and a very special dog rolled into one.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who gave me advice to help us to get him running. To Joanna who was frequently dragged up the flyball lane and into the arena. I can still hear her begging me not to walk too fast in front. To all the judges who learned to use sign language with me when he was first dog. To all the Belle Stars for their infinite patience, determination and belief in him but mostly to Blizzard for giving me four years of fun, love, flyball with a difference and being him. A special thank you must go to Paula who was at the ready with her needle, thread and mesh to repair his tent, not only once but three times! It used to take her hours!

He has given not only me but lots of you amusing memories of his escapades at flyball, here are a few:

At one of the Cheshire Set's comps (I think it was Tabley) when the Belle Stars were standing by, one of the team noted that there was a big white fluffy GSD just like Blizzy running up the lane. As she spoke, Ron put out on the microphone that indeed my big lad was in the process of doing a complete run of flyball on his own and correctly. Racing had to be suspended while I collected him. I hung my head in shame! As I took him back to the scene of the crime I was told by, I think it was the PODS that he had raced past them with a purpose. He had trashed his pet tent.

When we were at Bakewell we competed against an empty lane. Scott Harrison was our judge. At the time Blizzy was not doing it - shall we say 100%. Well we thought he couldn't do much wrong. How misplaced were those thoughts! He ran perfectly up the lane to the box then decided he would actually check out the other lane just to make sure. As if that was not enough he then went on to run around the arena, refusing to come back until after his finale of pooping in the blue lane. Need I say more? We lost against an empty lane!

At the Summer Champs last year on the Sunday all my dogs were chilling out in their pet tents in the awning. I nipped over to the stall as we were packing away. Two minutes later I returned to find Robin holding onto Blizz by his collar. He had been round the campsite looking for his Mum, not a problem but he did look sheepish. I peeked into the awning and lo and behold he had done it again... pet tent trashed! He then got a telling off with both barrels so much so that the rest of the Belle Stars dogs hit the deck and cowered. He never slept in a soft crate again!

After that he went from strength to strength becoming one of the quicker dogs in the second team. It was thanks to Michelle from Cleveland that he went lead dog and also why I had to borrow fencing cups from Linda at Red Rose. I had bruises on my chest and legs!

There were quite a few people who kindly ran him for me whilst he was in his naughty stage. My thanks go to Ray from the Tykes, Linda from Red Rose, Ryan from Sheffield and Joanna and Tracey from Doncaster Belle Stars. If I have forgotten anyone I apologise.

There are so many more things that he got up to, and to list them would take too long. I know everyone will have their own memory of him and the Belle Stars hope that he will be remembered for the fun he brought to flyball. When things were getting too serious he could always be relied upon to brighten up the arena.

He never quite got his Advanced Certificate because of his illness but the first three that he got will stay on my wall with his rosettes. He achieved so much more than I ever thought he would.

Blizzard, Blizzy Bear, Big Lad, were all the names he would answer to. There will never be another quite the same. Rest in Peace now Blizz, you always made an entrance wherever you went and now you have made your exit. Always loved, never forgotten. I will try to make you proud of Echo; she has big paws to fill. Your ever-loving Mum. Debbie Holding (Doncaster Belle Stars)

20

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

Lynne Brown Midshires Mud Pack Gina Croft Brimblecombe Barkers Clive Peters Brimblecombe Barkers Sandie & Barrie Bunning Soxon Sprinters Shaun Ayres Five Jays Fireballs Susan & Tony Burgess Five Jays Fireballs Jenny Andy & Nikki Davies Five Jays Fireballs Malcolm & Sandra Edgell Five Jays Fireballs Peter Jennings Five Jays Fireballs David & Lilian Jinks Five Jays Fireballs Carole McLean Five Jays Fireballs Marion House Five Jays Fireballs Bethan Radford Five Jays Fireballs Brian House Five Jays Fireballs Ashley Radford Five Jays Fireballs Christine Browne Five Jays Fireballs Valerie & Brian Moody Five Jays Fireballs Trudy Wilkinson Five Jays Fireballs Harriet Maris Ball Busters Tony Ball Ball Busters Sally Jervis Gofours Suzanne Calver Racing Herts Peter Chizlett Brimblecombe Barkers Jenny Kennedy Brimblecombe Barkers Adele Rodda Kiddy Monsters Bettina Walter FourPaws Racing Stephan Sutter FourPaws Racing Jo Woodman Midshires Mud pack Bruno & Jenny Borriello Kiddy Monsters Carol Avenell Bristol Ball-istics Monica De Bokx Springers Susan Marshall Springers Lesley White Ball Busters Nicola & Ken Hilton Hucknall Torkards Stuart Gallaway Wilmslow Wild Dogs Jane Grant & Scott Mitchell Whiterose Wagtails Sharon White Doncaster Belle Stars Gary Cullingworth Doncaster Belle Stars Katie-Jade King Pods David Mason Kiddy Monsters Jade Vowles Free Wheelers Barry & Janet Parlett Sheffield Speeders Aaron & Alish Parlett Sheffield Speeders John Scholey West Riding Wizards Kieran & Zoe Tennant Cleveland Comets Nikki Buckley Springers Kathryn Porter Box Raiders Julie Vickerman TBC Charlotte Gardner Wolf Pack Nicola Clarke Pods

