Volunteer news Spring 2015

Volunteer Survey The Great British New Recruits Off to work! results Walk

Cherry looks to the manor born at Castle Howard, near York. Read all about it The latest news from Hearing With the prime fundraising season upon us, may I take a Volunteering Department moment to thank everyone who is planning to get involved with all the myriad of events happening across Feedback from the 2015 Volunteer Survey showed that the UK this year. 10% of you know didn’t know there is a dedicated Volunteering Department and how to get in touch with I am indebted to all of you who give up your time to set us. The Volunteer Department is based at The Grange up gazebos, man stalls, bake cakes, put up posters and and comprises of: Victoria Leedham, Georgia Romeril inform the public about our wonderful charity. All of your and Lisa Meller, supported by volunteers Fudge with work generates publicity and donations, big and small, assistant Sally Jeffrey, Angela Johnson, Jo Todd and that are vital to the ongoing success of Hearing Dogs. Angela Brazier. T 01844 348129 In one April weekend alone, we had two fabulous Great E [email protected] British Dogs Walks in Formby and Droitwich, the annual Gabit Event with TV celebrity Amanda Tapping, the brilliantly attended Spring Open Day at The Grange as well as countless other fundraising activities organised by you. Word of Hearing Dogs is undoubtedly spreading

and I thank you all for supporting these events in whatever way you can. It’s a team effort of which the volunteering family plays an enormous part.

Thank you again, have a fantastic summer and I look forward to seeing many of you on my travels.

Victoria Leedham Michele Jennings, CEO Volunteering Manager Victoria manages the department, organises Volunteer of the Month and keeps two unruly hens called Ron-Ron and Ruby.

Georgia Romeril Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator Georgia coordinates volunteer recruitment, looks after the volunteer section of the website and is a member of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

Lisa Meller Michele (pictured centre) attends the Volunteer Enquiries Coordinator South Hampshire Branch AGM Lisa deals with new enquiries and applications, edits Volunteer News and loves collecting vintage crockery and antiques.

Goldie and Robyn are our office dogs, both are amazing demonstration hearing dogs trained by Dog Trainers Jo Otton and Caroline Ayres.

Volunteers, staff and dogs at the recent Gabit event. Amanda Tapping pictured front left. Volunteer Recruitment Update Volunteer Spotlight Although we always need a steady stream of new enquiries to keep our volunteer numbers topped up, we are in a better position than ever before. All of our new have socialising homes to go to, all of our trainee dogs are out each evening on B&B, we have a strong national network of fundraisers and speakers, as well as regular gardening, and office volunteers at both sites. During financial year 2014-2015 we received a staggering 1,380 enquiries regarding volunteering, and welcomed a fantastic 354 new additions into the family, finishing the year with a grand total of 1,724 volunteers!

Name: Maureen Greenaway Hearing Dog: Candy

Role: Speaker and Fundraiser with Ulster Fundraising As ever, word of mouth plays a huge part in our Branch, Northern Ireland. recruitment efforts, with 30% of new enquiries being prompted by a meeting or conversation with volunteers, Why I volunteer for Hearing Dogs recipients or staff. A huge thank you to the following I became Northern Ireland’s first hearing dog recipient in people mentioned by name over the last few months: 1985 and am now matched with my third hearing dog Jean Orange, Kath Jones, Linda Garman, Candy (pictured). Stacey Wagstaff, Clare Scott-Thorburn, Hilary Miller, Diana Reynolds, Alison Tingey, Amanda Wilkinson, What I get up to Steven Siddle, Jill Rae, Gemma Currie, John Milnes, I attend speaker engagements with Des Thompson Heather Searle, Martin Davies, Stephanie Moore, (Chairman of Ulster Branch) to talk about how my Carolyn Beale, Sallie Bateson, Tracy Davies, Joanne hearing dog helps me and how all three have given me Halley, Fay Mercer, Sue Hagues and Jane Dunsterville. back my confidence.

Why I enjoy my role I enjoy having the opportunity to meet new people and have made so many new friends!

Most memorable moment as a volunteer It’s hard to pick out just the one! There have been so many wonderful events. I have been on TV with well- known stars and also a Southern Irish TV reporter once came to interview me about how my hearing dog works for me. I have enjoyed travelling all over the UK and made many dog-loving friends through having a hearing dog, some of whom have even travelled especially to the Belfast to buy items off my stall! In a unique move, Peter Dixon commissioned a cartoon It has been a great and enjoyable life. strip by talented illustrator, Louise Smith, to remember his hearing dog Brody by. The cartoon strip Did you know we currently have 6 hearing dogs working shows Brody doing part of his sound work assessment - in Northern Ireland and recipients are looked after by and failing miserably! Dog Trainer, Vicky Croser, Partnership Instructor Hayley Burgess. We also have 2 confirms this is entirely artistic licence and that Brody is Fundraising Branches based in Northern Ireland and our very successfully waking up his recipient in Lincolnshire! volunteers are supported by Community Fundraising

Manager Rachel Hassey. If you would like to see more of Louise’s work you can go to her website: www.louisesmithillustration.co.uk Volunteer Survey 2015 Thank you to everybody who completed our recent Volunteer Survey. We had a fantastic 559 responses. Here is a summary of the results.

The really useful information gathered in the ‘about you’ section gives us an image of what the ‘typical Hearing Dogs volunteer’ looks like. The questions were not obligatory, but some of you queried why we needed some of the information. The data helps us to recruit volunteers using demographic analysis; we can look for specific areas where our ‘typical volunteers’ live using the census and pinpoint people of a certain age, employment status, number of children, average income etc.

