Article from Shooting Times on 27 Sept 2001

Neil Wood 1956 - 2001

NEIL WOOD, a popular face and figure in the west country shooting and dog trialling world, was tragically killed in a car accident on 6 September 2001, write Richard Marker and Sara Chichester.

Neil, who would have celebrated his 45th birthday last week, excelled at anything he attempted but particularly if it took him outdoors.

His love for the outdoors helped him to achieve a reputable golf handicap, his fitness showed up in mountain biking skills, his patience and intuition came to the fore when he tried his hand at fly-fishing and he even played his first game of cricket this year.

One of his prime qualities was his tolerance and understanding that showed through in the affection he had for his dogs. Before 1997, he had no knowledge of the shooting or gundog world. But Neil, who lived in Colyton, Devon, had an inherent understanding of dogs, which was proven when he managed to gain the trust of a dog that had been lost for a week and return it to it's owner, Sara Chichester.

As a reward, he was given a Labrador puppy to accompany him and his Dalmatian when he was training on his mountain bike. Within a year, Neil had changed his latex biking clothing to country cords and he and his step-daughter, Jodi, were enthusiastically working Labradors, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels on the local shoots, both beating and picking-up.

Neil with Wiscombe Obi Wan

and Wiscombe Accordian

Neil took up shooting and was yet again a 'natural', and helped a local gun dealer out at Game Fairs. He began winning awards at gundog tests and trials and last year won two retriever trials with two different dogs, one of which he had trained from a puppy.

His natural affinity with dogs combined with the desire and ability to learn, and fearless competitive spirit, enabled him to achieve in a short space of time, what many take years to accomplish. Who knows how far he could of got but hopefully his dog, Smoke, will be able to continue winning for him.

It's incredible how through a chance meeting with a dog, a whole family has become involved and learnt to love country sports.

All the many friends he had gained over the years will sadly miss him and our thoughts and best wishes go with his wife, Jacki and family.

Neil and Jodi