Category Archives: NEFRA

Breed Appreciation Day – Sunday 8th October

Ringtail House, 5a Ringtail Place, Ormskirk, Burscough, L40 8LA

Comments from Our Dogs Breed Notes 20/10/23

Paula Goulette reports “We had 19 people attend and it went very well judging by our feedback forms.  A very interesting breed talk from Louise Jones and Sandra Stevenson followed by MCE for those eligible* (10 out of 12 people passing).  Those who passed exam went over eight dogs after lunch with our four mentors, Louise Jones, Sandra Stevenson, Karen Joyce and Helen Fox.  Those who hadn’t taken the MCE but wished to stay after lunch had an informal hands on with Hayley Walker”.

Karen Joyce added “We had loads of committee help, there were 8 dogs for the afternoon mentoring session ranging from 5 months to 11 years of age, the majority of people attending were not flatcoat owners which made the wonderful feedback even more special and finally being NEFRA there was loads of cake!!

*To take the Multiple Choice Exam (MCE) candidates must have met all the requirements of the JEP** level 1

** for details of all levels of JEP requirements please visit https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/dog-showing/judging-dog-shows/ 

Full Day Training : Ribble Valley

Sunday 17th September 2023 – Preston, Lancashire

The training day at Grimsargh, near Preston today was a great success. We had two groups, one for beginners and one for intermediate with trainers Mike Pilling and Steve Burns.

The beginners started with obedience work and then progressed to longer retrieves and incorporating stop whistles and left and right castings. The intermediate group made good use of the large open spaces, jumps and sloping landscapes, and completed their day with a walk up exercise. We would like to thank Geoff Saints for having us and providing such an excellent venue, and our trainers and helpers for giving up their day. The feedback from everyone who attended was overwhelmingly positive.

NEFRA’s Autumn Test Haddon Hall 2023

This autumn NEFRA were delighted to have been offered the prestigious venue of Haddon Hall (near Bakewell) for our working test on the 1st October 2023. This was with kind permission of our Patron Lord Edward Manners.

A big thank you also goes out to groundskeeper Gareth for accommodating us. 

We would like to express another thank you to the 4 judges for for the event, Sue Hales-Lowe, Steve Burns, Guy Radford and Pat Bell. Finally, to the army of people that helped organize the day, catering staff in the restaurant, car park attendants, dummy throwers and committee members.

Results

Puppy

1st – Swantonwood Black Bramble – Handled by Reece Merry
2nd – Ollerset Duchess – Handled by Gary Ellison

Novice Dog / Novice Handler

A well done to all entired in this class, but unfortunately no dogs earned a placement in this class.

Novice

1st – Selloana Callisto Nymph – Handled by Anne Kitching
(Awarded Judges Choice – Best Novice)
2nd – Casblaidd Cuchulain at Sallymount – Handled by Alan Brighton
3rd – Kenynten Styx – Handled by David Foster

Open

1st – Maddistream Black Powder Of Wolfthistle – Handled by Andrew Sweeney
(Awarded Judges Choice – Best Open Dog)
2nd – Maddistream Raj Red – Handled by Malcolm Awty
3rd – Wolfthistle Mr Miracle – Handled by Andrew Sweeney


NEFRA’s training day Nr Blackburn

Nefra held a training day for puppies, beginners and early novice today near Blackburn by kind permission of Lee Hamilton, the gameskeeper for the ground. 

We had 2 trainers for the day, Gary Ellison and Lisa Mappin. Lisa taking the beginners groups and Gary taking the novice group. 

The weather was predicted to be heavy downpours however this held off and was sunny through the session. 

The puppies did confidence building around a small stream which they all did a great job with. Something like this is always good for beginners and puppies learning to retrieve around the water, which is always great fun. 

The novice group retrieved from water and over the water with dummies behind on land and on the water. 

Thanks to the trainers for giving up their day for us and thank you to the keeper for allowing us to use the land. We all had a fantastic day!

Minor Breeds Working Test

NEFRA sent a team to the Minor Breeds Working Test on Sunday 25th June at Upper Shadymoor Farm, Stapleton Hosted by the Chesapeake Retrievers. Super hospitality, and a lovely venue with absolutely everything you could need for a working test.

Along with the flatcoats there were teams from the Curly Coat Retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and the Irish Water Spaniels with three dogs in each team & a reserve.

