FORWARD: Summer 2013
Guide Dogs presents the Summer 2013 issue of Forward, the magazine of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Instructions
The list of contents following this paragraph uses hyperlinks within the titles – if you press enter whilst the cursor is within the text of the article title you will be taken straight to the beginning of that article. If you are using a mouse, press control and then right click on the title to use the hyperlink. To return to the contents use alt and left arrow, alternatively if your version of word does not support this there is a hyperlink back to the contents at the end of each article. All subheadings in articles are preceded with ++ if you would like to tab through an article by the subheadings you can type ++ into the search and reach each heading by pressing enter.
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 official Guide Dogs magazine
Major the flying guide dog The sky’s the limit for Mike and his dog
Guide Dogs Annual Awards Who will you nominate?
Guide Dogs in the media Our exciting new feature
Also inside: Gearing up for Guide Dogs Week 2013 70 years of Forward Name a Puppy: number 1,000 Go Walkies - meet our new mascot Contents
The contents, in order, are as follows:
Regulars - Welcome
Regulars - The Team
Regulars - News Success at Crufts Road to Nowhere - shocking survey results
Regulars - View from the top Looking ahead with Guide Dogs’ CEO
Features - Guide Dogs in the media A round-up of our TV, radio and print coverage
Features - In for a Penny, in for a hound Name a puppy - number 1,000
Features - Guide Dogs Annual Awards Who will you nominate?
Regulars - A day in the life of… Penny Davies, guide dog owner and planning inspector
Features - Go Walkies Say hello to Clover, our new mascot
Features - My Guide is changing lives Meet the people making the difference
Features - Seventy years of Forward A journey back in time
Regulars - Your letters Features - Major the flying guide dog A transatlantic partnership
Regulars - What’s on? Guide Dogs Week special
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
Regulars - Contact Details
People and dogs - New partnerships
Please recycle this magazine [Back to contents]
Welcome
Editor’s welcome
This year marks Forward’s 70th birthday. It’s amazing to think that the magazine has been published, year in, year out, since 1943, telling readers about Guide Dogs and encouraging them to support our life-changing work. Why not read our retrospective for more information click here - there are some great quotes and photos from past editions.
One thing that hasn’t changed over the last seventy years is the incredibly hard work of our volunteers, our supporters and, of course, our dogs. We’ll be celebrating them all at the Guide Dogs Annual Awards and we need your help - find out how to make your nominations by clicking here.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one edition, you can also read about this year’s Guide Dogs Week which, with your help, we’re going to make bigger and better than ever.
We’re hoping to make a real splash in the media with both the Awards and Guide Dogs Week and, if our recent record is anything to go by, we should get some really good coverage - click here for our new feature on Guide Dogs in the media to find out what I mean!
I hope you enjoy this edition of Forward. Who knows, after our long winter you might even be able to read it in the sunshine.
Tracey Gurr Editor
Tracey Gurr is pictured at the start of this section. Tracey has short brown hair and is wearing a black top underneath a black jacket, with a blue, white and green patterned scarf around her neck. Tracey is looking at the camera and smiling. [Back to contents]
The Team
Editor: Tracey Gurr Editorial Line: 0118 9838811
Contributors: Fiona MacAulay, Annabel Williams, James Kell, Lucy Llewelyn, Hannah Vickers, Hannah Robertson
Designed by: Guide Dogs http://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 http://www.guidedogs.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
(Copyright) 2010 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979)
On the front cover is a photograph of Mike Boardman and his guide dog, Major. Mike is wearing a dark grey t-shirt, with black trousers. Major is a black Labrador-retriever cross. Mike and Major have been photographed at Aeros Flying School. Mike is crouching down next to Major, smiling at the camera. Major is wearing his high visibility working harness.
The main caption on the cover reads: “Major the flying guide dog… The sky’s the limit for Mike and his dog.”
The Guide Dogs’ logo is pictured on the bottom right hand side of the page, the logo is a blue shield with the text “GUIDE DOGS” written in white, with a picture of a person walking a guide dog, also in white. [Back to contents]
News
++Buses put people with sight loss on a “road to nowhere” Guide Dogs’ latest bus passenger survey reveals that a shocking 54 per cent of people who are blind or partially sighted have missed their bus stop because drivers have refused to agree to tell them when they reached their destination, an increase from last year’s results. Our “Road to Nowhere” Report illustrates people with sight loss are experiencing serious problems with the accessibility of buses; many are left feeling isolated as they then choose not to travel by bus. Installing audio visual announcements would greatly help passengers feel more confident going out and about on their own by bus. That’s why we’re asking the Government and local bus providers to create more “talking buses” across the UK. Find out how you can help our campaign by visiting http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/talkingbuses Included here is a photograph of a Guide Dog owner and his guide dog travelling on a bus, the guide dog is sitting patiently at his owner’s feet. There are also other passengers on the bus, sitting in various seats.
++Guide Dogs goes to school Our new Guide Dogs @ School Puppy Resources pack is now available at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/schools. It’s a great way to encourage primary school children to experience the world through someone else’s eyes and to find out how they can help our young pups become life-changing guide dogs.
Pictured here is a screen shot of the Guide Dogs’ website, the screen is the “Puppy resources” page.
++…and to Wales You can now find out everything about Guide Dogs in Wales on its own dedicated website pages. Visit Guide Dogs Cymru at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogs-cymru/ or type “Cymru” into the Guide Dogs website search box.
Included here is a screen shot of the Guide Dogs’ website pages for Wales, the screen is the “Volunteering” page.
++New ID book for guide dog owners Guide dog owners, along with all other assistance dog owners, will receive a new document in the coming year to support their legal right to access goods and services when accompanied by their dog. Coloured yellow and about the size of a passport, the Assistance Dogs UK ID book features guidance and information on the rights of assistance dog owners. It aims to help service providers, such as airport staff and restaurant owners, when they are giving access to partnerships trained by recognised Assistance Dogs UK organisations.
Pictured here is a Guide Dog owner and his guide dog, sitting in a restaurant. The man is holding up his new yellow ID book. His guide dog is sitting patiently at his side.
++National Breeding Centre - could you be a patron? In the two years since we opened our National Breeding Centre we have already bred more than 2,600 puppies. These puppies will enable us to help even more people who are blind or partially sighted people to lead independent lives.
Guide Dogs is appealing for new patrons to donate an annual gift of £1,000 to help meet the centre’s £2.5 million annual running costs. Patrons receive regular progress reports and have the opportunity to visit the centre and meet puppies, as well as having their name engraved on the wall.
To find out more, please call 0118 9838350 or e-mail [email protected]
Included here is a picture of a tiny yellow Labrador puppy, the puppy is looking up towards the camera.
++Happy reunion in Cardiff They say elephants never forget - and the same goes for guide dogs, according to one Cardiff puppy walker. Helen Jenkyn enjoyed a trip down memory lane with Leo, the pup she and her family helped shape into a working guide dog.
After puppy walking and training, Leo was partnered with Sue Taylor of Bridgend, who gives Helen regular updates on Leo.
Sue said: “I’m so grateful to Helen and her husband Roger. They’ve done a brilliant job with Leo and I can’t thank them enough.”
Helen and Roger were delighted when Sue brought Leo back to Cardiff to see them. “He hadn’t changed much,” said Helen. “He was excited and remembered everything. Leo’s the perfect dog for Sue and has given her back her independence.”
Pictured here is Helen Jenkyn and her family, with Guide Dog Leo. Leo is sitting patiently between Helen’s husband, Roger and their son.
++Crufts success Guide Dogs wowed Crufts this year, demonstrating our work to thousands of people in the main arena. We also helped visitors to the Guide Dogs stand get a better understanding of what it’s like to live with sight loss as they took a walk through our “sensory tunnel” which simulates the experience of being blind. One visitor, Bianca, 23, said: “My brother is partially sighted and this tunnel actually made me realise how difficult his life is and what he has to cope with”. Thanks to all the staff, volunteers, supporters - and, of course, dogs - who made Crufts such a success for us this year. You can check out a video of the Guide Dogs demonstrations on the video section of our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/guidedogs.uk
Included here is a photograph of Lucy, a yellow Labrador, wearing her purple volunteering coat and lying on the ground at Crufts. The caption reads: “Lucy, a guide dogs brood bitch, takes Crufts in her stride”.
++A first for local justice Accompanied by his guide dog, Wanda, Paul Millross has become the first visually impaired magistrate at the Sussex Courts and he says the support he has received to enable him to do the job has been “stunning”. Seeing justice done is important to Paul. “As a visually impaired person you come across a lot of injustice in your life,” he explains.
++Awards galore! New Year’s Honour for Margaret Guide dog owner Margaret Cowie, from Glasgow, has been awarded the OBE for “charitable services to blind and sight impaired people.” She was nominated by her employer, Barclays, where she has worked for the past 24 years and is a well-known and respected activist and fundraiser. About receiving the award she said: “I really didn’t expect it but obviously I am delighted.”
Pictured here is Margaret and her sixth guide dog Sage, Margaret and Sage have been photographed at the award ceremony. Margaret is wearing a black skirt suit with a light blue blouse. Sage is a small yellow Labrador.
++Puppy walker in award finals Penny Parker, puppy walker and chair of the East and Mid Suffolk branch, was a finalist in the Charity Staff and Volunteer Awards earlier this year in the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year category. The awards celebrate outstanding dedication and achievements made by charity staff and volunteers across the UK. Congratulations, Penny!
Included here is a photograph of puppy walker Penny Parker, Penny is wearing a yellow Guide Dogs’ t-shirt and is holding one of the many guide dog puppies she has walked.
++Pride of Bath Many congratulations to tireless Guide Dogs volunteers Norma and Derek Stent, who were voted Community Champions of the Year in the Pride of Bath Awards. Norma and Derek very generously donated the £150 prize money to Guide Dogs.
++Visions of the Past Three guide dog owners feature in “Visions of the Past”, a social history of sight loss in Hampshire which includes a book, an audio book, a film and an exhibition. Tom from Southampton, Supriya from Aldershot and Richard from Fareham share their fascinating and sometimes dramatic stories. For more information please visit http://www.opensight.org.uk
Pictured here is Tom with his guide dog Brunel & retired guide dog Lloyd. They are all sitting in the garden together.
++A season ticket for two Wigan Warriors rugby club have given lifelong supporter Andy Parkinson an extra seat with his season ticket to give guide dog Farley more room. They also invited Andy to the stadium so that he could familiarise himself with the ground and choose the most suitable seats. What service!
Included here is a photograph of Shaun Wane, Wigan Warriors coach, and Guide Dog owner Andy Parkinson with his guide dog Farley, sitting in the stadium. Andy is wearing his Wigan Warriors rugby shirt. Farley is a yellow Labrador cross retriever, who is sitting patiently at Andy’s feet.
++Guide Dogs backs proposed law change on dangerous dogs In April the Government announced plans to change the law to treat attacks on guide dogs more seriously, thanks in no small part to the hard work of our campaigners.
In another success for our dog attacks campaign, attacks on guide dogs and other assistance dogs will be explicitly covered by dangerous dogs legislation for the first time. Under plans announced in the draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill, the owner, or person in charge, of a dog that attacks an assistance dog can be prosecuted.
Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive, Richard Leaman, said: “Guide Dogs welcomes any measures that will treat attacks on guide dogs more seriously. On average, eight guide dogs are attacked by other dogs every month. There must be better protection for guide and other assistance dogs and irresponsible dog owners must be held to account.”
The news comes after a committee of MP’s recommended in February that an attack on a guide dog should be treated as an aggravated attack on its owner. It was also announced earlier this year that all dogs in England must be microchipped from April 2016.
To find out how you can help with our campaigning work, please visit http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns
Pictured here is a solid blue image of a young girl kneeling down, stroking a dog. ++Goodbye to Graham Guide Dogs is saying farewell to Graham Smith, Director of Mobility Services. Graham joined Guide Dogs in 1975 as an Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. He has worked tirelessly to enhance the freedom and independence of people who are blind or partially sighted and will be greatly missed by staff, supporters and service users when he retires later this month.
Included here is a photograph of Graham Smith, Graham is wearing a pink, white & blue pin- striped shirt, and is smiling at the camera. [Back to contents]
View from the top
View from the top Chief Executive Richard Leaman shares his views
As I write this, there’s a real buzz of excitement at Guide Dogs. We have so much to look forward to and a lot of good news has recently come our way.
Firstly, we were delighted in April when the Government announced plans to change the law on dangerous dogs, specifically recognising the bond between guide dogs and their owners. Under the proposals, people whose dogs attack guide dogs or other assistance dogs could be prosecuted - a real step forward for our campaign.
We’re also moving forward in our work with the National Blind Children’s Society, finding out how our two organisations can come together to provide more and better services for children and young people who are blind or partially sighted. Trustees of both organisations are in formal discussions about how we can best join forces - we’ll keep you posted on developments.
