Categori: News

🚩 Aelodaeth 2020

A significant number of members are used to paying their annual membership during the trial season. As there are unlikely to be any trials for some months to come could those members that still have to pay please arrange to send £15 payment directly to the Secretary instead (details are on page 4 of the 2020 diary). The Society still incurs costs so your membership is very important.

This will ensure you remain on the mailing list to receive the 2021 diary and avoid any disappointment and administrative disruption next year.

Could Affiliated Societies that are also still to pay please send their payment for membership (£15) and if taken Public Liability insurance (£15). Trials will receive a credit for the PL insurance in 2021 if it is not possible to hold your trial this year. Please note that if it is possible, the ISDS need to confirm that the insurance cover is operative and valid. This will be notified if and when the situation with Corvid-19 changes. Please check first as you will not be covered and NWSDS will not accept any liabilities whatsoever.

Insurance is purchased by the NWSDS at the beginning of the year from the ISDS so it would help our cash flow if payment could be made in 2020.

📌 Coronavirus 2020 trials season – official position

“Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel,” the Prime Minister says.

The UK Chief Medical Adviser Prof. Chris Whitty says it will be a “minimum of weeks to months”. “Depending how it goes it, it may be longer,” he adds. He says it is important that people realise the measures will need to be in place for the “long haul” if the NHS is to be protected. Under the guidance, people who should be “particularly stringent” in minimising their social contact are people over the age of 70 and other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine (such as those with chronic diseases)”.

This will impact on trials and ultimately affiliated societies will need to decide whether to cancel or postpone their 2020 trial.

The Society Trustees advice is that the most appropriate action is that Affiliated Societies  trials should not be held until the Government advice changes. We believe this is the correct decision to make.

Trustees understand that this will come as a disappointment and inconvenience but ultimately, we all want the same thing, the health and safety of our communities.

The ISDS has also issued an official statement (18^th March) which is included below for information.

Consequently, it will be assumed that no trials in the 2020 diary will be held unless or until the Government advice changes. Any change to this will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

Public Liability insurance is purchased by the NWSDS through the ISDS and it is now null and void. In the event that Government advice changes later in the season any Affiliated Society trial will have to make their own arrangements for insurance (unless the ISDS position changes). In this case they will be held entirely independent of the Society which cannot and will not accept any associated liabilities whatsoever.  

Trials who have already paid NWSDS for this insurance will be credited for 2021. Other trials who have been insured still need to pay the NWSDS and will also receive a credit for 2021. Both are organised by NWSDS so no action is required by trials. The list of trials is on our website.

https://www.northwalessheepdogsociety.org.uk/insurance/

Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.

The ISDS official statement regarding COVID-19

“The health and well-being of our members, competitors, sponsors, volunteers and staff is of paramount importance. Advice from the Government and health officials regarding COVID-19 is changing daily with stronger restrictions being implemented and enforced. Considering this, we have concluded that all National, International and World trials will not take place this year. We understand and appreciate the level of disappointment that this will create, however we need to act responsibly during these times of uncertainty.

Local Trials
Based on advice issued by the UK Government on March 16th, specifically regarding restrictions on non-essential travel and contact, we strongly recommend that all local trials are cancelled.

We are receiving cancellation notifications daily and will be updating the trials calendar accordingly.

Points awarded at any local open trials will not be accepted by the ISDS as of today, 18th March; and this will continue until further notice.

Any affiliated local society that has purchased the ISDS Insurance must contact the office to raise a credit, as this insurance will be null and void as of today, 18th March 2020.

Major Trials – National, International & World trial entry has closed, please do not complete any further applications for World Trial entry, and those of you that have already entered will be contacted shortly.

We have made the decision that all major ISDS trials will not take place in 2020. The ISDS will now focus on managing the consequences of this, and when this is completed, start to undertake preparations for planning the 2021 major trial calendar. Once a 2021 calendar plan has been formed, a further statement will be released with necessary details.

We appreciate your support during this period of uncertainty”.

📌 Pencampwriaeth Aelodau ffurflen mynediad

GORFFENNAF 13 & 14 RED HOUSE, ABERHAFESP, Y DRENEWYDD SY16 3HH

Entry form to download and return with payment (preferred). Alternatively email or message (see CONTACT on menu bar) or use Messenger and pay later.

NWC 2020 entry

 

🚩Dyddiadur 2020

Diaries were posted on the 2nd March to all members who paid this and/or last year’s membership and life members. If you didn’t pay you are no longer on the mailing list and need to get in touch please if you want to resurrect your membership. Diolch / Thanks

👀 Trials: “a helping hand”

The Society is keen to try and help any Affiliated Trials who may be struggling to find enough committee members / helpers.