There were 4 tests, which included 2 team tests and 2 individual tests.

  • 1st place and winners of the Shooting Gazette trophy.
    Irish Water Spaniels
  • 2nd place
    Flatcoated Retrievers with 2 points between 1st and second.

The team consisted of Helen Fox with Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft JW, Caroline Hewison with Casblaidd Island in the Sky KCWGC SGWC & Malcolm Awty with Maddistream Raj Red.

Helen Fox also being awarded judges choice.

Caroline and Malcolm’s dogs were also top scoring joint dogs.

  • 3rd place
    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • 4th place
    Curly Coated Retrievers

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Fox as land owners and judges Rose Lewis & Yvonne Storr.

Many thanks to the Chesapeake Retrievers for hosting.

Membership List

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Many Thanks

The NEFRA committee

NEFRA Working Retriever Assessment 23rd July 2023

Nefra had a great day with their first Working Retriever Assessment of the year. We were hosted with thanks to Simon Fitzherbert-Brockholes nr Garstang. We had 2 assessors for the day, Caroline Hewison and Lisa Mappin. There were 8 Novice dogs taking this assessment today. The weather was absolutely torrential rain all day so the dogs certainly did well given the conditions. There was one pass awarded today to Gill Griffin & Ravencrag Illusionist with them gaining their third novice pass and being awarding their Novice certificate.

There were four dogs taking their Intermediate assessment in the afternoon being assessed by Caroline Hewison. Again the rain did not let up, so we had difficult conditions for the dogs. No passes were awarded today, but all dogs from both classes went away with great training tips for both assessors from the day.

Thankyou to the assessors and helpers throughout the day.

More information about the NEFRA working retriever assessments can be found by clicking here.

NEFRA’s 35th Breed Open Show

At Thorpe Willoughby Village Hall on Sunday 14th May 2023
Judge – Miss Caroline J Chambers (Hototo)

Best In Show– Colson’s : Blacktoft Frozen In Time By Windyhollows (AI)

Reserve Best In Show : Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Wicked

Best Puppy in Show : Long’s Keepersway Live The Moment

Best Veteran & Best Working In Show : Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo From Casblaidd VW SGWC KCWGC

Best Liver in Show : Trevor’s Trevorsilk Galaxy Aurora

Minor Puppy Dog – 0 entries

Puppy Dog
1st KEEPERSWAY LIVE THE MOMENT – BEST PUPPY DOG & BEST PUPPY IN SHOW
2nd PAJANBECK THINK OF ME (AI)
3rd HURSTCLOUGH NIGHT OWL

Junior Dog
1st WINDYHOLLOWS RAGGED ROBIN
2nd BLACKTOFT BRINDISI BY BUCKLEYHILL
3rd RONEVORG FIREFLY FANTASY
Res I KNOW HIM SO WELL AT ROKANESS

Yearling Dog
1st I KNOW HIM SO WELL AT ROKANESS

Novice Dog
1st I KNOW HIM SO WELL AT ROKANESS
2nd BLACKTOFT BRINDISI BY BUCKLEYHILL
3rd PAJANBECK THINK OF ME (AI)
Res MURPHY’S TREAT

Graduate Dog
1st HAMELDOWNTOR PEDRO XIMENEZ
2nd GEMSWIN SHUT UP AND DANCE
3rd RIVERGLIDE FORGOTTEN GOLD
Res I KNOW HIM SO WELL AT ROKANESS
VHC MURPHY’S TREAT

Post Graduate Dog
1st RIVERGLIDE SECRET REPRIEVE – BEST DOG
2nd HAMELDOWNTOR PEDRO XIMENEZ
3rd LIZZLOG MOONLIGHTING AT KARAHOLME

Limit Dog
1st STEELRIVER HIT THE BEACH WITH BUCKLEYHILL
2nd SATINBAZE CRACKSMAN FOR BLACKTOFT JW (Al)
3rd HIGHTYNE WHEN I FALL IN LOVE
Res HOPEVALLEY MORNING CIRCUS

