Once again the Midland Area Working Test on 6th April 2024 was held at Byrds Retreat, Harvington, Worcestershire by kind permission Bob and Sonia Byrd, organised by Rachel Birch and generously sponsored by Skinners Pet Food Ltd. The judges were Laura Marsh, Dawn Scott, Lucy Mixture and Jane Gould. Although extremely wet underfoot for the competitors the conditions were perfect for the dogs. The NDNH and Novice tests were run in the morning over the same ground but with some shorter distances for the NDNH. There were 2 NDNH competing and after two withdrawals 11 Novices. The 4 tests compiled…
Working
Report and results for the South West Working Test held on Sunday 17th March
Sunday 17th March was the South West FCR Working Test that was held at The South West Gundog Training Centre, which provided us with great facilities and grounds to work the dogs over. The ground was undulating and had wooden pen fences, ditches and cover as well as a wood. The Judges set some lovely tests and were all very encouraging to the Competitors. Thanks goes to our Judges Steve Ashby, Sally Ashby, Karen Handley and Chis Stone. Also many thanks goes to the team of helpers that were Stewards, Dummy throwers and BBQ cook! Yes a BBQ was enjoyed…
FCRS Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme.
Are you a Novice Handler or perhaps you have a young flatcoat in training for gundog work? If so the FCRS has a new training initiative for you. The FCRS Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme (Level 1) is a two day training programme suitable for novice (or more experienced handlers) with young or novice Flatcoats, who wish to improve their partnership with their dog and to gain experience in control, obedience, hunting and retrieving. The training will be delivered by a number of trainers at different venues around the country, corresponding roughly to the FCRS Working Test Areas. Each training…
Training with Graham Home, Ripplecourt Gundogs
Training with Graham Home, Ripplecourt Gundogs, on his fabulous ground near Newtown, Powys (approx post code SY164AY). Five sessions, limited to 6 handlers, for good novice/open standard dogs. The sessions will be progressive, so ideally participants will book the whole course. There is ample time between sessions to do “homework”. Dates are (all Saturdays): 13th April 11th May 8th June 3rd August 24th August Cost £65 per day, so £325 for the course. Preference will be given to those attending all 5 days, but if you already know you cannot attend a session please let me know as this would not…
Novice Field Trial 18/12/23 Urgent Update.
Novice FT, Mon 18th Dec to be held Bretby, Burton on Trent has changed status to that of a Mock Trial open to handlers/dogs needing experience and encouragement to run in a Trial. It will be run as a Trial under experienced Judges who will help and advise. A great opportunity to try Trialling. Please contact Jane Manley for further information….
FCRS Open FT Report
The Flatcoated Retriever Society held its 180th Breed Only Open Trial on Monday 13th November 2023 on The AmptonEstate near Bury St Edmund by kind permission of Mr Peter Rushbrook and the Head Keeper Mr Alan Hammond. Our Judges for the day were Mr P Garton, Mr P Allen, Mr R Beckerleg and Mr G Stanley who kindly stood in at the last minute for Mr P Askew who had been admitted to hospital that morning. A card of ten dogs including two from Sweden began walking up in mustard over sown in regrowth stubble with a very strong following wind. The game, partridge and pheasant came readily but proved testing shots on the wind. A combination of conditions,…
Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club Show Gundog Working Certificate
Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club Show Gundog Working Certificate held on Friday 10th November 2023 at The Aubries, Sudbury, Suffolk by kind permission of the Burke family. Judges Mr Phil Allen (A3) and Dr Mike Hamilton There were three Flatcoats attending , twelve dogs in total, congratulations to all three FCR’s who passed the assessment. The details of the dogs as per the running card are below. Shashkrox Raise Your Glass (Bitch) dob 30.06.22 (Wiccanssage Hugos Dream x Floki Super Trooper) Owner/Breeder: Mr & Mrs P Holliday Handler: Mr Peter Holliday Lussac Yawl of Percuil (JW)( Bitch) dob 26.02.21 (Percuil…
Shooting Dog Certificate 28/10/23
