The Pointer and Setter Club - The Beginning
Until 1983 pointer and setter trials were held solely by All Breeds Clubs. There had been little progress during the preceding 25 years, with the exception that we had got rid of trap boys and the dogs were expected to hold a point. Courses were 250 metres long and usually down wind, and only championship trials were held. It was Joy who thought the time was right to form a Pointer and Setter Club and that the provision of minor trials, in particular, would encourage new entrants into the sport. A meeting was called in conjunction with the 1983 Rotorua Gundog Club Championship Trials in January and 18 enthusiasts met and decided to go ahead with the formation of a club.
It has amazed me how the Club has developed pointer and setter trials during the intervening 14 years. Far in advance of the original hopes. We now have longer and better courses and the use of electronic traps has been a major plus. There is a full programme of trials available through puppy, novice, limit and open to championship, including brace trials. Most pleasing of all is the present rapid expansion of interest in the wild game trials which means I feel we have come of age in relation to the world scene.
Many members have made major contributions to the widespread trial developments and improvements and this has been a strength of the Club and still continues. During the early 60‚s when I was first trialing, the entries in the U.K. trials were often 10 - 20, i.e. about where we are now. My hope and expectation is that by the time of our Club jubilee we will have their problem of over subscription for trials!