Ronnie Ross sends the following sad news.Our thoughts are with Maureen, Mr John Scott 1942 – 2023John was married to Maureen for 57 years and as John always said, it was love at first sight. They had two boys, Kevin and Steven. John met Maureen in Helensburgh when he was in the Royal Navy. When he left the Navy in 1969 he joined the Police Force for seven years and then ended his working life driving buses till he retired.They had their first Flatcoat in 1974. Over the years John whelped most of the litters and insisted he should feed…
News and Notices
Lorraine Connor
The Flatcoated Retriever Society are sad to hear of the passing of Lorraine Connor, Gemma Jacobs has written the below. With a very heavy heart I write about the sudden passing of Lorraine Connor, a true flatcoat fanatic she was known mostly in the Essex and south east area where she was a regular supporter of the open show scene. Mostly know as the little lady ( she stood only 4 foot 10 tall!) with the big dogs ( I am sure they were correct, she was just tiny) she owned a number of wonderful dogs her best known has…
Working Tests were for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers on 25/06/2023
On 25/6/23 the FCRS held its fifth working event of the year, on the beautiful Penshurst Estate in Kent by kind permission of Lord d’Isle. The Working Tests were for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers, held in conjunction with the Southern Golden Retriever Society. This year the Southern Area of the FCRS were hosting and classes were run for ND/NH, Novice and Open dogs. This was the first year we have run an open class jointly for the two breeds. We had a good entry for all three classes. However on the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures…
FCRS 75th Anniversary Weekend Photos by Derek Churchard
If you wish to receive copies of any of these photos, please contact Derek on [email protected] quoting the day and set the photos are in please. Day 1, Set 1 Day 1, Set 2 Day 1, Set 3 Day 2, Set 1 Day 2, Set 2…
FCRS 75th Anniversary weekend, 2nd to 4th June 23 Report
The 75th Anniversary weekend was two years in the planning as the General Committee wanted to hold something very special to celebrate 75 years of the Flatcoated Retriever Society and honour it’s history and the people who have made it what it is today. A working party was set up; Jan Egginton chair, Jane Jones, Roz Bellamy, Heather Harley, Louise Jones, Liz Branscombe, Charlotte Wear, Kelly Holland and Sarah Young and the group have met regularly over the past two years to plan such a major event in minute detail. The weekend seemed to come round very quickly at the…
Report on the FCRS Special Diamond Anniversary Doubles Team Working Tests
The FCRS Special Diamond Anniversary Doubles Team Working Tests for Flatcoated Retrievers took place on Sunday 4th June 2023 at Sandhills Farm, Redditch by kind permission of the landowner, S E Davis & Son Ltd and were kindly sponsored by YuMove. The event was held as part of the FCRS’s Diamond Anniversary Weekend events which will, of course, be reported separately. Our judges on the day were Dr Tim Woodgate-Jones, Mr Steve Ashby, Mr Phil Bruton and Mr Graham Stanley and we are grateful to each of them for generously giving up their time to judge for us. Our chief steward was Mr Paul Egginton and Mrs Roz Bellamy was Acting Working Test Secretary for the day. Again, our thanks…
INTER AREA TEAM CHALLENGE – Saturday 15th July 2023
At Brockhill Farm, Brockhill Lane, Redditch Worcestershire. B97 6RB Meet: 9.15am for 9.30 Start Judges: Mr N Onens, Mrs S Onens, Mrs Helen Chatterton, Mrs J Gardener and Mr C Gardener. Details of entry have been sent to the Area Organisers: Central: Vivienne GatterMidland: Rachel Birch South West:Sara Thurgold Cotswold: Heather Harley Wessex: Keith Manley Eastern: Andrew Wilson Southern:Sarah Young NEFRA: Charlotte Smith SFCRS: Lindsay Kinnaird SFRC: Suzi Tagg Please contact your Area Organiser to express interest in taking part. It is hoped members are loyal to their Areas foremost but are willing to run for other Areas should the need arise. Entry is only through…
The Flatcoated Retriever Society – Diamond Anniversary Weekend – 2nd – 4th June 2023
We look forward to welcoming you and your Flatcoats to celebrate 75 Glorious years .. something for everyone.Bring your families and have a go! Silent Auction Information can be found on this link, there are some wonderful prizes available – https://fb.watch/jZiri4bVpQ/ Please follow the link below for information about the event and entry form. Flatcoat weekend flyer & entry form Please find below the schedule for the doubles working test along with the entry form. International Doubles Working Test schedule Click here for FCRS Diamond Working Test Entry form…
AGM 2023 – Report and Trophy Winners for 2022
