In Memory

Remembering friends who have passed away

Dad
An original poem by Vikki Pollock

Too late was I to say goodbye
Too late to say farewell
I never had the offer
To see you on that day!
I now have only memories
And days of big regrets as
I didn't get to see you
The day you passed away.

My love for you will be forever.
My love for you will never die.
But Dad, I wish that I could say
That one word that I miss
I should have said it to you
And showed you with a kiss.

But Dad I wish that I’d been told.
To keep this from me was so cold!
How ill you had become
At least, I then would have had the chance
To hold you one more time.
If only this, if only that, if only I’d been told
It’s just too late to tell you, Dad
I loved you to the end of time.

Love, Vikki

Alan Pollock – In loving memory

It was with great sadness I learnt about Alan's  death. We went back many years. In 1976, we were married after a four year courtship, and then we sadly divorced in April 1999.

Alan shared a big part of my life with my love of both dog agility and horses. We took part in the Barbour Pairs which we won with George and Meg, and then we were in the winning team for The Ted Groom Trophy. He did, however, prefer to be organising events like the Purley and Coulsdon Agility Shows which we ran for a number of years. During that time we had many good and not so good times, but, out of it, we had our beautiful daughter, Vikki.

Alan, a police traffic officer, was married to the job! I shared most of his police career - 27 years of it - and I saw him through many good and bad experiences.  hen we met, he had only been in the police around a year so there are quite a few funny stories I could tell... Of course, when our marriage ended I was very sad but, over the years, I moved on and found happiness as did Alan.

Alan was - and always will be - very much in my heart. It was only a little while ago he phoned me and that conversation will always remain very dear to me as are the letters he often wrote.

My condolences to his friends that he has made over the years, but my biggest sympathy goes to Vikki, his daughter who never had the chance to say goodbye.

Rest in peace Alan, no more demons.
Loved you and will never forget you.

Val Pollock - Phillips

Alan William Pollock.
28 February 1952 - 13 October 2011

Chris Collins

After battling with cancer for just over two years Chris Collins died on 25 August 2011 at 52.  He was a great guy and friend always encouraging and if you had a bad run would tell you the good bits, after all most of us know the bad bits and was always ready for a chat. He loved his dogs Joel & Jess and after his operation, chemo and radiotherapy came back to agility changed his handling methods and never gave up! He mainly went to West Country shows but a few further afield. He leaves a wife Carol and three sons.

His funeral is on Friday, 9 September, 2pm at Taunton Crematorium Chapel with a burial afterwards. Refreshments will be at The Railway Tavern, Taunton.

Sadly missed.

Vivien Clarke

A Tribute to Don Nunn & the Sport of Dog Agility

I was scorer on Ring 14 on Saturday,13 August at the KC International Festival when Don Nunn collapsed and subsequently died, following his run in Grade 6-7 Jumping. Don was someone I did not know other than from the scrimer's chair. Over the years, I had given Don my usual 'When you’re ready, Don,' on several occasions and Don always turned and looked and said 'Thank you' before devoting his full attention to the run.

The events of Saturday were distressing to those closest to Don and a shock to the wider agility community. As always, when tragedy strikes, there are people who rise to the challenge. There were the heroic efforts of those volunteers first at the scene to save Don's life. For others, it was involvement in practical things such as handing out bottles of water, making tea and keeping the area clear for the paramedics.

There was a sombre mood when the ring party re-convened at 1.00pm to complete the day’s programme, but agility went on. There were successes and failures. As always there were the hard luck stories. There were the dogs which had excelled themselves and others who were expected to do well that had somehow ended up being eliminated. It could have just been another agility day but of course it wasn’t.

At the end of the class in which Don had run, I completed the results sheet. It was with a lump in my throat that I wrote down Don’s name in 17th place. Wherever you are watching us from, Don, I hope you are pleased. I also hope that, in time, the memory may bring a smile to those who now grieve.

