The FCRS is pleased to announce the launch of our new training programme, the Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme. The WFRDP was developed following the outcome of the online survey conducted in the autumn of 2023 which indicated that handlers wanted a training programme that was available nationally and that offered structured goals to work towards. The WFRDP consists of 4 levels, each covering Control, Obedience, Hunting and Retrieving. You can read more about the different levels and what they encompass here. A Guide to the Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme The programme is designed to have something for everyone,…
News and Articles
2024 Inter Area Team Challenge
Saturday 20th July This event will be held on The Avon Tyrrell Estate, Nr Christchurch, Dorset BH23 8EP and invitations have been sent to all Area WT Organisers. It is a Team Competition, comprising One Open dog, Two Novice dogs and either a ND/NH or a Puppy. This is a light hearted event with a competitive theme aimed at giving those who may need a little encouragement to enter a test the opportunity to take part under the auspices of more experienced team members. Don’t be shy…give it a try! If you would like to be considered for a place in a team please…
Central Area Novice and Open GWT cancelled.
The Central Area Novice and Open GWT have been cancelled for two reasons. The entries numbers were low making it difficult to run a competitive test and the ground at Standlake is still waterlogged. We cannot guarantee that it would be dry enough to use in two weeks time.Those who kindly entered are asked to contact the FCRS Hon Treasurer, Heather Harley, with their bank details, to arrange a refund….
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…
FLATCOATED RETRIEVER SOCIETY, 47th Breed Championship Show, Sunday 7th April 2024 report.
The Show Secretary and the Show Sub Committee would like to congratulate all those who competed yesterday at the Show. It was lovely to see so many flatcoats and their owners and really encouraging to see lots of new faces. It was one of the busiest shows since Covid and we also had a number of trade stands so plenty for all to see. We had an amazing sponsorship with Yumove, who provided bags and prizes for all winners along with some beautiful sashes for those achieving the best of awards. The Yumove Photographer ‘Toby’ was in attendance all day so was taking a lot of…
AGM Saturday 23rd March 2024
The Flatcoated Retriever Society thanks everyone who came to our AGM on Saturday 23rd March. Forty one members attended and thirty six apologies were received. The following officers were elected unopposed for a further term of office; Chairman Mrs Jane Jones Vice Chairman Mrs Jan Egginton Treasurer Mrs Heather Harley Field Trial Secretary Mrs Jane Manley Working Test Secretary Mrs Sarah Young Show Secretary Miss Louise Jones Rescue, Rehoming and Welfare Secretary Mrs Jan Egginton Health Secretary Miss Liz Branscombe Our Secretary Mrs Roz Bellamy stood down at the AGM, and as there were two nominations for the position a…
FCRS CALENDAR 2025
Sharon Henesey is going to produce the Society calendar this year, so it’s time to get your cameras out and take some photos of your Flatcoats, or maybe choose from those you already have. Please send your photos, which need to be of high resolution, to Sharon either by email at [email protected] or by post to 9 Westholme Road, Bidford-on-Avon, Warks, B50 4AH. If you send your photos by post and want them to be returned please enclose an SAE. The closing date for receipt of photos is 31st May….
Roz Bellamy thank you message.
Roz Bellamy who retired as the Flatcoated Retriever Society Secretary at our AGM after many years serving the Society in many roles sends the following message. I would like to thank, most sincerely members of the FCRS for the generous Gift Voucher presented to me on my retirement at the recent AGM. I will have great pleasure choosing something special to remember my time on the G.C. I wish the Society every success for the future and I will, no doubt, see you all round and about. My very best wishes Roz Bellamy…
Maureen Scott – Branchalwood
We were saddened to hear yesterday of the passing of Maureen Scott who along with her late husband John was known worldwide for their Branchalwood Flatcoated Retrievers.Branchalwood Flatcoats are in the pedigree of quality Flatcoats all over the world and Maureen judged both in the U.K. and overseas.Maureen was loved and respected by many both in the U.K. and the rest of the world and for all her success as a Breeder she was modest and welcoming.Attending Scottish shows was all the better for seeing Maureen there and her shortbread was legendary.The Flatcoated Retriever Society, Officers and Committee send our…
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…
Crufts 2024
Congratulations to Miss K L Holland on winning Best Dog and Best of Breed with Sh Ch Flatcharm Mayhem Miller. Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex, Int/ger Drc/ger Vdh/at Ch Jarven Jella of Firien Wood (Mrs C Blank) BPIB – Levliann Big Bang (Mrs L Varty-Lindsay) BVIB – Go with The Flow Dynamic Faithful (Imp Ned) (J & V Egginton & Davis) RBCC – No/se/fin/nordic Ch Almanza Why Mess with Success (Mrs Madel Asp Mikko) & RDCC – Diamante Blu Uragano Ubriaco (Mrs D Genco) BPB – Hightyne Guns and Roses (Mr P R & Mrs C E & Miss…
CRUFTS 2024, discover dogs stand.
‘Welcome to our Discover Dogs stand 2024, we look forward to seeing you over the next four days’…
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…
** Fully Booked** Health Testing at the FCRS Championship show 2024
Thank you to everyone who has booked an appointment for health testing at the Championship show on the 7th April, both the eye testing session and the patellar assessment session are now fully booked. We appreciate the interest shown in supporting these health initiatives. Health testing at the Society Championship show to be held at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ on April 7th 2024. Eye Testing Session BVA Eye Panellist Lorna Newman BVM&S Cert VOphthal MRCVS will be attending the show to carry out gonioscopy (and standard eye examinations if required). The BVA recommend Flatcoated Retrievers…
FCRS Annual General Meeting, 23rd March 2024 at Grounds Farm, Wishaw, B76 9PQ
Our Hon Secretary Mrs Roz Bellamy will not be standing for re election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. All other Officers are willing to stand for re election (Officers positions are for a twelve month period) There are three Committee vacancies, all for a period of three years.Miss Sarah Egginton and Mrs Shirley Oxford, who have completed their term of office, are prepared to stand for re election. Anyone who has been a member of the Society for at least three years may stand for a position on the General Committee. Any member wishing to stand must send either…
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….
Dr David Brook
The Flatcoated Retriever Society are very sad to hear of the passing of Dr David Brook whose wife Anne was a former Secretary of the Society.We asked Val and Den Orme good friends of them both to write some words for us,Den writes the following in his inimitable style. Dr David BrookIt is with sadness that we heard about the passing of David. It has been a priveledge to know David and Anne Brook for many years. We first met whilst showing our dogs, with David always supporting Anne by the ringside. We became friends and after a bad experience…
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,…
Midland Counties Critiques 27/10/2023
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FCRS 2024 Calendar
STOP PRESS Only 25 copies of the 2024 Flatcoated Retriever Society Calendar are left for sale. If you would like one of these fantastic calendars then please do not wait to purchase one or, you will be disappointed. Please contact Sharon Henesey to order. [email protected]…
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…