Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the Chairman...September 2005

I had a fabulous weekend in Sydney, along with Neville and Steve at the end of July at the NSW Training Camp. I thought the Heathcote Scout Camp venue was perfectly suited. It was lovely to meet so many new ADAA members and the “ Old members…” even if they did not recognise me!! I have carefully taken note of what facilities the centre can offer, so we can make better use of it next time; Bunk Beds, Great Hall with log Fire would make a great dinner venue etc!

Invitations have been issued for participation in this years Inaugural Medallion Stakes Invitation event, to be held at Uralla as part of the Grand prix. The top 10 dogs in each height class from each state have been invited, which should see a good field of dogs challenged by their judges to see who will be the winners of this new event. We hope to announce by that time or shortly thereafter the updated rules for the 2006 Medallion Stakes event, which will have more rounds, allow one to drop your worst score, and several other minor modifications. The Board is very pleased with the reception this new event has met and looks forward to its growth in the future.

Entries have now closed for the Grand Prix, so the Sub-Committee is now hard at work with the final preparations. Meals, Shirts, Entry Gift, Prizes, Catalogues, Running Orders, Equipment…. There is much to organise for such a large event, and I guess the most important preparatory work is the course designing by the judges. This year we are utilising 16 Judges for the event so course co-ordination for the event will be of paramount importance and I have no doubt provide competitors with a veritable feast of Agility and Jumping over the 3 days. If you have any completed Helpers Hamper forms please post them to me; they are due by 26th September. The Helpers Hamper is great so don’t miss out there is still time to complete a form and get it posted away.

There have been many titles earned at recent competitions and several Handler Awards earned. I must mention that Natalie Kirkwood recently earned the 200th card she needs for her Silver Handler Award. Well Done Nat, she is only the second handler to earn this award. Another noteworthy achievement was when Wendy Blakeston and Woody (Brittany Spaniel) earned their final card for Woodstar’s AAC. Wendy has been in that “drought zone” for about 18 months, waiting for the final card. I am sure you guys in Sydney must have heard the crowd go wild; I definitely did and I was floating on a cruise ship in the Pacific. I was worried it was a hurricane coming from Brisbane direction.

Seriously, your Board of Directors has worked very hard to bring you all these great Events. I would like to thank each and every one of them for their work this year and hope they can find sufficient time to relax at Uralla and enjoy their own agility. On the cruise ship the sugar came in little sachets with “Words of Wisdom” on the back. I saved this one as I thought it epitomised ADAA:

Team Work
Many Hands,
Many Minds,
ONE GOAL

Have Fun Always

Marion

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