FORWARD: Summer 2012
Guide Dogs presents the Summer 2012 issue of Forward, the quarterly magazine of
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Introduction
This document contains every part of the print version of Forward, and in the same
order as that used in the print edition.
Forward
The official Guide Dogs magazine
Amazing Partnerships
Meet Tony Brown-Griffin and her unique family
Nominations for this year’s Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards
Join our campaign to protect working guide dogs
Also inside:
 A day in the life of a trainee gardener
 Go Walkies in Aberdeen
 Queen’s Jubilee pup
Summer 2012
Contents
Regulars - Welcome
Regulars - The team
Regulars - News
 Guide Dogs honours Queen’s Jubilee
 Talking buses
 National Breeding Centre tours
Features - Out and about
Pups Betty and Kelly reach half way with their puppy walkers
Features - Past and present
How Shirley Collins was reminded of her father’s story
Features - Go Walkies
Our volunteers take a stroll on Aberdeen beach
Features - Top dogs
Some of this year’s nominations for the Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards
Regulars - A day in the life of…
Trainee gardener Lesley Wood
Regulars - View from the top
Join our campaign for compulsory microchipping
Features - Sighted guiding
A look at Guide Dogs’ My Guide scheme
Features - A family affair
Tony Brown-Griffin and her extraordinary family
Regulars - What’s on?
Regulars - Your letters
People and dogs - In Good Company
People and dogs - Special thanks
People and dogs - Thank you to our supporters
People and dogs - We’ll never forget
Regulars - Competitions
Regulars - Promotions
A round-up of the promotional features listed in different locations in the print
version of this edition of Forward Magazine.
Regulars - Contact Details
A list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this
edition of Forward Magazine.
People and dogs - New partnerships
Please recycle this magazine
Editor’s welcome
There’s a real focus on partnerships in this edition of Forward. You can read
about some truly inspirational relationships in our feature on this year’s
Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards, and I’m sure you’ll be as moved as I was
by the story of Tony Brown-Griffin and her dual purpose dog, Hetty.
A whole new crop of partnerships is beginning to spring up with our My Guide
service. My Guide matches blind and partially sighted people with volunteers who
support them getting out and doing the things they want to do. It’s proving
invaluable for those who’ve taken it up so far and I hope you enjoy reading about
it.
On a very serious note, Chief Executive Richard Leaman gives his viewpoint on the
subject of dangerous dogs, the threat they pose to guide dog owners, and our
campaign to find a solution. We’re working in partnership with other organisations
calling for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs to make it easier for the
police to identify the owners of dogs which attack guide dogs. As Richard
explains, we need to keep up the pressure - and we need your help.
Of course, we wouldn’t be able to provide any of our services without the help and
hard work of our thousands of volunteers and supporters. We’ve given the “Thank
you” pages a bit of a makeover in this edition - I hope you like the new layout.
Have a great summer.
Elaine Cobb
Editor
Elaine Cobb is pictured at the start of this section. Elaine has short brown hair
and is wearing a blue top, with a blue and white scarf around her neck. Elaine is
looking at the camera and smiling.
The team
Editor: Elaine Cobb
Editorial Line: 0118 9838364
Contributors: Lucy Miron, Eifion Rees, Bryony Richards, Fiona MacAulay, Annabel
Williams, Elaine Cobb, James Kell
Designed by: Guide Dogs www.guidedogs.org.uk
Contributions: Send items to Forward at the Head Office address or e-mail
forward@guidedogs.org.uk. Unfortunately, due to the sheer volume of ideas we
receive, we cannot acknowledge every item. We reserve the right to edit or refuse.
Forward is available in Braille, large print, audio CD and online as audio and
text files. It is also available as a PDF from our website and in a range of
languages - for this and mailing enquiries call 0118 9838138.
Founding Editor: The late Captain Nikolai Liakhoff MBE FRZS
Registered Head Office: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields,
Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG
Tel: 0118 9835555
Fax: 0118 9835433
www.guidedogs.org.uk
E-mail: info@guidedogs.org.uk
(copyright) 2010 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland
(SCO38979)
On the front cover is a photograph of Tony Brown-Griffin and her guide dog Hetty.
Tony is wearing a black riding helmet, a bright yellow fleece and black jodhpurs.