The Society is happy to use its media to help identify individual members who may be willing to help.

Please contact the Secretary if you would find this useful.

🚩 Trustees Management Committee

Meeting dates 2020: 

 20.02.20   25.06.20      15.10.20      03.12.20 (A.G.M.)

20.02.20 (key notes)

1. Agreed to post on website / FB offer of possible help from NWSDS members if needed by any Affiliated Trials which are finding it difficult to find sufficient committee members / helpers.
2. Trustees Indemnity Insurance (TII) discussion paper considered – agreed S&T to obtain quote for further consideration at next meeting.
3. Policies and procedures – noted and agreed reviews reference list.
4. Disciplinary procedure – adopted.
5. Complaints procedure – adopted.
6. Agreed S&T remuneration (December 2020) in light of developments and charity
7. NWSDS trials – agreed that the Committee should be advised of all arrangements for Championship trials agreed by the local committees e.g. judges, trial fields, number of sheep to be used etc. in order to maintain a minimum standard as far as practically possible.
8. National Qualifying points – agreed that trials should continue to be encouraged to include a pen and single/shed as required to gain points e.g. within the same time limit if it helps!?
9. Nursery Qualifying league table 2021 – agreed not to pursue.
10. Mentor trials 2020 – noted that no trials have been organised to date but several nurseries have invited entries from locals/beginners (need to encourage more to follow suit).
11. Agreed to propose increasing entry fee for Nursery Heats from £3 to £5 at AGM 2020 (half to NWSDS as now).
12. Agreed to arrange first meeting in 2021 in January instead of February.

Decisions log (for reference)

Constitution

New (updated) Charity Commission compatible constitution adopted (passed 2018 AGM)

Disciplinary procedure: The Society currently does not have a written policy. It is proposed that the ISDS policy be adopted and adapted as necessary – passed (passed 2019 AGM)

 Sponsorship

Class 3 (pilot ended 2019) for Young handlers (<18) and Beginners (a max. of up to 2 calendar years trialing in last 10 years) to be held preferably on a separate day. A maximum of 15 trials to be sponsored each year for 3 years, subject to an annual review. (passed 2018 AGM)                                                 

Mentor trials (pilot 2020): The Society will provide financial support, if requested (max £50 per trial up to £500 per annum), for dedicated non-competitive Mentor trials i.e. experienced handlers will provide mentoring at a trial open to new and inexperienced handlers (less than 5 years trialing) only or in conjunction with a local class or Nursery Heat. Mentors will accompany handlers at the post and if helpful can accompany them walking the course during their run(s). (passed 2019 AGM)

 NWSDS trials

Any dogs used at the letting out pen at the annual NWSDS Championships should be easily identifiable e.g. by wearing a bright / fluorescent dog coat / jacket. Affiliated Societies are encouraged to adopt the same rule (deferred from 2018 AGM).  (passed 2019 AGM)

Class 2 trial: The Vice Chair will organise a standalone trial every year (passed 2019 AGM)

Championships: The young handler competition be restricted to competitors aged 21 or under (one class only) from 2020. The John Beck trophy for winner and the Magnox trophy for best OLF (same structure as the Singles Championship). Six cash prizes to be awarded £15, £10, £5, £5, £5, £5 (total £45)    (£90 current <18 and <25) (passed 2019 AGM)

The Committee should be advised of all arrangements for Championships trials agreed by the local committees e.g. judges, trial fields, number of sheep to be used etc. in order to maintain a minimum standard as far as practically possible. (TMC 20.02.20)

Affiliated Societies Trials (in addition to the ISDS rules for trials the following are noted)

Amendment: “Judges are expected, to give points gained or lost at the end of the trial to competitors who request them through the trial Secretary” (passed 2018 AGM)

Removed: “The Committee accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage that may be caused during the Trials and that the Public are on the ground at their own risk”. Rule not compatible with current law. Affiliated Societies are encouraged to obtain Public Liability insurance. (passed 2018 AGM)

Addition: Any dogs used at the letting out pen at the annual NWSDS Championships should be easily identifiable e.g. by wearing a bright / fluorescent dog coat / jacket. Affiliated Societies are encouraged to adopt the same rule (deferred from 2018 AGM). (passed 2019 AGM)

