FORWARD: Spring 2012 Guide Dogs presents the Spring 2012 issue of Forward, the quarterly magazine of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Introduction This document contains every part of the print version of Forward, and in the same order as that used in the print edition. Forward The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Trimming the sails One guide dog owner’s success against the odds Also inside: Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards Guide Dogs’ Paralympic hopefuls Royal Go Walkies Spring 2012 Contents Regulars - Welcome Regulars - The team Regulars - News Forgotten passengers New sensory tunnel unveiled Campaigning against VAT on dog food Features - Stepping out Pups Betty and Kelly arrive with their puppy walkers Features - Go Walkies A walk in the Lake District Features - Paralympic dreams Two guide dog owners’ hopes of glory Regulars - A day in the life of… Guide Dogs’ Chairman Amos Miller Features - Past and present Judy Taylor remembers her 57 years of being a guide dog owner Features - Who will you nominate… in the Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards? Features - Plain sailing How Vicki Sheen found sporting success with guide dog Zeke Regulars - What’s on? Regulars - Your letters People and dogs - In good company
People and dogs - Thank you to our supporters People and dogs - We’ll never forget Regulars - Competitions Regulars - Promotions A round-up of the promotional features listed in different locations in the print version of this edition of Forward Magazine. Regulars - Contact Details A list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this edition of Forward Magazine. People and dogs - New partnerships Features - Brood stock focus Life with guide dog mum Peg Please recycle this magazine Editor’s welcome After the success of last year’s Guide Dog of the Year, we’ve secured Specsavers as sponsor of the awards and we are going bigger and better to celebrate the success not just of our outstanding guide dogs but also our inspirational guide dog owners, fundraisers and our volunteers. Read more about this year’s awards and how to make nominations later in this document. Our main feature in this edition is about guide dog owner Vicki Sheen, who overcame illness to win a blind sailing championship in Perth Australia and, continuing the sporting theme, we interview a pair of guide dog owners who are Paralympic hopefuls in the run-up to this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. We also explore the journey of pup Betty, who is in puppy walking alongside her puppy friend Kelly, and a typical day in the life of Amos Miller, who balances his role as Chairman of Guide Dogs with a busy professional life at Microsoft. From this edition onwards, readers can subscribe to the audio version of Forward over the web. To sign up for this, please e-mail
[email protected] with your name, e-mail address and postcode. Elaine Cobb Editor Elaine Cobb is pictured at the start of this section. Elaine has short brown hair and is wearing a blue top, with a blue and white scarf around her neck. Elaine is looking at the camera and smiling. The team Editor: Elaine Cobb Editorial Line: 0118 9838364 Contributors: Lucy Miron, Eifion Rees, Bryony Richards, Fiona MacAulay, Annabel Williams, Elaine Cobb, James Kell Designed by: Guide Dogs www.guidedogs.org.uk
Contributions: Send items to Forward at the Head Office address or e-mail
[email protected]. Unfortunately, due to the sheer volume of ideas we receive, we cannot acknowledge every item. We reserve the right to edit or refuse. Forward is available in Braille, large print, audio CD and online as audio and text files. It is also available as a PDF from our website and in a range of languages - for this and mailing enquiries call 0118 9838138. Founding Editor: The late Captain Nikolai Liakhoff MBE FRZS. Registered Head Office: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG Tel: 0118 9835555 Fax: 0118 9835433 www.guidedogs.org.uk E-mail:
[email protected] (copyright) 2010 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SCO38979) On the front cover is a photograph of Vicki Sheen and her guide dog Zeke (Zorro). Vicki is wearing a pink and white checked shirt and has short mousey brown hair. Zeke (Zorro) is a Golden Labrador. Vicki has been photographed giving Zeke (Zorro) a big cuddle. The main caption on the cover reads: “Trimming the sails - One guide dog owner’s success against the odds”. The new Guide Dogs logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the cover; the new logo is a blue shield with the text “GUIDE DOGS” written in white with a picture of a person walking a guide dog underneath the text in white. News Forgotten Passengers We find the forgotten passengers Guide Dogs published the results of its Forgotten Passengers survey in late January, which asked bus passengers about their experiences while on board. The findings reinforced our belief that all buses should have audio-visual announcements. We found that nearly nine in 10 blind and partially sighted respondents had missed their stop because they didn’t know where they were along their route. The same number had experienced a driver forgetting to alert them to their stop. Worryingly, 29 percent of respondents with sight loss reported having drivers refuse to tell them when they were at their stop. The report was featured across the media, including the Daily Telegraph, The Scotsman and on BBC Radio 5 Live. Included at the start of this article is a photograph of an elderly guide dog owner sitting on a bus, with their guide dog sitting patiently beside them. It’s a dog’s life for Bernie Recently qualified guide dog Bernie faced an unusual challenge when he was partnered with Sandra Usher from York. The two-year-old yellow Labrador golden retriever cross has learned to live with Sandra’s seven cats. Sandra says; “She’s perfect with them. My cats are all placid and gentle so they are like one big
family and love to play together. I know guide dogs are special but Bernie really is a little trooper.” Lucky puppy charms Ethical jewellery manufacturer charityjewelry.com has joined forces with Guide Dogs to produce a cute bracelet charm in support of our Sponsor a Puppy scheme. Produced in Thailand in small UNICEF approved factories, the charms are available in sterling silver or 14 karat gold. Guide Dogs receives £10 for each silver charm sold, and £100 for each gold charm. For more information, visit www.charityjewelry.com, choose the UK and click on collection. Pictured to the right of this article is a charm bracelet containing the two Sponsor a Puppy gold and silver charms. New sensory tunnel makes its debut In March, Crufts saw the first outing for Guide Dogs’ new Sensory Tunnel, which creates an experience in the dark for visitors to demonstrate the heightened need to use our other senses when we have little or no vision. Those entering the tunnel will encounter different surfaces and other sensory experiences, providing an insight into the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people on a daily basis. Guide Dogs’ Corporate Events Manager Jackie Potter said: “Thanks to the tunnel, thousands of visitors gained an understanding of what it’s like to have visual impairment and how Guide Dogs can help.” Included within this article is a photograph of TV vet, Marc Abraham, who was impressed by the Sensory Tunnel. Marc has been photographed at the exit of the Sensory Tunnel wearing a black blindfold and wearing a pale blue t-shirt. Exhibition Road officially opens After long-running debate, London’s Exhibition Road was officially opened on 1 February. Guide Dogs won compromise from the council responsible, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, after taking it to a judicial review, and strips of ridged corduroy were included as a result. We’d now like to see new signs installed to alert motorists that pedestrians have right of way and a crossing to help vulnerable pedestrians who might be afraid to step out into moving traffic. Pictured at the end of this article is a photograph of London’s Exhibition Road. There are red and white bollards running along the roadside next to the pavement, there are also lots of people walking along the pavement. Dangerous dogs As Forward went to press, we were waiting for a Government announcement on a package of measures to update the law on dangerous dogs, which is likely to include microchipping. Guide Dogs wants compulsory microchipping of all dogs in England and Wales to encourage responsible dog ownership, as an average of seven guide dogs are attacked by other dogs every month. An MBE for Rowena Inspirational guide dog owner Rowena Thomas-Breeze, aged 51 who trains in Rhyl, has been made an MBE for services to disabled swimming and for her charitable fundraising for Guide Dogs and Transplant UK.
One’s Royal Go Walkies We’re calling for our supporters to help us commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by joining a Go Walkies or by organising their very own on the weekend of the Jubilee celebrations, which is 2 and 3 June. Why not make your event extra special by wearing Kings and Queens fancy dress? The Kennel Club has been helping us to contact corgi breeders and owners, who we’re hoping will get involved in a truly regal corgi Go Walkies. We’d love to hear about your event and for you to share some of your photos with us, so why not send us a short summary of your Go Walkies to
[email protected]? Find out more about Go Walkies at www.gowalkies.org.uk. Included within this article is a photograph of a light brown and white corgi walking towards the camera wearing a gold crown on its head. Jollyes meets ambitious target Raising £50,000 to cover the lifetime costs of a guide dog is no mean feat but staff at Jollyes Petfood Superstores got behind the initiative with gusto, raising the funds in record time. Jollyes chose Guide Dogs as their first ever charity partner last year while also celebrating the opening of their 50th store. They are now waiting for their guide dog puppy to be born, whose name, Riley, was chosen by the top performing fundraising store in Kettering. Regional Manager Chris Poots said: “It’s very satisfying that the efforts and generosity of our staff and customers will significantly improve the quality of a blind or partially sighted person’s life.” Jollyes’ Chris Poots has been photographed with Guide Dogs’ Jayne George. Chris Poots is wearing a blue and white striped shirt and is handing an over size cheque to Jayne. VAT on dog food Guide Dogs is campaigning for food for assistance dogs to be made VAT exempt, which would save £300,000 a year. David Cowdrey, Campaigns Manager, said: “Current VAT rules exempt greyhounds and classes them as a working dog. It does not seem fair that the greyhound racing industry, which describes itself as “one of Britain’s most popular spectator sports” can benefit from this tax break, when guide dogs that provide vital support for disabled people do not qualify.” A pat on the back for Dawn Valvona Carol Oxborough of New Haw in Surrey nominated Dawn Valvona for a pat on the back. Carol said: “Dawn is a long-time puppy walker, puppy walking mentor, emergency boarder, speaker, fundraiser and does all this whilst suffering from MS. She is an inspiration to all who meet her. She is the reason why so many of us do puppy walking in this area.” Do you know someone who deserves a pat on the back? Fill in the “Pat on the back” form in the “Talk to us” section of the VIP (volunteer extranet) at www.guidedogsvolunteers.org.uk. Included within this article is a photograph of Dawn Valvona, Dawn has been photographed sitting at home, with one of the many puppies she has helped over the years. Explosive dogs
Four guide dog pups have changed their careers and trained as explosive detection dogs with Sussex Police, working as part of the security team at Gatwick Airport from March. The four dogs, called Becks, Paddy, Zara and Ernie, were bred as guide dogs but it was felt that they were more suited to careers as police dogs. The dogs will be joining fellow ex-guide dog Yogi, who works as a drugs, cash and firearms dog. Pictured to the left of this article, is a photograph of the four new police dogs, with their handlers. In other news... Angela Hassall from Crewe was the first person in Britain to qualify with a dual trained guide dog and hearing dog in 2003. But Labrador retriever cross Roddy is now hanging up his harness since Angela recently qualified with Mel, another Labrador retriever cross. Like Roddy, Mel has been trained by both Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs. Roddy meanwhile is set to enjoy his retirement with Angela’s daughter Sarah. On the subject of dual dogs, Malcolm Mason’s multi-tasking assistance dog Ash is a UK first. The black Labrador retriever cross is the first dog in the country to be trained from a puppy to be both a guide dog and a wheelchair dog and the pair form the second ever such partnership in the UK. Ash was bred and specifically trained by Guide Dogs in collaboration with Canine Partners. Guide dog owner, Jason Sheppard has won an Asda ABCD (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) Award for his excellent work, despite suffering from eye condition nystagmus. Jason works in quality control at ASDA’s distribution centre in Portbury Docks near Bristol, always accompanied by black Labrador retriever cross, Yates. O2’s newest store on London’s Tottenham Court Road is improving its service to people with sight loss by providing expert advice on mobile devices and applications. Staff have received detailed training from the Royal National Institute of Blind People and manufacturers such as Apple. Simon Davis, O2’s Head of Corporate Responsibility said: “At O2 we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy our products and services.” www.FixMyTransport.com is a new whistleblowing website which puts British public transport passengers in touch with operators. Comments can be about anything from trains that are too short to a lack of audio visual announcements on buses. Devon based 82-year-old grandmother Mary Shute has been overwhelmed by tributes to her former guide dog Yates who died in October. Flowers and letters appeared at Yates’ favourite walk but Mary was most surprised to find a lovely plaque had been positioned at the spot and a donation made by an anonymous donor. Mary said: “I have been touched by the kind and thoughtful messages and flowers. It is so heartening in this day and age”. Officers in a police van in Hampshire stopped to allow a guide dog owner to cross in front of them, the January edition of Police magazine reported. The woman and her guide dog were waiting at the kerb, but the passenger waved, signalling them to cross. “The lady can’t see your signal,” the driver said. “I know,” the passenger replied, “I was waving to the dog.” Volunteer liaison officer at the Forfar Training School, Lamont Forbes, was nominated for an Active Citizens of Europe 2011 award, for his outstanding contributions to volunteering and active citizenship. The awards were organised by Volunteurope, a non-profit organisation which promotes European citizenship.