Open Dog
1st FLATCHARM MR FIX IT FOR SHENNANJOY – RES BEST DOG

Veteran Dog
1st STRANFAER GET OVER IT JW

Special Liver Dog
1st MURPHY’S TREAT

Special Working Dog
1st CASBLAIDD ISLAND IN THE SKY SGWC KCWGC

Minor Puppy Bitch – 0 entries

Puppy Bitch
1st HURSTCLOUGH JOY OF THE MOORS AT ELMSTOCK
2nd PAJANBECK ONE MOMENT IN TIME

Junior Bitch
1st BLACKTOFT VENEZA AUGHNALECK
2nd BLACKTOFT AVELINO
3rd STRANFAER ONE FELL SWOOP
Res STRANFAER ONE HIT WONDER

Yearling Bitch
1st HIGHTYNE MY BLUE HEAVEN
2nd GEMSWIN RIVER OF DREAMS
3rd STRANFAER ONE FELL SWOOP
Res STRANFAER ONE HIT WONDER

Novice Bitch
1st RIVERGLIDE SANTA BARBARA
2nd GEMSWIN RIVER OF DREAMS
3rd PAJANBECK ONE MOMENT IN TIME

Graduate Bitch
1st HOPEVALLEY MORNING DREAM OF ELMSTOCK
2nd Braemist New Moon For Eskwinds
3rd Kazval Turn Back Time

Post Graduate Bitch
1st HOPEVALLEY MORNING WICKED – Res BEST BITCHRes BEST IN SHOW
2nd LEVELMOOR BLACKADDER
3rd RAVENCRAG JUMP OVER THE MOON TO ESKWINDS

Limit Bitch
1st PAJANBECK ANGELS ON MY SIDE
2nd BLACKTOFT DANCING ON ICE WITH WINDYHOLLOWS
3rd SHENNANJOY WALKIN MIRACLE

Open Bitch
1st BLACKTOFT FROZEN IN TIME BY WINDYHOLLOWS (AI) – BEST BITCH
2nd HOPEVALLEY MORNING RAINBOW JW
3rd LEVELMOOR ACORN ANTIQUES VIA WETNOSES

Veteran Bitch
1st CH WOODFINCH HYDRA JW
2nd HOPEVALLEY MORNING DAKOTA
3rd STRANFAER LYIN’ EYES

Special Veteran Bitch
1st DONASCIMENTO DANILO FROM CASBLAIDD VW SGWC KCWGC BVB, BW & BVIS
2nd CH BLACKTOFT BURLESQUE JW

Special Liver Bitch
1st TREVORSILK GALAXY AURORA BLB, BLIS
2nd WINDYHOLLOWS FLAMING KATY

Special Working Bitch
1st DONASCIMENTO DANILO FROM CASBLAIDD VW SGWC KCWGC

Judge’s Critiques

What a huge honour it was to be asked to judge this breed show. Thank you to the committee for the kind invitation, for providing me with refreshments all day together with a lovely lunch, I had a fabulous day, thank you again. Thank you also to my fabulous stewards, who looked after me, the exhibitors & the ring so efficiently all day. Huge thanks of course goes to the many exhibitors who travelled to allow me to judge such a quality entry of dogs today, they certainly were quality. Many class winners could have changed places on a different day, I literally was splitting hairs for many decisions. I found that the dogs had a tough time moving in a small ring with slippery floors, which is no fault of theirs it is just the situation of the day. The bitches, being smaller in general coped much better. Many of the males I would have liked to see move on a more stable flooring with more space.

Miss Caroline J Chambers (Hototo)

Minor Puppy Dog: (0/0)

Puppy Dog: (3/0) 1st, BPD, BPIS Ms L Long’s – Keepersway Live the Moment. 11 mth puppy, who is maturing nicely in body & coat. I loved this boy from when he first came in the ring. He has a lovely classic, pleasing moulded head with a good length of neck. He stands on good feet & has good strong bone, his front legs stand nicely underneath him showing good angulation in his fore quarter. Good length of rib, short loin leading to well angulated hind quarters giving good overall balance. Moved well keeping a good topline. 2nd, Eggington & Eggington & Eggington & Davis Mr P & Mrs J & Miss S & Mrs V – Pajanbeck Think of Me (AI) 10mth, puppy of good size & proportions. A correct head with a pleasing eye. Good length of neck. Good strong bone with straight front legs, good front angles, good length of rib, short loin. Moved well on this difficult surface. 3rd Clark, Mr B & Mrs L – Hurstclough Night Owl. 11mth’s puppy, good head, with correct eye shape & colour. Angles well balanced front & rear with good strong bone. He moved well but not quite as balanced on the move as 1 & 2 .

