You may have read in the news that the government has agreed to a ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens.
Read the news here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45266357
Do you want to comment on the consultation? Please do use the online survey here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/third-party-sales/
NEFRA held an Introduction to Working Tests Training Day on Saturday 18th August 2018 at Glasson Dock near Lancaster held by kind permission of Dave Charnley and his family
This day was aimed specifically at people new to gundog work and particularly Novice Dog/Novice Handlers who may be interested in learning what a Working Test might involve.
Thank you to everyone who came along . Thanks to our trainers /judges Gill Awty, Gill Griffin, Garry Ellison and Chris Hewison for all the guidance and tips for our novice handlers, and thank you to our helpers Malcolm Awty, Peter Griffin and Val and Den Orme.
We had four different exercises for all the dogs to practice on in the morning, and then the same exercises were repeated under ‘test’ conditions in the afternoon.
1st Mags Brayfield and Contar Skeggles Water
2nd Mags Brayfield and Keamarola Private Dancer
3rd Al Moore and Shiraz Pebble
4th Lisa Jane Mappin and Casblaidd Valdoonican.
An award was also given as the most improved handler during the day to Debs Gourlay.
Well done everyone and hope to see you entering the Novice dog/novice handler class at our working test in September
NEFRA held a Working Retriever Assessment at Garstang today, by kind permission of the Fitzherbert-Brockholes family.
This is a lovely venue and some good tests were set by our judges Chris Hewison and Gill Griffin. Thanks also to Malcolm Awty and Peter Griffin for throwing dummies.
In the Novice level passes were awarded to
Lisa-Jane Mappin and Casblaidd Valdoonican
Mags Brayfield and Contar Skeggles Water
In the Intermediate level a pass was awarded to
Gill Awty and Venetian Red at Maddistream.
Well done, and thanks to everyone for coming.
It is with great sadness that we have recently heard of the loss this month of two of the founder members of NEFRA.
Both Gary Whiting and his wife Elaine (Spenbeck) worked very hard on the committee and treasurer for many years. The funeral will be held in their home town of Mirfield on a date that has not yet been confirmed. NEFRA pass on their condolences to their relatives at this sad time.
Taken from the local newspaper:
WHITING Gary Maxwell 1953 – 2018 Elaine Margaret 1955 – 2018 Gary passed away on Friday 8th June 2018, aged 64 years, sadly followed by his dear wife Elaine on Thursday 28th June 2018, aged 62 years, at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield and of Kitson Hill Road, Mirfield. “Gary and Elaine will be greatly missed by all family and friends.” A service of celebration for Gary and Elaine’s life will take place on Wednesday 11th July 2018 at Christ the King Parish Church, Stocksbank Lane, Mirfield at 1:45 pm, followed by committal and cremation at Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby, at 2.45 pm, followed by refreshments at Old Bank W.M.C., Old Bank Road, Mirfield. Will friends please accept this intimation. Family flowers only please but donations in lieu, if so desired, for the benefit of the R.N.L.I. may be left in the collection box provided at the funeral service or sent to Richard Fearnley Independent Funeral Directors; 745, Huddersfield Road, Dewsbury. Tel: 01924 494435 for all enquiries
5th May 2018 at Thorpe Willoughby Village Hall, Leeds Rd, Thorpe Willoughby, N Yorks YO8 9PA
Judge: Mr R F Douglas (Greenbayhill)
Show Manager: Mrs M Melrose
Chief Steward: Mr R Allen
Show Secretary: Mrs P Goulette
MORE PHOTOS CAN BE VIEWED BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK
Class 1 – Minor Puppy Dog – 1 entry
1st – Williams’ Wistaston Jet’s Legacy (AI)
Class 2 – Puppy Dog – 2 entries
1st – Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
2nd – Hewison’s – Casblaidd Island in the Sky
Class 3 – Junior Dog – 3 entries
1st – Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
2nd – Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky
3rd – Hardy’s Mistledawn’s Hawkeye
Class 4 – Yearling Dog – 2 entries
1st – Nicholson & Brown’s Chanangel U’got the Look
2nd – Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star
Class 5 – Novice Dog – 4 entries
1st -Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
2nd – Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star
3rd – Hedderwick’s Torwood Paw Trait
Res – Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky
Class 6 – Graduate Dog – 5 entries (1 Absent Batcheler’s Aricdell Aesir)
1st – Savory’s Hopevalley Morning Arizona
2nd -Hammersley’s Castlerock Magical Shadow for Nellspeace JW
3rd – Joyce’s Stranfaer Get Over It JW
Res – Hedderwick’s Torwood Paw Trait
