GUIDE DOGS
Cymru
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Guide Dogs Cymru Newsletter
June 2015
Welcome to our summer newsletter, which includes details of forthcoming stakeholder
and fundraising events. Please join us at the Blind Drive and Zip Wire; they should
provide fun, entertainment and a few thrills!
There are many fundraising events run by our branches through the year. As always,
any time and support you can give makes all the difference. Please contact us if
you’d like us to link you in to a local group.
Guide Dogs Cymru team members are all very busy supporting increased levels of
services across Wales. Our two new apprentice guide dog mobility instructors have
successfully trained their first partnerships and are now working with their second
group of dogs. We are hopeful that two additional guide dog instructors will be
joining us in September and this, along with a further planned apprentice
instructor, will go a long way to securing higher numbers of guide dog partnerships
in the future.
We have had a few additions to the team in recent months: we welcome Jacquie
Hughes-Jones as Community Fundraiser for North Wales and Charlotte Donald to our
administration and support team.
This year sees us celebrate 30 years of running services from and within Wales.
Those old enough will remember our first site in Cathedral Road in Cardiff. During
that time we have achieved many years of mobility for many people and are keen to
increase what we do across the whole of Wales with everyone’s support.
Jonathan Mudd, Mobility Team Manager
Pictured here is Jonathan Mudd with two pet dogs.
News
Come and meet us
Our West Wales roadshow took place earlier this month, but
chances to attend an event if you live in the north or the
Each roadshow runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm. There will be a
will offer a chance to learn all about sighted guiding and
One qualification.
there are two more
south-east of Wales.
morning session that
achieve a My Guide Level
Alternatively, there’s a chance to get some expert tips from our guide dog mobility
instructors, or raise access, legal or equality issues with our engagement team. If
you just want to join us for the afternoon session, come along at 1.30pm. There’s
tea and coffee available, but remember to bring your own lunch if you are with us
through the day. Feel free to bring a friend or two.
The upcoming events are:
8 July: Community Centre, Queen’s Road, Craig y Don, Llandudno LL30 1TE
15 July: Henllys Village Hall, Cwmbran NP44 6JZ
Remember to let the office know on 0845 3727405 or cymru-mt@guidedogs.org.uk if
you’re planning to attend either event.
Included here is a photograph of Tracy Martin-Smith and Frosti in Haverfordwest.
Guide Dogs Cymru now has its own Facebook page. This is a great way to catch up
with the latest breaking news and share the lighter side of life. You’ll find news,
details of upcoming events and some great photos. Pay us a visit, spread the word
among your Facebook friends – and remember to “like” our page!
Pictured here is a close-up of a man and a guide dog.
Dog attacks
It is now more than a year since the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
was passed. This new law means that allowing a dog to attack an assistance dog will
be treated as an aggravated offence, with penalties of up to three years’
imprisonment.
There have already been two successful prosecutions in Wales where irresponsible
dog owners have been fined and ordered to pay compensation and costs. To assist the
police, it is essential that all attacks on our guide dogs are reported to them. It
is particularly important to report attacks on guide dogs working in harness.
Reports can be made direct to your local police station or by ringing 101 or 999.
It is also important to notify the Cardiff office of any attacks in Wales. This can
be done by ringing 0845 3727405.
Included here is a photograph of Kirsten Barrett and Norman, who was attacked.
The Welsh Government is currently consulting on codes of practice for the Social
Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act. It is a critical piece of legislation which
could affect the levels of future provision of both rehabilitation and habilitation
services for adults and children with sight loss. It’s important that we maintain
the pressure on government so services for people who are vision impaired are
prioritised appropriately in difficult and challenging financial times. The Guide
Dogs policy team has made great strides by gaining valuable meetings with
government advisors. We have now also secured a meeting where Chief Executive
Richard Leaman and Welsh staff members Jon Mudd and Peter Jones will be meeting
with Health Ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething. As a result of this work,
changes are now being made to the Act to better recognise the needs of people with
sensory impairment.
In the news
Blind for a day
Wendy Sleat of Skewen raised more than £5,000 to name a puppy when husband Alan,
owner of guide dog Raffles, challenged her to go blind for a day. Wendy, Executive
Recruitment Manager for Admiral in Swansea, completed a list of everyday tasks such
as shopping and housework while wearing a blindfold. She said: “Raffles acts as
Alan's eyes and enables him to be more independent, go to work and have the freedom
to get about as he pleases. But it will soon be time for Raffles to retire and it
costs so much to train every new guide dog.” The couple opted to name the new puppy
Raffles – what else?
Included here is a photograph of Wendy Sleat.
On your bike
Sponsored bike rides are growing in popularity as a way to raise funds for Guide
Dogs Cymru. Keith Barrett, owner of guide dog Lena, will cycle a tandem from Paris
to Swansea next month with the help of friend Andy Harries. The ride starts at the
Eiffel Tower and covers 320 miles in four days. Keith, of Bridgend, said: “This
event is not just about the distance, but the terrain. Cycling 40 miles over hills
is as tiring as 100 miles on the flat.” Andy, who works in a pharmacy in Barry,
added: “When I’m piloting the tandem, I try to describe what is ahead as we go
along, but it’s in between gasps because Keith pushes hard! We also need to be
careful negotiating French roundabouts.” To sponsor them, e-mail
keith@barrettpianos.co.uk
Included here is a photograph of Keith Barrett and Andy Harries on their tandem
bike.