To fully and fairly show you the entire range of responses we We have some very talented received from this survey, Volunteer News would be too thick to volunteers in our network! It was great post! So, to give you an idea, here are some examples of the to see the spread of skills, hobbies comments we received from just one question: and interests. We may use this In what other ways could we recognise/appreciate your volunteer work? information to contact you in the future about events, activities and other  Volunteers should receive certificates or awards. volunteering opportunities that may be  Being thanked and appreciated is enough. I don't want a medal! of interest to you. When you’re not all  Invite to a volunteers tent at summer show with tea and cake and off travelling that is! chance to chat with Chief Exec and other VIPs.  I’m not seeking recognition - I'd rather be thanked in a low key way occasionally and be left to get on with it. I dislike 'gushing' appreciations of volunteers which to me feel hollow and patronising.  There could be some sort of service badge awarded after x no. of years supporting the charity.  Not sure, difficult not to spend too much time thanking!  Perhaps offer training for a recognised qualification (e.g. Signature Deaf Awareness qualifications).  I don’t volunteer for the recognition. The fact that it is recognised that we may sometimes need help and support and this is easily and readily available shows me that my role is recognised as important.  A bit more personally rather than a blanket letter perhaps.  A ’thank you’ card or letter once a year is perfectly adequate - spend the money on the dogs please. As you can see, for every opinion there is a counter opinion. For a topic such as recognition, it is a challenge to get a balance that will satisfy everybody. We received a similar variety of responses to many of our other questions.

We asked you to place a list of reasons for volunteering in order of importance, to find out what makes people decide to give their time. These are the top 5 results in ascending order.

I've loved every minute of it! Thanks for choosing us! It’s been a fabulous Understand how your contribution fits into the overall aims of the Charity. experience and life Feel recognised and appreciated as a volunteer. changing to us too!

Know who your main contact is and feel that you can go to them with your queries and concerns.

know who the Volunteering Department are or how to contact them. Turn to page 2 for information about who is who in the volunteering team!

Only of you felt that you received a good induction into the Charity So, we’ve decided that it is time to review our procedure. We are working towards a new and improved induction process to ensure that all new volunteers are welcomed into the organisation.

A fantastic of you know the Charity’s mission statement. However many of you did comment on the fact that you didn’t always feel up to date with all the facts about the Charity. The Annual Review is the official document in which you’d find all of this information; let us know if you would like a copy. Do also keep an eye out during Volunteers’ Week for an update and review of our recent accomplishments.

Over of you are on Yammer! We understand that some of you do not use computers or, more specifically, social media. However if you are one of the who were not aware of Yammer, or if you have any questions, please get in touch. Some of you told us that you’d like to be Many of you asked about deaf reimbursed for your expenses more speedily. awareness & sign language training. Improvements are underway so that payments Unfortunately we just don’t have the can be made directly into your bank account. funding to provide courses UK wide. Please look out for your bank details being However, please keep an eye out for requested on the most recent version of the a new deaf awareness feature in the expenses claim form. next edition of Volunteer News.

I really enjoy my role, it really is like being 'part of a family' and long may it continue.

Did you know that all registered volunteers are welcome on one free tour at The Grange or Beatrice Wright Centre? Call or email the reception teams to book. Your feedback counts. We are slowly making our way through every single survey to ensure that we read all of the comments and feedback. When we spot any serious questions or concerns, we will be contacting people directly. All recurring comments and queries will be dealt with by the relevant department in due course. Weekly Dog Updates group

Yamazing! Dear doggie friends and owners, Green paws! After some time training my paws on the pc, I now come Now that spring is with us many of you have been to The Grange once a week to report all the latest dog dusting off the trowel and doing some gardening with news on this Weekly Dog Updates group on Yammer. your puppies ‘helping out’, here are some of our I collate the news from both training sites as well as dogs favourite examples... that are being trained in the home and those that have gone out to work, it's a big job for a small Cockerpoo like me! I bring you the latest as soon as I have it, but with so many dogs and people involved it can't be instantaneous I'm afraid. If you have a particular dog in your own home, you'll definitely know its news before me! That said, my assistant says people are enjoying the updates and like hearing about dogs they've looked after and known about so please encourage other volunteers to join Yammer and this group if they're interested to find out more. I try to sniff out as many photos as possible too, but again that can take time to Harvey thinks the plant pot collate from both sites and around the country. looks better this way up.

So as you can see I have to do a lot of digging to bring “You dig Chance. I’ll keep a you the news. I have my assistant Sally to help out, but of look out!” says Enzo course a dog's nose is by far the best!

Best wishes from your dedicated newshound, luv Fudge xx

FAQs When are updates posted? Generally on Thursday mornings, but if my assistant has an appointment or we're on holiday it might be a different Mene thinks these weeds day or you might have to wait! need removing! Who takes the photos? There is a professional photographer at The Grange and a brilliant volunteer photographer at the Beatrice Wight Centre. Some dogs never go to the centres for training though, so we're working on the best method to get 'official' photographs for these dogs.

Who is copied into the posts? I try to copy in as many people involved with a particular dog as possible, but sometimes I just don't have time or I don't manage to sniff everybody out. Please don't take it personally if you're missed off, these paws aren't the Clio tests out her new sharpest of tools! bed, whilst Cookie gets Fudge and her paws dirty. ‘assistant’ Sally.

