Some time ago the Kennel Club approached all Group Championship show Societies, raising concerns over the future possible shortages of Group Judges at Championship level and asking those societies to undertake training of prospective group judges, writes Chris Bexon, Secretary of the National Gundog Association.

With this in mind many of the Group societies have already commenced this task. From the outset the National Gundog Association felt that it was paramount that any training scheme of ours should complement the existing educational programmes organised by the breed clubs and in fact that we should harness the expertise which exists within breed clubs to produce our three year progressive package of learning.

The first of such seminars will take place at the Canine Academy, Tollerton, Nottingham, on Tuesday 26th February 2002, covering English and Irish Setters. The second day Wednesday 27th February 2002, will cover Gordon Setters, Pointers and Irish Red and White Setters.

We must acknowledge our partnership with the English Setter Association, the Pointer Club, the Irish Red and White Setter Club of Great Britain, the British Gordon Setter Club and the Irish Setter Association, England. Prospective candidates will possess the following: Must award CCs in at least three breeds within the Gundog Group and not be already passed for the Gundog Group. Preferably under 65 years of age Must have the necessary time to devote to the preparation work involved prior to the seminar.

The successful candidates will be expected to have a thorough working knowledge of the pertinent breed standard and have a working knowledge of canine anatomy and the dynamics of movement. The tutorials will be based on a Post Graduate/University style with considerable 'hands on' opportunity.

The main emphasis will be placed on the understanding of breed type and be restricted to twenty persons based strictly, on a first come first served basis. Assessment will be made at various stages during the tutorial and a certificate will be issued to those successful candidates who attain the required level of achievement. The cost of the two day seminar will be £70 and include all refreshments and pre-course hand outs.

An application form can be obtained from the Secretary of the National Gundog Association. Chris Bexon, 10 Bourne Avenue, Selston, Notts, NG16 6BH or from the NGA Web site http://www.gundog.org/

All enquiries will be handled promptly.