Class 7 – Post Graduate Dog – 1 entry
1st – Mullin’s Seaheart Byron
Class 8 – Limit Dog – 2 entries
1st – Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (Imp Swe)
2nd – Joyce’s Stranfaer Makunudu
Class 9 – Open Dog – 1 entry
1st – Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream
Class 10 – Veteran Dog – 2 entries
1st – Tierling’s Llantrussa Rum Ba Ba at Karaholme
2nd – Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Mayhem JW ShCM
Class 11 – Special Veteran Dog – 1 entry
1st – Hammersley’s Levelmoor Dr Devious for Nellspeace
Class 12 – Special Liver Dog – 1 entry
1st – Hedderwick’s Torwood Paw Trait
Best Dog – Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream
Reserve Best Dog – Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (Imp Swe)
Best Puppy Dog – Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
Best Veteran Dog – Tierling’s Llantrussa Rum Ba Ba at Karaholme
Class 13 – Minor Puppy Bitch – 1 entry
1st – Williams’ Wistaston Forzen Love (AI)
Class 14 – Puppy Bitch – 3 entries (1 Absent Griffiths & Newtown’s Cae Haidd Call Me Crazy with Layersway)
1st – Smitherman’s Seaheart Cecilia
2nd – Hewerdine-Miller’s Lizzlog Wee Drop Of Mischief
Class 15 – Junior Bitch – 6 entries
1st – Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn (AI)
2nd – Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)
3rd – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Res -Nelson’s Cuillinoir Lunedale at Byeways
VHC -Trevor’s Trevorsilk Galaxy Aurora
Class 16 – Yearling Bitch – 4 entries
1st – Walker & Roberts’ Jade Vom Wildforstersee at Gloi (Imp Deu) JW
2nd – Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)
3rd – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Res – Nelson’s Cuillinoir Lunedale at Byeways
Class 17 – Novice Bitch – 6 entries (1 Absent Barnett’s Annbecks Emmy Lou)
1st – Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn (AI)
2nd – Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)
3rd – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Res – Smitherman’s Seaheart Cecilia
VHC – Collins’ Annbecks Isla May at Steeplehouse
Class 18 – Graduate Bitch – 6 entries (1 Absent Batcheler’s Aricdell Fjorgyn)
1st – Williams & Goodwin’s Wistaston Another Love JW
2nd – Ashcroft & Long’s Stranfaer Take it Easy to Keepersway
3rd – Gale’s Willowswind Nette Lark JW
Res – Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Dakota
VHC – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Class 19 – Post Graduate Bitch – 3 entries (2 Absent Goulette’s Annbecks Brenna at Bobbinmill, Welch & Deverall’s Stranfaer Lyin’ Eyes)
1st -Walker & Roberts’ Gloi Dubh Gigha JW
Class 20 – Limit Bitch – 6 entries (1 Absent Griffith’s Castlerock Cosmic Hattie)
1st – Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by Gloi JW
2nd – Joyce’s Stranfaer Solitaire JW
3rd – Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld)
Res – Hedges’ Blacktoft Quickstep of Satinbaze
VHC – Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd
Class 21 – Open Bitch – 2 entries
1st – Gale’s Willowswind Maias Wish
2nd – Finlay’s IrShCh Annbecks Ailis At Aughnaleck
Class 22 – Veteran Bitch – 5 entries (1 Absent Finlay’s IrShCh Lamintone Aine Runs Riot at Aughnaleck Ir Jun Ch JD CJW 11)
1st – Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW
2nd – Colson’s Eskwinds Driving Miss Daisy to Windyhollows
3rd – Barnett’s Pajanbeck Welcum to my World at Annbecks
Res – Arnold’s Casanjay Gaelic Dancer
Class 23 – Special Veteran Bitch – 1 entry
1st – Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Remember
Class 24 – Special Liver Bitch – 2 entries
1st – Colsons Windyhollows Winnipeg
2nd – Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld)
Class 25 BRACE – 1 entry
1st – Gale’s brace
Best Bitch Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by Gloi JW
Reserve Best Bitch Williams & Goodwin’s Wistaston Another Love JW
Best Puppy Bitch Smitherman’s Seaheart Cecilia
Best Veteran Bitch Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW
Best In Show Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream
Reserve Best In Show Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by Gloi JW
Best Puppy In Show Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
Best Veteran In Show Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW
Best Liver In Show Colson’s Windyhollows Winnipeg
Judge’s Critique
I would like to thank NEFRA for inviting me to judge their Open Show today at Thorpe Willoughby and I am honoured to have been asked. I have not attended this show before but it has lived up to its’ reputation as very well run, friendly and welcoming. An extra thank you for the excellent home cooked and baked lunch. Special thanks to my stewards Hillary Buckley and Bob Allen for their efficiency and calm and for steering me through the day. Finally,many thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I enjoyed the day very much.
