Our 28th Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday 19th March 2023 at The Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent

The annual awards presentations were made for the President’s Cup, the Inca Trophy and, for the very first time, a new award – the Nellspeace Plate.

After 13 years in the role of Working Secretary for NEFRA Caroline Hewison has made the difficult decision to step down at our March 2023 AGM, we will be sorry to lose her and thank her for all she has done for the Association.

Our AGM notification has already been sent to members informing them of the time, date and officer / committee posts up for election. This vacancy for Hon. Working Secretary is in addition to those posts already mentioned.

Hon. Working Secretary (1 year)

Due to our current working secretary stepping down a vacancy has arisen for 1 year (to complete the term of office), nominations for the above post are sought and should be sent to the Hon. Secretary Miss. H Walker from the proposer, together with a letter from the seconder and written agreement from the person proposed. Proposals should arrive by Friday 17th February. The proposed person and either their proposer or seconder must be in attendance at the AGM and be prepared to address the meeting.

N.B. Only people who have been a member of NEFRA for a minimum of 3 years are eligible to stand for officer or committee posts.

NEFRA’s 14th Championship Show
Venue Biddulph
Judge (Dogs) Mrs M Romeo-Dieste (Hopevalley)
Judge (Bitches) – Mr Frank Whyte (Kazval)
Referee Mrs R Bellamy (Woodfinch)

BEST IN SHOW  Rosette, sash and the Waterwitch Trophy	110 Crossley’s WYREBECK CAUGHT BY SURPRISE
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW Rosette and The Crathorne Trophy	104 Ross’ ISLSTROM AILA
BEST PUPPY IN SHOW Rosette, sash and trophy	20 Colson’s WINDYHOLLOWS RAGGED ROBIN
BEST VETERAN IN SHOWselected from the winners of Veteran classes only Rosette, sash and trophy	101 Reynolds’ CH WICCANSSAGE HUGO’S DREAM JW SGWC
BEST LIVER IN SHOW Rosette	19 Colson’s WINDYHOLLOWS FLAMING KATY
BEST SPECIAL WORKING IN SHOW Rosette	50 Hewison’s  DONASCIMENTO DANILO FROM CASBLAIDD SGWC KCWGC VW

Here are the results:

Mrs M Romeo-Dieste’s Judge Critique

Thank you to the committee for the honour of judging this show, which was originally postponed due to Covid. Thank you also to the exhibitors for a lovely entry.

I mentioned when I judged in 2018 that mouths need to be watched and this is still the case.  Feet are also a worry. I found many dogs with over long claws which spoilt what was an otherwise acceptable foot. The good feet stood out and they should be the norm. I found fewer short upper arms than previously which is a move in the right direction. 

On the plus side I was pleased to find dogs of the correct medium size and some beautifully moulded heads. I was very happy with my final line up and there were 4 dogs that I was considering for the CC/RCC

My co judge, Frank Whyte, and I were in complete agreement on the main awards. Congratulations to all the winners.

Veteran Dog (4)
This was a lovely class of naughty veterans

1^st Reynold’s Ch Wiccanssage Hugo’s Dream JW SGWC
He presents a very balanced outline and is in full coat and hard condition. A lovely head and a very naughty expression. He has quality bone, correct depth and length of rib and correct elbows. He won the class and subsequently the RCC & BVIS on his accurate movement, showing plenty of drive and forward reach.

2^nd Fox’s Ch Black Mica’s Like It Hot at Blacktoft JW SGWC (Imp Swe)
Taller than one with more leg length. He has enough depth to his rib and he is correct in loin. He has a good front with pronounced brisket and a moderately turned rear. On the move he was steady and accurate. 

3^rd Neilsen’s Multi Ch Starworkers You Keep Surprising Me
This boy is stronger all through than the first two and not as animated on the move. He has a strong topline and well set tail which never stopped wagging. He has a good length of neck and well laid shoulders. 

Special Veteran (1, 1abs)

Minor Puppy Dog (8, 1abs)
This was a lovely class and bodes well for the future, all very close in age.

1^st Buckley’s Blacktoft Brindisi By Buckleyhill
7mth old with a beautifully moulded head a sweet expression. He won this class on his well developed front and super tight feet. He is at just the right stage of development for his age with deep rib, short loin and moderately angulated rear. On the move he was a little sluggish at first but he came alive when asked to move a little quicker. 

