NEFRA visited Roby Mill near Wigan today to run the working retriever assessments.

Many thanks to Sarah Marflow for her wonderful hospitality, she looked after us so well. Despite the rain we all had a lovely day.

Thank you to Chris Hewison and Lisa Mappin for judging the novice, with helpers Peter Griffin and Caroline Hewison.Thank you to Gill Griffin for judging the intermediate, with helpers Peter Griffin and David Foster.

Passes in the novice level were awarded to:
Anne Haley and Castlerock Return to Sender at Skybrook
Gill Griffin and Ravencrag Illusionist
Al Moore and Sachbash Prince Olly Moore
Garry Ellison and Ollersett Black Knight completed their third pass and were awarded their novice certificate.

In the intermediate level, two dogs were awarded passes:
Caroline Hewison and Casblaidd Island in the Sky
Sue Sinnott and Millola Handsome Man

Well done everyone and thank you all for coming on such a wet day! Details about the water training sessions at the same venue, for the pups and beginners who have booked on next week, will be sent out early next week.

We are delighted to announce the details of NEFRA’s 2021 working test.

Once again we are indebted to the wonderful staff of the Castle Howard Estate near York. They have once again offered to host our test in their stunning setting in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We welcome your entries and are looking forward to seeing all our friends visit us once more for a wonderful day-out with their dogs.

NEFRA held the first Working Retriever Assessment of the year today. Grateful thanks to Simon Fitzherbert Brockholes for hosting at Garstang, a really good day!

Lisa Mappin and Caroline Hewison judged the novices this morning, and Gill Griffin judged the intermediate dogs this afternoon. Huge thank you to the helpers Simon, Alan and Peter for throwing dummies all day especially in the rain this morning!

Passes and rosettes in the novice levels were awarded to

Julie Matthews and Ollersett Black Diamond
Mags Brayfield and Contar Skeggles Water.

Two dogs passed their third stage and were awarded their novice certificates.
Well done to
Chris Hewison and Casblaidd Mirror Lake
Charlotte Smith and Castlerock First Glance at Whirleymere

In the intermediate level a pass and a rosette was awarded to
Chris Hewison and Casblaidd Mirror Lake.

Well done everyone! Hope you enjoyed the day!

The next assessment is at Roby Mill, Wigan on 7th August. Let me know if you would like to come.

Beginners & Novice Dog/Novice Handlers , limited to 6 dogs am and 6 dogs pm

Contact Caroline Hewison

NEFRA were delighted that renowned dog trainer Jane Ardern agreed to speak to our members in a Facebook Live event to allow us to celebrate our 25th anniversary in a Covid safe manner. The recording will remain available here.

Puppy and Novice Dog/Novice Handler and Novice classes.

Once again, current government restrictions across the country mean that we had to run a working test ‘virtually’.

Please note that this was an unofficial test and winning the class does not qualify out of that class.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered our working test. We have had so much fun watching these videos. We have seen some really lovely, very capable dogs, and equally some superb handlers!

Puppy (2 entries)

1st Lauren Broome with Benvellyn Amur Falcon of Evingbriar (UK)
2nd Aage Wilhelmsen with Jiggers Tarka Ann Bakue (Denmark)

Novice Dog/Novice Handler (9 entries)

1st Aimee Gardiner with Kulawand Kookaburra for Svenjak (UK)
2nd Suzi Tagg with Empire Glory Black Brianta at Oiyou (UK)
3rd Dena Swift with Skye (UK)
4th Aimee Gardiner with Bitcon Taylor Made for Svenjak (UK)

Novice (10 entries)

1st Vivienne Gatter with Pebbles (UK)
2nd and Judges Choice Kristof Jebsen with New-Era de la Source aux Elfes (Germany)
3rd Herma Ordelman with Maddistream Aduro Pink (Netherlands)
4th Anne Haley with Castlerock Return to Sender at Skybrook (UK)

The novice class was very strongly contested and the first two places in novice were separated by half a point, we were really splitting hairs! If anyone would like to know their scores, and if anyone would like feedback on why they were given a score, please do get in touch, we are only too happy to help! We do have rosettes for the award winners – please PM us your address and we can get them sent out

Judges: Chris and Caroline Hewison

We have very kindly been given permission to share Kristof Jebsen’s videos, who was running in the novice section of our on line test. I thought it might be useful for the novice dog/novice handlers to see the exercises and it was a pleasure to watch this team working together. Link to the videos

For class definitions and the exercises themselves, see the link below.