Junior Dog: (6/2) 1st Colson Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E’s Windyhollows Ragged Robin JW. I really like this boy, he has real quality & substance about him. A very pleasing correct Flatcoat moulded head on a strong neck of good length. His angles are moderate throughout giving good balance & shape. Good length & depth of rib with short loin. Covers the ground showing good reach & drive whilst holding a steady topline. This boy has a good future ahead of him. 2nd Buckley, Mrs H J & Mr I M – Blacktoft Brindisi By Buckleyhill. Another cracking dog, a good classic moulded one-piece head of correct size & proportions. Good length of neck, well angles front & rear. Good strong feet & bone. Good length of body with a short loin. Hind angles good & in balance with the forequarter. Moved well showing good power of drive. 3rd Campbell & Brown Mrs J & Miss M – Ronevorg Firefly Fantasy. This was such a close class, again a gorgeous boy although not as mature as 1 & 2. Lovely classic moulded head, good eye shape & colour, he has a super length of neck leading to well-placed shoulders & forequarter angles. Good straight legs in front. Good topline, nicely ribbed with a good tail set. Hind angles are also good. Moved well but he needs a bigger ring to show himself to the full potential. This boy will take time to mature & will be one to watch for the future. Reserve, Burroughs Mr R G & Mrs V K – I Know Him So Well At Rokaness.

Yearling: (1/0) 1st Burroughs Mr R G & Mrs V K – I Know Him So Well At Rokaness. Lovely dog who is maturing nicely & is of good size. He has a pleasing head, eye shape & eye colour. Good neck length, with good moderate angles fore & rear quarters. Good depth of rib & body. Good topline & moved well.

Novice Dog: (7/2) 1st Hessing Mrs M – Hoedun Daddys Eyes At Montechor. A good shaped one-piece head on this boy with a kind appealing eye. Good neck length leading to superb front quarters. He has nicely laid shoulders & good angles in front with his strong boned front legs sitting underneath him, standing on good strong feet. He as a lovely deep chest & rib with a short strong loin. His rear quarter is nicely angled & has a good tail set which compliments to having a lovely top line. He moved freely with good balance. 2nd Buckley, Mrs H J & Mr I M – Blacktoft Brindisi By Buckleyhill 3rd Eggington & Eggington & Eggington & Davis Mr P & Mrs J & Miss S & Mrs V – Pajanbeck Think of Me (AI). Reserve, Shepherdson Miss E – Murphy’s Treat.

Graduate Dog: (6/1) 1st Wilson, Mr A J – Hameldowntor Pedro Ximenez. Maturing nicely, this boy is in good coat & in hard condition. He has a pleasing moulded head with good eye shape & colour. His angles front & rear are moderate & has good length & super depth of rib with a short, strong loin. He has good strong bone. On the move he has good foot placement showing balance & ease of movement. 2nd Prior Mrs A & Dr I – Gemswin Shut Up & Dance. Yet again, another cracking dog. His head is of good shape with a kind correct eye. His length of neck is good, his front & rear angles are moderate giving the appearance of balance throughout. He too has a good depth of rib. Moved well on this difficult surface. 3rd Pountney Mrs J – Riverglide Forgotten Gold. Lovely boy in excellent coat & furnishings. He was carrying a little too much weight today for me but nevertheless still showed himself well. Good shaped, pleasing head & eye. Good neck length with a good lay of shoulder. His front angles are good, placing his front legs underneath him. He has fabulous depth of rib with a lovely short, strong loin. Rear angles also good with a correct tail set. Moved balanced with good foot placement. Reserve: Burroughs Mr R G & Mrs V K – I Know Him So Well At Rokaness VHC: Shepherdson Miss E – Murphy’s Treat.

Post Graduate Dog: (3/0) 1st BD Youens Mrs A – Riverglide Secret Reprieve. This lively, strong boy wasn’t giving his handler an easy time today but he showed so much charisma & personality. For me, this boy is fabulous. His head is a correct Flatcoat head in shape & size, he has a kind expression. His neck is of excellent length, leading to very well laid shoulders. Front angles are also good, showing good fore chest. Feet are strong along with his good strong bone they are placed well underneath him. He has a super depth of rib & good strong, short loin. His hind angles balance with his front. His topline is spot on with his fabulous tail set. Moved very well showing good balance, reach & drive. 2nd Wilson, Mr A J – Hameldowntor Pedro Ximenez. 3rd. Tierling & Fewster Mrs R & Mr S – Lizzlog Moonlighting At Karaholme. Lovely boy, balanced angles throughout. Shown in coat with good length of furnishings. Good, classic moulded head with a nice kind expression. This boy has a fabulous width of chest giving lots of heart room. Moved well.