Welsh Assembly Members have been walking a mile in the shoes of constituents with sight loss. Guide Dogs Cymru has been criss-crossing Wales on the campaign trail, hosting blindfold walks to raise awareness of the challenges blind and partially sighted people face getting out and about. Name a Puppy Name a Puppy - Betty’s journey... In the last edition of this series where we follow pup Betty, we learned more about Betty’s siblings and were introduced to her mum and dad, Deeva and Archie. This time we’re finding out how Betty has settled into her new home with her puppy walkers and we will be catching up with Betty’s puppy friend, Kelly. In October Betty left her brothers and sisters to begin her journey as a little life changer. Her new home is with puppy walkers Gill and Richard Martin from Luton. The Martins have been puppy walkers for six years and welcome German shepherd Betty into the family as their sixth guide dog in training. “She is very cute,” Gill enthuses, “and she is also slightly shy. We have had a slow start to training but every day there are improvements. She has visited shopping centres, stayed in a Travel Lodge and is a celebrity at church on Sundays.” Over in Surrey Betty’s puppy friend Kelly is also proving to be a popular member of the local church congregation. Black Labrador Kelly was also sponsored and named by Dorothy Wells, and since moving in with her puppy walker, Delores Spurgeon, she has excelled in her training. Delores said: “Kelly is a great pup with a massive personality. She loves travelling in the car, enjoys visiting church, the garden centre and tagging along for the occasional pub lunch! Now that she has had nearly all of her vaccinations we can look forward to training her on public transport.” Both Betty and Kelly are going to be spending the next few months learning some more of the basics before moving on to the harder lessons. Next time, we’ll be finding out how the girls are doing getting to grips with navigating town centres and using buses, trains and taxis. We will also be checking in with their puppy walkers to see how they are feeling in the lead-up to the puppies leaving home to enter the local training school. Would you like to Name a Puppy? For a gift of £2,500 you can donate a name and we’ll send you a gorgeous photo of your puppy and a certificate. For a gift of £5,000 you can not only name your puppy but also get the opportunity to meet him or her! Included within this article are two photographs, the first photograph is of Betty, a small black and brown retriever cross German shepherd, lying in her bed playing with her favourite toy. There is also a photograph of Betty’s friend, Kelly, a small black Labrador, who is playing in the garden. Go Walkies A cake walk in Kendal... The town of Kendal, in the Lake District, has all the key components to make a Go Walkies for Guide Dogs event a success - an enthusiastic community of dog owners plus their friends and families, guide dog owners, Guide Dogs’ staff and local businesses and, of course, beautiful scenery.
Emma Turner, practice administrator at Kendal’s Highgate Veterinary Clinic explains: “We supported Go Walkies because we wanted to raise money for a charity and as we have some guide dogs on our client list, it’s good to know that we’re helping them and their owners. We work closely with Peter Emmett, who is Head of Events at Guide Dogs and lives in Kendal, so we were pleased we could help out with an event that’s on his home turf.” “Everyone really enjoyed last year’s Go Walkies. More than 60 people and 40 dogs took part and we raised over £1,000.” “Our practice is on the High Street so everyone passing by could see our display about the event in our window. And the two-mile walk started literally from our back door so we were well placed in every sense to support the event. Several of our staff took part, we had two veterinary nurses at the start and finish and we also provided goody bags.” “We want to do even better this year (on 28 April) so we’re looking at what else we can do – like a raffle at the start - and we’re doing loads of publicity. I couldn’t do the walk last year as my twins were too young but I’m hoping they’ll come along this year, maybe dressed up as cute little dogs!” Included within this article is a photograph of all the people that took part in the “Go Walkies” event. There is also a quotation from Emma Turner which reads: “It was great to see so many people in our community coming together - that’s what Go Walkies is all about.” In the top right hand corner of the article is the “go walkies for Guide Dogs” logo, it is written in white with a blue background and has four yellow paw prints leading off from the right hand side. Tell us about your event! To register your event, visit the Go Walkies website www.gowalkies.org.uk or call us on 0845 6006787. The Go Walkies team is on hand to ensure you have all the support you need. Don’t forget to tell us how it went afterwards and please send your photos to
[email protected]. Pictured here is a black and brown Doberman, who is holding a light brown leather lead in its mouth. Paralympic dreams - Lee and Lora Lee and Lora living the Paralympic dream Around the world, thousands of athletes are gearing up for this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. Among them are two young British hopefuls, Lee Greatbatch and Lora Turnham. While they won’t know whether they have been selected to represent their country for several more weeks, both are training hard. Helping them achieve their dreams are two very special four-legged friends - their guide dogs Darby and Libby. Lee’s story Lee plays blind football, and with over 50 caps representing his country internationally, including the Blind Football World Cup, European Championships and the Beijing Paralympic Games, he is a seasoned professional. Blind football is played with a team of four blind players and a sighted goalkeeper. The ball contains ball bearings and a sighted “guide keeper” calls to the players so that they know the rough direction of the goal. “Most of the game is played inside your head,” Lee explains. “Before the match you walk around the pitch to get the dimensions and you keep in your mind the diamondshape formation of the team. Communication is very important - we call to each other when we have the ball or are going to tackle - and you need good spatial awareness too.” As well as fitness training, Lee is currently doing football
training two or three times a week, and plays for West Bromwich in the Blind Football League. “My guide dog Darby plays a really important part in my training. With him I can travel by bus rather than having to pay for taxis,” Lee says. “But I don’t take him to the matches as he’s still young and I have this fear he’ll steal everyone’s football boots from the changing rooms!” Lee describes waiting to hear whether he has been selected for the Paralympics as “a bit like waiting for exam results” but adds: “It’s a tough call but I think I’m more excited about the birth of our first baby in April!” Lora’s story Lora comes from an illustrious family of guide dog owners - her mother and two brothers have the same eye condition, and all have guide dogs. Lora has had her guide dog, Libby, since she was 17 and finds her a great support, not just in terms of helping her travel to her six-times-a-week training sessions, but also emotionally. “She’s very calming when you’re nervous so it helps having her around. I don’t take her when I’m competing abroad but I really miss her, and I don’t have the same freedom.” Their relationship is such a special one that they were shortlisted for this year’s Kennel Club “Friend for Life” competition. Lora is relatively new to the sport of para-cycling, where she rides tandem with a sighted pilot in both road racing and track events. “I was tired of athletics, which I’d done at school, and discovered para-cycling through a friend. I had a ride on a bike and it felt very natural - and within three months I was at the Para-cycling World Championships in Italy, where we won a bronze in the road race!” The pilot plays an essential role, as Lora explains: “The pilot trains as hard as we do and I have to rely on her to do all the steering. I have to relax and respond to the movements of the bike, and if she digs in, I know I have to pedal faster too.” Since then Lora has competed all over the world and is now racing with new pilot, Fiona Duncan. Both have put their careers on hold (Fiona is taking a sabbatical from being a policewoman), while aiming for Paralympic glory. They have had mixed results recently but are still hopeful of being selected. “I love racing,” says Lora, “but I enjoy winning more!” Lee, Lora and Eukanuba Procter & Gamble are sponsoring the Olympics and their premium pet food brand Eukanuba has made Lee and Lora the face of its advertising campaign throughout 2012. Sales and Marketing Director Annaliese Reekie says: “We are thrilled Eukanuba can support Lee and Lora in their Paralympic Games endeavours through their guide dogs. Eukanuba has a long-term relationship with Guide Dogs and the London 2012 Paralympic Games signals a great opportunity for us to communicate this important relationship.” Included within this article are two photographs. The first photograph is of Lee and Lora sitting on the floor in a velodrome having a chat, their guide dogs Darby and Libby are lying on the ground next to them. Lee is wearing a blue and white Great Britain tracksuit. Lora is wearing a pale blue cycling top and a pair of black cycling trousers. The second photo is of Lee sitting in the centre of the velodrome, with a goal behind him, stroking Darby. There is also a quotation from Lee, which reads: “Communication is very important - we call to each other when we have the ball or are going to tackle.” A day in the life… Amos Miller Guide Dogs’ Chairman and Trustee
Amos relies on his guide dog Trevor to help him juggle high-flying roles at Guide Dogs and at world-renowned technology company Microsoft. He tells Forward that he often gets the chance to mix work with his passion for spreading the word about Guide Dogs... “By day I work at Microsoft, where I’m an executive adviser of enterprise strategy, but I combine this with my role at Guide Dogs. So some days can be very busy indeed. In the same day, I could be helping recruit an honorary treasurer for Guide Dogs, a really important role where getting someone with the right skills is crucial, then dealing with the mid-year review at Microsoft.” “There’s more crossover between the roles than you might think. Recently I had a meeting at Microsoft about a technology idea we’re exploring with Guide Dogs. I strongly believe in developing technologies that have the potential to significantly improve the lives of those with sight loss.” “I also recently organised a group visit of Microsoft staff to Guide Dogs’ training centre in Redbridge to help them find out more about the charity’s work. That was a fantastic opportunity for my employer to get a greater understanding of the differences the charity makes to people’s lives.” “Attending committee and council meetings is an important part of being a Guide Dogs Trustee - it gives you a real sense that you’re helping to steer the organisation. It’s not all meetings, though. I’m out and about meeting people such as guide dog owners and volunteers to learn about experiences on the ground.” “I’m lucky that Microsoft is completely supportive of the work I do with Guide Dogs, but it can be demanding managing my client work in tandem. Ultimately, though, I find it hugely rewarding balancing the two roles.” Included within this article is a photograph of Amos Miller with black Labrador guide dog Trevor. Amos is wearing a pale blue and white striped tie, with a pale blue shirt under a black suit. Amos is kneeling down next to Trevor who is wearing his working harness. There is also a quotation from Amos which reads: “Recently I had a meeting at Microsoft about a technology idea we’re exploring with Guide Dogs.” Past and present Past and present Guide dog owner Judy Taylor of Belper in Derbyshire is going into her 57th year of guide dog ownership and told us about her memories. “Now working with my seventh dog, I have witnessed many changes. My first dog, Neana, the black Labrador, was only 13 months old when we qualified as a partnership in 1956. She had not been spayed or puppy walked, and had been bought from a dog dealer.” “Back then, the dogs were fed on raw meat and vegetables. Enormous pieces of meat were cut up in the centre by the kennel staff.” “My second dog, Dana, was not puppy walked either, but by this time the bitches were being spayed. It was not until my third dog in 1975 that I not only had a dog that had been bred by the Association and had been puppy walked, but received a feeding allowance, and I no longer had to pay for my dog’s veterinary treatment.” “Now I am working with my seventh dog Elsa, a beautiful golden retriever. Elsa is full of fun and at six, still plays like a puppy. No one could wish for a more loving and lovable companion and guide.”
“Through the years I have seen and experienced so many changes. Of course I haven’t thought all of them a change for the better, but one thing has never changed. For me, nothing can equal the love, freedom and independence that each of my dogs has made possible in my life.” “Apart from my family and friends, my greatest love is for the work of the charity that has enabled me to live a full and active life, and made it possible for me to go out and about whenever I wish, for over half a century.” Guide Dogs has been transforming lives like Judy’s for over 80 years. To find out how you can help us create more life changing guide dog partnerships, call the Gifts in Wills Team on 0845 6031477 or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills. Included within this article are three photographs, the first photograph is of Judy taken in 1956, Judy has been photographed walking along a busy high street with her first guide dog Neana. The second photograph of Judy was taken in 1965, Judy is standing in a field with her second guide dog Dana. The third and final photograph of Judy was taken in 2007, Judy has been photographed standing in her garden with her seventh dog Elsa. There is also a quotation from Judy which reads: “Nothing can equal the love, freedom and independence that each of my dogs has made possible in my life.” Annual awards - Make your nomination Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards This year our annual awards are bigger and better and will not only celebrate the success of our guide dogs and their owners, but also the people that make these amazing partnerships possible. You may have gathered by the name of the awards that the family run opticians Specsavers has agreed to sponsor this year’s awards. A delighted Richard Leaman, Chief Executive of Guide Dogs, told Forward: “Specsavers is a longstanding supporter of Guide Dogs and they wanted to help us recognise the hard work of all the members of the Guide Dogs family.” Awards finalists will be invited to the awards event on the evening of 19 July where we will reveal this year’s winners. Read on for details about the categories and how to nominate. Guide Dog of the Year Award Like last year, there are three categories in this award for the year’s top dog Outstanding Work, Beyond the Call of Duty, and Life Changing. Anyone can nominate a guide dog if they believe that the dog deserves special recognition for its work over the last year. Lifetime Achievement Award If you know a volunteer who has demonstrated longstanding dedication to Guide Dogs and to helping blind and partially sighted people enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else, why not nominate them for the Lifetime Achievement Award? The Mark Pollock Award for Inspirational Guide Dog Owners Named in celebration of adventurer and guide dog owner Mark Pollock, who is the first blind man to have reached the South Pole, this award recognises guide dog owners who have made an outstanding achievement or overcome a significant challenge in the last year. Fundraiser of the Year Award We’re celebrating the work of individual fundraisers in the last year and are inviting nominations for fundraisers who have raised a significant sum of money,
raised awareness, made innovations in fundraising or who have demonstrated dedication to raising money for us. Young Person’s Achievement Award Nominate a young person between the ages of 14 and 25 if you think he or she has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to Guide Dogs in the last year. This could be for fundraising or other voluntary activity that helps us get more blind and partially sighted people out and about. Outstanding Teamwork Award Teams of two or more can be nominated for fundraising or other voluntary work for us. You might want to nominate the hardest working members of your local branch or other teams who have come together to raise funds, campaign or help in another way. Volunteer of the Year Award If you know a volunteer who has demonstrated achievement in a non-fundraising field, this know an outstanding puppy walker, boarder or think should be recognised for the work they
outstanding dedication and is the category for them. You may even a volunteer driver, who you do.
