On Tuesday 13th January the Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club held a Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC) assessment at the Ampton Estate in Suffolk. There were 16 retriever breeds entered including 7 flatcoats, 4 goldens, a labrador, a curly coated retriever, an irish water spaniel, a nova scotia duck tolling retriever and a chesapeake bay retriever. The judges were Sara Gadd and Mike Hamilton. We are delighted to announce that all 7 flatcoats passed; Campbell’s Ronevorg Whisper A Dare Kiddell’s Diamante Blu Regina Della Pace to Hameldowntor (handled by Andrew Wilson) Jacobs and Reynolds’ Secret Blue Dress Basteta for Gemswin…
News and Articles
Safeguarding
Following an incident where a photograph of one of our general committee members was stolen from the Society website and used on a scam Facebook group, the FCRS Safeguarding team have made the difficult decision to remove all photos of minors from the Society website and Social Media. We want to support our Junior Handlers and recognise their achievements but we have come to the conclusion that sharing photos on the internet is no longer a safe way to achieve this. Photos of our Junior Handling winners will still be published in the Yearbook and we encourage our Juniors members…
Changes to the definition of Novice Dog Novice Handler Working Tests
We have been advised by the Royal Kennel Club that there are to be changes to the definition of Novice Dog Novice Handler Working Tests in the RKC JRegs. NDNH tests are to become a RKC Classified test. (They have previously been unclassified). The new regulation takes effect on the 2nd February 2026 and reads as follows: Regulation J(G)2.b(4) TO: NOVICE DOG/NOVICE HANDLER. Confined to dog and handler who have not gained any award in a field trial or classified GWT or won a Novice Dog/Novice Handler test. (Effectivew from 2nd February 2026) The update was announced in the Winter…
Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Level 3A award
The FCRS are delighted to have awarded the first of its Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Level 3A awards this shooting season. Many congratulations to Anne Kitchen and Clara (Selloana Callisto Nymph) who having previously gained their WFRDP Level 1, 2B and 3B together, have been working towards their 3A award on live game this season. Anne and Clara’s award was made following live game training days. Together Anne and Clara picked freshly shot partridge, pheasant and duck and picked wounded pheasant. Clara demonstrated tender delivery to hand and Anne showed that she is familiar with how to check game….
Regulations petition on Firearms
At the present time it is being suggested that the licensing of shot guns is merged with firearms, this will mean that all the extra strict rules that apply to firearms will apply to shotguns. This could have a devastating effect on the shooting industry. If these proposed measures go through there will be a dramatic impact, not only on the shooting world, but also on the opportunities for our members to work their dogs. More information can be found on the BASC website. The Society would therefore like to encourage people who feel able to support this cause, whether…
BVA/RKC/ISDS Eye Scheme – Revised grading system for Gonioscopy
The RKC health team have advised that changes are being made to the way in which grades are recorded for pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA)/ goniodysgenesis under the scheme from January 2026. They write: ‘following feedback from breed communities and in particular the flagging of discrepancies between grade 0 and grade 1 dogs, we held a meeting with the BVA, the scheme’s Chief Panellist, and representatives from PLA breeds back in September, and report that as of January 2026 there will be changes made to the scheme to address this feedback. This involves the merging of grade 0 and grade 1…
News of WFRDP game training
As part of the WFRDP we were fortunate enough to run a live shoot day at North Wheatley courtesy of Helen Fox. A hardy band of handlers started the day with light drizzle in the air, which fortunately cleared as the day went on. All dogs sat the first drive, where plenty of birds were presented over the guns, which was a credit to the keeper Paul. The guns shot well and there were plenty of birds on the ground for us to work with. The guns moved onto the next drive and we were fortunate enough to have time…
Cambridge Veterinary School proposed closure.
The Flatcoated Retriever Society are extremely concerned to hear of the recent proposal to close Cambridge Veterinary School, clinicians and researchers at the facility have been committed to supporting Flatcoated Retriever breed health for many years. The continued operation of Cambridge veterinary school is vital, not only for the preservation of specialist clinical expertise but also for the provision of much needed veterinary education. If you would like to show your support for the campaign to save the veterinary school please do so via this dedicated website set up by the school: https://savethevetschool.co.uk/…
RKC GOOD CITIZEN SCHEME FOR DOGS – GOLD
Congratulations to Derek Churchard and Oscar ‘Flatcharm Dark Secret’ on passing the Royal Kennel Club Gold Good Citizen assessment; at just over 12 months of age, this is a fantastic achievement. Photo kindly supplied by Derek….
