On 25th April the FCRS Southern Area held breed specific working tests for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers on the Penshurst Estate in Kent, by kind permission of the landowners Lord and Lady de L’Isle. Our judges Chris Marshall and Dick Pettett set four interesting and challenging tests for Special puppies, NDNH, Novices and Open dogs, each of which was based upon a shooting scenario. Although we had a smaller entry than we had hoped for the judges reassured our competitors that they were competing against the tests, not each other and that any awards would be made to worthy winners….
Working Results
Flatcoated Retriever Midland Area Working Gundog Test
The Midland Area held their Special Puppy, NDND, Novice and Open Tests on Saturday 11th April 2026 at Byrds Retreat, Harvington by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Bob Byrd. Generously sponsored by Skinners Pet Food LTD. The weather was perfect during the morning, although the dogs were running into a strong wind on Test 2. The afternoon competitors endured a short sharp storm but conditions remained good. The Judges were Mr Tim Brain (3226) Mrs Sandra Onens (NP), Mrs Helen Chatterton (NP) and Mr David Godding (NP). Paul Egginton was Chief Steward. Entries were, in the morning 7 Special…
South West FCR Working Test 2026
Sunday 22nd March was the South West FCR Working test which we held at VB Farms, Spreyton near Crediton. We were blessed again this year with beautiful weather; the sun was shining all day. Our Judges were Steve Ashby, Charlotte Wear and Reece Merry.Reece made the long journey down from Kent early that morning and did a great job! All Judges were so encouraging and positive all day. The tests set were enough to test you and your dog but achievable. Tests were varied and used the undulating hills we have in Devon also woods and a stream crossing as…
Trophies and Cups Points System. Updated 2026
Society Trophies Trophies are awarded for a variety of disciplines, and are awarded to Society members who have earned the most points gained from Kennel Club Approved Events. For details on how points are gained and how to apply for these trophies, select this link: Trophies and Cups Points System Trophies are awarded annually at the Society’s AGM….
Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme awards top accolade
In the 2025/26 shooting season the Flatcoated Retriever Society launched its WFRDP game training pathway, to sit alongside the WFRDP training on dummies that has been running since 2024. We are delighted to announce that at the very end of the season we were able to make our very first Level 4 award. Congratulations go to Jane Gould and her home bred bitch Etti (Halangydown Tean) who worked towards this ward consistently all season, undertaking live game training in a variety of different shoots. If you would like to know more about what Jane and Etti have achieved please take…
FCRS 183rd Field Trial Meeting – Novice Field Trial for 12 Flatcoated Retrievers
We held our 12-dog novice field trial on Monday 8th December 2025 at Bretby Park Shoot, Bretby, Derbyshire, by the kind permission of Mrs C. Perkins and Keeper, Mr Matt Smith. We are extremely grateful to them for their support. Thank you to our judges Paula Cullis, Steve Cullis, John Day and Casper Jonsen, and all the others who worked so hard to make the trial run so smoothly – Chief Steward Roz Bellamy, judges’ stewards Heather and Nicky, game carriers Darren and Nick, markers Sarah, Andy and Caroline, red flag Sharon. Catering was provided by Roz too – absolutely…
Shooting Dog Certificate on Wednesday 26th November
The Flatcoated Retriever Society held a Shooting Dog Certificate on Wednesday 26th November on the Beech Estate in East Sussex by kind permission of Harry Wills and family. The Gamekeeper Judy Hempstead, Cuvana Gundogs, welcomed Panel judge Chris Marshall, and assessors Dick Pettett and Reece Merry. The day started off dry, cold and frosty before turning bright and sunny. The guns shot well over some challenging birds and provided the handlers with lots of retrieving options including water retrieves, hunting in woods and runners. There were 7 handlers with 5 passes as follows: SDC(A) Helen Fox with CH Blacktoft Dancing…
Walked Up on Field Trial Lines competitive training day held on 21/9/25
On the 21st September 2025 the Flatcoated Retriever Society and the Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club and jointly held a Competitive Training Day, Walked Up on Field Trial Lines at Dry Hill, Chipstead, by kind permission of Jacky Burden. We had a full card with one unavoidable withdrawal on the day. In total there were nine Flatcoats, three golden retrievers and one Irish Water Spaniel. (We also had one Labrador retriever join us for the morning’s training). The day was fine and bright with a light wind. Warm enough in the sunshine but ideal conditions for the dogs. The ground was…
Central Area Special Puppy, Novice Dog/Novice Handler and Veteran Working Tests Report 2025.
