Bringing together like minded
people
Epping Green Agility Club
1985 - 2010
 In
the year 1985, just after sadly losing her husband and finding herself with several dogs and
lots of time on her hands, Epping Green founder Joyce Widlake and a few friends decided to set
up a dog club for agility.
A venue in Epping Green was found, reached
in the main by driving through forest roads and winding country lanes. A pub and a duck pond
mark the turn for the indoor paddock they used.
Gradually like-minded dog owners turned up -
first to look and then to join. For a weekly fee, dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages with basic
obedience were encouraged to jump over hurdles, weave through poles, balance on seesaws, climb
A-frames, trot along a dog walk and sailed through tyres! Child handlers were also catered for.
Over the years, the membership has changed, as have the
instructors. One particular member and his family have stayed loyal for 24 years, training and
competing with six different dogs.
There are classes designed to fetch out the best in a dog with
beginners courses every so often. The instruction given to those who compete countrywide with
their dogs in the same given to those pet dogs that do it just for fun.
Joyce arranges a club show each year for members to show what
they can do. This year's show will celebrate 25 years of non-stop dog agility. And that's no
mean feat!
Happy silver anniversary, EGAC.
(01/10/10)
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