RESULTS

Best In Show 6 Wyrebeck Caught By Surprise

Reserve Best In Show 10 WOODFINCH MASQUERADE

Best Opposite Sex 26 Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)

Best Puppy In Show 16 Calzeat Baby One More Time

Best Veteran In Show 13 Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd

Best Working In Show 12 Casblaidd Island in the Sky

Congratulations to everyone in the awards! Thank you very much to our Judge Val Orme for taking her day to judge the online entries and thank you to everyone that took the time to video and enter

Judges Report

My thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge their virtual open show,and many thanks also to Charlotte for organising everything so efficiently. It was a very different experience judging a virtual show. It was harder than I had expected especially not being able to put hands on the dogs to confirm what you were seeing.

The quality of the videos was very varied and this did impact on the placings. Overall the quality of the entry was good but in some cases felt that the video didn’t do them justice. However I was pleased with all my class winners and especially my B.I.S, a young dog with a lot of potential.

Finally I would like to thank all the exhibitors for taking the time to video their dogs and trusting me for my opinion.

CLASS 2 SPECIAL VETERAN DOG (2)

Two lovely dogs in this class belying their age.
1st HORNERS PAJANBECK MAGIC MOMENTS. An 11yr.old dog with a lot to like about him . Lovely moulded head with neat ears and good reach of neck into well laid back shoulder and level topline . Well constructed with prominent forechest and correct angulation. An elegant dog who moved soundly covering the ground well. BEST VETERAN DOG

2nd MR.A. & MRS F. COLSONS GLENDARUAL DANCING BRAVE (AI) Another 11ry. Old. Heavier in build than 1. Good head and ear set. Deep chested but not quite the front of 1. Good bend of stifle He moved well keeping a level topline.

CLASS 3 MINOR PUPPY DOG (3)

1st BRIGHT`S HOPEVALLEY MORNING PHANTOM 8mnth. old stylish puppy at correct size for age.
He has a well moulded head with soft expression. Soundly built with good bone , a lovely reach of neck. good front angulation and moderate bend of stifle. He moved soundly. A promising puppy. BEST PUPPY DOG

2nd PRIOR`S GEMSWIN SHUT UP AND DANCE Another lovely puppy of 8mnths. In lovely coat and condition. He has a pleasing head and expression. Good depth of chest, appeared slightly longer bodied than 1. Moved out well keeping a level topline.

3rd STOTT`S HAMELDOWNTOR AMONTILLADO WITH LOROSIETTIE

CLASS 4 PUPPY DOG( (1)

1st WILHELMSON`S JIGGARS TARKA ANN BAKUE Good head and eye . He has a good reach of neck which flows into lovely level topline and correct tail set. Reasonable front but would prefer a little more length in upper arm . He moved well in profile but a little close behind when moving away.

CLASS 5 JUNIOR DOG( 3)

1st CROSSLEY`S WYREBECK CAUGHT BY SURPRISE Lovely balanced young dog . He has a super profile with ever wagging tail. Racy and well balanced with a lovely head .Good angulation to front and rear, with moderate bend of stifle . An elegant happy showman who moved true and covered the ground with a lovely free flowing action. Very pleased to award him BEST DOG AND BEST IN SHOW

CLASS 6 YEARLING DOG(2)

1st ROMEO-DIESTE`S HOPEVALLEY MORNING CIRCUS Lovely young dog . Medium sized with a balanced outline. He has a lovely moulded head , good front assembly, balanced by moderate bend of stifle He moved out well keeping a level topline.

2nd TIERLING`S LIZZLOG MOONLIGHTING AT KARSHOLME. This young dog has a pleasing head and expression . Well built with a good forechest and depth of brisket. He was a little close behind moving away but moved well in profile keeping a level topline.

CLASS 10 LIMIT DOG (2)

1st BELLAMY`S WOODFINCH MASQUERADE An enthusiastic young dog with an appealing head a kind eye . Prominent forechest and deep rib. Nicely balanced in profile with level topline, good front angulation and well angulated rear. Moved out well . Pushed hard for top honours but just preferred the elegant profile of the winner. RESERVE BEST DOG AND RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

2nd SALT`S TOCCATA OF HARLASTON WITH WETNOSES JW SH.CM Similar in type to I. Lovely well moulded head with soft expression. Looks lovely in profile with a well balanced outline. He has a good depth of chest and correct angulation front and rear with ever wagging tail. He moved out steadily but was a little wide in front.