Stuart Mathieson Pods Paul &Tessa Martin Soxon Sprinters Lindsey Hamilton-Rudd Hilltop Dare Devils Nicholas Hamilton-Rudd Hilltop Dare Devils Jo Appleton Ball Busters Toby Worrall Scallywags Hazell Brown Crazy Cannons Ben Hudson Crazy Cannons Suzy Cordell Crazy Cannons Tamsin Essex Crazy Cannons Valarie Richardson Crazy Cannons Andrew Deborah & Jessica Short Crazy Cannons Mikk Warner Crazy Cannons Neil Harry & Alex Sherlock Crazy Cannons Carolyn Evans Crazy Cannons Susan Jackson Daventry Bumbles Jack Reid Dog Friendly Flyers David Shackleton Wilmslow Wild Dogs Melanie McKean Soxon Sprinters Danielle Cross Mansfield Marnicks Annaliesa Burke Greetland Grasshoppers Pauline & Derek Caddick Malmesbury Monks Jill Parker Snatch 'n' Grab Adele Nicholas Snatch 'n' Grab Maurice Metcalf Hampshire Harriers Tim Webber The Knights Christine Nicholls Wilmslow Wild Dogs Noel Cornes Flying Colours Stephanie Carey Flying Colours William Corns Live Wires Chris Bloor Flying Colours Kayla Whiteley Yorkshire Bouncers Marian & Alison Dunevein Soxon Sprinters Stephen Lee Dolphins Robert Rawlinson Greetland Grasshoppers Patricia Wadby Greetland Grasshoppers Shaun McDermott Live Wires Jodie Archer Bishop Burton Brainiacs Graeme Prowse Mansfield Marnicks Rebecca& Hannah Mills Kellington Power Racers Donna & Simon Hathaway Snatch 'n' Grab Sam Cornelius Shooting Stars Lise & Duncan Woodward Box Raiders Paula & Rebecca Allchin Underdogs Bethany & Sophie Allchin Underdogs Rosie Burrows Gofours Andrew & Amy Hanson Malmesbury Monks Nicole Jobbins Malmesbury Monks Jake Woodman Midshires Mud Pack Julia Ayrton Free Wheelers

21

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS – continued

Anna Gooch Carmarthenshire Chargers Shirley & Edmund Aley Hampshire Harriers Norma Rafferty Carry On's Sandra Barton Red Rose Rockets Howard Levitt Bishop Burton Brainiacs Keith Eaton Red Rose Rockets Amy-Lauren Fillingham Bishop Burton Brainiacs Tony Martin Thor's Rovers Andy Clayton Crazy Cannons Elizabeth Barratt Soxon Sprinters

Helen & Ian Perry Cheshire Set Lindsay Taylor Monday Niters Rosemary & David Thorp Shooting Stars Karen Hayward Northants Falcons Kerry Carlon Wolf Pack Caroline Dobson Wellingborough Red Wellies Margaret & Alistair Bouttell Lomond Raiders Carina Jackson Mad Mutts Annie Mackay Golden Valley Eagles Jillian Head Ramsden Rockers Rebecca Foster Bassett Allsorts

NEW TEAMS

Five Jays Fireballs, Five Jays Flying Fidgets, Five Jays Fen Tigers

Milestone Runners

Ramsden Rockers, Ramsden Rollers

WALKIES WITH A CANINE ADDICT

You should be aware that walking correctly with a dog addict inevitably involves the indignity of carrying small plastic bags for gathering up doggy excretions. The bags then go into metal containers where they can mature for months before collection.

Worse still, some dog addicts pick up the poo in the bag and then tie the bag to a nearby tree like some primitive offering to the woodland spirit. Remarkable odours come from such places. Canines thus convert their humans into walk monitors and lavatory attendants. Human addicts rarely notice their new and diminished status.

