About Me
- United Field and Retrieving
- A gundog natural instinct is to retrieve. Retrieving Trials provide a perfect avenue for these dogs to express their natural abilities, have fun and exercise. Our sport simulates hunting conditions where the dogs ability to retrieve is tested over various terrain and conditions commonly found in hunting scenarios. The dogs retrieve Dokken Dead Fowl Trainers (artificial game) from anything from dams or creeks to thick marsh or sparse paddocks. We strive to make our competitions a friendly and social environment where our competitors can not only compete whilst having fun with their canine companions, but also enjoy the comradery and friendships that develop with people of similar interests.
Sunday 7 March 2021
Monday 3 August 2020
Covid 19 - August Trial 2020
Hello Members and Friends,
It is with much regret that our Branch, SSAA United Field & Retrieving, has made the very tough decision to cancel our August trial and training day due to current Covid-19 concerns.
We look forward to the day when we can once again enjoy our time trialing with our dogs and our friends.
Other Branch news:
We will be holding a UFR Zoom AGM in September 2020. The date is to be confirmed but it should be the first Wednesday of September.
Numbers will need to be limited at this stage but there are still some places left for this Zoom Meeting.
If you would like to join in, please email ASAP with your response. You will require internet access via your phone with the Zoom App, or your home network with a device with a webcam.
UFR hopes you are all well and still managing to enjoy some time with your family and your K9’s. Take care everyone.
We will keep you updated as our trialing situation changes and we look forward to catching up with you as soon as we are all out of the woods.
Linda Jeffrey
Hon Secretary
SSAA United Field & Retrieving
Wednesday 27 May 2020
Anne Wedgwood - Eulogy - May 2020
The passing of a long time member Anne Wedgwood, will be felt by many in our little community.
I know this is a strange thing to post, but I have always been amazed when listening to loved ones eulogies during ceremonies, of times gone by, where they grew up, and some of the most amazing times they lived through.
On this note, I asked Anne's niece if she would mind sharing her eulogy to Anne with our group, and she kindly agreed.
Regards
Kerri
___________________________________________________________
Alexa writes.....
Thank you everyone for coming to honour and farewell Aunty Anne in these strange times. I would like to outline a little of Aunty Anne’s early life story as it is similar to my Mum’s. There are also some vivid memories of my own I would like to add before I hand over to others here who have shared so many interesting times with Aunty Anne over many years.
Anne was in fact named ‘Annie’ by her parents Roelof and Elsje van Waesberge when she was born on 3rd October 1927, in Jogjakarta, Java, Indonesia. Her sister Hettie was born just one year and three weeks later.
Their father was a tobacco plantation manager. Aunty Anne’s early years included much running around and playing outdoors. The family had plenty of interaction with the locals, their culture and language. Apparently there were earthquakes during Aunty Anne and my Mum’s childhood in Indonesia, though it wasn’t really mentioned much.
In 1935, when Aunty Anne was around 8, the two sisters and mother Else left Indonesia for the Netherlands. Things hadn’t gone too well between the parents. Roelof remained in Indonesia and Else reverted back to her maiden name of Broese van Grounou. Many of you here might remember her as Mrs Broese or even Mrs Bruce.
In Holland, Else worked hard to support the girls, becoming a teacher of couture and all things to do with fabric and design, even lace making and embroidery, knitting etc. She made some amazing ball dresses for the girls after the war. I’m not sure how interested Aunty Anne and my Mum were in taking up so those skills themselves, but I know they were always grateful for all that their mother could do. Perhaps that’s where Aunty Anne’s love of making hand knotted rugs and cushions sprang from.
When the 2nd world war broke out, Else, whom I always called Oma, Aunty Anne and my Mum evacuated east towards the town of Apeldoorn where they shared a large house with 8 mostly elderly relatives. The old uncles made spinning wheels and the women spun fleece in exchange for food from the farmers. Maybe that’s where Aunty Anne grew to love card games so much, I wonder if they spent hours hidden away during raids, quietly playing bridge. I don’t know.
