Past events
A selection of our previous educational and social events
Workshop on Judging
Sunday, 22nd February 2026
The Introduction to Judging Day took place yesterday and we are pleased to report that it was a huge success.
Various subjects were discussed, including stewarding, what to wear, how to go over a dog and management of the ring, to name but a few topics. The ladies did a fantastic job getting the information across and encouraging the participants to join in and ask questions with no pressure. The atmosphere was very laid back.
Barry Jones, from the RKC, came to observe. He was very helpful with his input and answered any questions that were asked. Barry also wanted any feedback, good or bad about the JEP etc too
Barry was very impressed with what was done on the day and said more workshops like this are definitely needed.
Thank you to everyone who came to help on the day and brought their dogs to be gone over.
Following the success of our August 2024 Workshop, we asked Jo back. The session was very hands on, with all the dogs present going home looking neat and tidy. Thank you to everyone who took part and to Jo Gerhold for her expertise, and Margaret for coming to assist.
Grooming, Trimming & Handling
with Jo Gerhold
October 2025
Interclub Working Test
June 2025
June 2025 saw NWGRC entering a team at the Interclub working test which was hosted by Yorkshire Golden Retriever Club at Askwith. The team comprised of Ian Kippax, Sally Pepper, Alison Shaw and Annie Austin. Whilst not victorious, all team members did a great job. Annie Austin won our team trophy for having the highest points. The trophy was made and very kindly donated by Ian Kippax.
Veterinary talk
29th April 2025
John's Rambles
Lytham
April 2025
Thank you for attending the walk at Lytham yesterday and for making it such a joyous day, getting to know you and your beautiful goldens, they were so well behaved. We enjoyed your company and the weather was so nice, sunny and warm. The highlight of the walk for us was when we let the dogs off on the beach and they all ran into the sea and played so well freely together. It was a great sight. Also the puppy who went into the water for the first time and enticed her older dog companion in. How nice. The views over the estuary were outstanding. There was lots to see and the woodland walk back was beautiful with our dogs enjoying themselves and running freely. The walk along the Promenade and beach was a delight.
I have attached some pictures of the day and thanks to Russel for your excellent photos. If anyone has any further photos we would be pleased to receive them and I will circulate.
We were pleased to have with us Martin and Ann Jackson who give their time freely to re-home Goldens for the North West Golden Retriever Rescue Trust,( Part of the North West Golden Retriever Club). Thanks to them for doing such a good job, hard work but so worthwhile.
Thank you all for your donations to the rescue, for your generosity. We raised £ 80.00 and I was asked for the bank details for someone who did not have cash. They are sort code 20-24-09 and account nr. 30307416 payable to the North West Golden Retriever Club. Please put your name and 'Rescue' on the transfer.
Nice to see Jenny on the walk with her golden. Jenny is a committee member who does so much for the club including producing the yearbook. Jenny produces crafts to raise money for the rescue and re-homing. Thank you for joining us Jenny.
We, as a breed Club in the North West, have a number of events throughout the year, walks , dog shows, Vet talks, trimming demonstrations, fun days, etc. These vary year to year. We also produce a Yearbook when all the write ups of the events held in the year are published with lots of other interesting articles on quality paper in full colour. If anyone would like to join us it is only £12.00 joint and £10.00 for single for a year. Membership runs from 1st January to 31st December. I will send a membership form for those who are interested. We represent all Golden retriever owners, from those keen on showing their dogs to those who may not wish to show and get pleasure from meeting up with others and walking their goldens etc.
Thank you to those who rejoined us again for this walk, Alan and Susan and Andy, for your support.
Please look out for our posts on Facebook and our Club website North West Golden Retriever Club.
There will be future walks coming up, so if you enjoyed the Lytham walk please join us again. It will probably be in a different location. We look forward to seeing you then.
Enjoy the pic's.
Championship Show
April 2025
Open Show
April 2025
John Trafford reported the seven mile walk up Great Hill, held on the 12th October 2024, was a great success. Everyone managed to reach the summit where there was time to catch their breath and enjoy their packed lunch. The return journey was via White Coppice and back along the Goit, finishing at the dog friendly cafe in Brinscall for light refreshments, along with our dogs.
People travel quite a distance to join John's very popular walks and this one was no exception. Fourteen people attended, with nine dogs, from Carlisle, Blackpool, Altringham, Oldham, Stockport, Southport, Bury and Chorley. A generous £110 raised for the GR Rescue trust.
John's Rambles
Great Hill
October 2024
The day was a total sell out and what a fabulous, informative day it was. The day was very relaxed with a happy atmosphere and consisted of a trimming demonstration in the morning, followed by a handling presentation. All of the attendees had the opportunity of one to one interaction with Jo who gave them advice on trimming and presenting their dog to the best effect. Everyone came away from the day having learned more about techniques to improve their trimming and handling skills. Below is a selection of photos from the day.
Grooming, Trimming & Handling
with Jo Gerhold
August 2024
A joint BAD was held in the Midlands on 22nd September 2024.
Breed Clubs came together to put on the event and it was very successful, with a number of people attending and passing the BAD, including people from overseas.
