NEFRA’s 1st Championship Show 2008

2 Nov 2008 held at Elsecar Heritage Centre, nr. Barnsley

Judges :

Frank Kane – Dogs (results)
Maureen Scott – Bitches (results)
Referee: Peter Forster
Lindsay Trevor – Junior Handling (results)

BEST IN SHOW – Sh Ch VBOS THE KENTUCKIAN

RESERVE BEST IN SHOW – Ch LEVELMOOR LANOSA OF SEAHEART

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW – DOWNSTREAM POETIC LICENCE

BEST VETERAN IN SHOW – Sh Ch ISLSTROM FARRANTA

BEST LIVER IN SHOW – CH WINDYHOLLOWS TUMBLING TED JW

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Please also read Joyce Ryder’s Show Report in Wagging Tails

Bitches – Judge’s Report – Maureen Scott

I was very honoured to be asked to judge Bitches at NEFRAs first Championship Show. Compliments to the hard working committee for putting on such a well run show. It wasn’t without its sadness as a minutes silence was given in mark of respect for two founder members Bob and Sandra Kitchen who worked tirelessly for the Club and also for Mrs Audrey Forster who passed away suddenly in July of this year.I know Audrey was so looking forward to this event and put a lot of work into its planning. I am sure she would have been so proud.

Quality in the bitches I found very good although we still have short, straight upper arms and lack of defined briskets. These two points were taken into consideration in my placings .My co judge Mr Frank Kane and I agreed on all final placings.

Best In Show Sh.Ch. Vbos The Kentuckian (who is a great ambassador for our breed and just keeps on improving)
Reserve Best In Show Ch Levelmoor Lanosa of Seaheart

Veteran Bitch (13-2)
1st Ross’s Sh Ch Islstrom Farranta
Super quality bitch from any angle.Lovely one piece head ,dark eye ,sweet gentle expression.Very good shoulder angulation and length of upper arm ,strong topline ,well muscled hindquarters enabling her to move freely and with drive.The tightest of feet,presented in super condition, a credit to her owners .RCC and Best Veteran In Show .
2nd Lewins’ Steelriver Windchimes At Vynesbrook
Very similar in type to winner. Classic head and eye .Good forequarters ,well muscled rear .Level strong topline with good tailset, sound on the move, in good coat.
3rd Jones’ Benvellyn Opal

Special Veteran (6-1)
1st Fox’s Ch Wistosa Sings The Blues To Blacktoft
Very fit 10 year old who belies her years .Lovely typy head and dark eye. Good lay of shoulders and length of upper arm. Ample bone and tight feet. Well muscled hindquarters, very sound on the move covering the ground with good forward reach and drive .
2nd Colson’s Ch Windyhollows Nelly Moser J.W.
Lovely liver bitch in good coat. Classic head and soft expression. Good neck and shoulders, deep in chest. Not as good in feet as winner ,sound on the move .
3rd Buckley’s Buckleyhill Sapphire
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Minor Puppy Bitch (13-1)
1st Lewin &Smith’s Vynesbrook Annika At Waybeyond
Very nice baby, just right for her age. Pretty head and eye with kind, gentle expression.She also has good shoulder angulation and length of upper arm, right amount of bone, tight feet, level topline with good tailset. Moved well .
2nd Mangham’s Onyxro Elara
Another quality puppy with the sweetest of heads and expression. Good overall conforamation but not as good in feet as winner.Level topline with good quarters moved well .
3rd Bertram’s Blackshyne Henleys Dream

Puppy Bitch (12-1)
1st Johnson’s Downstream Poetic Licence.
Lovely bitch, so femine and maturing along nicely. Lovely moulded head, dark eye, soft expression. Good shoulder angulation and length of upper arm ,strong topline and quarters .She stood on good legs and feet ,moderate bend of stifle ,very sound on the move. BestPuppy In Show .
2nd Lewins &Smith’s Vynesbrook Annika at Waybeyond
3rd Mangham’s Onyxro Elara