The sisters and Oma, being the younger ones, also had to go out foraging and asking for food wherever they could as there just wasn’t enough to go around. Nothing, not a thing, was ever wasted, something Aunty Anne carried with her for the rest of her life, keeping many a doggy bag when she couldn’t finish her meal. There is even a family story, or maybe myth, of an elderly Aunt not wasting the hair of a favourite dog who had passed away (maybe a red setter type of dog?) and she lovingly spun the fleece into a pair of socks. When the aunt wore them outside, the story says that she came home in tears saying every passing dog wanted to lift its leg on her socks.
Meanwhile in Indonesia, Aunty Anne’s father was taken as a prisoner of war and somehow survived the Burma Railway. He remarried in the Netherlands and their begins a whole different story.
Aunty Anne finished what schooling was on offer during wartime Holland being 17 when the war ended. She then held various secretarial jobs, including one with the forestry commission and I know she had some European holidays.
Then one day she came to Australia and was thereafter known as Anne. She says it was when she was 26. My Mum told me that another of their Aunts, Aunty Iris, who was well travelled as the wife of a sea Captain, suddenly offered both sisters free passage to Australia, but I can’t remember the attached conditions I’m afraid. Maybe it was to work in her importing company. What an adventure! Mum said no thanks and Aunty Anne said yes please. I believe something similar happened with a visit to the Catholic Church. After this point I don’t know too much other than Aunty Anne lived in Bathurst and then came to Allora after a few years.
If I may I would like to read a memory from Aunty Anne’s cousin Mary, who only ever knew her as ‘Anneke’. Mary couldn’t be here today. ‘.................’ Also my sister Margie in Tasmania and our sons Lincoln and Sebastian send their love. It was sheer coincidence that my Mum married Australian and settled in Sydney. So starts my vivd memories of trips up to visit Aunty Anne. I know you all have many rich stories front his point on and I have taken enough time, so I will try to just list significant points. I hope they spark some recognition for you. Beautiful wild old buildings, starting with what we called the Arrow Tree House, on the road into Allora from Toowoomba. It had a red roof.
My very earliest memory of Aunty Anne is her running down from the dog kennels to hook up an outdoor hose shower for me to sit under in the summer heat. I may have been three. 1970. With these incredibly atmospheric old buildings (also in Goomburra and Darling St) with lots of space, came gates. To yards, animal pens and paddocks. Behind these gates, but not always successfully, were many different animals, of course mainly dogs, though some dogs were allowed in the house. There were goats, chickens, calves and the free-to-roam cat or two. Sometimes I was involved in chasing some of these. It was always very dramatic but seemed to end up alright in the end. All these animals had great names. I wish I could remember them all. Aunty Anne took me places with these animals sometimes.
Which brings me to my next point. Not a small one: She always drove fast. It was scary.
Cards were a constant thing. I was urged to take up bridge. I was taught canasta. Sorry Aunty Anne, I wasn’t any good. I believe the happiest day of her life was marrying Uncle Geoff. Times were good. Aunty Anne was great at soup making and would also always make Oliebollen, a traditional Dutch treat, at New Years, usually late, but always yummy. We met Uncle Geoff’s lovely growing family. Uncle Geoff made the very best roast potatoes ever and Aunty Anne made everything festive and fun and exciting. She never seemed tired and her sense of celebration was contagious. I was encouraged to play her piano as often as I wanted. Uncle Geoff was interested in my oboe studies too. There were more dogs, Uncle Geoff’s included I think and a new building for Oma to move into to be near Aunty Anne.
It was a terrible blow when Uncle Geoff passed away. Then there was a memorable and huge gathering for Oma’s 90th, held at the Darling St house. That made Oma very happy. Two years later Oma passed away. Aunty Anne eventually moved to Gatton, somewhere in there having taken up Esperatno and bowls as well as continuing with Bridge and complicated dog training, though no more breeding.
Roses became a thing, or maybe I only just realised. I didn’t see Aunty Anne much really until these last few years, we were both busy. When I did start to see more of her, a few years after Mum died, she was still spirited, fierce a bout the same things, adventurous and loyally committed to her activities and communities, which is all of you.
