NATIONAL BANQUET

The first official event of the National, of course, is the banquet which was held at the Legion Branch 445 in Callander. Following the National Retriever Championship tradition, the head table was piped in and once seated, the Master of Ceremonies Hubert Shank made his opening remarks. The Canadian and US National anthems were beautifully sung by Gerry Burmaster and a toast was proposed to King Charles III and the Office of the President of the United States of America.

The MC continued with the introduction of the head table. From left to right – DU rep Rob Watson, Dogtra rep Dennis Hong, Judges Chris Brandl, Rick Roberts, and Mike Zelman, Chief Marshal David Thompson, and wife Jane, Gun Captain Peter Dozois, NRCC President Doug & Elaine Shepherd, Debbie and partner Hubert Shank MC.

The judges were presented with their judges pins and judges gifts on behalf of the North Bay host club. Thank you to PRO PLAN, the official sponsor of the Judges’ travel.

2024 National pins were also presented by Doug Shepherd to Hubert Shank (Chairperson), Mimi Burton (Secretary), David Thompson (Field Trial Head Marshall), and Jim Andrew and Kevin Riddell.  Hope Roberts also received a pin as a special mention for filling in for the entry secretary as well as doing the reporting.

NRCC President, Doug Shepherd spoke on behalf of the NRCC board offering thanks to the host club, North Bay & District Retriever Training Club, and its membership for working over the past year to bring together an exceptional event.   Doug mentioned not only the dedication to Dona Martin but also to those we lost across the country this year.

Jim Ling spoke about the dedication of this year’s National to Dona Martin. Dona’s contributions to the Field Trial community have left a lasting impact.  From her role as the NRCC Communications Officer, Secretary, and National Reporter, to her dedication to the early days of maintaining and developing the NRCC website. Her efforts have truly made a difference.

Landowners

A heartfelt thanks to the following landowners: Leanne & Kevin Riddell, John Hyatt, Ben & Audry Huges,Francis Lefeve, James Mansell, Gerald Hughes, and Mary & Jim Mansell. The National would not be possible without the generosity of landowners..

Sponsors

Thank you to the  list of sponsors whose cash and in-kind contributions are essential to the success of this event.  We heard from Ducks Unlimited rep Rob Watson, Bill Kenedy rep for Purina Pro Plan, and Dennins Hong, the rep for Dogtra.

Gold Sponsors:  PRO PLAN Official dog food sponsor and sponsor of the judges’ travel, and Garmin, the official electronic training collar sponsor.

Silver Sponsors:  Banded – Avery Sporting Dog(ASD), and Club Mead Labradors.

Bronze Sponsors:  Dogtra.

Friends of the NRCC: Dakota Creek Retrievers, Kent Cartridge, Canadian Waterfowl Supplies, and B.Hoover Custom Calls.

We welcome and thank Ducks Unlimited Canada for coming in to sponsor the finalist gifts.

Local sponsors and supporters are essential to the success of the event. We would like to extend our thanks to the following sponsors: Paul Desjardins from Lewis Motors Sales Inc., Shannon Avery from Avery Mobile Services, Jim Moore Petroleum, Jeff’s Auto Service, EMCO, Moore Propane, and the Northern Gates Club. A special thank you goes out to Terrace Suites for providing lodging for the judges.

At the conclusion of the speeches grace was offered for the meal about to be shared, a delicious roast beef dinner. A sincere thank you the cooks and servers at the Legion 445 for the wonderful meal.

Competitors were introduced and received their 2024 National handler bags and bibs.  Thank you to Garmin for providing the official bibs for competitors and test dogs, Club Mead Labradors for their contribution towards sponsoring the competitor jackets, and Bill Fleming for his contribution towards the handlers’ bags.  On behalf of PRO PLAN each entrant received a bag of PRO PLAN dog food.

The Chief Marshal, David Thompson gave instructions and announced the first test and location:  3 blinds full at all times, dogs on the mat for each send, if the dog creeps, judges will as you to re-heel, handlers are asked to stay in the roped area for viewing the test dogs, if a no bird, dogs will go back 3 dogs.  Test 1 & 2 will be combined series – a double with a blind.  Test location is on Hazel Glen Road.

Elaine Shepherd did the draw for starting dog:  # 4 Truline’s Just Floyd will start.

The caravan will leave the headquarters @ 7:00am.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

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