Report for 2023 AGM Becky Trophy – Miss Kelly Holland and Sh Ch Flatcharm Mr Brightside Becky Trophy being presented by Roz Bellamy to Kelly Holland at Society Championship Show. Riverside Cup – Mr Keith Manley and Brickley Blossom at Lenyam (Collected by Charlotte Wear on behalf of Keith Manley) Hallbent Trophy – with 18 points – Miss Caroline Chambers and Hototo Pretty Ballerina JW Drum Goblet – with 71 points – Miss Abby Bellamy and Moontorn Better Half of Me JW Drum Goblet being presented by Roz Bellamy to Abby Bellamy at Society Championship Show. Pewcroft Trophy – No…
Update on Field Trials/Working Tests/SDC/SGWC/Inter-Area Team Challenge and training days
The Field Trial Sub Committee has met 3 times since February to organise the 2023 timetable. The “Forthcoming Working Events Diary” page has been updated to reflect this timetable. We would like to encourage all owners to participate in the programme of events either as a competitor or just coming along to help, watch and learn. If you would like to discuss any aspects of Gundog training please contact your Area Gundog Working Test and Training Organiser https://wordpress-1004805-4123449.cloudwaysapps.com/gundog-working-test-training-contacts/ or the Hon. Field Trial Secretary Jane Manley. …
FCRS Shop Items for collection at Flatcoated Retriever Society Champion Show on 2nd April 2023
We have lots of new clothing items available to order in the shop, from polo shirts to gilets to caps, with a variety of colours to choose from and a choice of three different logo options. We have the standard Flatcoated Retriever logo, a moving Flatcoat silhouette, as well as new for 2023 the Flatcoated Retriever Society 75th Diamond Anniversary logo. If you place an order with Charlotte Wear, you can collect your items at the Society Championship Ship Show to save on postage fees. So head on over to the shop page to check out what is available Please…
FCRS 75th Anniversary memento Keyring for members.
To claim your memento keyring, please remember to ensure you enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your return address to Charlotte Wear, along with your voucher which is printed on the inside back page of this years AGM papers. Thank you….
Fran Robb
The Acting Hon Secretary, Roz Bellamy reports the following very sad news; It is with great sadness the FCRS has to inform you that Mrs Fran Robb has sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning – 16th March 2023. Fran has been a tower of strength through a long and courageous battle, always with a smile and with her dogs and horses by her side. Our sincere condolences go to Graham and all the Family. More information regarding Funeral arrangements can be found on the below link. https://www.cpjfield.co.uk/services/243543 The family would ask that all those attending wear bright…
Flatcoated Retriever and friends Funday and Training on May 21st 2023
Venue – Cocking Village Hall, GU29 0HU10.00am – 4.30pm Tea/Coffee and Biscuits on arrival £15.00 for dog and handler, £5.00 observer only, £2.00 children. Obedience and gundog training. Scurry.Showing, trimming, agility and much moreTalks and demonstrationsRAFFLE Cakes and Tea/Coffee at end of day ContactShirley Oxford 02392 264703 e.mail –[email protected]…
Flatcoated Retriever Society, Diamond Anniversary Silent Auction 3rd June 2023
As part of the Flatcoated Retriever Society, Diamond Anniversary Weekend (2nd-4th June 2023) we are pleased to be holding a Silent Auction on Saturday 3rd June 2023 in order to raise funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. With the kind permission and generosity of S E Davis & Son the Flatcoated Retriever Society Diamond Anniversary weekend will be held at Sandhills Farm, Edgioake Lane, Redditch, B96 6BG. Please see flyer for further information. https://www.flatcoated-retriever-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Silent-Auction-Posts-Version-3.pdf…
Breed Watch update 2023 from the Kennel Club
We would like to invite you to our interactive webinar being held on Thursday 9 February 2023 at 6:30pm – 7:30pm. This will give you an opportunity to refresh your knowledge of the Breed Watch. You can subscribe to this event for free. We would like to make those within the dog showing community aware of the work we are undertaking to ensure that Breed Watch is the best possible system it can be for monitoring and highlighting the importance of the health and welfare of show dogs. Further, we want to enhance and evolve Breed Watch to enable us to all work together as judges, exhibitors, show…
FCRS Yearbook and Newsletter update
The current Yearbook editor, Jane Jones is going to carry on as editor of the Yearbook. She will be joined by Louise Jones who, with the support of the JSSC, will collate all the Show information. Therefore photographs and details of new champions, junior warrant winners, veteran warrant winners, and ShCEX winners will need to be sent to Louise email [email protected] for the 2023 Yearbook. All other photographs i.e., Society trophy winners, KCGWC, KCSGWC, and SDC winners will need to be sent to Jane email [email protected]. Winners will be contacted re submitting photos as soon as all the results for 2022 have been recorded. …