Passed Added: During and after the trial. “Competitors or their agents are prohibited from approaching a Judge to seek to discuss or influence the award of points. Such an approach is gross misconduct and will render them liable to investigation” ISDS rules for trials 6.2 zc. (passed 2019 AGM)

Class 3 new criteria: “: UK & Ireland based handlers (not dogs) that have won a single prize of more than £15, anywhere in the world”. Entry fee £2. Prizes £5, £3, £2 or rosettes. (passed 2019 AGM)

Fund raising: The Society encourages Trials to notify the Secretary of donations given to  charitable causes so that they can be publicised on social media (to promote the Society’s charitable status).  (passed 2019 AGM)

Trials course: It is strongly recommended that a pen (means of containment with gate) and shed or single be included if practicable and required in order to qualify for National points. Note: may not be necessary if ISDS rules changed 2020. To be noted in 2020 Diary as  “National qualifying points awarded”. (passed 2019 AGM)

 “Entry requirement for Class 2: Dogs not having won 1^st or 2^nd in an Open trial OR not having won 1^st or 2^nd more than three times in a Class 2 trial.” (motion not carried  2018 AGM) 

“Class 2 – Dogs who have not been placed 1st or 2nd in an Open trial, held anywhere in the world. Dogs that have won two or more Class 2 trials must run in the ‘Combined’ class if one is available. (motion not carried 2019 AGM)

Sheep insurance – Affiliated Trial Society’s membership includes sheep insurance in the event of any loss at a trial. It is proposed to add that “in the event of 2 claims being made in 2 recurring years a £50 excess per sheep will apply for the following 2 years”. (motion not carried 2019 AGM)                 

 “To ensure consistency and fairness when a trial has 2 sessions,  entries for both sessions will be open / bookable at the same time on a ‘first come basis’ i.e. both sessions bookable on arrival. No pre booking, telephone bookings, or booking on behalf of absent handlers permitted. To be noted in 2020 diary as: “Both sessions bookable from start time, no other bookings taken” (motion not carried 2019 AGM)                                                                                  

 “The entry fees for non-members of the NWSDS at all Affiliated Societies trials be £2 more than for paid up members in all classes. Membership to be determined by the competitor’s good faith. (motion not carried 2019 AGM)

Nursery rules

Updates / Additions applicable from 2019: a) Only NWDS Members who are resident in the old counties of North Wales i.e. Anglesey, Caernarfonshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire are allowed to run in the NWSDS heats and nursery final and therefore allowed to represent NWSDS at the All Wales Nursery Final. b) Every dog competing must: i) Be under 3 years of age from the 1st November of the current year. ii) Not have been placed 1st to 6th in an Open trial or won a Class 2 trial. iii) Not have been the winner of any previous NWSDS Nursery Final.                 c) Competitors who qualify for the NWSDS Nursery Final must have provided a completed breeding form (form in annual diary) to the Secretary at least 2 weeks before the Final in order to run. d) After the 1^st October a nursery dog placed 1st to 6th in an Open trial or winning a Class 2 will be allowed to continue to compete. e) Where any dog is excluded from the NWSDS Nursery Final by virtue of any of the above rules the next highest pointed dog in the relevant Heat(s) will qualify for the Final. f) The running order for the final will be randomly drawn. (passed 2018 AGM)

New rule 5: After the 1^st August a dog placed 1st to 6th in an Open trial will be allowed to continue to compete in the current season but not future years.  A dog so placed before the 1st August of the current season will be unable to compete in any future Heats. (passed 2019 AGM)

Organisation (Trustees Management Committee)

27.06.19

Young handlers 50% membership discount: not supported

Agreed S&T remuneration (December 2019) considering developments and charity duties.

Trustees information pack (responsibilities etc.) circulated.

2019 Victor Ludorum pilot commenced (on website). Award to be given at annual dinner (if pilot sustainable) – adopted.

From 2019, in order to promote membership (including the annual diary) trial dates will only be advertised in the Farmers Guardian i.e. not ISDS website. New dates and any changes will continue to be posted on the website and social media: not supported

Nursery League qualification points system: not supported

17.10.19

Agreed to purchase 50 Red and 10 Yellow sheep collars from reserves if ‘lycra’ pull over versions can be sourced.

20.02.20

Agreed to post on website / FB offer of possible help from NWSDS members if needed by any Affiliated Trials which are finding it difficult to find sufficient committee members / helpers.

Trustees Indemnity Insurance (TII) discussion paper considered – agreed S&T to obtain quote for further consideration at next meeting.

Policies and procedures list – adopted.

Disciplinary procedure – adopted.