Wake me up when you’re done, thinks Tiggy. Volunteer recruitment on Twitter! Meet Goldie Goldie is the new face of social media! This gorgeous little Golden , suitably named Goldie, is currently in socialising with puppy socialisers Jane & John Mobbs. We look forward to seeing him earning that Georgia Romeril is our Volunteer Recruitment Hearing Dogs jacket! Coordinator. She plans and coordinates the recruitment campaigns for volunteer roles across the whole country, supplying literature, adverts, and looking after the team’s online presence. Georgia now has her own Hearing Dogs Twitter page so that she can connect with Hearing Dogs is now on Instagram! everyone in the volunteering world! If you use Twitter If you use Instagram, follow us for gorgeous puppy and you’d like to keep up to date with all things pics and behind the scenes shots! @hearingdogs volunteering, or you have photos that you would like Georgia to share, please follow and tweet @GeorgiaHDogs. Puppy Smiles! Cute Corner is a monthly feature in the Hearing Dogs Top posts on Social Media e-newsletter dedicated to photos and captions about our hearing dog puppies. Most recently, hearing dog puppy 5 week old Chilli hides in smiles! the camera bag. Photo by Isabelle Baldwin

Sparky and Rodney are ready for their close ups and Joanie is so happy to be at the beach!

Our incredible, award- winning photographer, Paul Wilkinson has kindly shared his top 12 tips to capture the perfect puppy smile (or sulk!). If you would like your free, downloadable guide you can register via the cute corner page on the blog or follow this link here.

Chairboy

cuddles! Thank you! Awash with awards “I am the very lucky recipient to have been placed with Volunteer of the month 2015 Bailey the beautiful Labrador Retriever who was socialised and then trained from home by Geoff & Pam January— Eunice Wennberg Harper. Bailey is the most wonderful Hearing Dog and a credit to the hard work put into his training. Eunice volunteers at The I would like to also say a big Grange 2 days a week as a Thank You to all of you who volunteer Training Assistant in any way play a part in the and Coordinator. Her role life of a Hearing Dog. involves helping out with the dogs sound work training What you all do is incredible and she also coordinates our and how difficult it must be Bed & Breakfast volunteers; when your dear friend goes carrying out interviews, into training. I am sure the home visits and organising recipients never forget what events and workshops for the training department you have all done and I volunteers. personally cannot thank Geoff & Pam and “Eunice is always happy and cheery and can make you smile no matter what.” everyone at Hearing Dogs

enough for all they have February—Vicky Blake done for me. Bailey has changed my life for the better and every day we Vicky Blake volunteers with become closer and closer. our Training Team at the To give something back to the charity my daughter Amy Beatrice Wright Centre in abseiled down the Titan Crane in Glasgow in March . On Yorkshire. She kindly gives behalf of Amy—thank you to all who have sponsored up two and a half days a her. Many of you we have never met but we have been week to support the trainers overwhelmed by your generosity. by setting off alarms and doorbells or supporting the

team off-site in town Please know how much all your great work is situations as well as appreciated.” carrying out some training tasks with the dogs such as introducing them to their uniform or doing extra Mary Burke, recipient and volunteer heelwork training.

“Vicky is an asset and a key player in the training team. When she takes a rare day off or is on holiday, we are lost without her.”

March— Irene Rich

Multi-talented Irene volunteers as a fundraiser, event organiser, speaker and brood bitch holder to Cora. Her kind and thoughtful nature is much appreciated by the volunteering community. She always has a welcoming smile for new volunteers and has been a tower of strength to volun- teers in need.

“Irene is always smiling and Cora has a tail that never stops wagging!”

To nominate yourself or someone you know for Volunteer of the Month please let us know by sending 250 words and a photo to E [email protected] After months of preparations the Great British Dog Walk finally went live in March, with the first walk in Pollock County Park, Glasgow kicking things off!

The Pup-mobile and its Great British Dog Walk trailer will be driving around the country! The first Great British Dog Walk in Glasgow was attended by over 250 walkers and pooches! Celebrities Kaye Adams of Loose Women fame and STV weather presenter Sean Batty also made an appearance with their own four-legged friends.

Hearing dog Cameron hands out posters while the Fundraising team test out the event kit on a very windy, cold day Skye directs the walkers to the registration area. at The Grange!

Where’s Dizzy hiding? Huge thanks to all of our volunteers who helped marshalling, registering and stall holding on the day! Volunteer and recipient, Richard Carr and his hearing Souter Lighthouse and The Leas—Tyne & Wear dog Cameron will be walking every single Great British Our 2nd walk took place on 29 March on a rainy Dog Walk! That’s 80 km in total! Sunday. Despite the poor weather conditions there was still a great turn out of those who didn’t mind the wet weather!

Joanna Fortune with her hearing dog Barney.

The picturesque Souter Lighthouse. Richard and Cameron also recently won partnership of the month. Richard says: “Since having my hearing dog Cameron, my life has changed beyond recognition. He brings fulfilment and contentment to my life every single day, and my family can rest assured that I have a com- panion with me at all times.

I’ve been profoundly deaf since birth and have overcome many challenges due to my deafness and . Deafness is extremely tiring and can make you less confident in life, but I've always remained positive and made the most of what life has to offer. #dogwalk selfie

If you do attend one of our Great British Dog Walks There are so many benefits to having a hearing dog in don’t forget to take your dog walk selfie! my life. Cameron is a great way to start conversations Our social media team want to see your best #dogwalk with people – especially as he has a famous namesake selfies with your four-legged friends! Just use the (Prime Minister David Cameron). I feel much more #dogwalk hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and confident when out and about and Cameron just Instagram and tag @hearingdogs. We can’t wait to see spreads joy to all he meets. your pics! A hearing dog is life-changing to a deaf person like me, so Cameron and I have decided to help raise funds to train more hearing dog puppies! Together, we will be walking every Great British Dog Walk to raise money for Hearing Dogs and help more deaf people across the UK.”