2^nd Campbell & Brown’s Ronevorg Firefly Fantasy
Taller than 1 but not unbalanced. Another with a lovely head and eye. He has a good length of neck and level topline. He has quality bone and tight feet. He moved well in profile but I preferred the rear movement of 1.

3^rd Wild’s Bitcon Alliance With Bluewaters (AI)
Completed a trio of good puppies. This boy is a little rangier at the moment but all the essentials are there. His head is very typical. He has clean lines a stands on excellent bone and feet. His tail is correctly set and on the move he was accurate and carries himself well.

Puppy Dog (4)

1^st Colson’s Windyhollows Ragged Robin
What a super puppy of almost 11mths. Once settled he presents a super outline with well placed shoulders and correct length and return of upper arm. His topline is level and leads to his nicely set ever wagging tail. He already shows maturity through the body and in coat with plenty of feathering. His rear is moderate showing good width of second thigh. He covered the ground well on the move maintaining a lovely outline. Happy to award him BPIS over his very beautiful sister. I will watch them both with interest. 

2^nd King’s Kingsisla Isle Of Lewis
4^th in MPD who gave away some in development. He has an attractive head with neat ears. He is moderately angulated all through and is in good condition. I would like a little more animation which would lift his profile. Moved steadily. 

3^rd Burrough’s I Know Him So Well at Rokaness 
This boy is stronger all through than the first 2. He has a dark eye and neat ears. He has strength in his neck and shoulders and depth to his rib. He has a thick coat which makes him look a little stuffy at the moment. Moved well.

Junior Dog (3)
This was a difficult class due to all 3 being different in type and size.

1^st Bellamy’s Bochilbarley Goblet Of Fire JW 
This young boy has an attractive head and naughty expression. Good length of neck to well placed shoulders and super tailset from his level topline. He has a pronounced forechest and is deep enough in rib and good length to his loin. I would like more of him all through for a male and tighter feel but he was the most balanced and accurate mover here which gave him the class.

2^nd Churchard’s Flatcharm Griffin Dark at Churchking
Upstanding dog who is rangier at the moment. Pleasing head and expression with good length of neck. He stands on quality bone and tight feet with good body proportions. He gave his handler a very hard time on the move where is was too busy having fun to show himself off. 

3^rd Gulbis’ Blacklake Lysander For Gayplume
A taller dog, this boy not as together as the first 2. He has a good body with short loin, he has enough bone and good feet. He was steady on the move, being straight both ways.

Yearling Dog (5, 1abs)

1^st Youens’ Riverglide Secret Reprieve
Lots to like about this boy from his nicely moulded head to his well set tail. He has excellent lay of shoulder and has good length of body. He has correct length and return of upper arm with well placed elbows. His rear balances his front angulation with good second thigh. Quality bone and well arched toes. He is in excellent coat and condition.

2^nd Hessing’s Hoedun Daddy’s Eyes at Montechor
A different type to 1 and not so pleasing in head. He is balanced through the body and has enough angulation both ends. Well boned with tight feet. He was a little erratic on the move today

3^rd Turner’s Torwood Galactic Flyer
Not has mature as the first 2, this boy will need time. He has moderation in his body and short loin. He has adequate bone and enough coat I would like more width to his rear and tighter feet. Well schooled and handled. 

Novice Dog (4)

1^st Prior’s Gemswin Shut Up And Dance
An easy winner of this class. An honest workman like dog. He has a typical head and expression. He is moderately angulated front and rear with a full coat which is in great condition. He covered the ground well on a good stride. 

2^nd Turner’s Torwood Galactic Flyer

3^rd Burrough’s I Know Him So Well at Rokaness

Graduate Dog (7,2abs)

1^st Crossley’s Wyrebeck Caught By Surprise
This boy presents a very typical out line of moderation with no exaggeration. Nicely moulded head, correct shoulders giving good length of neck. He has lovely length and return of upper arm well placed elbows enabling him to move cleanly in front. He shows good length of rib and short loin. His rear is well developed with short hocks which gives him drive. His profile movement is easy and accurate. In the challenge he continued to take my eye and eventually his first CC. I was delighted when my co judge agreed to him being BIS. Congratulations. 

