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LIBRARY
TALBOT RADCLIFFE
by David McCurdy
I first learned of Talbot Radcliffe and his Saighton
Kennels in the mid 1950's from reports in the British journal, "Shooting
Times and Country Magazine". Talbot had established a successful
breeding program and his springers were receiving enviable recognition
for their work in field trials.
As a young man, Talbot lived in Cheshire and had the good fortune
to train his spaniels on the estate of the Duke of Westminster. The
Duke was so impressed with Talbot's dog training and handling ability
that he allowed him to use the name, "Saighton", which was
one of the estate's "rides" (bridal paths), as a prefix
for his kennels.
After the war years, Talbot acquired the historic and beautiful Presaddfed
Estate on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. The estate had acquired a
unique charm and patina that only age can bestow. The Big House, started
in 1184 and added to in the 17th and 18th centuries, was, and still
is, the centerpiece. With abundant cover to hold rabbits, pheasant
and woodcock, as well as a lake that attracted large flights of ducks
and geese, one can readily understand the strong attraction of Presaddfed
for one who loved nature. In addition, this setting was ideal for
Talbot who had a passion for spaniels and shooting. Talbot decided
to retire early and devote all his energy to developing Presaddfed's
sporting potential and establishing a reputation for the Saighton
Kennels. This ambitious undertaking called for strong character, great
determination, and sound judgment.
In 1955, Talbot turned his attention to the U.S. and made his first
visit to determine the type of springer trialers wanted. It was clear
that North American field trials were different from those in the
U.K., and it was going to be a considerable challenge to develop a
line of dogs that could win in the U.S. After several trips to the
States, Talbot developed a plan, and by 1964, he had made great strides
towards his goal. In England that year, his dogs won 5 firsts, 4 seconds
and 3 thirds, but the highlight was Saighton Stinger's sensational
win at an important trial held by the Antrim and Down Spaniel Club.
The judges, M.J. Leopard and J.A. Kerr commented: "The winner,
about which nobody present could have any doubt, was Mr. Talbot Radcliffe's
FCh Saighton's Stinger, who gave the most impressive performance that
we have ever seen at a trial". This win qualified Stinger for
the Kennel Club's U.K. Championship trial; with Talbot handling, Stinger
went on to win, becoming the 1965 National Field Trial Champion. Not
only was Stinger a great Field Trial Champion, but he was prepotent
as well. Dogs he sired were winning trials in the U.S. including the
National.
In 1961, a friend, knowing of my interest in springers, casually mentioned,
"I'm going to England on business and I am going to buy a springer
spaniel". When he mentioned the name of the kennel he planned
to visit, I was not enthusiastic because I knew the kennel promoted
show dogs, and my friend wanted a hunting dog. "Go ahead and
look," I said, "but don't make up your mind until you have
talked to Talbot Radcliffe." My friend did contact Talbot and
arranged for a trip to Wales to see the Saighton dogs; he came home
with a pup, Saighton's Slam.
By the time Slam arrived, I had lost my springer. I was so impressed
by the Saighton pup that I approached Talbot to see if I could get
a trained or a started male dog - his reply was prompt: "Have
carefully considered your requirements and can offer a 12 month male,
very strong, good size - all essentials are right - hunts hard, good
nose, retrieves to hand, good mouth - good marker and [has] a lovely
dark eye. Will be a great gun dog - has trial potential - quite biddable
(but requires a firm hand) - loves water". Before long my first
Saighton dog, Saighton's Sort, arrived, and in this way, I met Talbot.
Over the next 37 years, we established a friendship that I will always
cherish.
My Saighton's Sort became such an exciting and pleasing dog that I
wanted to retain his blood in my kennel. Talbot, as a matter of policy,
would not part with his bitches. After explaining to him what I wanted
to do, he made an exception and allowed me to have Saighton's Samantha,
with permission to breed her. Samantha (by Saighton's Stinger out
of Saightons Speke) was a litter mate of National Champion, Saighton's
Signal. The first breeding of Sort and Samantha produced 11 strong,
lusty pups, all of which went to Nova Scotia sportsmen who became
charter members of the Scotia Springer Club. The club has been holding
field trials since its inception in 1967. Sort and Samantha were the
foundation of my Glenrock Kennel, which has given me no end of pleasure
and satisfaction.
When Talbot heard I was retiring in November 1977, he invited my wife,
Margo, and me to come to Presaddfed for Dec./Jan. pheasant shooting.
I was to be a beater during the day. In the evening, we would help
him entertain his guests.
By 1977, Talbot wore the mantle of success in his sport oriented endeavors.