Our new structure for making sure our service users’ views are heard is well on its way. The new approach centres on our 20 Mobility Teams; each Mobility Team Service User Representative (MTSUR) will become an integral part of their team, engaging with managers, staff and volunteers, influencing change at a local level and ensuring the interests of all service users are represented.
Finally, I’m really looking forward to some key events later in the year. As you’ll read elsewhere in the magazine, Guide Dogs Week 2013 is set to make a real splash this autumn, and the Guide Dogs Annual Awards in December are going to reach new heights of glamour and excitement. I hope you’ll all get involved in helping to make these events a success. Pictured within this article is a photograph of Richard Leaman. Richard is crouching next to a guide dog puppy and smiling at the camera. Richard has grey hair and is wearing a light blue shirt under a grey suit with a light green tie. [Back to contents]
Guide Dogs in the media
Guide Dogs in the media
TV, radio and the print media are all vital to raising awareness of Guide Dogs and our life- transforming work. We work very hard to get high quality coverage, both nationally and locally - and we’ve brought you some of our recent highlights.
++Secret life of dogs - ITV1 Guide Dogs volunteers, staff, dog owners and puppies all made an appearance in a one-off documentary for ITV1. The programme, narrated by actor and dog lover Martin Clunes, gave a unique and revealing insight into man’s best friend. We worked with Oxford Scientific Films, the production company behind The Secret Life of Dogs, for several months to help them shoot the footage of our guide dog puppies.
Included within this section is an advert for ITV1’s “Secret Life of Dogs”, the advert contains a photograph of a bearded collie shaking, after running around on the beach and in the sea.
++Chat To help everyone get into the Valentines spirit, we shared the story of Venice and Rodd, two guide dogs who fell head over paws in puppy love and in doing so brought their owners together too. We worked with the national real life magazine, “Chat”, to produce a two-page Valentines feature. Aaah!
++ITV Daybreak On a very serious note, on ITV Daybreak, guide dog owner Jemma Brown told the heart-breaking story of how her guide dog Gus had to be withdrawn following the impact of a series of dog attacks. Kirsty Necker from the Southampton Mobility Team joined Jemma on the sofa to talk about our dog attacks campaign and raise awareness of this important issue.
++The One Show BBC1’s early evening programme featured guide dog owner Joel Young and his dog, Atkins. Joel and Atkins were helping to raise money for Comic Relief by taking part in a dog show organised by TV personality Miranda Hart, as part of her Mad March Challenge. The pair were finalists in the musical sit competition.
++Daily Mirror The national daily featured guide dog owner John Tovey, who now has the confidence to get back into education, thanks to his guide dog, Dez. John and Dez were winners of last year’s Guide Dog of the Year award - for news of this year’s Guide Dogs Annual Awards, click here.
++Hello! Sky Sports Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pinkham spent the day with staff at our Leamington Guide Dog Training School and the National Breeding Centre to learn more about our work. She was accompanied by HELLO! Magazine which ran a two-page feature in their 25 February edition.
Pictured here are three photographs, the first photograph is of Natalie Pinkham taking part in a blindfolded walk, with a yellow Labrador carefully guiding Natalie along a path. The second photograph is of Natalie Pinkham and a little girl, they are stroking a yellow Labrador guide dog. The final photograph is the two-page feature in HELLO! Magazine. [Back to contents]
Name a puppy
In for a Penny, in for a hound
This spring Guide Dogs is delighted to announce that a grand total of 1,000 puppies have now been named by our supporters, thanks to their valiant fundraising efforts. So with great pleasure we now introduce you to Penny, the 1,000th pup!
Penny was named by the Foresters Friendly Society, a mutual insurance society, after they raised an incredible £100,000.01 for Guide Dogs. Penny, who was named after the 1p which sneaked onto the end of the £100,000 total, is the twenty-third puppy to be named by Foresters, joining Toby, Roxy, Patch, Rony, Rosie, Courtney, Jandy, Magic, Arthur and Richie, to name but a few.
In 2011, Foresters’ former High Chief Ranger, Richard Darlington, chose Guide Dogs as the Society’s national “charity of the year” for 2011-2012. They originally pledged between £30k and £50k in donations for the year but ended up raising their magnificent total of £100,000.01.
In addition to 23 puppies, Foresters have raised enough money to help support six buddy dogs. Richard said: “My wife, Doreen, and I started supporting Guide Dogs 24 years ago. As a printer by profession, I could think of nothing worse than losing one’s sight. Doreen loves anything to do with animals, so a charity for the blind that works with dogs became an obvious choice. The more you understand the training, and the love and support a guide dog gives to a person who is blind or partially sighted, the more you understand why a dog is man’s best friend.”
A name is the first gift a guide dog puppy receives and is a chance for you to become part of their life-changing story. It costs £7,000 to breed and puppy walk each guide dog pup and the lifetime cost of a guide dog is £50,000. Our Name a Puppy experience has three different levels: Walk, Learn and Guide.
Visit http://www.nameapuppy.org.uk to find out more.
Included within this article is a photograph of Penny, the 1,000th named puppy, at the National Breeding Centre. There are ten other photographs of Jandy, Richie, Toby, Rosie, Arthur, Patch, Rony, Roxy, Courtney and Magic, sitting in various positions, who have also been named by Foresters. All of the puppies are tiny yellow Labrador cross retrievers.
In previous editions of Forward we followed two puppies, Betty and Kelly, both named by Guide Dogs supporter Dorothy Wells. Dorothy said: “Naming puppies for Guide Dogs has been such a rewarding experience. So far almost all the pups I’ve named have been after my late sister Betty Kelly and I know that, like me, Betty would have loved seeing these tiny puppies grow up and qualify as life-changing guide dogs.” [Back to contents]
Guide Dogs Week Review
Guide Dogs Annual Awards Who will you nominate?
We’ve been celebrating our extraordinary guide dog partnerships through our annual awards for many years. It’s always an inspirational occasion and has the potential to be much more.
So, for the first time, this year it’s going to be a major fundraising event, showcasing all that’s great about Guide Dogs and raising money to help us continue our life-changing work.
We’re delighted to announce that Specsavers is our headline sponsor this year. There are also other opportunities for both individuals and companies to get involved as we’re selling tables and offering an exciting range of sponsorship packages. As well as the awards, there’ll be a dinner, dancing and an auction, all in the glamorous surroundings of the London Hilton Park Lane.
You can play your part in this amazing event, taking place on 11 December, by making a nomination in any of the award categories. Here’s how:
++Guide Dog of the Year Award There are three categories in this award for the year’s top dog - Outstanding Work, Beyond the Call of Duty and Life Changing. A winner will be chosen from each category and the overal Guide Dog of the Year will be selected from amongst them. Anyone can nominate a dog but it must be a fully qualified guide dog, currently working and expected still to be working in December 2013. For the Beyond the Call of Duty category, the heroic act or behaviour must have happened since 1 July 2012.
Pictured here is John Tovey and Dez - Guide Dog of the Year winner 2012. John is wearing a white shirt, with a blue and gold striped tie underneath a black suit jacket. John is holding up Dez’s award with his right hand, and hugging Dez, a black Labrador, with the other.
++Volunteer of the Year Award As for Guide Dog of the Year, there are three categories in this award - Fundraiser of the Year, Outstanding Dedication, and Young People. Again, a winner will be chosen from each of these three categories and the overall Volunteer of the Year will be selected from amongst them.
The Fundraiser of the Year award is for an individual fundraiser who has raised a significant amount of money, made innovations in fundraising or given special dedication to raising money for Guide Dogs between 1 July 2012 and 30 July 2013.
The Young People’s Award is for a young person or group of young people, aged between 14 and 25, who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to Guide Dogs between 1 July 2012 and 30 July 2013.
The Outstanding Dedication Award is for an individual or team of people who have excelled in working to raise funds, or in another voluntary role, such as puppy walking or driving, between 1 July 2012 and 30 July 2013.
Included here is a photograph of a German Shepherd guide dog, guiding their owner along a busy street. ++Inspirational Guide Dog Owner Award For a current guide dog owner (working with a guide dog since at least 1 July 2012) who has achieved something exceptional or overcome a significant challenge.
++Lifetime Achievement Award For a very special volunteer who over many years has given dedication to Guide Dogs and to helping people who are blind or partially sighted.
++Partner of the Year Award For an individual, company or other organisation that has worked successfully in partnership with Guide Dogs, making a valuable contribution towards improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted. It could be a local authority, for example, or a corporate sponsor.
++Breaking Down Barriers Award For an individual or organisation that has been active in breaking down the barriers that prevent people who are blind or partially sighted from getting out and about on their own terms, for example by improving access to shops or services, or campaigning for a change in the law.
Pictured here is a photograph of three people involved in the “Shared Street” campaign, they are standing outside a building, talking. They are all wearing campaign t-shirts and one is holding up a placard.
Young Person’s Achievement Award in association with The National Blind Children’s Society For individuals or groups of people between the ages of 14 and 25 who are blind or partially sighted, and who have contributed towards fundraising or other voluntary activities between 1 July 2012 and 30 July 2013.
How to make a nomination In 500 words or fewer, tell us why your chosen guide dog, person, team or organisation should win your chosen category. Your nomination must reach us by 30 July.
Please give your name, address, e-mail address and daytime phone number, and those of your nominee.
You can make your nomination through our website at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/awards or write to Guide Dogs Annual Awards, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG. For help making your nomination please call 0845 3727314. Included at the start of this article are two photographs, the first is of the banquet hall where the annual awards are being held, the room contains lots of tables, and is lit up by hundreds of candles and fairy lights. The second photograph is of a doorman at London’s Park Lane Hilton hotel, the doorman is holding up a tiny Labrador puppy. [Back to contents]
A day in the life of...
Penny Davies and her guide dog Jay Jay
Penny Davies and her guide dog Jay Jay travel the length and breadth of Wales thanks to Penny’s busy job as a planning inspector. Whether visiting someone’s home to assess their plans for a conservatory or inspecting a potential housing development, the 44-year-old from Pembrokeshire tells Forward how the duo take everything in their stride:
“My job covers a lot of different aspects, but mostly it involves making decisions on planning appeals. My site visits can be anything from a garage extension at someone’s house, to shopping developments or big industrial projects.”
“Jay Jay was a really good match. Everything about my job was made known to Guide Dogs and they found me a very versatile dog. He’s very intelligent and adaptable, which he has to be because he doesn’t follow the same routine every day.”
“Because my site visits take me all over Wales, I use public transport a lot, unless I have a colleague to drive me. I work at my desk at home for some of the week and try to do all my visits in one day. It can be really hectic, but I always walk Jay Jay before we head out and I always have some water for him on me. Sometimes we have to stay overnight in hotels, which can be difficult at times, but most of the time it’s not a problem.”
“When I visit different sites, I make it known beforehand that I’m coming with a guide dog, and the reaction I’ve had has been generally positive, although sometimes people are a bit surprised and ask questions about Jay Jay. I’ve had a couple of people say they don’t want Jay Jay in their house. If I have a driver, I can usually respect their wish, but when I’m on my own it’s impossible not to have him with me.”
“I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa around 20 years ago and my eyesight has deteriorated over time. I have very narrow vision now so without Jay Jay I’d be worried about tripping over things. However, within my field of vision I can see everything clearly and I use a scanning movement to ensure that I see everything I need to carry out my job.”
Pictured at the start of this article is a photograph of Penny Davies and her guide dog Jay Jay. Penny and Jay Jay are standing outside a house that Penny is assessing. Penny has mid-length blonde hair and is wearing a black coat. Jay Jay is a yellow Labrador.
There is also a quotation from Penny which reads: “Jay Jay gives me my independence and without him I wouldn’t be able to go out and do a job I love and one which gives me a great deal of pride and satisfaction.” [Back to contents]
Your Go Walkies
Go Walkies: word on the street...
Over the past couple of months lots of your dogs have been heroes for the day, getting sponsored to Go Walkies for Guide Dogs. We’ve loved your pictures and hearing your stories on Facebook, so please keep up the good work!
Included here is a photograph of the Go Walkies event in Weston-Super-Mare, with lots of dog owners and guide dog owners sitting in front of a Guide Dogs booth. The picture is courtesy of Weston Mercury.
++Old friends and new Go Walkies is all about making friends and having fun whilst raising money for Guide Dogs’ life- changing work. The Kennel Club has been a friend of Guide Dogs for some 30 years now and we are delighted they are now supporting Go Walkies. They will be finding more people and canine companions to take part in events, bringing us even closer to our goal of becoming the world’s largest dog walk.
Included here the kennel club logo. The kennel club logo is a green image of two dogs sat on their hind legs with one of their front paws on a circle, the text inside the circle reads: “Founded in 1873”. Beneath the image is the text “The Kennel Club” “Making a difference for dogs”.
++Introducing our new mascot We recently held a vote to name our new puppy mascot, kindly sponsored by Eukanuba, and we’re delighted to introduce guide dog puppy Clover. We’ll be following our lucky Clover’s progress every step of the way so keep checking for regular pupdates.