I’M BACK

The winter months are a little hazy And I was going slightly crazy.

When there was a voice, softly spoken ‘It’s Nellie’s box, get it open.’

Then it was Lights, Camera, Action.

There I was in my favourite place With all these people dashing about apace.

All the yips, yaps, barks and ruff ruffs I could only be at Crufts.

So here I am ready to go, Be it London – Paris or even Oslo.

But please remember, whoever gets me Dust occasionally; let me out for a wee.

Chris King – flyball widower (Molten Magnets)

(Warning – she’s ready to move on, it could be YOU! She might even be with you already. Ed)

22

Held at Wythall Community Hall, Birmingham on Sunday 1st April 2007

The Chairman, resplendent in his new growth of beard, welcomed those present. He pointed out that there were a few contentious issues on the agenda and asked us all to consider carefully and to vote to the benefit of the Association.

After the presentation of reports the meeting settled down to some lively, good-natured discussion of the proposals.

Committee and Officers/General Meetings

The meeting voted in principal for amendments to the rules for Committee and Officers plus General Meetings but left it to the new Committee to decide on the actual wording.

Balls

It was agreed to add to the rule quoting ‘ balls (any colour)’ - that should easily be distinguishable when being carried by a dog, to a judge officiating a race. It is difficult to see if a dog drops a ball when the ball is a dark colour.

Jumps

For dog safety it was agreed that jumps should be protected by foam at the front, top and back.

Rules of Racing

It was carried that ‘ dogs that have faulted for any reason must be re-run in the order that they were faulted.’

The meeting decided to add to the rules that wherever possible dogs should have all four feet on the ground. At no time should they be dragged around suspended by their collar or harness with their feet off the ground.

It was also agreed to add: A collar and/or close fitting harness may be worn. There should not be any hanging parts that are liable to flap around when dogs are racing.

Annual Awards

Following some very thoughtful discussion the meeting was in agreement that the annual awards needed to change from the present points based scenario. The dogs already receive awards throughout the year for the points they earn running in tournaments. The Committee would welcome suggestions from the membership for alternative ideas.

Ring Layout

It was carried the if tournament organisers want to change what has been the normal layout of the flyball ring for many years, these changes must be put in writing to the BFA Secretary, in advance, for approval before implementing these changes.

Presentations

Presentations were made to Doreen Wright of the Wolf Pack for organising the refreshments, to Val Currie as Editor of the Flyball Record, to Suzzanne Gladstone as Stats Officer, to Anne Johnson and Wayne O’Rourke (retiring Committee Members) and thanks in his absence were given to Graham Nye for his work as Membership Secretary

Postal Vote for the New Committee

1356 voting papers were issued, 561(41.37%) were returned of which 16 were spoilt. The following were voted onto the Committee: Anne Alcock, Howard Campbell, Penny Charlton, Maureen Hendry and William Whiteley.

23

The BFA Committee 2007 – 2008

Committee Other Officers Chris Fulford Bad Dog Racers Webmaster Nigel Bouckley Howard Campbell Greetland Grasshoppers Training Co-ordinator Peter Roberts Penny Charlton Barkshire Bandits Membership Secretary Applications invited Anne Alcock Live Wires Records & Statistics Suzzanne Gladstone Judy Parker Molten Magnets Lights Co-ordinator Dave Long Tony Cain Cheshire Set Editor – Flyball Record Val Currie Steve Leek Dolphins Regional Representative Co-ordinator Rachel Jones Maureen Hendry The Northern Bytes William Whiteley Yorkshire Bouncers

The full minutes of the AGM are now available on the BFA web site, the above being an abbreviation of the proceedings. New Rules & Policies will be issued in due course.

DOGS AND CATS

Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing! 9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing! 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing! 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing 12:00 pm Milk bones! My favourite thing! 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing! 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing! 5:00 pm - Dinner! My favourite thing! 7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing! 8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing! 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

With thanks to Sue Blyth (Live Wires)

24

BRISCOE’S DIARY Or

Tales from an English Springer

Hey! My name is Briscoe. At eight weeks old I came to live with my new Mum, June. It was a bit of a shock I can tell you. There I was in a pen with my three brothers and one sister, one minute I’m leaping up for my share of attention, the next I’m scooped up, “First one I can catch hold of, you’re it.” On the way home she took a proper look at me and said “Aren’t you ugly?” Offensive or what? I think the ‘piggy’ pink nostrils give me character.