2^nd Neilsen’s Black Amandas Xcuse Me Ladies
A liver of good colour who is racier than my winner. He has a lovely head with good eye colour, His rib is deep enough but he is another who will take time to mature and develop but the foundation is there. He stands on good feet and moved well showing good extension.

3^rd Campbell & Brown’s Ronevorg Angel Wiv Attitude
A smaller type, in hard condition. He has good eye shape and colour but I would like a little more refinement to his head. His shoulders are well laid and he has a good topline, His front and rear angulation are balanced with good bone and tight feet. He was a little erratic on the move today. 

Post Graduate Dog (4,1abs)

1^st Flynn’s Ballyriver Back To Basics
Mature dog in full coat, on the smaller side. He has a beautifully moulded head with dark eye. Adequate lay of shoulder with good angulation to his upper arm. He is very deep through the body with a well developed rear and short hocks. In excellent coat and hard condition. He moved with good extension in profile. 

2^nd Protheroe’s Manteauplat Tom Putt For Ynysddu
This dog has to be done over to be appreciated. He has a classically moulded head with correct fill and eye shape. He has great reach of neck and well laid shoulders, showing correct substance all through. His correct angulation was evident in his movement. 

3^rd Gulbis’ Blacklake Angelo For Gayplume
Upstanding dog and not as together as the first two. He has adequate angulation at both ends with good depth to his chest. Moved steadily.

Limit Dog (11,1abs) 

1^st Flynn’s Finhamspride Kovu Among Rodsdream
Beautifully balanced with mature coat and feathering, He has a good topline leading to his correctly set, ever wagging tail. He is well developed in thigh, but I would like a more moderate turn of stifle. Free standing he tends to spoil himself by pushing his head back which cost him in the challenge. 

2^nd Holland’s Flatcharm Mayhem Miller
Of racier type than one and still only young in Flatcoat terms. He has classic head and super expression. Well laid shoulder and correct length of upper arm. Quality bone and tight feet,  good length of back and well set tail. He is full coat and hard condition. He moved out well in profile. 

3^rd Neilsen’s Toyota Da Real Corte
A workman like boy who is very moderate all through. Good head with kind expression. He shows good body properties and balance. He was steady on the move. 

Open Dog (4)

1^st Macdonald’s ShCh Derringwood English Oak
Quality dog with a lovely head and kind expression. Lovely forehand angulation with a pronounced forechest and a balanced rear. He has super bone and feet and is in full coat. He moved well covering the ground with ease.  

2^nd Scaife’s Flatcharm Mr Fix It for Shennanjoy
Another who needs to be gone over to appreciate him. He is moderately constructed all through with good length and return of upper arm. Moved well but I would like to see him outside. 

3^rd Bellamy’s Bochilbarley Blue Moon (AI)
A different type, he is a medium sized dog with a pleasing head. He has adequate bone and good feet. Deep rib of correct length. He is in good condition but short on coat today. Moved accurately. 

Champion Dog (2)

1^st Reynold’s Ch Wiccanssage Hugo’s Dream JW SGWC
This class gave me a headache with two boys I liked very much. Both very worthy Champions.  1 just had to edge in profile movement which gave him the class. This could easily change on another day. Thank you for bringing them both. 

2^nd Macdonald’s ShCh Derringwood English Oak

Special Liver Dog (1)

1^st Shepherdson’s Murphy’s Treat
Attractive head with good eye colour. Balanced in angulation. Rich liver coat. Moved steadily and was attentive to his handler. 

Special Working Dog (2)

1^st Hewison’s Casblaidd Island In The Sky SGWC
Well grown dog in full coat and feathering. He has an attractive head and eye. Good bone but would prefer tighter feet. Mature body and short loin with moderate rear. He moved straight and true. 

2^nd Gardner’s Kulawand Kookaburra for Svenjack SGWC
Stronger dog from the veteran class and enjoying his day. He was just losing his outline and was a bit tired at the end of the day which reflected in his movement. 

Mandy Romeo-Dieste

Mr Frank H Whyte’s Judge’s Critique

It was both a pleasure and an honour to judge this well-run, Club Championship Show and my sincere thanks to my very helpful Stewards, the Club Officials, Committee and helpers, for making the day special.  I found the exhibits on a whole to be well presented, with typical wagging tails, medium sized and confident. Heads as a rule were of good length and nicely moulded but there were one or two thick back-skulls and a few level bites.  Eye colour and shape were good.  To highlight main concerns for this wonderful breed going forward I would have to say, movement, not straight and true, some loose fronts and rears lacking second thigh, width and drive. From previous appointments I found more exhibits to be short in length of leg to body proportions, which gives a longer cast body and more cobby /mature appearance than the required raciness without weediness.  I would like to thank all the exhibitors for being so sporting on the final placings.