I found that the overall quality of the entry was very good. Generally head shape was pleasing with some very nice shaped eyes of good colour and placement however there were some round, prominent eyes too. Dentition was mostly good, some acceptable but few questionable. In the main, construction, body and movement were good with few exceptions.
MPD (1) 1 Williams’ Wistaston Jet’s Legacy. Puppy with a beautiful head, eyes and expression, good bone and construction all round and just where he should be at only 6 months. He stood well and considering it was his first show moved well, on nice feet, when he got going.
PD (2) 1 Smitherman & Roberts Seaheart Crian at Gloi. Just days short of 12 months old this boy showed a more mature balanced outline, nice moulded head and expression. Good front angulation, ribcage and rear construction, he moved the better of the two on good feet. BPD 2.Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky. At just a week younger than 1 the maturity gap seemed more, nicely balanced head, good eyes and expression. Good construction throughout but slightly finer than 1 and not quite so mobile.
JD (3) 1 Smitherman & Roberts Seaheart Crian at Gloi. 2.Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky. 3 Hardy’s Mistledawn’s Hawkeye. 13 months old and a larger dog, nice head and expression, good front construction and top line but didn’t have the freedom of movement of 1&2
YD (2) 1 Nicholson & Brown’s Chanangel U’Got the Look.Pleasing Male head, good length of neck well set in good shoulders and front, deep chest, good top line, rear angulation and bone. Moved better of the two. 2 Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star. Nicely balanced male head and good overall balance presented a pleasing outline. Nice feet, good coat and overall construction and moved well A close decision but I preferred the construction and movement of 1
ND (4) 1 Smitherman & Roberts Seaheart Crian at Gloi. 2Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star. 3 Hedderwick’s TorwoodPaw Trait 2yo Liver dog, good head, nice expression and dark eye matching coat colour, nice turn of stifle, good bone and nice feet. Moved well
GD (5-A1) 1 Savory’s Hopevalley Morning Arizona. Nicely balanced dog, good shaped head with kind expression, good eye shape and colour. Good bone & nice feet, very good depth of chest, rib and loin, good rear angulation. He moved very well and his reach and drive won the class. 2 Hammersley’s Castlerock Magical Shadow for Nellspeace. Larger dog and again a good head and kind expression. Good construction all round, good depth and shaping of ribcage, square loin, ample bone and good feet. He moved well but I preferred 1’s head & expression.3 Joyce’s Stranfaer Get Over It. Lovely expression and a nice head. Well boned, good feet and moved well
PGD (1) 1 Mullins’ Seaheart Byron. This dog presented a lovely balanced outline. A good masculine head, good eye colour and kind expression, good front angulation, brisket and ribcage. Good rear angles when not overextending himself, moved well with topline held throughout.
LD (2) 1 Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (Imp Swe). I just love this boy’s head and expression. A touch short in coat today but his overall construction shines through. Very good depth through chest and short loin, good hard condition, good bone and great feet excellent on the move. RBD 2 Joyce’s StranfaerMakunudu. Again a very pleasing balanced male head and kindly expression, well boned and bodied, good construction overall and in good coat and condition. He too moved well but for me 1 had the edge in outline and movement.