Limit Dog: (4/0) 1st Buckley Mrs H J & Mr I M – Steelriver Hit The Beach with Buckleyhill. This boy has a fabulous head, in shape it is a moulded one-piece head, he has such a kind & gentle expression with a lovely eye. Adequate length of neck leading to well placed shoulders. He has moderate angulation in front & has a rear quarter that matches that of the front. His strong boned front legs are placed securely underneath him. Good depth of rib with a super short loin. Correct tail set which he carries well on the move. Moved well with balance & good foot placement. 2nd Fox Mrs H M – Satinbaze Cracksman For Blacktoft JW (AI) This again is a super dog with a very happy disposition. He is in rock hard condition. He has a good shaped moulded head with a pleasing expression, good shaped eye & eye colour. He has good reach of neck. His front & rear angles are moderate giving him balance & free movement. Good rib & strong, well-muscled throughout his body. I preferred the front angles of 1 in this case. He moved well, keeping balance. 3rd Huyton Mr P R & Mrs C E – Hightyne When I Fall In Love. What a lovely, well balanced, moderate Flatcoat. He is of good size & shape throughout. Not as deep in rib as 1 & 2 but on another day the placings could well change. Lovely head & expression, good length of neck, well placed shoulders. Good strong bone with good strong feet. Front & rear angles balance. Short strong loin. Balanced energetic mover. RESERVE: Romeo-Dieste & Smith Mrs M E & Miss C – Hopevalley Morning Circus.

Open Dog: (2/1) 1st RBD Scaife Miss V – Flatcharm Mr Fix It For Shennanjoy. Super boy, lovely moulded, one-piece head with a gentle kind expression. Good eye shape & colour. Nice length of neck with well placed shoulders, good front angles showing good fore chest. Front legs placed well underneath his forequarter. Good width of chest. Hind quarter moderately angled, excellent tail set. Moved well showing good reach & drive whilst keeping a good top line & good balance.

Veteran Dog: (2/1) 1st Joyce Mr D & Mrs K – Stranfaer Get Over It JW. Lovely happy boy with a super head, eye & expression. He has good length of neck leading to well laid shoulders. He is well angulated in his front & rear quarters. Good strong bone, strong good feet. His front legs straight & well placed under his fore front. Good depth of rib with a short loin. Moved well with balance parallel fore & aft.

Special Veteran Dog: (0/0)

Special Liver Dog: (1/0) 1st Shepherdson Miss E – Murphy’s Treat. A smaller, finer dog. He has a good shaped head with a correct eye shape & kind expression. Good length of rib with a short loin. Correct well shaped feet. Hind angles are good. He is very energetic on the move.

Special Working Dog: (1/0) 1st Hewison Mr C & Mrs C – Casblaidd Island In The Sky SGWC KCWGC. Lovely, well balanced dog of moderate size in good fit condition. A good moulded head with correct eye shape & colour, Well laid shoulders with super angles in his fore quarter. Front legs well placed underneath him. Good depth & length of rib. Hind angles good & in balance with the front. Moved well.

Minor Puppy Bitch (0/0)

Puppy Bitch (2/0) 1st BPB Orme Mr R D & Mrs V E – Hurstclough Joy of the Moors At Elmstock. A very feminine bitch puppy of 10mths. Pretty, feminine head with a lovely dark eye. Medium build with correct moderate angles front & rear. Movement on this girl was free & easy showing good drive & reach. One to watch for the future. 2nd Eggington & Davis Mr P, Mrs J & Miss S & Mrs V – Pajanbeck One Moment In Time (AI) Another lovely feminine puppy of correct size at 10mths. Good head & eye shape with a dark eye. Lovely front construction on this girl. Good length of rib & short loin. Moved well but not the drive as 1.