CLASS: 15 – VETERAN BITCH 3 (0)
These three ladies were both a credit to their owners and of good overall quality, headed by

1^st 26 Egginton & Davis’ GO WITH THE FLOW DYNAMIC FAITHFUL (IMP NED) feminine head with good eye, ears and expression.  Moderate neck into good shoulder. Good bone legs and compact feet. Good depth of body, holds firm outline with good tail carriage. Well angled rear and presented in good coat and condition

2^nd 73 Knight & Jacob’s SH CH MOONSTRUCK MACADAMIA JWW15 At 9 yrs another in very good condition.  Feminine moulded head piece with good eye.  Liked her type balance and size, good neck into well assembled front.  Strong loin and covered ground with steady action, close to one but just felt winner held slight firmer profile going round today.

3^rd 57 Holmes’ WICCANSSAGE VIRTUE AT RYDANAH Feminine head of good shape, nice eye and expression, liked her type and size. Good bone and legs and good rib. Also presented in good coat and condition moved with steady gait and another that has much to like. 

CLASS: 17 – MINOR PUPPY BITCH 13 (0)

1^st 9 Campbell’s RONEVORG MADAME BUTTERFLY Headed this lovely class of young ladies at differing stages of development, feminine head of good length with well-placed dark eye and good ears.  Clean neck into body of good depth, nice rib, well set tail. Good legs and feet and presented in good coat and condition. Moved well with good front reach and holding balanced profile. Lots of promise.

2^nd 122 Williams’ WISTASTON ALL ABOUT LOVE (AI) Another promising youngster with good head, eye and expression. Good bone legs and rib, also, stands on good feet.  Tail well set and carried also presented in good coat and condition. Liked her type and shape and moved with steady gait round the ring holding nice top line.

3^rd 66 Joyce’s STRANFAER ONE FELL SWOOP Making a quality trio, very slightly smaller cast at this stage, but was balanced, good bone and also has many breed qualities, good head, neck, fore chest, rib and well-set tail. Presented in good coat and condition and moved with steady action, close to one and two.

CLASS: 18 – PUPPY BITCH 8 (0)

1^st 93 Price & Nicholls’ WINDYHOLLOWS ENGLISH HOLLY AT LLANTRUSSA Feminine head, dark eye of good shape, slight stop and strong jaw and good ears. Liked her size, nice bone, length of leg and in good body condition and good coat. Well-developed rear and tail well set on. Liked her type and holds good outline going round with free steady action. BPB

2^nd 66 Joyce’s STRANFAER ONE FELL SWOOP As Previous

3^rd 113 Tennant & Duckett’s ARICDELL THE LOVING KIND Feminine head good eye. Liked her size, rib, loin and overall outline. Good tail and feet and presented in good coat. Moved with steady stride.

CLASS: 19 – JUNIOR BITCH 6 (0)

1^st 13 Chambers’ HOTOTO PRETTY BALLERINA JW Very nice type shape and size. Feminine head of good length, dark eye good ears.  Clean neck into well laid shoulder good depth, rib, short loin and well-set tail. Well angled rear and won this class on steady free action. Presented in good condition but not quite in full jacket today.

2^nd 77 Mellor’s FLATCHARM GUILTY PLEASURE Also feminine, racy with good head piece and eye, good neck and body shape. Tail well set and has quality bone. Moved with free gait holding nice top line.  Very well presented and close to winner.

3^rd 109 Stewart’s ESKSIDE A KIND OF MAGIC Feminine and has lovely balance, good bone head piece and eye. Good legs and feet and presented in good coat and condition. Has a steady action, prefer a bit more drive and needs to come out herself more to show off her qualities.

CLASS: 20 – YEARLING BITCH 5 (3)

1^st 82 Nielsen’s STARWORKERS FLIP A COIN Feminine racy of good size shape and breed type.  Good head eye and depth of body. Liked her size, legs and stands on good feet. Needs time to fill in the frame, prefer a touch shorter loin but presented in good condition and holds firm outline.  Moved with good rear action and front reach. Promising with much to like.