You can find out more about Richard and Cameron and sponsor their journey here on the Hearing Dogs blog.

John Hagues and Ethan use a selfie-stick to get the best shot!

You can still sign up and join in with the following walks: 26 April Rhossili, Wales 10 May Ickworth Park, Suffolk Richard & Cameron 17 May Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire at the start of their 7 June Osterley Park, West London adventure in Glasgow. 14 June Saltram, Plymouth 29 June Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire Focus on fundraising It’s been a busy start to the year for our fundraisers. Thank you to everyone for their continued support, organising and attending events on behalf of Hearing Dogs! We simply could not do it without you.

Has your waistline gone to the dogs? First-class improvement

Many of you already may be aware of stamp collecting to raise additional funds for Hearing Dogs, and we’ve recently made sending off these stamps even easier!

Simply cut or tear stamps off letters you have received Are you ready to shed those excess pounds and get into leaving a 1cm gap (a good guide is to have a finger’s shape? Well we are asking our wonderful volunteers to width of paper all the way around). Then pop your pick up their running shoes to raise money for Hearing stamps into the new pre-paid envelope and put it in the Dogs, by applying for a place in this year’s Great North post. Run on Sunday 13 September 2015.

Whether you are a complete beginner or the next Mo Farah, we have a number of guaranteed charity places in the world’s most popular half marathon attracting thousands of runners from over forty different countries. Hearing Dogs offer a high level of support from the moment you sign up to the day you cross the finishing line and beyond. To receive your pre-paid envelope, please contact our supplier using one of the following: To secure your place in the Great North Run 2015 or E [email protected] recommend someone you know please contact T 01413 289357 Rachel Hassey T 01759 322255 E [email protected] Staff Changes in the Fundraising Team We’ve had some recent changes to our Community Fundraising Team, welcoming Fran Kenneally as the Spinnakar Tower Abseil 2015 Community Fundraising Manager for south and west Wales & south west England.

Fran joined us at the start of 2015; “I am delighted to be part of this amazing charity. My Grandmother was born deaf and life would have been very different for her if she had had a Hearing Dog. My time with Hearing Dogs has already flown by and I would like to thank all the volunteers who have made Why not dare yourself to abseil the 170m iconic me feel welcome!” Cheers! Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth harbour this year?

Recipient and Volunteer Speaker Anne Pickett has We have also sadly said goodbye to Nicky Litchfield done just that and will be taking up the challenge on who covered the North West region. Rachel Hassey 23 August for Hearing Dogs – if you would like to (currently maternity cover for Lucy Ward) has taken over sponsor or join her please get in touch with the North West as well as continuing to manage the Nicholas Orpin T 01844 340741 North East until Lucy’s return. E [email protected]

We would also like to welcome our new Director of You can find out about more challenges or events to Marketing and Fundraising, Robert Marsh, who is based get involved with on the Hearing Dogs website. at The Grange and is looking forward to meeting many of you as the year progresses. Puppies provide exam relief for local Partnership Guardians Students Each year Hearing Dogs for Deaf People partners more deaf people with wonderful, life-changing hearing dogs. The new Partnership Guardian scheme focusses on supporting a partnership and securing it for the long term. A hearing dog partnership costs on average around £2,000/year to support and develop. Our generous guardians’ give at least £150/month and are able to request that the money is spend on child or adult partnerships or in a specific geographical area. The money goes to pay for essential training and welfare visits plus veterinary and insurance costs where the recipient cannot meet them.

Organisers Sophie Neville and Lauren Troiano

get cuddles from hearing dog pup Mia.

Over 450 students at Buckinghamshire New University were treated to some of our hearing dog puppies coming in to help relieve exam stress. The event was so popular there was a queue out of the door to meet one of the ten pups! The aim was to raise awareness of Hearing Dogs and our work, allow students to meet the puppies, and also, in turn, provide training for the puppies in meeting a lot of new people. All of our guardians receive an exclusive silver guardian The event was wonderfully organised by Sophia Neville brooch designed by talented silversmith and volunteer and one of our own Hearing Dogs volunteers, Lauren puppy socialiser Karen Thomas, who is based in York. Troiano, who is also the Student Union Societies & To see more of Karen’s designs visit Volunteering Coodinator. www.karenthomasjewellery.co.uk

The event was absolutely superb and Bucks Students’ To learn more about the Partnership Guardian Scheme Union were extremely welcoming. Over £330 was raised contact our Fundraising team: T 01844 348151 in donations from the generous and de-stressed E [email protected] students!

Thank you to all the volunteers who came along to help; Dorothy Saunders with Mia, Sue Cooper with Una, Sue Hagues with Ethan, Clare & Mike Coote with Elton, Fiona Daniels with Clio & Scooby, Jilly & David Hay with Naddie & Anya, Nannette Graham with Dotty, Peter & Hazel Dixon, Judith Ellis and especially Sue Riley who put on the mascot uniform for the event!

Karen’s hearing dog puppy, Archer, approves!

It’s been another very good year for sales of Hearing Dogs Christmas cards in the Cards for Good Causes shops nationwide. We sold over £10,000 worth of Bucks Student TV even made a fantastic video of the Christmas cards! A very big thank you to all our very event with Georgia Romeril talking about volunteering supportive volunteers for lending their time to help. It is for Hearing Dogs. Click on the screenshot of Anya above greatly appreciated and we value your support. to see the video. Speakers’ Corner As we enter a new financial year we are starting to look at the audience we reached in 2014/2015 and the donations that were received through talks. We are confident that we have had another great year thanks to our wonderful volunteer speakers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all!

