Congratulations Anthony Blake!

The National Committee would like to extend its congratulations to Anthony Blake of the newly formed Norfolk Sports Dog Club.

15 year old Anthony recently attended a Licensing Event in the Czech Republic, and undertook an examination to become a club level Trials Helper. The Officiating Society was Moravskoslezsky Kynologicky Svaz, Morava, National Organisation of the Czech Republic. The club which hosted the event was Kynologicky Klub Breclav (KK Berclav); The Licence instructor was Slavomir Boruta.

The event involved a 7km jog, sprints between hides whilst answering questions on the rules, and thereafter working several dogs in the various routines.

On successful completion of the License Event, Anthony was asked by the club to do helper work at their next trial in May of this year, when he will visit the club for some pre-trial training, and subsequently act as a helper at the event. Some training with the local police force dog instructors will complete his visit.

I first met Anthony a few years ago when he came to do a BH at White Rose with his Rottweiler dog; he was at that time 12 years old. Anthony qualified on that day and became the youngest competitive handler in the BSA. He has matured and grown since then; I have watched him develop as both a handler and helper. On my recent visit to the club he undertook his grade B tracking licence, which he attained with ease. I understand that Antony is to attend the GSDL WB Helper Licensing event later this year, and will thus continue with his progress in our sport. I am sure that he will develop into a valuable member of our organisation.

By: Richard James