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GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
It has been a good year for the society following the disruption of normal society business caused by the SGM. The new committee still have their arguments and heated discussions but this is through passion for the end cause rather than one-upmanship that so often occurs within our sport. If it takes an argument to bring members a good trial then so be it! This is followed by a unified drink in the bar afterward and no hard feelings! This year a special thank you needs to be said to Frances Colclough (FT secretary spaniels) who is truly the heart of the society. Her efforts and dedication to the society and sport are second to none and we are very luck to have her. This year is the first year in 18 years that she missed a trial and only because of illness. My sources tell me a close report was kept throughout the day by phone. With the retrievers, the field trial secretary’s position was left open after the AGM and Geoff Devine-Jones kindly agreed to take over the role. I think it even surprised him as to how much organisation is required for this, and he was faultless in pulling off his trials successfully. Geoff is widely experienced at both retriever and spaniel trials and his knowledge has been invaluable. Thank you Geoff. This year has seen a good attendance at the draws leaving me in no doubt that they have been conducted fairly and along the best lines of sportsmanship. 8