Hetty is a black Labrador; she is wearing a high visibility working harness, and
Tony is kneeling on the ground giving Hetty a cuddle. In the background is a large
white horse.
The main caption on the cover reads: “Amazing Partnerships - Meet Tony BrownGriffin and her unique family”.
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.
News
Guide Dogs adds Sparkle to Queen’s Jubilee
Guide Dogs is proud to name a very special puppy, Sparkle, in honour of the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The Labrador retriever cross is Guide Dogs’ very own Diamond Jubilee mascot. The
pup, currently being puppy walked in Abingdon, was named following a poll of Guide
Dogs’ Facebook followers.
The name Sparkle was the winner with 46 per cent of the votes, beating Queenie
into second place and Diamond in third.
You can be part of Sparkle’s journey towards becoming a guide dog by sponsoring
her. For more information visit www.guidedogsgiving.org.uk/sponsorapuppy.
Included here is a photograph of guide dog puppy Sparkle, she is a tiny yellow
Labrador cross golden retriever. Sparkle has been photographed outside, she is
looking directly at the camera.
Discovering the cost of Talking Buses
Guide Dogs commissioned passenger transport experts The TAS Partnership to uncover
the cost of installing audio visual technology on buses across the United Kingdom.
The report found that installation of audio visual technology for an individual
double decker bus could cost as little as £2,550 - a small sum when you consider
the average double decker costs £172,000! If you would like a copy of the
Executive Summary please e-mail campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk.
Fashion guru takes to the catwalk for Guide Dogs
Fashion guru Brix Smith Start did a blindfold walk at London’s Westfield Shopping
Centre to find out more about our work. Guide dog Delphi and Andy Guiel, our guide
dog demonstrator, guided her through the busy shopping centre, up and downstairs
and down shopping aisles.
Brix will be supporting us during this year’s Guide Dogs Week and putting her
fashion skills to the test by styling someone while blind folded.
Pictured here is a photograph of Fashion guru Brix Smith, while out on her
blindfold walk, Brix is being guided through Westfield Shopping Centre by Delphi,
a yellow Labrador. Brix is wearing a brown jumper and black trousers.
Street clutter survey - have your say
We are looking for your views on street clutter where you live and work. Guide
Dogs wants to uncover how big a problem poorly positioned A-boards, rubbish bins
and other obstructions are on high streets across the UK.
If you would be prepared to spend 10 minutes completing a survey for us, it’s not
too late! E-mail campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk for a copy of the survey, which will
need to be completed and returned no later than 17 July. Feel free to photocopy it
and ask your friends and family to help too.
Included here is a photograph of a high street, in the foreground of the photo is
an A-board positioned next to a shop, in the background of the photograph are
three A-boards in a line, which are taking up most of the pavement.
Olympic Torchbearers
We’ve heard from dozens of guide dog owners and supporters who were selected to
carry the Olympic torch. Thanks to all those who got in touch to share their
stories and well done to all Torchbearers. We’ve published just a few of your
stories on our website in our news section under “Inspiring short stories”.
Clash with the Titan
Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed a new member to his squad when he met guide dog puppy
Titan at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground.
Goalkeepers David De Gea, Anders Lindegaard, Ben Amos and Sam Johnstone raised
£1,000 for Guide Dogs by donating fines for being late for training, team meetings
or forgetting their kit. Goalkeeping coach Eric Steele said: “We wish Titan all
the best and hope he will go on to make a massive difference to someone who’s lost
their sight.”
Titan’s puppy walker Kay Kelly said: “It was fantastic to come here. The players
and staff have been brilliant.”
Pictured here is guide dog puppy Titan, with his puppy walker Kay and Manchester
United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Titan is a yellow Labrador, he is wearing his
puppy training jacket, and is sitting patiently on the ground between Kay and Sir
Alex.
Jill Allen-King’s new book
Author and campaigner, Jill Allen-King MBE has launched a new book, “Jill’s
Leading Ladies”. It is a heart felt tribute to the six guide dogs that she’s owned
over the past 40 years - Topsy, Bunty, Brandy, Quella, Lady and her current dog,
Amanda.
Included to the right of this article is a photograph of the front cover of Jill
Allen-King’s new book.
Guide Dogs’ new look wins accolade
Guide Dogs won “Best rebrand by a not-for-profit organisation” at the prestigious
Transform Awards 2012.
