The Life & Times of Haremire Diane of Haddeo.  by Stuart Robson

A short history of the life & times of Haremire Diane of Haddeo – Becky   8/5/2001 – 30/1/2015

In 2001 I moved from just inside the north Devon border to the south east corner of Exmoor surrounded by the renowned Haddeo shoot & the moor  right outside my gate. I thought it about time I  looked for a puppy  & as luck would have it, Mike Prosser,  a well known trialler from Yorkshire, had just bred a litter out of Haremire Juniper by Haremire Dipper. Juniper had many trialling awards & was unlucky not to win more but the persuading factor in acquiring Becky, was Junipers sire – Deadcraft Kestrel of Rhypyker, bred by Judy Rainey & I had his litter sister who was just about the best picking up dog you could wish for.

At about 15 mths Judy Rainey said “you'll have a lot of fun with her” - & I certainly did.  Becky won the first test we entered & although not recommended, trialled at 18mths getting through several rounds although I hasten to add that the trial had a spare space & as Secretary I entered.

Around this time Judith Evans also had a young dog of similar age – Holway Victor – Hector to his friends. A lovely dog whom went on to win the GRC 2 day stake & thus qualify for the Retriever Championship.Like Hector, Becky managed many awards in trials & tests but her best of 2nd in the GRC of Scotlands Open stake didn't quite live up to Hectors record.  Hector & Becky were lucky enough to represent the club in the Inter Club tests on a number of occasions & were in the winning team when held in Wales. In fact the South Western club have an excellent record in this event & there is much banter & rivalry between our club & the GRC.

Having such an easy dog to train & live with made competing very enjoyable but the time came for me to consider having puppies. I was spoilt for choice as there were several well bred & successful dogs & in particular Tauvechan Minstrel who Mike Knox campaigned vigourously & had much success.

My first litter sired by Holway Banjo included a bitch Haddeo Sweet Briar who went on to win 2 trials  & a best of 2nd in the Yorkshire GRC's Open stake. Although an Any Variety trial mine was the only Golden running; so even in those days Goldens were few in number but as Graham Cox said “its always good to compete against labradors & where possible – beat them”. In the same litter I had bred  Haddeo Noble – Solo – the owner suffered a heart attack & I was asked to take the dog back at 15months. With abit of training he also won a trial & if it hadn't been for Briar I would have liked to have taken him further. Sadly he pre deceased his Mum – Becky by 2 weeks.

As I've mentioned Hector was also a very special dog & it was natural to ask Judith if I could use him. From this litter 3 pups went to trialling & picking up homes & I kept 2 bitches. Of the 3  they all won trialling awards  & two qualified to Open stakes but with Judith Evans who chose her pup Haddeo Snipe (Trigon) , she was successful in  making him up to Field Trial Champion & again qualified for the Retriever Championship. I only competed with one of my pups, namely Haddeo Hermia (Lucy) who ended her career with 3 seconds in Open stakes, one of which was a 2 day stake;  & to my surprise when stepping in at the last moment when she was almost retired - top open dog in the Inter club.

As a result of my friends who chose pups from Becky & had a great deal of success, one of my prized awards which made me especially proud of Becky; was the GRC's trophy the “Standerwick” cup which is presented each year to the bitch who's progeny had won the most field trial points in a particular year. Becky won this on 4 occasions 2008/2009/2010 &12. I think only June Atkinson has won it on more occasions, & who would think otherwise of such a great competitor & breeder.

Haremire Diane of Haddeo (Becky) 8/5/01 to 30/1/15

This is not intended to blow either my or Becky's trumpet, but to express my thanks to my best friend.

Stuart Robson 

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