Our congratulations go to Rochelle and Kelly who gained their Shooting Dog Certificate ‘A’ passes last weekend – on 28th October 2023 at Wheatley Grange Farm, Nr. Retford, Notts. Judges: Mr Steve Crookes (A1853) and Mr Andy Sweeney (NP). Miss Kelly Holland with Woodfinch Highland Fairy at Flatcharm = (Patsy). FCR B. 02/04/2019. (Sh. Ch. Brightmoor Caught in the Act at Flatcharm x Ch. Woodfinch Hydra JW.) Breeder: D & R Bellamy. Handled by Miss Kelly Holland Mr Glyn and Mrs Rochelle Richards Hopevalley Morning River through Kimberfield – (Doris). FCR B 30/07/2019. (Sh. Ch. Blacktoft American Smooth at Braemist…
FCRS Live Game Training Day Report
The FCRS held its first Live Game Training Day of the season on 14/9/23 at Sutton near Woodbridge, hosted by the keeper Richard Beckerleg. The day was walked up on partridge through a variety of crops including beet. The weather was warm and sunny with a light breeze. The scenting conditions were variable and some dogs at times had to persevere to get their retrieves. In doing so gaining a lot of valuable experience when they did achieve. There was ample game and the guns shot well providing the dogs with plenty of retrieves. The line was managed by Richard…
Central Working Test 3 September 2023 Report
Our judges were Charlotte Wilkinson, Jennifer Thomas and Ann Bracegirdle. The unclassified test ran in the morning and the Novice in the afternoon. All classes had 4 tests. Special puppies started with a double mark. This was too shot and proved too much for all them. They then moved on to an obedience exercise followed by a single mark and ending with a mark and a blind in the same place. One of the pups scored 20, 19 and 18 on the last three tests having got over her initial excitement. So unfortunately there were no awards. We had 6…
FCRS Inter Area Team Challenge Revised Scores
Please be advised that due to an unfortunate error in computing the scores at the above whereby the lowest scoring member of the teams scores were discounted as opposed to the lowest score from each team on each test, the results are as follow: 1st South West 2nd Central 3rd Eastern 4th NEFRA The individual placings remain. The correct place cards will be sent out in due course. Please accept my apologies for any distress or inconvenience caused and I thank everyone for their support of the event. Kind Regards, Jane FT Sec…
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…
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…
Report on The FCRS Shirley Radburn Nationals 2023
The 2023 Shirley Radburn Nationals Working Tests for Novice and Open Flatcoated Retrievers took place on 28/5/23 at the Willows, Standlake by kind permission of the landowner, Mrs Vivienne Gatter and kindly sponsored by Skinner’s Dog Food. After one of the wettest springs on record Vivienne had a Herculean task to prepare the ground and we are extremely grateful to her for all the hard work she put into this. (On a personal note I am also grateful to Vivienne for acting as Chief Steward on the day, enabling me to enter the tests with my own dog.) The tests…
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 Midland Area Working Test 15th April 2023
held at Byrds Retreat, Harvington, Worcestershire by kind permission of Bob and Sonia Byrd and generously sponsored by Skinners Pet Foods Ltd. After days of rain the weather was dull but dry. Thank you to our judges Mrs Dorothy Walls-Duffin (B2457) Mrs. Vanessa King (B3609) Mr. James Barnes (NP) Mr. Henry Carney (NP) Mr. John Cornforth (NP) for so generously giving up their time to judge and offer support and guidance. Thank you to all those who worked before and after the day behind the scenes and those who came to help on the day, whether it was throwing dummies,…
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. …
South West Area Working Test Results, Sunday 5th March 2023.
This year’s South West Area Working Test was held for the first time at The Ponds, Kennerleigh, Crediton by kind permission Mr & Mrs Pyke. The Venue provided some challenging and different test areas which included 3 ponds and woodland covers. The water test gave the usual problems across the tests with some dogs dropping the dummy and having a shake before presen@ng the dummy back to the handler. In the woods there was a seen and a blind and considering the lack of wind a fair few were successful! Our Judges were Tim Ship, Sally Ashby, Zoe Townsend and…
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]…
FCRS Field Trial Reports 2022
Please see Field Trial Reports below supplied by Acting Hon. Field Trial Secretary Jane Manley. FCRS Novice Field Trial report 2022 FCRS Open Field Trial report 2022…
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….
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…