Pictured here is Guide Dogs’ new mascot, guide dog puppy Clover. Clover is a tiny yellow Labrador, she is sitting patiently on the floor, looking straight at the camera.
++Getting warmer The arrival of warmer weather (we hope!) is a great excuse to get out and enjoy the day with your four-legged friend. We have events being held at fantastic venues up and down the UK, ranging from Country Parks to National Trust properties and stunning coastal walks - you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Visit the website to search for your nearest event at http://www.gowalkies.org.uk or contact the team by e-mailing [email protected]
Alternatively you can call 0845 6006787.
Our bunny ears are this season’s must-have doggy accessory. If your dog has a pair, please share a photo on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/gowalkies
Included here is an image of a tan & white bulldog with its tongue hanging out of its mouth, the dog is wearing a pair of blue Guide Dogs bunny ears on its head. [Back to contents]
My Guide
My Guide is changing lives
My Guide aims to help people with sight loss get out of their homes and back into the community. The pilot scheme was launched by Guide Dogs in January 2011 in partnership with local community organisations. Since then, it’s been going from strength to strength.
The purpose of My Guide is to reduce the isolation many blind and partially sighted people experience, helping them rebuild their confidence and regain their independence. It works by giving volunteers, friends and family, and service providers - for example at hospitals and banks - sighted guiding skills they can use to help people with sight loss to get out and about more confidently. We’re hearing about many success stories, like Vincent Ridgewell from Ipswich. When Vincent and his partner moved to Ipswich, he became totally isolated as he was unfamiliar with the area and relied on his partner to take him out. Vincent was matched with My Guide volunteer, Barbora, after a visit from Sensing Change - a local Social Enterprise and one of our My Guide partner organisations - which works with people who have hearing or sight loss, or both.
When Barbora first met Vincent, his posture was poor and he barely made eye contact. Since then his confidence has soared. Together they’ve used public transport to go to the local blind society, where Vincent is learning to use specialist software. They’ve also visited the library and have plans for Barbora to introduce Vincent to a local cycling group and a rifle group.
A recent addition to My Guide is “Circle of Support” training, which gives friends, family and other contacts the skills they need to guide someone. Christine Evans had been guiding her husband, Barry, for several years but had never had any specific training. It wasn’t until she attended the training course that she could really put herself in Barry’s shoes. “My first thought when blindfolded was “this is what Barry’s got 24 hours a day for the rest of his life” and how isolated you feel,” says Christine.
Barry’s confidence has really increased thanks to the support his wife can now give him and he sums up the value of the Circle of Support training when he says: “This training gives you the basics so you can progress and develop to meet your own needs”. He and Christine both agree that, if you know anyone with sight loss, “the sooner you can lean the basics of sighted guiding, the better”.
It’s not only family members who can benefit from Circle of Support training - having friends as sighted guides is proving equally valuable: Alison Meade was finding that her friends would tend to lose concentration when guiding her. Since they completed the training she says: “Socially it has improved my life. It’s nice to be able to go out with someone and know you can have a conversation and be guided properly.”
For many people with sight loss, finding their way round new places can be very stressful, particularly coupled with, say, a hospital appointment. Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital has addressed that by having a team of volunteers trained to offer a sighted guide service. It’s already making a big difference. Clinical Nurse Specialist Jane Ludwig says: “It may not seem much but knowing a blind patient has someone with them, chatting and able to accompany them to their appointment is so vital.”
Pictured within this article are three photographs, the first photograph is of Alison with Sighted Guide Ambassador, Jennifer Oddy. Jennifer is helping to guide Alison and her yellow Labrador guide dog through a very busy supermarket. The second photograph is of Barry and his My Guide Christine. Christine is helping to guide Barry through a doorway. The final photograph is of Alison with Jennifer. Jennifer is helping to guide Alison and her guide dog into a café.
There is also a quotation from Vincent included within this article which reads: “I’ve been to places I would certainly not have gone to on my own, Barbora has inspired me with confidence and has encouraged me to join in social activities.”
++My Guide facts and figures Guide Dogs has trained more than 3,500 My Guide volunteers who help people with sight loss get out and about. Between them, they’ve helped blind and partially sighted people on over 5,000 occasions. In 2012, Guide Dogs worked with the organisers of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to provide around 1,500 Games Mobility volunteers trained in sighted guiding. Moving forwards, we’re encouraging retailers and transport providers to train their staff in sighted guiding through My Guide: Open for Business.
Included here is a solid blue image of someone being guided by a “My Guide” volunteer.
Want to find out more? Visit http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services/my-guide or call 0118 9838187. [Back to contents]
Past and present
70 years of Forward Amazingly, Forward celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. We journey back through the decades.
++1940’s - a brave start The first edition was published in 1943, at the height of World War Two. The editor reported: “It nearly didn’t appear at all...five high explosives landed within fifty yards of us.”
Pictured here is a 1940’s cover of Forward, the cover is an image of Margaret James and Gypsy going to work at Liverpool Royal Infirmary. Margaret James is wearing a nurse’s uniform, Gypsy is a German Shepherd. ++1950’s - Forward relaunched In the glamorous fifities, a guide dog owner gives her view on the benefits of a guide dog: “It is difficult for any woman to take a proper pride in her appearance if she knows her movements to be needlessly ungraceful. With a guide dog it is possible to go about at a brisk pace with a feeling of great ease.”
Included here is an image of a 1950’s cover of Forward, the cover is an image of Miss M I Cox with Moss. Miss Cox is being guided along a path by Moss, a retriever.
++1960’s - more about fundraising Forward gave more space to fundraising in the sixties, when the sponsored walk was still rather a novelty. “We hear the idea is now catching on with some upper age groups who want to prove they can go as fast and far as the “young ones”.”
Pictured here is a 1968 cover of Forward, the cover is an image of a young woman being guided through a park by a yellow Labrador guide dog.
++1970’s - royal guest at Forfar Forfar training centre was honoured with a visit from Her Majesty the Queen, who met guide dog owner Mary Stewart and her dog Crofta.
Included here is an image of a 1970’s cover of Forward. The cover is an image of Mary Stewart and guide dog Crofta, a yellow Labrador, when they met the Queen. The picture is entitled “A Royal Pat for Crofta”.
++1980’s - fifty years of Guide Dogs Guide Dogs celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1981. A souvenir edition featured a thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey and 2,000-strong parade in London.
Pictured here is a 1980’s cover of Forward, the cover is an image of the Jubilee thanksgiving service. The picture is entitled “A day to remember”.
++1990’s to today Since the 1990’s, Forward has been a dynamic colour magazine, reflecting the changes in Guide Dogs. There are new formats too: Braille has always been available but now it also comes in large print, CD and as a web download.
But has the key message changed? “I have my freedom and I can go out without feeling stressed…because she looks after me and keeps me safe.” This was written in 2007 but could have been penned 70 years ago. Forward may have changed; the stories of our life-changing work remain as dramatic and heartwarming as ever.
Included here is an image of the front cover of this issue of Forward. [Back to contents]
Letters
Your letters
Do you have any questions or comments for Forward? If so, please write to [email protected] or to Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG.
++Music to a pup’s ears I’ve been a keen supporter of your wonderful cause since I was seven when my school started to save up to buy a dog. This took us four years; we were able to name the dog (Cinders) and the blind man whose dog Cinders became talked to us school kids with Cinders there. We were able to ask him questions and, of course, to fuss the dog! I’m now pushing 60 and this is a childhood experience I’ve never forgotten.
Playing for my brass band (City of Cambridge Brass Band) at Tesco’s recently, four of your trainee puppies were there too, collecting for Guide Dogs, and the attached picture is of young Torch getting a rare and close-up insight into the world of brass band instruments. Thanks to Fran Dawson, Torch’s handler, for enabling this picture.
Thanks for your great work. Jeremy West
Pictured here is guide dog puppy Torch, looking inside Jeremy’s brass band instrument.
++Heartwarming bonds It must have been about 1957, when I was 12, that my mother brought her guide dog Duncan back from the Guide Dog Training Centre. During working hours he would accompany my mother on shopping trips, to church, and on the steam train to the Society for Romantic Novelists in London. For exercise, I would take him out in the fields behind our house or along the seafront.
I was reminded of all this by several items in the Spring 2013 issue of Forward. It was great to read of Luke’s relationship with Rags, and Gemma and Elliot encouraging children to read. It has been in the news lately that living with a dog can help bring down an adult’s blood pressure. But it is even more heartwarming to read of more instances of the natural rapport between dogs and children.
Cordially, Stephen Wells
++Elvis is in the building Thanks to Gerry Watkins for sending us this picture of himself with Elvis, a guide dog in training. Gerry is a volunteer boarder with Guide Dogs’ Liverpool Mobility Team. Boarders do a great job looking after trainee guide dogs in the evenings and at weekends.
Gerry was inspired by guide dog owners and Paralympians, Lora and Roy Turnham. As head of PE at their school, he was amazed at how well Lora’s dog, Libby, settled into school life and what a fantastic enhancement Libby was to Lora’s life. Some years later, Gerry had the opportunity to board Elvis, which he took up with great enthusiasm.
Included here is a photograph of volunteer boarder Gerry and trainee guide dog Elvis. Gerry and Elvis have been photographed standing at the top of a flight of stairs at the Guide Dogs’ centre.
++Spot the odd one out Thanks also to John Marchant, one of our invaluable volunteer brood bitch holders, for sending in this picture of the third litter of pups born to brood bitch Peggy. There’s always one, as they say…
Included here is a photograph of nine puppies born to Peggy. Eight of the tiny little Labrador puppies are yellow, and one is black. All the puppies are eating out of small bowls lined up on the floor. [Back to contents]
Special feature - Major the flying guide dog
Major the flying guide dog
Guide dogs are famous for taking things in their stride - but they usually have all four paws on the ground! Three-year-old Major proved just as steady in the air, when he accompanied his owner on a week-long business trip to the US.
When aircraft engineer Mike Boardman needed to travel to Philadelphia, he wanted black Labrador-retriever cross Major by his side. “It was essential to me that he came - I just don’t feel comfortable without him,” he explains.
Mike, from Newport, became a guide dog owner after two years using a cane. “I was missing approaching cars as I tried to cross the road, so I swallowed my machismo and applied. I used to be in the army, so getting a dog named Major was spooky!”
Mike needed approval from Guide Dogs to take Major on the flight. Preparations included additional insurance, vaccinations, and applying for the pet passport. “Everything must be right; accurate paperwork and consideration for the dog are key,” said Mike.
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Caroline Morton also took the pair for a “dry run” at Cardiff Airport. “Major didn’t flinch at the noise - he was just curious!” remembers Mike.
On the eight-hour flight, Major’s comfort and safety took priority. The shoulder and chest harness he wears on car journeys was kept on, with the lead loop attached to the normal lap belt. Mike was impressed with the BA cabin staff, who he says were “solicitous and discreet”.
“Major wasn’t stressed at all,” said Mike. “Exercise was limited to short walks in the aisle, but he could stretch out and I massaged him. When we landed he started working straight away! The noise and bustle at the airport didn’t bother him; people bumped into me but he was steady as a rock.”
Major adapted well to the new place, with no change from his normal working behaviour. “He remembered the route to the canteen after one go, and exhibited all the qualities you work towards with a guide dog. He was brilliant.”
The pair will now fly to the US every quarter. “It’s part of my job,” says Mike. “Does it hold any fears? No, because I know what’s coming, and that Major will be there.”
Included within this article are six photographs, the first photograph is of Mike Boardman and his guide dog, Major. Mike is wearing a dark grey t-shirt, with black trousers. Major is a black Labrador-retriever cross and they have been photographed at Aeros Flying School. The second photograph is of Mike and Major at Cardiff Airport, they are talking to a Special Assistance worker. The third photograph is of Major guiding Mike through the airport. The fourth photograph is of Major guiding Mike up to the check-in desk at the airport. The fifth photograph is of Major’s special British Airways Mileage certificate. The final photograph is of Mike and his family at Aeros Flying School. These photographs are courtesy of Stewart Turkington. With thanks to Cardiff Airport and Aeros Flying School.
There is also a quotation from Mike which reads: “Major is a very able, steady dog and a good companion. He’s enabled me to continue a career in what is a very busy and demanding area of expertise”. [Back to contents]
What’s on
Stand Out For Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs Week 2013 is taking place from 5 - 13 October and, with your help, it’s going to be our best yet.
The concept behind this year’s week is “high visibility” and we’ll be asking people to “Stand Out For Guide Dogs”.
We’ll be weaving the “high vis” concept into our activities throughout the week - and the colour yellow will feature prominently - we see it as the colour of dynamism, freedom and independence and, of course, it reflects our iconic dog harness. (You might want to start raiding your wardrobe for yellow clothes and accessories…)
To make sure we have a big build-up to the week itself, we’ll be launching the Guide Dogs Week campaign a month earlier, on 5 September. There’ll be all sorts of things happening to capture public attention and help raise funds so we can continue our vital work, including two high profile events that are guaranteed to make a real splash (keep checking our website for news of these).