He had built the Saighton Kennels to a position of preeminence. He
had restored the Presaddfed Estate and acquired the shooting rights
to the Marquis of Anglesey's famous Plas Newydd Estate on the Menia
Strait near Presaddfed. Talbot now had one of the finest shooting
estates in the U.K. People came from far and wide to enjoy the mixed
shooting and to see the Saighton dogs.
Talbot raised over 10,000 pheasants in 1977. He had four gamekeepers
under the highly competent Gerald Ward. The kitchen turned out a "Cordon
Bleu" cuisine, and the highly competent Big House staff, supervised
by the butler, was trained to meet the needs of a clientele that expected
the best and could be very demanding.
Most of the guests were gentleman and fine sportsmen, but there were
times when Talbot's patience was put to the test. One visitor arrived
with a pump gun which he wanted to use at the formal pheasant shoot
- an unthinkable faux pas; really, one should shoot a side-by-side,
preferably English; over-unders are tolerated, begrudgingly, but pump's
and semi's are no-no's. Another guest, garbed in best Loden and very
well turned out, arrived at his station with his cartridges in a gaudy
plastic grocery bag. This really upset Talbot who muttered, "Really
David, we must maintain our standards; we have traditions!"
During shoots, Talbot was ever alert to deal with any breach of safety.
Not only are the shooters in a line where an ill-considered swing
could be dangerous, but beaters are advancing towards the shooters
and a low shot could be disastrous. Some of his guests had never shot
driven pheasant. Talbot kept a careful eye on them and was always
ready to offer some advice should it be needed. On one occasion, a
guest was missing bird after bird with embarrassing regularity. When
Talbot went to see if he could help, he was sharply criticized for
supplying bad ammunition. As the sport raved on, a high flying pheasant
approached. The shooter pointed to the bird saying, "One can't
hit birds like that one with your light 2 1/2" loads!" Talbot
with his eye on the bird replied, "May I have your gun?",
and in one quick motion killed the bird, leaving the man quite speechless.
Talbot was sometimes referred to as the "Bishop"; he did
have a strong presence. He held strong opinions and never lacked the
courage to express them. To some he was controversial, but his shooting
guests held him in high regard, and some were in awe of him. He did
not "suffer fools gladly", but he was always ready to help
anyone who had a deserving request. One time, an acquaintance asked
me for Talbot's address so he could write for more information about
Saighton dogs. Talbot's reply was followed by another request - and
yet another request. Talbot sent pictures and answered a steady stream
of questions. As time passed, I wondered how the matter stood, hoping
a new dog might come from Wales. A letter from Talbot closed with,
"By the way, I am exasperated with a delightful fellow I am sure
- but I have written him about little dogs, big dogs, young dogs,
cheap dogs, expensive dogs - so in my last letter in response to his
eager request to hear yet again - [I indicated] that as a prospective
customer I had written him off, but would adopt him as a pen pal."
In running Presaddfed, Talbot lived close to nature, and over the
years he became an amateur naturalist of some repute. In his company
afield, I would often marvel at his awareness of nature and his keen
observations. Busy as he was, Talbot would take me for off-day shooting.
We would each take a dog, and one of the beaters would accompany us
to carry the game. In his day, Talbot was regarded as one of the 10
best game shots in the U.K., and it was marvelous to watch him shoot.
On one occasion I saw him make a double on woodcock as though it was
something he did everyday.
After a long and sometimes strenuous day, I enjoyed a hot bath and
dressed up to join Talbot's reception at the Big House. It was good
to sip a single malt in front of the fire and review the days events
with the guests. Talbot always made sure that each guest was engaged
in conversation, part of Margo's and my job was to help him with this.
Then, when dinner was ready the butler, in livery, would seat us for
a memorable dinner presided over by Talbot. Frequently the diners
would clap in delight when a culinary masterpiece was served.
Our two months with the Radcliffe's went by quickly. We will never
forget the hospitality. One can not buy trips and experiences such
as Talbot provided.
In our home, we have been honored by 4 visits from Talbot. This year
we looked forward to another visit from the Chief, but this was not
to be. We will cherish the memory of our friendship with him and we
will not forget his great contribution to the springer spaniel.
Talbot, ever mindful of the loyalty and support of those who served
him with great devotion, presented a Scroll of Honor to the "Three
Musketeers", Henri Prince, Tom Lynes and Jack Grib, who had served
as beaters for 50 years. The scroll was inscribed as follows:
50 years in the line of fire
50 years of inclement weather
50 years of never missing a day
50 years of good humor with Springers
50 years of giving pleasure to others
50 years of being jolly good fellows
To me, the sentiment expressed on the scroll applies equally well
to TALBOT RADCLIFFE.
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