2^nd 97 Rees’ BRAEMIST NEW MOON FOR ESKWINDS Nice head shape and eye with good expression. Moderate neck into body of good depth. Well sprung rib, strong loin. Good legs and feet. Presented in good coat and condition and moved steady gait holding nice top line.

CLASS: 21 – NOVICE BITCH 3 (1)

1^st 55 Holmes’ RYDANAH DEVILS IN THE DETAIL Medium sized feminine with well-proportioned body, good legs and feet. Good rib and well angled rear. Tail well set. Moved with steady front and rear action holding best profile, Presented in good coat and condition.

2^nd 22 Curtis’ OLLIEART’S WILDEST DREAMS A youngster of good type and frame. Good legs and feet, has a feminine head with good eye, clean neck into balanced body. Moved with good gait, needs time to develop and fill in. Lots to like.

CLASS: 22 – GRADUATE BITCH 8 (3)

1^st 103 Richards’ HOPEVALLEY MORNING RIVER THROUGH KIMBERFIELD Medium sized, balanced, nice bone and was the most together on the move to win this nice class. Feminine head of good length and muzzle. Good eye colour and shape well placed ears of good size. Moderate neck into body of good depth with good legs and feet. Presented in very good coat and condition.

2^nd 35 Gardiner’s BITCON TAYLOR MADE FOR SVENJAK Very close to winner and may change places on another day. Feminine racy with head of good shape, nice eye and expression, good ears.  Good length neck into well laid shoulder, good bone and straight legs and very well presented. Moved with steady gait and nice front reach

3^rd 14 Chambers’ HOTOTO’S POLLY TOODLE Pleasing head with good eye colour. Ears well placed. Good neck into body of good shape and depth, good bone legs and feet. Tail well set and in good body condition.  Moved well just needs a bit more finish to complete the picture.

CLASS: 23 – POST GRADUATE BITCH 10 (1)

1^st 85 Orme’s HOPEVALLEY MORNING DREAM OF ELMSTOCK Feminine nicely moulded head with good eye and expression.  Good ears well set on. Clean neck into well laid shoulder. Good legs and feet. Good, depth of body and nice rib, short loin and well angled rear. Tail well set and very well presented. Young and just need a little more time and finish to complete the picture.  Covered ground with steady free action.

2^nd 10 Campbell’s RONEVORG WHISPERING ANGEL Lovely overall quality and type, balanced well proportioned body and has good bone, legs and feet. Feminine head with good eye and ears, moved with nice rear drive, but, not in her best jacket today, typy and what you see is what you get.

3^rd 81 Nielsen’s STARWORKERS ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY Feminine, racy and of good size, good bone. Liked her head shape. neck and depth of body. Moved with good front action and nice outline not quite the rear drive of one and two. Presented in good condition.

CLASS: 24 – LIMIT BITCH 18 (4)

1^st 104 Ross’ ISLSTROM AILA Headed this very nice class, Feminine head with good skull stop and muzzle. Nice eye colour and shape. Ears of good size. Clean neck into medium sized body of good depth. Good legs and feet. Tail well set and carried. Well angled rear.  Presented in very good coat and condition, moderate, and held the most balanced picture when covering the ground, at the correct pace, to win this good class & BCC 

2^nd 54 Holland’s WOODFINCH HIGHLAND FAIRY FOR FLATCHARM Another who was balanced feminine, good size and of good proportions. Feminine moulded head with good eye. Moderate neck into good body, legs and feet. Moves with nice free action and front reach, holds good top line. In good condition and very close to winner, needs a little more finish and sure she will change places with one on another day.

3^rd 117 Walker’s LIZZLOG FANNY BY GASLIGHT Liked her very much for her type size and shape and balance. Good head shape, skull and muzzle. Nice eye and expression.  Good depth loin and tail. Has good straight legs and the very best feet. Covered ground with nice profile and another girl that needs more finish to complete the picture.