We’re also producing an exclusive high vis paw print pin-badge. This will be on sale all over the UK.
We’re delighted to have several celebrities on board for this year’s Guide Dogs Week and support from some well-known companies and brands. We’ll be targeting MP’s at their party conferences - our Campaigns Team will be raising our profile with parliamentarians and drawing attention to the challenges faced every day by people who are blind or partially sighted.
Over the coming weeks, you’ll be able to find everything you need to get involved in Guide Dogs Week on our website: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk We’re particularly keen to get as many young people as possible engaged with us this year and will be working with schools, colleges, clubs and groups - please spread the word amongst your young friends and family members.
We really hope you’ll throw yourselves into Guide Dogs Week this year. Last year you helped us raise hundreds of thousands of pounds and get our messages across to millions of people. This year we want to make even more of a splash so that we can help more blind and partially sighted people get out and about on their own terms and set them on the road to freedom.
++How are you going to Stand Out For Guide Dogs? We know you’ll be brimming with ideas to help us make this the most successful Guide Dogs Week yet - and we’d really love to hear about them. Send us an e-mail: [email protected] or write to Guide Dogs Week, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG. We’ll post the best ideas on the Guide Dogs website.
Get involved in Guide Dogs Week and help us create more life-changing partnerships like the one between Emily and Unity.
Pictured within this section is a photograph of Emily and guide dog Unity. Emily is lying in the garden, next to Unity. Emily is wearing a top covered in lots of bright flowers, with blue trousers. Unity is a yellow Labrador. Both Emily & Unity are looking at the camera.
++Are you up for the Coniston Challenge? Then join us on Saturday 7 September to run, cycle and kayak! If you think you’re ready to tackle the Coniston waters, defeat the forests of Grizedale, and conquer the Coniston Old Man then register your team today at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/conistonchallenge or call 0845 6006787
Included here is a photograph of six fundraisers that took part in last year’s Coniston Challenge. They are all sitting on bicycles, cheering at the camera.
Or, for those who prefer one activity at a time… British Gas Great North Swim - 15/16 June Bupa Great North Run - 15 September Bupa Great South Run - 27 October
Visit http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/events or call 0845 6006787 for more information. ++Fun Days London Guide Dog Training School, Redbridge - 15 June Bolton Abbey near Skipton and Forfar Dog Training School - 22 June Victoria Park, Leamington - 6 July West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton - 31 August Park Crescent, Peterborough - 7 September Leeds Castle, Peterborough - 7 September Plymouth Central Park - 21 September Reading and Central Office, Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley, Reading - 20 July
++Raising Guide Dogs’ profile If you’re in London in the coming months, check for adverts about Guide Dogs. We’re going to be testing an advertising campaign to find out how much it raises public awareness of our work. Although Guide Dogs is much loved in the UK, we know from research that awareness of the organisation is surprisingly low, especially given our size. Like all charities, Guide Dogs needs the support of the public to ensure we get the funds - and the volunteers - necessary to continue our vital work, and raising awareness is key to that.
The advertising campaign will run from the beginning of June in London and on surrounding commuter routes. There’ll also be events in Waterloo Station on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 June, featuring our sensory tunnel, to give people a taste of what it’s like to live with sight loss.
The campaign will be based on the concept that Guide Dogs helps people who are blind or partially sighted reach their destination in life, whatever that may be, and the strapline will be “Guides for Life”. As well as posters on trains, buses, stations and bus shelters, there will be adverts on the radio, in the press and on Facebook.
We’ll be measuring the impact of the campaign on levels of awareness and the way in which people perceive Guide Dogs, and we’ll use this information to decide whether it’s something we should do more of in the future. [Back to contents]
In good company
++Brabners Chaffe Street A large law firm with offices in Manchester, Preston and Liverpool has selected us as its Charity of the Year. In the first three months they had already raised nearly £10,000 from a range of activities including Christmas cards, cake sales and a head shave - on a lady! The company is getting involved with volunteering, helping local branches, and planning an event in Ambleside where staff will compete in teams walking, cycling and kayaking for 12 hours; they’re also hosting a “Great British Bake-off” style competition for their staff. Their charity committee recently visited the Guide Dogs Training School in Atherton, where they experienced blindfold walks and toured our training facilities.
Pictured here the “Head Shave”, there is a man having his head shaved by a hairdresser. A lady is sat next to the man, smiling at the camera, with her head already shaved.
++Castrol UK & Ireland - supporting Guide Dogs as charity of the year Guide dog pup Kaisha and her puppy walker’s family are starring in a film which it is hoped will raise tens of thousands of pounds for Guide Dogs. Val Sherred’s son-in-law, Tim Sparrow, works for Castrol, which asked employees to nominate a charity to be supported by Castrol in 2013. Nominations included a personal story explaining why the charity was important to the individual. Tim nominated Guide Dogs UK along with his moving story. He and his wife Sally have a daughter, Ella, now 13, who lost her sight soon after being born. Castrol’s leadership team were so touched by Tim’s description of how this had affected his family that they chose Guide Dogs as the winning charity.
The company then made a film starring the family including puppy Kaisha! The result is a fundraising initiative called Pedal 4 Paws, which is involving all UK & Ireland based employees! Fundraising activities during the year will include a sponsored bike ride through the Cotswolds and a Family Fun Day. They have even secured Paralympian blind cyclist Lora Turnham as their ambassador. If you’d like to watch the film or make a donation, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/CastrolChallenge
++Nationwide helps us pop up in Wakefield A group of staff from Nationwide Contact Centre helped Wakefield Fundraising Group set up their first pop-up shop in Wakefield market. Between sorting books, clothes and other goodies, they even managed to secure lots more homes for Guide Dogs’ counter top boxes in the shops nearby. A huge thank you to all of the team.
Included here is a photograph of Wakefield market’s pop-up shop. There are 12 volunteers standing behind a table, smiling at the camera. The table is covered in lots of Guide Dogs goodies, including Sponsor a Puppy cuddly toys, pens, stickers and much more.
++Volunteering memories to treasure In March the London Guide Dog Training School was visited by staff from The Treasury Solicitor’s Department. They spent a day volunteering with us and spending time with our trainee guide dogs. If you know of a company who’d like their staff to take part in a day like this, please contact 0870 2406993
Included here is a photograph of the Treasury Solicitor’s department, who took part in a volunteer day. They are all standing behind a giant cuddly toy guide dog, holding collection boxes. [Back to contents]
Thanks to our supporters
Thanks to our supporters
I’m even more bowled over than usual by the amazing fundraising stories in this edition of Forward. Swimming, cycling, completing military assault courses, skydiving...it seems you’ll stop at nothing to raise money for Guide Dogs. Of course, you don’t have to be that energetic - gentler activities such as concerts and coffee mornings can be just as successful. What I love most is the sense that so many people are working together to enable more people with sight loss to get out on their own terms. Thank you for being part of our life-changing team.
Jayne George Director of Fundraising and Income Generation
++Six-hour spin A six-hour sponsored spinathon at Horwich Leisure Centre in Bolton raised more than £4,000. Thanks to Bolton guide dog owner John Sandiford, who organised the event, and the 14 friends (including fellow guide dog owner Elaine Barrett) and three spinning class instructors who took part.
Included here is a photograph of five volunteers that took part in the six-hour spin. The five women are sitting on spin bikes, smiling at the camera.
++Amanda Marshall Last year’s Ladies’ Captain of Ross-on-Wye Golf Club, Amanda Marshall, chose Guide Dogs as her captain’s charity and hoped to raise the £5,000 needed to name a puppy. In the event she and the club smashed that target, and Amanda presented the Ross-on-Wye fundraising group with a cheque for £6,390.87. Pictured here is Amanda Marshall presenting a giant cheque to the Ross-on-Wye fundraising group.
++Stonar School Thanks to pupils at Stonar School in Melksham, Wiltshire, who raised an incredible £7,278 and named a puppy Johnson. Youngsters got to meet Johnson, who is now seven months old, and his puppy walker, Hilary Reed, when the pair visited in March.
Included here is a photograph of three pupils from Stonar School, when they met guide dog puppy Johnson and his walker Hilary.
++Emre Tok Big thanks to Emre Tok, who raised £1,400 by taking on the incredible TransGranCanaria Ultra Marathon in March. The race is 119 kilometres long and climbs 7,300 metres. Emre, who works for Microsoft as a Bing Product and Partner Marketing Lead, endured 10 hours of continuous rain, 80 kilometre-an-hour winds and then unexpected sunshine before a “brutal” climb! But, finishing in 29 hours and 24 minutes, he was one of 268 people to complete the course out of 450 starters.
Pictured here is Emre Tok taking part in the TransGranCanaria Ultra Marathon. Emre is wearing a pale pink jumper with beige shorts and knee high socks, with black climbing shoes.
++York and North Yorkshire Probation Trust Staff at the Scarborough office of the York and North Yorkshire Probation Trust decided to raise money for Guide Dogs last year because their colleague, Malcolm Day, has a guide dog called Lincoln. Events ranged from cake sales to quizzes and one staff member ran a half marathon. A magnificent £1,300 was raised in total.
Included here is a photograph of staff at York and North Yorkshire Probation Trust. They are all standing in their office and Malcolm Day is standing in the centre, holding a photograph of his guide dog Lincoln.
++Iain Fisher Grateful thanks to Iain Fisher, who completed a 56-mile bike ride in September 2012 and raised £1,000. Iain’s ride took him from London to Brighton and he was inspired to take on the challenge because his mum, Rita Fisher, is a guide dog owner.
Pictured here is Iain Fisher, who has been photographed outside the Guide Dog Training School at Redbridge. Iain is standing next to a guide dog trainer with a trainee guide dog.
++Wokingham Brownies Puppy walker Carole Arrowsmith, from Sonning-on-Thames in Berkshire, took along German shepherd guide dog pup, Bella, when she visited the 8th Wokingham Brownies pack. The girls were so inspired by Carole’s dedication and Guide Dogs’ work, they organised a sale and raised £197.02 - a record amount, according to Tawny Owl.
Included here is a photograph of Wokingham Brownies, when they met German Shepherd guide dog puppy, Bella. All the brownies are sitting on the ground around Bella in their uniforms.
++Liesl and William Hadley For the second consecutive year, Liesl and William Hadley made and sold a calendar featuring puppy walkers and their puppies from the Chelmsford area. The calendar, which captured the puppies’ individual characters, raised £465, more than double the amount raised last year.
++Solihull fundraising group Solihull fundraising group members, Jan Court and Joyce Brotherton, organised a line dance with a “red hearts and flowers” theme, raising a brilliant £1,439. Matthew Bottomley, Head of Guide Dogs’ Breeding Programme, played with his band, Embrionics, all five members of which have a Guide Dogs connection.
++Jean Fairfield A big thank you and congratulations to Northwich fundraising group member, guide dog owner Jean Fairfield, who swam a mile for Guide Dogs. Jean carried on her training even after breaking her ankle, and buoyed by her cheering squad, she raised more than £1,000 for Guide Dogs in the process.
Included here is a photograph of the Northwich fundraising group congratulating Jean Fairfield after her mile swim.
++Ashford fundraising group There was flower power in spades at a 60’s and 70’s night organised by the Ashford fundraising group, which raised £650. Plenty of people really got into the spirit by turning up in fancy dress, and the top raffle prize was a return trip on Eurostar.
++Lynda Harwood Thanks to Lynda Harwood, Guide Dogs’ Innovation Officer, who completed the mighty Nuts Challenge in Surrey and raised more than £1,000! Lynda, who lives in Berkshire, took on the race, which involves one of the toughest military assault courses in the world, with her boyfriend, Daniel Leach, and Dan’s brother, Gavin.
Pictured here are Lynda Harwood and Daniel & Gavin Leach holding a giant cheque after completing the Nuts Challenge.
++BP Ely service station Thanks must go to Sue Christmas and staff at a service station in Ely, Cambridgeshire. When the service station was re-opened after refurbishment in November, Sue asked Guide Dogs’ Peterborough Mobility Team for some collection boxes to place by the tills. After just a fortnight Sue, who sponsors a guide dog puppy, called to say the boxes were full. Service station customers had donated more than £80 and the boxes were full once again by mid January, bringing in another £103.
Included here is a photograph of Sue Christmas holding up her “Thank You” certificate from Guide Dogs.
++Sarah Hodgson Sarah Hodgson, a Dog Care and Welfare Evening Assistant at Guide Dogs’ Atherton Training School, did a sponsored skydive in March, raising more than £500. After an early start at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham, Lancashire, it looked as though the jump might be off due to bad weather. But after four hours of waiting, a window of opportunity appeared and Sarah took to the skies!
Pictured here is Sarah Hodgson after her skydive for Guide Dogs. Sarah is wearing a red and black jumpsuit.