How to make a nomination Send us an explanation of no more than 500 words saying why you think your nominated guide dog, person or team should win in your chosen category. Your nomination should reach us by 9am on 14 May. Please remember to state your chosen category and your own contact details, including name, address, e-mail address and daytime phone number and those of the person or guide dog who you are nominating. Please send your nominations to: Guide Dog of the Year, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG or nominate through the website at www.guidedogs.org.uk/gdoy2012. Included within this article are five pictures. The first is a photograph of Guide Dogs Chief Executive Richard Leaman at last year’s award event. The second photograph is of Guide Dog of the Year 2011 Yancy and his owner Paul Thomas. The third picture is of a black fluffy Labrador cross Retriever wearing a high visibility working harness. The fourth photograph is of three young girls from Bolton Muslim Girls School, sitting on the ground with a guide dog owner and her guide dog. The final picture is of a yellow Labrador wearing its high visibility harness. Special feature - Blind sailing Plain sailing Vicki Sheen likes living dangerously. The 49-year-old from Brixham in Devon is not only a world champion sailor, but got into the sport through competitive downhill skiing. So it’s no wonder she has a fearless dog to match. Golden Labrador Zeke is 3 and a half years old and after almost two years with Vicki is almost as keen on a life on the ocean wave as she is. “He was the first of my dogs to actually enjoy getting onto a boat, although the first time he ended up in the drink,” says Vicki, who is head of physiotherapy for Torbay and Southern Devon Care Trust and a guide dog owner of 25 years’ standing. “He was so excited that he put his paws on the side and pushed it away from the pontoon and he fell in. Although he thought it was equally brilliant being in the water!”
Zeke is Vicki’s fourth dog, taking over guiding duties from Penny, now 11, who lives with Vicki and her husband Ivan since retiring. “She is Pebbles and he is Bam-Bam,” says Vicki, comparing the doe-eyed Penny to boisterous Zeke. As strong and willing as he is intelligent, Zeke became the dynamic force that Vicki needed to help her step up to several challenges in different aspects of her life. She was born with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an eye disease that causes damage to the retina and which finally left her with only 2 per cent vision (10 per cent in childhood): she could pick up some movement at the periphery of her vision but nothing centrally. As a result, working as a physiotherapist in a sighted world, she had been able to position herself to talk to patients in such a way that few suspected she was partially sighted - one patient even confided in her that she’d heard one of the physiotherapists was blind, but hadn’t met her yet! But in 2010 she began to get severe pain behind her eyes that bore all the hallmarks of migraine-strength “cluster headaches”. Eventually they became so bad that Ivan insisted his wife visit an optician friend for a second opinion. Acute glaucoma was diagnosed, where the internal pressure of the eye rockets suddenly. By the time she was treated it was too late to save Vicki’s residual sight. At the same time Penny was struggling with an increasingly heavy workload and a bewildering array of new environments. Vicki had just been promoted to her current job and was having to travel around the country attending conferences and meetings. On top of all that she was training for the new sailing discipline that would make her a world champion: Blind Match Racing. “I knew all the new things in my life were putting pressure on Penny, while the loss of my residual vision meant I wasn’t able to give her the help I’d been used to giving. It did get to the point where I was thinking in terms of the sailing, “Am I just making life difficult for myself?” Then I got Zeke, and he really did turn it around for me.” Her love affair with sailing began in 2000, when a friend took her along to the Brixham Yacht Club. Half the committee turned up for her first visit, eager to discuss what they could do to help her get into the sport. The outgoing and incoming Commodores both offered their sons, both experienced sailors, to literally show her the ropes. “My lack of sight wasn’t an issue for them; they just wanted to make it happen. I’m a Piscean so I love the water. I knew straight away that this was the sport for me.” She became so proficient a main sheeter - controlling the large sail that runs from the mast to the back of the boat, the powerhouse of the boat - that she was picked to take part in the fleet-racing discipline at the Blind Sailing World Championships in the US, Italy and New Zealand. “I have the advantage of not getting distracted by anything going on outside the boat. I just focus on what the boat feels like underneath me.” Match racing is different in that it isn’t a large number of boats vying for first place, but a one-on-one dogfight between two boats manned by three blind or visually impaired crew members. It involves a half-mile dash to an audio-marked buoy, then round and back. The goal is to finish first by preventing the other boat from being first back. It is a game of tactics rather than just pace, which fits well with Vicki’s sporting ethos. “I am goal-driven and competitive, but it’s not necessarily about being first or the best, it’s about being good. “First place is all that counts” doesn’t resonate
for me at all. If everyone’s performance has been on the money then that’s what’s of value.” And yet despite herself, first place is exactly what Vicki won at the World Blind Sailing Championships in Perth last year. After a gruelling six-month try-out for the UK match-racing team, in January 2011 she learned she hadn’t been picked to fly to Australia to represent her country. Undeterred, and with only six weeks to go before the competition, she raised the funds, put her own team together and entered regardless. She and her two team mates, Nick Donnini and Dennis Manning, had only three days training together - “but being a last-minute entry gives you a feeling of liberation,” Vicki recalls. “There’s no weight of expectation, no pressure.” That all changed after the first day, when Vicki’s team were the only team to have won all four of their matches. Suddenly they were the ones to beat. By the end of the championship they had won 16 out of 19 races, and the gold medal. Above all Vicki loves working as a team. Whether it is blind skiing - where competitors rely on the shouted directions of a sighted guide, skiing just feet ahead of them - or sailing, it is the sharing of information, the development of relationships and trust that are at the core of what she does. “My partnership with my dogs is exactly the same,” says Vicki. “It’s about communication and supporting each other. Some people are scared to put their trust in a guide dog. I don’t see it as me being dependent on Zeke, or on other people on board the boat - it’s a two-way street. When you’re working with anyone, the key is to make it a good experience for both of you.” And Zeke is certainly enjoying his experience of working with Vicki. While he doesn’t race competitively, he joins her and Ivan on recreational cruises. He is adept at getting up and down steep companionways and understands the heeling of the boat. Nose up and ears blown back by the wind, every inch the salty sea dog, “he’s the perfect guide dog for me,” says Vicki. She relishes the freedom that Guide Dogs has given her - not just in the physical sense, the ability of Zeke and her other dogs to make sense of situations and to guide her through them, but in emotional terms too. “I’m no longer anxious about whether the journey will be possible, whether I’ll cope,” says Vicki. “I lost both of those benefits before Zeke came along.” About blind sailing Blind Sailing is a charity that helps blind and partially sighted people get involved in sailing at all levels. It arranges training weekends for up to 12 blind and partially sighted people at venues including Cowes, Isle Of Wight, Windermere and Sussex Harbour. Visit www.blindsailing.net or e-mail
[email protected]. The Royal Yacht Association’s Sailability programme has helped more than 20,000 people with a disability sail regularly and has centres around the UK - www.rya.org.uk. There are three photographs included within this article. The first photograph is of Vicki Sheen and her guide dog Zeke, sitting on the boat. Vicki has shoulder length mousey brown hair, and is wearing a pale grey jacket, Zeke is a Golden Labrador. The second photograph is of Zeke on the boat sailing through the harbour taking in the sea air, Zeke is wearing his own red doggy lifejacket. The final photograph is of Vicki at the helm of the boat, guiding it across the sea. Included within this article are two quotations from Vicki, the first reads: “Zeke was the first of my dogs to actually enjoy getting onto a boat, although the first time he ended up in the drink.” The second quotation reads: “It did get to the
point where I was thinking “Am I just making life difficult for myself?” Then I got Zeke, and he really did turn it around for me.” What’s on What’s on Guide Dog Fun Days Come and enjoy a great day out for the whole family at one of our Guide Dog Fun Days There will be something different at each event with a blind drive in Llandough, a loch-side walk in Forfar, a farmers market at Leamington and trips around the training school at Atherton and Redbridge. 9 June - Forfar Training School 16 June - Redbridge Training School 23 June - Leamington Pump Room Gardens 2 September - Atherton Training School 16 September - Llandough, Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan Included within this article is a photograph from one of last year’s Guide Dog Fun Day. There are three children in the foreground of the photograph bobbing for ducks, to the left of the children is an adult helping one of them. In the background of the photograph are lots of other people enjoying other activities and stalls. 13 to 17 July - BBC Gardeners World Live Guide Dogs will be presenting its new sensory tunnel, an experience in the dark demonstrating the heightened need to use our other senses when we have little or no vision. Guide dog demonstrations will also be taking place at the Gardeners Green section www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com. QAC Sight Village 16 June - Mile End Stadium, London Guide Dogs will be attending QAC Sight Village, the top exhibition for blind and partially sighted people in the UK, on: 24 April in Edinburgh; 25 April in Glasgow and in November in London. Visit www.qac.ac.uk for more information. Metro Athletics Championships The annual Metro Athletics Championships are held every summer in London. Sponsored by Guide Dogs, the event is attended by blind and partially sighted athletes from all over the country. Visit www.metroblindsport.org for more information. Included within this article is a photograph of two of the athletes that attended last year’s Metro Athletics Championships. The two athletes are pictured running alongside each other. Letters Your letters Have you got any questions or comments for Forward? If so, write to
[email protected] or to Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG.