CLASS: 25 – OPEN BITCH 10 (2)

1^st 52 Holland’s FLATCHARM BIANCA DEL RIO lovely moulded head with good eye and well-placed ears. Good neck into body of good size. shape and depth. Racy with good length leg and good feet. Tail well set and moderate rear. Moved with good free action and nice front reach. Presented in good coat condition and was very close to the top honours, a girl you have to give serious consideration. Also much to appreciate. Res BCC 

2^nd 89 Phipps-Baker & Baker’s NEVER SAY NEVER OASIS OF PEACE TO MADDOUSE Moderate, balanced and of good size and shape.  Well proportioned feminine head.  Presented in good coat condition, good bone and legs. Moved freely with nice drive from rear holding nice outline and good tail carriage.

3^rd 32 Fox’s SH CH BLACKTOFT DANCING THE BLUES Feminine head, good eye shape and colour. Good neck, legs, feet and depth of body. Presented in good coat condition. Holds nice profile and has nice front action.  

CLASS: 26 – CHAMPION BITCH 2 (0)

1^st 78 Morrison’s GCHG CH IRONWOOD BE QUICK OR BE DEAD Feminine with good head piece, eye and ears. Liked her size, shape, bone legs and feet.  Presented in very good condition and holds a mature, balanced picture with nice profile and good front reach.  A racy lady with many breed virtues, who was a serious contender for the top honours.

2^nd 72 Knight & Jacobs’ SH CH GEMSWIN DRESSED FOR SUCCES Another quality girl. Liked her size shape and breed type. Good head shape and eye. Clean neck into body of good depth, good legs and feet.  Well-developed rear and also very well presented in good coat and condition.  Moved freely, also holds nice quality shape but preferred front reach of winner today

CLASS: 27 – SPECIAL LIVER BITCH 1 (0)

1^st 19 Colson’s WINDYHOLLOWS FLAMING KATY A feminine youngster of good size, racy with good length leg and body shape.  A baby who needs time, presented in coat od good dark liver colour and good condition Moved steadily.

CLASS: 28 – SPECIAL WORKING BITCH 1 (0)

1^st  50 Hewison’s DONASCIMENTO DANILO FROM CASBLAIDD SGWC KCWGC VW Loved hear head, eye and expression. Good size, body shape and in very good coat and condition. Liked her depth, rib, legs and feet. Moved with steady drive holding nice profile. Very good type.

Mrs R Bellamy’s Judge’s Critique:

I would like to thank the Committee of NEFRA for asking me to judge the Special Members Open Dog or Bitch class, the Brace class and the Junior Handling at this friendly Show which has always been ‘special’ to me.   Sadly, there were no Junior Handlers today, but with great rapport between the handlers in the Brace class, I greatly enjoyed my day.   I was not called upon to carry out any ‘Referee’ duties.

Brace:

1^st Mrs J. Campbell’s very well matched girls.  Stood beautifully, wagging in unison and attentive to their handler.   When asked to move, they flowed round the ring completely together, foot perfect.   Well handled. 

2^nd Miss V. M. Sullivan’s lovely pair of dogs.  Not quite as ‘together’ as the 1^st place, but moving out well and happily wagging all the way.

3^rd. Mrs S, Mrs G & Mr M Knight & Jacobs girls.

Special Members Open Dog or Bitch class:  In memory of Mr George Lancaster. 

1^st Mrs S, Mrs G & Mr M Knight & Jacobs Sh. Ch. Gemswin Dressed for Success.  Judged this young lady earlier this year and she still oozes quality.  She has the sweetest head with such a gentle expression.  Good length of neck leading into correct front construction.  Tight elbows, good spring of rib and nice short loin.  Lovely topline and tailset.  Once again, she moved round the ring with confidence and drive.  

2^nd Ms H. Fox’s Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft JW (AI).  A handsome boy, almost 5 years old.  A classic head and nice dark eye.  Super construction with good bone and feet.  Looked as though he could do a hard day’s work.  Not in the best of coats today, but well balanced and moved with drive.

3^rd Ms H. Fox’s Sh. Ch. Blacktoft Dancing the Blues.  

Roslyn Bellamy (Woodfinch)

Judge

NEFRA members are always delighted to be offered the use of a different area to work their dogs, with new distractions, sights, sounds and smells to contend with. Today we also had the added distraction of horses to work our dogs around.

The ground, in the village of Burton Salmon, was offered by NEFRA member David Foster. This isn’t far from Ferrybridge and so wasn’t difficult to access. It provided a very useful lake for water retrieving as well as fields with varying cover and grass length which leant itself to simulate a variety of scenarios typical of a working gundog environment.