My reception was a bit traumatic, let’s just say I made number 9! Hit it off straight away with Pretzel the Pomeranian though, she’s great, only 4 months older than me so we have lot’s of fun. Uncle Rusty doesn’t like me but Mum says not to take it personally, he doesn’t like any other dogs.

Shall I tell you how I got my name? Mum kept calling me ‘Ugly’ it sounded ok to me but all her friends were horrified and said she couldn’t call me that. Anyway, she had just finished reading an autobiography by some one called Constance Briscoe. It was entitled ‘Ugly’ and as Mum says she became beautiful and famous (she’s a High Court Judge so she must be clever too). My Mum has great expectations!

Had my first ‘jab’ at the Vet’s. Mum told him how I got my name but he said I was lovely. Now every time he sees me he will think ‘Ugly’. It doesn’t matter much to me, I hope I don’t see much more of him anyway, especially if he’s going to keep sticking needles into me!!

Another day Auntie Fionna stuck an even bigger needle in me, I didn’t cry this time either. They said this means I am ‘chipped’. I’ve got a special number so if I get lost people will know to bring me back to Mum. She says she’s not sure she’ll want me if I don’t stop being naughty! I don’t think she means it though. Perhaps I should lay off her shoelaces just in case?

Learned the dog flap in twenty-four hours, easy peasy. I was holding onto Pretzel’s tail when she went through (she gets her own back - pulls my ears something awful). Means I can find my own way out to the toilet for ‘pees and poos’ as Mum says. I do remember most of the time and Mum doesn’t make too much fuss when I have the odd lapse and wet in the house. Got the sleeping through the night thing, took 3 or 4 nights, I sleep in a crate, near Mum’s bed just so I know I’m not abandoned.

I am 10 weeks old now, ‘eating like a horse’ she says. It’s Burns food of course because Burns sponsors the flyball team.

Went along to watch the Flyball training last Sunday, lots of noise and running about, I like that, can’t wait ‘til I can join in! Mum says I can after my second jab. I’m not too happy about the jab but it will be worth it if I can run around and bark like the big dogs.

Mum has a Flyball box in the house, she says it gets us puppies used to it ready for when we can ‘play’ Flyball. I found it was great fun to bounce off when racing Pretzel ‘round the room. Mum let me play with a thing called a tennis ball, lovely, (if she doesn’t take it away you can pull all its fur off!) Then she put it in the Flyball box, supposed to be for Pretzel, but I wasn’t having that, I got there first. Made a very satisfying noise and spat the ball at me. Mum says “No problem with the box then”

June Conway (Carmarthenshire Chargers)

AANNGGLLEESSEEYY SSHHOOWWGGRROOUUNNDD RREESSUULLTT SS – 17th February 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Anthony Allan DIVISION TWO – Judge Sue Armstrong 1 Pods 18.41 1 Leaping Dolphins 20.77 2 Cheshire Chasers 18.40 2 Valley Hound Dogs 21.64 3 Podlets 20.00 3 Podextras 21.93 4 Valley Hot Dogs 19.94 4 Podlers 23.43 5 Delinquent Dolphins 19.00 5 Wired 4 Action 21.51 6 Spanish Rapidz 20.74 6 Peas in a POD 24.88 7 Cheshire Wheatsheafs 20.60 7 Dancing Dolphins 26.97

25

MMAAIIDDSSTT OONNEE RREESSUULLTT SS – 11th March 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge John Percivaldi DIVISION TWO – Judge Jason Baker 1 Shooting Stars 18.05 1 Ball Busters 19.97 2 Barkshire Bandits 18.16 2 Extrabuccs 20.20 3 Bad Dog Racers 18.21 3 Underdogs 20.46 4 Barkshire Bullets 19.08 4 The Knights 20.11 5 Barkshire Bambinos 20.22 5 Racing Herts 20.56 6 Buccaroos 22.48

DIVISION THREE – Judge Maurice Jenkins DIVISION FOUR – Judge Bill Reast 1 Brimblecombe Boomerangs 21.19 1 Ace's Dominos 21.13 2 Shooting Star Comets 21.48 2 Four Bad Dogs 23.31 3 Barkshire Boleros 21.70 3 Shooting Star Rebels 24.01 4 Shooting Star Jokers 21.85 4 Underdogs Untamed 25.11 5 Hotshots 22.32 5 Beating Herts 25.53 6 Ball Buster Bandits 22.68

Doncaster Belle Stars Awards Congratulations for the following B.F.A. AWARDS gained from September to February 2007

from all your team-mates.