++1st Keyham Scout Group After hearing all about Guide Dogs’ good work and having enjoyed two visits from guide dog puppies, 1st Keyham (Saint Mark) Scout Group (Cub Section) in Plymouth decided to help. They planned to raise £300 so they could join the Sponsor A Puppy @ School scheme, but the donations came in much quicker than expected. Ten cubs did a sponsored expedition on Dartmoor and raised £369.86, and now the whole pack is following the progress of three guide dog pups.
++Aspley Guise Last year, members of Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club were aiming for a record charity collection. 2012 Club Captain, John Kelly, and Ladies’ Captain, Barbara Carr, both chose Guide Dogs as their charity of the year and raised £4,800 from a series of events. They handed over the donation to the Milton Keynes fundraising group.
++Brian and Beryl Ford Guide Dogs volunteers Brian and Beryl Ford organised a fundraising concert at Stock Community Hall, Essex. Harmony Brass entertained a full house with a selection of toe-tapping music, and a fantastic £800 was raised.
Included here is a photograph of Brian and Beryl Ford at their fundraising concert, they have been photographed with a guide dog owner and her dog.
Share your fundraising story with the Forward team! Send details of who, how, where, when and how much money was raised, with a day-time contact number, to [email protected] or by post to Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Berkshire, RG7 3YG. Don’t forget to send us your best photos! [Back to contents]
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 4pm - 9pm on weekdays and 9am - 9pm on weekends.
++Aaron 3.1.00 - 27.9.12 Huge thanks to everyone who helped in Aaron’s final days. “Aaron was a great big dog, he had to be to carry that great big heart.”
++Adam 31.5.99 - 29.12.12 Loyal guide and companion to Jim Robson. “Very much loved and sadly missed by all family and friends.” ++Amber 10.3.97 - 17.1.13 “A dear friend, sadly missed and always remembered”, Julie Buck, guide dog owner.
++Angie 17.8.98 - 16.1.13 Beloved fifth guide dog to Eva Rich, wonderful ambassador raising thousands of pounds. “Always in our hearts Angie-Pangie. Loved and never forgotten, Eva, Ralph and Oyster.”
++Arthur 4.11.99 - 8.12.12 Puppy walked by and retired to Sue and Dave. Thanks to Andie and Paul. “We travelled far, you never let me down. What a star. One of the best”.
++Ashie 5.5.03 - 19.1.13 Adopted as a much loved pet and fundraiser by Lesley and David. “A gentle girl whose illness took her so suddenly. Sweetheart, dearly missed.”
++Bruce 12.3.02 - 8.1.13 “My forever friend, faithful to the end.” Sadly missed by John, family and friends.
++Bob 26.5.00 - 24.2.13 “My guide dog Bob was loyal, friendly and hard working; he’ll be missed by those who knew him. Bob retired in 2009. Love you, miss you.”
++Cassidy 23.5.00 - 21.1.13 A special guide dog and friend who always went out of his way to be friends with everyone. “Wagged his tail ’til the last.”
++Craig 25.9.99 - 3.11.12 Puppy walked and adopted by the Pomroy family. “Never a guide but gave lots of happiness and unwavering love. Much missed and loved.”
++Charlie 17.2.03 - 7.9.12 Faithful and handsome guide to Gary; retired and adopted by a lovely family in Oxfordshire. “A great soul-mate, greatly missed. Free run forever lad.”
++Della 23.12.00 - 17.1.13 Guide to Diane Spencer, retired to Mr and Mrs Hollis. “A great guide who could have walked me through a minefield, unless she saw a donut. Miss you terribly.” ++Dudley 31.8.96 - 5.12.12 Boundless amounts of character, a lovable rogue complete with that “deadly tongue”. “He will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially Chris and his mum.”
++Earl 8.2.99 - 19.10.12 “Forever in our hearts, our very special boy. We miss you every day.” Love Mummy, Daddy, Hayley and Becca. XXXX
++Ellie 21.7.99 - 11.2.13 A beautiful puppy who didn’t quite make a guide dog, who spent 12 happy years loved and treasured by her puppy walkers.
++Francis 22.6.95 - 14.12.12 An exceptional guide dog and true professional throughout his 17 and a half years, “Much loved by all privileged to meet him. He will never be forgotten.”
++Flick 25.8.01 - 2.11.12 Thanks to Ian, puppy walker Sylvia and everyone who knew and loved Flick.
++Gem 7.8.00 - 10.1.13 Beloved companion in retirement of Jane Mellor. “Happy, loving dog - she wagged her tail to the last; RIP my angel.”
++Gilda 20.8.01 - 14.2.13 Sadly missed by the Atkins family and friends. “Gilda, you were a bag of mischief; thanks for the love, loyalty and laughter. Run free angel.”
++Glen 16.12.02 - 24.1.13 Walked by Jean Endersby, eyesight problems in training. Adopted by Jackie and Martin Ducksbury. “A true gentleman, intelligent, trustworthy, obedient. So loved, so missed.”
++Hallie 13.12.04 - 13.6.12 Adopted and puppy walked by Mags and Neil. “Farewell to our beautiful girl, no more pain. Missing you so much, love you.”
++Heidi 8.2.98 - 24.11.12 Rehomed to the O’Connor family. Foster mum to puppy, Chance, and much loved pet. “Goodnight our golden angel xxx”. ++Inca 14.2.05 - 26.11.12 “My beautiful Incasun, funny, sweet, loving and wonderful with big brown eyes, my best friend who I will love forever.” Penny xxx.
++Kathy 24.2.00 - 19.11.12 First guide and retired with Cara Hughes. “Gone but not forgotten, forever in our hearts, baby girl RIP. Love mum and dad.”
++Kay 24.2.00 - 6.3.13 Goodbye Kay - devoted guide to Mrs Ann Walker of Paisley, Scotland for nine years. Puppy walked and retired to Vera and Gerald Stokes. “A happy girl - sorely missed.”
++Mishka 21.6.99 - 18.10.12 “Didn’t make the grade but gave us 12 years of comfort and support and helped us recover from ill health.”
++Nathan 11.1.02 - 3.12.12 Enjoyed eight years of retirement after a dog attack. A loyal, faithful, beloved friend and companion, a true gent. Goodbye Puppy John; thank you Nathan.
++Niven 1.2.98 - 22.12.12 Trained by John Cooper, puppy walked by Graham and Liz Stevens for Alan Ellerby. Retired to Michael and Margaret Stiff. “Niven will be sadly missed, in our memories.”
++Paddy 27.12.97 - 31.8.12 “A special part of our family who is greatly missed.”
++Quella 3.6.97 - 7.12.12 Retired in 2008 and put to rest 7.12.12. “She was my guiding star which has faded into the morning sun. Always in my thoughts, bless you.”
++Ramsey 7.3.02 - 21.7.12 Guide dog to John Goldfinch, “faithful friend and loved by all who knew him. Gone but will never be forgotten.”
++Ramsay 24.9.98 - 3.4.12 Winner of “Life Changing” award for East Anglia. Loved and missed by everyone. Very special friend to Karen and Peppa, his constant companion. “Always in our thoughts and prayers.”
++Sadie 25.11.12 - 22.1.13 Daughter to Peg and Dixon and sister to Stewart, Sasha, Sweep, Sadler, Seve, Sophie, Sergeant and Shannon.
++Sarge 29.4.00 - 4.1.13 Faithful and loving guide to Jen Abbit, retired to puppy walkers Sally, Rick, James and Tom. “Sweet, cuddly little Sarge, loved by all, RIP. x”
++Sark 24.9.97 - 13.2.13 Walked and retired to Shirley and Alan Curtis. “Loved by everyone and a great PR man for Guide Dogs. Rest, dear friend, you deserve it.”
++Shane 7.3.02 - 4.3.13 Loved by family and friends. “He was our special boy. We miss him greatly, night night BABA”
++Tally 25.2.00 - 1.2.13 “A fantastic guide dog, even during retirement she wanted to work. She will be missed.”
++Tinker 30.9.98 - 28.2.13
++Tony 31.3.01 - 5.12.12 Loyal guide to Marion, puppy walked by Mr and Mrs Hopkins. “You’ve left a hole in my life that no one can fill. Love you. Rest in peace Mr T.”
++Tyler 31.3.01 - 31.1.13 Puppy walked and retired with Mark and Lisa Roberts, sight to someone for nine years. “A wonderful clever and good boy, keep wagging that tail.”
++Uma 20.10.00 - 3.12.12 Not suited for guiding, a loving foster mum to seven pups and caring PAT dog for six years. “Bless you our gentle, golden girl.”
++Uska 9.5.00 - 20.11.12 Treasured memories of a wonderful retirement together. “Fun, laughter, running in the grass, love and lots of music. Greatly missed.” Marilyn and John. ++Vidal 9.3.97 - 5.11.11 Beloved second guide dog to the late Ramsay Nimmo, and faithful and loving companion. “Sleep well our lovely boy, we will love you forever.”
++Wickes 10.7.04 - 11.2.13 Our gentle shepherd with a big personality, much loved by all who knew him. “Goodbye handsome boy, you’ll always be remembered.” Barry, Heulwen and family.
++Yassie 1.8.97 - 1.6.12 Loyal and wonderful first guide, kept in retirement. Loved by all who knew her. “Goodbye my special girl.” Love, Mom, Harry and Lindsey.
Pictured here are photographs taken in various locations and in different poses of: Adam, Ashie, Bob, Charlie, Craig, Earl, Francis, Gem, Glen, Hallie, Heidi, Inca, Kathy, Nathan, Niven, Quella, Sadie, Sarge, Sark, Shane, Tally, Tony, Uma and Yassie.
++Ry 27.4.00 - 20.9.12 “Little Miss Perfect” When volunteer boarder Anne Moorhouse took retiring guide dog Ry into her home she thought it was just on a temporary basis. Little did she know that this beautiful yellow Labrador would become a best pal, cuddly companion and soul mate.
Anne remembers: “Ry came to me as a boarder in early September 2009. I was due to go on holiday the morning of her arrival and I had agreed with Guide Dogs that Ry would come with me.”
“When we arrived at the hotel they provided us with a welcoming cup of tea; we sat outside and got talking to the other guests. The conversation turned to Ry, who was sitting beside me, very quietly and totally relaxed. “What a lovely dog,” they said, “and so well behaved. How long have you had her?”. To which I replied, “Just a couple of hours!” From that first day onwards she was just amazing.”
“When I officially rehomed Ry in her retirement she went everywhere with me. She was a character, great fun and a brilliant fundraiser. When Ry suddenly fell ill and had to be put to sleep I was devastated; she was more than a pet - she was my very best friend, my baby, my life. Wherever I was she wanted to be and I felt the same about her. I’ll miss you forever, Ry.” Included here are three photographs of Ry. The first photograph is of Ry sitting on her bed next to a collection box, she is wearing a blue bandanna with yellow paws printed on it around her neck. The second photograph is of Ry playing in the garden, in the background of the photograph are some daffodils. The final photograph is of Ry sitting in the garden looking to the right of the camera.
++Make a tribute online If you would like your dog’s name to appear in our “Paws for Thought” Online Memorial Book, please contact the Gifts in Memory team on 0845 6031477, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.giftsinmemory.org.uk.
Our dogs may be honoured with a complimentary listing of their name to commemorate them.
Included here is a picture of a yellow Labrador, with a harness on, sat patiently looking towards the camera. [Back to contents]
Competition
Caption competition
Thanks to the Southampton Guide Dogs Mobility Team for sending in this brilliant picture of guide dogs Brunel and Vicky, with retired guide dog Lloyd looking on in the background. What do you think is going through their minds here? Send us your caption ideas by following the details below.
Included here is a photograph of yellow Labrador guide dogs Brunel and Vicky sitting in a doorway. Retired yellow Labrador guide dog Lloyd is lying in the room behind, looking at them. Brunel is holding Vicky’s lead in his mouth.
Enter the competition by e-mailing [email protected] or send your answer on a postcard to Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. Remember to include your name and address.
Last time we asked you to tell us what poor guide dog puppy Russell might be thinking about having to share his dinner. The winner was Susan Moody with: “It wasn’t me! These buddy dogs sure get hungry” Included here is a photograph of Russell, a yellow Labrador guide dog puppy. He is sat patiently in front of his dinner, looking up at the camera, with a small toy dog sat next to him.
Huge congratulations to Janice E. Davies for winning our Winter quiz. We hope you treat yourself to something nice with those lovely Marks and Spencer vouchers, Janice.
++Winter quiz answers 1. What is the name of the King in Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”? Leontes or Polixenes 2. Where is the Winter Palace? Saint Petersburg, Russia 3. What is the common name of the plant Jasminium Nudiflorum? Winter Jasmine 4. Who wrote the song “I love Paris in the springtime”? Cole Porter 5. On which date will the vernal equinox fall in 2013, marking the first day of spring? March 20th 6. Who wrote the poem “Ode to the West Wind” featuring the line, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” Percy Bysshe Shelley
++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 30 July 2013. [Back to contents]
Promotions
The following are four advertisements that are presented in different places in this issue of Forward.