The Agility Whisperer

From Christine Nunn & Family - humankind and dogs,
We wanted to thank all those who were kind enough to send messages and cards to me, Abigail and Caroline and for the donations to the British Heart Foundation. It meant a tremendous amount to me and my family to see so many people to see Don to his final resting. Those who tried to help Don and gave me support and our dogs on that awful day of 13 August will be always be remembered with heartfelt thanks. Our house is rather quiet now and the dashing about at weekends at unearthly hours is no more. Marion has kindly offered to train Kez just to keep her fit and her mind active and hopefully I will see some of you at the Mid Downs show at the beginning of October. I truly thank all of you for your support. (12/09/11)

The funeral...
The family have asked that any donations will go to the British Heart Foundation who in turn have said that they could provide a Automated Electronic Defibrillator, if funds allow.  It has been agreed that the KC will donate £150.  (01/09/11)

From Rosemary & Ian and all at Orchard Agility...
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Don at the KC International Festival last weekend.  Don was always friendly and helpful  He had a a great sense of humour and was quick to smile.

He was our hero a couple of years ago at our open agility Show on the bingo when the bingo machine that we hired from our venue took a dive on to the floor. After several attempts to continue with the bingo evening, we had to abandon it.  Don came to my rescue when a rather irritated and nasty person came up and demanded his money back. We had every intention of refunding each person's money once we'd got ourselves together.

I was very upset about this and Don came up to me, not realising how upset I was, and said that it was the funniest and most entertaining evening he'd had for some time. He then realised how upset I was and he offered to 'sort out' the grumpy old bingo player. We both laughed about it afterwards.

Our thoughts go out to Christine and his family. RIP  (17/08/11)

From Val Philips...
It is with deep sadness that I to learnt about the death of Don Nunn on Saturday. I could not  function all day. Don was a gentleman. He always had time to talk, or sometimes a  quick nod, head down and a little wave as he marched  to another ring to walk the course.

I've known Don for years, and we had some laughs. Christine was always steering him away from me as she knew we would talk about yet another rescue dog. Don held the flag for Valgrays in taking on Kez the Bandit of Valgrays. And what a partnership they were!

I feel honoured and proud to have had this friendship with Don. When I was in hospital recently Don emailed me msot weeks to check on my health status.

I will truly miss Don. My sincere condolences go to Christine, family and friends. With deepest sympathy to all. RIP Don. Will never forget you.   (16/08/11)

Gail Gibbins

A Tribute to Janet Mason
20 October 1939 – 29 April 2011

The English language has a great many positive words, but are there enough to describe Janet? She was many things to many people and was involved in more things than just dog agility - the Holsworthy Museum and research on HMS Tetcott to name two.

To those is the agility world Janet represented what was best in the sport. She loved her dogs, put in a lot of effort training and enjoyed competing. But that applies to many people. What made Janet so special was her humanity, warmth, friendliness, caring, sunny and positive disposition, her enthusiasm and belief that the next run would be the best one – a generous spirit.

Any show that Janet entered was a pleasure to attend. She always asked how others had done before mentioning her own efforts. She was genuinely delighted when someone spoke of their success and commiserated with those who didn't have the round they hoped for. She helped whenever she could, and took great pleasure in being part of the event. For a number of years at every show she tried to learn at least the names of three peoples whom she didn’t already know. And she was good at it. She remembered a huge number of people and any details they had shared with her about their lives.

People warmed to her. It was common to come across her discussing a topic totally unrelated to agility with someone, quite often a problem they had. A complete stranger could become a friend in a very short time. There was never a short conversation with Janet.

To say she was an organised person is something of an understatement, and she used this to great effect when serving on the Dartmoor DTC committee. She had an eye for detail and a great sense of logic. Her very dry sense of humour sometimes puzzled people at the outset, but they soon cottoned on and joined in with her. She was very generous with her time and did everything as thoroughly as possible.  However frustrated she might have been with others less organised people - and less target driven - she never showed it. Instead she used just gentle reminders and endless patience and was always there to lend a helping hand with any problem anyone might have.

She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, not just for Dartmoor DTC but for the whole sport being one of those individuals who actually read the Agenda and Minutes from The Agility Council and made a point of giving her views – however forthright they might be.

We mourn her loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Peter. It was a joy to know Janet and a privilege to call her a close friend.

How will she be best remembered? All of the above.

Everyone who came in contact with Janet will have their own special memory which will make them smile. Her pleasure in her dogs – they all got a great fuss, however the run had gone. If there were more Janets in this world, what a fantastic place it would be. She was a great believer in giving people and dogs a hug. To those who knew Janet on the agility circuit, let’s keep the 'Janet Hug' alive with the people we meet on a regular basis whether to celebrate a good run, to commiserate a poor run, or for no particular reason other than to celebrate and remember Janet.