The Pearl Award (30,000 points) Debbie Holding & Belle

The Ice Blue Moon Award (20,000 points) Paula & Woody Paula Thorpe & Woody

The Gold Award (15,000 points) Joanna Bonner & Logan

The Silver Award (10,000 points) Matthew Hinz & Fly

Flyball Dog Graduate (3,000 points) Amy Rutherford & Henry Tracy Leslie & Molly Rachel Fotherby & Merlin Debbie Holding & Blizzard

Flyball Dog Intermediate (1,000 points) Sue Fielding & Fizz Tracy Lorriman & Squirrel

Flyball Dog (250 points)

Joanne Rutherford & Chevvy

THE B.F.A. DIARY 2007

Key – Cl.D = Closing date for entry O = Open LO = Limited Open M = Multibreed LM = Limited Multibreed

June 23/24th Frimley Lodge, Surrey Bad Dog Racers Contact – Chris Fulford Tel. 01329 311780

LO (48 teams) CLD 24th May

June 30th July 1st

Penny Farm, Blackpool, Lancs Red Rose Rockets Contact – Len Titterington Tel. 01253 762116

LO (48 teams) CLD 29th May

July 7/8th Ryecroft Farm, Ashley, Cheshire Cheshire Set Contact – Vera Edge Tel. 01565 873390

LO (42 teams) CLD 7th June

July 7/8th Hayton Farm, Sellindge, Kent Shooting Stars Contact – Janice Aird Tel. 01303 240584

O CLD 9th June

July21/22nd Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire The Northern Bytes Contact – Doreen Smith Tel. 07733 267158

LO (54 teams) CLD 21st June

July 21st July 22nd

Capstone Country Park, Kent Ace’s High Contact – Jeannette Shelley Tel. 01795 559424

LO (24 teams) Starters CLD 21st June

July 28/29th Eggborough Power Station, North-Yorks. Yorkshire Bouncers Contact – Betty Potts Tel. 01757 703233

LO (48 teams) CLD 29th June

July 28/29th

Tai Lawr, Bryngwran, Anglesey Pods Contact –Delia Roberts Tel. 01407 810610

LO (72 teams) CLD 30th June

July 31st / Aug 1st

Tai Lawr, Bryngwran, Anglesey Pods Contact –Delia Roberts Tel. 01407 810610

LO (72 teams) CLD 30th June

Aug 4/5th Eastham, Wirral, Merseyside Dolphins Contact – Steve Leek Tel. 07743 894881

LO (48 teams) CLD 30th June

Aug 4/5th York Racecourse, North-Yorks Dog Friendly Flyers Contact – Julie Rumsey Tel. 01904 466758

LO (48 teams) CLD 30th June

Aug 11/12th Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire The Northern Bytes Contact – Doreen Smith Tel. 07733 267158

LO (48 teams) CLD 6th July

Aug 12th Camperdown Country Park, Dundee, Scot. Tayside Roadrunners Contact – Alan Wood Tel. 01382 580443

O CLD 12th July

Aug 18/19th BFA Summer Champ, Daventry, Northants BFA Committee Contact – BFA Secretary

LO (54 teams) CLD 23rd July

Aug 18/19th Olivers Mount, Scarborough, Nth. Yorks Yorkshire Bouncers Contact – Betty Potts Tel. 01757 703233

LO (48 teams) CLD 18th July

Aug 25/26th Aug 27th

Tatton Park, Cheshire The Northern Bytes Contact – Doreen Smith Tel. 0161 4940787

LO (48 teams) M CLD 26th July

Aug 25/26th Aug 27th

Drax Sp. & Soc. Club, Nth-Yorks Kellington Power Racers Contact – Roger Talbot Tel. 01977 661209

LO (42 teams) M CLD 26th July

Sept 1/2nd Redmires Playing Field, Sheffield, Sth-Yorks Sheffield Speeders Contact – Val Ransom Tel. 01142 462512

LO (48 teams) CLD 4th Aug

Sept 1/2nd Shackerstone, Leics Nuneaton Flyers Contact – Pamela Harrison Tel. 01827 707293

LO (48 teams) CLD 3rd Aug

Sept 8/9th Penny Farm, Blackpool, Lancs Red Rose Rockets Contact – Len Titterington Tel. 01253 762116

LO (48 teams) CLD 7th Aug

Sept 15/16th Sutton Fields, Nr. Runcorn, Cheshire Live Wires Contact – Anne Alcock Tel. 01925 267274

LO (42 teams) CLD 17th Aug

Sept 22/23rd Ryecroft Farm, Ashley, Cheshire Cheshire Set LO (42 teams) Sept 22/23rd Paws in the Park, Paddock Wood,Kent Barkshire Bandits O Sept 29/30th Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire The Northern Bytes LO (48 teams) Sept 29/30th Lincolnshire Showground, Lincs Gofours LO (48 teams) Oct 6/7th Rose & Crown, Portway, West Midlands Wolf Pack LO (36 teams)

27

Oct 13th Oct 14th

Selby College, Nth. Yorks Yorkshire Bouncers Teams may enter either Sat. or Sun.

