Opening Banquet

A high-light of Canadian Pre-National activities is always the Opening Banquet-a chance to visit with trialers from across the country again as well catch up on news and begin the excitement of the week’s activities. The Banquet Hall was very nicely decorated by the Social Committee led by Jane Thompson, with help from Diane Ling, Patricia Green, Anne Hall, Barb Hawley, and Fiona McKay. A large collection of Silent Auction items were present.


Handlers jackets and hats supplied by Purina and the numbered bibs supplied by Tritronics waited beside the National Trophy to welcome all to the 2009 national retriever Championship
. The arrival of the Head table started the Program. True to a Canadian National tradition, they were led in by a bag-piper. National Anthems of both the United States and Canada were superbly led by Gerry Burmaster. Co-Masters of Ceremony, Jim Ling and Bill Kennedy toasted the Office of the President and The Queen as well as introduced the Head Table. Everyone feasted on an excellent dinner before starting the post dinner remarks which included welcomes from Pine Ridge Club, President Don Wilson, who set a new standard in his dashing black Tux! Field Trial Chairman Jim Green, spoke to the efforts of his hard working crew and preparations for the week, including thanks to the landowners.
NRCC President, Jim Ling, welcomed all and recognized the contributions of the Host Club, the NRCC Executive, the Directives, and the Sponsors. The Sponsors of the NRCC deserve special mention. Purina is the Official Sponsor and makes a major contribution to Canadian Nationals. They were represented as usual by the team of Lauralee Camillieri, Les Oakes and Tim Crone. Tritronics is also another long term major sponsor and Dogs Afield supplies all the blank ammunition as a Sponsor. Thanks also go to Ducks Unlimited Canada for supplying Finalists gifts at Nationals.

Together, Jim Ling and Secretary Marg Murray presented NRCC pins to judges, sponsor, directors, Marshal Gerry Pozzebon and FT. Chairman Jim Green and Field Trial Secretary, Honey Wilson among others. Jim also introduced and thanked me, Dennis Voigt, as Corporate Sponsor Liaison. I had an opportunity to update everyone on the Corporate Sponsor Program and thank them all. Jim also updated everyone on the results of the Annual Meeting (See my earlier report).
The judges were introduced, Wes Place from the Western zone, Dan Yeoman from the Eastern zone and Larry Baker from the Central zone. After receiving their gifts, Larry Baker spoke to how well the set-up crew had been working and how pleased they were with everything to date. By Saturday night, there was no doubt that the judges and their right hand man, Marshall Gerry Pozzebon were all smiles at how things were going.

Left to right, Mr. Yeoman, Mr. Place and Mr. Baker with `Pozzy`over seeing all! Before the judges were excused, we received the Marshall`s Instructions from Gerry. Handlers on the mat for marks, Dogs on the mat for blinds and go back 3 dogs for the first two no-birds before going to the end for a 3rd no-bird-It happens!
After a short break, a lively Calcutta started led by Auctioneer Dave Thompson and assisted by Bill Kennedy. Les Oakes handed out a bagful of goodies from Purina including free dog food. Bill Kennedy introduced each dog for the Calcutta.

There was an increasing air of excitement as the crowd talked about their favorites. Who had done well this year? Who was training well? Here, Professional trainer, Kevin Cheff, explains to Paul and Alma Lalley that "Quake" was running extremely well. Of course this raised the apprehension level-is he peaking? or peaked!!!
It took a while to go through all the dogs but finally when that was complete, the starting dog was drawn.It turns out that Dog 4, FC AFC FTCH AFTCH Miss T MH, handler by Pete Plourde will start off on Monday morning.
Good luck to all!