The tests were held at the Willows, Standlake, Oxfordshire on Sunday 7 September 2025. It was certainly eventful. I tore the ligaments in my ankle and fractured my foot 3 days before the test and was hobbling around in a rigid boot and crutches but my amazing team of helpers rallied round and made the day run smoothly. It was our last test so we wanted it to happen. So thank you to all my helpers – Nicola Radtke who arrived very early to unpack my car and then acted as Chief Steward for the morning. Nicola Stonor who ran…
The Euro Challenge at the Game Fair 2025
Each year teams from across Europe compete for the coveted Euro Challenge Trophy, showcasing the skills of both gundogs and their handlers. In 2025 seven European teams of three competed over the two days, the first extremely hot! Each team features three dogs – a Labrador, a Golden Retriever, and one other registered retriever breed. This year there were Flatcoats, Chesapeakes, and Nova Scotia Duck Tollers, all required to complete a series of tests in a simulated shooting environment. The overall results for the Euro Challenge were 1st Italy 2nd Belgium 3rd Eire 4th Netherlands 5th Great Britain 6th Switzerland…
Wessex Area Working Test Saturday 19th July 2025
This test was held on The Avon Tyrrell Estate by kind permission of The Lord and Lady Manners in beautifully cool woodland when temperatures were well above the average. The Judges, Judith Evans (B Panel) , Sue Weeden, Nikki Urquart and Keith Manley were both encouraging and informative, putting handlers at ease and building their confidence. A small but very efficient band of helpers, mostly beaters from the Estate did an excellent job insuring all retrieves were uniform for all. The event was once more very generously sponsored by Skinners Dog Food. We welcomed five Golden Retrievers who supported the…
FCRS Southern Area breed specific working tests for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers
On 21st June, first day of summer and the hottest day of the year so far, the FCRS Southern Area held breed specific working tests for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers on the Penshurst Estate in Kent, by kind permission of the landowners Lord and Lady de L’Isle. Our judges were Di Stevens, Kelvin Nettleingham, Liz Barnes and James Brindley. The judges set four interesting and challenging tests for our Puppies, NDNH, Novices and Open dogs, each of which was based upon a shooting scenario and each with two retrieves. Puppy and Novice ran in the morning and NDNH and Open…
2025 Shirley Radburn National Working Tests Report and Results
The 2025 Shirley Radburn National Working Tests for Novice and Open Flatcoated Retrievers took place on 31st May at Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire by kind permission of Lord and Lady Dulverton. Our judges were Phil Bruton, Kate Smith, Ricky Maloney and Jenifer Thomas and we are grateful to each of them for generously giving up their time to judge for us. Graham Clelland was Chief Steward for the day, kindly enabling me to run my own dog. For various reasons entry numbers were lower than anticipated this year with just 13 running in Novice (after three unavoidable withdrawals) and 12…
South West FCRS Working Test.
Sunday 23rd March 2025 was the FCR South West Working Test held at the South West Gundog Training Centre near Tiverton by kind permission of Ed Brown. We ran Puppy, ND/NH , Novice and Open classes. The day was a great success with some lovely tests set over undulating ground that included, ditches wooden fences and woods. The variety in the tests proved challenging enough but also very achievable. Our Judges Judy Reiney, Karen Handley, Mandy Smith and Helen Ford they were all so encouraging and made everyone feel welcome and relaxed which made for a very enjoyable day. If any of the Puppies had any difficulties the Judges made sure the…
SDC Result – 30th November
On 30th November a Shooting Dog Certificate day was held at Ashe Farm, Ross on Wye. There were two successes on the day. Our congratulations go to: Reece Merry with Swantonwood Black Bramble and Anna Crampton with Casblaid Charlotte cum Cleirwy….
Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club and the Flatcoated Retriever Society UK jointly held a Competitive Training Day report.
On the 15th September 2024 the Southern Flat Coated Retriever Club and the Flatcoated Retriever Society UK jointly held a Competitive Training Day, Walked Up on Field Trial Lines at Orchard Farm Woolborough Lane, Redhill, by kind permission of Mandy Smith. Our Trainers/Judges were Kelvin Nettleingham (B panel) & Mandy Smith who between them have a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart. Lynette Irwin acted as Dog Steward and ensured a steady flow of dogs to each judge. We are deeply indebted to our helpers who as dummy throwers and game carriers worked tirelessly all day. Thank you!! The…
UGS Kent & East Sussex Gundog Club AV Working Test Result.