CLASS 13 SPECIAL WORKING DOG (1)

1st HEWISON`S CASBLAIDD ISLAND IN THE SKY Well constructed dog, with prominent forechest and good depth of brisket .pleasing head with kind expression. Well laid back shoulders and good level topline. Muscular hindquarters with correct bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Balanced free flowing movement . BEST WORKING Dog and BEST WORKING IN SHOW

CLASS 14 VETERAN BITCH (1)

1st HEWISON`S DONASCIMENTO DANILO BY CASBLAIDD Standing alone but well worthy of her 1st place. Good head and soft expression. She has a lovely outline in profile , well balanced with a good front and strong quarters. Movement was straight and true keeping a lovely level topline in profile with ever wagging tail. BEST VETERAN BITCH AND BEST VETERAN IN SHOW

CLASS 15 SPECIAL VETERAN BITCH (1)

1st BARNETT`S PAJANBECK WELCOME TO MY WORLD AT ANNBECKS A lovely girl belying her age at almost 11. Lovely head with that typical flatcoat expression. Full of enthusiasm in lovely coat and condition . She presents a good outline in profile with a good reach of neck into level topline. She moved soundly covering the ground well.

CLASS 16 MINOR PUPPY BITCH (1)

Two lovely puppies in these next two classes,who both have excellent qualities.
1st ROMEO-DIESTE`S HOPEVALLEY MORNING WICKED Promising 8mnth. old puppy with everything to like. Correct size for age with a lovely moulded head and soft expression .Good length of neck with well placed shoulders. Well angulated front and moderate bend of stifle. Moved soundly with confidence

CLASS 17 PUPPY BITCH (1)

1st GUNSTEAD & NORMAN`S CALZEAT BABY ONE MORE TIME Another promising puppy of 8mnths . She presents a lovely profile standing with a lovely head and good reach of neck into super topline
Well made throughout with good tight feet . She moved well with a good driving movement. Close decision won on her overall balanced profile. BEST PUPPY BITCH AND BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

CLASS 18 JUNIOR BITCH ( 1)

1st CROSSLEY’S WYREBECK SHES MY SURPRISE Elegant young liver bitch presenting a balanced outline in profile. Lovely head and good reach of neck ,level topline and good tailset. Good depth of chest and moderate bend of stifle. Movement was sound and freeflowing, covering the ground well.

CLASS 19 YEARLING BITCH (2)

1st LEAVY`S HOPEVALLEY MORNING SHINE OVER WYCHWIZARD Two litter sisters in this class and similar remarks apply. Lovely head with soft expression, Good reach of neck into level topline and well set on tail. She presents a lovely outline in profile . Moved out well with drive.

2nd RICHARDS HOPEVALLEY MORNING RIVER Well moulded head with dark eye. Balanced outline with good front angulation and moderate bend of stifle. Moved well but not quite the drive of her sister.

CLASS 20 NOVICE BITCH ( 1)

1st BURROUGHS` LEVELMOOR ALLO ALLO AVEC ROCANESS Nicely moulded feminine head .She has a prominent forechest with a good depth of brisket. Balanced in outline but I would prefer a little less weight. Moved soundly

CLASS 21 GRADUATE BITCH (5)

1st THOMSON`S CACIS THE DREAM CATCHER @ BADCALL (IMP SWE) Mature looking bitch with lovely head and expression.Well constructed throughout with good front angulation and pronounced forechest with good depth. Good reach of neck leading into level topline , strong hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle. In good coat and condition. Moved well.

2nd BARNETT`S STEELRIVER ECHO BEACH AT ANNBECKS Presenting a lovely balanced profile standing and on the move . Feminine head with soft expression . Good length of neck into lovely level topline and well set on tail, not quite the front of 1. Moved out well with ever wagging tail .