The next BAD is due in 2 years from September 2024. This will be held in a different area to give people the chance to attend locally. It may be in the Northwest. This will be announced and posted on our web site, so keep a check on our site.
Breed Appreciation Day
Hosted by Joint Golden Retriever Clubs
September 2024
John led one of his famous 'golden rambles'; this time for an invigorating 'Walk up Rivington Pike'.
The walk commenced at Rivington Great House Barn, Rivington Lane, Lancashire, BL6 7SB. (also known as the Lower Barn).
Let's meet at the convenient car park next to Rivington Great House Barn at 10.30am on Saturday 11th May. We'll embark on a 3-hour adventure. The car park adjacent to the Barn offers ample parking space. For early birds, the Barn Cafe serves refreshing beverages. Please ensure you're fit for the walk and dressed in warm, waterproof clothing with boots or sturdy shoes. It's advisable to keep your dogs on a lead.
There is no charge, but a donation on the day to The Rescue Trust of North West Golden Retriever Club would be appreciated.
To ensure we can manage the event smoothly, we kindly request you to RSVP if you're interested in joining. Please email NWGRC committee member John Trafford (jandetrafford@gmail.com) or call John on 07964081832.
John's Rambles
Rivington Pike
May 2024
BEST IN SHOW LINE-UP
DOG LINE-UP
BITCH LINE-UP
BEST BABY PUPPY
2024 saw an exciting move for us, from the tried and tested Sutton Sport Centre, to the very prestigious Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre. Due to the space we had at our disposal it was also decided to move our Open Show from October to April, to run alongside our Championship Show. We are pleased to say that it was a huge success with so many happy comments from our exhibitors.
BEST IN SHOW LINE-UP
Championship Show
April 2024
Open Show
April 2024
With the growing popularity of pet owners wanting to meet up, the Club decided to host a Golden Retriever Christmas Party. This was held in conjunction with our Ringcraft, and what a success it was. The raffle raised an amazing £160 for The Rescue Trust of NWGRC.
Over twenty golden retrievers and their owners turned up to enjoy the night. The party commenced with a number of fun classes, including, The Judge’s Favourite, what a difficult task that was. There were fabulous rosettes and prizes on offer and we think all the dogs went home with a prize and a Christmas present.
After the classes had been judged a light buffet was laid on, and everyone enjoyed the chance to have to have a snack, drink and chat before the games started. We think the pictures do paint a thousand words, so we will leave them to say the rest.
Christmas Party
December 2023
We planned this day to be a walk up Rivington and were all set when we received news of reported dog attacks. As safety is of paramount importance, we had no other option but to change the venue to Astley Park.
The day was again a great success. What a nice walk it turned out to be, with 16 dogs accompanied by 22 people, the sun shining brightly on us and with such good company. It was lovely to be out with all the retrievers, all well behaved and a credit to you, what a treat. My girls Misti and Rosie joined us for the walk. One or two of you had joined us on other walks. Some came from around this area in the North West including Padiham, Warrington and others from as far away as North Wales and Derbyshire.
Our Club Secretary, Pat Blackburn and committee member Sue Grundy supported the event with their beautiful Goldens.
Again, there was no charge for the walk. Thank you for your generous donations to the North West Golden Retriever Rescue Trust. We raised £60.00 altogether. A very creditable amount.
There were a few people who booked on the walk but couldn't make it but there will be other opportunities.
One or two asked about membership of our North West Golden Retriever and membership forms were handed over. I hope you have joined us. Membership is only £10 single and £12 for a couple. Membership entitles you to access to Ring craft, a Year Book with articles, reports on shows and activities as well as photos of our dogs and other planned events.
Interest was expressed for other organised walks in 2024 commencing with a re-scheduled walk up Rivington in May so we look forward to this, a little more challenging walk.
Thank you to all of you who attended the event with your beautiful dogs as it made such a wonderful day and thank you all for your positive feedback.
John's Rambles
Astley Park
December 2023
A Gundog Training taster day was held on Saturday 26th August in the beautiful setting of Ty Draw Farm, Llanfynydd, Wrexham. The aim was to give everyone an insight into the work our wonderful breed was bred to do.
Lucy Jenkins is a very experienced trainer, who works her dogs on shoots throughout the season. She kindly travelled up from South Wales to talk about, and demonstrate, how to begin training your dog to take part in working tests, field trials and picking up and explaining the procedure and etiquette.
A buffet lunch had been laid on, during which everyone had time for a chat and to ask questions. In the afternoon it was time to have a go at some training exercises under the expert eye of Lucy. All the handlers and dogs worked very hard and left with plenty of things to practice.
Feedback was excellent, with everyone saying that they had learnt a lot and were keen to do some gundog training in the future.
Gundog Taster Day
August 2023
This year, for the first time in almost twenty years, NWGRC entered a team in the Interclub working test, which was held in July in Sussex. Our team members: Andrew England, Alison Shaw, Sally Pepper and Helen Burnie did us proud and we are delighted that we had a presence at this important event.
Interclub Working Test
July 2023
As planned, we were pleased to host again a walk in Astley Park, Chorley on the 13th May 2023.