++1. Guide Dogs has been transforming lives for more than 80 years.
Will you be part of the next 80? You can help create many more life-changing guide dog partnerships. Just e-mail [email protected] or call 0845 6031477. Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).
In the background of the promotion is a photograph of one of the very first Guide Dog partnerships in the 1930’s.
The Guide Dogs’ logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page.
++2. Pssst! Did you know by taking me for a walk you can also raise funds for Guide Dogs? http://www.gowalkies.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/gowalkies 0845 6006787
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).
Pictured in this promotion is a black and brown Doberman who is holding a light brown leather lead in its mouth.
The “Eukanuba” logo is pictured at the top right hand side of the page, 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. The “Go Walkies” logo is pictured next to the “Eukanuba” logo, this 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 Guide Dogs’ logo is pictured on the bottom right hand side of the page.
++3. Guide Dogs Raffle Enter and win!
Each ticket costs just £1
By playing you’ll be helping towards the breeding and training of more amazing guide dogs. There are some great prizes on offer too!
For more information please call 0800 6524746 or visit us at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/raffles
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 3906 03/13 Included in this promotion is a small yellow Labrador puppy, the puppy is looking up at lots of raffle tickets floating above its head.
The Guide Dogs’ logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page.
++4. Sponsor a puppy today and be part of their amazing journey…
You can sponsor Flint, Fergie or Harley from just £1 a week and follow them growing from tiny puppies into qualified guide dogs.
In the background of the promotion is a photograph of Flint, Fergie and Harley. They are all playing together at the Guide Dogs’ Puppy Centre. Two of the puppies are yellow Labradors and one is a black Labrador.
Here’s what you’ll receive
Included here is a photograph of a Pupdate welcome card, a set of Pupdates, Pupdate photocards, a “Sponsor a Puppy” photo album, and a “Sponsor a Puppy” certificate.
Sign up today by calling 0870 2406993 or visit http:// www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979)
The Guide Dogs’ logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page. The “Sponsor a Puppy” logo is pictured at the bottom right hand side of the page, the logo is a blue oval with the text “SPONSOR A PUPPY” written in white. There is a white paw print leading away from the text. [Back to contents]
Contact Details
This is a list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this edition of Forward Magazine.
++Gifts in Wills Call: 0845 6031477 E-mail: [email protected] ++Go Walkies Call: 0845 6006787 E-mail: [email protected] Visit: http://www.gowalkies.org.uk Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gowalkies
++Talking Buses Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/talkingbuses
++Guide Dogs @ School Puppy Resources pack Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/schools
++Guide Dogs - Wales Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/guide-dogs-cymru
++National Breeding Centre patrons Call: 0118 9838350 E-mail: [email protected]
++Crufts Guide Dogs demonstrations YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/guidedogs.uk
++“Visions of the Past” Visit: http://www.opensight.org.uk
++Dangerous Dogs campaign work Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns
++Name a puppy Visit: http://www.nameapuppy.org.uk
++Guide Dogs Annual Awards Nominations Call: 0845 3727314 Write to: Guide Dogs Annual Awards, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/awards
++My Guide Call: 0118 9838187 Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services/my-guide
++Your letters Write to: Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG E-mail: [email protected]
++Stand Out For Guide Dogs Write to: Guide Dogs Week, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG E-mail: [email protected] Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk
++Coniston Challenge Call: 0845 6006787 Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/conistonchallenge
++Guide Dogs’ Events Call: 0845 6006787 Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/events
++Pedal 4 Paws Visit: http://www.justgiving.com/CastrolChallenge
++Company volunteering days Call: 0870 2406993
++We’ll never forget Write to: Forward at Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG E-mail: [email protected]
++STEP line Call: 0845 3727474
++Share your fundraising story Write to: Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Berkshire, RG7 3YG E-mail: [email protected]
++“Paws for Thought” Online Memorial Book Call: 0845 6031477 E-mail: [email protected] Visit: http://www.giftsinmemory.org.uk
++Competition Write to: Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG E-mail: [email protected]
++Guide Dogs Raffle Call: 0800 6524746 Visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/raffles
++Sponsor a Puppy Call: 0870 2406993 Visit: http://www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk [Back to contents]
New partnerships
Congratulations to our new partnerships
++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
++Meet Michael and Kristal Michael Fuller, 63 from Nottingham qualified with his sixth guide dog Kristal, a two and a half year old black Labrador retriever cross in November 2012.
Michael, a retired civil servant first became a guide dog owner in September 1971 with guide dog Trudy. Michael’s wife Wendy is also a guide dog owner. They first met at college but it was a meeting in 1979 at Guide Dogs’ Atherton Training School that started their romance and they married in August 1981.
Michael says his new guide dog Kristal “is hugely affectionate, although still a little apprehensive. It helps that she gets on great with Wendy’s guide dog Vicki, they love to swap dog beds!” Michael values the freedom that a guide dog brings to his life and says: “The benefits of having a guide dog are immeasurable. We live on a busy main road and without a guide dog I would be scared to death to go out.”
Michael hopes in the future to make it into the record books by becoming the UK’s oldest living guide dog owner and to have owned a record number of guide dogs through the course of his lifetime.
Kristal was puppy walked by Janet Cartwright from Ilkley and Sandra Allison from Ilkley.
Included here is a photograph of Michael Fuller and Kristal. Michael is wearing a jumper underneath his high visibility jacket, with black trousers. Michael is sitting on a large brown brick wall with Kristal sat patiently next to him. Kristal is a black Labrador cross retriever.
The new partnerships are listed by Mobility Team and each listing details owner, guide dog, town, breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Here’s wishing warm congratulations to all our new qualifiers.
++Belfast
Elaine Hargreaves & Yazz from Ahoghill L, Daphne Barfoot from Belfast, Caroline & Michael Evason from Warwick
Jacqueline Millen & Gem from Newtownabbey GRxL, Helen Kilpatrick from Belfast, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston
++Birmingham
Catherine Floyd & Sparkle from Birmingham GRxL, Paula Andrews from Glasgow, Rhiannon Hutchings from Snitterfield
Steven Markham & Benson from Hereford LxGR, Stuart Donaldson from Cupar, Nancy Hutchison from Kirkcaldy, Elizabeth Sagar from Warwick Kathryn Nash & Rita from Birmingham LxGR, Catriona Rose from Edinburgh, Fiona Mackay from Glasgow, Sue Davy from Oldbury
Lauren Pitt & Goldie from Gloucestershire GR, Mary Cheadle from Stafford, Christine Fowler from Southam
John Price & Astra from Birmingham GRxFCR, Alison Jordan from Stafford, Julia Evans from Bromsgrove
Helena Ring & Jill from Birmingham GRxL, Victoria Stanley from Wolverhampton, Marion Chambers from Droitwich Spa, Cath Pedreschi from Evesham
Jean Woodfield & Ian from Leominster GRxL, Sue Edwards from Bilston, Mr & Mrs Poulter from Stratford-Upon-Avon
John Young & Kris from Birmingham L, Sharon Atkins from Stourbridge, Anne-Marie Sparks from Southam
Violet Newbold & Nellie from Wellingborough GRxL, Caroline Thomas from Bristol, Paula Ross from Southam
++Cardiff
Davina Davies & Barney from Carmarthen LxGR, Jane Swain from Hinckley, Philippa Rainbird from Coventry
John Hawkes & Penny from Ceredigion GRxL, Pamela Standing from Rugeley, Linda Sheehan from Sutton Coldfield
Paul Meeks & Upton from Cardiff L, Sylvia Waite from Exeter, Ann-Marie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster
Sarah Nelson & Nikki from Taunton L, Carol Harris from Kingsbridge
Gary Peacock & Vadar from Deeside LxL, Mel Horsell from Plymouth, Anne Baulch from Rugby
Katie Thole & Niven from Cardiff L, Maria Taylor from Exmouth, VJ Addison from Rugby ++Coventry
Louise Carter & Faye from Hinckley GR, Bridget Norris from Taunton, Linda Mallette from Worcester
Robert Collings & Digby from Leicester L, Margaret Montreal from Bromsgrove, Roger Stone from Coventry
Alev Elliott & Queenie from Loughborough LxL, Sarah Little from Coventry, Heather Taylor from Stratford-Upon-Avon, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry
Andrew Cyril Fletcher & Zimba from Coventry GRxL, Gail Saunders from Oxford, Michelle Richardson from Earl Shilton
Sharon Janzen & Blade from Market Harborough GRxL, Susan Riley from Cardiff, Judith Edwards from Cardiff, Jude Jennison from Warwick
Louis Kingston & Sissy from Northamptonshire GR, Linda Whitwell from Kettering
Jaina Mistry & Laura from Leicester LxGR, Evellyn Parker from Milton Keynes, Elizabeth Gibson from Milton Keynes, Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Shirley Oswin-Fine & Ailsa from Loughborough LxGR, Sheila Horobin from Walsall, Carol McAteer from Stourbridge
Craig Thompson & Mojo from Coalville GRxL, Canon Phil Metcalf from Gloucester, Cath Pedreschi from Evesham
++Edinburgh
Brenda Ewen & Quaker from Banchory COLxGR, Dawn Norman from Shaldon, Kathryn Bayliss from Walsall
Michael Francis & Quinney from Carlisle L, Ellen McDade from Tillicoultry, Jackie Elliott from Warwick
William Gibson & Coco from Edinburgh GRxL, Lynda Kingham from Oldmeldrum, Sarah Brettell from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Ronnie Girdwood & Nellie from Peebles LxGR, Karen Gibson from Saint Andrews, Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove
Alex John Machray & Kendal from Brechin GRxL, Shelagh Davidson from Aberdour, Coughlan from Lutterworth
Diane Manweiler & Tigger from Saint Andrews GRxL, Tom & Ann Duly from Dunfermline, Sarah Stanley from Rugby
Denise Mellon & Buntie from Edinburgh LxGR, Hilary Sinclair from Banff, Elizabeth Sagar from Warwick
David Verdun Owen & Indy from Keith GSD, Karen Johnston from Lesmahagow, Alan Moores from Dumfries, Donna Morris from Telford
Fiona Powell & Dave from Edinburgh GR, Rosheen Milner from Edinburgh, Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean
Henry Sherlock & Shadow from Falkirk GRxL, Stuart Johnstone from Darley Abbey, Rhiannon Hutchings from Snitterfield
Alexander Smith & Jazz from Cupar LxGR, John Croll from Dundee, Michelle Murphy from Leicester
Kevin Stewart & Clive from Aberdeen LxL, Diane Hankin from Kirkcaldy, Mary Thomson from Forfar, Pippa Challenger from Evesham
Fiona Mary Watt & Kiska from Edinburgh LxGR, Louise Cockburn Robertson from Glenfarg, Sylvia Burgess from Buckingham
Veronica Whymant & Sophie from Saint Andrews LxGR, Robert Donald from Perth, Field from Warwick
++Exeter
Cindy Callender & Phyllis from Plymouth GRxL, Mary Wheeler from Exeter, Simon Hubble from Bilston
Wendy Dundas & Valiant from Bristol GRxL, Marjory Thom from Dumfries, James McIntyre from Lockerbie, Joan Perry from Southam