UGS Kent & East Sussex Gundog Club AV Working Test. Held at Grovelands Farm. Biddenden, Kent by kind permission of Roger and Sheila Wade. 2nd was awarded to Tygwyn Punnetts Town, owned, bred and handled by Jacquie Thomas….
Central Tests 2024 report
The Central Area ran Veteran, Special Puppy, ND/NH, Open and Novice tests on 1st September 2024 at Standlake, Oxfordshire. Several tests had been cancelled during the year including the May test at Standlake for Novice and Open. There were just not enough entries to run the day. This was disappointing after judges had been booked and all the arrangements made. So the plan was to run all classes on one day in the hope that it would have enough entries. It was always going to be challenging to run that many categories with different tests and ask the judges to…
Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Level 3B Training
The FCRS has been running training for the Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Level 3B on the Welsh Moors this spring and summer. Level 3B encompasses Control, Obedience, Hunting and Retrieving on challenging ground and cover, and aims to give handlers experience of using the terrain and the wind and dogs experience of taking a line across challenging terrain, control at a distance and hunting in challenging cover. The training was aimed at those with good novice or open dogs, who might enter Intermediate or Open Tests or are preparing for Field Trials. Today we held the last of four…
KC WGC assessment day report 28/07/24
On 28/7/24 FCRS held the second of two Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate assessment days that have been organised for this summer; On this occasion we were at Burton Hastings in Warwickshire. 11 dogs were entered (9 flatcoats and 2 Labradors). Our assessors, Laura Marsh and Mandy Smith, were friendly and supportive and did a great job, putting handlers at their ease and explaining each exercise to them. The aim of the Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate is to provide credible proof that a handler and dog are a competent partnership and ready for the shooting field. Nobody “fails” the assessment, although dogs may be assessed as “not yet ready”. The dogs are tested…
Inter Area Team Challenge 2024. Report, awards and photos.
IATC 2024 Awards.pdf This year the event was held on The Avon Tyrrell Estate, Nr Christchurch, Dorset by kind permission of The Lord and Lady Manners to whom the Society are most grateful for their generosity, being always willing to welcome us when asked, be it for Tests, Field Trials or Training. After a very hot week the day dawned overcast but cooler, thankfully. The cloud soon gave up a light drizzle which steadily got heavier as the day progressed inevitably, whilst cooling the dogs, causing issues with the paper work! The woods were the setting for three tests in the morning and our three…
Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate assessment 13/07/24
On 13/7/24 FCRS held the first of two Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate assessment days that have been organised for this summer. Today we were at Wisborough Green in West Sussex, hosted by Woodruff Gundogs. Our two assessors, Liz Barnes and Julie Elborough, were both friendly and supportive and did a super job putting handlers at their ease and explaining each exercise to them. The ground at Wisborough Green, home of Woodruff Gundogs, was perfect for the assessments with jumps, water and a variety of cover available. 10 dogs were entered for the assessment – seven Flatcoated Retrievers, one Golden…
Report on the Shirley Radburn Nationals 2024
The 2024 Shirley Radburn National Working Tests for Novice and Open Flatcoated Retrievers took place on 30th June at the Packington Estate in Warwickshire by kind permission of Lord and Lady Guernsey. A raffle was held to raise money for a charity nominated by our hosts, Yellow Wellies – the Farm Safety Foundation. Yellow Wellies is a UK wide independent registered charity which aims to to preserve and protect the physical and mental well being of young farmers. Thanks to the generosity of both our competitors and our helpers and to the largesse our sponsors YuMove, Sporting Saint, Muntjac Trading and Lez Graham (author of the Pet Gundog books) a total of £300 was raised which…
Southern Golden Retriever Society/FCRS Southern Area Tests. Results and Report
The SGRS hosted Joint Working Tests for Golden Retrievers and Flatcoated Retrievers on 2nd June 2024 at Parklands, Ewshot, Surrey, by kind permission of Mrs Suzette Watts. Our Judges for the day were Mrs Sue Jordan and Mrs Leigh Sutton. The tests were for Novice dog/Novice Handler and Novice. The weather was again superb for us being warm and sunny, not to hot and with gentle breeze. The ground provided plenty of tree cover for both dogs and handlers whilst they waited for their tests.There were 4 tests for each class.Test 1 was a hunt up requiring the dog to…
Midland Area Working Test on 6th April 2024 report
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…