These are the only awards in Europe which recognise and celebrate brand
transformation and the team is delighted with this success. We now have an
excellent platform to continue building Guide Dogs’ profile.
A pat on the back for Rebecca
A driving force behind Guide Dogs has been nominated for a pat on the back.
Volunteer driver co-ordinator Rebecca Arnold supports 15 volunteer drivers who
take puppies from the National Breeding Centre to puppy walkers’ homes.
Volunteer Development Co-ordinator John Garret said: “Transporting puppies would
be very difficult without someone of Rebecca’s exceptional calibre to organise
this vital work.”
Nominate a volunteer for a pat on the back on Guide Dogs’ VIP (Volunteer
information Point) at www.guidedogsvolunteers.org.uk or call 0845 3717771.
Pictured here is a photograph of Rebecca Arnold standing next to a van. The van
has the Guide Dogs’ logo printed on the side as well as a picture of a guide dog
wearing its working harness and the wording “Life changer on board!”.
GB Rowing
As Forward went to press, visually impaired rowers Naomi Riches and James Roe were
waiting to hear if they have made it into Team GB for the London 2012 Paralympic
Games. The pair are hoping to inspire other athletes with sight loss if they are
selected.
Four years ago, when James watched the Paralympics at home on TV, he never dreamt
he could one day take part: “I thought the Paralympics were about athletes in
wheelchairs or that you had to be totally blind to take part, but that’s not the
case.”
If you’re interested in trying out for visually impaired rowing at elite level, email forward@guidedogs.org.uk.
Taking the lead on dangerous dogs
The consequences of dog attacks on guide dogs and our microchipping campaign were
brought into focus for MP’s at the Houses of Parliament on 13 June at a
Parliamentary reception hosted by Guide Dogs. We want compulsory microchipping for
all dogs to encourage responsible dog ownership. At the reception we lobbied MP’s
to put pressure on Lord Taylor, the Minister responsible, to change legislation.
Included here is a photograph of Mary Creagh MP with guide dog owner Dave Kent and
his yellow Labrador guide dog Quince. Dave and Mary are kneeling down next to
Quince, who is wearing his high visibility working harness.
Visitors invited to the National Breeding Centre
The Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre (NBC) in Leamington Spa plans to open its
doors to the public in mid July. Visitors to the centre will learn more about the
NBC’s work, how we breed our puppies and the life transforming work we do to help
blind and partially sighted people get out and about.
They will also meet some of our amazing dogs as puppies. One highlight will be our
new Sensory Tunnel, where visitors walk through a pitch black tunnel and briefly
experience the effects of sight loss.
To find out more about the tours please e-mail NBCVisitors@guidedogs.org.uk or
phone us on 0845 3727432.
Pictured here is a photograph of a small yellow Labrador guide dog puppy, playing
in a field, the puppy is running towards the camera. In the background are lots of
other puppies playing.
In other news...
TV stars
Heather Muncey and guide dog Mattie appeared alongside David Suchet in a
documentary about his family. The Poirot star was making a programme titled
“People I have Shot” where he traced the life of his famous photographer
grandfather James Jarche. As part of the programme, the actor wanted to photograph
a working guide dog partnership.
Sports book
A Braille book introducing visually impaired youngsters to Paralympic sports has
been launched in time for this summer’s games. Mandeville’s “Book of Sports” has
Braille text and tactile illustrations of each of the nine sports open to blind
athletes at London 2012. For more information visit www.clearvisionproject.org.
Web shopping boost
Guide Dogs has joined a new fundraising website which allows shoppers to donate
money online.
www.easyfundraising.org.uk works like a loyalty scheme, but instead of earning
points when you shop, you earn a donation for your chosen charity. Thousands of
retailers are on board, and shoppers have raised almost £500 for Guide Dogs to
date.
Help the Fight for Sight!
The charity Fight For Sight is asking people affected by sight loss and their
carers to complete a short questionnaire. Visit www.sightlosspsp.org.uk or
complete it over the phone at 0207 2643900 before 31 July.
Smart phone site
Smart phone users now have a special version of Guide Dogs’ website. The site
contains the same information as the normal website, but it is easier to navigate
and the display complements smaller screens. Around 14 per cent of people
currently use smart phones to access Guide Dogs’ websites and the number is
rising.
