Nefra’s Autumn Working Test 2025

Cancellation of Autumn Test, 28th September

It is with real disappointment that we announce the cancellation of our Autumn Test on 28th September, due to a lack of entries. This decision has not been made lightly, and it’s been incredibly difficult for all involved.

I, Charlotte Simons, your Working Secretary, am personally very saddened that we’ve had to cancel this event due to such low interest. We had introduced several new elements this year, including a Meet the Judges feature with photos and information, and even arranged a training session just 7 days before the test, all based on feedback from flatcoat owners about what they want from a working test and from their club.

Despite these efforts, the support simply wasn’t there, and I am disappointed it has come to this.

My sincere thanks go to:

– Our judges, who had generously given up their time.

– The landowners at Redhall Farm, for allowing us to secure this brilliant venue months ago.

– Anne and Sonya, for all their hard work in planning and organising these tests, even when it’s clear they’re not being supported as they should be.

– The NEFRA sub-committee, for the effort that went into trying to make this event a success.

We do still hope to run our Spring Test next year, but it’s clear that something needs to change. Entry numbers for working flatcoats have become too low to sustain these events as they currently stand.

Thank you again to those who continue to support us, your encouragement means a lot. Refunds will be processed in due course.

Charlotte Simons

Working Secretary, NEFRA

Schedule found here.

24th August 2025

NEFRA Hosts Kennel Club Bronze Good Citizen Test in Knutsford

On 24th August, NEFRA successfully hosted a Kennel Club Bronze Good Citizen Dog Scheme in Knutsford, Cheshire. A huge thank you to Charlotte Simons for the generous use of her field and to Chris Hewison for kindly assessing the dogs on the day.

Congratulations to all who took part, especially our seven successful handlers and their dogs:

  • Kathryn Trevor with her Field Spaniel
  • Sonya Jenkinson with her Flatcoat
  • Rebecca Hartill-Speak with her Cavalier King Charles
  • Daniel Forge, who impressively passed with three of his dogs
  • Jack Brooks with his Golden Retriever

Well done to everyone involved!

BarkRun, Knutsford Training Day


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)

Burton Salmon Training Day

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)

Kennel Club Good Citizen 27th April

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled. We understand how disappointing this may be for those who were looking forward to attending, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The decision was not made lightly. Organizers are currently working to reschedule the event and will provide updates as soon as new details become available. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Northern EnglandFlatcoated RetrieverAssociation

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

Hesketh Bank Training Day


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.