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…
2026 CALENDAR
“ Many, many thanks for all your support, our 2026 Calendars are now SOLD OUT”…
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026
The Society AGM will be held on 29th March 2026 at a new venue, Hatton Park village Hall, Barcheston Drive, Hatton Park, Warwickshire, CV35 7TR. The following officers will not be standing for re election at the AGM; Jane Jones, Chairman. Liz Branscombe, Health Secretary. Liz will carry on in her role of RKC Breed Health Coordinator, as this position is for a three year term of which two years remain. If anyone is interested in either of these two positions and would like to know more about what is involved, please contact either Jane (Tel 01530 834318, email [email protected])…
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…
BBC Children in Need Donation
The Flatcoated Retriever Society are honoured and proud to have made a donation to Sara Cox on her fantastic achievement of running over 135 miles in 5 days fund raising for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal. Sara is now having a well earned rest at home with her Flatcoated Retriever Daisy, her constant companion right by her side….
Can you help? Area Representatives required
The Society are looking for Area Reps for various locations, Berkshire, Surrey Middlesex, London and Sussex. If you feel you could help provide support in these areas, please contact Shirley Oxford to discuss further. Shirleys contact information and further information on what is required can be found on the below link. Area Representatives Page…
Health updates from The Kennel Club Health department – Recording International Health Scheme Screening Results
Health updates from The Kennel Club Health department Recording International Health Scheme Screening Results The Kennel Club is now able to record official international health scheme screening results in their database. These results will appear on Health Test Result Finder as “Test result with owner” and will be eligible for Find a Puppy Health Standard icon allocation and listing prioritisation. Further information regarding eligibility, conditions and screening methods appropriate for submission and how to submit can be found on the Society website HERE Glaucoma Health Survey The Kennel Club in conjunction with the BVA are running a survey to learn…
Donation to Dick Vet Hospital
The Flatcoated Retriever Society, Rescue, Rehoming and Welfare were thrilled to donate to the oncology department at the Dick Vet Hospital for small animals to help fund this valuable piece of equipment which will directly benefit Flatcoats and other breeds. Our Scottish Rep Senga Thorpe is pictured with her Flatcoats making the presentation. …
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…
Changes to the Yearbook, Newsletter and Membership List
It has become very expensive to publish the Yearbook, Newsletter and Membership List due to the escalating costs for paper, printing and postage, and therefore the General Committee have reviewed all three publications and have made the following decisions Yearbook The Yearbook contains permanent records of members’ achievements, results and important information, and also serves as a valuable point of reference. Therefore it was decided to continue to produce the Yearbook annually but in a more streamlined version. Some topics that have been included each year will be moved to the website but still included in the Yearbook at regular…
KC WGC report held 14/09/25
On 14/9/25 the FCRS jointly with the Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club held a Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate training and assessment day at Rickneys Dog Training Centre in Hertfordshire. 18 dogs were entered (7 flatcoats and 11 golden retrievers). The trainers and assessors were Phil Allen, Jim Gale and Sarah Young. 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 for Control,…
Jill Whitwell Funeral Arrangements
As previously posted Jill Whitwell sadly passed away recently. For all those wishing to attend the funeral it will take place on 12 noon on Tuesday 23rd September at Guildford Crematorium (GU7 3DB) followed by a gathering at the Ragged Robin (GU7 3BX) which all are welcome to. Please contact Kevin on 07789 566014 for catering purposes. Flowers are only requested from the immediate family, but should anyone feel they wish to make a donation these should be made to Young Lives vs Cancer, the Air Ambulance Service or the Royal British Legion would be welcome. Below is a little tribute to Jill…
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…
Breed only, 12 dog Novice Field Trial on Monday 8th December 2025
The Society will be holding a Breed only, 12 dog Novice Field Trial on Monday 8th December 2025 at Burton-upon-Trent. Full details will be published on the Website, Facebook and FTMS shortly….
The Flatcoated Retriever Society are looking for a new Field Trial Secretary
Are you enthusiastic about working your dog and the working side of the Flatcoated Retriever. If so we need your help. We are looking for someone to become Secretary of the Field Trial section of our Club. You don’t need to know everything about being a Field Trial Secretary as we have a very supportive team working with you. You would be working alongside our Working Test Secretary where an exciting Development Programme has been launched. Please feel free to contact either Graham Stanley on 01634 231994 or Sharon Henesey on [email protected] to find out further information about the position….
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…