OD (1) Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream. Lovely masculinehead, well filled in, kind expression, good eye colour and placement. Very good front construction, excellent depth and spring of rib to good short square loin, good rear angulation, tailset and topline. Lovely outline especially on the move round the ring. BD & BIS
VD (2) 1 A very difficult decision between these two veteran dogs.
1.Tierling’s Llantrusa Rum Ba Ba at Karaholme. A larger showier dog, nice outline, good length of neck and front construction, well proportioned, good tailset and rear angulation. Good bone and nice feet. He moved well and I preferred his rear movement going away. 2. Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Mayhem JW ShCM. Lovely expression with nice eye placement and colour, good length of neck and overall construction was good. He was definitely happier on the move which he did well
SVD (1) 1. Hammersley’s This grand old gentleman did himself credit and I thank him for attending. All the attributes are there, Masculine head, lovely expression willing to have a go and enthusiastic but a little restricted in his movement, well done.
MPB (1) 1.Williams’ Wistaston Forzen Love (AI) At just 6 months this puppy has a beautiful head and lovely expression, good dark eyes and correct shape, good bone throughout and nice feet. She stood well and moved well especially for a first outing
PB (3, 1A) 1. Smitherman’s Seaheart Cecilia. At just 2 days short of a year old this young bitch presented a lovely outline, good front end construction, good top line and rear angulation, nice bend of stifle and good feet, happy in her work. 2. Hewerdine-Miller’s Lizzlog Wee Drop Mischief. 10 month bitch with a very nice head and expression, not so at home in the ring as 1 but well off for bone on nice feet and a little heavier ay the moment. She need some time to mature.
JB (6) 1. Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn (AI) Nicely balanced 13 month old bitch, lovely head and dark eyes, nice length of neck well set in excellent front construction and leadingthrough to good rear angulation. Great bone and feet and very good on the move. 2. Colson & Fox’s Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows Beautiful feminine expression, Slightly smaller bitch but lovely balance throughout. Great bone and feet, stifle well let down and moved very well but I preferred 1’s overall construction. 3. Colsons’ Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows . Very nice feminine head and soft expression. Very good overall construction, nice outline and lovely balance. A little less mature on the move than 1&2
YB (4) 1. Walker & Roberts’ Jade Vom Wildforstersee at Gloi(Imp Deu) JW. 20 month old bitch, Very nice head and eyes shape and colour, good front angulation with good length of neck. Pleasing overall construction and balance, good bone and feet, nice on the move. A difficult choice but her maturity won out. 2. Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows. 3. Colsons’ Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows
NB (6 A1) 1. . Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn 2.Colson & Fox’s Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows 3. . Colsons’ Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows
GB (6 A1) 1. Williams & Goodwin’s Wistaston Another LoveJW. Beautiful head and eyes, lovely feminine expression. Head and neck well set in good shoulders, good rib and loin, super rear angulation, bone and feet, lovely balance and outline, moved very well. Very happy to award her RBB
2. Ashcroft & Long’s Stranfaer Take it Easy to Keepersway. A very nice head and expression, good length of neck set in well laid back shoulder and good front construction, top line and tailset. Alittle finer than 1 but a close decision. 3. Gale’s WillowswindNette Lark JW. Another lovely head, good dark eyes and soft expression. Good front construction, good bone and feet, topline and tailset, pleasing on the move.
PGB (3 A2) Walker & Roberts’ Gloi Dubh Gigha JW. Good size bitch, good length of neck and well constructed front. Good bone and well developed ribcage and loin, good topline and tailset. Moved well.
LB (6 A1) Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by GloiJW. Larger bitch with lovely balance and moved so well on good bone and feet. Lovely head and expression, good eye shape, colour and placement. Good depth of chest, well sprung rib and square loin, good topline and tailset. She presented a very pleasing outline especially on the move. In a close decision happy to award her BB 2. Joyce’s Stranfaer Solitaire JW. Good sized bitch, lovely dark eye and very feminine expression, very nice front construction and rear angulation. Moved well but I preferred the movement of No 1. 3. Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld). Very nice liver bitch with lovely dark eyes and soft expression, good overall construction especially rear angulation, good bone and tight fee,t moved well.