Mr David Friday
It is with great sadness the FCRS learn of the death of Mr David Friday. David was a Working man, through and through who ran the Bucks Working Tests alongside Fran Robb for many years. He was also a valued member of The Chiltern Gundog Club. The Bucks Area of the FCRS held training sessions every week and helped a huge number of beginners and more experienced handlers into the ‘working’ side of the Flatcoated Retriever. David sadly passed away after a long battle with Parkinsons. Our sincere condolences to Kath and the family. His funeral will be at Great…
Mr Norman Stanley of the Hallbent Affix
The Flatcoated Retriever Society are sorry to report that Mr Norman Stanley of the Hallbent affix has sadly passed away. Our condolences go to his wife Pamela Stanley and the family at this sad time. Details of the Funeral Service for Mr Norman Stanley Hallbent Flatcoats. Monday 5th December at The South Chapel, Chelmsford Crematorium at 10.30am, then afterwards at Norman’s favourite pub, The Three Compases, West Hanningfield…
Show Gundog Working Certificate Results – 14/11/22
The Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club hosted a Show Gundog Working Certificate today with 5 dogs gaining their awards, 3 of which have now become full champions, subject to KC confirmation. Congratulations to Gemma Jacobs with Ch Moonstruck Macadamia SGWC and her daughter Ch Gemswin Dressed For Success SGWC. Helen Fox with Ch Blacktoft Dancing The Blues SGWC. Jenny Campbell with Ronevorg Whispering Angel SGWC and Rochelle Richards with Hopevalley Morning River Through Kamberfield SGWC. Congratulations to all and thank you Gemma for the photos….
Jean Griffiths -Riversflight
The Flatcoated Retriever Society is very sad to announce that Jean Griffiths of the well known Riversflight affix passed away on Saturday 23rd October 22. Jean, along with her husband Peter who was a past Chairman of the Flatcoated Retriever Society was a great influence on the breed from the 1970s and the early part of the 2000s with their Riversflight kennel. Their dogs were truly dual purpose with Peter working and competing successfully in Field Trials and Jean showing their dogs, both with great success. Jean judged the breed at Championship level, a clever Breeder making up many Riversflight Champions, always beautifully presented….
Breed Only Open & Novice Field Trials – Monday 14th November 2022 & Wednesday 23rd November 2022
Monday 14th November 2022 FCRS (breed only) Open field Trial. To be held at Ampton Estate, Suffolk, by kind permission of Mr P Rushbrook and keeper Mr A Hammond. Judges Mr R Tomlinson (A1962) Mrs G Hillier(A2280) Mr D Barnes(B2197) Mr M Polley(B3220) Wednesday 23rd November 2022 FCRS (breed only) Novice field Trial. To be held at Avon Tyrrell Estate, Christchurch, Dorset by kind permission of The Lord and Lady Manners. Judges Mr N Coates(A2223)Mr D England(B2946)Mrs J Gardener(NP3668)Mrs J Mann(NP3433) Please find below schedule for both Trials as well as entry form and Rules and Regulations. FCRS FT Schedule FCRS FT_Entry_Form…
Live Game Training Subsidy 2022
The General Committee have agreed that the subsidy available for members to claim towards the cost of live game training days should be increased from £40 to £50 per day this year. This can be claimed up to twice in one year by members towards any live game training on production of a receipt. A claim form can be obtained from the Treasurer Heather Harley, email [email protected]. This initiative was introduced to encourage members to train their Flatcoats on live game, in order to progress to trialling their dogs. Anyone wishing to undertake live game training and who would like more…
Briefing Statement from The Flatcoated Retriever Society
WORKING MINORITY RETRIEVER CLUB Background 1. In November 2020 the General Committee received a letter from four members about the Working Minority Retriever Club’s (WMRC) inclusion of Flatcoats on its website. They were concerned that if the Flatcoated Retriever was regarded as a minority breed, it could put its Open Trial status in jeopardy, and wanted the General Committee to write and request that Flatcoats be removed from their website. 2. The then Field Trial Secretary wrote to the Kennel Club for clarification regarding our Open Status and the use of the words ‘minor’ and ‘minority’ and according to the Kennel Club’s response,…
Hon. Field Trial Secretary update
The FCRS are delighted to announce that we have a new Acting Field Trial Secretary in Mrs Jane Manley. We welcome her on to the General Committee….