Category:NEFRA

NEFRA Gundog Training Day – 28 February

NEFRA held a full-day gundog training event on 28 February at Hesketh Bank, a popular venue regularly used for NEFRA training days and events.

The day focused on practical gundog training, covering key skills and techniques suitable for working dogs at various stages of training. The aim was to provide handlers with clear, effective methods they could take away and apply in everyday training, whether preparing for the shooting field, tests, or simply improving general control and steadiness.

Training was led by Paul Egginton, Gary Ellison and Steve Burns, all highly experienced and respected gundog trainers. Throughout the day they shared their knowledge in areas such as:

• Basic and advanced handling techniques
• Steadiness and control
• Retrieving and delivery
• Use of dummies and training equipment
• Problem-solving common gundog training issues

A huge thank you to Sam Slinger for allowing us to use such a fantastic venue. Thanks also to our army of helpers throughout the day — we truly couldn’t do it without you.

We ran three training groups:

• A beginners’ group with Paul, who saw brilliant progress throughout the day, with some members even moving up to the novice groups.
• Two novice groups, one of which was more advanced.

Each group tackled impressive distances and worked on developing control during retrieves.

The day was absolutely fantastic, and we look forward to returning soon.

NEFRA are hosting a full-day training day at Burton Salmon, kindly hosted by David Foster with Trainers Jim Christen & Samantha Whyte.

This will be a full day of tailored training, focusing on whatever you and your dog need to help progress your work.

The day will take place on a weekend in May, so keep your eyes peeled, the date will be announced very soon.

Change of Location – Working Retriever Assessment (25th April)

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to change the location of our Working Retriever Assessment on 25th April.

The new venue for the assessment is DN22 9BQ, Retford.

All other details and timings remain the same. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message us. 🐾

Enter online here.

Full details Can be found here:

The NEFRA Annual General Meeting was held in Fritchley, Derbyshire, on Sunday 22 March 2026.

The meeting took place with the kind hospitality of our outgoing Honorary Show Secretary, Mrs Paula Goulette.

Paula was delighted to receive a retirement gift of beautiful flatcoated retriever earrings. She will continue to support the Association in her role as co-opted President, following the sad news that Mr Bob Allen has been forced to relinquish the position due to ill health. In recognition of his many years of support, Bob has been awarded honorary life membership, and we extend our sincere thanks to him.

During the meeting, the following members received the Association’s annual awards:

• President’s Cup – Walker & Roberts’ Gloi Dubh Mormaer JW
• Inca Trophy – Hewison’s Benvellyn Marakele into Casblaidd JW SGWC KCWGC
• Ceilidh Cup – Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky VW SGWC KCWGC
• Nellspeace Plate – Rachel Pierce

The event was, as always, generously supported by a seemingly endless supply of tea, coffee and cake, kindly provided by members of our hardworking team.

29th March 2026 – Redhall Farm, Crewe

The Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association held a successful Working Test for Flatcoated Retrievers, alongside Curly Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, and Nova Scotia Duck Tollers, on Sunday 29th March 2026 at Red Hall Farm, Betley, Crewe.

We were pleased to welcome Flatcoats, Irish Water Spaniels, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers on the day.

Puppy and NDNH were judged in the morning. Although no awards were given in the Puppy class, the judges provided encouraging and constructive feedback, offering valuable training advice for the future.

In NDNH, a second prize was awarded to Ms Sue Margerison with her Irish Water Spaniel, Foulby the Dark Knight at Kandrelli.
The Skylar Trophy was awarded to Ms Stephanie Hurstfield with her Flatcoat, Idalillie Little Duckling.

The Open stake also ran in the morning, with five dogs competing from seven entries. A first place was awarded to Ms Anne Kitching with her Flatcoat, Selloana Callisto Nymph.
Judges Choice in Open went to Mr Garry Ellison with his Flatcoat, Ollersett Duchess.

In the afternoon, the Novice stake saw a strong entry of 15 dogs, with the ground reported to be fantastic. A second place was awarded to Ms Helen Fox with her Flatcoat, Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft JW SGWC AI.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our judges — Ms Nicola Reynolds (A3574), Ms Sarah Middleton, and Mr Henry Carney, for their time and expertise throughout the day.

Grateful thanks also go to Mr & Mrs M Berrisford for kindly allowing us the use of their land at Red Hall Farm, and to all the helpers and throwers whose hard work ensured the smooth running of the event.