Junior Bitch (4/01) 1st Finlay Mrs L 0 – Blacktoft Veneza Aughnaleck. Wow, what a treat this girl was to go over. 14 mths old with a head to die for! So feminine and yet correct with the most appealing almond dark eye. A racy bitch but with substance, elegance & grace. Super front construction with a matching rear quarter. Not over done in anyway. Good rib with a lovely short loin. Correct tail set. This girl knows how to move, she drove well from behind but had the reach in front to keep up & stay balanced, super foot placement. Held a lovely topline on the move. I will definitely watch this one as she matures. 2nd Prior Mrs A & Dr I – Blacktoft Avelino. Sister to 1, I loved both these girls. There was so little to split them on the day. This bitch has the same qualities as 1. Fabulous head with extreme femininity. Lovely dark almond eye. She has an excellent lay of shoulder, putting her forelegs underneath her. Good rib, very slightly longer in loin than 1, Moved very well covering the ground with ease. 3rd Joyce Mr D & Mrs K – Stranfaer One Fell Swoop. Another pretty, feminine head with a dark almond eye, Good reach of neck & well-placed shoulders, good front angles, good feed & strong bone, good ribbing, good angles in the rear quarter, good tail set. Moved well keeping top line. RESERVE: Welch Mrs F M – Stranfaer One Hit Wonder

Yearling Bitch: (4/0) 1st Huyton Mr P R & Mrs C E – Hightyne My Blue Heaven. A feminine head on this pretty girl. Pleasing expression, eye shape & colour good. Good reach of neck, into well laid shoulders. Front angles are super with good boned, straight legs set underneath her. Good length of rib to well angulated hind quarters, correct tail set. Well balanced on the move fore & aft keeping a lovely strong topline. 2nd McQuade Mrs J A – Gemswin River of Dreams. A lovely bitch who is maturing well. She has a good, correct moulded head with correct eye shape. She has a good length of neck, good lay of shoulder & moderate front angles. She has enough bone for a bitch. She has a good length of rib with a short loin, her hind quarters are moderately angulated giving balance to the fore quarters. Moved well in profile holding a good topline. 3rd Joyce Mr D & Mrs K – Stranfaer One Fell Swoop RESERVE: Welch Mrs F M – Stranfaer One Hit Wonder

Novice Bitch: (3/0) 1st Clark Mr B & Mrs L – Riverglide Santa Barbara. Nice bitch of moderate proportions, correct size & length. She has a pretty feminine one-piece head with a kind dark eye. Her neck is of moderate length. Her angles fore & hind are moderate & balanced. This girl excelled on the move, she showed herself with good reach & drive keeping a lovely outline. 2nd McQuade Mrs J A – Gemswin River of Dreams 3rd Eggington & Davis Mr P, Mrs J & Miss S & Mrs V – Pajanbeck One Moment In Time (AI)

Graduate Bitch: (3/0) 1st Orme Mr R D & Mrs V E – Hopevalley Morning Dream of Elmstock. The first thing I wrote on this bitch was FAB balance! This girl has a happy energetic character with a super correct head with a kind almond, dark eye. She has good neck length leading to very well-placed shoulders. Her front angles are moderate as is her length & hind angles. This girl is so “together” Shestands on good strong feet & has a good strong oval bone. The movement found her in the 1st place, with balance, drive & foot placement. 2nd Rees Mr K D & Mrs S J – Braemist New Moon for Eskwinds. Lovely bitch of excellent proportions. Nicely moulded head with a dark almond pretty eye. She has good reach of neck to well laid shoulders. Her front angles are good placing her well boned front legs underneath her. Her rib is of good length with a strong short loin. Hind angles are good & in balance with the front. Moved straight & true. 3rd Clark Mr B & Mrs L – Kazval Turn Back Time. Good head shape with a pleasing feminine look about her. Good neck length, front angulation is moderate & stands on good feet. She has a good length of rib & short loin. Her hind quarters are well angulated. Moved well .