Nothing would stand in the way of bridge or dog trials or bowls. She still drove too fast. Still cooked a good soup and was always up for a party. Always stylish. Always grateful for what people increasingly needed to do to help her. But what affected me most lately, underneath her fiery determination, was her quiet awareness and compassion for others’ struggles. She somehow knew what I was feeling about the really important things and was accepting.
She came to her own peace in the end too I believe, through that acceptance.
Please let me thank you all for being a part of Aunty Anne’s life.
You were everything to her and it’s because of all of you and all you have done, that she went on, so strong for so long, with so much to live for. I’m going to play a little arrangement now, on my oboe, of Sheep May Safely Graze, by Bach, which was played at her and Unlce Geoff’s wedding, in this very same building.
I know this is a strange thing to post, but I have always been amazed when listening to loved ones eulogies during ceremonies, of times gone by, where they grew up, and some of the most amazing times they lived through.
On this note, I asked Anne's niece if she would mind sharing her eulogy to Anne with our group, and she kindly agreed.
Regards
Kerri
___________________________________________________________
Alexa writes.....
Thank you everyone for coming to honour and farewell Aunty Anne in these strange times. I would like to outline a little of Aunty Anne’s early life story as it is similar to my Mum’s. There are also some vivid memories of my own I would like to add before I hand over to others here who have shared so many interesting times with Aunty Anne over many years.
Anne was in fact named ‘Annie’ by her parents Roelof and Elsje van Waesberge when she was born on 3rd October 1927, in Jogjakarta, Java, Indonesia. Her sister Hettie was born just one year and three weeks later.
Their father was a tobacco plantation manager. Aunty Anne’s early years included much running around and playing outdoors. The family had plenty of interaction with the locals, their culture and language. Apparently there were earthquakes during Aunty Anne and my Mum’s childhood in Indonesia, though it wasn’t really mentioned much.
In 1935, when Aunty Anne was around 8, the two sisters and mother Else left Indonesia for the Netherlands. Things hadn’t gone too well between the parents. Roelof remained in Indonesia and Else reverted back to her maiden name of Broese van Grounou. Many of you here might remember her as Mrs Broese or even Mrs Bruce.
In Holland, Else worked hard to support the girls, becoming a teacher of couture and all things to do with fabric and design, even lace making and embroidery, knitting etc. She made some amazing ball dresses for the girls after the war. I’m not sure how interested Aunty Anne and my Mum were in taking up so those skills themselves, but I know they were always grateful for all that their mother could do. Perhaps that’s where Aunty Anne’s love of making hand knotted rugs and cushions sprang from.
When the 2nd world war broke out, Else, whom I always called Oma, Aunty Anne and my Mum evacuated east towards the town of Apeldoorn where they shared a large house with 8 mostly elderly relatives. The old uncles made spinning wheels and the women spun fleece in exchange for food from the farmers. Maybe that’s where Aunty Anne grew to love card games so much, I wonder if they spent hours hidden away during raids, quietly playing bridge. I don’t know.
The sisters and Oma, being the younger ones, also had to go out foraging and asking for food wherever they could as there just wasn’t enough to go around. Nothing, not a thing, was ever wasted, something Aunty Anne carried with her for the rest of her life, keeping many a doggy bag when she couldn’t finish her meal. There is even a family story, or maybe myth, of an elderly Aunt not wasting the hair of a favourite dog who had passed away (maybe a red setter type of dog?) and she lovingly spun the fleece into a pair of socks. When the aunt wore them outside, the story says that she came home in tears saying every passing dog wanted to lift its leg on her socks.
Meanwhile in Indonesia, Aunty Anne’s father was taken as a prisoner of war and somehow survived the Burma Railway. He remarried in the Netherlands and their begins a whole different story.
Aunty Anne finished what schooling was on offer during wartime Holland being 17 when the war ended. She then held various secretarial jobs, including one with the forestry commission and I know she had some European holidays.