Bank on it
A new guide for banks will help them improve their service to blind and partially
sighted customers. The RNIB guide, endorsed by the British Bankers Association,
covers the layout and signage at bank branches, staff awareness and accessibility
of financial information, including at cashpoints.
Sad loss of featured guide dog owner
We were saddened to hear of the death of guide dog owner Christopher Elliott, who
was featured in Forward in the autumn last year. Our thoughts are with his friends
and family.
Name a puppy series
Pups Betty and Kelly get out and about
Last time we learned how pups Betty and Kelly (named by Dorothy Wells) were doing
in their journey to becoming guide dogs. This time we caught up with both of the
girls as they approached the half way stage of puppy training.
Betty is now nine months old and growing up fast! Puppy walked by Gill and Richard
Martin for the last seven months, Gill said: “Betty has changed tremendously. She
now goes on buses, trains and can even navigate through London city centre. I
can’t think of anything that I wouldn’t do with her now.”
Like Betty, Kelly is also a happy traveller. Her puppy walker Delores Spurgeon
said: “Kelly is great, especially on the lead; she even manages to contain her
excitement during trips to the pet shop!”
To find out more about naming a puppy, please call 0118 9830190, e-mail
nameapuppy@guidedogs.org.uk or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy.
There are three photographs included within this article, the first is of Kelly,
she is a black Labrador. Kelly is sitting in the garden looking at the camera. The
second photograph is of Betty, a black and brown retriever cross German shepherd,
sitting with her puppy walker Gill Martin. The final photograph is of Betty sat
next to a bronze statue of a dog.
Past and present
It’s always nice to pick up the newspaper and see someone you recognise, but when
Shirley Collins happened upon a picture of a guide dog owner from the 1930’s you
can imagine her surprise when she realised it was her own father.
It was initially Shirley’s husband Reg who spotted the picture of his father-inlaw William McGarry and guide dog Skippy in a Guide Dogs advertisement in the
Telegraph. The fascinating discovery led to William’s amazing story being re-told.
Shirley tells us: “Dad lost his sight after serving with the Royal Flying Corps in
WW1. He never felt sorry for himself, he learnt Braille, learnt to type, and
became the first blind switchboard operator. In 1939 he brought Skippy home and
she instantly became part of the family.”
“Guide dogs were an unusual sight back then, and Skippy became a local hero in
West Drayton. People still remember Skippy taking Dad to work daily and when she
fell ill, her story made the local paper… It’s been very emotional…it’s just
amazing that all this came out of one photo.”
Included within this article are two photographs, the first photograph is of
William McGarry and Skippy taken in the 1930’s. The second photograph is of
Shirley Collins, who is holding a photograph taken in the 1930’s of the first four
guide dog partnerships, one of which is her father and Skippy.
Your Go Walkies
Blown away
Go Walkies takes to a breezy Aberdeen beach
Aberdeen beach is home to some beautiful coastal views but more famously, some
outstandingly chilly weather. A brave group of enthusiastic Guide Dogs supporters
took on the freezing climate this April to host their own Go Walkies.
Ann McAllister and Wendy Ashton organised the event and Ann said: “The day was
cold and windy and we worried that the gazebo would blow away and land up near
Norway. We were overwhelmed to have about 28 dogs doing the walk plus loads of
family members.”
“We felt particularly honoured to have retired guide dog Torq and his family with
us on the day. Torq was guide to the late Malcolm McFarlane, who worked tirelessly
for Guide Dogs in the Aberdeen area until his health deteriorated and Torq was
adopted by his daughter and her family.”
“The prize draw, a six-month supply of Eukanuba dog food, was won by a 13-year-old
girl called Rosalia McIntosh-Prentice who was walking with her German shepherd
dog, Jazzmine. Jazz was receiving treatment for cancer at the time and undergoing
radiotherapy. I am pleased to say that following the Go Walkies event we found out
from Rosalia that the radiation treatment has been successful and Jazz is on the
mend.” Wendy added: “It was a fabulous day with a great turnout; 37 people came
along and we raised an amazing £2,344.”
“Most of all our thanks go to the people who braved the cold North Eastern beach
climate to take part in our Go Walkies event” said Ann. “We hope to do another Go
Walkies in 2013 but this time might move a bit inland!”
