"I’m writing this blog on Sunday evening while watching the X Factor. I have to confess I love this programme - all the naff auditions are hilarious to watch but I also love it when someone really talented turns up on stage.

It fascinates me that some people are amazingly talented and they're just out there, going about their normal lives, waiting for someone to notice them. I also wonder, is talent genetic or borne through dedication and hard work? It’s probably a bit of both.

One to watch

Either way, we are currently working with a young man called James Thatcher who would easily win The X Factor if they were looking to find the next star gundog handler.

James lives and breathes the countryside and his dogs, and he is fresh back from the Sandringham Game and Country Fair with an armful of trophies won in partnership with his Cocker bitch Boots.

James’s efforts and hard work are really paying dividends. All he needs to do is keep up the good work, keep training, and keep his mind on the dogs and not on the ladies, and he'll be a big success. Having said that, it never did me any harm...!

Model pupils

Still on the subject of success, congratulations to Tessa, Tracey and Lynda, who all presented themselves and their dogs for assessment at the
end of our latest training course. Ladies - you were fabulous. It's always scary for me when pupils are being assessed, but they have been model pupils, hard-working, determined a little tempermental at times but it all came good. 

We’re still on the road with three more shows to do, which makes for a busy September/October. The Shooting School is busy, Mullenscote Dog Training Centre is full on, with days out game shooting, beating, picking up and trialing. Bring it on!"

Howard