Then one day she came to Australia and was thereafter known as Anne. She says it was when she was 26. My Mum told me that another of their Aunts, Aunty Iris, who was well travelled as the wife of a sea Captain, suddenly offered both sisters free passage to Australia, but I can’t remember the attached conditions I’m afraid. Maybe it was to work in her importing company. What an adventure! Mum said no thanks and Aunty Anne said yes please. I believe something similar happened with a visit to the Catholic Church. After this point I don’t know too much other than Aunty Anne lived in Bathurst and then came to Allora after a few years.
If I may I would like to read a memory from Aunty Anne’s cousin Mary, who only ever knew her as ‘Anneke’. Mary couldn’t be here today. ‘.................’ Also my sister Margie in Tasmania and our sons Lincoln and Sebastian send their love. It was sheer coincidence that my Mum married Australian and settled in Sydney. So starts my vivd memories of trips up to visit Aunty Anne. I know you all have many rich stories front his point on and I have taken enough time, so I will try to just list significant points. I hope they spark some recognition for you. Beautiful wild old buildings, starting with what we called the Arrow Tree House, on the road into Allora from Toowoomba. It had a red roof.
My very earliest memory of Aunty Anne is her running down from the dog kennels to hook up an outdoor hose shower for me to sit under in the summer heat. I may have been three. 1970. With these incredibly atmospheric old buildings (also in Goomburra and Darling St) with lots of space, came gates. To yards, animal pens and paddocks. Behind these gates, but not always successfully, were many different animals, of course mainly dogs, though some dogs were allowed in the house. There were goats, chickens, calves and the free-to-roam cat or two. Sometimes I was involved in chasing some of these. It was always very dramatic but seemed to end up alright in the end. All these animals had great names. I wish I could remember them all. Aunty Anne took me places with these animals sometimes.
Which brings me to my next point. Not a small one: She always drove fast. It was scary.
Cards were a constant thing. I was urged to take up bridge. I was taught canasta. Sorry Aunty Anne, I wasn’t any good. I believe the happiest day of her life was marrying Uncle Geoff. Times were good. Aunty Anne was great at soup making and would also always make Oliebollen, a traditional Dutch treat, at New Years, usually late, but always yummy. We met Uncle Geoff’s lovely growing family. Uncle Geoff made the very best roast potatoes ever and Aunty Anne made everything festive and fun and exciting. She never seemed tired and her sense of celebration was contagious. I was encouraged to play her piano as often as I wanted. Uncle Geoff was interested in my oboe studies too. There were more dogs, Uncle Geoff’s included I think and a new building for Oma to move into to be near Aunty Anne.
It was a terrible blow when Uncle Geoff passed away. Then there was a memorable and huge gathering for Oma’s 90th, held at the Darling St house. That made Oma very happy. Two years later Oma passed away. Aunty Anne eventually moved to Gatton, somewhere in there having taken up Esperatno and bowls as well as continuing with Bridge and complicated dog training, though no more breeding.
Roses became a thing, or maybe I only just realised. I didn’t see Aunty Anne much really until these last few years, we were both busy. When I did start to see more of her, a few years after Mum died, she was still spirited, fierce a bout the same things, adventurous and loyally committed to her activities and communities, which is all of you.
Nothing would stand in the way of bridge or dog trials or bowls. She still drove too fast. Still cooked a good soup and was always up for a party. Always stylish. Always grateful for what people increasingly needed to do to help her. But what affected me most lately, underneath her fiery determination, was her quiet awareness and compassion for others’ struggles. She somehow knew what I was feeling about the really important things and was accepting.
She came to her own peace in the end too I believe, through that acceptance.
Please let me thank you all for being a part of Aunty Anne’s life.
You were everything to her and it’s because of all of you and all you have done, that she went on, so strong for so long, with so much to live for. I’m going to play a little arrangement now, on my oboe, of Sheep May Safely Graze, by Bach, which was played at her and Unlce Geoff’s wedding, in this very same building.
Sunday 22 March 2020
Covid-19, March Trials 2020
A Message from SSAA United Field & Retrieving Branch:
After consultation with our UFR Executive, and being mindful of our trialing populations wellbeing, we have made the decision to postpone the trials scheduled for the 21st and 22nd March 2020.
