The 1998 Border Terrier Welfare Training Weekend proved so successful, if more than a little wet, that the Springhill DTC were encouraged to make plans for the 1999 event. It was decided to include agility in an Exemption Dog Show which would be open to the public. The big day arrived, and with it glorious sunshine and Keith Leslie.

Date: 10th & 11th April 1999
Venue: Family Farm Services, A34 Southbound, Weston-on-Green, Oxford

The weekend opened on the Saturday morning with obedience sessions, instructed by Alison Hook and William Walker. This gave us the opportunity to solve a few problems for the owners of some of the more difficult dogs. I am pleased to say that even the problem dogs behaved well without any aggressive behaviour.

Agility with Keith Leslie
Meanwhile Keith Leslie displayed his own personal style of training by instructing the first of the Agility sessions. Keith's intention was that the training should provide those attending with the opportunity to have fun with their dogs in a safe, controlled environment and to enable the handlers to learn how to train their dogs effectively, using praise, toys and titbits. Keith said that the four most essential things to bring were enthusiasm, fun, and a sense of humour and most of all a love of the Border Terrier. From the favourable comments received we would be very pleased to welcome Keith at Springhill again next year.

After Keith
At lunch sandwiches were served courtesy of Stella, who had the responsible job of keeping us all fed and watered whilst at the same time keeping us all in order! Thank you Stella - you are appreciated. During the break conversation centred on various aspects of Agility, Obedience training and stripping techniques - then fully refreshed it was back to work. The next sessions provided the opportunity to deal with the problem dogs on a one to one basis.

Exemption Show with a 'Have a Go' Agility Ring
Sunday saw the arrival of Peggy Grayson who had kindly agreed to judge the Exemption Dog Show. The high standard of the entrants gave Peggy a difficult task to select the winners. A task which I certainly did not envy. The Exemption Show was the first held at Springhill and provided the public with an opportunity to see what our club has to offer and a chance for us to promote our aims in the dog rescue and fundraising fields.

Thank You
On behalf of Border Terrier Welfare, Springhill DTC and all those who attended, we would like to say a very big thank you to Peggy. As a result of the weekend over £300 was raised for Border Terrier Welfare and a vote of thanks is owed to the members of Springhill for their hard work and, of course, to our sponsors Gilbertson & Page for supplying the rosettes.

In conclusion, the weekend was much enjoyed by all that participated, especially my 12-year-old rescued Border Terrier, Sam, who was given a second chance in life by weekends such as this.

Now its time to start organising something extra special for the year 2000 event. If you would be interested in coming along, then please watch for news at our web pages http://www.baker21.freeserve.co.uk.

Springhill DTC & Agility was founded by William Walker along with Ruby Hughes who is now in her late 70s. In the beginning, William spent most of his time rehoming Staffies and raising funds. However, he soon realised that if his breed was to survive, then something needed to be done to reassure and educate the public that they were not vicious dogs. He came up with the idea of a training club where Staffie owners could train their dogs in Agility and Obedience on the premise that a well trained dog is welcomed everywhere. Over the years, the club which started in a lock up garage began to welcome other breeds and continued to raise funds.

The Club has strong links to rescue operations and holds two charity events per year for the Friends of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Border Terrier Welfare. It is also supports Inspire for Spinal Injuries at Highclere and is just about to start collecting for the Border Collie Trust GB. There are plans to take up the cause of tie Cairns later this year. The rest of the time is taken up supporting various local charity fundraisers and introducing dog owners to Agility at County Fairs.

This year GILPA has adopted the Club, and they supply over 200 kg of dog food prizes per show. Purina contribute small doggy treats for runners up. Up to now Petsmart have supplied the rosettes but as Petsmart are in a state of 'flux', the club is looking for a new supplier. Jessops Photography has just started to sponsor our winner's photos.

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