Keep a look out for speaker resources being updated to Doggy Assistance reflect the new statistics at the end of the financial year.

Although not essential, we all recognise that having a If you have any questions, feedback or advice please puppy alongside you at a talk goes down a treat! don’t hesitate to contact your local Community However some of the puppies in training and even Fundraising Manager or Community Fundraising newly partnered hearing dogs may find the situation a Coordinator, Jessica Grant. Alternatively, take a look at little overwhelming. Please remember to check with your the Speakers group on Yammer—it’s great for sharing Puppy Training Instructor or Partnership Instructor that it tips and stories! is okay for your dog to attend any talks or events.

If you are going with a fellow volunteer or recipient who Talk forms is bringing their dog, please pass this message along. Thank you. Lisa Bishop, Community Fundraising Manager for Bucks, Beds, Herts & Oxon would like to give a gold star to Mike Coote for filling out the most talk forms in her area! Please could all speakers remember to complete talk forms after each talk. The information gathered from these forms is invaluable! Talk forms can be found in the Speaker Resources section of the website, on Puppy socialiser Sue Flint Yammer or by contacting with Berry and some of Jessica Grant T 01844 348135 the girls at Heatherton E [email protected] House school at a recent

talk.

Tails to talk about…

“When I was booked to give a talk to a school assembly (ages 5-11), I found out that they also had a nursery (ages 2-5). I offered to pop into the nursery after the talk so that the little children could also meet Dino. The young children were seated on the floor in a circle with just one gap in. I stooped to put my bag and stick down and felt Dino’s lead move. He went forwards towards the children, stopped a moment, looked all the way round the circle one way, then the other and then sat in the gap to complete the circle perfectly. He looked around again as if to say “What are we all waiting for?” As always, Dino was a great success and every child got to Mike Coote with wife Clare and puppy in training, make a fuss of him, a fantastic introduction for them to Elton receiving a cheque for £360 from the charity.” Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club. Jean Lawrence, recipient volunteer with Dino

Updates from around the charity Breeding It’s been a busy start to the new year, with four litters being born in January alone! Thanks go out, as always, to all of our fantastic, dedicated brood and stud holders.

E Litter 6 pups, born in January

Mum: Amber Dad: Kody Breed: Show X Show Cocker Names: Ernie, Echo, Enzo, Evita, Elsie & Sophie

Details: Amber and Kody had their second litter together and are proving to be a winning combination. Amber was once again an excellent mum and the pups have thrived right from the start, growing steadily and hitting all their milestones at the right time. Fosterers Jackie & Mark were having major renovations done to their home at the same time and did an admirable job of juggling this with a litter of increasingly active and demanding puppies!

F Litter 6 pups, born in January

Mum: Nellie

Dad: Ollie Breed: Show X Working Cocker Spaniel Names: Finley, Fern, Fidget, Fenton, Fleur & Fizz

Details: The F litter is dad Ollie’s first ever litter and he did very well! This is equally Nellie’s last litter and she will now be retiring after producing a total of 25 pups from 4 litters for Hearing Dogs, including 2 brood mums and one stud dog dad, so her legacy will continue on. Nellie’s fosterer, Donna Brown, promises not to go too far, agreeing to be a future stand-in home whelper when needed. A big thank you goes out to Donna for all the years she has dedicated to the Breeding Scheme!

G Litter 5 pups, born end of January

Mum: Bracken Dad: Ollie Breed: Working Cocker Names: Ghillie, Gerry, Gretel, Genie & Gertie

Details: This is Bracken’s fourth and last litter for Hearing Dogs and she kept fosterer Philippa waiting in anticipation for several days! They are a very sweet and playful litter and have enjoyed charging around their large garden. After having been such an excellent mum to many hearing dogs, Bracken is now looking forward to a very well-deserved retirement with Philippa and her family.

New recruits. Spring 2015 Spring New recruits.

H Litter 5 pups, born in January

Mum: Lottie Dad: Will ( stud) Breed: Labrador Names: Holly, Harry, Hope, Honey & Henry

Details: This is Lottie’s third litter, her first was the Olympic litter and her second included sponsorship pup Gus. Two of her pups from previous litters have also gone on to become Guide Dogs in an arrangement where one pup from each litter is transferred to Guide Dogs in lieu of a stud fee. Henry from this litter will be going to Guide Dogs and we wish him lots of luck in the future.

I Litter 4 pups, born in February

Mum: Pheobe Dad: Eric Breed: Cockerpoo Names: Iggy, Isaac, Ike & Inca

Details: Phoebe’s second litter was with new stud dog on the block, Eric. Fosterer Mike did a fantastic job of assisting with the whelp and Phoebe has gone on to make easy work of raising her brood. The puppies are shaping up to be real characters and are having great fun running around the house getting up to mischief with their mum!

J Litter 10 pups, born in March

Mum: Maggie Dad: Mariner (Guide Dog stud) Breed: Labrador Names: Jonah, Jamie, Jet, Jasmine, Jonty, Jessie, Jemma, Jasper, Josie & Jake

Details: Maggie produced a mega litter of 10 Labrador pups, 4 yellow and 6 black. What a great finale litter especially as Maggie herself came from a litter of just one! Maggie’s fosterer Jane was delighted to be able to name one of Maggie’s final pups after her own childhood black Lab, Jessie. Everyone was very thankful that this large litter was born with an easier letter than last year (10 names beginning with I may have been a struggle!). Maggie, herself, was named following a very generous gift left to the charity in someone’s will with the only request being that a pup was named after a family member. Maggie has certainly been an amazing gift to the charity with 33 puppies to her name! New recruits. Spring 2015 Spring New recruits.