Her funeral will be held at the Exeter Crematorium, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 6EU at 10.30 on Friday 13 May, followed by a memorial service at Holsworthy Parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul at 14.00 pm.

Lisa Wilson &  Ann Hampshire

Janet Mason

Roy Hunter

On Thursday, 23 December Roy Hunter passed away.

I met Roy back in 1986 and had many a discussion not always agreeing but respected his opinion,  If it wasn’t for him and training courses he organised I don’t think I would be as good an instructor as I am today. He introduced me to training ideas and concepts well before they became fashionable and an awareness of how both dog and owners need to work together to develop.

It was a sad end to 2010.

His funeral is on Monday, 17 January 2011 at 1.45pm at Stambourne Chapel, Stambourne, Essex.

 Eileen Wischnia

Tracy Williams

Tracy Williams passed away 19 December 2010. She had a broken ankle so was unable to leave the house, but she was struggling with a chest infection. She eventually had to call out paramedics, which in true Tracy style she felt bad about - wasting their time I believe she said - but they came and gave her antibiotics.

Mandy Melville-Love continued, 'We don't know what happened after that as we got the news last night that another of our friends was now a star shining bright in the sky.'

Funeral will be on 5 January 2011 at 2pm at the large chapel Thornhill Crematorim Cardiff, followed by the wake at Penylan Bowls Club. Postcodes are CF14 9UA and CF23 5BU respectively. For maps go to www.cardiff.gov.uk and www.penlanclub.org.uk/map.htm. Flowers welcome. Donations to The Border Collies Rescue Trust and the Neuro Foundation

Tom Hadaway, Lorna Goodban & Mandy Melville-Love (form the Forum)

Gary Woodham
14 November 1960 - 27 November 2010

Sadly Gary Woodham has lost his fight against cancer. He died on Saturday morning, 27 November 2010.

Gary was an incredible man with so much love to give. He inspired so many people of the past 20 odd years and has had a huge effect on agility in the South-West. He could be the life and soul of the party so rather than remembering all of the suffering that he's gone through during the past nine months, here are some photos of the good times.

He was 50 years old two weeks ago. How tragic that his life was cut so short. The only blessing is that he is not in any pain anymore.

A celebration of Gary’s life will take place at the Memorial Woodlands, near Thornbury, Bristol, on Monday 13 December at 11.30am www.memorialwoodlands.com

Shawn Powell - Chair of Tuffley AC &  Rachel Williams

From Ann Smith...
I had known Gary for nearly 20 years when he judged for Corton DTC. A really nice guy. Always supportive and ready for a laugh.

He was scorer at the show at Coarse Lawn many years ago. I was running my 'new' Goldie Trampas! Gary had not seen him before and said he would watch us run. I sat Tramps up and walked off confident of his wait. I then saw a flash of gold as he flew past me! Everyone fell about laughing. But we got round clear when I geared the body up to Mach 3. Gary was watching and put a finger up to me. He wasn't being rude. Trampas had won his first trophy. Gary was as please as I was.

He was then on the 'mike' at Tuffley Show at the Castle. He made an announcement,  but it wasn't very clear. I went over to tell him this in my own unique way! I had a good rant only to hear he had 'accidentally' left the mike open so everyone could hear my rant!  Cheers, Gary.

But got my own back when he was a judge at Cheltenham for UK Agility. This was just after he had had the operation on his foot. He was walking the course to check everything was in place and noticed a sand bag not quite right. He gave the bag a kick with his foot, his bad foot. The course must have been put up the night before, and it was freezing cold. The bag had frozen! The expletives were wondrous to hear!

He will be missed. A little colour has faded from the Agility circuit.  (18/12/10)

From Faye (formerly Woodham) Purnell...
It goes without saying Gary and I had our differences over the years, but it broke my heart to hear the sad news and to then have to break it to Joshua.

I first met Gary in the summer of 1998. We shared some great times together including the time he wore a tu tu at Dogs in Need, or the many late nights we shared with fellow agility friends.

Gary has been such a big part of mine and Joshua's lives even after our separation, he turned out to be more like the brother you love to hate - you argue and fall out, but deep down you care so much more that you would or could ever own up to.

