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
All Age Trial on the 18th September 2025
This was our first trial of the season by kind permission of Mr Henry and Zoe Darling at Intwood Farm, Norwich.
Judges:
Michael Tallamy
Tom Birchall
Kate Bollen
Michael Birchall
A dry hot day, with limited scent. Walking through a great mix of sugar beet, woodland, stubble and a small drive to finish. The guns shot well, providing some great retrieves, thank you.
A tough last drive to finish, leaving 3 dogs and the judges callled the trial over.
Our thanks goes to our sponsors Skinners with vouches to the first 3 places. Our game carrier Alice Trett and Thomas Hodgkin, and the game keeper and his team. Also with thanks to our committee members Sara Gadd and Jo Rollinson. Not forgetting our team of judges who this wouldn’t be possible without.
Results:
1st - Humberflair Field Marshal of Tildaross, handled and owned by Lee Hayman winning the Jayne Sawyers challenge Trophy.
2nd - Mitforton Vava Voom, handled and owned by Louie Robertson also winning the Up Country Prize Cup (guns choice)
3rd - Bellspaddle Norah handled and owned by Sharon Dingle.
The Commitee
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
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
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.