Post Graduate Bitch: (3/0) 1st RBB & RBIS Romeo Dieste Mrs M E – Hopevalley Morning Wicked. I loved this girl. She has a happy disposition & is feminine throughout. She has a good head with a lovely almond shaped dark coloured eye. This girl is balanced throughout, not over done in any way. Her angles front & rear together with her good length of rib & short loin give her this complete look of balance. Her bone is of good substance & she stands on good shaped feet. Her movement is what gained her the RBB & RBIS, she is a little powerhouse, driving herself forward using her rear & reaching out well in front but staying in balance & holding a topline. 2nd Salt Mr D E J & Mrs M A – Levelmoor Blackadder. A feminine bitch, lighter in bone than 1. Lovely feminine head, correct one-piece with a good dark pleasing eye. Good length of neck with a well laid shoulder. Front angles good, standing with her front legs well underneath her. Rib of good length, hind angles moderate. Moved well with energy. 3rd Rees Mr K D & Mrs S J Ravencrag Jump Over The Moon to Eskwinds. Good feminine correct head shape on this girl, lovely kind eye & expression. Moderately angulated in the forequarters, good length of rib, well angulated hind quarters, good tail set. On the move this girl drove from behind really well covering the ground with ease.

Limit Bitch: (4/1) 1st Eggington & Davis Mr P, Mrs J & Miss S & Mrs V – Pajanbeck Angels On My Side. A pleasing, feminine head of good shape with correct eye shape & colour. Lovely small ears set well on. Good reach of neck with a super, well angled front quarter. Front legs are placed well underneath. Good length of rib with a strong short loin. This girl moved parallel fore & aft, she showed her reach & drive well in profile. 2nd Colson & Fox Mrs P J & Ms H M – Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows. A good moulded, feminine head on this girl. She has enough neck length to match her balanced frame. She has good angles in front & in her hind quarters. Again, front legs set well under the front quarters. Good length of rib with a short loin. Moved with drive but didn’t reach as well as 1 on this surface. 3rd Scaife Miss V – Shennanjoy Walkin Miracle. A pretty bitch with a good eye shape & colour. Good reach of neck. Moderately angled in the fore quarters to balance with the hind quarters. Good strong feet. Correct tail set. Shows a good solid topline. Moved well in profile.

Open Bitch: (4/1) 1st BB & BIS Colson Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E – Blacktoft Frozen In Time By Windyhollows. This bitch was on fire today, she showed herself to perfection. A stunning, elegant, feminine head of good correct shape & size. An appealing dark, almond shaped eye. She has good length of neck leading to well laid shoulders, good angulation in her fore quarters enabling her front legs to sit well underneath her. Good length of rib, short loin leading to well angulated rear quarters. This girl excelled on the move today, she covered the difficult surface with ease showing fabulous reach & drive with good foot placement. 2nd Romeo-Dieste Mrs ME – Hopevalley Morning Rainbow JW. Another lovely bitch, she is balanced & moderate throughout. Good moulded head with a kind almond eye and small neat ears set well on. She has good neck length with good, well angulated fore quarters. She has good oval bone & stands on good feet. Her rear quarter is well angulated giving this girl complete balance. She moved well showing free & easy movement in profile & moving parallel fore & aft. 3rd Salt Mr D E J & Mrs M A – Levelmoor Acorn Antiques Via Wetnoses. A finer boned bitch than 1 & 2, she has a pretty head, with a kind eye. She has a very happy disposition. She has good reach of neck. Nicely angulated fore quarters, front legs placed nicely underneath her. Well angulated in the hind quarter. Moved well.

Veteran Bitch: (3/0) 1st Bellamy Mr D & Mrs R – Ch Woodfinch Hydra JW. At 8 yrs old this girl showed herself well. She seemed to enjoy herself the entire time in the ring. A good moulded feminine head, good neck length, well laid shoulders with good front angles. Her front legs placed well underneath her. She has a hind quarter to match her front giving her overall balance whilst completing the picture with a forever wagging tail. Moved well, keeping balance and covering the ground well. 2nd Romeo-Dieste Mrs M E – Hopevalley Morning Dakota. Another 8 yr old girl who enjoyed her day and presented in good condition. This girl is well balanced throughout, good reach of neck, well laid shoulders, good angles front & rear. Good length of rib. Moved freely covering the ground well. 3rd Welch Mrs F M – Stranfaer Lyin’ Eyes. A smaller bitch than 1 & 2. Lovely feminine moulded head with a good eye shape & colour. This girl has good length of neck & is well angulated in front & rear. Moved well but maybe feeling the heat a bit today.

