CAI attend Alliance conference

This was Naomi Long’s first conference as leader and she did not disappoint her party members, who enthusiastically embraced their new leader’s vision.

It is no secret that the Alliance Party’s stance on country sports is that of ‘anti’ but we felt it important to go along to reinforce our views and to fully engage with the party members.

We were pleasantly surprised at the number of those in attendance who pledged their support for hunting; somewhat at odds with the party’s current line.

It was particularly noticeable that the Alliance Party have attracted a substantial number of the ‘younger’ voters, some of whom will undoubtedly be actively involved in the party’s future.

Ms Long visited our stand and acknowledged that whilst her party may have differing views to those of CAI, we do have some common goals.

Our attendance at the conference was infinitely worthwhile as it is vital that we continue to emphasise our position to our political representatives and indeed, those of the future.

Open Labrador Retriever Working Test, Alzheimer’s Society NI Charity Event, Saturday 8 July 2017 –

Altarichard Road, Armoy, BT53 8XT

A charity Labrador Retriever Working Test will be held at Altarichard Road, Armoy, BT53 8XT on Saturday 8 July 2017, by kind permission of Blakiston Houston Estates.

The event, in aid of Alzheimer’s Society NI (sponsored by Connolly’s Redmills and Countryside Alliance Ireland) promises to be a highlight in this summer’s sporting calendar.

There are prelim, novice and open events, with great prizes to be won. Kennel Club Rules Apply.

Registration for prelim and novice commences at 9.15am and registration for open at 12.45pm.

Prelim Dogs will have minimum of three retrieves; novice dogs will have minimum of five retrieves; open dogs will have minimum of six retrieves. Entries on the day – open to all.

The judges are Mr Joe Morrison, Mr Timmy Woods and Mr Uel Buchannan.

Prizes as follows: Open - Scottish Woodlands Perpetual Cup and a £50 voucher; Novice - Kingsmill Perpetual Cup, £50 voucher sponsored by Tom Lewis, Lavin Guns and free membership of Countryside Alliance Ireland for one year; Prelim - Glensfarm supplies Perpetual Cup, £50 Voucher sponsored by Pets at Home plus free membership of Countryside Alliance Ireland for one year.

First, second and third prize winners in all events receive a bag of Redmills Engage Dogfood.

Additional prizes include Top Finishing Countryside Alliance Ireland Member Perpetual Trophy, Top Finishing BASC Member Perpetual Trophy, novice and open Winners, one day’s walked up snipe shooting donated by Blakiston Houston Estates. There will be other special prizes on the day.

Thanks to all the event’s sponsors and to all those who have made donations to the charity for this event. A special thanks to Dick Blakiston Houston, for the use of his lands for the event and his contribution to the charity.

Waterproof footwear essential. Please show your support for Alzheimer’s Society NI which is a very worthy cause.

Further information, contact Derek Anderson on 07739 539441. Organisers retain the right to refuse admission to the event.