LO (30 teams)

Oct 14th Maidstone, Kent Ball Busters LO (24 teams) Oct 20th Oct 21st

Waltheof Centre, Sheffield, Sth. Yorks Sheffield Speeders Teams may enter either Sat. or Sun.

LO (24 teams)

Nov 10th Nov 11th

Northern Racing College, Doncaster Doncaster Belle Stars Teams may enter either Sat. or Sun.

LO (24 teams)

Nov 18th Maidstone, Kent Ball Busters LO (24 teams) Nov 24th Nov 25th

Newark, Notts Nuneaton Flyers Teams may enter either Sat. or Sun.

LO (24 teams)

Dec 1st Dec 2nd

Northern Racing College, Doncaster Doncaster Belle Stars Teams may enter either Sat. or Sun.

LO (24 teams)

Dec 8th Dec 9th

Waltheof Centre, Sheffield, Sth. Yorks Sheffield Speeders Teams may enter either Sat. or Sun.

LO (24 teams)

HELP

Does anyone else have the same problem as me?

My husband, a very part time flyballer, always pinches the Flyball Record from me – almost before I set foot in the house.

He then proceeds to read it from cover to cover passing comments here and there. He loves the exploits of Nellie and was most perturbed when she seemed to have disappeared.

Any suggestions to help me solve the problem should be sent to the Editor.

Lynda King (Molten Magnets)

28

In memory of ‘My Blue Eyed Boy’ – Tanner 2000 - 2007

Tanner had been a Member of the Molten Magnets Flyball Team for about five years and helped win the BFA Summer Championships in 2005. He also ran in the Northants Borders, the winning team at Crufts 2006.

He came to Sarah as a rescue dog at the age of 12-18months old but became ill at the beginning of this year and subsequently Sarah had to make that final decision. Tanner was such a lovely dog, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body, he was an ambassador for the sport of Flyball. He will be sadly missed, not just by Sarah, but also by everyone who knew him.

IF IT SHOULD BE …

If it should be I grow frail and weak And pain should wake me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad – I understand – Don’t let your grief then stay your hand. For this day, more than all the rest, Your love and friendship stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years What is to come will hold no fears. You’d not want me to suffer, so When the time comes – please let me go.

Take me where my needs they’ll tend, Only stay with me ‘till the end And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you too will see, It is a kindness you do me.

Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you Who has to decide this thing to do. We’ve been so close – we two – these years Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

Jean Meeking (Molten Magnets)

Midshires Mud Pack Awards

Congratulations to all the team for a great first year's competition and so many awards.

Flyball Dog Intermediate

Bobby with Mary Amos Ashby with Melanie Howell Scooter and Radar with Cath Locke

Flyball Dog

Blue with Jean King

Thanks to everyone who helped us 'get it together'. We hope to meet you all again through 2007

29

FLYBALL DOG - FINALLY!

In December 2004 my Springer Spaniel Sam and his brother Frodo gained their first flyball points at the Anglesey Christmas show. Since then Frodo has gone from strength to strength achieving Flyball Dog Advanced last September at Sutton Fields but Sam, meanwhile, has languished for reasons only known to him.

He would go out OK but would not return over the jumps – running out down the side of the run. Anyway, two years later, after a lot of coaxing, shouting and cajoling and numerous disappointing tournaments he finally gained the elusive 200 points at Anglesey in January this year to become a flyball dog.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have helped me over the last two years. Caroline, from Fylde Coasters, who shared her experiences of running Springer Spaniels. Steve, the Dolphins team captain and coach, whom I know has despaired sometimes of understanding what makes Sam tick. And finally all my fellow Dolphins who have celebrated the good runs with me and kept my spirits up at the low points when I was thinking of packing it all in. Thank you all.

And to anyone out there struggling with their dog, my advice is keep on trying. It is worth the effort. Flyball dog may be “one small step” for some dogs but it is “one giant leap” for my little Dolphin Sam.

Special thanks to Penny Bott of the Dolphins for the celebratory cake - Sam says it was scrummy!