It is felt that due to the nature of our sport and the inevitable contact, both personal and via artificial game, firearms and trial equipment, this decision needed to be reached.
We thank you for your support and we recognise that the health of our trialers and their families is of utmost importance.
Our trials can easily be rescheduled.
We will be monitoring the Governments efforts to remove this health threat, and will advise what further action will be undertaken by our Branch in the coming weeks.
Please visit our FaceBook page : https://www.facebook.com/unitedfieldandretrieving/ and web pages: http://www.ssaawgaa.com/qld/ and https://www.unitedfieldandretrieving.org.au/ regularly as we endeavour to make the best of this uncertain contingency.
Jim Jeffrey
(for SSAA United Field & Retrieving Branch Executive)
Monday 18 November 2019
2019 Christmas Breakup and Trophy Presentation
CHRISTMAS BREAKUP AND TROPHY PRESENTATION - ALL WELCOME!
When: Saturday December 7th from 5.00pm
Where: Samsonvale & District Public Hall, Winn Road, Mt Samson
Details:
Nibbles provided from 5.00pm
Santa arrives around 5.30pm
BBQ Dinner $25 per head for Adults, $10 per head for children - BBQ Meats, Cold Chicken, a variety of Salads, Potato Bake & Breads
Followed by tempting Desserts
Tea/Coffee available all evening
All you need to bring are your cold drinks. There's even fridges if you don't feel like bringing an esky.
Tables, chairs, plates, cups, cutlery etc are all provided.
Heaps of well lit space for the kids to run around outside safely, why not bring their bikes, cricket bat or ball games!
RAFFLES! Always good fun. (We'd really appreciate a donation towards our traditional raffle table)
FREE LUCKY DOOR TICKET ON ENTRY.
PHOTO SLIDE SHOW of our years trials.
The Hall will be decorated with Christmas Lights for the festive season (thank you to our UFR family, the Campbell-Jeffrey's)
Great opportunity for some Family Christmas Photos. I'm sure our Photographer, Rad, will have camera in hand.
There's a no caravans or camping rule on the hall grounds, but if you think you are going to partake in some Christmas Cheer and don't want to drive home, you are welcome to bring your swag or sleeping bag and camp in the hall for the night.
Also local places to stay: Dayboro or Samford Showgrounds, local B&B's or Clear Mountain Lodge.
RSVP: to Denise or email wgaaqld@gmail.com by the 23rd November please.
PAYMENT into the Branch Account would be great please. Contact our Treasurer, Judy, for details please.
WE WOULD LOVE TO CATCH UP WITH YOU ALL AT THIS BREAKUP, EVERYONE WELCOME! Please share the information.
What a great way to end our trialing year.
See you there!
Monday 14 October 2019
Sunday 29 September 2019
Last Trial for 2019 - 4-5th October Kilkivan
Saturday 5/10/19 is our ‘Kilkivan Cup’ and our Judges are: Test/Intermediate Mrs Edwena Adcock, Advanced Ms Lauren Wallace and Open Mr John Palu.
Sunday is our ‘Qld Cup’ and our Judges are: Test/Intermediate Mr Colin Robinson, Advanced Mr Geoff Dawson and Open Mr Evan Mangin.
Time permitting there will be 5 runs for Open Stake (Qld Cup).
Camping is available from noon on Friday and Monday is a public holiday, no need to rush home on Sunday. Our Property Nominee has requested that there is no smoking at the trialsite or Campsite due to the extremely dry weather conditions.
Please enter via our online entry forms at our websites or email your details if you prefer. Payment can be made on the day.
Also, we have our Annual Branch Meeting this Wednesday at the Brook Hotel Mitchelton from 7.30pm. Meals are available and all welcome. We will be discussing 2020 trialsites and Judges at this meeting. Hope you can make it.
Catch up soon.