Junior Bitch (6-0)
1st Rudin’s Cassiopi Freetime With Suford
Won this class with ease ,very hard to fault.Lovely one piece moulded head ,dark eye, soft expression. Good strong neck and topline ,strong well muscled quarters which she used to advantage on the move.Shoulder angulation and length of upper arm spot on, with well defined brisket.She has good bone with excellent feet and was in super coat .
2nd Irvine’s Broomiedean Lady From Hatari At Vbos
Racy, elegant bitch. Not as forward as winner but everything is there, good shoulder angulation and upper arm, level topline, good strong quarters ,lovely head and eye, sound free mover ,feet perhaps not as good as winner.
3rd Noteborn—Schmit’s Darkdevotion Overjoyed Obsession
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Yearling Bitch (12-3)
1st Walker &Roberts
Gloi Dubh Andastra J.W.
An easy winner in this class, perhaps a shade taller than ideal but within the standard.Her shoulder angulation and length of upper arm are spot on, well defined brisket ,stood on good legs and tight feet.Balanced, moulded head with soft gentle expression. Strong topline and quarters with good second thigh, free flowing mover .
2nd Leach’s Kissock Wit And Wisdom
Smaller bitch than winner with everything to like about her. Presented a balanced outline both standing and on the move ,which she did with good reach and drive. Sweet head and expression, in lovely coat and condition.Just needs to watch the weight .
3rd Buckley’s Buckleyhill Starlight .

Novice Bitch (7-0)
Some overdone, masculine bitches in this class .
1st Baxter,s Polgara All That Jazz
Elegant racy youngster, so feminine in head, nice eye shape and expression. Shoulder and upper arm good, deep in chest, good turn of stifle ,good feet, sound free mover .
2nd Roger’s Levelmoor Balanchine .
Another very femine girl, not as good in feet as winner.She has good overall balance with lovely head and eye, sound on the move .
3rd Bellamy’s Bochilbarley November Sea.

Graduate bitch (15-4)
1st Stibbe –Willis’s Braemist Brenna By Madison
Bitch full of quality from head to toe.Lovely one piece moulded head ,dark eye, soft gentle expression with good filling under eye.Very good shoulder angulation and length of upper arm ,well defined brisket, good bone and excellent feet. Level, strong topline with good tail set and ever wagging tail which she used on the move.Moderate bend of stifle and she moved with good forward reach and drive.Considered her for the R.C.C. but wasn’t co-operating with her handler in the challenge .
2nd Jackson’s Wistaton Summer Love AT Wasbush.
Very nice type of bitch. Very feminine in head, nice eye shape.Well made front assembly and length of upper arm, deep in chest, sound free movement. In lovely coat.
3rd Whittaker’s Marsalland Special Edition

Post Graduate (22-5)
This was a very good class with some quality bitches. I am sure the first three will change places many times as all are worthy winners
1st Ross’s Islstrom Little Missy
Very feminine young lady with sweetest of expressions and moulded one piece head. Well angulated shoulders with the correct length of upper arm .Good bone, excellent tight feet ,strong level topline with moderate bend of stifle. In lovely coat and condition.Giving her handler a hard time but settled enough to win the class.
2nd Sturmey’s Polgara Made You Look
Very elegant bitch, not the feet of winner. Lovely feminine head, nice eye shape. Good forequarters, level topline with good tailset, moderate bend of stifle, sound free mover .
3rd Harrison’s Blacktoft Black Bottom Girl
Limit Bitch (19-4)
1st Knight’s Levelmoor Laurentiana .
Eyecatching bitch from any angle (full sister to my C.C.winner)from her lovely one piece moulded head and dark eye ,through her good reach of neck, level strong topline with good lay of shoulder and length of upper arm and excellent feet to her sound free movement, driving from her strong hindquarters.In lovely condition.
2nd Manghams Onyxro Capella .
Another good bitch, a tad smaller than winner. Typical in head, nice eye shape of good colour.She too has good forequarters and upper arm, strong rear movement, moving out well with good reach and drive .
3rd Eggington’s Panjanbeck Memories

Open Bitch (10-1)
1st Smitherman’s Ch Levelmoor Lanosa of Seaheart .
I last judged this bitch as a very raw puppy and she has now developed into a most outstanding bitch. Lovely feminine head with dark eye, impish expression ,very good neck and shoulders and length of upper arm.Level, strong topline which she held on the move.Good tailset and ever wagging tail.Well muscled rear which she used to advantage on the move ,with good forward reach and drive.Put down in tip top condition, wouldn’t want to change anything about her.Delighted to award her the C’C and Reserve Best In Show
2nd Davies’ Colona Strathblane
Unlucky to meet winner today.Very typical, elegant bitch with a lovely head and sweetest of expressions. Good lay of shoulder and upper arm,she has good bone and feet, well muscled quarters, sound free mover presented in lovely condition .
3rd Jones’ Benvellyn Opal

Special Liver Bitch (8-2)
1st Colson’s Ch Windyhollows Nelly Moser
2nd Brocklesby’s Jewel Of Rourki From Brockslot
Typy liver in good coat ,nice head and eye. Overall balance good and moved well
3rd Hewison’s Harvest Moon Of Casblaidd

Special Working Bitch (6-0)
1st Brockelsby’s Jewel Of Rourki From Brockslot .
2nd Orme’s Elmstock Whispering Thyme
Medium sized bitch with pretty head and dark eye.Adequate in shoulder, would prefer more length in upper arm.Well muscled and in good coat .