Pictured at the start of this article is a photograph of a little girl at the “Go
Walkies” event on Aberdeen beach. The girl is wearing a red and black polka dot
coat and has long blonde hair, she is stroking retired guide dog Torq, who is a
very fluffy golden retriever.
The “Go Walkies” logo is pictured at the bottom of the photograph, the 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.
Tell us about your event!
Perhaps Go Walkies helped you lose weight, make new friends or maybe your dog
found puppy love. Whatever your story, tell us all about it by e-mailing pictures
and your story to www.gowalkies@guidedogs.org.uk.
To register your event, visit the Go Walkies website at www.gowalkies.org.uk or
call us on 0845 6006787.
The Go Walkies team is always here to help.
Pictured here is a black and brown Doberman, who is holding a light brown leather
lead in its mouth.
Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards - This year’s finalists
Who’ll be this year’s top dog?
Thanks to everyone who sent one of the scores of nominations for this year’s
Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards, which were designed to celebrate all the
individuals, groups and dogs who make our amazing partnerships possible.
The quality of the nominations was high and here we take a look at the shortlists
in two of the categories. In the autumn edition, we’ll let you know who won the
awards at the ceremony on 19 July in central London.
Included at the start of this article is a photo of a yellow Labrador wearing its
high visibility harness.
Volunteer of the Year Award finalists
Jimmy Rodgers
Jimmy is a volunteer driver co-ordinator, managing, co-ordinating training and
supporting all the drivers in the North West. Described as a “lynch pin” for the
region, nothing is too much for him. Many requests he receives are emergencies,
and where Jimmy cannot find a driver to go out at short notice, he’ll simply do it
himself. Jimmy not only drives equipment to events but he also often stays,
supporting staff and volunteers. Much of his weekend is spent volunteering and
he’s always willing to wear the dog suit!
Included here is a photograph of Jimmy Rodgers and a yellow Labrador. Jimmy is
wearing a bright blue fleece and dark blue jeans and is sitting on a bench.
Doreen Sim
Doreen started as a puppy walker 12 years ago. Since then she has trained nine
puppies and has also boarded many dogs for holidays and other occasions. She’s an
extremely active member of the Southend branch and is a valued ambassador for
Guide Dogs, organising and participating in a range of fundraising events. She is
now a speaker for Guide Dogs, giving regular talks to local schools and groups she is the definition of the “all round” volunteer.
Included here is a photograph of Doreen Sim and one of the puppies she is helping
to train. Doreen is wearing a long pink cardigan with white trousers and is
sitting on a bench.
Sandra Clulow
Sandra was amongst the first sighted guides to be recruited in Northern Ireland.
Although initially nervous about guiding someone with little or no vision, she
quickly gained confidence in her role.
She excels at building a rapport with the people she has been matched with and
quickly gains their trust and confidence. She has been instrumental in helping
many of her matches to take the first steps on their mobility journey.
Outstanding Teamwork Award finalists
Team Travis Trek
In 2011, Team Travis Trek organised two major fundraising events: a Gala Ball and
their seventh fundraising trek, “Up the Ben”, which saw Travis become the first
guide dog to guide his owner to the summit of Ben Nevis.
The team worked together to raise more than £27,000 at the two events, raising
awareness through national media coverage and the support of well known
personalities.
Included here is a photograph of all the people that participated in the Travis
Trek. Guide dog Travis is standing in the centre of the photograph, poking his
head out from underneath a Travis Trek banner.
Norma and Derek Stent
As the driving force in Guide Dogs’ Bath branch and with Derek as the branch
chair, Norma and Derek have organised collections, shows, events and a charity
shop.
The branch has raised £282,000 since 2003, the equivalent of nearly six lifetime
guide dog partnerships. As a volunteer puppy walker since 1982, Norma has also
looked after an incredible 44 pups.
Included here is a photograph of Norma and Derek Stent, sitting in their garden,
with one of the puppies they look after.
South West London Free Runners
The South West London free running group meets a couple of times a month in a
local park and is made up of guide dog owners and volunteers. It’s a chance for
the guide dog owners to let their dogs off the lead in the knowledge that a
volunteer is on hand to help guide them around the park while their dogs enjoy a
good run.