OB (2) Gale’s Willowswind Maias Wish. Lovely head and expression, nice shaped eye, very dark and well positioned. Very good front angulation, good length of neck well set in well laid back shoulders. Good construction throughout and very good on the move. 2. Finlay’s Ir Sh Ch Annbecks Ailis at Auchnaleck. Very nice feminine expression, good overall construction, a little finer than No1 but good topline, tailset and well bodied, a close decision. A very enthusiastic mover.
VB(5 A1) Lovely girls in the veteran class today. 1. Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW. Good sized bitch, very nice outline standing and on the move. Lovely feminine head, eye shape and expression, well off for bone and body. Good all round movement on good feet. BV 2. Colson’s Eskwinds Driving Miss Daisy to Windyhollows. Another very feminine head, kind eye and good colour. Well constructed throughout, good spring of rib and correct loin, good bone, good feet. Moved well and just edged by No1. 3. Barnetts’ Pajanbeck Welcum to My World at Annbecks. Again a nice head and expression, well constructed and a very pleasing bitch but not quite the balanced outline of 1 & 2 especially when moving.
SVB (1) Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Remember At ten and a half this very fit lady has good construction throughout, well built and strong. She has good feet and moved well if a touch stiffer than the puppies. Well done.
SLB (2) Colson’s Windyhollows Winnipeg. This 9 year old has a beautiful expression and nice dark eyes, well placed. Good length of neck well set in good shoulders and front construction, well bodied and good rear quarters. Moved very well. BL 2. Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld)
BRACE (1) 1. Mrs. T & Miss C Gale. This was a well matched pair in size and type. For a first outing in a brace class all three did well.
Roy Douglas
Held at Manor Farm on the Welbeck Estate by kind permission of Robert Bower and the estate.
8th April 2018
A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported the NEFRA test. Thanks especially go to our lovely host Robert Bower, to our judges Malcolm Peacock, Alan Richardson and Harvey Richardson who set some challenging but doable tests and all the helpers who stepped up and helped and made the day possible
Puppy
1st Jan Egginton handling Pajanbeck Georgy Girl.
COM Heather Harley handling Blouet Noelle at Arrowhill.
Novice Dog Novice Handler.
1st Dave Locking handling Blakanis Wyken Pippin.
2nd Al Moore handling Shiraz Pebble.
COM Claire Gould handling Miranda Mermaid.
Novice.
1st Caroline Hewison handling Venus in Transit over Casblaidd.
2nd Caroline Hewison handling Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd.
3rd Colette Greenwood handling Tawnywood Jollification.
4th Anne Kitching handling Selloana Angel’s Dream.
COM Derek Bull handling Keepersway Alana.
COM Matthew Hopkinson handling Latournette Myrtille.
COM Rob Ashcroft handling Keepersway Adele.
Intermediate
1st Suzi Price handling Ruddleberry Songbird.
2nd Caroline Hewison handling Venus in Transit over Casblaidd.
3rd Andy Sweeney handling Portledge Belle Amy of Wolfthistle.
4th Graham Clelland handling Necessares Sorrel.
COM Pat Bell handling Gowran Hesperis at Pallingforth.
Well done everyone, and thank you for supporting NEFRA
At the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association the following announcements were made:
Officials and committee members were re-elected / elected
Annual awards were announced as follows:
President’s Cup – Jones’ ShCh Seaheart Anneliese by Benvellyn
2nd Walker and Robert’s Jade Vom Wildforstersee of Gloi JW
3rd Bellamy’s Woodfinch Hydra JW
Ceilidh Cup – Wendy Battison’s Donascimento Ramires
2nd Wendy Battison’s Donascimento Bebeto
3rd Wendy Battison’s Torwood Ice Conqueror at Donascimento
Inca Trophy – No points submitted
Sadly, due to the severe weather on the morning of the meeting neither our President, Membership Secretary nor our Treasurer were able to be in attendance. As a result NEFRA held an Extra-ordinary General Meeting on July 8th to hear the Treasurers Report and agree the accounts.