3rd SALT`S LEVELMOOR ACORN ANTIQUES VIA WETNOSES

CLASS 22 POST GRADUATE BITCH ( 2)

1st COLSON`S BLACKTOFT DANCING ON ICE WITH WINDYHOLLOWS Feminine head with dark eye and lovely soft expression. She has good depth and width of brisket with a prominent forechest. Good front angulation and well muscled rear quarters with correct bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Carrying her tail a little high on the move today but didn’t detract from her overall balance. She moved well with drive. BEST BITCH AND BEST OPPOSITE SEX

2nd STOTT`S BITCONGIRL IN BLACK WITH LOROSIETTIE Mature well balanced bitch who looks to be carrying a little excess weight at the moment. Nicely moulded head and good length of neck .
She has a good angulation to front and rear with moderate bend of stifle . Moved out well on a good stride
keeping a level topline. Well handled by her junior handler.

CLASS 23 LIMIT BITCH (4)

1st ROMEO-DIESTE`S HOPEVALLEY MORNING RAINBOW Quality bitch presenting a lovely balanced outline in profile . She has a pretty head with soft expression. Well constructed throughout, with good width and depth of brisket , good front angulation balanced by good rear quarters. Moved soundly covering the ground well. RESERVE BEST BITCH

2nd GOULETTE`S ANNBECKS BRENNA AT BOBBINMILL Another quality bitch in good coat and condition . Lovely moulded head and dark eye. Well balanced in outline with good front and rear angulation,level topline and correct tailset .A little close behind when moving away but in profile moved freely covering the ground well .

3rd RICHARD`S HAMELDOWNTOR MOON RIVER IN MANHATTON

CLASS 24 (OPEN BITCH 5)

1st COLSONS BLACKTOFT FROZEN IN TIME BY WINDYHOLLOWS Lively elegant bitch with a constantly wagging tail. Well constructed with a pleasing outline. Lovely well moulded head with dark eye . Good front angulation with prominent forechest and good width and depth of brisket. Well muscled hind quarters . Sound freeflowing movement.

2nd ROMEO -DIESTE`S HOPEVALLEY MORNING DAKOTA Well balanced bitch . Feminine head with soft expression and lovely reach of neck leading to level topline. Good front assembly with pronounced forechest and moderate bend of stifle. Lovely in profile and moved out soundly.

3rd SALT`S GEMSWIN HOW YOU REMIND ME OF LEVELMOOR

CLASS 26 (SPECIAL WORKING BITCH 1)

1st HEWISONS DONASCIMENTO DANILO FROM CASBLAIDD Medium sized bitch in super condition . Well ribbed up body with good angulation to front and rear, pronounced forechest and muscular hind quarters. Presented a lovely profile standing and on the move. Movement was straight and true.
BEST WORKING BITCH

Val Orme (Judge)

Many Thanks to Garry, Andy and Chris for taking the classes and to Sue for dummy throwing.

This was particularly useful to beginners, and to those who haven’t managed to do much training during the course of the pandemic.

Once restrictions are lifted we hope to be able to return to full days with larger group sizes. We also look forward to being able to offer our famous, friendly, NEFRA hospitality of which we are very proud.

Entries for the Hesketh Bank training day are now open. Training sessions are HALF-DAY only.

Please complete the online form first – we will try to accommodate as many participants as possible whilst maintaining a Covid-19 secure environment. One dog per handler, no mixing of groups. Places may be limited, in which case these will be on a first-come first-served basis.

Some more sad news….we are very sorry to have to let you know that Angela Miller (of the Keepersend affix) has passed away after a long illness. She held the position of Nottinghamshire Area rep for the FRS for a long time and gave willingly of her time and knowledge.A good friend to many in the flatcoat world and always there with a kind word and a ready laugh. We send our condolences to Angela’s family

Angela Miller’s Funeral

We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages, cards and flowers – it has been overwhelming, thank you.

Unfortunately, due to current Covid restrictions, we are sorry to announce that funeral attendance is by individual invitation only. We have also been asked by the funeral directors to advise everyone that additional mourners are not even permitted to stand outside.

Angela wanted family flowers only for the ceremony please. If anyone would like make a donation in her memory, E Gill and Sons Funeral Directors,55 Albert Street, Newark, NG24 4BQ (01636 677461) are taking a collection for the Flatcoated Retriever Society Rescue Rehousing & Welfare Scheme. This will remain open after the funeral until the 17th of March. Thank you all for your understanding at this difficult time. Sarah, Richard & Richard.