The categories
 Guide Dog of the Year Award
 Mark Pollock Award for Inspirational Guide Dog Owners
 Lifetime Achievement Award
 Fundraiser of the Year Award
 Volunteer of the Year Award
 Young Person’s Achievement Award
 Outstanding Teamwork Award
Included here is a photograph of three tiny yellow Labrador puppies, they are all
lying down looking in different directions.
Read about the finalists in all seven categories at www.guidedogs.org.uk/gdoy2012.
Pictured at the end of this article is an image of five people walking in a line,
two of the people are guide dog owners and one is walking with a white cane.
A day in the life of...
Lesley Wood
Trainee gardener
As any gardener will tell you, getting close to nature is very therapeutic. It’s
hard work too, but Lesley Wood wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tuesday mornings find Lesley and her guide dog Zante travelling from Roehampton in
South West London to Battersea Park, home to gardens run by national charity,
Thrive, which uses gardening to help people with disabilities.
“It’s a difficult journey, involving buses and trains”, explains Lesley, “but when
we enter the park, there’s a lovely lake and Zante can have a free run, so by the
time we get to the Thrive gardens, any stresses have vanished.”
“We generally work as a group - planting, weeding, whatever needs doing. I enjoy
it all; everyone laughs at me but I really like digging holes. When I started, I
was quite fearful: having a visual impairment, I didn’t know what would be under
my feet when I stepped into a flowerbed - now I jump around like everyone else!”
“Some tasks are challenging, like plant identification. I can see a flower is
bright blue but I have to feel the leaves and stem to identify it clearly. You
have to find new ways of seeing, especially if you’re working towards a
qualification, as I am, and want to adopt gardening as a career.”
“I particularly like working in the Old English Garden, which is funded by British
fragrance and lifestyle brand Jo Malone Ltd as part of Thrive’s Working it Out
programme supporting unemployed disabled people. It’s a lovely garden, with old
and new flower varieties and a focus on fragrance.”
“Thrive is a great organisation with a very professional approach and, I’m pleased
that other charities are starting to recognise the therapeutic benefits of
gardening for their service users, including the Thomas Pocklington Trust who run
the housing scheme where I live.”
“Both Zante and I are usally pretty tired come Tuesday evening but it’s definitely
his favourite day - and I think it’s probably mine too”.
The Old English Garden opens to the public on 6 July. Visit www.thrive.org.uk or
call 0207 7202212 to find out more.
Included within this article are two photographs. The first is of Lesley Wood
working at Battersea Park. Lesley is wearing a dark blue t-shirt, with a high
visibility vest, and a light blue denim cap (copyright Helen Jermyn). The second
photograph is of Lesley and her guide dog Zante, who is a black Labrador cross
retriever. Lesley is leaning forward so Zante can give her a “kiss” on the cheek.
There is also a quotation included within this article, which reads “You have to
find new ways of seeing, especially if you’re working towards a qualification”.
View from the top
Chief Executive Richard Leaman shares his views...
The net is closing in on dangerous dogs
The microchipping agenda has stepped up apace. In April the Government announced a
consultation on compulsory microchipping dogs in England. A few weeks later the
Welsh Government announced a consultation on microchipping dogs in Wales.
Both the consultations signal that the debate is moving in the right direction.
We’ve been campaigning for compulsory microchipping dogs for several years. We
think it will encourage responsible dog ownership, make it harder for backstreet
breeders to operate and reduce the number of abandoned and stray dogs.
It is disappointing that although there is political support for the introduction
of compulsory microchipping in England, the Government’s preferred option is to
make breeders responsible for microchipping puppies only. This would mean that it
would take around 10-12 years until all dogs are microchipped. We would much
prefer to see a phased-in introduction of the mandatory microchipping of dogs
regardless of their age.
We’re increasingly concerned about attacks on guide dogs by other dogs, which our
research indicates has risen to the current level of around eight attacks per
month. At present, when a dog attacks, it’s too easy for irresponsible dog owners
to deny responsibility for their animal. Microchipping would make it easier to
identify the owner and for the police to take action.
In a further development, the Sentencing Council introduced tougher sentences for
dog owners whose dogs are found to be dangerously out of control. Although this is
a positive step, there was no acknowledgement of the issue of sentences for owners
whose dogs attack guide dogs or other assistance dogs, which is not currently an
offence.