Complaints procedure – adopted.

Agreed S&T remuneration (December 2020) considering developments and charity duties.

🚩 ISN Digital Magazine now available

You can now get the ISN Magazine in a digital version. Please get in touch in order to access. The link has all the instructions.

https://www.isds.org.uk/isn-magazine/sign-up-to-digital-magazine/

 

🚩Pet travel to Europe after Brexit

 

Whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal [gov.uk link]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit?fbclid=IwAR0BrlDxCZOQZjwQN-VBIx1j8768f8fzWKGlCA6uM679DBVw6hfwUt-05P4

 

 

 

🚩 AGM (draft minutes)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (DRAFT MINUTES)

FOR INFORMATION ONLY

5^th DECEMBER 2019 (7pm)

Total members present:  27 (20 to be quorate)                   2018 (31), 2017 (39)

1. Minutes 2018 AGM

Accepted as a true record, no amendments, no matters arising.

PASSED

2. Trustees Charity Commission annual report 2018/2019

Noted:

• that paying members total 237, life members 34 and trials societies 56.
• total membership stands at 327 (293 paying). New members 2019 (41) and 2018 (40)
• Facebook follows 1,461, Website users 5,670 and page views 46,124
• Society sponsored Class 3 trials 17 (average entries only 3)

PASSED (signed by Chair)

3. Trustees Charity Commission financial report 2018/2019

Noted:

• cash funds at year end £28,966   * not incl. Sec. & Treasurer service agreement payment (£21,837 2017/2018)
• reserves at year end £21,402 (£17,239 2017/2018)
• adjusted surplus of £1,6242 from 2018 championship
• surplus of £1,051 from 2019 championship
• surplus of £135 from 2019 Class 2 trial
• three sheep insurance claims amounting to £328
• ledger and accounts kept by Sec. & Treasurer inspected by Arwel Staples on behalf of the Trustees Management Committee
• independent examination required if receipts are £25k-£500k (£16k 2018/2019) and full audit if more than £500k
• the chair expressed the Society’s gratitude once again to the sponsors of the very successful 2019 championships – NFU Wrexham, Nick Caldwell of GB Tools, Berwyn Hill trial and CSJ

 PASSED (signed by Chair and Vice Chair)

4. Appointment of officials 2020

a) Mr. Edward Archdale

b) Reappointment of current Trustees excluding two vacancies

PASSED

c) Trustees vacancies

Anglesey – Paul Reports elected

Flintshire – Keith Jones elected

5. Motions

(1) Add to NWSDS rules: Any dogs used at the letting out pen at the annual NWSDS Championships (incl. Class 2 and Nursery final) should be easily identifiable e.g. by wearing a bright / florescent dog coat / jacket. Affiliated Societies are encouraged to adopt the same rule (deferred from 2018 AGM).

Proposed: Ceri Rundle Seconded: Sue Main

Amendment: to pilot 2020 and review at 2020 AGM

PASSED (for 16 / against 6)

(2) Amend current rule 9: “Judges are expected to give points gained or lost at the end of the trial to competitors who request them through the Trial’s Secretary” ADD “Under no circumstances should judges be approached directly during or after the trial. Any instance will render the member liable to disciplinary action”

Proposed:  Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

Amendment: ADD During and after the trial. “Competitors or their agents are prohibited from approaching a Judge to seek to discuss or influence the award of points. Such an approach is gross misconduct and will render them liable to investigation” ISDS rules for trials 6.2 zc.

PASSED 

 (3) Nursery Rules no.5 Current: After the 1^st August a dog placed 1st to 6th in an Open trial or winning a Class 2 will be allowed to continue to compete.

New: After the 1^st August a dog placed 1st to 6th in an Open trial will be allowed to continue to compete in the current season but not future years.  A dog so placed before the 1st August of the current season will be unable to compete in any future Heats.

Proposed:  Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED

(4) Trial entry criteria Current: DOSBARTH 2/CLASS 2: Dogs who have not been placed 1st or 2nd in an Open trial, held anywhere in the world

New: DOSBARTH 2/CLASS 2: Dogs who have not been placed 1st or 2nd in an Open trial, held anywhere in the world. Dogs that have won two or more Class 2 trials must run in the ‘Combined’ class if one is available.

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

FAILED

(5) NWSDS Class 3 sponsorship 2019 to 2021 (subject to annual review)

Take up by new and inexperienced handlers and dogs in 2019 was less than hoped so NWSDS sponsorship will unfortunately not be continued in 2020 and 2021 (Trustees decision). The total number of trials 17, total runs 40, average per trial 2.4. Cost from reserves £390.

