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 Sara Gadd (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
Eastern Counties Retriever Society will be holding a training day on field trial lines on dummies 18th April 2026.
This will be aimed at handlers who would like to trial and would like to gain more knowledge and experience. The morning will be a training session with 2 very experienced A panel judges. The afternoon will be an informal competition.
Limited places available, if you are interested and wish more information, please email jorollinson@hotmail.com
Eastern Counties Retriever Society are delighted to announce Mike Skipper, has accepted the position of Vice President of the club.
Mike was Chairman for many years and retired in 2025. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and we welcome him back.
Today (18.04.26) ECRS held a FT training day on dummies. It was excellent and our trainers Sara Gadd and Peter Abbs supported and helped the handlers in the morning. They really supported the handlers in such a positive way and we agreed at the start "no question, is a stupid question "
In the afternoon it was an informal competition following the Jregs rules. The judges were fair and honest.
Results
1st Alice Trett and Raven
2nd Judith Hart and Hope
3rd Sam Mcalea and Henry
COM to Penny Nicholls and Luna and Paul Matthews and Zach.
Thankyou to the committee for all the support they gave and the helpers.
See you hopefully at the test 9th May.
The Commitee
Vice-President
Mike Skipper
Chairman
Sara Gadd
Vice-Chairman
Doug Laflin
Club Secretary & Membership
Jo Rollinson
Email:jorollinson@hotmail.com
Mob: 07904 109668
Society Committee
Phil Askew
Sara Gadd
Jennie Hankey
Alice Lake
Tony Parnell
Doug Laflin
Jo Rollinson
Sue Laflin
Jane Sawyer
Aaron Wright
Tim Briggs
Alice Trett
Bridget Diggens
Field Trials
If you have any questions about field trials please contact the secretary Sue Laflin suelaflin10@gmail.com
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.