Angela Bolton (Dolphins)

Thanks to the Red Rose Rockets

Gus and Ma would like to say thank you to all team members (both four legged and two legged), who either ran with him or handled him over the years, and helped him gain his Ice Blue Moon.

Lucy and Pa would also like to say thank you to you all for helping her achieve 8,077 points last year and putting her in 8th place in the crossbreed of the year section of the BFA awards.

Ma & Pa aka Linda and Michael Larkin (Red Rose Rockets)

Misty (0434A) 1992 – 2007

Run free old friend

Thanks to Peter and Delia (Pods) for introducing us to this great sport.

Hilary Skinner (Molten Magnets)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

May I go now, don't you think the time is right? May I say good-bye to pain-filled days and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be, so can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I didn't want to go at first. I fought with all my might! But something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light. I want to go! I really do! It's difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and are afraid because I see your tears. I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know that my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go. Thank you so for loving me. You know I loved you too. That's why it's hard to say good-bye and end this life with you. So hold me now, just one more time, and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

Susan A. Jackson – for Hilary

30

WWAALLTT HHEEOOFF CCEENNTT RREE RREESSUULLTT SS – 17th March 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge Paula Merryman DIVISION TWO – Judge Roger Talbot 1 Mansfield Marnicks 18.46 1 Cleveland Hurricanes 19.05 2 Gofours 18.54 2 Molten Meteors 19.96 3 Molten Magnets 18.85 3 Cleveland Whirlwinds 20.72 4 Red Rose Rebels 18.88 4 Molten Metals 20.82 5 Nuneaton Flyers 19.10 5 Red Rose Rascals 20.69 6 Barney Owlers 18.67 6 Whiterose Wagtails 21.66

DIVISION THREE – Judge Bob Haworth DIVISION FOUR – Judge Trevor Whitaker 1 Spanish Rapidz 21.03 1 Kellington Sapphire Blue 20.14 2 Nuneaton Dodgers 20.20 2 Monday Niters 21.17 3 Doghouse Smash 'n' Grab 20.79 3 Nuneaton Ospreys 21.76 4 Molten Magic 20.85 4 Nuneaton Kestrels 21.71 5 Sheffield Sprinters 21.13 5 Wilmslow Jackals 22.98 6 Kellington Spitfires 20.89 6 Gofour Yellowbellies 22.67

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Dave Long 1 Barking Owlers 24.47 4 Sheffield Shooters 24.85 2 Carry On Regardless 23.84 5 Kellington Crusaders 23.76 3 The Killa Bytes 24.23 6 Whiterose Curlytails 26.34

WWHHYY IISS IITT

that during the average dog’s lifespan of fifteen years, humans will have: taken them on 10,956 walks; bathed them 780 times; fed them 5,478 meals; wiped mud off the walls at least 10,956 times; disinfected the kitchen floor 43,824times;

… THEY STILL LOVE THEIR DOGS?

WWAALLTT HHEEOOFF CCEENNTT RREE RREESSUULLTT SS – 18th March 2007

DIVISION ONE – Judge William Whiteley DIVISION TWO – Judge Robin Holding 1 Live Wires 18.31 1 Sheffield Speeders 19.00 2 Dog Friendly Flyers 18.70 2 Mansfield Formula One 19.65 3 Doncaster Belle Stars 20.06 3 Yorkshire Runners 18.91 4 Grasshopper Gems 19.63 4 Mansfield Tricks 19.46 5 Crazy Chieftains 19.32 5 Cheshire Chasers 19.99 6 Wires A-Live 19.80 6 Wire Sparks 19.99

DIVISION THREE – Judge Rachel Child DIVISION FOUR – Judge Jayne Owen 1 Doncaster Northern Stars 19.93 1 Mansfield Tantrumz 21.01 2 Dog Friendly Sprinters 21.00 2 Yorkshire Leapers 22.65 3 West Riding Wizards 21.06 3 Sheffield Sparklers 21.96 4 Wire Flash 20.76 4 Wired 4 Action 21.73 5 The Northern Bytes 20.33 5 Break-Necks 22.59 6 Break-Aways (UK) 20.83 6 Free Wheelers Fast ‘n’ Furious 22.03

DIVISION FIVE – Judge Jacqueline Litherland 1 Scallywags 22.56 4 Doncaster Dinky Stars 23.86 2 West Riding Wizzers 22.36 5 Yorkshire Rockets 24.09 3 Dog Friendly Racers 23.94 6 Chocolate Bytes 25.58