Lasting partnerships I thought it might be interesting to find the couple with the largest number of guide dog years between the two of them. In our case the statistics are as follows. In August, I will have owned a guide dog for 50 years, and in November, my wife Gail will have owned one for 41 years, making a grand total of 91 years for us as a couple. I am not claiming this as any sort of record, but am just interested to know of any other similar couples. We are both currently working our seventh dog each, and as both our dogs are only two, we can hopefully look forward to another seven to eight years with these two, by which time we will have passed our century of continuous ownership. If nothing else, this proves that working a guide dog most certainly keeps you fit. My dog is a black retriever Labrador cross named Roly, and Gail’s is a yellow retriever Labrador cross named Yasmin. Bill Guest, Leyland, Lancs. New partnerships I was quick to write and complain about the omission of the names of guide dog owners from the last edition of “Forward” so I feel obliged to write again to say a big thank you for reconsidering your decision. Not only have you reinstated the names, but given extra and interesting information about the puppy walkers and brood bitch holders. Kind regards, Colin Fisher Reply from the Editor: Thanks to all those who wrote to let us know they’re pleased to discover the guide dog owners’ names back in Forward. Some of you asked whether the names of those missed in autumn will be included. We called to check and have listed those who agreed to be included. Buddy dog joy I wanted to drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed the magazine this time. I particularly liked the article about the buddy dog and the little girl, I have to admit to having had reservations at first about the program but having read a couple of articles now about how Buddy dogs have helped people, I feel more reassured about the scheme. Kind regards, Mrs Tracy Lloyd Reply from the Editor: Thanks for writing to let me know how much you enjoyed the story about Abigail and her buddy dog Ursula. If any readers hear stories about Guide Dogs that inspire them, please get in touch. A nice tail Here’s a photo of pup Wallis, a golden retriever at nine months old at Sanquhar Loch in Forres, bonny Morayshire. She’s such a peaceful little pup, all my others chased the ducks and swans away but they always swim towards her. Anna Temple, puppy walker Included within this letter is a photograph of pup Wallis at Sanquhar Loch in Forres, Wallis is a golden retriever and has been photographed standing on the edge of the loch watching the swans and ducks. In good company In good company A few examples of our corporate partners Eukanuba and puppy Nuba
Procter & Gamble’s premium pet food brand Eukanuba has kicked off its sponsorship of Go Walkies by funding guide dog puppy Nuba. The three-year partnership between Guide Dogs and Eukanuba will support the planned growth of Go Walkies through onpack promotions, joint marketing and prize draws. This will help Go Walkies for Guide Dogs reach its goal of becoming the world’s largest dog walk in recordbreaking time! Nuba will be the Go Walkies mascot and face of our campaign. You can also sponsor Nuba via his own online giving site www.virginmoneygiving.com/gowalkies if you do not have a dog or cannot participate in a walk yourself. To find out how your dog can join in the fun, and potentially bag themselves six months’ worth of Eukanuba dog food, please visit www.gowalkies.org.uk. Included within this article is a photograph of guide dog puppy Nuba. Nuba has been photographed trying to get into a packet of Eukanuba puppy food. There is also a quotation from this article which reads: “Nuba will be the Go Walkies mascot”. Are we your Charity of the Year? Every year we are fortunate enough to be selected as companies’ Charity of the Year partner. Not only do these companies help raise much-needed funds but they also help raise Guide Dogs’ profile, both locally and nationally. We are always looking for new Charity of the Year partners, so if you, or someone you know, work for a company with such a scheme, do please consider putting us forward. For more information, please contact our Corporate Partnership Manager, Jessica Stickland on 07990 540132. Specsavers keeps on giving Last year Specsavers celebrated 25 years in business and, as part of a long association with Guide Dogs, committed to raising £250,000. This will fund 25 guide dog puppies through to qualifying with their new blind or partially sighted owner. So far, Specsavers have raised £135,000 and they are also headline sponsors of this year’s Guide Dog of the Year Awards. Thank you to everyone at Specsavers for their ongoing support. Fundraising Special thanks Thelma’s surprise Fundraiser Thelma Wilson was honoured for her tireless fundraising efforts at an award ceremony in Leeds on 3 December. Thelma won the Leeds Volunteer of the Year Award for raising more than £100,000 for the Leeds Branch, making the regional office the top performing in Britain. For the past 10 years, Thelma has run charity stalls, doggy tombolas and visited all kinds of groups to raise money and talk about guide dogs’ skills. As well as having two dogs of her own, including retired guide dog, Alma, Thelma also gives respite care to guide dogs when their owners go on holiday, taking in several dogs each year. She has even recruited her husband, Peter, as a volunteer driver. Thelma said: “I really feel honoured, especially as it is for something that I love doing and find so rewarding. It was good to receive the award but of course it’s all the other members of the branch who help to raise the money!” Included within this article is a photograph of Thelma Wilson, “Leeds Volunteer of the Year”. Thelma has been photographed sitting in a park with her two pet dogs. Riding to the rescue
Anne Holt, Estates Welfare Officer at the Queen’s residence at Sandringham, Norfolk, has donated £1,950 to the King’s Lynn & District Branch after arranging a charity horse ride around the estate. Anne organises two events each year, each in aid of a different charity. Branch chairwoman, Gill Southgate, gave Anne a framed guide dog photo as a thank you. Included within this article is a photograph of Anne Holt and her horse, Estrella, with Gill Southgate and her retired guide dog, Sadie. Anne is holding one end of the oversized cheque and her framed “thank you” photograph. Gill is also holding the cheque and is stroking Sadie, a black Labrador. This photograph is courtesy of Lynn News 30th anniversary The Bury Saint Edmunds Branch celebrated its 30th anniversary and reaching a £500,000 fundraising milestone last year with a reunion. The branch started after then Guide Dogs Regional Fundraiser, Tony Castleton, spotted the potential of a small group of ladies who held coffee mornings in aid of Guide Dogs. The branch still has its original chairman, Mike Clarke, and Sue Dunn and Jill Gooch have also been committee members from the start. Included within this article is a photograph of Jill Gooch, Tony Castleton, Chairman Mike Clarke and Treasurer, Sue Dunn. They are all stood outside in the sunshine, smiling at the camera. Thank you - Our supporters Thanks to our supporters
Students from Weald Grammar School in Kent raised £441.05 by painting nails and selling doggy merchandise at their Christmas Fair. There were games including guess the dog’s name and a tombola. Pupils had help from Guide Dogs volunteers and volunteers from the school’s Business Enterprise Project, Vanessa Johnson and Ian Goodwin. Included within this article is a photograph of seven Weald Grammar School girls and other volunteers at the Christmas Fair.
Members of the Nuneaton and Bedworth Branch held a very successful quiz night and raised £250. The event was held at the Sharnford Arms pub in Sharnford, Leicestershire, in November and branch member Sue Orrill said: “We thank Jayne and Steve Smith, who are the best landlord and landlady ever.” Included within this article is a photograph of members of the Nuneaton and Bedworth branch at their quiz night, joining the members were a few furry friends.
Members of Blackburn with Darwen Branch have received a cheque from Queens Lodge Nursing Home in Blackburn for more than £1,400, raised by fundraising events during last year, including a Christmas fair.
Teachers at The Earls High School in Halesowen, West Midlands, presented a cheque for £250 to Guide Dogs instead of giving each other Christmas cards after being impressed by the progress of pupil and guide dog owner, Amy Kettle, when training with her guide dog.
Hazel Dent of North Sea Village in Ashington, Northumberland, held her annual Coffee and Quilts day in November and raised £585 for Guide Dogs.
The Exeter Mobility Team collected £1,300 with a ten pin bowling night. The evening was organised by Dog Care and Welfare Adviser, Glenda Webb, who was joined by staff, guide dog owners, friends, volunteers and staff from local vet practices, car clubs and Action for Blind People. Included within this article is a photograph of a few of the members of the ten pin bowling team and their guide dogs.
The Arbroath and District Branch held two Christmas carol concerts arranged by Marjory Hughes, Reception Co-Ordinator at the Forfar Training School, volunteer Lamont Forbes, and friend, Bill Beedie, raising £476. Festive musical events featuring Lamont playing the keyboard at Abbeygate Shopping Mall in Arbroath and at a branch of Tesco in Montrose raised more than £2,000, the latter also featuring trainers and their dogs from Forfar.
The Saffron Walden Branch in Essex, formed in September, started its fundraising with a bang with its first two collections raising nearly £900. The 16-strong group includes three guide dog owners and a puppy walker, and the group also had a full-page spread in their local paper.
When chairman of the Cambridge Branch, John Reynolds, was asked to bid for a £700 donation from Cambridge University’s Estate Management Department, he did such a good job that the university upped its gift to £1,000! Branch members took along some of their puppies when they went to collect the cheque from departmental manager, Mike Wetton. Included within this article is a photograph of John Reynolds receving a cheque from Mike Wetton, departmental manager at Cambridge University.
The Waitrose branch in Holsworthy, Devon, donated £569 to the Okehampton Branch. In the scheme, shoppers are given a green token every time they visit, which they use to vote for one of three different good causes every month by placing the token into a box. The causes then get a share of £1,000, depending on how many tokens they get. Included within this article is a photograph of some of the staff from Holsworthy branch of Waitrose presenting their cheque to Guide Dogs.
Pupils at Argyle House School in Sunderland presented a cheque for a whopping £5,111 to the Sunderland & South Shields Branch. Accepting the cheque were Martin and Mavis Brennan with guide dogs Amy and Milly. Mavis, a volunteer speaker, and Amy are regular visitors to the school, and youngsters raised the cash through a variety of sponsored activities.
Guide dog owner Jenny Dale raised more than £200 by completing the equivalent of a half marathon at her gym. Jenny was joined by her guide dog, Leo, as she walked 13 miles over two days at Dimensions Health & Fitness Club in Stoke-onTrent, Staffordshire, doing hour-long stints with breaks in between.
Vince Jones, landlord of The Village Inn in Liddington, Swindon, and two members of staff from Eastcott Vets ran in the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon during Guide Dogs Week. Vince raised more than £1,400 for us and Eastcott Vets is aiming to raise £10,000, which includes 22 of their staff doing the Coniston Challenge.
Drinkers at the Black Bull Inn in Great Smeaton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, donated £1,107 in less than a year in the pub’s countertop collection box. Landlord and lady, Paul and Lesley McConnell, boosted the figure by arranging a series of raffles, with the cash donated to the Dales & District Branch.
Guide dog puppy, Nimbus, met children during assembly at Osbaston Church in Wales School in Monmouth as part of his puppy training. Nimbus is named after Nimbus Records, a local company which has supported the Forest of Dean Branch for the past five years. Youngsters are now planning to fundraise for Guide Dogs. Included within this article is a photograph of Nimbus the guide dog, meeting a few of the pupils at Osbaston Church School.
Canine obituaries
We’ll never forget If you would like to pay tribute to a guide dog you have known, please send your tribute (up to a maximum of 25 words) to
[email protected] or to Forward at Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. If you are a guide dog owner, current or retired, and you want to talk to a trained listener, who is also a guide dog owner, about the experience of losing your dog, call the STEP line on 0845 3727474 between 8am and 10pm daily. We are sorry that we do not have space to print all of the tributes that we have received and so we will include those who have passed away most recently in a future edition of Forward. Aden 11.12.98 - 10.11.11 Guide dog to Rosa Needham. “I will always remember your lovely ways - you’re in my heart. Sleep well my darling.” Bee 26.8.95 - 17.1.12 Retired to Jenny and Eric Marlow for nine years. “A very special lady, we miss you so much. You will never be forgotten. Run free Bee-Bee.” Bella 5.2.02 - 30.6.11 “Friend to so many guide dog pups and missed so much our fun, gentle and beautiful “Big Girl” - running free now with Leider!” The Mackay family. Benny 9.11.99 - 1.12.11 Early retirement with the Schmitt family, companion to advanced training guide dogs. “A delightful boy, thank you for ten wonderful years. Remembered with love.” Benson 3.7.98 - 28.11.11 Guide to John Jackson. “We are missing you so much, what a star you were. God bless my little pal.” Betty 11.07.96 - 28.11.11 Exemplary guide and much loved companion to Joan Marshall. Sadly missed by Joan and puppy walkers Kath and Jack Standring. “Treasured memories of our Black Beauty.” Brian 26.10.00 - 26.01.12 Much loved guide dog to Margaret Theobald and puppy walked by Mrs Alloway. Happily retired to the Taviner family as a wonderful pet. “To know him was to love him.” Bruce 26.10.00 - 22.8.11 Guide dog to Edna Murgatroyd, retired to Ron and Margaret Radcliffe. “Goodnight wonderful friend and best pal.” Carla 13.4.96 - 14.8.11 Guide to the late Colin Hale. Adored for the past nine years by Catherine, Rowena and family. “Carla, how I miss you. Till we meet again, my lovely girl.” Christy 10.11.96 - 06.12.11 Guide dog to Susan Hunter. “My loyal and loving guide dog, who was my companion and loving friend. She will be deeply missed.” Susan and Alec. Crispin 17.4.99 - 12.12.11 Guide to Brian Fenn. “From the minute we met he became a very close friend. We were just so proud of him.” Curtis 15.2.01 - 20.11.11