Kind regards,
Linda Jeffrey
Hon Secretary
SSAA United Field and Retrieving Branch
Wednesday 28 August 2019
Retrieving Trial - Sunday 1st September 2019
Hello Members,
Just a reminder that we will be holding a Retrieving Trial on Sunday 1/9/19. It is anticipated that this trial will be held at Brisbane Sporting Clays at Belmont. The trial will commence at 8.30am, immediately following the Draw.
Please remember to enter via our online entry form on our UFR Website or our WGAA National Website. Alternatively you can email your entries to wgaaqld@gmail.com
Payment can be made on the day of the trial.
Our Judges for this Trial will be - Test: Mr Rad Miramon, Intermediate: Mr Bryan Pritchard, Advanced: Mr Ron Jackson and Open: Mrs Helen Cattermole.
ALSO: Due to the busy workload of our UFR Committee and Members leading up to our Championship, and the working bees at our new shed, at last nights’ General Meeting it was decided not to hold a Meeting in September and also to move our August Training Day to later in the year. More info on the new Training Day dates will be advertised later on. Our next UFR meeting will be on
Wednesday 2/10/19 at the Brook Hotel Mitchelton at 7.30pm, meals available.
Hope to catch up with everyone at our Multi Level Championship on the 17th and 18th August. Best of luck to everyone competing and also thank you to all of the organisers and supporters.
Kind regards
Linda Jeffrey
Secretary
SSAA UFR
Saturday 10 August 2019
Information - 2019 Multi Level Championships
Linda Jeffrey <wgaaqld@gmail.com>
Sun 4/08/2019 5:41 PM
Hello Members and Friends,
Championship at Stewartdale 17&18/8/19 Update:
Camping available at the UFR Shed.
It would be appreciated if campers could be off the grounds by 10am Monday please.
Friday Night - Free Sausage Sizzle at ‘Stewartdale House’ at 6.30pm. Punch provided BYO other drinks. The Draw will be at 7pm. All welcome. If you can’t make it to the Draw, your competitor number will be on the table, at the UFR Shed, on Saturday morning.
Saturday and Sunday the gathering will start at 7.45am at the UFR Shed. We will head to the Runs at 8am.
Please remember that non-competitive dogs are NOT allowed at the Runs.
Please also respect your fellow trialers by keeping noise to a minimum while someone is competing.
We are hoping to run 4 of the 6 Intermediate and Advanced Runs and 6 of the 8 Open Runs on Saturday. This should lead to an early finish on Sunday. Of course this decision could change.
Vetting of entire female dogs will take place from 7am outside the Shed on Saturday morning.
Your daily lunch packs and drink will be available for COLLECTION at the UFR Shed between 11.30am and 1pm on the Saturday and Sunday.
There will be tables and chairs their for your use.
Saturday nights sit down dinner will be from 6.30pm - please be seated at the tables under ‘Stewartdale House’ by 6.30pm. BYO drinks please. (Kids, there will be pizza and a movie upstairs for you 😊).
Sunday’s presentation will be immediately following the trial, under the house also. Nibbles and punch provided.
You are welcome to travel through the property or via the main road to reach your runs. Please leave gates as you find them and drive slowly through the property.
Toilet facilities will be available throughout the Trial in the following locations: under Stewartdale house, at the UFR shed and a toilet will also be located near the big dam below the house.
Mr Andy Campell-Jeffrey will be our Trial Manager for the Championship. Please don’t hesitate to speak with Andy, or any of the Executuve, if you have any concerns.
When travelling to the grounds, there are roadworks at Ripley. If these are still in place can we suggest you follow these directions through the estate- Left into Providence Parade, right into Splendid Road and follow round to the left, Right into Parkway Avenue, Left at the roundabout, Right into Bayliss Road.
Sincere thanks to anyone who has contributed to the running of our Championship. We thank our sponsors - Ivory Coat, Richard and Fran Eaton-Wells, Denis Bullimore and Kylie Jarrett and all of our Specialty Trophy Donors.
Everything is in place for a great Championship. Best of luck everyone, but importantly, enjoy your time competing with your dog and the leisure time spent with good friends.
Linda Jeffrey
Hon Secretary
SSAA United Field and Retrieving.
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