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Coming together for a cause: the 5 Regions Charity Working Test
This spring, the gundog world is uniting for a powerful cause: the 5 Regions Charity Working Test. This national event, created to raise awareness of mental health challenges in rural communities, is open to all varieties of spaniels and culminates in a grand final at The Game Fair, Ragley Hall (25–27 July).
All proceeds will support Mind, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust. More than a competition, this event is a show of solidarity from the shooting and countryside communities.
“Mental health is something we need to talk about more,” says co-organiser Jane Sutherland. “The countryside can be a lonely place to work. We hope this event helps raise not just funds but awareness, too.”
Why this cause matters
Although the countryside is a place of tranquillity, it is common for people working within it operate to on their own a lot of the time. These include gamekeepers and gundog trainers/handlers, many experience of whom isolation, long hours in harsh conditions and limited access to support services. This can have a serious impact on mental health.
“Even the strongest among us need a helping hand sometimes,” says BASC’s Ged Hunston. “The 5 Regions Charity Working Test brings mental health to the forefront and reminds people it’s ok to talk and to seek help. It demonstrates the best of our community: talent, tradition, and a genuine sense of care.”
Jane stresses that people must not suffer in silence, but face stigma around mental ill-health in the rural and sporting world: “People worry about appearing weak. But if we create more understanding, we might give someone the courage to speak out, and potentially save a life.”
About the 5 Regions Charity Working Test
At its core, the 5 Regions Charity Working Test is a celebration of spaniel work and community spirit. Open to all levels, the test consists of five regional heats, each limited to 40 dogs and following Kennel Club Rules and Regulations (J).
The top three dogs from each heat qualify for the final, held in the International Arena at The Game Fair – a prestigious platform for any working dog.
Generous prizes and community support
Thanks to the generosity of the gundog and shooting communities, the fantastic prize package includes:
- Engraved gold whistle sleeves from Acme
- Flight dummy bundles from Sporting Saint
- Iconic dog jumpers from Equafleece
- Premium dog nutrition from Skinner’s Foods
- BASC game bags
Going beyond the test: online auction and fundraising
Alongside the competition is an online auction hosted via the 5 Regions Charity Working Test Facebook page. Supporters can bid on an impressive selection of items and experiences, including:
- Training days with top gundog professionals
- Access to private training grounds
- Clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, and fishing trips
- Gundog gear like slip leads, drying coats, and more
“The response has been incredible,” says Jane. “People have offered time, land, and expertise. It really shows how much this matters.”
Save the date: The Game Fair final
The excitement peaks at The Game Fair, where finalists of the 5 Regions Charity Working Test will compete in the International Arena. The weekend promises not only top-tier competition but a celebration of resilience and connection.
If you’ve never been to The Game Fair before, this is the perfect opportunity. Alongside the gundog events, there’s a full celebration of British countryside life – from shopping and demos to food, field sports, and family fun.
And remember, if you’d like to go and see all the action at the final, BASC members get complimentary entry to all three days of The Game Fair – book your tickets in advance here.
5 Regions Charity Working Test locations and entry info
The heats will be held across five regions:
17 May:
- South East – Holride Farm, Ripley, Surrey | terrisiwek@hotmail.co.uk
- Wales – Powys Castle | wtsecretarylwss@gmail.com
- Midlands – South Farm, Manton, Gainsborough | k.nightingale68@btinternet.com
- South West – Broad Down Farm, near Honiton, Devon | ss.ajenkins@btinternet.com
18 May: Scotland – Slipperfield, West Linton EH46 7HN | tkforgie50@hotmail.co.uk or joanne-duncan@hotmail.co.uk
Final: 26-27 July – The Game Fair, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire
Closing date for entries: 12 May (late entries may be accepted – contact Jane Sutherland at janeysutherland@yahoo.co.uk)
For updates and to join the auction, follow the 5 Regions Charity Working Test Facebook page.
You are not alone
Above all, this event is about connection. Whether you’re a gamekeeper, a trainer, a seasoned competitor, or new to the sport – you matter. Mental ill-health does not discriminate.
It’s something we all must learn to talk about more openly. “We’ve all heard someone say, ‘If only I’d known,’” says Jane. “This event is our chance to make sure people do know that support is out there, and they’re not on their own.”
Let’s celebrate our dogs, our shared passions and, most importantly, our community.
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Marta Jacyna
Marta Jacyna is BASC’s communications officer. She is passionate about the countryside and enjoys deer stalking and foraging for food.
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