Susan Edwards & Dexter from Torquay LxGR, Yeda Line from Nuneaton, Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Martyn Jessep-Long & Kristian from Plymouth GR, Sue Hardee from Dawlish, Pam Kimmins from Birmingham
Philip Lentern & Gribb from Paignton GRxL, Elise Love from Ayr, Rhiannon Hutchings from Snitterfield
Samantha Morris & Bracken from Torpoint GR, Carol Hambridge from Tamworth, Dr Mary Embleton from Abingdon
David Musgrove & Ernie from Torquay GR, Lynda Moore from Plymouth, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry
Amanda Owen & Ashleigh from Wellington GRxL, Rachel Evans from Bristol, Jude Jennison from Warwick
Philip Palmer & Earl from Taunton GR, Isobel Cooper from Bristol, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry
Kathleen Parsons & Uschie from Bristol L, Helen McCrone from Chipping Sodbury, Ann-Marie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster
David Powell & Morris from Bristol GRxL, George McCaffery from Corsham, Peter & Christina Clinton from Hinckley
Wesley Salisbury & Quala from Paignton LxL, Colin Sanderson from Plymouth, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry
Fiona Stevens & Wallis from Bristol GRxL, Anne Watson from Kenilworth, Marie-Claire Montgomery from Leamington Spa
Clive Stevenson & Fraser from Falmouth GRxL, Nicole Richards from Birmingham, G Tookey from Warwick
Michael Taun & George from Tiverton GRxL, Lorna Boyde from Bangor, County Down, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston
Nicola Watson & Quincey from Yelverton COLxGR, Rob and Angi Jackson from Nottingham, Kathryn Bayliss from Walsall
Pamela Watson & Preston from Taunton GR, Rosina Privett from Sturminster Newton, Linda Mallette from Worcester
Gregory Whitford & Legend from Totnes L, George McCaffery from Corsham, Mr & Mrs Straker from Stratford-Upon-Avon
++Glasgow
Peter Allan Clark & Oyster from Coatbridge L, Mr & Mrs Kinnear from Aberfeldy, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
Margaret Davidson & Roxy from Strathaven GRxL, Elizabeth Lorimer from Broughty Ferry, Margaret & Edward Docherty from Stirling, Erica Dowse from Coventry
Fraser Fleming & Mercer from Motherwell GRxFCR, Penny Gillespie from Wilmslow, John Rogers from Bromsgrove
Shirley Ann Harris & Scott from Irvine GRxL, Trisha Buchan from Aberdeen, Jacki Boyle from Telford
Ann Morton & Lottie from Inverness GRxL, Sheena Reid from Westhill, Janet Stokes from Dudley
Elizabeth Nairne & Inky from Glasgow LxGR, Ann Pate from Dundee, Gill Moss from Banbury
Philip Sime & Guiness from Inverness GRxL, Lorna Meikle from Dunfermline, Jenny Ashley-Smith from Coventry
Jacqueline Valente & Verity from Cambuslang LxL, Susan & Michael McDade from Dumfries, Anne Baulch from Rugby ++Hull
Paul Beckett & Uska from Withernsea L, Carol Leighton from Bolton, P Hill from Bolton, Margaret Reynolds from Rugby
Christopher Bell & Tony from Lincoln LxL, John Michael Long from Hooton, Gordon Macrae from Over Norton
Theresa Chettle & Rory from Stamford L, Mr & Mrs Sherred from Shipley, Cora Blaver from Northampton
Terri Fraile-Gonzalez & Lady from Grimsby GRxL, Mavis Robinson from Leeds, Janet Stokes from Dudley
Fiona Osborne & Maisie from York L, Margaret Balderson from Keighley, Sandra Boden from Rugeley
John Reed & Charity from Driffield LxGR, Terry & Deborah Rankine from Filey, Sue Davy from Oldbury
Jean Saint & Rose from Spalding GR, Roberta Louise Oldfield from Rotherham, Sandra Bradburn- Vazquez from Lichfield
Jan Siuda & Fergie from Hull GSD, Steve Haberfield from Derby, Carla Nieuwenhuizen from Banbury
Christine Tate & Meg from Hull LxGR, Jason and Angela Mitchell from Halifax, Paula McLean from Warwick
Amanda Wells & Tasha from Horncastle GRxL, Kathleen Batchelor from Manchester, Dr Josie Blackshaw from Coventry
Holly Scott-Gardner & Isla from York GRxL, Alan Dickinson from Wetherby, Simon Hubble from Bilston
Ian Wells & Wheeler from Grantham GRxL, Pauline Gledhill from Sale, Rhiannon Hutchings from Henley in Arden Elizabeth Williams & Laddie from Scunthorpe GRxL, Frances Holland from Sheffield, Janet Stokes from Dudley
++Leeds
Leslie Allan & Lucky from Sowerby Bridge L, David Christopher Wood from Wirral, Mr & Mrs Straker from Stratford-Upon-Avon
John Elsworth & Rusty from Leeds LxGR, Ann Green from Malpas, Sue Davy from Oldbury
Tracy Hamilton & Quala from Leeds L, Terence Bryars from Carnforth, Jackie Elliott from Warwick
Barry Hill & Lex from Halifax L, Helen Austwick from Sowerby Bridge
Orlane Martin & Twiggy from Leeds GRxL, Philip Ward from Chesterfield, Sarah Stanley from Rugby
Andrew Sanderson & Jenna from Leeds GSD, Gillian Harrison from Bradford, Angela Stocks from Leicester
Adrian Treharne & Smudger from Northallerton GRxL, Nicola Morgan from Wakefield, Joan Perry from Southam
++Liverpool
Rebecca Clarke & Hattie from Walton LxGR, Janet Franklin from Saint Helens, Carol McAteer from Stourbridge
Carole Cooper & Usher from Liverpool L, Louise Hastings from Macclesfield, Margaret Reynolds from Rugby
Keith Dyer & Nyra from Liverpool GSD, Peter Byrne from Liverpool, Donna Morris from Telford
Christopher Glover & Stokes from Crewe L, Jacqueline Manfredi from Newton Le Willows
Glynn Holt & Champ from Runcorn LxGR, Paul Watson from Manchester, Audrey McIlroy from Worsley, Michelle Murphy from Leicester Geraint Madoc Jones & Darwin from Warrington L, Margaret Elaine Lloyd from Huddersfield, Sandra Boden from Rugeley
Rachel Linney & Waffle from Macclesfield GR, Jane Stringfellow from Lancaster, Mr & Mrs Powell from Coalville
Geoffrey Murfin & Chevy from Crewe GRxL, Debbie Newman from Prescot, Ann Cooper from Swadlincote
Roy Turnham & Pudsey from Liverpool GRxFCR, Susan Ballantyne from Lancaster, Alison Jordan from Stafford
++London
Brian Bennett & Jamie from Hounslow GRxL, Sue Pangrazi from Ashford, Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster
Matthew Brown & Unity from Reading GSD, Amanda Worne from Arundel, Cora Blaver from Northampton
Margo Cargill & Paris from London LxGR, Liz Wilkins from Shepperton, Mr & Mrs Davies from Telford
Simon Coates & Otto from London LxGR, Lynne Blencowe from Marlow, Nick Hanson from Coventry
Peter Cooper & Spencer from Wembley GRxFCR, Ann Thompson from Coventry, John Rogers from Bromsgrove
Alina Fehringer & Molly from Whyteleafe L, Tony Jose from Woodall Spa, Caroline Dempster from Leamington Spa
Ricky Gomez & Jasmin from Putney GRxL, Shirley Wombwell from Cambridge, Paul Rackham from Rugby
Elfrida Horrocks & Adam from London LxGR, Margaret Smith from Arlesey, Lynda Graham from Harpenden, Barbara Halliwell from Hitchin, Roy Brown from Hemel Hempstead, Carol McAteer from Stourbridge Morgan Ward & Ava from London GRxGSD, Dawn Valvova from Aldershot, Anne Cadwallader from Southam
Chris McCausland & Jenkins from Surbiton L, Peter Sillett from Witham
Peter Owens & Leo from Enfield GRxGSD, Jackie Webb from Dartford, Mr & Mrs Brennan from Warwick
Barbara Pearce & Elin from Twickenham GRxL, Jane Wheelhouse from Farnham, Marion Vernall from Ledbury
Marie Rice & Mini from Northolt LxGR, Carole Arrowsmith from Reading, Carol McAteer from Stourbridge
Patricia Stephenson & Brian from London LxGR, June Breeze from Rainham, Elizabeth Morris from Tamworth
Yen Thou & Quasia from Bexleyheath COLxGR, Jane Castle from Sevenoaks, Kathryn Bayliss from Walsall
++Maidstone
William Allen & Mattie from Seaford L, Amanda Allan from Saint Albans, Barbara Halliwell from Hitchin, Anne Lloyd from Welwyn, Vincent Phipps from Knebworth, Robert Whalley from Watford, Caroline Dempster from Leamington Spa
John Craig & Kylie from London GRxL, Glen Foote from Eastleigh, David Windhober from Northampton
Laura Drew & Atlas from Whitstable GRxL, Bob Waldock from Benfleet, John Marchant from Milton Keynes
Lindsey Holness & Sage from Ramsgate GRxFCR, Jean Beniston from Bognor Regis, John Rogers from Bromsgrove
Lynne Martindale & Ross from Tunbridge Wells GR, John Hudd from Colchester, Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Susan Mason & Quasar from Nr Rochester COLxGR, Vanessa Johnson from Sittingbourne, Kathryn Bayliss from Walsall
Richard Spooner & Aysha from Bexhill-on-Sea GSD, Sue Odell from Reading, Mr & Mrs Tindall from Coventry
David Williams & Judy from London GRxL, Brian Jones from Maidstone, Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster
Emma Wynne & Rosie from Canterbury LxGR, Chris Secker from Reading, Jill Stewart from Henley-on-Thames, Jacquie Williams from Moreton-in-Marsh
++Manchester
David Ankers & Alfie from Todmorden L, Martin Hayes from Chester, Sheila Higgins from Milton Keynes
Stephen Banks & Barney from Atherton L, Paula Garden from Bridge Of Don, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
Sheila Birkett & Star from Bolton GRxL, Caroline Thom from Falkirk, Rhiannon Hutchings from Snitterfield
Beverley Churchman & Fonda from Leyland GR, Margaret Kenworthy from Holmfirth, Linda Mallette from Worcester
Stephen Cooper & Nancie from Nelson GSD, Daniel Rooney from Saint Andrews, Donna Morris from Telford
Kieran John Dean & Faith from Bolton L, Barbara Anderson from Peebles, Carol McDonald from Edinburgh, Maria Leggett from Oxford
John Edwards & Uska from Leyland GSD, Moya Jones from Stourport-on-Severn, Cora Blaver from Northampton
Dorothy Frost & Sophie from Stockport L, Jacqueline Oliphant from Whitley Bay, Mick Piper from Rugby Carol Gradwell & Rosie from Lytham Saint Annes L, Julie Jane Garrill from Blackpool, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
Allan Maynard & Yoyo from Blackburn LxGR, Aernout Weinberg from Maidstone, Louise Baragwanath from Rugby
Jennifer Nedwell & Riley from Rossendale GRxL, Wendy Cunningham from Dundee, Erica Dowse from Coventry
Deborah Newton & Jangle from Preston LxGR, Olga Mackenzie from Saint Andrews, Michelle Murphy from Leicester
Amanda Pasquill & Otto from Blackpool L, Pat Willis from Arbroath, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
John Graham Rogers & Kendal from Oldham GRxL, Debra Richmond from Tonbridge, G Tookey from Warwick
Jean Young & Yoko from Accrington L, Jean Ann Ernst from Gateshead, Caroline & Michael Evason from Warwick
Liz Johnson & Rodney from Isle of Man GRxL, Ian Lister from Cleveland, Claire Wray from Hartlepool, Mrs Wassell from Warwick
++Newcastle
Richard Boggie & Flash from Newcastle upon Tyne L, Elaine Wood from Edinburgh, Maria Leggett from Oxford
Christine Brookman & Kenna from Keswick LxGR, Derek & Margaret Hyslop from Dunfermline, Sylvia Burgess from Buckingham
Fred Fowler & Vale from Billingham L, Alice and James Tosh from Aberdeen, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
John Goldfinch & Ivor from Whitley Bay LxGR, Leanne McDonald from Edinburgh, Elizabeth Ramage from Dalkeith, Gill Moss from Banbury Christine Hughes & Berry from Swansea LxGR, Anne Roberts from Edinburgh, Elizabeth Sagar from Warwick
Pat Maginn & Ebony from Hexham LxGR, William Macdonald from West Calder, A Adams from Banchory, Elgin Bannerman from Aberdeen, Rachael Cumming from Brechin, Barbara McMillan from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Joan Milburn & Paddy from Barrow-in-Furness GRxFCR, Gill Geddes from Edinburgh, Alison Jordan from Stafford
Philip Moat & Vinnie from Newcastle upon Tyne GRxL, Catriona Rose from Edinburgh, Joan Perry from Southam
Simon Morris & Ice from Middlesbrough LxGR, Daniel McKeeman from Dunfermline, Gill Moss from Banbury
Richard Orford & Morton from Durham GRxL, Sheila Adam from Dundee, Ann Cooper from Swadlincote
Malcolm Pirnie & Truffles from Stockton on Tees LxGR, Rhona & Gordon Armitage from Dundee, Carol Evans from Stourbridge
David Price & Isabel from Bishop Auckland GRxL, Lynne and Ron Page from Kirkcaldy, Lyn Shaw from Redditch
Michael Unsworth & Matt from Brandon GRxFCR, Anne Crawford from Fraserburgh, John Rogers from Bromsgrove
Lynn Young & Vogue from Sunderland GRxL, Freda Gersh from Dumfries, Joan Perry from Southam
++Nottingham
Emma Bullin & Richie from Nottingham GRxL, Kathleen Fennemore from Derby, Danielle Vaughan from Wigston