So, Gary, I'm sorry for reasons out of my control I couldn't be at the funeral. I really wish I could have been. But, we had a very special day dedicated just to you, it was personal to all of us. We laughed and we cried. I will always be grateful I met you and shared many happy years with you before we went our seperate ways. Josh is making a special book all about his life to help him remember everything, especially you, from the Robbie Williams concerts we went to, your love of Abba and Star Trek through to you liking baked beans and mayo! We will always remember you and hold you dear to our hearts. God bless, sweet dreams, and we hope to see you again some day. (15/12/10)

From the Rapo family...
We have known Gary for about 20 years and, in that time, had come to regard him as one of the regular prominent figures on the South West agility circuit.  My memories of him are of a man who  judged more times than I can remember and always seemed to be helping one way or another at many shows.

I first new him as a Weimaraner handler which is where I suppose his sense of humour always stood him in good stead. He  was a sympathetic, happy handler with his dogs and was rewarded in later years with the lovely Buddy.  He was part of the evening entertainment at Dogs in Need many years ago when he treated us all to his Robbie Williams number and was a regular in the camp get-togethers where he enjoyed lots of laughs - some at his expense. Sorry for pulling your trousers down mate for all to see, but you laughed along with everyone else.

All in all he was a really nice, happy chappy who leaves a lot of friends behind in this world. Mmany tears later ……will miss you mate.

A big hug from Aly,  Nick and Katie-May.  (03/12/10)

From Su Stock..
I knew Gary before either of us started agility - or even had any dogs - when he lived in Clevedon with his first wife Mandy. We all lived in a cul-de-sac on a new housing estate. He was a lovely neighbour and I remember only too well some of the parties we all enjoyed.  Then we lost touch until he joined Severnside with Ollie, his Weimaraner. From then on Gary was always around, holidays in Cornwall, weekends in Devon.

As happens, we lost touch again when he moved, but he soon popped up again with his 'Hello Mate' and then for many years he was always around at shows, ready for a drink and a chat.

I can't believe he has gone. I shall miss him. Rest in peace, Gary. (03/12/10)

From Barbara Banks...
Gary must have been one of the first people I met in agility, outside my own club, over 20 years ago. We were competing in The Great Western League then and he was a Severnside member. He was always very friendly and encouraging when I was working my lovely Irish Setter back then, and since, when I began judging and working my collies.

Over the years he has been a great friend and supporter to Chippenham Club. He was always willing to judge league matches and at our shows, where he judged the Championship class for us several times. You could always rely on Gary to put up really good courses. He even came to help set up our summer show for many years, when it was at Longleat.

Gary will be greatly missed, especially in the South-West, for his good humour and willingness to help out.  (03/12/10)

From Angela Williams & Andy Sandercock...
As complete newcomers to agility when running out rotties, Gary gave us lots of encouragement, when he did some training days at Donyatt Agility Club. Thank you, Gary for all of your patience and sense of humour. (02/12/10)

From Rachel Williams...
Gary has been a very active member of the agility circuit for over past twenty years. He started out with his first Weimaraner, winning out of Starters many moons ago and continued to go from strength to strength. He played a big part of so many clubs in the South West, starting out at Clifton/Severnside before he moved to the Forest of Dean. From there, he spread his agility magic to Gloucestershire where he has stood as a pillar of the agility community for the past ten years.

After joining Tuffley Agility Club several years ago, he helped to set up their first KC Agility Show near Staunton, Glos. As this was such a great success, the show and its prestige went from strength to strength, moving to the beautiful Berkeley Castle where it stands today with its Championship Status and incredible KC inspection report - all of this is a credit to Gary's hard work. Nothing would get in his way, during the summer of 2007 Gary was adamant that the show would go on, despite the non-stop flooding and moved the whole show to Top Barn. Again, the show was a superb success.

Gary inspired so many people, young and old.  He trained all over the South West in a number of agility clubs, Prestbury Park, Wye Valley and, of course, Tuffley just to name a few. He always managed to motivate and enthuse the dogs and their handlers into achieving their best and to have the confidence at shows to excel.  He will always be remembered for his PMA training, or PMT training as some would like to joke.

Gary travelled far and wide, judging up to Championship level and was always professional and well respected in the ring.  Not only did he regularly judge in England and Wales, but he travelled to Jersey and across the water to Poland and Norway on several occasions, sharing his great love for dogs and the agility sport. He enjoyed nothing more than standing in the ring and making the handlers work for their rosettes. He would always have to include that 'something' in his courses to make the handlers think.