The reconvened meeting was held at 10:30am on Sunday 8th July 2018 at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RR
Minutes of last year’s AGM (2017) and the 2017 accounts were distributed at the meeting.
AGENDA
This year’s championship show was held at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent. This year the committee were delighted to be able to offer convenient car parking facilities for the exhibitors which allowed easier access to the show hall.
The judges at the show were Miss S J Pingree (Heatheridge) who judged bitches & Mr J Irvine (Vbos) who went over the dogs. Our referee Mrs R Brady (Bordercot) was needed today to judge the Brace and Junior Handling classes. During the judging of Best In Show the judges agreed to offer the award to Miss A Dyren’s ShCh FLATCHARM CHELSEA WHOPPER KCWGC.
Other major award winners were as follows:
Reserve Best In Show Fox’s SH CH STEELRIVER BLAZIN HOT AT BLACKTOFT JW
Best Puppy In Show Mr M B & Mrs R MacDonald’s DERINGWOOD ENGLISH OAK
Best Veteran In Show Fox’s SH CH STEELRIVER BLAZIN HOT AT BLACKTOFT JW
Best Liver In Show MR R F & MISS K M LUTNER’s TELURN BETTER BELIEVE IT
A full list of the awards in each class are listed in the Results Sheet for you reference.
Sue Pingree’s report has been taken as a scan from Our Dogs. Read it here
Jim Irvine’s report has been taken from the online edition of Our Dogs Read it here
I was honoured to be given the appointment of Referee for this show, but in the event, all the joint decisions made by the two judges, Jim Irvine and Sue Pingree, were unanimous. I have to admit that I was delighted when their ultimate Best In Show winner turned out to be ShCh Flatcharm Chelsea Whopper, winning her 4th CC, for I had previously awarded her her first C.C. & B.O.B.
In judging this class I was not just looking for the best matched pair, but also taking into consideration the combined breed quality of each pair. It was a close decision between the first two pairs – these four dogs were all of correct type, pleasing in head and expression, with excellent bone and free in movement.
1. Ross’ males Downstream Face The Music (JW) and Go With The Flow Ebony In Harmony At Qlocontrail (IMP NED) (JW). On the final circuit of the ring, the profile of these two dogs moving together was incredible – absolutely identical (and correct) in size, head carriage, topline and tail carriage and moving exactly side by side. It was like watching one dog and its reflection moving in front of a plate glass window, and that moment decided the placings.
2. Fox’s males Sh. Ch. Steelriver Blazin Hot At Blacktoft (JW) and Black Mica’s Likes It Hot At Blacktoft (IMP SWE) (JW).
3. Sullivan’s.
My two main priorities in judging these classes were for the handler’s rapport with their dog and for loose leads. I did not ask for any fancy patterns, just simply asking the handlers to do exactly the same as I would ask any exhibitor when I am judging a show class, i.e. once round the ring all together, then, after going over the dog, to move the dog diagonally across the ring and back to me and then right round the ring to join on the end. I did, however, ask each Junior Handler to show me their dog’s teeth themselves. Later, I asked them individually to move the dog diagonally across the ring while I watched from the side, because this scenario can be necessary when a show ring is very small or narrow. Each of the three handlers realised it was necessary to switch their dog to the other side, and I was particularly impressed that the youngest handler, Molly Davis, waited until I was in position before she set off with her dog. All three handlers were polite, well-mannered and looking clean and tidy to complement their dogs; they all had a pleasant attitude, which resulted in their dogs also displaying a happy temperament – a handling skill which is so essential in order to bring out a Flatcoat’s typical breed characteristic for the judge’s assessment in the show ring.
1. Molly Davis. What a delightful rapport she had with her very enthusiastic dog. She spoke to her constantly, calmly and with encouragement, and without embarrassment. For such a young handler she had a remarkable degree of control and co-operation from her dog – they were working as a team. She was clearly well aware of what was required of her in the show ring. She may not have had any competition in this class, but she absolutely deserved to be standing in first place.
