Spectating at a novice cocker field trial

[spartan]

Hi there
As the title suggests I would like to spectate at a novice cocker field trial, but having never done so before what is the best way of going about this. I've looked at the KC Field Trials Diary but can't see anything close to Cambridgeshire from the information given. So if anyone knows of a trial somewhere close, I would be grateful.
Thanks

[Bamburi]

Are you a member of any clubs ? if so have a word with the organisers and ask to help out on the day by either game carrying or stewarding ,depending on the ground its going to be a little difficult viewing from the gallery so that would be your best option (helping out) I hope you really enjoy it when you do

[spartan]

Thank you for your reply
I'm not a member of any field trial clubs or society,this is very much a toe in the water to try and
get a feel of what's required, hence novice trial which is I believe where all dogs start. I did note
Your remark about viewing from the gallery is this because your so far behind the line ? or can you
not see for cover or ground contour, if it's the later there isn't many hills in cambridgeshire

[romanriver]

There are a couple of Novices near Cambridgeshire, and an Open Cocker, have a look on Cambridgeshire FT Society website and ring the FT Sec, game carriers always welcome.

[spartan]

Many thanks for the info, can I ask what's involved in being a game carrier and would
I be in a better position to understand what's happening

[Bamburi]

Many thanks for the info, can I ask what's involved in being a game carrier and would
I be in a better position to understand what's happening

Game carrier will be required to walk just behind the judge, handler and guns to carry any shot game , so you would be in a very good position to see everything thats happening

What I meant about viewing from the gallery is that you would be some way off from the above mainly for safety reasons but more importantly to be fair to the running dog , at some trials you may be able to see whats going on but only from a slight distance then again at some you would be able to see nothing all day say because of high crops, hedges trees etc etc. I doubt even in Cambridgeshire they will be running trials on open fields

Romanrivers advice is good and probably the best way to go if you arent a member, why not find out if there is a local club that you can go along to for training sessions then you could ask them if you could go along

[pontbeck]

Spartan, Bamburi and Romanriver have given excellent advice. Spaniel trials, in the main, are not a spectator sport. However, if you volunteer to carry a game bag and take the shot game from the judge ,you are right in the thick of it and have as good a view as the judge. Joining a club close to you would be an advantage and a word with the secretary should give you leg up to achieve what your asking.

[Gundogguy]

Are you a member of any clubs ? if so have a word with the organisers and ask to help out on the day by either game carrying or stewarding ,depending on the ground its going to be a little difficult viewing from the gallery so that would be your best option (helping out) I hope you really enjoy it when you do

+1 To Bamburi, My first novice stake back in the 90's I had the privilege of being a game carrier, the absolute best place to see dog, handler and judges. The job gives you a ringside seat to the event. That stake was in the Nottingham area.

[spartan]

Thank you for the advise, I will check the Cambridgeshire website and get the details.

[billatwoodside]

I am restarting my interest of old in trialling and have attended a few Spaniel Trials.
I use the field trial diary on kennel club web-site to plan which trial to attend. Phone the secy and find out the meeting place.
Then go along and meet everyone - you will soon get to know regulars, lots of banter, good action!

It will also help in choice of clubs to join.