(Updated 15/8/01)

Midlands handling event changes to reflect your views

An extensive questionnaire to gain handlers’ and spectators’ views was circulated at the Midlands Handler of the Year held earlier this year. The committee of Alcester Ringcraft Society found the thoughtful replies of enormous value in planning for next year and offer their thanks. As expected there were widely differing opinions upon aspects of the existing package and the desired changes people would like to see incorporated.

Having analysed the replies and deliberated at length a fresh format has been chosen which will hopefully add to everyone’s enjoyment.

Judging will be brought forward to 2pm at the 2002 event on Saturday January 12 at last’s year new venue, the Cricket Connexion, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry.

Each of the four team members will be assessed in groups of approximately 10-12 by each judge, who will award points on a variety of skills. Every competitor will contribute towards the team total, with the top 20 or so competitors scoring the highest being asked once again to demonstrate their skills. Each of the judges will evaluate the performance and contribute equally to the final placements.

Traditionally this has been an adults-only competition, but next year will see the introduction of separate classes for child and junior handlers. Numbers for each event will be strictly limited to enable an anticipated close to proceedings between 8 and 9 pm, despite the increased amount of judging.

As a number entries have already been received, interested clubs are advised to contact Maureen Godson on 01789-764715 quickly to avoid disappointment.

Thanks should go to the sponsors and judges for being so generous with their donations and time, and to everyone who took part and made the event a success. A donation of £200 went to the Cinnamon Trust after the 2001 event, at which the overall winner was Hannah Boutell, with John Francis runner-up. Winners of the team event were The High Fliers, followed by Stratford upon Avon DTC’s first team, with Dad’s Army, third.