As well as instructing and judging, Gary also thoroughly enjoyed his dogs and of course competing them.  Gary's Bud the Weizer took him to Senior in the earlier days, and most recently, Riff, Gary's Welsh collie won into Grade 6 at the North Derbyshire Show in 2007, and was only one win to Grade 7 before Gary fell poorly. Bryn, his tri-colour, always made him smile and as Gary would say, 'Bryn isn't the sharpest pencil in the pencil case' but he always enjoyed every run and showed great enthusiasm for everything he did, whether the poles were up or down.

Gary was an incredible person with so much love to give. He would always help in a crisis and put others in front of himself. Some may describe Gary as a ‘rough diamond.’ However he will always be remembered for his enthusiasm in all that he undertook. He was a loving father and a very kind-hearted man.

Gary’s life was tragically cut short on the 27th November after he lost his near year long battle with pancreatic cancer which he fought bravely and with dignity. His courage was an inspiration to us all. His loss leaves a hole in the agility community and he’ll be sorely missed by family and friends alike. (01/12/10)

From Jane Armitage...
I must have known Gary in the agility world for nearly 20 years; I always enjoyed running his courses. I thought they were always aimed exactly right at the appropriate level.

He was a judge on Leamington show the first year I really helped and I was responsible for catering, only to discover he was a vegan! But he thanked me and said he was impressed by the efforts I went to  to give him a full meal, including dessert; I think that made me realise that agility people are really nice and I was in the right sport.

Rest in peace, Gary. (01/12/10)

From Mike Bacon...
It is so hard to come to terms with loosing Gary even though we knew he was seriously ill.

Gary was a founder member of Severnside before moving up north. He was great help getting the club started in the early days of agility. He even got us sponsorship from the Post Office when it was difficult to explain what agility was.

He had Weimaraners then and continued to have an interest in ABCs but is easy to understand his love of Welsh collies, something we often spoke about at shows. His contribution to agility with Tuffley and help with getting their show to Championship status was outstanding. We will remember our early agility holidays with him and the original Severnsiders with great fondness and miss him very much. (01/12/10)

From Maureen & Julian Krautman (Severnside DAC)
I first met Gary over twenty years ago when he first started agility at our club. I ran as his partner in the Pairs events with my German Shepherd Dog Saxon and his Weimaraner Oliver. We won many rosettes at shows, having great fun and laughs whilst competing because of his fantastic sense of humour.

We would like to send our condolences to family and friends on their great loss. (01/12/10)

Dave Vernalls

It is with great sadness that Golden Valley has to announce the passing of one of its long standing members David Vernalls.

Dave was well know all around the country at agility completions. He was a founder member of the 're-launched' Golden Valley DTC in the early eighties, so he had been on the circuit for over 25 years. His first training day was with Malcolm and Margaret Bassett at The Winding Wheel in The Forest of Dean. GSDs were always his first love until he moved on to collies. Always a member of The Great Western League from it's inception, you could usually guarantee a steady clear round!

Dave you will be missed and our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.

The funeral was 12 November 2010 at Hereford Crematorium.

An early  agility picture of Don Horsfall,
judging  a much younger John Gilbert with his GSD Becky

Donald Horsfall
25 July 1924 - 11 August 2010

Don was a highly respected judge, trainer and exhibitor who had a real understanding of dog mentality. He made valuable contributions to creating and developing the sport of agility. He was very successful with his own dogs in obedience working trials and agility, winning innumerable  competitions.

Don was one of the pioneers of the first agility competition to be held at Crufts. He was a member of the winning team from Yorkshire Working Trials in 1978 with his working sheepdog Rosedene Brigand. He would also have been in the team the following year, but shortly before the event, Ben (Rosedene Brigand) accidentally swallowed Don's car keys at the end of a training session and had to have surgery to remove them, so could not compete! Don eventually judged the competition himself in 1988.

Don was head trainer at Otley Dog Training Society for many years and, after retiring, became president of the club and was so until his death.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and trained with him.

Christine Lister 

Billy Moynagh
2010 - 1959

It is with sadness I have to write that Billy Moynagh passed away, aged 51, on the afternoon of 29 June in Borders General Hospital.  Billy had been diagnosed with a brain Tumour in January and although we thought we would have him longer but it was not to be. 

Billy was well know on the agility circuit in Scotland, scriming at most shows.

He passed away very peacefully with Anne at his side.