Rother Valley Working Newfoundlands at Sawley Marina 

	As an annual event RVWN have been attending the open day for charity at Sawley Marina in Nottinghamshire. The marina is the largest inland in the UK and home to over 400 boats and barges including over 180 residential and floating homes on the river Trent giving access to the UK river and canal networks.  On the day RVWN team put together a series of demonstrations showing the water skills of the old and young Newfoundland breed. There were over 200 people watching our water demonstrations. This included rescuing objects and rescuing people. We worked with our boats and with paddle boards showing the versatility of the dogs and humans.
The weather was very kind to us and a lot better than the pouring rain we had last year on the coronation day. There were many highlights for the day including dogs pulling multiple people, behind the boat rescues and the finale of a double dog jump and race back to shore with handlers. The puppies are always amazing to watch showing their natural skills in the water. Vin Whiting gave a comprehensive and witty commentary over the PA.  The public were very interested in the breed and spent time talking with the team discussing the dogs and our club. It is always amazing talking to people who had a Newfoundland dog when they were children and have fond memories and lovely stories.
	In between the water demonstrations we took many children and adults in the boats so they could be towed to shore by a Newfoundland dog to give them this unique experience. This helped us to raise enough money to make a large donation to the day’s charities (Young Lives Vs Cancer and PASIC) which was warmly welcomed by the Marina staff.

The RVWN Christmas meal was held on 2nd December and an enjoyable evening was had by all. It's been a very busy year for us with becoming an independent group, we've also had a very full on schedule for the majority of the year holding & attending numerous working events and not forgetting Newf Fest, so it was a welcome break to celebrate together.

We had the opportunity to thank David Pugsley for his 30+ years of support by gratefully presenting him with his certificate of honorary membership.

We also recognised the dogs & handlers working achievements throughout the year - a full breakdown of winners can be found on our new Trophies & Awards page. A big congratulations goes to all of the winners this year.

More photos from the event can be found in our gallery.

Again -thank you everyone for your support and hard work this year, here's to 2024!