Guide dog and companion to Mike Duxbury and his family and friends. “Sadly missed by all, everyone who met him loved him.” Deano (Dean) 20.8.97 - 2.7.11 Guide to James O’Driscoll and retired to Christine Hartley. “A happy and gentle boy greatly loved, cherished and missed by all so much.” Elliot 11.2.02 - 1.11.11 Second guide to Paul Horsfield. “A very special boy, taken suddenly, missed and loved more than words can say.” Frizz 3.1.98 - 4.10.11 Guide to Lesley George, puppy walked by Tom and Sue Bailey. “Faithful to the end, still brightening up everyone’s day and missed by all.” Gael 7.1.97 - 30.9.11 Guide dog to Natalie Burton. “A very special girl and my best furry friend. You were more than just my dog, I’ll never forget you.” Haydn 16.3.97 - 24.11.11 Guide to David Nicol, retired to the O’Shea family. “Crafty, gentleman thief, always his own man.” Heston 15.1.98 - 24.12.11 First guide dog to Mark Evans. “A special friend, loved by everyone and missed by all who knew him. God bless, sleep tight big fella xx.” Karl 5.2.00 - 13.1.12 Wonderful guide and companion to Gordon McWilliams and much loved by Elaine and Harry in retirement. “The perfect partner whose peaceful end came much too soon.” Leider 15.8.00 - 31.10.11 Wonderful Mum to 16 pups and friend to so many more! “Always in our hearts - my special girly! Running free now with Bella!” The Mackay family. Mace 27.9.96 - 23.11.11 Retired to Ian and Liz Barnes, a lovely dog with lots of personality. “Goodnight old boy.” Norman 19.4.98 - 7.12.11 Retired to Howie and Trish Smith. “One in a million, you will be missed by all the family. Run free sunshine.” Paige 20.12.99 - 28.12.11 Guide dog to Jason Lockwood. “A true friend to the very end. I never met an angel until I met you. All our love, Mum and Dad.” Pepper 18.2.98 - 18.12.11 A wonderful prince and guide to Carrie for ten years; a devoted friend to Mike and Hazel in his retirement. “Everyone loved you”. Quin 19.2.98 - 3.11.11 Puppy walked by and re-homed with the Edwards family. “You never quite made the grade, but as a friend and family member, you could not be faulted.” Ruby (Robbie) 8.2.03 - 7.12.11 Guide to Peter Liesching, puppy walked by Anne and Stan Breach and retired to Sally and Philip Mawson. “Run free beautiful girl, in our hearts forever.” Rupert 21.11.98 - 26.11.11
Guide to Charles Clothier and much loved by Angela, Tracey and the rest of the family. “Always in our hearts. Run free Rupert Bear.” Sadie 15.1.99 - 29.11.11 Retired guiding angel of Gill Southgate, puppy walked by Sue Franz. “Always waggie-tailed whilst guiding me safely. Sweet dreams my lovely girly xx.” Samson 30.3.01 - 16.11.11 “A sweet, gentle giant, we will always miss our lovely big teddy bear.” Saxon 6.5.96 - 8.12.11 Puppy walked by Mr and Mrs C Clark and held as a stud dog by Mr and Mrs Baker. “A wonderful dog and a true gentleman.” Sheila (Dillyp) 10.12.96 - 26.11.11 Guide to Lynn Bourne. “My feisty, clever, loyal companion. She restored my confidence and kept me part of the human race. Much loved and missed.” Sherry 26.6.99 - 29.9.11 Puppy walked by Ann Hill and rehomed by Margery and Don Wakefield. “An eager gentle friend to all people, missed by so many.” Smokey 20.12.99 - 8.1.12 Guide dog to Brian Crossette, puppy walked by Mr and Mrs C Yardley. “A true loving pal to the end, good night brave heart, miss you.” Sula 29.9.95 - 26.8.11 Brood bitch for Guide Dogs and family member to Caroline and Peter Minty. “You will be missed by everyone, especially all your friends in the local pub.” Taylor 10.8.96 - 7.11.11 Guide to Bobby Johnson and retired to John and Glad Davenport. “Our home is empty without you.” Umber 10.4.95 - 4.11.11 Retired to Mrs Mandy Hopewell and guide to Mr David Calderwood. “A perfect gentleman and my best friend.” Willis 9.3.02 - 23.10.11 Guide to Eric Sayce and retired to David and Irene White. “Happy, faithful, gentle lad who brightened up everyone’s day. Sleep well my friend.” Yarna 28.9.97 - 1.10.11 “Yarna has given us many years of love, companionship, comfort and happiness, and leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Missed dearly by the Marshall family.” Yates 7.7.01 - 26.10.11 Guide dog to Mary Shute in Paignton. “Go roly poly with the clouds Yates. Rest in peace, always in my thoughts.” There are photographs taken in various locations and in different poses of: Aden, Bee, Bella, Betty, Bruce, Carla, Crispin, Curtis, Dean, Elliot, Frizz, Haydn, Heston, Leider, Pepper, Quin, Ruby, Rupert, Sadie, Samson, Saxon, Smokey, Sula, Yarna and Yates. Lance 14.4.98 - 4.8.11 Last summer, Tony Averis lost his first guide dog Lance, who was rehomed during his retirement by Karen Averis and Rob Wear. Tony said: “Lance was sometimes not the best guide dog in the world but he was very special and served me loyally for 10 years. He was my friend, confidante and
inspiration to start living again. Lance helped me develop social skills and gave me extra confidence, he was also a complete ladies’ man and prone to stealing the occasional bacon sandwich, but we loved him for it.” Karen remembers: “He came to myself and my partner Rob for his retirement and we had two wonderful years with him. You are greatly missed Lance and we hope that you are playing football up in heaven!” Rob added: “As one of the lucky people that had the good fortune to help Lance in his retirement, I am proud to say that Lance was not really a pet, but a friend. Lance, you are missed by both me and your mum and I write with tears in my eyes. You will be missed always!” Our guide dogs, dogs in training, puppies and breeding stock are very special to us all and it’s a time of great sadness when one of these wonderful dogs passes away. To commemorate them, Guide Dogs has an Online Memorial Book called Paws for Thought, where our dogs can be honoured with a complimentary listing of their name. This is also an opportunity for anyone who has been touched by the life of one of our special dogs to come together to celebrate their life. Friends and family are invited to view and click on the name of their much-loved dog to visit the special website where, in return for a donation, a page can be created to share memories, photos and dedications. Visit www.giftsinmemory.org.uk to view this special Memorial Book. If you would like your dog’s name to be included in our “Paws for Thought” Memorial Book, please contact the Gifts in Memory team on 0845 6031477 or e-mail
[email protected]. Included within this section is a photograph of Lance, he is a yellow Labrador. Lance is holding a large blue rubber ring in his mouth and looking up at the camera. Competition Spring quiz Test your knowledge with this quiz, themed to the Spring season and its Easter festivities and win a £10 Marks & Spencer voucher. 1. Which event marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere? 2. Which American holiday is similar to a Swedish Easter Week tradition? 3. Which ancient monument was built facing the sunrise of the Vernal Equinox? 4. Where did the tradition of wearing new clothes on Easter Sunday originate? 5. On 15 April the Titanic sank but in what year did this occur? 6. What is “spring fever”? 7. On what day is Easter held every year? 8. What is the birthstone for April? 9. The narcissus plant is otherwise known by which popular name? 10. Why are bunnies and eggs symbols of Spring and Easter?
Congratulations to Mrs MG Burke of Llandudno and Tony Preston of Ipswich who were our winners for the Winter quiz. Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/forward for the answers to the Winter quiz. Caption competition Thanks to Jan Cox for this cheeky photo of Pelham, who didn’t quite make it as a guide dog but still has a sense of humour about it! Pelham is a black Labrador who has been photographed standing outside in the garden. Pelham is looking to the left hand side of the camera and is sticking his tongue out. Send your caption to us by 16 May 2012. The prize is a £10 Marks & Spencer voucher. To enter, please e-mail us at
[email protected] or send your answer on a postcard along with your name and address to Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. The Winter caption competition winner was Laura Cluxton of Tullibody, Alloa, whose winning caption was: “This team’s gone to the dogs.” The picture for last edition’s caption competition was of Buckie, a yellow Labrador who had been photographed sitting on the side line of a football pitch, during a training session. Buckie is wearing his blue Guide Dogs’ jacket. Buckie is looking away from the camera towards the football players on the pitch. Competition rules The competitions are open to anyone resident in the UK, except employees of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, their families and anyone connected with the competition. No purchase necessary. Proof of posting cannot be accepted as proof of delivery. No responsibility can be accepted for entries delayed, damaged or mislaid or wrongly delivered. Illegible entries will be disqualified. Only one original entry is allowed per envelope. The winners will be notified by either post or telephone and the results will be published in the next issue of the magazine. The winners must agree to the publication of their names, photographs and any publicity, if requested. In all matters concerning the competitions the Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence can be entered into. Entry implies acceptance of the rules. The closing date for these competitions is 16 May 2012. Promotions The following are four advertisements that are given in different places in this issue of Forward. 1. Remember a life Change a life Remember someone you love by transforming a life Giving to Guide Dogs in memory of a loved one can help celebrate the life of that person - and makes a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people. From requesting donations instead of flowers at a funeral through to setting up a Tribute Fund and naming a puppy in a loved one’s name, we’re happy to talk you through the options. Please call us on 0845 6031477, e-mail
[email protected] or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/remember “My whole world changed for the better when Wanda came into it. With her at my side I got back my independence, confidence and freedom.” Mhairi Thurston
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) Pictured at the start of this promotion is a photograph of a mother, with her two little girls and their sandy coloured Labrador. They are standing outside in a park looking up towards the camera. The new Guide Dogs logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page, the new logo is a blue shield with the text “GUIDE DOGS” written in white with a picture of a person walking a guide dog underneath the text in white. 2. Pssst! Did you know by taking me for a walk you can also raise funds for Guide Dogs? www.gowalkies.org.uk www.facebook.com/gowalkies 0845 6006787 Pictured at the beginning of this promotion is a black and brown Doberman who is holding a light brown leather lead in its mouth. The new “Go Walkies” logo is pictured at the top right hand side of the page, the new logo is a blue circle with the text “go walkies for GUIDE DOGS” written in white. There are four yellow paw prints leading away from the text and out of the right hand side of the circle. The new Guide Dogs logo is pictured on the bottom right hand side of the page, the new logo is a blue shield with the text “GUIDE DOGS” written in white with a picture of a person walking a guide dog underneath the text in white. Eukanuba PROUD SPONSORS OF go Walkies for GUIDE DOGS The Eukanuba logo is also pictured, the text is written in white, inside a bright pink rectangle. There is a white paw print on the right hand side of the text. Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). 3. As you step into Spring become part of a life changing adventure Sponsor a puppy from just £1 a week Please call 0870 2406993 or text CUTE to 84555 www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk “Like” our Facebook page to discover more cute guide dogs in training www.facebook.com/SponsorAPuppy Pictured in the background of this promotion is a photograph of a small fluffy Golden Labrador cross retriever wearing a black collar with a gold Guide Dogs identity tag, the puppy is sitting in a field full of daffodils, the puppy is looking to the right of the camera. The new Guide Dogs logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page, the new logo is a blue shield with the text “GUIDE DOGS” written in white with a picture of a person walking a guide dog underneath the text in white. 4. Start your amazing journey today and take on the challenge of a lifetime...
www.guidedogs.org.uk/go Dog Sledding in Sweden Sunday 17 March - Saturday 23 March 2013 Deposit: £595 Balance: £595 Sponsorship: £2,930 To find out all our overseas challenges visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/overseas We’re here between 9am-6pm and we’d love to hear from you Call: 0845 6006787 E-mail:
[email protected] Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) Pictured in the background of this promotion is a photograph of a volunteer taking part in a dog sledge challenge, the volunteer is standing on the back of the sledge with their arms in the air cheering, the sledge is being dragged across the snow by 6 black and white huskies. In the background are lots of snow covered fir trees. The new Guide Dogs logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page, the new logo is a blue shield with the text “GUIDE DOGS” written in white with a picture of a person walking a guide dog underneath the text in white. Contact Details This is a list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this edition of Forward Magazine. Gifts in Memory Call: 0845 6031477 E-mail:
[email protected] Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/remember Memorial Book: www.giftsinmemory.org.uk Go Walkies Call: 0845 6006787 E-mail:
[email protected] Visit: www.gowalkies.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/gowalkies Sponsor Nuba: www.virginmoneygiving.com/gowalkies Forward audio subscription E-mail:
[email protected] charityjewelry.com Visit: www.charityjewelry.com VIP - Pat on the back Visit: www.guidedogsvolunteers.org.uk Fix My Transport Visit: www.FixMyTransport.com Gifts in Wills Call: 0845 6031477 Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills Guide Dog of the Year Nominations
Write to: Guide Dog of the Year, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/gdoy2012 Blind Sailing E-mail:
[email protected] Visit: www.blindsailing.net The Royal Yacht Association Visit: www.rya.org.uk BBC Gardeners World Live Visit: www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com QAC Sight Village Visit: www.qac.ac.uk Metro Athletics Championships Visit: www.metroblindsport.org Letters Write to: Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG E-mail:
[email protected] Charity of the Year Contact: Jessica Stickland Call: 07990 540132 We’ll never forget Write to: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG E-mail:
[email protected] Bereavement or Loss Counselling - STEP Call: 0845 3727474 Guide dog mum - Peg Facebook: www.facebook.com/guidedogsUK Competition Write to: Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG E-mail:
[email protected] Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/forward Sponsor a puppy Call: 0870 2406993 Text: CUTE to 84555 Visit: www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/SponsorAPuppy Overseas Challenges Call: 0845 6006787 E-mail:
[email protected] Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/overseas or www.guidedogs.org.uk/go New partnerships Congratulations to our new partnerships This edition of Forward has a longer list of new partnerships than normal because we have printed the names of the guide dog owners whose names we missed from the autumn edition.