DOGS Judge – FRANK KANE

Unfortunately Frank Kane, our dog judge posted his critique to us but it seems to have got lost in the post, Frank sends his apologies and is contacting the post office.

VETERAN 7(3)
 SH CH ELMSTOCK EVERLASTING FLAME AT HEATHERIDGE JW ShCM
2  BENVELLYN NEPHRITE JADE OF SEAHEART
3  STEELRIVER TRADEWINDS
4  CH TARANBECK PHYNNS LAD AT RIVERGLIDE

SPECIAL VETERAN
 CH WINDYHOLLOWS TUMBLING TED
2  GAYPLUME SEA FEVER OF CULMQUILL

MINOR PUPPY
1  CASTLEROCK STORMY KNIGHT OVER HEATHERIDGE
2  BLACKSHYNE I’M NO FOOL
3  BRAEMIST DUSKY LAIRD
4  GWENADILLO WISH FOR MOUR AT CLEARFIELD
5  CASTLEROCK STORMY DAY

PUPPY 7(1)
1  DOWNSTREAM PRIME SUSPECT
2  CASTLEROCK STORMY KNIGHT OVER HEATHERIDGE
3  BLACKSHYNE I’M NO FOOL
4  BRAEMIST DUSKY LAIRD
5  BOCHILBARLEY NOVEMBER TIDE

JUNIOR 16 (6)
1  CONTAR GRENADIER FARNFIELD
2  WOODAVENS CRACKERJACK JW
3  CALZEAT CAUSA COMMOTION AT FLATCHARM
4  BRAIDWYNN BENNIGAN
5  DARK DEVOTION NIMBLE NAIAD

YEARLING 13 (2)
1  KISSOCK MCNAB
2  CHAMPUNZIE INVADER DREAM
3  ORKHATOS PEMBERLEY OF AUCHINBRECK
4  ESKWINDS CATCHER IN THE RYE
5  BEANIT NED KELLY TO KEEPERSWAY

NOVICE 8 (3)
1 CONTAR GRENADIER FARNFIELD
2 ESKWINDS BLACK MOSS
3 CLANDRIFT PLAY THE GAME JW
4 ESKWINDS CATCHER IN THE RYE
5 INNISBECK DON’T SAY GOODBYE

GRADUATE 18 (5)
1 LLANTRUSSA HEAD OVER HEELS TO BORDERCOT
2 RAINESGIFT HUCKLEBERY FINN TO LIZZLOG
3 SATINBAZE SEA HAWK
4 STEEPLEHOUSE LIVE THE DREAM
5 ARRISTOTTLE ATHOS AT TORWOOD

POST GRADUATE 20 (6)
1  LAKEMERE MOONLIGHT SHADOW JW ShCM
2  ISLSTROM QUILLIAN JW
3  BLACKSHYNE SUPER TROUPER JW
4  SHIREDALE MAGIC FLUTE FOR PENNYFELLS JW
5  CASTLEROCK LOVE IS A DRUG

LIMIT 22 (2)
1  KULAWAND LOVE TO REMEMBER
2  VDRIGLE PENNY WHISTLE
3  TOADPOOL TEMPEST
4  HERTARNS DR PEPPER
5  RAINSGIFT SEYMOUR

OPEN 6 (2)
1  SH CH VBOS THE KENTUCKIAN
2  ITU/FINU/NU/SU CH ALMANZA YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND
3  SH CH LHAXY’S YATZY AT EXCLYST

SPECIAL LIVER 4 (3)
1  TREVORSILK GALAXY STARLIT

SPECIAL WORKING 5(2)
1  ESKWINDS BLACK MOSS
2  CULMQUILL SUPADUPA DAY
3  ESKWINDS CHAFFINCH

Dog CC

DOG CC
SH CH VBOS THE KENTUCKIAN

RESEVE DOG CC
INTU/FINU/NU/SU CH ALMANZA YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND

BEST PUPPY DOG
DOWNSTREAM PRIME SUSPECT

BEST VETERAN
SH CH ELMSTOCK EVERLASTING FLAME AT HEATHERIDGE JW shCM

BITCHES Judge – MAUREEN SCOTT

VETERAN 13 (2)
1 SH CH ISLSTROM FARRANTA
2 STEELRIVER WINDCHIMES AT VYNESBROOK
3 BENVELLYN OPAL JW
4 SHIREDALE PERSUASION
5 BLACKSHYNE SUMMER BREEZE JW ShCM

SPECIAL VETERAN 6 (1)
1 CH WISTOSA SINGS THE BLUES TO BLACKTOFT
2 CH WINDYHOLLOWS NELLY MOSER JW
3 BUCKLEYHILL SAPPHIRE
4 BRAEMIST MORNING STAR OVER HOPEVALLEY
5 SH CH SUFORD HOSTESS JW

MINOR PUPPY 13 (1)
1 VYNESBROOK ANNIKA AT WAYBEYOND
2 ONYXRO ELARA
3 BLACKSHYNE HENLEY’S DREAM
4 CASTLEROCK STORMY SONG
5 BRAEMIST LADYBIRD

PUPPY 12 (10)
1 DOWNSTREAM POETIC LICENCE
2 VYNESBROOK ANNIKA AT WAYBEYOND
3 ONYXRO ELARA
4 ELMSTOCK THYME TO REMEMBER
5 BLACKSHYNE HENLEY’S DREAM
JUNIOR 6 (2)
1 CASSIOPI FREETIME WITH SUFORD
2 BROOMIE DEAN LADY OF HATARI AT VBOS
3 DARK DEVOTION OVERJOYED OBSESSION
4 INNISBECK SWEET SURRENDER
5 DARK DEVOTION NIFTY NAIAD

YEARLING 12 (4)
1 GLOI DUBH ANDRASTA
2 KISSOCK WIT N WISDOM
3 BUCKLEYHILL STARLIGHT
4 ORKHATOS PHOEBE
5 BEANIT MOLLY MALONE JW

NOVICE 7
1 POLGARA ALL THAT JAZZ
2 INNISBECK LADY OF THE LAKE
3 BOCHILBARLEY NOVEMBER SEA
4 MARSALLAND ROSEAGAIN
5 WALNUTFARM LOLA

GRADUATE 15 (5)
1 BRAEMIST BRENNA BY MADISON
2 WISTASTON SUMMER LOVE AT WABUSH
3 MARSALLAND SPECIAL EDITION
4 BENVELLYN CAPE MEERENDAL
5 KINGSISLA BRAMBLE OF WILLAURA

POST GRADUATE 22 (6)
1 ISLSTORM LITTLE MISSY JW
2 POLGARA MADE YOU LOOK
3 BLACKTOFT BLACK BOTTOM GIRL
4 RAINESGIFT FLEUR DE LIS FOR WOODFINCH
5 WILD ROSE

LIMIT 19 (4)
1 LEVELMOOR LAURENTIENA
2 ONYXRO CAPELLA
3 PAJANBECK MEMORIES
4 VELVET HUNTERS BRAND NEW DAY
5 FORDINGHAM CHORUS GIRL OF KISSOCK

OPEN 10 (1)
1 CH LEVELMOOR LANOSA OF SEAHEART
2 COLONA STRATHBLANE
3 BLACKTOFT JAZZ AFTER DARK JW
4 CH DOWNSTREAM DESTINY’S CHILD JW
5 FORDINGHAM LADY OF THE LAKE OF KISSOCK

SPECIAL LIVER 8 (2)
1 CH WINDYHOLLOWS NELLY MOSER JW
2 JEWEL OF ROURKI FROM BROCKSLOT
3 HARVEST MOON OF CASABLAIDD
4 ELMSTOCK THYME TO REMEMBER
5 TREVORSILK GALAXY STARLET

SPECIAL WORKING 6
1 JEWEL OF ROURKI FROM BROCKSLOT
2 ELMSTOCK WHISPERING THYME
3 CULMQUILL IT’S A LOVELY DAY JW
4 HARVEST MOON OF CASBLAIDD
5 DARK DEVOTION HIP KIMMYY’S KISSES