Instead Affiliated Societies trials will be encouraged to run their own NWSDS Class 3

New entry criteria: “Handlers (not dogs) that have won no more than £15, anywhere in the world”. Entry fee £2. Prizes £5, £3, £2 or rosettes.

Amendment: UK & Ireland based handlers…..not won a single prize of more than £15

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED

(6) NWSDS sponsorship Mentor trials: The Society will provide financial support, if requested (max £50 per trial up to £500 per annum), for dedicated Mentor trials i.e. experienced handlers will provide mentoring at a trial open to new and inexperienced handlers (less than 5 years trialing) only or in conjunction with a local class or nursery. Mentors will accompany handlers at the post and if helpful can accompany them walking the course during their run(s).

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

Amendment: “non-competitive” & to pilot 2020 and review at 2020 AGM

PASSED

(7) CCDGC/NWSDS Class 2 trial: That the Vice Chair organises a standalone trial every year i.e. 2020 Anglesey.

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED

(8) Society Championships: The young handler competition be restricted to competitors aged 21 or under (one class only) from 2020. The John Beck trophy for winner and the Magnox trophy for best OLF (same structure as the Singles Championship). Six cash prizes to be awarded £15, £10, £5, £5, £5, £5 (total £45)    (£90 current <18 and <25)

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED

(9) Sheep insurance: Affiliated Trial Society’s membership includes sheep insurance in the event of any loss at a trial. It is proposed to ADD that “in the event of 2 claims being made in 2 recurring years a £50 excess per sheep will apply for the following 2 years”.

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

FAILED  

(10) NWSDS Disciplinary procedure: The Society currently does not have a written policy. It is proposed that the ISDS policy be adopted and adapted as necessary.

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED    

(11) Associated trials recommendations: To ensure consistency and fairness when a trial has 2 sessions,  entries for both sessions will be open / bookable at the same time on a ‘first come basis’ i.e. both sessions bookable on arrival. No pre booking, telephone bookings, or booking on behalf of absent handlers permitted.

To be noted in 2020 diary as: “Both sessions bookable from start time, no other bookings taken”

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

FAILED (for 8 / against 12)

(12) Associated trials recommendations: The entry fees for non-members of the NWSDS at all Affiliated Societies trials be £2 more than for paid up members in all classes. Membership to be determined by the competitor’s good faith.

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

FAILED

(13) Associated trials recommendations (fund raising): The Society encourages Trials to notify the Secretary of donations given to  charitable causes so that they can be publicised on social media (to promote the Society’s charitable status).

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED

(14) Associated trials recommendations: It is strongly recommended that a pen (means of containment with gate) and shed or single be included if practicable and required in order to qualify for National points. Note: may not be necessary if ISDS rules changed 2020.

To be noted in 2020 Diary as  “National qualifying points awarded”.

Proposed: Chair   Seconded: Vice chair

PASSED 

6. Investiture of new chair and vice chair

John Whitley retired from the chair and thanked everyone present for all their help and support over the last year including the Sec. & Treasurer who also thanked John for keeping in regular contact which made working together very straightforward.

Gareth Ruggeri (Montgomeryshire) was appointed chair for 2019/2020

Paul Roberts (Anglesey) was appointed vice chair for 2019/2020

7. Trophies 2020 draw

Rhiwlas – Glyn Ceiriog

John Jones – Llansilin

8. Trial venues 2020

a) Championships – Red House Farm, Aberhafesp, Newtown 13/14/15 July t.b.c.

b) Class 2 Championship – Anglesey t.b.c.

c) Nursery Final – t.b.c.

d) All Wales Nursery Final – South 2020

9. RWAS

Young handlers – Erin Fflur and Elgan Jarman

PASSED

Judges – Cai Pritchard (Tues.) and Hafgan Pugh (Wed.)

PASSED

10. Judges panel

List in 2019 diary unchanged.

11. Annual dinner 2020

Venue to be confirmed but it was agreed that if no other alternative could be found that returning to Brookhouse Mill Denbigh would be a good option given last years success.

12. Any other business

Farmers Guardian coverage

Agreed to ask Claire Ridge if coverage of Championships, Class 2 and Nursery final could be guaranteed and if so we would provide copy and photos.

S&T ACTION

Welsh National 2020 fundraiser

Dylan Davies reported that Merionnydd YFC will be holding an event of the 14^th February 2020 

Date of next AGM 3^rd December 2020