Partnerships qualifying since 30 June are listed in order of guide dog owner, dog, town, breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Those who qualified before 30 June 2011 whose names were missed from the autumn edition are listed at the end of this section in order of owner, dog and town and all other information was printed in the autumn edition. Key: x - Crossbreed CCR - Curly Coat Retriever COL - Collie FCR - Flat Coat Retriever GR - Golden Retriever GSD - German Shepherd Dog IWS - Irish Water Spaniel L - Labrador SPIN - Spinone STP - Standard Poodle Bedfordshire and Herts Pat Berry & Tia from Enfield L, Suzanne Patrick from Rochester, Mr & Mrs Watson from Leamington Spa Bristol Ian Beverley & Evans from Mirfield L, Jacqueline Bushell from Kingsbridge, Mercer from Warwick Andrea Bishop & Sandy from Taunton L, Sarah Nicholls from Barry, Yvonne Strawson from Cwmbran, Brian Green from Birmingham Roderick Carne & Morris from Burnham-on-Sea GRxL, George McCaffery from Corsham, Peter & Christina Clinton from Hinckley Steve Cunningham & Foster from Southam GSD, Carol Jordan from Bristol, Carla Nieuwenhuizen from Banbury Sally Hardwill & Yusef from Chard L, Sharon Atkins from Stourbridge, D Ward from Rugby John Tovey & Valdez from South Gloucestershire L, Nicola Greensill from Wolverhampton, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth Tilly Trotter & Gwyn from Cullompton GSD, Keith Lyon from Walsall, Mr & Mrs Tindall from Coventry Rosalind Watkins & Poppy from Bristol LxGR, Julie Pocknell from Merthyr Tydfil, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry Tony White & Yoshi from Exeter LxGR, Kathy Williams from Barnstaple, Mary Herbert from Warwick Rebecca Blaevoet & Karrie from Aberbargoed L, Victoria Arbenz from Wolverhampton, Kate Price from Ashby-De-La-Zouch, VJ Addison from Rugby Kevin Davies & Mason from Ferndale LxGR, Mr & Mrs Wand from Bridgwater, Pippa Challenger from Evesham
Karen Gibbons & Norris from Tonypandy LxCCR, Ashley Gray from Tranent, Janet Court from Birmingham Marian Lewis & Anjelo from Aberystwyth GRxL, Michael Davie from Loughborough, Y Dillon from Warwick Julie Rees & Gwen from Swansea GRxL, Patricia Revell from Solihull, Jeanette Hannon from Oldbury Paul Rowlands & Ziggy from Maesteg L, Sandra Wickson from Walsall, Pauline Goodrich from Leicester Sue Sims & Flora from Hengoed GRxL, Carol Moran from Clevedon, Sharon Fitzpatrick from Weston Super Mare, Hilary Reed from Westbury, Mr & Mrs Allen from Worcester Central London Emma Bailey & Zeb from Hereford GRxL, Denise Baugh from Basingstoke, Liz RussellYard from Coventry Diane Kebbell & Rana from London L, Liz Wilkins from Shepperton Sheila Simons & Laser from Thames Ditton LxGR, Fran Taylor from Tonbridge, Mr & Mrs Warner from Pershore Chris Holmes & Lottie from Richmond GRxL, Marisa Pauwels-Jeffrey from Barnet, Mr & Mrs Hanson from Coventry Andrew Hussey & Shelley from Greenwich GRxL, Sheena Gordon from Epsom, Jane Hart from Cirencester Fereshteh Khosroujerdy & Bruce from London GRxL, Tim Jones from Chelmsford, Helen Easty from Kettering Geoff Lloyd & Star from Lancing LxGR, Gloria Holmes from Princes Risborough, Joy Dickinson from Abingdon Jane Phillips & Bella from London GRxL, Mary Toole from Chelmsford, Helen Easty from Kettering Cumbria and Lancashire David Brewin & Chloe from Thornton-Cleveleys L, Mr & Mrs Hicks from Lytham Saint Annes, Mr & Mrs Wyatt from Leamington Spa Jonathon Davis & Macca from Lytham Saint Annes LxGR, L Beers from Liverpool, Rita Tongue from Shipston-on-Stour Charles Doherty & Otto from Morecambe GRxL, Mr & Mrs Clarke from Winsford, Tracy Twomey from Leamington Spa Jackie Fielding & Boots from Manchester LxGR, Elizabeth Louise O’Malley from Liverpool, Joy Dickinson from Abingdon Frank Gorton & Guilder from Blackburn GRxL, Fiona Sangster from Leicester, Phil Revill from Southam William Guest & Roly from Leyland GRxL, Mary Cheadle from Stafford, Liz RussellYard from Coventry
Robin Jameson & Gig from Lancaster GRxL, Jan Kart from Halifax, Anne-Marie Sparks from Southam Julie Oliver & Queenie from Preston GRxL, Mr & Mrs Bland from Burnley, Elaine Roberts from Stourbridge Robert Stoker & Paula from Whitehaven LxGR, Jean Rennie from Rochdale, Joyce Bartlett from Rugby Susan Wakeley & Tim from Thornton-Cleveleys GR, Alison Tanner-Davies from Wirral, Sarah Douglas from Bromsgrove East Anglia Janet Alder & Shumba from Epsom LxGR, Debra Deane from Waterlooville, Mr & Mrs Bayley from Malvern Alan Chamley & Hollie from Cambridge L, Sheila Pope from Rayleigh, Cora Blaver from Northampton Peter Chapman & Sarge from Lowestoft LxGR, Frances Popplewell from Hockley, Cynthia Duvall from Rochford, Mr & Mrs Walker from Sutton Coldfield Simon Daws & Lennox from Woodbridge LxGR, B Darwent from Sheffield, Sarah Saunby from Sheffield, J Roberts from Brackley Victoria Framingham & Parker from Kings Lynn L, Anna Poole from Esher, Sandra Boden from Rugeley Nicola Hughes & Kayleigh from Wisbech GR, Irene Songhurst from Maidstone Krystyna Jenkinson & Dolly from Kings Lynn GRxL, Irene Harman from Bognor Regis, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Paul Johnson & Hunter from Newmarket GRxL, Joan Frogbrook from Orpington, Peter & Christina Clinton from Hinckley Timothy Poole & Ellis from Caister-on-Sea GRxL, Jeanne Harrall from Swanley, Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster Maureen Ransome & Eve from Great Yarmouth GRxL, Sharon Tarleton from Woodford Green, Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster Bernie Reddington & Ashley from Norwich L, Lynda Petit from Wallingford, Sue Robinson from Worcester Gill Southgate & Yazmin from Kings Lynn L, Delores Spurgeon from Cranleigh, D Ward from Rugby Emma Webster & Claire from Dereham L, Vincent Phipps from Knebworth, Sam Oakley from Rugby Alan Wright & Naylor from Kings Lynn L, Rosalind Herbert from Westcliff-on-Sea, Gail Winnett from Birmingham East Midlands Jake Coles & Arnie from Lincoln GRxFCR, A Brown from South Shields, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove
Gillian Deane & Raynor from Boston LxGR, Barbara Jane Kelly from Chester, Sally Barsby from Buckingham Graham Fordham & Storm from Louth GRxL, Caroline Bagley from Sheffield, Molly McDonnell from Warwick Malcolm Mason & Ash from Tamworth LxGR, David Wright from Manchester, Samantha Reid from Chipping Norton Jane Orchard & Rea from Skegness LxGR, Elizabeth Dale from Chester, Annette Smith from Swadlincote Doctor Emma Rowlett & Tally from Nottingham LxGR, Russell James Truelove from West Bridgford, Sylvia Burgess from Buckingham Alan Tibble & Blake from Lincoln GRxL, Marjan Cornelia Neil from Sunderland, Peter & Christina Clinton from Hinckley East Scotland Alexander Armstrong & Zarus from Peterhead GRxL, Paul Condie from Edinburgh, Dawn Collins from Telford John Howie & Kristo from Dalkeith L, Lena Reid from Newtownabbey, VJ Addison from Rugby Doctor Elizabeth Marsden & Lexy from Ayrshire GRxL, Lorna Boyde from Bangor, Margaret Buckingham from Warwick Elizabeth Mathers & Joe from Kilmarnock L, Sandra Littlejohn from Arbroath, Donna Gillbee from Rugby Donald McGregor & Indie from Glasgow LxGR, Heather & Alistair Walker from Perth, RC Soley from Redditch Angela Sirrell & Hatty from Livingston GRxL, Sheila Adam from Dundee, Dianne Merker from Malvern Barbara Urquhart & Ava from Kilmarnock GRxFCR, Yvonne & Terry Wisdom from Aberfeldy, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove Essex Ellen Barton & Nadia from Woodford Green L, Louise Race from Rayleigh, Jan Flower from Upminster, Pat Stafford from Calverton David Eves & Lassie from Burnham-on-Crouch L, Nikki McCormack from Saint Albans, Jean Nield from Harpenden, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth David Freeman & Hugh from Witham LxGR, Paul Doyle from Barnet, Joy Dickinson from Abingdon Barbara Gilhooly & Vegas from Colchester L, Vanessa Johnson from Sittingbourne, Erica Dowse from Coventry June Maylin & Shannon from Stanford-le-Hope LxGR, Patricia Canning from Southampton, Mr & Mrs Walker from Sutton Coldfield Lucy Morris & Bruce from Clacton-on-Sea LxGR, Linda Patricia Myatt from Leeds, Mr & Mrs Simpson from Leamington Spa
Maureen Spicer & Macs from Harlow LxGR, Fiona Newman from Tunbridge Wells, Mr & Mrs Simpson from Leamington Spa Exeter Nigel Davies & Squire from Torquay LxGR, Jennifer Webber from Weston-Super-Mare, Mr & Mrs Walker from Sutton Coldfield Rowan Graham & Kate from Plymouth L, Mr & Mrs Newport from Lichfield, Annette Mulcahy from Stratford-Upon-Avon Craig Pearce & Rosie from Exeter GRxL, Nan Phillips from Usk, G Tookey from Warwick Albert Pinfold & Joss from Ottery Saint Mary GRxL, Janet Boswell from Llantwit Major, Karen Robbens from Leamington Spa Angela Scott & Oliver from Plymouth GRxL, Valerie Charles from Cardiff, Tracy Twomey from Leamington Spa Caroline Soal & Tucker from Paignton L, Helen Sansome from Solihull, Mr & Mrs Watson from Leamington Spa Joy Taylor & Linda from Holsworthy GRxL, Janice Keegan from Solihull, Mary Reeves from Walsall, Mr & Mrs Hanson from Coventry Greater Manchester Robert Butterworth & Wilson from Todmorden L, Penny Gillespie from Wilmslow, P Hill from Bolton Pam Hackett & Yassie from Altrincham L, Doreen Redfern from Warrington, David Joseph Snape from Warrington, D Ward from Rugby David Harris & Tilly from Chorley L, Jeanne Cookson from Blackpool, Peter & Christina Clinton from Hinckley Elizabeth Keeling & Stan from Dukinfield GR, Helen Cookes from Nuneaton Joan Reed & Chester from Worsley L, Christine Ible from Bolton, Mr & Mrs Phipps from Lechlade Ian Sproson & Corky from Littleborough GRxL, Roger Steele MBE from Sheffield, Mr & Mrs Lockley from Leamington Spa Hull Craig Cash & Kirk from Barton-Upon-Humber GRxL, Carol Ann Ross from Sheffield, Geraldine Joy Eva Newman from Cheadle, Mr & Mrs Moloney from Leamington Spa Jean Coop & Laila from York GRxL, Annabel Wynne-Jones from Liverpool, Margaret Buckingham from Warwick Sheila Dent & Marti from Hull L, Susan Dearden from Bolton, Sarah Stanley from Rugby Samantha Harrison & Sal from Hull GRxL, Jean Robinson from Sheffield, Maria Leggett from Oxford Coral Hewitt & Kyle from Grimsby L, Helen Murray from Southwell, Terri Chambers from Redditch