Could you look after one of our brood bitches? Help us create hearing dogs of the future! We urgently require more volunteers to offer long-term homes for our hearing dog mums. If you can help or know someone who might be interested please get in touch! T 01844 348129 Please note; this role is currently only available within a 45 minute drive of The Grange, Buckinghamshire.

Puppy socialising Karen Rigg—Plymouth

Welcome to Jo Ellam—Hertfordshire Puppy Training Instructor

We would like to welcome Jo Ellam to our Puppy Socialising team. Replacing Tom Bysouth, Jo joined Hearing Dogs in January and is covering the Hertfordshire and Saffron Walden area. Jo has worked in both welfare and training departments for other charities.

“I am already enjoying getting to know the lovely socialisers and puppies in my area and am delighted to have such a lovely group of volunteers to be working with!” Danny being playful in the leaves

I would like to say a big thank you to all my fantastic puppy socialisers who have been doing lots of extra work with their puppies in recent months. From working super hard with puppies with specific issues, to doing extra work to get their puppies to higher standards than ever before. We have had to think outside the box and I’ve been really impressed with everyone’s dedication and enthusiasm!

We have had fun recently on themed group trips to look at specific areas of training, most recently a train Ernie is one of Jo’s journey for five of the puppies to the lovely coastal town first pups! of Looe in Cornwall. The puppies were all brilliantly behaved on the train, had a fun adventurous walk in the woods along the river as a reward and the socialisers had a very well deserved drink outside one of the local Amie Cram —Yorkshire cafés. Five black Cocker Spaniels in their puppy uniform certainly drew a lot of attention and we even had a I would like to say a huge thank you to my volunteer dog puppy socialising enquiry! trainers Moira Adeney, Jenny Greaves, Sue Duda, Sheila Pilliner and Hannah Whewell. They have all A special mention goes out to Jan Long, Katie George shown great enthusiasm in training their puppies the and Lorna Trend who, although unable to have full time advanced soundwork and introducing all of their uniform puppies for me at the moment, have been working with to go forward and become a life changer. They are amazing! a couple of the puppies in our group by taking them out for the day and helping the puppies to adapt to different And a big thumbs up to all of my puppy socialisers—you handlers. all do a fantastic job and I love coming to work because of you! Thank you. Jan Long, Gloria Vine and Jackie Janes have also started organising some regular coffee afternoons to help build recruitment and awareness in our area. It’s a real team effort and I will soon be inviting my other socialisers to bring their puppies along and help attract people to the events. Thanks also to Pam & Geoff Harper for agreeing to help me with flyers and advertising for the event.

I’m now looking forward to the spring and organising some fun outdoor puppy classes, group trips and events in Devon and Cornwall.

Bielby puppy class goes to the woods!

Welcome to our puppy trainers in Scotland Reach for the Stars

Since the last edition of Some of you may recognise Volunteer News we now have gorgeous Star from around five gorgeous puppies being The Grange with her lovely, socialised in Edinburgh. exceptionally long eyelashes. Joining Aster are Dizzy, Star has now been placed in Delphi, Echo and Evita, all her new career as a Teaching Spaniels! Assistant! She goes into an all-girls school on a daily February saw the first of our basis helping young children puppy training classes in who have learning difficulties Edinburgh and the puppies and Autism. The children are have been going out and allowed time out to give Star cuddles and learn how to about to local shops and be a friend to her. libraries. Aster shows off her sitting skills in a local library (above). Sally Taylor, Star’s trainer would like to extend a huge thank you to B&B volunteers Lynn & Andy Calame for We would like to say a massive welcome to our new looking after Star for an extended period whilst she had Scottish trainers and good luck with the puppies! some extra training. Lynn & Andy did wonders with her and she will be very much missed. Star is already enjoying her new role and living up to her name by meeting football star David Beckham at a recent charity football match!

Dates for the diary at The Grange (for B&B volunteers) Drop-in sessions: Wednesday 23 April, Saturday 23 May, Tuesday 23 June, Saturday 25 July, Thursday 17 September, Saturday 24 October, Wednesday 18 November.

Saturday drop-in sessions will start at 10:30am, weekday evening sessions will run from 5:30pm. (L-R) Puppy Training Instructor, Bryony takes Aster for The weekday sessions will be a repeat of the previous a walk in the Scottish sun and Delphi learns to cross month’s Saturday session. Topics will be revealed the road safely with puppy trainer Douglas Fisher. nearer the time! You are welcome to attend even if you don’t have a dog. Refreshments will be available. Training at The Grange 2015 social events for training volunteers: The training team at The Grange would like to thank all Sunday 16 August and Sunday 13 December. those volunteers who were able to keep their dogs at More details will follow nearer the time. home during the week whilst refurbishment work was going on in the kennels. It was a great help and your Contact your trainer or Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah support was truly appreciated! Allom or Eunice Wennberg if you require any further information about drop-in sessions or would like to find out more in general.

EQUIPMENT RECALL

Can all volunteers please check at home for any equipment that is due to come back to The Grange. We are short of car and walking harnesses, toys and flexi leads. We would be really grateful if you could check that you are not holding more equipment than you need.

Room with a view!