1. Lauren Huyton.
2. Georgina Mellor.
It was initially very difficult to split these two handlers. Both of them kept their dogs concentrating on showing when it mattered, both moved them at their correct speed and had them standing when required. I asked them to go round the ring twice together, with each one in turn being in the lead – neither of them moved up too close to the dog in front. It was the way that Lauren Huyton was able to get her dog to free-stand away from her, without it nibbling at titbits, which won her the class. It means that the judge gets a clear view of the head and muzzle and the dog shows its natural stance through the forequarters.
When the two class winners came together for Best Junior Handler, it was a hard choice. At one point, when sending them round the ring together, Molly was in front and unexpectedly had a “hiccup” (I guess simply due to some over-exuberance from her dog). She immediately stopped and, completely unflustered, regained control of the situation and carried on. To my mind, Junior Handling classes are not an obedience competition and dogs do unexpected things; it is the way the handler copes with the situation that is important to me and Molly coped perfectly. The whole glitch was over in a matter of seconds, with Molly unperturbed and her dog remaining happy and once again co-operating with her. She gained a lot of bonus points for that. But……..earning just as many bonus points during the same moment was Lauren. I was so impressed with the fact that she had not only been concentrating on her own dog, but had also been aware of what was happening ahead of her. She stopped immediately, giving Molly not only plenty of space but also the time to recover the situation. Lauren’s thoughtfulness, awareness and kindness was exemplary. So, still a difficult decision between them, but once again, Lauren’s ability to have her dog free standing away from her gave her the edge. Hard to achieve and only successful if there is true rapport between dog and handler.
One final comment….one of the prizes for the overall winner was a tin of confectionery and, standing in first place, on receiving her winner’s prize Lauren immediately turned to Molly and offered to share the sweets with her. What joy it gives to witness such kindness, good manners and sportsmanship from the young generation. A huge credit not only to the youngsters themselves, but also to those who taught them so well how to behave.
Rosalie Brady (Judge)
On the 22nd October we held a day of Working Retriever Assessments in the grounds of Castle Howard by very kind permission of the Howard family and Clive Harrison, the gamekeeper there. Both Novice and Intermediate levels were assessed.
Passes in the novice level (judged by Caroline and Chris Hewison) were awarded to
Sue Sinnott with Merlin (Millola Handsome Man)
Al Moore with Rio (Shiraz Pebble)
Cherry Wood with Raven (Woodfinch Cherith)
Passes in the intermediate level (judged by Gill Griffin and Chris Hewison) were awarded to
Garry Ellison with Tilly (Ollerset Shining Nymph).
Three dogs completed their third stage of the intermediate level and were awarded their certificates
Garry Ellison with Tia (Ollerset Rainbow)
Peter Griffin with Jay (Eskwinds Ebony Jay)
Caroline Hewison with Ripple (Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd)
Thanks to all for taking part, thanks to our hosts, judges and all the helpers for ensuring a successful day.
Held at Upper Shadymoor Farm, Stapleton, by kind permission of Joy and Kevan Fox.
24th September 2017
Judges Mike Allen, Garry Ellison and Gill Griffin.
Grateful thanks to our hosts, our judges and all the many helpers for helping the day run well.
Photos courtesy of Caro Dell, Workingline Images
Puppy (3 entries, 1 NFC)
1st Rachel Pierce with Clocktower Amber.
ND/NH (6 entries, 1 abs)
1st Derek Bull with Keepersway Alana
2nd Aimee Gardiner with Kulawand Kookaburra for Svenjak.
3rd Liz Branscombe with Torinmill Gaelic Aurora
Novice (11 entries)
1st Peter Griffin with Eskwinds Ebony Jay
2nd (Judges Choice) Graham Clelland with Necessares Sorrel
3rd Julie Matthews with Ollerset Shining Nymph
4th Conor McCaffery with Donascimento Dias
COM Sue Sinnott with Millola Handsome Man
COM Caroline Hewison with Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd
COM Caroline Hewison with Venus in Transit over Casblaidd
Open (7 entries, 1 NFC)
1st Caroline Hewison with Maddistream Indigo Jack at Casblaidd
3rd Andy Sweeney with Norfolkflyer Rosie’s Thorn at Wolfthistle
Judges Choice Keith Aldred with Donascimento Santos
Well done everyone, and thank you for supporting NEFRA
1st Derek Bull with Keepersway Alana
