Chairman and Trainer
Name: Gillian Gates
Member since: 1968
Dogs: Unfortunately, none at the moment - we lost Rebel a few months ago
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I joined the Club in, I think, 1968, with my aunt's standard poodle. When my aunt and the dog left the area, I took over the training of a friend's puppy and by then I was treasurer. It was not until 1976 that I had my own dog. He was a border collie cross and so was my second dog. I then had four standard poodles (for a while, all at the same time!).
Member since: 1968
Dogs: Unfortunately, none at the moment - we lost Rebel a few months ago
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I joined the Club in, I think, 1968, with my aunt's standard poodle. When my aunt and the dog left the area, I took over the training of a friend's puppy and by then I was treasurer. It was not until 1976 that I had my own dog. He was a border collie cross and so was my second dog. I then had four standard poodles (for a while, all at the same time!).
Secretary and Trainer
Name: Sally Wakeling
Member since: 2004
Dogs: Rosie (French Bulldog)
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I love training with my dogs whether it be at club or in the garden and my favourite time of year is Crufts! I have successfully completed two courses on dog training run by Dave Currier of One to One Dog Training and I am qualified to examine the bronze, silver and gold Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme.
Member since: 2004
Dogs: Rosie (French Bulldog)
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I love training with my dogs whether it be at club or in the garden and my favourite time of year is Crufts! I have successfully completed two courses on dog training run by Dave Currier of One to One Dog Training and I am qualified to examine the bronze, silver and gold Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme.
Treasurer, Committee Member and Trainer
Name: Amanda Harman-Bull
Member since: 2008
Dogs: Otis (Jack Russell X something!)
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I first came to the club with our JRT, Jack, a rescue dog from Battersea Rescue centre at Brands Hatch. Training a strong willed Jack Russell terrier was a challenge but very rewarding. I now have Otis, JRT X who has been a handful, mainly due to Covid! I take the puppy course so get to have puppy cuddles each week. I feel that helping owners train their dogs is very rewarding and gives the dogs a sense of purpose as well as being all round good citizens.
Member since: 2008
Dogs: Otis (Jack Russell X something!)
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I first came to the club with our JRT, Jack, a rescue dog from Battersea Rescue centre at Brands Hatch. Training a strong willed Jack Russell terrier was a challenge but very rewarding. I now have Otis, JRT X who has been a handful, mainly due to Covid! I take the puppy course so get to have puppy cuddles each week. I feel that helping owners train their dogs is very rewarding and gives the dogs a sense of purpose as well as being all round good citizens.
Committee Member and Trainer
Name: Jacky Ruddock
Member since: About 1993
Dogs: Clara (Longcoated Chihuahua)
An interesting fact about me and dogs: My first dog when I left home was a Boxer bitch named Beth who got me hooked on Obedience and Dog Training. When she was 7 years old, Beth's name had to be changed to Biff when she played a male dog in her first TV advert!
Jacky is working towards accreditation on the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors’ Scheme (KCAI). The KCAI 'gold badge' is the mark of quality in dog training, canine behaviour and other canine related services.
Accredited members must be able to show a wealth of practical experience training, handling and living with dogs, as well as demonstrate teaching skills and academic knowledge, along with a dedication to their profession. They must abide by the Scheme Code of Conduct and demonstrate that their knowledge and experience satisfies the high criteria set by the Scheme.
Jacky is bound by the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors and those members of the public she works with can be assured that she is committed to work in the best interests of canine welfare. She is also the owner of Talking Dogs Rally.
Member since: About 1993
Dogs: Clara (Longcoated Chihuahua)
An interesting fact about me and dogs: My first dog when I left home was a Boxer bitch named Beth who got me hooked on Obedience and Dog Training. When she was 7 years old, Beth's name had to be changed to Biff when she played a male dog in her first TV advert!
Jacky is working towards accreditation on the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors’ Scheme (KCAI). The KCAI 'gold badge' is the mark of quality in dog training, canine behaviour and other canine related services.
Accredited members must be able to show a wealth of practical experience training, handling and living with dogs, as well as demonstrate teaching skills and academic knowledge, along with a dedication to their profession. They must abide by the Scheme Code of Conduct and demonstrate that their knowledge and experience satisfies the high criteria set by the Scheme.
Jacky is bound by the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors and those members of the public she works with can be assured that she is committed to work in the best interests of canine welfare. She is also the owner of Talking Dogs Rally.
Committee Member and Trainer
Name: Valerie Ridge
Member since: About 1973
Dogs: None at present myself, but i do have a grand-dog Nala
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I have been a Club member for over 50 years and a trainer for about 30. I am particularly interested in dog psychology, and keep up to date with all aspects of dog ownership by regularly attending courses. Bouviers have been my companions for nearly twenty years. I have trained/competed/judged and dabbled in most disciplines over the years. I am also a KC Approved GCDS examiner (all levels).
Member since: About 1973
Dogs: None at present myself, but i do have a grand-dog Nala
An interesting fact about me and dogs: I have been a Club member for over 50 years and a trainer for about 30. I am particularly interested in dog psychology, and keep up to date with all aspects of dog ownership by regularly attending courses. Bouviers have been my companions for nearly twenty years. I have trained/competed/judged and dabbled in most disciplines over the years. I am also a KC Approved GCDS examiner (all levels).
Committee Member
Name: Tricia Richardson
Member since: 1983 (for 4 years), returned in 2002 Dogs: Moss (Collie) An interesting fact about me and dogs: I first went to dog training about 1983 with a puppy named Ben and attended classes for about 4 years. I now enjoy helping at club meetings. I therefore have the opportunity to chat with most members of the club and their dogs. Committee Member
Name: Sharon Barker
Member since: 2003 Dogs: Merak and Truman (both Black Labs) An interesting fact about me and dogs: As a young child I didn't like dogs, as my grandma had a poodle that barked in my ear, until as a teenager our neighbour had 'Sherry' who was one of the best behaved dogs I have ever seen. As I lived in a flat in London and then a small house in Folkestone, I had to wait until I was nearly 40 before I could realise my ambition of being a dog owner. My 'boys' are very special and have allowed me to meet some great people both through the club and when out walking. Truman is a 'failed' border force puppy, but has found his forever home with us and acheived his Gold good citizen award. |
Committee Member
Name: Gary Norris Member since: 2013 Dog: Walter (Cockerpoo) An interesting fact about me and dogs: I have in the past had two dogs , Tyson a Rottweiler cross, and Skippy an Alsation cross. Owning a dog has always been a big part of my life. We lost our beloved Wilson, pictured, in May 2024. He was an excitable, loving, furry addition; through him we have been attending training since 2013, the impact it has had on our dog and in fact on the whole family has been, and continues to be a wonderful experience. Wilson developed obedience and other new skills, inculding lots of rosettes in Talking Dogs Rally. We have met and made friends with many lovely people and their four legged friends. We have just been adopted by a new cockerpoo, Walter, and have just started our puppy foundation course. Committee Member Name: Michelle Member Since: 2017 Dog: Lola (whippet cross) An interesting fact about me and dogs: I feel I have arrived quite late in life to the world of dogs (having grown up with cats) but since adopting Lola from a rescue centre a few years ago I am starting to realise just what I’ve been missing out on. The companionship, joy and fun she brings to our family is second to none, even if she is somewhat fixated on chasing squirrels and cats when out and about! It has been said that dogs often look like their owners and although I would certainly love to have legs as slender as hers the only connection we do share is that we are both from Wales! |