Our working secretary, Caroline Hewison, thanked Mr Foster for his generosity in offering the ground – we have been invited to return in a couple of weeks to train in a sugar beet crop. Please note this day is now fully booked.

Garry Ellison and Caroline Hewison were our assessors for the novice dogs this morning. The intermediate level dogs were judged by Cherry Wood this afternoon. All three assessors have been long-standing supporters of the working flat-coated retriever and we would like to thank them for their ongoing help at NEFRA events.

There was one Novice pass this morning: Rochelle Richards handling her dog Hopevalley Morning River through Kimberfield.

The three Intermediate passes were awarded to: Julie Matthews handling Ollerset Black Diamond, Garry Ellison handling Ollersett Black Knight and Caroline Hewison with Casblaidd Island in the Sky (who now has gained all three passes to obtain his Intermediate Certificate). All are pictured here with Cherry Wood.

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NEFRA hosted a bronze and silver good citizens testing session today, at BarkRun by very kind permission of Charlotte Smith. These are always special days – we also got the opportunity of meeting a lovely Löwchen and a spaniel who were participating

We would like to pass a huge thank you to assessor Nigel Woodall who was so good with the dogs, it was a lovely day all round.

A two minute silence was held at the start of the day to remember Her Majesty The Queen.

Well done to bronze award passes:

Paula and Lyra
Anne and Eddy
Carol and Woody

Well done to the silver award passes:

Chris and Coral
Charlotte and both Chance and Wispa
Sonya and Skye.

27th August 2022 – held at Roanlodge Gundog Training Centre near Buxton / Leek by very kind permission of Lesley Morgan. Wonderful hospitality as always and so welcoming!

The tests were for puppies up to 18 months, novices and veterans (over 8 years).

Our judges for the day were Malcolm Peacock, Audrey Ellis and Phil Robinson – thank you to them for giving up their day for the flatcoats.

Thank you to our sponsors Skinners and a huge thank you to all that helped, whether that was stewarding, throwing dummies, placing dummies, firing pistols, and generally helping with running the day, very much appreciated!

Results

Puppy

1st Sue Rodgers with Signy Never Touching Ground (IMP CZE)
2nd Graham Clelland with Necessares Isle of Coll
3rd Sarah McGeehan with Princess Elsa

Veteran

1st Caroline Hewison with Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd
2nd Gill Awty with Venetian Red at Maddistream
After a run off
3rd Derek Bull with Keepersway Alana
4th Garry Ellison with Ollsersett Sparkling Nymph
COM Andy Sweeney with Norfolkflyers Rosie’s Thorn of Wolfthistle
COM Judith Hart with Gayplume Cotton Candy

Novice

1st Caroline Hewison with Casblaidd Island in the Sky
2nd Garry Ellison with Ollersett Shimmering Nymph
3rd Andy Sweeney with Wolfthistle Mr Miracle
COM Chris Hewison with Casblaidd Mirror Lake
COM Fred Newton with Keamarola Just as Good

Well done everyone!!

NEFRA hosted an ‘Introduction to Working Test Training Day’ on 30th July 2022 at Roanlodge Gundog training centre (Leek / Buxton area), by very kind permission of Lesley Morgan. Such a lovely venue for all things gundog and wonderful hospitality from Lesley.

Thank you to our trainers/judges Gill Awty, Lisa-Jane Mappin, Andy Sweeney and Garry Ellison for helping everyone today and for all their hard work, very much appreciated indeed! Also thank you to our helpers for throwing dummies all day – Den Orme, Bob Hart and Darren Brooks, and to our sponsors Skinners.

We split into four groups with everyone working around the exercises in the morning with advice from our judges on what to expect in a test, and to practice the exercises.

In the afternoon, there was the opportunity to repeat those exercises under test conditions and be scored.

Places were awarded for the tests this afternoon –

1st – Lauren Broome and Brady
2nd – Judith Hart and Fern
3rd Rochelle Richards and Doris

Thank you to all for coming, I really hope you all gained something from the day.

NEFRA held a Working Retriever Assessment today at Garstang by very kind permission of Simon Fitzherbert-Brockholes. We started early and completed the land retrieves of the assessments for both the novice and intermediate dogs while it was cool, and then moved off to the water to complete both tests on the lovely shaded pond. A lovely day with some challenging tests. Thank you to Lisa Mappin and Caroline Hewison who judged the novices, and Chris Hewison judged the intermediates.