Pat Dannatt & Curtis from Rotherham LxL, Mrs Bland from Burnley, Pippa Challenger from Evesham Michael Fuller & Kristal from Nottingham LxGR, Janet Lesley Cartwright from Ilkley, Sandra Allison from Ilkley, Sylvia Burgess from Buckingham
Kathryne Glynn & Toby from Buxton LxGR, Theresa Rosina Ingham from Skipton, Barbara McMillan from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Melanie Griffiths & Hudson from Nottingham GRxL, Jane French from Banbury, Christine Smith from Coventry
Stephanie Harris & Hattie from Sheffield GRxL, Rosemary Jane Holland from Wilmslow, Dr Josie Blackshaw from Coventry
Rachael Henderson & Sykes from Chesterfield GR, Kate McGuigan from Macclesfield, David Thorold from Telford
Sarah Hogg & Onyx from Chesterfield L, Penelope Rennie from Corby, Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent
Paula Hyde & Quiver from High Peak COLxGR, Debbie Steans from Derby, Kathryn Bayliss from Walsall
Malcolm Santer & Allie from Belper LxGR, Ann Robbens from Derby, Arthur Chadwick from Droylsden, Samantha Reid from Chipping Norton
Peter Shirra & Toby from Nottingham LxGR, Theresa Rosina Ingham from Skipton, Barbara McMillan from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Wendy Wells & Inga from Nottingham LxGR, V Thompson from Morecambe, Joan Thompson from Warrington, Gill Moss from Banbury
Mark Whittle & Rory from Nottingham GR, Peter John Bratt from Holmfirth, H Ablett from Kenilworth
Sophie Wilson & Ripley from Sheffield GRxL, Bridget Spence from Harrogate, Paula Ross from Southam
++Peterborough Rachael Andrews & Stella from Norwich GRxFCR, Daphne Swain from Woodford Green, John Rogers from Bromsgrove
Stacey Coutts & Saint from Cambridge GRxL, Rebecca Forrest from Southampton, Paul Rackham from Rugby
Roseanne Fish & Heidi from Bury Saint Edmunds GRxL, Tracey Bishop from Chelmsford, Mary Wilkins from Atherstone
Joseph Frendo & Harry from Sudbury GR, Carole Cull from Derby, Sandra Bradburn-Vazquez from Lichfield
Stephen Hazelwood & Isla from Newmarket LxGR, Chris Davies from Cambridge, Lynne Knapp from Huntingdon, Mr & Mrs Warner from Pershore
Paul Monaghan & Gismo from Cromer GRxL, Gordon Glen from Kirriemuir, SC Lang from Saint Andrews, Michelle Murphy from Leicester
Karen Norton & Holly from Norwich GRxL, Helen Barneveld from Bury Saint Edmunds, Jane Chance from Kidderminster
Steve Peters & Pepper from Cambridge GRxFCR, Janet Bennett from Tunbridge Wells, Alison Jordan from Stafford
Fuller Porter & Lennon from Great Yarmouth GRxGSD, Sue Ferguson from Gillingham, Mr & Mrs Brennan from Warwick
John Rushmer & Syd from Bury Saint Edmunds GRxL, Bob Croucher from South Ockendon, Helen Bonnett from Leigh
++Reading
Janet Alder & Ellie from Epsom L, Sarah Buckland from Colchester, Pauline Goodrich from Leicester
Colin Bradford & Nash from Milton Keynes GRxL, Malcolm Moore from Sidcup, Jean Moore from Sidcup, Tracey Wilkinson from Telford Tracey Clarke & Oakley from Lancing L, Susan Spicer from Portsmouth, Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent
Jennifer Fairhurst & Urwin from Epsom L, Gill Rackley from Gillingham, Ann-Marie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster
Bryan Farrar & Beacon from Middleton on Sea GRxL, Fiona Newman from Tunbridge Wells, Jude Jennison from Warwick
John Fullwood & Pilot from Camberley GRxFCR, Rosemary Parker from Rochford, Alison Jordan from Stafford
Samantha Hall & Zane from Winnersh GRxL, Joyce Taylor from Canvey Island, Michelle Richardson from Earl Shilton
Deborah Impiazzi & Kacey from Haslemere GRxL, Karen Chittenden from Orpington, Mr & Mrs Poulter from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Anneli Lloyd & Magic from Guildford L, Geraldine and Peter Blackman from Chelmsford, Mary Lawrence from Kidderminster
Anthony Stovell & Saxon from Chichester L, Gill Maynard from Southampton
Shrewsbury
Mason Adey & Una from Stoke On Trent GSD, Susan Coxon from Nottingham, Cora Blaver from Northampton
Nicola Askew & Tillie from Thornton-Cleveleys LxGR, Joan Riley from Ormskirk, Joyce Stuart from Mold, Carol Evans from Stourbridge
William Elkin & Lewis from Stone L, Mike Barwick from Durham, Janet Ansell from Kenilworth
Malgorzata Galbarczyk & Phoebe from Birmingham LxGR, Robert Ingham from Washington, Linda Langman from Milton Keynes
Anthony Green & Eddy from Leek LxL, Tony Wilkinson from Nelson, Gordon Macrae from Over Norton
Amanda Lee & Crumble from Tamworth GRxL, Claire Kirby from Shrewsbury, John Lovett from Telford
Dawn Purcell & Wallace from Fleetwood L, Michael Painter from Kidderminster, D Ward from Rugby
Ken Scott & Teasel from Stoke-on-Trent L, Pam Cruickshank from Aberdeen, Emma Watson from Leamington Spa
Lucy Tilsley & Carly from Macclesfield GR, Yvonne Edwards from Cradley Heath, Val Rowe from Stafford, Bob & June Owen from Solihull
Sandra Troth & Jangle from West Bromwich GRxL, Jackie Sarah Hughes from Bristol, Paul Rackham from Rugby
++Southampton
Karen Bone & Daisy from Hook GRxL, Margaret Wood from Llantwit Major, Mr & Mrs Poulter from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Tiffany Deacon & Iris from Christchurch L, Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-Upon-Avon, Heather Taylor from Stratford-Upon-Avon, Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-Upon-Avon
Michael Fisher & Rusty from Bournemouth LxGR, Jennifer Parker from Warwick, Barbara Hagger from Stonehouse, Jacquie Williams from Moreton-in-Marsh
Paul Hanman & Nevis from Swindon GRxFCR, Ann and Ian Vosper from Exeter, John Rogers from Bromsgrove
Janice Heatherington & Zeus from Hook GRxL, Daniel Rowe from Warwick, Michelle Richardson from Earl Shilton
Angela Jolliffe & Gypsy from Calbourne GR, Christine Fowler from Southam, Susan Carney from Rugby, Christine Fowler from Southam
Janet Price & Opal from Cowes LxGR, Ann Robson from Leicester, Mr & Mrs Bayley from Malvern Sherrie Swadling & Katie from Hayling Island GRxL, Tracey Brunsdon-Jones from Tewkesbury, Angela McAuliffe from Wellesbourne
Michelle Waters & Henry from Eastleigh LxGR, Kate Price from Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Elizabeth Morris from Tamworth
Adrian Treharne & Smudger from Northallerton GRxL, Nicola Morgan from Wakefield, Joan Perry from Southam
Richard Wadwell & Ralph from Skipton LxGR, Shaun Morris from Malvern, Jacquie Williams from Moreton-in-Marsh
++Welwyn GC
Ann Bates & Joan from Watford GRxL, Joan Powell from Brentwood, Christina Bloxham from Worcester
James Black & Krispin from Bishops Stortford GR, Patricia Butcher from Wisbech, Mike Williams from Chelmsford, Pam Kimmins from Birmingham
Marion Bull & Uska from Southend-on-Sea L, Barbara Courtney from Crowthorne, Ann-Marie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster
Steven Cook & Lance from Romford GRxL, Ann Ridler from Luton, Frances Miller from Hertford, Susan Barford from Southam
Glen Daniels & Sonny from Enfield GRxL, Anthony Oram from Chippenham, Pat Nixon from Chippenham, Helen Bonnett from Leigh
Anne Murphy & Elvis from Dunstable GR, Margaret Mardell from Rochester, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry
Anthony Payne & Walter from Maldon L, Patrick Hutchinson from Colchester, D Ward from Rugby
Nevaeh Perry-Bartlett & Pippa from Hemel Hempstead LxGR, Stewart Grant from Ascot, Linda Langman from Milton Keynes John Sexton & Ivan from Clacton-on-Sea GRxL, Jana Saldanha from Enfield, David Windhober from Northampton
++Breeding Stock
Alicia, 05.12.12, GRxL, Bitch, Ms D Collins from Telford, Mr T Wilkinson from Nelson
Annie, 18.10.12, L, Bitch, Mr J Lovett from Telford, Mrs D Jordan from Berwick-Upon-Tweed Mrs C Rose from Edinburgh Lady B Savill from Edinburgh
Aruba, 12.12.12, L, Bitch, Outside Bred, Mrs GT Telford from Northwich
Aysha, 21.11.12, L, Bitch, Mr J Lovett from Telford, Ms C Newton from Yarm
Bella, 02.11.12, L, Bitch, Mr D Yarwood from Birmingham, Mrs B S Hunter from Leeds
Bella, 17.01.13, L, Bitch, Mr WJ Aaron from Lytham Saint Annes
Blaize, 02.11.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mrs CM Pedreschi from Evesham, Mr AH Howarth from Huddersfield
Bonnie, 05.12.12, L, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Smith from Arbroath
Bonnie, 18.10.12, GR, Bitch, Mrs J Evans from Warwick, Mrs L Hampson from Fleetwood
Breeze, 18.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs D Moloney from Leamington Spa, Mr & Mrs Fishwick from Burnley
Bumble, 04.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs D Moloney from Leamington Spa, Mrs LH Collins from Stonehaven
Cassie, 21.11.12, L, Bitch, Mrs J Klaar from Stourbridge, Mrs J Klaar from Stourbridge
Ceri, 21.11.12, L, Bitch, Mrs J Klaar from Stourbridge, Mrs M Jones from Witham
Chris, 05.12.12, L, Bitch, Mrs LH Ruxton from Bathgate
Connie, 02.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs M.R. Armitage from Leamington Spa, Mrs JB Barber from Thornton-Cleveleys Daisy, 02.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs CE Turton from Solihull, Mrs R Revis from Peterborough
Darby, 05.12.12, L, Bitch, Mr D Windhober from Northampton, Mr D Songhurst from Maidstone
Delphi, 02.11.12, L, Bitch, Mrs CE Turton from Solihull, Mr C Inwood from Bognor Regis
Dixie, 17.01.13, L, Bitch, Mr D Windhober from Northampton, Mrs H Poulter from Chelmsford
Dream, 02.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs CE Turton from Solihull, Mrs A Heenan from Rugby
Dusty, 17.01.13, L, Bitch, Mr D Windhober from Northampton, Mrs J Cockerill from Radstock Mrs MA Skinner from Wells
Ellie, 12.12.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mr J Webb from Birmingham, Mrs Y Madden from Glasgow
Elsa, 12.12.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mr J Webb from Birmingham, Mr VMJ Venn from Bolton
Erin, 12.12.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mr J Webb from Birmingham, Mrs G McCracken from Glasgow
Faith, 16.01.13, L, Bitch, Mrs S Coton from Birmingham, Mr A Stobart from Solihull
Flora, 18.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs J Gordon-Lennox from Worcester, Mr P Lees from Bingley
Georgia, 02.11.12, L, Bitch, Mrs R Mercer from Warwick, Mr WD Macdonald from West Calder
Ginny, 02.11.12, L, Bitch, Mrs R Mercer from Warwick, Mrs KS Shepherd from Bolton
Gus, 02.11.12, L, Stud, Mrs R Mercer from Warwick, Mr M Hayes from Chester
Harvest, 04.10.12, LxGR, Bitch, Mrs H Cross from Evesham, Mr & Mrs L Jones from Aboyne
Hovis, 02.11.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mrs CM Pedreschi from Evesham, Mr & Mrs J Barnett from Glenrothes Mrs C Woods from Glenrothes Ice, 17.01.13, L, Bitch, Mr W Kelso from Alcester, Mrs E Payne from Cardiff
Iris, 17.01.13, L, Bitch, Mr W Kelso from Alcester, Mrs S March from Maldon
Kelly, 08.11.12, L, Bitch, Mrs DJ Williams from Melton Mowbray, Mrs D Spurgeon from Cranleigh
Nadia, 05.12.12, FCR, Bitch, Outside Bred, Mr & Mrs Bland from Burnley
Nala, 17.01.13, FCR, Bitch, Outside Bred, Mr & Mrs Kelly from Alloa
Poppy, 21.11.12, GR, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Plenderleith from Solihull, Mrs P Balson from London
Quaver, 04.10.12, L, Bitch, Mrs J Richardson from Dalgety Bay
Ruby, 18.10.12, L, Bitch, Mr D Yarwood from Birmingham, Mrs MJ Cullen from Larkhall
Sage, 05.12.12, L, Bitch, Mrs L Russell-Yarde from Coventry, Mr A Hopes from Dundee
Tammy, 18.10.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Cope from Birmingham, Mrs A Humphries from Gillingham
Whisp, 04.10.12, GR, Bitch, Mrs J Evans from Warwick, Mr & Mrs A Davie from Rosyth
Yasmin, 17.01.13, GRxL, Bitch, Mrs Field from Warwick, Miss V Macready from Cumbernauld, Glasgow
Yvette, 05.12.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mrs Field from Warwick, Mrs H Percival from Warrington
Yvonne, 21.11.12, GRxL, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Cope from Birmingham, Miss SD Roberts from Mansfield [Back to contents]
Close. This is the end of the Summer 2013 issue of Forward, the magazine of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Forward Magazine - Summer 2013
[End.]