31

BFA REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CO-ORDINATOR & East & West Yorkshire Rachel Jones Tel. 01706 813893 Email _ racheljones9@fsmail.net Anglesey & North Wales Peter Roberts Tel. 01407 810610 Email – PeterPODS@aol.com Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire Val Currie Tel. 01327 857604 Email – valcstitchers@yahoo.co.uk Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, London, Middlesex & Surrey Terry Condra Tel. 01895 254427 Email – terry.condra@virgin.net Cheshire, Merseyside, Shropshire & Staffordshire Doreen Smith Tel. 0161 494 0787 Email – dsmith910@ntlworld.com Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland & Tyne Tees Lynda Haworth Tel. 01642 590409 Email – the.haworths@ntlworld.com Cornwall & Somerset Stephanie Rendall Tel. 0117 949 8533 Email – FlyDogz2@aol.com Cumbria & Lancashire Dianne Halsted Tel. 01253 591180 Email – davebergelin@yahoo.co.uk Derbyshire, Lincolnshire & North & North East Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire & Suffolk

Valerie Rothlisberger-Jones Tel. 07813 902553 Email – breakaways@tiscali.co.uk Devon & Dorset Janine Redman Tel. 01590 681635 Email – janineredman@forestlodgevets.co.uk East Sussex & Kent Janice Aird Tel. 01303 240584 Email – janiceaird@tiscali.co.uk Essex Sarah James Tel. 01797 367414 Email - marshcheetahs@yahoo.co.uk O xfordshire & Wiltshire Sam Bawden Tel. 01865 820097 Email – Sambawden@aol.com Gloucestershire, Herefordshire & Mid & South Wales Louise Bolger Tel. 07970 209519 Email – lou_bolger@yahoo.co.uk Hampshire & West Sussex Alison O ’Rourke Tel. 023 8039 4370 Email – pawzitiffpawz@btinternet.com North Yorkshire Alison Booth Tel. 01977 795156 Email _ Alizdogz@aol.com Scotland Alison Moyes Tel. 01382 610610 Email _ alimoy@dogs2.freeserve.co.uk South Yorkshire Andrea Price Tel. 01226 727917 Email _ andreaprice@mobuff.fsnet.co.uk Warwickshire, West Midlands & Worcestershire Anne Johnson Tel. 0121 4431535 Email – abryher@WolfPackFlyball.co.uk

Last amended May 2007

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British Flyball Association PO Box 109

PETERSFIELD GU32 1XZ

Email –bfa@flyball.org.uk WWW –www.flyball.org.uk

COMMITTEE

B.F.A Chairman Chris Fulford

Tel. 01329 311780 Email: chris.fulford@flyball.org.uk

Vice Chairman Howard Campbell Tel. 01422 378079

Email: howard.campbell@flyball.org.uk

Secretary Penny Charlton

Tel. 01753 620110 Email: secretary@flyball.org.uk

Treasurer Anne Alcock

Tel. 01925 267274 Email: anne.alcock@flyball.org.uk

Show Secretary Judy Parker

Tel. 02476 404266 Email: judy.parker@flyball.org.uk

Committee Member William Whiteley

Tel. 01377 267432 Email: william.whiteley@flyball.org.uk

Committee Member Antony Cain

Tel. 01782 519372 Email: antony.cain@flyball.org.uk

Committee Member Maureen Hendry

Tel. 01302 533414 Email: ianmohendry@dslmail.netserve.net

Committee Member Steve Leek

Tel. 0151 336 8923 Email: steve.leek@flyball.org.uk

OO FFFFIICCEERRSS Membership & Team Registration

Graham Nye Tel. 01730 828269

Email: membership@flyball.org.uk

Training Co-ordinator Peter Roberts

Tel. 01407 810610 Email: peter.roberts@flyball.org.uk

Records & Statistics Co-ordinator Suzzanne Gladstone Tel. 07730 498887

Email: suzzanne.gladstone@flyball.org.uk

Regional Representatives Co-ordinator Rachel Jones

Tel. 01706 813 893 Email: rachel.jones@flyball.org.uk

Web Master Nigel Bouckley

Tel. 01726 861191 Email: webmaster@flyball.org.uk

Lights Co-ordinator Dave Long

Tel. 02476 393468 Email: david.long@flyball.org.uk

Publicity Officer Steph Rendall

Tel. 0117 9498533 Email: stephanie.rendall@flyball.org

Junior Awards & Height Cards Anne Johnson

Tel. 0121 4431535 Email: anne.johnson@flyball.org.uk

All articles featured are the opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Editor or the B.F.A. Committee. The Flyball Record cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in factual content.