Schedule

Held on 2nd November 2025 at: Biddulph Leisure Centre, Thames Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 9HL

Judge (Dogs) Miss J Calverley (Gwenadillo)
Judge (Bitches) Mrs S Tagg (Oiyou)
Referee and Judge for Special Members Stakes, Baby Puppy Classes and Brace – Mrs M Romeo-Dieste (Hopevalley).

Judge’s Critiques:

Our major award winners were as follows:

Best In Show	Thurgood & Holmes’ Finhamspride Clio
Reserve Best In Show Best Opposite Sex Best Liver in Show	Wild’s Bitcon Alliance with Bluewater (AI) JW Wild’s Bitcon Alliance with Bluewater (AI) JW Sullivan’s Wyrebeck Shockwave
Best Puppy in Show	Walker & Roberts Seaheart Frida at Gloi JW
Best Veteran in Show	Whitaker’s Sh Ch Evening Mist Black Brianta (Imp Cze)
Best Special Working in Show	Peers’ Tweedisle Lindores
Best Baby Puppy	Whitaker’s Touch of Power Black Brianta (Imp Cze) NAF TAF

Dog Challenge Certificate	Wild’s Bitcon Alliance with Bluewater (AI) JW
Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate	Mullins’ Everblack Booze Cruise at Dexanluc
Bitch Challenge Certificate	Thurgood & Holmes’ Finhamspride Clio
Reserve Bitch Challenge Certificate	Prior’s Blacktoft Avelino at Finnashember
Best Puppy Dog	Mullins’ Seaheart Fabian at Dexanluc
Best Veteran Dog	Joyce’ Stranfaer Get over It JW
Best Liver Dog	Sullivan’s Wyrebeck Shockwave
Best Special Working Dog	Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in The Sky SGWC KCWGC VW
Best Puppy Bitch	Walker & Roberts Seaheart Frida at Gloi JW
Best Veteran Bitch	Whitker’s Sh Ch Evening Mist Black Brianta (Imp Cze)
Best Liver Bitch	Bellamy’s Moonstruck I’m On Fire with Moontorn (Imp Swe)
Best Special Working Bitch	Peers’ Tweedisle Lindores

Full results: https://www.fossedata.co.uk/show-results/northern-england-flatcoated-retriever-association-november-2025.aspx

Photo collection courtesy of Harry Vasey: to follow

🐾 Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme – Bronze, Silver & Gold Testing 🐾

📍 Location: Ambergate, Derbyshire
📅 Date: Friday, 11th October 2025
🕤 Time: Meet at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM start
⏰ Gold level testing will not begin before 12:00 PM

We will be running Bronze, Silver, and Gold level tests on the day.
£5 per dog – one test per dog only.

Important Notes:

• Proof of previous level(s) is required to take Silver or Gold.
• Please ensure your dog is prepared for the level you wish to enter.

💳 Payment Instructions:
Please pay £5 per dog via PayPal using the following link:
🔗 PayPal.me/NEFRAworkingsub

• Select the ‘Friends and Family’ option to avoid fees – NEFRA will be charged if you don’t
• Do not use a credit card for payment

We look forward to seeing you and your well-trained dogs there!

Enter using this link.

Gundog Training Day – 21st September at Roan Lodge, Buxton, Quarnford by kind permission of Ms Lesley Morgan.

We’re excited to invite you to a Gundog Training Day on Sunday, 21st September at Roan Lodge, Buxton, with experienced trainer Steve Burns.

A big thank you to Lesley for kindly hosting us at Roan Lodge!

This event is a great opportunity to fine-tune your dog’s skills just a week before our Autumn Test. Whether you’re preparing for the test or simply want to see how your dog is progressing, we’d love to see you there.

Come along for a great day of training and camaraderie!

Enter using this link.

Please complete the form together with a cheque (payable to NEFRA) to:
POST: Ms Anne Haley, 54 Knowsley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 8AP
or EMAIL: NEFRAworkingsub@gmail.com with payment via paypal.me/NEFRAworkingsub
(NB: please do not support the PayPal payment with your credit card – NEFRA would be charged – Select Family & Friends payment option) £15

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.

Don’t Forget Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association (NEFRA) does have a litter secretary whom can be contacted to help share your litter information, should you feel that the help could ensure your babies find the right homes.
And obviously if you are after a puppy, the same details apply.

Contact Vanessa Burroughs on

01283 814796

or e-mail her on

v.burroughs@btinternet.com