Author:Charlotte Smith

Saturday 2nd August 2025

We’re thrilled that you’ll be joining us on August 2nd in Knutsford for our upcoming dog training event! Whether you’re starting out with a new pup or looking to build on existing skills, this session will be a great opportunity to learn and have fun.

We’ll be covering practical training techniques, positive reinforcement methods, and helpful tips to strengthen the bond. There’ll be plenty of time for questions.

We can’t wait to welcome you for a fantastic day of learning in Knutsford!

Schedule found here.

Enter Online here.

Entries:
1. Via online entry form on NEFRA website plus entry fee payment by PayPal.
2. Or download entry from NEFRA website and send by post, accompanied by cheque to: Ms Anne Haley, 54 Knowsley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 8AP
3. Or scan completed entry form and email to NEFRAworkingsub@gmail.comwith payment via PayPal

Payments:If using PayPal go to PayPal.me/NEFRAworkingsub; please use ‘friends and family’ option or NEFRA will be charged – please do not support payment with a credit card
Please put Burton Salmon Training Day as the reference on your PayPal payment
Cheques payable to Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association (NEFRA)

Saturday 12th July 2025

Hello everyone,

We’re so excited that you’ll be joining us for our training event on July 12th! Whether you’ll be attending to build new skills or refresh your knowledge, we’re thrilled to have you.

The session will be focused on learning and making the most of our time together.

We’re looking forward to a great day!

Schedule found here.

Online please enter here.

Entries:
1. Via online entry form on NEFRA website plus entry fee payment by PayPal.
2. Or download entry from NEFRA website and send by post, accompanied by cheque to: Ms Anne Haley, 54 Knowsley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 8AP
3. Or scan completed entry form and email to NEFRAworkingsub@gmail.comwith payment via PayPal

Payments:If using PayPal go to PayPal.me/NEFRAworkingsub; please use ‘friends and family’ option or NEFRA will be charged – please do not support payment with a credit card
Please put Burton Salmon Training Day as the reference on your PayPal payment
Cheques payable to Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association (NEFRA)

We are hosting a KCGWC at Roby Mill on the 28th June 2025 by kind permission of Sarah Maraflow.

Unfortunately this event was cancelled.

!This event has been sadly cancelled.

16th August 2025
Sadly this event has been cancelled.

To enter online please follow this link.

Novice Training Day & WRA Assessment

12th April 2025
The Lake House, Roby Mill, WN8 0QT

Training and WRA Day

NEFRA hosted a Working Retriever Assessment (WRA) and training day on the 12th of April at Roby Mill.

Training for both beginner and novice dogs took place in the morning with the WRA taking place in the afternoon.

Two dogs successfully passed the assessment; Jenny Jones with Roxwoodbay River of Yonsaff and Anne Haley with SkyBrook If By Chance.

Huge thanks to Garry Ellison and Gill Awty for being trainers and assessors for the day and Sarah Marfolw for the use of this amazing land.

Schedule found here

On Saturday, 22nd February, we held a training day at Hesketh Bank. The trainers for the day were Gary Ellison, Steve Burns, and Paul Egginton. Gary took the puppies/beginners, Paul took the early novice group, and Steve took the novice/intermediate group.

The puppies/beginners worked on obedience and then practiced retrieving, focusing on how to get the best from your dog and understanding each element of a simple retrieve.
The early novice group used some of the cover and wooded areas for their retrieves, which made breaking down their retrieves and learning how to succeed with their dog particularly important.
The more advanced novice group tackled longer retrieves and included water in their exercises, which proved challenging for the water-loving breed.

Everyone enjoyed the day, and we thank Sam Slinger for the use of the ground, as well as the judges and helpers who gave up their time to ensure the event ran smoothly and was enjoyable.

Schedule found here.

Kennel Club Working Test – Burton Salmon, Pontefract, LS25 5JX
Held by Kind Permission of Mr. David Foster

Judges:

• Mr. Paul Stogden (B3661)
• Ms. Yvonne Storr
• Mr. Alan Richardson

We hosted a Kennel Club Working Test at the beautiful grounds of Burton Salmon, Pontefract. The day was divided into two sessions: the Puppy and NDNH test in the morning and the novice dog tests in the afternoon.

Morning Session:

• Puppy Test: The puppies were assessed on their retrieves, steadiness, and overall obedience.
• Novice Dog/Novice Handler (NDNH): This group was also tested during the morning session.
• Puppy Test Winner: Ms Helen Fox with Westoncruive Ace of Spades by Blacktoft.
• NDNH – Unfortunatly there were no awards for this class.

Afternoon Session:

• Novice Test: This session included a walk-up and tested the dogs’ skills in both sloping grounds and wooded areas.
• Novice Test Winners:
  1. 1st Place: Mr. Garry Ellison with Ollersett Duchess
  2. 2nd Place: Ms. Helen Fox with Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft JW SGWC
  3. 3rd Place: Ms. Jenny Jones with Roxwoodbay River of Yonsaff
  4. 4th Place: Mr. David Foster with Kenynten Styx

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organizations:

• The Judges: Mr. Paul Stogden, Ms. Yvonne Storr, and Mr. Alan Richardson for their time, expertise, and commitment to the event.
• The Helpers and Stewards: Your invaluable assistance ensured the event ran smoothly, and we are deeply appreciative of your support.
• Skinners: We are grateful for your generous sponsorship.
• Mr. David Foster: Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Foster for granting us the use of his exceptional grounds for this event.

Schedule found here.

Enter Online here.

Paper Entry form found here.

Today saw NEFRA members representing our breed at the annual Minor Breeds Test

Our host was Lesley Morgan at Roan Lodge near Buxton.

Judges were Jane Fairclough, Sarah Middleton and Susan Rodgers.

Our winning team was made up of Garry Ellison, Helen Fox, Anne Haley and Sonya Jenkinson.

Individual winner was Garry Ellison with Ollersett Shimmering Nymph and Judge’s Choice was Anthony Ciraolo.

Event sponsors were YuMove, A K Gundog Accessories and Leads & Lanyards