23rd October 2025 Open Cocker Trial at Savernake Forest

Judges Andy Robinson & Guy Stubbings

1st FTCh CAERFYRDDINS EIRA TEMPEST Lindsey Corbett also Guns Choice

2nd KERDAT WAR PAINT Martyn Elliott

3rd INDIE DARK BREEZE Al Portman (John Cook)

4th WOOLPITTS LOSSIE Martin Deacon

CoM STRIGIDAE HEDGEHUNTER Sam Thatcher

CoM TAFFSWELL SNAKE Angelo loCurto

CoM FTCh WOOLPITTS SHIN OF POOLGREEN J Starkey (Claire Starkey)

CoM PERIJA SEPTEMBER SONG K Robertson (John Robertson)

CoM CLEARMEADOW DAPHNE A Perrett (Dave Templar)

CoM COWARNECOURT HAILEY OF HEGDONMILL Mark Phelan

CoM COUNTRYWAYS YOGI BEAR Andrea Perett

Savernake is an extremely popular walked up ground these days. ‘Keeper Paul Howard has developed the shooting there over several years and understands exactly what is required by Field Trial Societies.

As everyone knows 100% where to meet, where to park, where the loos are etc., other folk can take advantage of the local Premier Inn for a walk-in breakfast should they so wish. Today it was the Guns, a couple of helpers and one of the Judges who duly assembled at 0800 and copious amounts of tea and much toast was consumed… with some eggs and bacon thrown in for good measure. It really is only five minutes drive from there to the ground, so we weren’t rushing.

Our Guns today were Graham and Leigh Cummins (ex Gatcombe Park but Graham was brought up locally at Linkenholt), Bob Cook (Fosbury) and Richard Rosser. All good dog men and excellent shots.

Paul had informed me that today’s Trial was going to be slightly different. Instead of staying in the glorious ancient woodland, pushing pheasants from bracken, we were to be transported a couple of miles in the Beaters Trailer to a new bit of ground he has taken on. Savernake Fieldsports now offer acres and acres of cover crop to shoot over.

Out in the open I have to say I was really grateful to be wearing my stout new Barbour. The wind was absolutely biting at the top. Where we started was pretty exposed. Although the forecast had been horrific a couple of days ago, fortunately for us, the very worst of Storm Benjamin had passed through last night. Squally wind was still with us.. but, as we progressed, we were lee of the wind and quite sheltered.

The line was very wide, reminding me more of a walked up retriever day, but the dogs hunted well and birds came regularly to hand. There were plenty of hares about, but they leapt from their seats well in front of us and only a single brownie was shot all day.

One thing about cover crops is that it gives absolutely the same type of ground for everyone. The only variation being wind direction and whether the dogs have the sense to use it. The fields were gently undulating in parts which gave the gallery excellent viewing.

We were easily finished by lunchtime and headed back to the meet point to give out the awards.

1st FTCh CAERFYRDDINS EIRA TEMPEST Lindsey Corbett also Guns Choice