Bitch CC

BITCH CC
CH LEVELMOOR LANOSA OF SEAHEART

RESEVE BITCH CC
SH CH ISLSTROM FARRANTA

BEST PUPPY BITCH
DOWNSTREAM POETIC LICENCE

BEST VETERAN BITCH
SH CH ISLSTROM FARRANTA

SPECIAL MEMBERS STAKES 3 (1)
1 MADISON WILD INDIGO
2 SATINBAZE WATER LILY

BRACE 9 (3) MR PETER FORSTER
1MR ITR & MRS M BOTT
2 MS H FOX
3 MS EJ & DR L WALKER & ROBERTS
4 MR KD & MRS SJ REES
5MRS V STIBBE-WILLIS

JUNIOR HANDLING JUDGE MISS LINDSAY TREVOR
6-11 YEARS
1 LAURA LEIGH 10
2 BENEDICT ROGERS 10

12-16 YEARS

1 SOPHIE BALLARD 15
2 CHLOE MORLEY 12
3 JOHN LEWIS 12

Annual Trophy Awards 2012 (awarded AGM March 2013)

presented by our Chairman Karen Joyce

President’s Cup

  1. Godefroy`s  CASTLEROCK MAGIC`S DREAM ABOUT FENWOOD JW 46 points
  2. Kilminster`s  Sh Ch. WITHYBED BLUE JEANS 45 points
  3. Dalziel-Scott`s  Sh.Ch. BRANCHALWOOD LIA FAIL 37 points

Inca Trophy

  1. Perry’s Casanjay Brown Eyed Girl – 88 points

    Perry’s Casanjay Brown Eyed Girl
  2. Grayson’s Blakanis Harriets A Flyer – 75 points
  3. Grayson’s Clocktower Damsons Rosa At Blackanis – 23 points

Ceilidh Cup

  1. Hewison’s Maddistream Indigo Jack at Casblaidd – 158 points
  2. Hewison’s Harvest Moon at Casblaidd – 95 points
  3. Hewison’s Pepsmark Jetstream at Casblaidd – 81 ½ points

Annual Trophy Awards 2011 (awarded AGM March 2012)

President’s Cup
Jenson at 13 mths

  1. Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Mayhem JW – 64 points
  2. Smithermann’s Ch Levelmoor Lanosa Of Seaheart – 49 points
  3. Jones’ Toutnoir Hiriwa Tohuga Of Benvellyn – 41 points

Inca Trophy

Lily

  1. Hedge’s Satinbaze Water Lily BegEx – 37 points (a little more about Lily)
  2. Grayson’s Blakanis Harriets A Flyer – 30 points
  3. Grayson’s Clocktower Damsons Rosa – 16 points

Ceilidh Cup

Tarn

  1. Hewison’s Maddistream Indigo Jack at Casblaidd – 158 points (a little more about Tarn)
  2. Hewison’s Harvest Moon at Casblaidd – 98 points
  3. Hewison’s Pepsmark Jetstream at Casblaidd – 92 ½ points

Annual Trophy Awards 2010 (awarded AGM March 2011)

President’s Cup

  1. Irvine’s ShCh Vbos The Kentuckian 99 points
  2. Johnson’s Ch Downstream Destiny’s Child JW 55 points
  3. Smitherman’s Ch Levelmoor Lanosa of Seaheart 54 points

Inca Trophy

  1. Grayson’s Blackanis Harriets A Flyer 109 points
  2. Grayson’s Clocktower Damson’s Rosa of Blackanis AW(G) 89 points
  3. Hedge’s Satinbaze Water Lily BegEx 66 points

Ceilidh Cup

  1. Hewison’s Maddistream Indigo Jack at Casblaidd 99 points
  2. Hewison’s Harvest Moon at Casblaidd 92 points

Joint Flatcoated Retriever Clubs’ 6th Championship Show 2014

Hosted by the Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association on SUNDAY, 11th MAY 2014

THE KENNEL CLUB BUILDING, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ

Judges Chris Murray & Brian Izzard

BEST IN SHOW & DOG CC Watts’ Byeways Be My Guest
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW & BITCH CC & BEST OPPOSITE SEX Ross’ Islstrom Torrachilty JW
RESERVE BITCH CC Johnson’s Sh Ch Downstream Poetic License JW
RESERVE DOG CC Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream
Best Liver in Show Jocobs & Holmes’ Charming Melvyn Oasis of Peace JW.
Best Puppy in Show Fox’s Blacktoft Burlesque.
Best Veteran in Show Orme’s Elmstock Whispering Thyme.