Family reunions at the Beatrice Wright Centre When we have litter mates in training at BWC we always try and reunite the siblings and let them have some time together running and playing. We also try to capture their time together on camera and have lots of fun trying to get them to halt playtime for a photo. Here are some of those reunions, how many do you recognise?

Happy families from L– R from the top: Katie & Kitty, Beatrice (mum) with Tilly, Toby & Theo, Storm & Skye, Tom & Harry, Pepper & Cookie, Milo & Millie, Obie & Olga.

Training from Home arrives in Newcastle Unique fostering role in East Yorkshire

We would also like to welcome our new Training from Do you live in East Yorkshire? Have you been thinking Home volunteers in Tyne & Wear who will be working about getting your own dog? In that case, we have with Dog Trainer, Ailsa Ramage to train some of our an exciting and unique role coming up which may dogs in their own homes. The majority of our dogs come interest you! into one of our two centres for their soundwork training and spend their evenings and weekends with our B&B volunteers. However we have found that some dogs benefit from continuing to live full-time within a home environment. Ailsa will be making regular visits to these volunteers’ houses to carry out training sessions.

We have a small number of ‘applicant assessment dogs’ which are trained by the Charity and work with people who are going through the application process to get a hearing dog. These dogs are fostered long term by a member of staff or volunteer, living at home very much like a pet dog with the exception of being brought into the local training centre to work or train on an occasional basis. If possible, fosterers will provide the dog with a forever home, so if you or anyone you know ‘Oh I do like to be beside would like to take on a unique canine companion we’d the seaside!’ says Kitty love to hear from you. T 01844 348129 E [email protected] Off to work! Congratulations to all of our hard working and clever pups that have been placed with their recipients or selected for the breeding scheme in 2014/2015. We wouldn’t be able to place any of these life-changing dogs without your help so a huge thank you to every single one of our volunteers!

Dog name Breed Role Month placed Location

Andy Labrador Hearing Dog June Dunbartonshire Angus Labrador Dual Dog—Canine November Derbyshire Partners Annie Labrador Hearing Dog June Kent Archer Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June Somerset Archie Labrador Hearing Dog September Middlesborough Arty Labrador Hearing Dog October Renfrewshire Asher Labrador Hearing Dog July Cheshire Aslan Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Carmarthenshire Atlas Labrador Hearing Dog March Dorset Autumn Labrador Hearing Dog May Essex Ayla Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog January Devon Bailey Labrador cross Hearing Dog June South Lanarkshire Bailey Toy Poodle Hearing Dog March Surrey Beau Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog December West Yorkshire Belle Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog February Bedfordshire Beryl Labrador Hearing Dog April Yorkshire Betsy Labrador Hearing Dog May Herefordshire Bolt Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June Kent Bond Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog July Middlesex Brie Golden Retriever Hearing Dog April Merseyside Brody Miniature Poodle Hearing Dog February Lincolnshire Bryn Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog July Lanarkshire Buddy Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog October Gwent Clover Labrador Hearing Dog March Kent Cola Cocker Spaniel Child’s Hearing Dog August East Sussex Cole Labrador Hearing Dog June Carmarthenshire Cruise Labrador Hearing Dog November West Yorkshire Daisy Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March East Sussex Dancer Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog August Derbyshire

Aslan Bailey Dog name Breed Role Month placed Location

Daphne Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog October Somerset Darla Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog May Staffordshire Dasher Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog August Conwy Denby Labrador Hearing Dog June Hertfordshire Digby Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog September East Yorkshire Dillon Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Berkshire Doc Labrador cross Golden Retriever Dual Dog—Guide Dog October Lincolnshire Donald Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog March Northamptonshire Dougal Miniature Poodle Hearing Dog March Surrey Dram Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Somerset Eddie Miniature Poodle Hearing Dog February Hertfordshire Ellie Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog August County Down Elmo Labrador Hearing Dog October Dorset Elsa Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Buckinghamshire Esther Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog August Leicestershire Evie Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June Rutland Flame Labrador Hearing Dog April Lincolnshire Gary Golden Retriever Hearing Dog July Kent Gatsby Labrador Hearing Dog March Berkshire Gina Labrador Hearing Dog June Warwickshire Greta Labrador Hearing Dog May South Yorkshire Harley Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog October Wiltshire Harley Cocker Spaniel (liver) Hearing Dog January Shropshire Harvey Miniature cross Toy Poodle Hearing Dog May Suffolk Helen aka Ellie Labrador Hearing Dog October Somerset Henry Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog February Hampshire Indie Labrador Hearing Dog November Norfolk Isaac Labrador Hearing Dog October Clackmannshire Izzy Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog January Middlesex Jake aka Nate Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog November West Midlands Jess Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog May Avon Jody Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog August Wiltshire Josh Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March West Midlands Juno Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog December Buckinghamshire Kally Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog March County Armagh

Jess Dog name Breed Role Month placed Location

Kandy Labrador Hearing Dog December Hertfordshire Kara Labrador Hearing Dog September Buckinghamshire Katie Labrador Hearing Dog December Clwyd Keats Labrador Hearing Dog July West Yorkshire Kelly Labrador Hearing Dog June Buckingshamshire Lady Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Gloucestershire Libby Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog July Gwent Logan Labrador Hearing Dog August Sussex Lucie Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog October Powys Lyla Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog December Nottinghamshire Mac Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Child’s Hearing Dog March London Martha Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog May Cheshire Meg Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog February Buckinghamshire Mo Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June West Lothian Molly Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog September Cheshire Moss Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June Norfolk Myles Toy Poodle Hearing Dog August Hampshire Nero Labrador Hearing Dog January London Obie Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog March Worcestershire Odene Labrador cross Golden Retriever Hearing Dog January South Yorkshire Olga Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog February West Midlands Oliver Miniature Poodle Hearing Dog August Merseyside Ollie Labrador Hearing Dog November Leicestershire Orca Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog July Essex Oscar Labrador Hearing Dog March Lancashire Otis Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog November Hampshire Otto Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog October Essex Ozette Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog January Staffordshire Panda Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog February Middlesex Paris Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog October South Yorkshire Pebbles Labrador Hearing Dog March Devon Pebbles Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Suffolk Peggy Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June Hampshire Pepper Labrador Hearing Dog October Cheshire Piper Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog July Fife