A very big thank you to everyone who attended the weekend’s North West Golden Retriever Club ‘Spring Walk in the Park’ at Astley Park. It was great to see you all.
We had a lovely day in the company of twenty-seven goldens and their owners. The sun shone, the blossom was on the trees, the spring flowers were out and the birds were in full song. Just what we all hoped for!
Opportunity was taken to walk around the walled garden with their goldens, with newly planted beds and apple trees in fruit. Also a few took the opportunity to visit Astley Hall and enjoy a guided tour.
A few ice creams were had at the end of the walk and one or two goldens enjoyed theirs, delightful!
Importantly, we raised over £120 for The Rescue Trust of North West Golden Retriever Club and we would like to thank you all for your generosity.
We thoroughly enjoyed your company, with your beautiful goldens, and look forward to hosting another walk around the same time next year.
John's Rambles
Astley Park
May 2023
Trimming Demonstration
with Melissa Loverock
October 2022
The Club held a trimming and grooming demonstration on 23rd October 2022 at Whitley Village Hall.
Melissa Loverock who runs her own dog grooming salon, Barks’n’Bows in the West Midlands, kindly showed how she would trim a show dog and brought along her beautiful show dog as a model. She then trimmed an older dark coated dog who was more challenging, but the end result was amazing.
Members and non-members attended with a selection of pet dogs. Melissa gave them guidance on how to tidy them up and even helped two new puppy owners who brought their pups along and demonstrated how to start on a young dog.
There was an interval where a very enjoyable lunch prepared by the committee was served.
The next session was for Q&As. Melissa gave out an information sheet outlining the basic tools that she would recommend to trim and groom our dogs.
She used a Christie’s undercoat rake and deshedding tool and a Spratts or Artero comb. She recommended various shampoos, conditioners and sprays and gave us the links to various websites such as:
Everyone learnt something and were able to take away their newfound knowledge to practice on their dogs at home.
A very successful and enjoyable day was had by all.
John's Rambles
Astley Park
May 2022
On the 7th May 2022 we hosted a walk in Astley Park, Chorley
I am pleased to say the day was a great success. The sun shone down on us and Astley Park was full of spring blossom. We had a really good turnout of goldens and their owners. About seventeen dogs and bitches, with about thirty-seven people, including children, availed themselves of the opportunity to get together and enjoy the occasion. All were passionate about their goldens.
I received a lot of very positive feedback and interest in the NWGRC. There were a number of prospective members who I issued membership forms to and who subsequently joined our Club.
The opportunity was taken to promote our Club. There was a lot of interest. I was also able to extol the virtues of the ring craft for socialising their dogs, as well as preparing for the ring for potential show dogs.
Some are now attending ringcraft regularly.
Interest was expressed in another organised walk and other Club events.
We have decided to organise another walk in Astley Park in Springtime this year and are hoping to organise a fun day in summer.
Although I didn't have my girl Misti with me as she was nursing pups I was able to enjoy the company of lots of goldens and their owners.
I would like to thank everyone who attended the event with their dogs and families as it made such a wonderful day. Thank you also for your fantastic photos and positive feedback
Looking forward to seeing you all in Spring 2023 for another walk when I should also have my two girls, Misti and Rosie.
An Evening of Vet Talks
25th February 2020
23 people turned out on a cold and wet evening, everyone listened intently and I am sure all learnt many things. Both speakers were eloquent and knowledgeable about their particular subjects, and willingly answered questions along the way. The talks were backed up by diagrams, photos and videos of actual cases.
There was a raffle with one prize of a £50 note plus a box of bonios.
Quiz and Social Night
The Club held a social night for our members and friends in October 2019.
It is many years since we last did anything for just the members, as most events include the dogs. It was lovely seeing everyone interacting and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Lots of laughter and happy smiling faces.
The event was very well supported and a dog themed quiz, a general knowledge quiz and a few table questions for each team kept everyone busy. Competition was hot and all teams did well. Prizes for the top team in each category and lots of good humour.
October 2019
A lovely hot supper was very well received and a bar for drinks throughout the evening.
We were delighted with the positive comments from those attending and will definitely be holding another similar event in future.
Fun Day
June 2019
A good time was had by all at the NWGRC’s first ever Fun Day in June.
Held at The Dog Barn in St Helens under clear blue skies, the free admission event attracted dozens of goldens and their owners/friends from throughout the club’s catchment area.
In addition to acres of open fields for the dogs to get to know each other, the afternoon comprised a series of fun and games which gave the event a fun-filled competitive edge.
Temptation alley, an obstacle course and a dog-friendly version of Simon Says all proved really popular, as did the dog treat stall and paddling pools.
A delicious BBQ and cake stall also went down a treat, along with the afternoon’s raffle and the stall hosted by the Rescue Trust of NWGRC.
“We’d like to thank everyone who helped to make the day such a success, including those involved in the preparation and running of the event and the many people who joined us with their goldens on the day,” said NWGRC President Bernard Catterall.
Back by popular demand, details of this year’s Fun Day will be posted on the NWGRC website and Facebook page shortly.
We look forward to seeing you there!
