Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association (NEFRA)

05/10/2025

*****MEET THE JUDGES*****

Introducing the judges for our 19th Championship Show. 2nd November 2025. Below each photo is a little bit about each judge.
Dogs - Miss J Calverley - Gwenadillo
Bi***es - Mrs S Tagg - Oiyou
Referee - Mrs M Romeo-Dieste
Entries can be made via Fosse Data until midnight Monday 20th October 2025
https://fossedata.co.uk/shows/Northern-England-Flatcoated-Retriever-Association-November-2025.aspx

23/09/2025

Cancellation of Autumn Test, 28th September

It is with real disappointment that we announce the cancellation of our Autumn Test on 28th September, due to a lack of entries. This decision has not been made lightly, and it’s been incredibly difficult for all involved.

I, Charlotte Simons, your Working Secretary, am personally very saddened that we’ve had to cancel this event due to such low interest. We had introduced several new elements this year, including a Meet the Judges feature with photos and information, and even arranged a training session just 7 days before the test, all based on feedback from flatcoat owners about what they want from a working test and from their club.

Despite these efforts, the support simply wasn’t there, and I am disappointed it has come to this.

My sincere thanks go to:

- Our judges, who had generously given up their time.
- The landowners at Redhall Farm, for allowing us to secure this brilliant venue months ago.
- Anne and Sonya, for all their hard work in planning and organising these tests, even when it's clear they’re not being supported as they should be.
- The NEFRA sub-committee, for the effort that went into trying to make this event a success.

We do still hope to run our Spring Test next year, but it’s clear that something needs to change. Entry numbers for working flatcoats have become too low to sustain these events as they currently stand.

Thank you again to those who continue to support us, your encouragement means a lot. Refunds will be processed in due course.

Charlotte Simons
Working Secretary, NEFRA

22/09/2025

🚨 Final Call for Entries – Autumn Test at Redhall Farm! 🚨

Sadly, without more entries for our Autumn Test on Sunday , 28th September at Redhall Farm, Crewe, we may be forced to cancel the event.

We’ve extended online entries until tomorrow at midday, so if you were thinking about entering, now is the time!

It would be such a shame to lose this fantastic venue and the opportunity to work with our brilliant judges. Please support the event and help us make it happen!

🔗 https://nefra.co.uk/nefras-autumn-working-test-2025/

Thank you for your support – we’d love to see you there!

Sunday 28th September 2025Red Hall Farm, Betley, Crewe CW3 9BA by kind permission of Mr & Mrs M Berrisford. Judges:Miss Laura Marsh (B3451), Ms Sarah Middleton & Mr Henry CarneyPuppy, NDNH,…

21/09/2025

Training Day at Roanlodge, Buxton – A Great Success!🐾

We had a fantastic training day today at Roanlodge in Buxton!

The beginners kicked off the day bright and early at 8am with some focused obedience work and short retrieves. It was all about teaching the younger dogs the basics, what they can and can’t do, and building on those early foundations.

At 9:30am, the novice dogs began their full day of training. We made great use of the hills and rough ground to test and develop their skills, before heading into the pens for more advanced challenges. Both groups rose to the occasion and showed real progress, a brilliant effort all around!

A huge thank you to Lesley Morgan at Roanlodge for hosting us, and to our amazing helpers Cath Burns and Steve Burns, our fantastic trainer. We truly appreciate your support and expertise.

We can’t wait to come back again!

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🌿 Final Call for Autumn Test Entries – Sunday 28th September!

Don't forget!

This is the last call for entries to our Autumn Test taking place next Sunday, 28th September. We urgently need more entries to make the day a success.

📥 You can enter quickly and easily via the link on the NEFRA website www.nefra.co.uk

Please come along, support the club, and enjoy a great day out with your dogs!

20/09/2025

Last Call for Entries!
Closes Tomorrow (Sunday)!

We still need more entries for our Autumn Test 28th September at our lovely new venue, Red Hall Farm! Don’t miss the chance to compete at such a fantastic location! The ground is looking great, and we’re excited to welcome you with top judges and a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

If you’ve been thinking about entering, now’s the time! Let’s make the most of this brilliant opportunity before the season ends.

📅 Entries close tomorrow – Sunday!

We’d love to see you there! 💛

18/09/2025

📣 Meet Our Judge – Laura🏆
Working Gundog Autumn Test | 28th September!

We’re excited to introduce our final judge for the upcoming Autumn Test. A respected and experienced Panel Judge with a deep passion for working gundogs.

With years of dedication to the sport, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge, fairness, and a keen eye for detail. Her commitment to the development of both handlers and dogs makes her a fantastic addition to our judging panel.

We’re honoured to have her with us on the 28th of September, and we know competitors will benefit from her expertise and thoughtful judging.

We really need more entries for our Autumn test so we really hope knowing more about each of the judges for the day will make the day more comfortable and draw in some more entries for the club.

https://nefra.co.uk/nefras-autumn-working-test-2025/
Enter via the online form on the website for a super easy and quick way of submitting your entry.

🗓️ **Date:** Saturday 28th September
📍 **Event:** Working Gundog Autumn Test
👩‍⚖️ **Judge:** Laura – Panel Judge

Hello, my name is Laura Marsh. I’m a B panel AV Retriever with over 30 years of experience in gundog training working tests and field trials.

I began my career working with horses at the age of 16. At 24, I got my first Labrador and, with help, trained her as a gun dog. This experience ignited my passion for gundog training.

I now train both working and pet dogs, including labradors, golden retrievers, Irish water spaniels, cocker spaniels, and flatcoat retrievers.

I actively participate in field trials, working tests, and local shoots with my labradors. Additionally, I judge AV Retriever working tests and field trials.