Special Veteran Bitch (2/0) 1st BVB, BW & BVIS Hewison Mr C & Mrs C – Donascimento Danilo From Casblaidd VW SGWC KCWGC. What a girl she is at 10 yrs old she powered around the ring showing every bit that she was bred to work and cover ground. She has a good feminine head shape with a correct eye. She has good reach of neck with good angles fore & rear. She has good length of rib with a short strong loin. This girl is fit & sound, she drove herself around the ring with ease. 2nd Fox Mrs H M – Ch Blacktoft Burlesque JW. Another 10yr old girl that thinks she’s only 2. So happy & loved her day. A very feminine head on this girl with a lovely dark eye. She is of good correct size with super angles front & rear placing her front legs well underneath her. She is well balanced, she moves with ease & enthusiasm.

Special Liver Bitch (2/0) 1st BLB & BLIS Trevor Mr & Mrs T J – Trevorsilk Galaxy Aurora. A good dark liver colour to this dog’s coat. A nicely moulded head, small, neat ears set well on. Angulations both front & rear are moderate and balanced. Moved well. 2nd Colson Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E – Windyhollows Flaming Katy. A good quality dark Liver coat with a very pretty, one-piece head on this young lady. Good reach of neck. Finer in bone than 1. Moved parallel fore & aft also holding her topline well.

Special Working Bitch (1/0) 1st Hewison Mr C & Mrs C – Donascimento Danilo From Casblaidd VW SGWC KCWGC

Brace: (3/0) Buckley Mrs H J & Mr I M. 2nd Colson Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E 3rd Welch Mrs F M

Miss Caroline J Chambers (Hototo)

Spring Working Test 2023 – Roanlodge, Buxton

NEFRA held our Spring working test today at Roanlodge, hosted with thanks by Lesley Morgan and sponsored by Skinners.

We had 3 Judges, who were David Bellamy, Warren Jones and Alan Richardson. A huge thankyou to our judges for giving up their day. 

A huge thankyou to all the helpers and dummy throwers. Without them we couldn’t hold these events.

The weather started off overcast and cold however as the day went on the sun came out and so did the wind. The weather made for a great day and a challenge for the afternoon dogs. 

We had 5 puppies and 5 NDNHs in the morning with an obedience test, a blind down a track, a straight mark and a mark in water. 

One award was given in puppy to Andy Sweeney’s Wolfthistle Clementine.

Unfortunately, although all the dogs performed well, no awards were given in the NDNH class. However these types of events are great for giving NDNH experience at working tests. 

We started the 14 Novice dogs before lunch which had 4 tests. These tests were a mix of marks, blinds, water and jumps with our three judges. 

Novice placings are as follows;

No first was awarded. 

2nd Julie Mattthew’s Ollersett Black Knight

3rd Helen Fox’s Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft JW

4th David Foster’s Kenyten Styx

COM Margaret Brayfield’s Contar Skeggles Water

We then started our 6 Intermediate dogs in the afternoon. The sun came out and the dogs all enjoyed themselves over this beautiful venue with a mixture of marks, blinds and a walk up. 

The results are as follows; 

1st Garry Ellison’s Ollersett Shimmering Nymph

2nd Caroline Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky KCWGC SGWC

3rd Andy Sweeney’s Maddistream Black Powder of Wolfthistle

4th Julie Matthew’s Ollersett Black Diamond

Peter Riches (Solotown)

It is with sadness that we have heard of the recent death of Peter Riches of the Solotown affix.

Peter was instrumental in the birth of NEFRA being the person who called and arranged our inaugural meeting at Harwood Village Hall. He opened and led the meeting until a committee and officers were voted on from the meeting floor, at which time neither he or his partner Sally were elected so he passed the meeting over to the committee to continue.

It was Sally who originally had the flatcoats, Peter becoming involved with them through meeting her. They also had whippets, Ibizan hounds and field spaniels in their later years.

A keen supporter of the show scene in the 1980s and 90s Peter later moved to Denmark with Sal where they continued to work and show their dogs making new flatcoat friends over there.

On our Facebook page Bente Sand commented:

Dear Peter Riches Facebook friends
Yesterday I received a call from the Danish police that Peter has unfortunately passed away 💔
The Danish authorities would very much like to get in touch with Peter’s family members, so those of you who are related to him or know of his family would you please be so kind as to send me a private message or contact me on phone no. +45 29855798
I know Peter is now reunited with his beloved Sally and all their beautiful Solotown dogs❤️