The Mid Wales Working Gundog Society was founded in 1987 by Pamela and Clive Rowlands and its aim is to promote all things found to be desirable for, and in the interest of, gundogs.

Located in an area in which shooting is a major sport, there is a great demand for trained dogs to work on the large commercial shoots and also on the many syndicates within the region. Therefore, out of the shooting season, the Society offers training classes for handlers wishing to bring on young dogs ready for the next season or for those keen to keep more experienced dogs 'up to scratch'.

Opportunities are also provided for the novice - dog or handler - to see how they perform in competition against others. The Society organises events open to all members, namely:-

•  Working Tests, where dogs demonstrate their abilities at retrieving dummies in various settings

• Cold Game Tests where similar exercises are undertaken with game which has been previously shot.

• Trials

All events are carried out under the eye of experienced judges approved by the Kennel Club.

Dogs who perform to a high standard may then go on to enter Field Trials - the top rung of competition for working gundogs - when they are judged whilst undertaking work in a real shooting situation. Mid-Wales Working Gundog Society is now registered with the Kennel Club and looks forward to organising its first Novice Spaniel Trial in October/November 2004. Members of the Society also take part in demonstrations at Game Fairs in the region using their regular working dogs to give an impression of gundog activity to those unfamiliar with the way gundogs are trained to work and the jobs they carry out on a shooting day. Usually the Society has a small tent and ring at Game Fairs where they run short training sessions and people are invited to join in with their own dogs. Members are also willing to help anyone who may have any specific problem if they want to come along to the tent on the day.