Seanah Hughes & Zoe from Hull L, Carol Sproull from Montrose, Pauline Goodrich from Leicester Tom Langan & Libby from Kirkella GRxL, Helen Kilpatrick from Belfast, Margaret Buckingham from Warwick Stephen Spamer & Newton from Hull L, Stacey Dawn Roberts from Mansfield, Gail Winnett from Birmingham Carol Spencer & Frankie from Hull L, David Fry from Winchester, Sandra Sweetland from Stratford-Upon-Avon Sandra Usher & Bernie from York LxGR, John Potter from Dunfermline Kent and East Sussex Yvonne Balch & Wheat from Dover GRxL, Stacey Moar from Cambridge, Mr & Mrs Coughlan from Rugby Stephen Benningfield & Yulie from Bromley GRxL, Peter Edwards from Chorleywood, Dawn Collins from Telford Peter Butcher & Lorna from Bexhill-on-Sea GRxL, Carole Arrowsmith from Reading, Margaret Buckingham from Warwick Linda Johnson & Dixon from Margate GRxL, Lynda Hamblet from Bolton, Lorraine Lee from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Kane Mills & Ashley from Edenbridge GRxFCR, Beverley Kempson from Hexham, Julia Evans from Bromsgsrove Paul Millross & Wanda from Hailsham GRxL, David Purl from Bexleyheath, Cathy Simpson from Cheltenham Nina Montoya & Daisy from Maidstone GRxL, Christine Stanley from Harpenden, Madeline Mason from Luton, Barbara Halliwell from Hitchin, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Sheila Nutbeam & Kerrie from Kingston-upon-Thames GR, Margaret Mardell from Rochester, Hazel Cross from Evesham Merseyside David Bennett & Norma from Birkenhead L, Cath Myall from Lymm, Gail Winnett from Birmingham Heather Comerford & Hettie from Warrington GRxL, Donna Raschke from Newton-leWillows, Betty Carins from Wirral, Jane Chance from Kidderminster Chris Copeman & Pablo from Llandudno L, Allison King from Crewe, Barbara McMillan from Stratford-Upon-Avon Nigel Dunt & Denby from Menai Bridge GRxL, Annette Bastianelli from Dunfermline Mark William Evans & Andrea from Northwich L, Grace Caroline Jackson from Chorley, Sandra Hoffman from Coventry Hannah Fairclough & Josh from Crewe L, Jill Clyde from Sheffield, Dianne Merker from Malvern
David Froggatt & Gally from Liverpool GSD, Joan Grace from Liverpool, Mr & Mrs Tindall from Coventry Cathy Gardner & Emma from Liverpool GRxL, Margaret Balderson from Keighley, Dawn Collins from Telford Paul George & Jasper from Llandudno GRxFCR, Robert & Vera Gordon from Aberdeen, Mr & Mrs Rogers from Bromsgrove Angela Hassall & Mel from Crewe GRxL, Kathleen Batchelor from Manchester, Mr & Mrs Lyle from Warwick Jon Hastie & Alvi from Wirral LxGR, Anne Lifsey from Doncaster, Lynne Marie May from Northampton Colin Lamont & Onyx from Liverpool GRxL, Suzanne Wolstencroft from Leeds, Tracy Twomey from Leamington Spa Mary Moody & Hattie from Wirral LxGR, Janet Franklin from Saint Helens, Carol McAteer from Stourbridge Anne Morris & Honey from Rhyl GRxL, Maureen Chambers from Huddersfield, Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster Patrick Peters & Kane from Wrexham L, Doris Milligan from Clitheroe, VJ Addison from Rugby Martin Ralfe & Otto from Wirral L, Louise Pilling from Rochdale, Gail Cartwright from Chester, Barbara Roberts from Chester, S Yearsley from Northwich, Annette Mulcahy from Stratford-Upon-Avon Roy Robinson & Archie from Liverpool L, J Sudworth from Wigan, Sue Robinson from Worcester Ronnie Wynn Thomas & Wesley from Llangefni GRxL, Linda Judith Wilson from Knaresborough, Mr & Mrs Gowling from Coventry Jeanette Wagg & Zia from Birkenhead GRxL, Jennifer Higgins from Beeston, G Tookey from Warwick Karen Woods & Venice from Kirkby L, Elaine Hope from Whitley Bay Northern Ireland June Best & Alec from Craigavon GRxFCR, Diane Hankin from Kirkcaldy, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove David Glendinning & Lynn from Rathcoole GRxL, Lydia Martin from Aberdeen, Mr & Mrs Hanson from Coventry Diane Healey & Eric from Lisburn GRxGSD, Robert & Vera Gordon from Aberdeen Mary Hutcheson & Truffle from Belfast GR, Dawn Pirie from Aberdeen, Sarah Douglas from Bromsgrove Pauline McKenna & Yalena from Downpatrick L, Lisa Marland from Helensburgh, D Ward from Rugby Northumberland and Tyne and Wear
Lynda Rhodes & Nina from Hebburn L, Lana Brand from Carnoustie, Samantha Sarah Godley from Kirriemuir, Gail Winnett from Birmingham Dorothy Richardson & Terra from South Shields GR, COM Russell from Aberdeen, Sarah Douglas from Bromsgrove Bryan Robson & Vanya from Houghton Le Spring L, Catriona Rose from Edinburgh, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth Janet Rowe & Lana from Gateshead L, Zuzana Gibb from Greenlaw, Sarah Stanley from Rugby Steve Taylor & Tess from Washington L, Anna Temple from Forres, Mr & Mrs Watson from Leamington Spa Louise Thompson & Ursula from Hebburn L, Vida Anderson from Scone, Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton Sheffield Eric Brown & Ajax from Rotherham GRxFCR, Hilary Murray from Leyburn, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove Shrewsbury Kay Bailey & Rabbie from Stoke-on-Trent GRxL, Judith Evans from Edinburgh, Jackie Elliott from Warwick Vicky Evans & Jazz from Telford L, S Moss from Honiton, Donna Gillbee from Rugby David Heeley & Seamus from West Bromwich GSD, Marianne Taylor from Tranent, SH Cox from Axminster Amy Kettle & Connie from Halesowen GRxL, Nicola Suggitt from Frampton Cotterell, Mr & Mrs Thomas from Leamington Spa Betty Oldbury & Eadie from Tamworth GRxL, Tracey Hope from Solihull, Jackie Elliott from Warwick Colin Proudlock & Oakley from Stafford GRxL, Sue Herman from Warwick, Mr & Mrs Edwards from Leamington Spa David Reynolds & Kate from Stoke-on-Trent GR, Coral Williams from Evesham, Hazel Cross from Evesham Yvonne Smith & Betty from Halesowen GRxL, Frances Barnett from Market Harborough, Wendy Wright from Kettering, Liz Russell-Yard from Coventry Tracey Webb & Hattie from Burntwood LxGR, Jean Thorpe from Dronfield, Linda Holmes from Nottingham, Joy Dickinson from Abingdon Patrycja Zukrowska & Tessa from Wolverhampton GRxL, Victoria Hurst from Wrington, Cathy Simpson from Cheltenham Shires and London Boroughs Gary Ankin & Zag from Milton Keynes GRxL, Wendy Hartwell from Braintree, G Tookey from Warwick Lisa Hendy & Hilary from Reading GRxL, Helen Beije from Swindon, Tracey Silver from Didcot, Dianne Merker from Malvern
Liz Roe & Ice from Milton Keynes LxGR, Dr Linda Leon from Bishops Stortford, RC Soley from Redditch Colin Seymour & Zandra from High Wycombe L, Hazel Mander-Callaby from Royston, Pauline Goodrich from Leicester South of Scotland Nancy Blaik & Molly from Edinburgh GRxL, Kelly O’Keeffe from Bristol, Linda Vafidis from Bridgend, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Helen Borthwick & Dixie from Duns LxGR, Liz Watson from Lancaster, Pauline Vining from Alcester Iain Cochrane & Owen from Cumnock GRxL, Allan Mackay from Glasgow, Tracy Twomey from Leamington Spa Leigh Davis & William from Oxgangs FCRxGR, Mr & Mrs Kelly from Alloa, Linda Mallette from Worcester Lynn Gordon & Jeannie from Bellshill GRxL, Karen Brown from Edinburgh, Elaine Roberts from Stourbridge Patricia Maison & Todd from Edinburgh GR, Ruth & Iain Coker from North Berwick Andrew McNeill & Lez from Edinburgh L, Elizabeth Apsley from Lisburn, Marion Vernall from Ledbury Amanda Mulvanny & Debbie from Edinburgh GRxL, Bill & Joyce Auld from Glasgow, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Jessie Quin & Trent from Edinburgh GR, M Levein from Kirkcaldy, Sarah & Craig Ramage from Forfar, Shiela & Peter Halley from Saint Andrews David Shearer & Pearce from Melrose L, Wendy Nicol Bruce from Inverurie, Sandra Boden from Rugeley Jane Stevenson & Daisy from Troon LxGR, Sharon Murray from Bangor, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry Southampton David Daniels & Irwin from Portsmouth LxGR, Patricia Booth from Lutterworth, RC Soley from Redditch Sarah D’Souza & Crystal from Chippenham L, Yvonne Kidd from Solihull, Mr & Mrs Wyatt from Leamington Spa Margaret Hill & Ollie from Swanage GRxL, Susan Orrill from Nuneaton, VJ Addison from Rugby Ian Morris & Gunner from Portsmouth GRxL, George Odell from Chelmsford, Mr & Mrs Lockley from Leamington Spa Margaret Salt & Tish from Romsey L, Elaine Clydesdale from Stirling, Peter & Christina Clinton from Hinckley Peter Sheath & Innis from Southampton LxGR, Mark Flannagan from Solihull, RC Soley from Redditch
Sue White & Mai from Portsmouth L, Val Rowe from Stafford, Madeline West from Heath Hayes, Sarah Stanley from Rugby Michael Wilkins & Pebble from Trowbridge L, Margaret Rhodes from Solihull, Sandra Boden from Rugeley Surrey and West Sussex Glenn Baldock & Arny from Epsom L, Diane Page from Clacton-on-Sea Andrew Emmett & Tasmin from Guildford GR, Kathleen Mason from Peterborough, Sarah Douglas from Bromsgrove Philip Indge & Lester from Surbiton GR, Mary Duffy from London Linda Lovatt & Kane from Croydon GRxL, Nikki Rodwell from Tunbridge Wells, Victoria Milligan from Henley-in-Arden Karen Matson & Wayne from Egham FCRxGR, Beverly Hill from Gillingham, Sue Langdon from Longfield, Linda Mallette from Worcester Janet Raybould & Eva from Horsham GRxFCR, Richard Bailey from Southampton, Mr & Mrs Rogers from Bromsgrove Meredith Vivian & Victor from Great Bookham L, Jean Beniston from Bognor Regis Gemma Williams & Reggie from Redhill GRxL, Christine Barlow from Harlow, Maureen Osman from Sevenoaks, Ann-Marie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster Teeside, Durham and North Yorkshire Elaine Badrick & Jodi from Pity Me GR, Gillian Santos from Musselburgh, Gill McDowell from Holmfirth Deborah Calvert & Harvest from Guisborough GRxL, Daniel McKeeman from Dunfermline, Nicola & Ian Roberts from Craven Arms Luke Hewitt & Riva from Durham LxGR, Morag Thomson from Aberlour, Sally Barsby from Buckingham Lisa Oram & Norton from Spennymoor LxGR, Caroline Horn from Glasgow, Carol McAteer from Stourbridge Louise Sutherland & Amos from Saltburn-By-The-Sea GRxFCR, Sarah Anderson from Dunfermline, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove Paul Whiting & Iain from Hartlepool LxGR, Betty Brown from Melrose, RC Soley from Redditch Warwickshire Simmone Gould & Lyle from Solihull GRxL, Joanne Catherine Smith from Saint Helens, Gillian Pay from Frodsham, Mr & Mrs Hanson from Coventry Josie Head & Bruce from Northampton GRxL, Gillian Baggen from Nuneaton, Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster Stephen Illidge & Vinny from Chorley L, Steve Ball from Coventry, Erica Dowse from Coventry
Peter Keeley & Jet from Hinckley L, Michael Clifford from Neath, Gail Winnett from Birmingham Ryan Kelly & Marley from Nuneaton L, Hamid Shadrokh-Cigari from Birmingham Tony Kimpton & Abba from Lancaster LxGR, Diane Godfrey from Holcombe, Samantha Reid from Chipping Norton Sandeep Leighs & Venice from Leicester L, Nicola Kynaston-Pearson from Bampton George McKay & Woodie from Corby GRxL, Melissa Allen from Bristol, Mr & Mrs Taylor from Coventry Katie Meakin & Lance from Coventry GRxL, Gillian Sheppard from Barnstaple, Sandra Boden from Rugeley, Angela Rattray & Ushka (Oscar) from Solihull LxGR, Iain Lonsdale from Corsham, Pam Kimmins from Birmingham Jane Thompson & Jarvis from Northampton GR, Brenda Thomson from Sutton Coldfield, Gill McDowell from Holmfirth West of Scotland Isobel Brown & Betsy from Thurso GR, Sandra Brand from Laurencekirk Michael Davies & Sharpe from Inverness LxGR, Patricia M Brown from Dundee, Neil & Carol Wood from Dundee, Mr & Mrs Walker from Sutton Coldfield Joyce Macpherson & Queenie from Glasgow GR, Grace Brock from Dunfermline, Elizabeth Henry from Leamington Spa Angela McInnes & Kai from Glasgow GR, Peggy & Tony Thornton from Tillicoultry Brian McRoberts & Davey from Glasgow GR, Carol Bruce from Prestwick, Mr & Mrs Clarke from Brierley Hill Pamela Moore & Eddy from Glasgow L, Rachael Cumming from Brechin, Mr & Mrs Platt from Solihull Diane Pender & Marvel from Hawick GR, Irene Dreghorn from Glasgow, Joyce Bartlett from Rugby West Yorkshire Jane Brown & Hazel from Hebden Bridge GRxL, Helen Plowman from York, Nicola & Ian Roberts from Craven Arms Pauline Macdonald & Alex from Leeds GR, Peter Hulme from Northwich Peter Melling & Zimba from Halifax GRxL, Dennis Harrison from Rotherham, G Tookey from Warwick Norma Robertson & Paige from Leeds L, Lynn Maule from Nottingham, Sandra Boden from Rugeley Mandy Schofield & Wendie from Bradford GRxL, Karen Dawn Reynolds from Altrincham, Mr & Mrs Coughlan from Rugby Paula Webster & Venice from Keighley L, Susan Lendrem from Hartlepool, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