Sunday 28th September 2025Red Hall Farm, Betley, Crewe CW3 9BA by kind permission of Mr & Mrs M Berrisford. Judges:Miss Laura Marsh (B3451), Ms Sarah Middleton & Mr Henry CarneyPuppy, NDNH,…

12/09/2025

Meet Another of Our Judges.

We’re really pleased to have Henry joining us as a judge for NEFRA’s upcoming Working Gundog Test.

Henry has spent many years working with retrievers, both out in the shooting field and in tests, and brings a calm, thoughtful approach to judging. He knows exactly what a good working gundog should look like, from natural ability and control to the partnership between dog and handler.

He’s got a great eye for detail but always keeps things fair and encouraging.

We’re excited to have Henry on board and are sure his experience and friendly manner will be a real asset test day, the 28th September 🙂

After only 7 years in the dog world, I still consider myself very much a newcomer ☺️
I have 3 Labradors which I train and work regularly, competing in working tests at novice and open level through the summer and do approximately 50 days picking up throughout the season on a number of shoots. (Ranging anywhere from 50 to 400 bird days)
Sometimes a bit of a Gundog training taboo, I also compete in Gundog scurries at the highest level, coming 2nd in the uk championships and travelling all over the country
I am a keen shooter having shot for Staffordshire juniors (many years ago!) and whilst I have pretty much hung up the gun sling for a dog whistle I till enjoy shooting for trials and training days for various friends and clubs.
I am still very involved with the club an enjoy partaking in demonstrations at various country shows for Tempurong, Dove Valley and Derwent Valley.
I did a 5 year stint on the Dove valley working Gundog club committee gaining some fantastic experience and knowledge (something more people should do!)
I have judged several working tests over the last couple years and looking forward to gaining some more experience

08/09/2025

********************** FINAL EDIT. *********************

WE CAN STILL ACCEPT BOOKINGS FOR THIS SATURDAY - A FEW SPACES REMAIN- PLEASE GET IN CONTACT ASAP ALL WELCOME
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We still have space for more - pool heat is between 26-29 degrees and who cares if it rains as we will be wet already!!

NEFRA are pleased to be hosting a Doggy Swim.
Open to all flatcoats and their friends
Date: Saturday 4th October at 2.30 -3.30pm
Place: Ashby Leisure Centre & Lido, North Street, Ashby-De-La-Zouch LE65 1HU

The lido is a heated outdoor swimming pool 30m x 10m.
Price: £15 per dog and swimmer, extra swimmers £9 and spectators welcome at a charge of £5.70.
There must be one person (over 18) in the water with their dog at all times.

Limited places available - for more information and or to book please contact [email protected] or Melanie Salt via Facebook messenger. This session must be booked via NEFRA and not directly with the Lido. Full payment to be received by Wednesday 17th September.

We are really looking forward to a fun afternoon!

04/09/2025

We’re delighted to welcome Sarah Middleton as our judge for this year’s Autumn Working Test in September. With a wealth of experience in the field and a deep passion for working dogs, Sarah brings both knowledge and a calm, fair approach to her judging. She is highly respected within the gundog community and is known for her keen eye, supportive attitude, and dedication to encouraging both new and seasoned handlers.
We’re thrilled to have her join us and look forward to a great day of competition, learning, and camaraderie.

I’m Sarah and I have owned golden retrievers since 2003. I currently have one who is half-show, half-working lines, but all the others have been show-bred. I am a big believer in dual-purpose gundogs. In 2007, I got into gundog training with my second dog and when I was lucky enough to take him picking up soon afterwards, we were both hooked! Since then, I have enjoyed picking up on various shoots, both small and large. I also own my first springer spaniel, who is a very capable retriever!
With either mine or friends' dogs, I have competed and gained awards in working tests, passed the Working Gundog Certificate on game with three dogs and the Show Gundog Working Certificate with one dog.
I now train handlers to train their dogs for gundog work, and have held training days for the Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme on behalf of the FCRS.

30/08/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Caro Dell has passed away after her brave battle with cancer.

We feel privileged to have known such a marvellous person. Caro was a much-loved friend to NEFRA, known to so many of us for the beautiful photographs she took at our events. She was always able to capture those perfect moments so well, reflecting not only our dogs’ unique working ability but also their playful spirit. She never failed to get the best shot – even if it meant lying down at the edge of a pond or lake to do so. Her talent shone through in the wonderful NEFRA calendars she produced for us over the years, which brought joy to countless members.

Caro was incredibly generous with her time, and she never failed to bring her warm smile whenever she joined us. Her presence at our gatherings was always a pleasure, and her contribution to NEFRA and our community has been immeasurable.

We are all deeply saddened by her loss, and our thoughts are very much with Andrew and her family at this difficult time. Caro will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on through the memories and images she leaves behind.

From all of us at NEFRA, farewell Caro x

(photo credit: Caro Dell, Workingline Images, Dog & Country Life Photography)

25/08/2025

Gundog Training Day – 21st September at Roan Lodge, Buxton, Quarnford by kind permission of Ms Lesley Morgan.

We’re excited to invite you to a Gundog Training Day on Sunday , 21st September at Roan Lodge, Buxton, with experienced trainer Steve Burns.

A big thank you to Lesley for kindly hosting us at Roan Lodge!

This event is a great opportunity to fine-tune your dog’s skills just a week before our Autumn Test. Whether you’re preparing for the test or simply want to see how your dog is progressing, we’d love to see you there.

Enter on the website, link below!

Gundog Training Day – 21st September at Roan Lodge, Buxton, Quarnford by kind permission of Ms Lesley Morgan. We’re excited to invite you to a Gundog Training Day on Saturday, 21st September at Roa…

27/05/2025

New dates added to the website!