Jt Ch Sh 2014 results as a downloadable pdf file

BIS
BEST IN SHOW & DOG CC Watts’ Byeways Be My Guest
RBIS
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW & BITCH CC & BEST OPPOSITE SEX Ross’ Islstrom Torrachilty JW
RBCC
RESERVE BITCH CC Johnson’s Sh Ch Downstream Poetic License JW
RDCC
RESERVE DOG CC Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream
LivPupVet
Best Liver in Show Jocobs & Holmes’ Charming Melvyn Oasis of Peace JW. Best Puppy in Show Fox’s Blacktoft Burlesque. Best Veteran in Show Orme’s Elmstock Whispering Thyme.

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REPORTING SURGICAL CORRECTIONS TO CONFORMATIONAL PROBLEMS

Members may not be aware that the Kennel Club require notification if your dog has had surgery that might alter the appearance oth their dogs. This is a BVA leaflet highlighting the various surgeries that are included.

Recruiting Flat Coated Retriever Owners for a Survey

Caroline Quarmby is a veterinary surgeon studying for a PhD at the University of Nottingham who is looking at feeding and exercise management in dogs and has produced an online questionnaire for owners of Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, GSDs and Standard Poodles. The reason she is interested in these particular breeds is that she has run a similar questionnaire for Guide Dog breeding stock holders and she wants to recruit owners of similar breeds of dog (who are not associated with Guide Dogs in any way) to compare responses.

You can help Caroline by completing her online questionnaire. The survey is anonymous and should take about 10-15 mins to complete. Any information collected will remain confidential, although it may be disseminated in an anonymised form. This study has received ethical approval from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science Ethics Committee.

If you would like any more information about the research, feel free to contact Caroline at Caroline.Quarmby@nottingham.ac.uk

Mavis Lancaster

Mavis Lancaster
Mavis Lancaster

It is with deep regret that we have to announce to death of Mrs Mavis Lancaster, the wife of our late President George.

Both were very loyal and supportive followers of NEFRA during their early days and indeed throughout our years. Mavis always attended our Championship Show and we were delighted that she was able to join us last November. Indeed, we had only just appointed her as an Honorary Life Member at our AGM earlier this month, an honour which we unfortunately were unable to advise her of.

Rest in peace Mavis.

Donations to be split between Sussex Spaniel Association Rescue and Flatcoated Retriever Society.

Mrs Joan Mason

Joan Mason 002
Joan Mason

Mrs Joan Mason (Heronsflight) passed away on 9th December 2013. Joan will be fondly remembered by many in the breed, she was a keen and very knowledgable lady and will be missed by many members.

Joan’s involvement with the breed started when she acquired her first bitch, Heronsflight Blackbell of Yarlaw in 1964. In partnership with her daughter, Rosemary Talbot, the kennel has enjoyed great success over the years.

Elaine Whittaker writes:

On the 20th December 2013 I attended the funeral of Mrs Joan Mason, the Patron of the Flatcoated Retriever Society, held at the very beautiful, traditional old church of St Mary’s in Ilmington, a picturesque village where Joan and her family have lived at Mansil Farm for many years.

It was a fitting service with tributes being read by her eldest son David, her grandaughter Amanda, and a poem read by her daughter-in-law Angela. Her grandson Elliot read Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my Shepherd”. I know Joan would have been very proud of her family on this day. A tribute was also read by Mr Brian Izzard, until recently the Chairman of the Flatcoated Retriever Society. Joan, of course, being great friends with his mother Margaret of the Ryshot affix all those years ago.

After the funeral we were invited to the Howard Arms in Ilmington for refreshments and shared many good memories of Joan before braving the Christmas traffic on the journey home.

Joan and I have been friends since I started in Flatcoats in 1980 being introduced to her by Denise and Neil Jury and what a dear friend she was, always there for advice with her many years of experience and wisdom. As a chapter of my life closes I will never forget the happy times at Mansil Farm with Joans’ legendry ploughmans lunches in the kitchen full of Flatcoats and the farm cats that were always welcome to come in and have a snuggle by the Aga. Not to mention occasionally being spat at on arrival after she and David rescued “Lenny the Llama”.

A true friend who will be greatly missed.

Flatcoated Retriever Society’s Health Seminar

Thanks to Cambridge Vet School

NEFRA members visited Cambridge to attend The Flatcoated Retriever Society’s Health Seminar and visit the cancer care unit with expert lectures given on a number of topics geared with flatcoats in mind.

We would like to thank the FRS Health sub-committee and the Cambridge staff for their kind hospitality.

Please could all members spare the time to revisit the health pages of the FRS site where you can read about the Cause of Death Register (for recording ALL flat coated retriever deaths).  You may also download a copy of the health form for reporting various illnesses.