Eastern Counties Retriever Society Welcomes You
The Home of ecrs.org.uk
The Eastern Counties Retriever Society was formed at the beginning of August 1907, by asking a few owners of shoots to interest themselves in the matter; their members were asked to join a committee of four members: E Buscton, C.S Cockburn, C.C Eley and J.M Remnart was appointed. Capt, Eley undertook the office of Hon.Sec.
Field trials were arranged to be held at East Bergholt by kind permission of Charles Eley esq. Printed schedules were sent out on the 22nd September 1907 giving full information as to the date of the trials to be held on Friday 29th November
The above information has been taken from the original handwritten script in a book from the very first meeting of the club. All the handwritten minutes are in a leather case and are kept very safe to maintain and savour the history of the club.
Today, the club has come along way, now having a strong, passionate committee led by the chairman Mike Skipper (names found on the committee page) who wish to provide opportunities for members to join in working tests for Novice and Open dogs, as well as Field Trials for Novice and Open dogs and giving owners of open dogs the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious International Gundog League Championship each year.
The club is supported by FTMS for tests and trials to enable members to have instant 24hour access for entering tests and trials and receiving electronic draws and information.
The club strives to maintain the initial starting point of Field trials “ To replicate a shooting day” and the etiquette which accompanies shooting.
President Lady Mann
News
Tonight at the Eastern Counties Retriever Society the long standing Chairman Michael Skipper retired. Mike joined the club as a member in 1977 and the committee 1985. He then took on the Chairman post well over 30 years ago.
Mike has been a loyal, long standing Chairman and has taken the ECRS from strength to strength. He will be sorely missed, but we wish Sara Gadd all the best, in her new role as Chairperson.
ECRS 2 Day Open Ampton 16&17 October
We held our first trial of the season, which happened to be our two day at Ampton by kind permission of Mr Peter Rushbrook. We were blessed with lovely weather on both days, sunshine and temperatures of 21 on day one and a lovely 16 on day two with light breeze.
Day one was in high thistle and wild bird mix named by one competitor as “ the grave yard” indeed it was for a few dogs, but all 24 dogs got there turn in walking through it. The guns of Geoff Allen, Jono,Martin,Brad, Rob and Paul shot brilliantly over both days. We then walked on to stubble and saw some excellent dog work.
Lunch was served in the sun for the judges guns and helpers of Alice, Richard,Dog steward Jo and picker up Craig by the wood
with an amazing chilled atmosphere and plenty of cake offered to all competitors. We finished day 1 with 10 dogs going through.
Day 2 we walked in scrub land, muck heaps and beet loosing only two dogs, and that is how it stayed. All dogs had seven retrieves and the judgKevin DoughtyhtRodger KetleyleAndy Mutimermer and Doug Laflin called it a day.
Our thanks goes to Skinners dog food for their continued support and vouchers to all three places. Alan Hammond for his patience and provider of a steady flow of birds.
First place to : Steve Richardson - Marstonprior Grenadier Of Wedgnock wining the best retrieve, guns choice,keepers choice.
Second: John Keegan - Geordieland Wolfie.
Third: Tom Cross - Bellspaddle Inspire.
COMs Angie Townsend also winner of best hunting dog
Reuben Corbett, Steve Coxell, Marlene Edvinsson,
Paul Dukes.
We wish Steve good luck in the IGL.
The Commitee
Chairman
Mike Skipper
Vice-Chairman
Phil Askew
Club Secretary & Membership
Jo Rollinson
Email:jorollinson@hotmail.com
Mob: 07904 109668
Society Committee
Mike Skipper
Phil Askew
Sara Gadd
Jennie Hankey
Alice Lake
Tony Parnell
Doug Laflin
Jo Rollinson
Sue Laflin
Jane Sawyer
Craig Jackson
Aaron Wright
Working Tests
ECRS holds one working test per year in May, a novice and open AV retriever test in East Anglia, date and schedule for the tests can be found in this section
Eastern Counties Retriever Society held there open and novice tests in May by kind invitation or Mr Robert Gough and head keeper Mr. Wayne Alford.
A beautiful sunny day at Lackford, our thanks go to all our judges for both the open and the novice tests, Michael Tallamy Sara Gadd Julia Reed Liz Ingram Karen Hurst Michael Skipper Aaron Wright, we thank skinner’s for there sponsorship and all our helpers,Alice Alice Trett Geoff Allen Nick, Thomas,Pete Sharon Dingle Nicki Arthur, Dan. Plus the committee who all attended and helped the smooth running of the day Thank you so much.
Results
Open
1st Sharon Dingle: Bellspaddle Hillbilly
2nd Callum Raywood: Pinfeathers Excalibur
3rd: Nick Barker: Pinfeathers Calypso
4th:Sara Gadd: Brindlebay Annet
COM: Alan Davey and Hazel Cave
Novice
1st: Tony Parnell Blackharn Wissey
2nd Andi Whitwham: Cecile PearlWitherington
3rd: Paul Buckingham: Snipe sister
4th Geoff Allen : Teywillow Queen Bee.
Coms : Jennie Hankey and J. Hookham.
Field Trials
If you have any questions about field trials please contact the secretary Sue Laflin suelaflin10@gmail.com
ECRS hold 3 trials per year, one 2 day Open qualifier for the International Gundog League Championships. One Novice trial and one All these trials are open to AV retrievers and normally held in East Anglia
2 day Open Field Trial at Ampton estate will be 16th and 17th October 2024, more details to follow
Membership
In this section, membership form and standing order mandate can be obtained in a word document. Please ensure the forms are correctly filled in and sent to the membership secretary jorollinson@hotmail.com Members will only be approved at each committee meeting which are held three times a year.