Volunteering
Recognition for Welsh stalwarts
There were a number of strong Welsh contenders at the Guide Dogs Local Volunteer
Awards 2015. Nominees included Julie Rees of Swansea, who was thrust into the
spotlight when her guide dog Gwen was attacked by another dog. Although very
shaken, Julie spoke bravely and eloquently about the attack and its repercussions
for herself and Gwen. She remained calm in the face of UK-wide media interest and
took part in television, radio and newspaper interviews to support Guide Dogs’
stance on dog attacks. Also nominated were Eva Rich, Connie King and Anne
Lillycrop. The trio were founder members of the Pembrokeshire fundraising group 40
years ago, and it has gone on to raise a massive £626,932. Eva, Connie and Anne
still work tirelessly with the group, which has a real family feel and attributes
its success to constant community engagement, with regular concerts and
collections.
Nominated in the Trustworthy category was volunteer speaker co-ordinator Joanne
Butler.
Included here is a photograph of Julie Rees and guide dog Gwen.
My Guide
Good work is currently being done with Lions Clubs and WI groups, particularly in
North Wales, where the response has been encouraging. The aim is to generate
sufficient interest to encourage their members to get involved in volunteering for
the My Guide service. Steve Kersley will be conducting talks in the coming months
to some of the groups. Anyone in North Wales who is interested in becoming a My
Guide volunteer should contact Steve on 07785 907728 or Ian Coxon, our My Guide
Ambassador, on 07881 269572.
Fundraising
Calling all thrill-seekers!
Do you have a head for heights and a need for speed? If so, why not join us for our
Zip Wire Challenge in Bethesda on Sunday 16 August? You’ll travel headlong through
the air at speeds of 100mph on Europe’s biggest zip wire in a bid to raise cash for
Guide Dogs Cymru. All we ask is that you aim to raise a target of £100 sponsorship.
Places are strictly limited, so register now on 0845 3727405.
If you hate heights but still want a thrill, why not sign up for our Blind Drive in
Llandow on Sunday 20 September? It’s a chance to take the wheel blind or in
blindfold, with the help of dual controls and a qualified instructor. Ring the
office on 0845 3727405 to book your place and choose a time slot that suits. How
fast will YOU go?
Included here are two photographs, the first is of the zip wire, the second is of a
Blind Drive taking place.
Guide dogs make a lasting impression on the people whose lives they touch. A group
of walkers in Corwen will be trekking up Pen-y-Pigyn this summer to raise money for
a slate plaque in memory of retired dog Simpson, who passed away earlier this year.
The plaque, complete with picture, is to be mounted in the Owain Glyndwr Hotel, to
the delight of Simpson’s former owner, Mike Webster. Mike said: “He was a wonderful
dog. I knew everyone loved him – I just didn’t realise how much.”
Included here is a photograph of Simpson.
Commiserations also go to Michael Hall on the death of his popular guide dog Erwin
– a wonderful ambassador and fundraising stalwart.
Engagement
North Wales tour is a big success
Hundreds of people know a lot more about sight loss thanks to a series of groundbreaking engagement events. Staff and volunteers from Guide Dogs Cymru took the
mobile sensory tunnel to North Wales for the first time, setting a punishing
schedule of ten different locations in five days. The tour, in partnership with
North Wales Police, gave scores of officers and support staff a taste of life
without sight.
High-profile visitors to the tunnel included Police and Crime Commissioner Winston
Roddick, Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard, and local authority chief
executives. The tunnel also visited Glan Clwyd Hospital, where staff and health
care workers were keen to learn more. Local guide dog owners lent support at every
venue, and primary school children came to try the tunnel and meet the dogs. North
Wales Police have indicated they would like to name a puppy, and the events
generated five new volunteers. We made over 300 contacts and had 125 people through
the tunnel each day. Hard work, but definitely worth the effort!
Included here is a photograph of staff and volunteers from Guide Dogs Cymru during
the tour.
Events
Dogs Unite
Saturday 1 August, Pontcanna Fields, Cardiff
Turn your pet into a caped canine hero at our big sponsored walk in aid of Guide
Dogs Cymru.
Fun from 11am-3pm.
Included here is a photograph of a dog wearing a “Dogs Unite!” jacket.
Zip wire
Sunday 16 August, Zip World, Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Gwynedd LL57 4YG
Fly through the air at speeds of up to 100mph on Europe’s longest zip wire course.
Places strictly limited, so register now and raise at least £100 sponsorship for
Guide Dogs Cymru
Included here is a photograph of a man and woman dressed in protective clothing for
the zip wire.
Duck Race
Sunday 30 August, Roath Park Lake, Cardiff
We’ll be releasing 1,000 special ducks – and the winner could have your name on it!
Entry £1 per duck. Ring Frank Greig on 07766 367081 or e-mail
carolmanley@tiscali.co.uk
Included here is a picture of three rubber ducks.
Blind drive
Sunday 20 September, Llandow Race Track, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7PB
Drive blindfold round the course with the aid of a qualified instructor and raise
money for Guide Dogs Cymru. Book your slot now!
Included here is a photograph of a man and woman after completing a Blind Drive.
Choir concert
Tuesday 7 July, Saint John’s Church, Tenby
Whitland Male Choir with a mix of modern and traditional music. Entry £6, pay at
the door, proceeds to Guide Dogs Cymru. Concert starts 8pm. For details, ring Eva
Rich on 01834 812868.
Included here is a picture of a guide dog.
Follow and like Guide Dogs at:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com
Twitter: @guidedogs
Guide Dogs Cymru, Building 3, Eastern Business Park, Saint Mellons, Cardiff CF3 5EA
Adeilad 3, Parc Busnes Dwyreiniol, Llaneirwg, Caerdydd CF3 5EA
Tel: 0845 3727405 Ffôn: 0845 3727405
e-mail/e-bost: cymru-mt@guidedogs.org.uk
website/gwefan: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/cymru
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979)