NEFRA Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association

Yesterday saw NEFRA members merge at the wonderful venue of Dearnford Lake near Whitchurch. The training day, organised by the working sub committee, was very well attended with five groups of handlers with their dogs. By 4 o’clock our hosts and trainers were thanked, and we all treated to a marvellous barbeque by Charles and Jane Bebbington.

There were professional photographers in attendance all day and they have already started putting some of their photos on their own website where they may be purchased.

Working Line Images – Dearnford

The NEFRA committee and members would like to extend their sympathy to the family and friends of Show Champion and Crufts Supreme Champion Vbos The Kentuckian.

Jet meant so much to so many people in the breed, he will be long remembered.

Jet’s entry in Wikipedia

NEFRA members were asked to put together a display of working gundogs at the Dearnford Lake Country Fair last week

The display drew a interested audience from the visitors to the fair and they were introduced to the various dogs and handlers and watched as the display described the progress from young dog through to talented open dogs.

‘Country Life’ magazine featured a number of photos of dogs owned by NEFRA members. The photos were taken last month at a specially arranged photo shoot at Castle Howard – the home of NEFRA Patron Hon Simon Howard.

Jane Hedge’s bitch Satinbaze Water Lily BegEx. In 2011 she has won the Inca Trophy (NEFRA), the Kysheemy Trophy (FRS) and the Jadzia Trophy (Derby & District DTC).

Lily has got her second Beginner Class win moving her up to work in Novice Class obedience – no mean feat!

2012 is the first year the Inca trophy has been won by a dog competing in obedience.

Caroline Hewison’s dog Maddistream Indigo Jack at Casblaidd has won the NEFRA Ceilidh Cup, along with the FRS Pewcroft Trophy and the NGRA Sybil Buckley Commemorative Trophy.

‘Tarn’ won both the NEFRA Open Test and the Cold Game Test in 2011

The events that unfolded during Crufts this year has highlighted the importance of responsible breeding and health considerations in all breeds.

This is a useful link to the Kennel Club’s Website. This site features a 27 minute video ‘Dogs – A Healthy Future’ and their Mate Select Services.

Hope Show Teams
NEFRA members were once again selected to represent the two competing teams of flat-coated retrievers at this years Hope Show in Derbyshire. Photos have been added of the two teams.

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of David Showell (Cleovine).

David passed away suddenly this morning. He was a very kind man who supported many of our events and was highly regarded in the flat-coat world.

We pass on our condolences to his wife Judy, family and friends

NEFRA would like to congratulate Jim Irvine on handling ShCh Vbos The Kentuckian on his Best In Show title at dfs Crufts 2011.

A superb ambassador to the breed.

Flat-coated retriever Crufts results here