Huge thank you also to Alan Jenkinson for throwing dummies all day, and also Garry throwing this afternoon.

Passes of a novice stage were awarded to

Gill Griffin and Ravencrag Illusionist
Garry Ellison and Ollersett Shimmering Nymph

Two dogs passed their third stage and were awarded their novice certificates

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

One dog passed a stage of the intermediate assessment

Caroline Hewison and Casblaidd Island in the Sky

Well done everyone, thank you all for coming, and I will get some more dates sorted soon!

Wow! What a wonderful response we had to our long-awaited 25th Anniversary Weekend celebrations.  There was a great atmosphere for our members (and many non-members).  Thank you for all your very positive comments.

Over the course of two days there were opportunities to participate in so many events: our open show, our novice and open working tests, the stakes classes, gundog demonstration, scurry, quiz, scavenger hunt, rally, fun dog show, KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme, film screening, children’s activities.

There are so many people we wish to thank for the weekend, our judges, stewards, caterers, committee members and of course our fellow flatcoat enthusiasts for making the event so very special.

There were also many unsung heroes, volunteers, family and friends who were roped in to help out – to these people please know that your efforts did not go unnoticed. As we left the site on Sunday evening we were proud to say how tidy everything was and this was thanks to the band of helpers.

There were also donations to support the event – from the large donation from the Flatcoated Retriever Society; Steve and Kate Jubb’s wonderful hog-roast, bubbly and cake; many raffle prizes and rosette sponsorships.

We must extend our thanks to the landowners at both Hayes Farm and Abbeyfields Farm for allowing us to hold our events on their land.

Results from the Open Show Saturday 7th May

Judge Mrs Ros Tierling

Best In Show and Best Dog Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky KCWGC SGWC
Reserve Best in Show and Best Bitch Gale’s Willowswind Nette Lark JW

Best Puppy in Show Hewison’s Selloana Monoceros
Best Veteran in Show Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (IMP SWE)
Best Liver in Show Hopkinson & Trevor’s Trevorsilk Galaxy Alzato
Reserve Best Dog Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW

Reserve Best Bitch Haley’s Skybrook Honey Honey
Best Veteran Bitch Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd KCWGC SGWC
Best Liver Bitch Hewison’s Casblaidd Tea Leaf
Best Brace Mrs M Romeo-Dieste

Stakes Classes
Judge Mrs Val Orme

Puppy Dog or Bitch Hewison’s Selloana Monoceros
Open Dog or Bitch Bellamy’s Sh Ch Woodfinch Masquerade
Veteran Dog or Bitch Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd KCWGC SGWC

Well done to all, all the results can be found here

Saturday’s Scurry results

1st Sue Rodgers and Signy  10.96 seconds
2nd Carol Ball and Fell  11.31 seconds
3rd Jo Hewison and Landy 11.61 seconds

Results from the Working Test Sunday 8th May

Judges Steve Crookes, Anne Crookes, Elaine Whittaker
Chief Steward Cherry Wood
Abbeyfields Farmhouse, by very kind permission of Mr Andrew Duffin

Novice (20 entries)
2nd David Foster with Kenyten Styx
COM Andrew Sweeney with Wolfthistle Mr Miracle
COM Fred Newton Jarvo Supermoon

Open (7 entries)
1st Gill Awty and Venetian Red at Maddistream

A huge thank you to all the helpers and to our sponsors Skinners. There was a really lovely atmosphere at the test, thank you to all for entering

Rally

A level one Rally competition was also held on the weekend, a first for NEFRA.
Judge Tony Lewenz, Scribe Kate Wykes
27 Entries (19 Worked. 14 Qualfiers. 3 Non-Qualifiers. 8 Aosent)

All the results can be found here

Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards

Gold (2 Awards)

Silver (3 Awards)
Chris Hewison & Mira, Kathryn Trevor & Yvaine, Emma Shepherdson & Murphy

Bronze (8 Awards)
Rochelle Richards & Doris, Scarlet Sisley-Smith & Eeui (Finnish Lapphund), Mandy Romeo-Dieste & Frodo, Mandy Romeo-Dieste & Buffy, Charlotte Smith & Wispa, Charlotte Smith & Chance, Sonya Jenkinson & Skye, Carol Ball & Fell

Gundog Demonstration

Fun obstacle course