ooch Sc Issue No. 1
October 2010
p M O NTHLY
SPRINGWOOD DISTRICT DOG TRAINING CLUB BY FOUNDING MEMBER DOT LUKER
started having a yearly agility trial, which is still held, at Lomatia Park.
ighteen years ago Ann Moy, Gwen Schofield and myself met twice a week at Summerhayes Park to train our dogs.
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We had all trialled our dogs in obedience. Ann trialled a Doberman, Athena, Gwen a poodle Georgie, and I a German Shepherd, Luke and another German Shepherd dog Leica. One day we were approached by Pam Waters “who is a honorary life member now” to have dog training for the local community, we decided after much deliberation to give our time and start a club, never thinking it would become as big and successful as it has.
Dot then
We had our first meeting at Pam and Leslie’s house on Hawkesbury Road. It wasn’t easy even then, we were allowed eventually to train at Summerhayes Park on Thursday nights but only on the hard court near the clubhouse. We did a lot of hard work to get going but thanks to the great members who came we soon were managing to have success. We only had four instructors, Ann Gwen a guy called Malcolm another trialler and myself. We were soon too big for where we were so after much interaction and frustration council and other groups let us move to Lomatia Park. For the first time we had a clubroom to use. After dragging tea and coffee, milk, flasks, biscuits etc. home after training we really appreciated it, because we had space we could put some jumps in the clubhouse. We were given the right hand side as we entered the clubhouse and told not to use all the room, and look what happened, the club grew but it was hard going to grow financially. I myself donated our first obedience equipment and Ann Moy donated the first Agility equipment. Over the years we have become very busy, we were about two years old when we became affiliated with Canine Council now DOGS NSW, at Erskine park this meant we had to have an Obedience Trial each year which were all held at Lomatia Park until three years ago when we moved our Obedience Trial to Dogs NSW at Erskine Park. We also
Over the years we have had great members come and fill positions and some become instructors, which has enabled us to have all the classes we have today. Ron Amann has been here for many many years, Wally our table manager has too, Trudy, Lynn Olsen, who instructs every week, Jenny Prestige, Celeste Paxon, Kay Arkins, Trevor, Ella and Bill, have been here a while too.
Whilst being with the club I have trained and trialled five obedience champions. I now have my borders, but I also trialled the first German Spitz to do obedience. I had Tinka my beloved little sheltie who had her UD and I am still trialling and training. I am proud to have been there from the beginning, working alongside all the wonderful people past and present. We have done many things in the community, demonstrations at Glenbrook on Australia day, Foundation day in Springwood, and marched with our dogs on Anzac day. We try to educate the community in good dog management and help them how to train their dogs. I’m sure someone will be writing in the newsletter in another eighteen years time telling of all the wonderful things the club is doing. I could go on forever telling how we do Flyball, Pet classes, fun nights etc., but I must stop somewhere. Have fun with your four legged friends you will never be disappointed, they will give you so much back! Dot now