Angela Wright & Della from Pontefract GRxL, Chris Howes from Altrincham, Adele Sullivan from Banbury Worcester Stephen Beard & Astra from Hereford GRxFCR, Alison Jordan from Stafford, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove Claire Belham & Zoe from Droitwich L, Mr & Mrs Dodds from Kirkcaldy, Jean Short from Milton Keynes Scott Bishop & Watson from Birmingham GR, Norma Stent from Bath, Mr & Mrs Powell from Coalville Paul Farmer & Grant from Gloucester LxGR, Mary Robertson from Birmingham, Pauline Goodrich from Leicester Lee Greatbatch & Darby from Worcester GRxL, Diana Molcher from Kettering, Trudy Evans from Coventry Sharon Jones & Rosey from Kempsey GR, Tracey Woodhouse from Weston-Super-Mare, Isobel Cooper from Bristol, H Ablett from Kenilworth Daniel Ryan McCarlie & Larry from Hereford LxGR, Bernadette Dornan from Solihull, Mr & Mrs Warner from Pershore Paul Nicholls & Kinsey from Birmingham GR, Rachel Tobin from Malvern, Hazel Cross from Evesham Eileen Poole & Jade from Birmingham GRxL, Christine Blandford from Tavistock, Phil Revill from Southam David Vincent & Gilbert from Evesham GRxL, Matti Prow from Newton Abbot, Mr & Mrs Lockley from Leamington Spa Selena Williams & Sonny from Gloucester GRxL, Nicole Richards from Birmingham, Molly McDonnell from Warwick Autumn 2011 partnerships The guide dog owners’ names in the following partnerships were missed from the Autumn 2011 edition. Bedfordshire and Herts Nikki Allan-Dan & Rita from London Emma Handford & Odene from Watford Bristol Colin Barnett & Volley from Penzance Wendy Evans & Ingrid from Exeter Michael Linford Stafford & Yuma from Bristol Rachael Elizabeth Williams-Locke & Keeley from Bristol Thelma Youd & Drew from South Gloucestershire Central London Sue Bott & Faith from London Barry Hopcroft & Marley from London Noula Insole & Jamie from London Lisa Keys & Barney from London Christophe Lesieur & Molly from London Larry McAspurn & Flax from London
Artur Ortega & Mercer from London Andrew Palmer & Wickes from London Martin Roberts & Vikki from Ipswich Lesley Royan & Tara from Wantage Teresa Williams & Olive from London Cumbria and Lancashire Bob Clegg & Domino from Burnley Susan Devine & Faldo from Leyland Gail Guest & Yasmin from Leyland Kimberley Hetherington & Cindy from Carlisle Carl Ibison & Piper from Thornton-Cleveleys Dorothy Rimmer & Vargo from Ormskirk Norman Seed & Patch from Morecambe Derek Vaughan & Bonnie from Penrith Andrew Wade & Macca from Fleetwood East Anglia Kelly Kirk & Una from Thetford Merry Manley & Kaiser from Lowestoft Siobhan Meade & Mac from Great Yarmouth Teresa Skurek & Ned from Kings Lynn Jayne Stone & Finley from Great Yarmouth Robert Watson & Millie from Ely East Midlands Edwin Brown & William from Grantham Mary Clark & Parker from Boston Alan Crowther & Ellis from Derby Christopher Fielding & Shadow from Nottingham Peter Halford & Dibble from Boston Olive Pitt & Faith from Rotherham Graeme Tranter & Odina from Derby Wilma Tummond & Millie from Chesterfield East Scotland Miles Graham Butcher & Billy from Kirkcaldy Morag Denholm & Urma from Bathgate Fiona Garner & Cally from Denny Eleanor Jardine Conacher Mason & Yasmin from Alloa Gordon Joseph McNeil & Ryley from Denny William Duncan Sharkey & Lily from Aberdeen Lee Ann Stewart & Quaver from Dunfermline Angela Wales & Uffa from Glasgow Pauline Watson & Karlie from Clydebank Exeter Rose Hewitt & Peter from Paignton Steven Hicks & Robin from Redruth Donald Jackson & Spirit from Paignton Rosie Keast & Yolande from Plymouth Adrian Sparkes & Gloria from Exeter John Went & Yvette from Exeter Greater Manchester Anthony Alfred Bolton & Angus from Bolton Beth Rogan & Amber from Manchester Margaret Anne Stockdale & Karena from Darwen Kent and East Sussex Edward Brewer & Yozie from Merstham
Sue Carden-Price & Jules from Canterbury Cindy Fendt & Kyle from Deal Anthony Jeffery & Skipper from Sevenoaks Lewis March & Barry from Ramsgate Ioanna Nomikoy & Elsie from Sittingbourne Merseyside George Griffiths & Albert from Crewe Harry Jones & Veda from Wirral Andrew Parkinson & Farley from Crewe Peter Potter & Cooper from Northwich Mary Simpson & Kay from Liverpool Northern Ireland Kevin Gormley & Imogen from Omagh Amanda Hanna & Questa from Gilford Vicky Kyle & Ivy from Larne Leonard Makuch & Azra from Enniskillen Elaine Orwin & Chaz from Bangor Helen Russell & Uschie from Belfast George Sloan & Greg from Newtownabbey Northumberland & Tyne and Wear Joan Carr & Voss from Ashington Julie De Paulle & Umber from Blyth Peter Duddy & Luke from Wallsend Barbara Howe & Truffle from Bedlington Susan Williamson & Neena from Houghton-le-Spring Sheffield Rob Arrowsmith & Forrest from Doncaster Toni Brown-Griffin & Hetty from Tunbridge Wells Beryl Sharp & Quaver from Barnsley Shrewsbury Stella Brough & Sherie from Willenhall Christine Hancock & Teresa from Wolverhampton Andy Lovell & Pippin from Newcastle Nicola Wright & Lara from Wolverhampton Shires and London Boroughs Sally Davies & Chris from Didcot Graham Henley & Rory from Hayes Karen Jones & Henry from Thatcham Susan Mary Ross & Bryn from Newport Pagnell Yvonne Souch & Tilly from Witney Alan Weaver & Betsy from Milton Keynes Lena Welch & Texan from Milton Keynes South of Scotland Jessica Anne Tuomela & Glacier from Edinburgh Caroline Currie & Travis from Sanquhar Patrick Duffy & Yoko from Cumbernauld Edmund Dunlop & Irenie from Prestwick Dakpa Gyaltsan & Chris from Dumfries Dianne Theakstone & Eddy from Gartcosh Southampton Freda Allen & Tish from Southampton Liz Banbury & Katie from Eastleigh Julia Barry & Isla from Basingstoke
Linda Bowers & Yarna from Poole Anthony Bristowe & Nimmo from Bradford-on-Avon Malcolm Cripps & Greg from Portsmouth Carolyn Exley & Finch from Southsea Ashley Eden Guerin & Diesel from Melksham Diana Mansfield & Katie from Swindon Rose Perrett & Kenna from Salisbury Michelle Waters & Bill from Eastleigh Surrey and West Sussex Michael Adams & York from Morden David Keith & Dion from Wallington Margaret Nutter & Sharna from Lancing Robert A Privett & Kyra from Epsom Jeffrey Stockwell & Quinta from Guildford Teeside, Durham and North Yorkshire Tina Dodd & Smartie from Scarborough Beryl Garnham & Tammy from Chester-le-Street Karen Hamill & Paris from Peterlee Christine Kay & Sula from Darlington David Pritchard & Isaac from Leyburn Betty Sullivan & Elni from Middlesbrough Dennis Varley & Ward from Middlesbrough Hilda Watts & Flora from Hartlepool Warwickshire Benjamin Dickson & Erwin from Leicester Vaughan Rees & Waldo from Warwick West of Scotland Stephen Flett & Tyler from Glasgow Reverend Robert Hetherington & Tetley from Paisley Irene Love & Rilla from Grantown-on-Spey Joy Roberts & Velvet from Aviemore Rubina Shah & Kassie from Glasgow Agnes Steel & Maisie from Helensburgh Barbara Whiting & Veda from Hamilton West Yorkshire Hilary Adolfson & Trent from Leeds Helen Davies & Tasmin from Bradford Caroline Levitt & Nell from Hebdon Bridge Christine Newcombe & Miller from Paignton Emma Oldfield & Yardley from Wakefield Rudy Ruddock & Captain from Leeds David Walker & Flora from Pontefract Worcester Doreen Butt & Kirima from Cheltenham Patricia Chapman & Anabel from Stroud Jim Doyle & Wilt from Broadway Joanne Doyle & Olive from Birmingham Marie England & Brittany from Hereford Clare Finnimore & Rhian from Cirencester Ashley Greenaway & Amos from Birmingham Dianne Harrington & Kaylea from Tewkesbury Michael Jones & Garner from Droitwich Carole Smith & Tommy from Evesham Ray Smith & Hedley from Broadway Michael Stayte & Duggie from Cheltenham
Philip Taylor & Garth from Gloucester Breeding stock Elcie, 07.11.11, GR, Bitch, Mrs S Bradburn-Vazquez from Stafford, Mrs P Hall from Bideford Floss, 08.12.11, L, Bitch, Mrs B Wilkinson from Pershore, Mr & Mrs RJ Widdows from York Fran, 07.11.11, L, Bitch, Mrs B Wilkinson from Pershore, Mr & Mrs Coker from North Berwick Fudge, 07.11.11, L, Bitch, Mrs B Wilkinson from Pershore, Mrs J Wright from Romford Jem, 07.11.11, GRxL, Bitch, Mrs C Bloxham from Worcester, Mr CG Herbert from Glasgow Jem, 08.12.11, L, Bitch, Mrs S Higgins from Milton Keynes, Mrs J Thomas from Tillicoultry Jodi, 17.11.11, L, Bitch, Mrs S Higgins from Milton Keynes, Mrs M Whatley from Dartford Johnson, 17.11.11, L, Stud, Mrs S Higgins from Milton Keynes, Miss D Reynolds from Bromsgrove Kallie, 05.10.11, L, Bitch, Mr D Yarwood from Birmingham, Mr GJ McGregor from Tayport Keeley, 05.10.11, L, Bitch, Mr D Yarwood from Birmingham, Mrs D Molcher from Kettering Kessler, 05.10.11, L, Stud, Mr D Yarwood from Birmingham, Miss A Durbidge from Arbroath Kirsty, 07.11.11, L, Bitch, Mr D Yarwood from Birmingham, Mrs S Nason from Southam Lola, 05.10.11, L, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Mercer from Warwick, Mr B Roberts from Walsall Lucy, 05.10.11, L, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Mercer from Warwick, Mrs H Gray from Westhill Molly, 08.12.11, L, Bitch, Mrs M Lawrence from Kidderminster, Mr & Mrs G Danskin from Edinburgh Sugar, 07.11.11, L, Bitch, Mrs R Bagley from Coventry, Mr S Calder from Bury Saint Edmunds Vasco, 07.11.11, GR, Stud, Mrs S Bradburn-Vazquez from Stafford, Mr S Farren from Sittingbourne Westley, 07.11.11, L, Stud, Mrs R Bagley from Coventry, Mr D Yale from Gillingham Willow, 07.11.11, L, Bitch, Mrs R Bagley from Coventry, Ms K Henry from Birmingham Zoe, 05.10.11, GRxL, Bitch, Mrs CE Turton from Solihull, Mr WD Macdonald from West Calder Zoe, 07.11.11, LxGR, Bitch, Mr & Mrs DM Field from Warwick, Mrs P Parker from Cambridge
Zukie, 07.11.11, LxGR, Bitch, Mr & Mrs DM Field from Warwick, Mrs N Neesam from Livingston Brood stock focus Volunteer brood stock holder and puppy walker John Marchant, from Milton Keynes, got in touch to share some of his photos of guide dog mum Peg and her two litters of pups. Peg has had two litters, with 2010’s being a large brood of 10 pups and a K litter (meaning that most of the pups’ names started with the letter K). Her second litter was of six pups in September 2011 and included puppy Warwick, named by Warwick District Council. John said: “Fortunately, we have not lost any and as far as I know they are all well and healthy. I wholeheartedly agree that the first two weeks are relatively easy and then the fun starts! Ultimately though, I find it enjoyable and rewarding. We are also extremely well supported by staff at the National Breeding Centre at Tollgate, in our case by Alice and Amy.” To visit more of John’s photos, visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/guidedogsUK. Included within this article there is a photograph of a tiny yellow Labrador puppy, being held up to the camera. Forward Magazine - Spring 2012 Close.