Panda

Nero Dog name Breed Role Month placed Location

Poppy* Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog July Surrey Poppy* Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Kent Poppy Miniature Poodle Hearing Dog March West Sussex Reba Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog February Merseyside Red Labrador Hearing Dog May Devon Rhum Labrador Hearing Dog November Neath Rocky Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniel Hearing Dog July Stirlingshire Rusty Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog February Essex Sam Labrador Hearing Dog September Devon Seb Labrador Hearing Dog June South Yorkshire Skipper Labrador Hearing Dog June Northamptonshire Sookie Labrador Hearing Dog September Hertfordshire Sparky Labrador Hearing Dog November Hampshire Storm Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March North Yorkshire Sweep Frise cross Shih Tzu Hearing Dog March Oxfordshire Tatum Labrador Dual Dog—Canine January Cornwall Partners Theo Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March West Yorkshire Tilly Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog February Staffordshire Toby Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March Nottinghamshire Travis Golden Retriever Hearing Dog May West Yorkshire Truffle Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog March West Midlands Whisper Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog October Norfolk Widget Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog March Merseyside Willow Miniature Poodle Hearing Dog May Kent Wilma Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle Hearing Dog March Tyne & Wear Zofi Cocker Spaniel Hearing Dog June Hertfordshire

*You’re right - two black Cocker Spaniels named Poppy is confusing! If you’re involved with either Poppy and would like any clarification on who’s who then please just get in touch.

New Brood and Stud dogs 2014/15 More good work

Dog name Breed Role In addition to the 140 dogs successfully trained as Hearing Dogs, matched to their profoundly deaf Dora Working Cocker Spaniel Brood bitch recipients and proudly wearing their Hearing Dogs Eric Miniature Poodle Stud jackets, a further 26 dogs were trained by our wonderful Pebbles Show Cocker Spaniel Brood bitch teams at The Grange and BWC with your help and are now working as practical and emotional helpers to deaf people. We term these ‘Confidence and Companion dogs’ and they are all contributing to our aim of helping as many deaf people as possible through our clever and loveable dogs. Just six dogs were found to be unsuitable Ozette as Hearing Dogs and they have been happily placed into alternative careers. Siblings Anya & Albert Crufts 2015 reunited! It was another fantastic year at Crufts for Hearing Dogs and everyone was in great spirits – despite the early starts! Visitors particularly enjoyed being able to meet some of our puppies and dogs. Thank you to all those volunteers who travelled from their various locations (with and without dogs) to help on the merchandise stand and with the puppy class demonstrations. Sue Duda with Ellis

enjoying some cuddles.. “I wanted to congratulate the team of volunteers and staff on the success of Crufts. The stand looked great, the demos were excellent and just right for the audience and all in all you showed the charity in a wonderful light. Well done! “ Faith Clark, Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Celebrity ambassador, Pam St Clement helps with a demonstration and gives Echo some attention.

Volunteers Faye Fulton with demo dog Rosie, Alison Tingey and Sarah Wells help Victoria sell merchandise

Volunteers Ute Porter and Mark Pegg get their photo Demo dog Rory meets Strictly celebrities taken with Ben Fogle! Alesha Dixon and Tess Daley.

Spread the word Puppy Socialising in Cheshire

We are always looking for new people to join our As part of our aims to slowly but steadily volunteer family, and as always all our roles are listed expand the Charity, we are very pleased to on our website. E [email protected] announce the opening of a new puppy socialising T 01844 348100 W www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer satellite area in Cheshire this year.

Homes needed for hearing dog mums

We have some very cute and very cuddly Show Cocker Spaniels entering our breeding scheme this year, so we’re now on the lookout for their long-term homes.

Volunteers should live locally to The Grange and be able to look after the brood bitch for the entire time she is in the breeding scheme. Volunteers will always be given the option to rehome the dog once she has retired, so it is very similar to getting a pet dog! With the obvious addition of some gorgeous hearing dog litters like the ones on pages 13-14.

After extensive research into population demographics in various areas around the country (helped by the responses we received from the survey!), as well the locations of existing volunteers and previously recorded volunteer enquiries, we determined which towns and cities would be optimum puppy socialising spots.

Our decided next catchment is in Cheshire, specifically around Stockport, Altrincham, Knutsford and Alderley Edge, and we are now looking for puppy socialisers, both full time and short term, in and around these areas.

Michelle Taylor is our new Puppy Training Instructor in Cheshire. Michelle comes from Canine Partners where she worked part-time as an Aftercare Assistant, whilst also working as Marketing and Communications Officer at a children’s charity. Michelle says:

“I am really looking forward to Pebbles is one of our new brood bitch mums who had developing the puppy her first litter last year. socialising scheme in the Cheshire area, making people aware of the great work of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; meeting lots of new volunteers (and puppies!) and working with them to create amazing, life-changing hearing dogs.”

Summer issue out August 2015. Got something you’d like featured or considered for a future edition of Volunteer News? We want your Photos • Articles • Thank yous • Local events • News • Updates • Volunteer Spotlight Send copy or images to your Hearing Dogs contact or to [email protected]