All these developments show an appetite for taking more decisive action against
irresponsible dog owners. Ultimately however, we believe that a guide dog is such
a vital mobility aid that an attack on a guide dog should be treated as an attack
on a person.
For more information about our microchipping campaign, visit the campaigns pages
of the Guide Dogs website at www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns.
Take action now!
Help protect working guide dogs by writing to your MP to ask him or her to put
pressure onto Lord Taylor, the Minister responsible for Dangerous Dogs. It only
takes a few minute to write to your MP by filling in our online form at
www.bit.ly/oPLkGV or e-mail campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk with “I want to write to my
MP about Dog Attacks” in the subject line.
Included within this article are two photographs, the first is of Richard Leaman,
crouching with a guide dog puppy and smiling at the camera. Richard has short
black and grey hair and is wearing a light blue shirt under a grey suit with a
light green tie. The second photograph is a yellow curly coat retriever at the
vets being microchipped. The caption for this photograph reads “Microchipping is a
straightforward process”.
Sighted guiding - My Guide
My Guide: Getting more blind and partially sighted people out and about...
Last year, we launched My Guide, a pilot sighted guiding scheme that Guide Dogs is
running in partnership with local charities across the UK, helping people with
sight loss get out of their homes and regain their confidence and independence.
Guide dogs are, and will remain, at the heart of what we do, but they are not the
only solution. The My Guide pilot is targeted primarily at those who are at the
beginning of their mobility journey; the people who are struggling to come to
terms with their sight loss and need help taking those first steps back on the
road to independence. It aims to reduce the isolation that these people feel,
giving greater choice and access to the community.
The scheme matches blind and partially sighted people with a volunteer for around
six months. Volunteers will spend a few hours a week guiding their partner on
trips out. Journeys could be to the shops, to a café or maybe a sports event or
any other activity the blind or partially sighted person wants to take part in.
The volunteer will also help them to establish lasting relationships with
community members who can, in turn, help them get out more.
“Losing your sight is an extremely difficult experience that leaves many people
feeling isolated and alone,” said Kerry Tweed, My Guide Manager, Guide Dogs. “Some
people don’t feel ready for a guide dog but desperately need help to get back out
into the world. My Guide gives these people another option.”
Guide Dogs is currently working hard to increase the number of partners
collaborating to deliver My Guide, as well as delivering some services directly
via our new Mobility Teams. 25 organisations across the UK have now signed up to
work with us on the pilot and are receiving our help and support in setting up a
My Guide programme, enabling them to begin providing sighted guide partnerships
with volunteers to visually impaired people in their areas.
Anybody who feels that they could benefit from this scheme or has friends or
family that might be interested should contact their local Mobility Team Manager
or Sighted Guide Ambassador.
We’re also looking for volunteers so if you would like to make a difference to the
lives of blind or partially sighted people please do get in touch.
“It is an opportunity to have a real and positive impact, helping somebody rebuild
their life and get out and about again. If you are interested in getting involved
please do give us a call” added Kerry.
For more information please call 0118 9838187 or visit
www.guidedogs.org.uk/myguide.
Included within this article is a photograph of a man guiding a visually impaired
woman while out on a walk.
There is a quotation included within this article which reads “Some people don’t
feel ready for a guide dog but desperately need help to get back out into the
world. My Guide gives these people another option”.
My Guide in practice
Young, successful, travelling entrepreneur Jennifer Khan’s life changed completely
when fluid in her brain severely affected her eyesight rendering her housebound,
lacking the confidence to venture out and get back to her normal life. This was
until she was introduced to the My Guide pilot scheme. Having just finished her
six-month partnership, Jennifer has a new sense of confidence and freedom which
has enabled her to return to work and get her life back on track.
Jennifer remembers: “I was having the time of my life, travelling all over and
then so suddenly I lost everything, it was devastating. I couldn’t go out at all
even with family. I didn’t have the confidence to leave and would go entire months
without venturing outside.”
“Then at Christmas last year, I was introduced to the My Guide scheme being run by
Forth Valley Sensory Centre and Guide Dogs. I was partnered with Edwina. She was
so lovely and very chatty, we bonded instantly and I felt safe with her because
she was a trained sighted guide.”
“I found myself going from never leaving the house, to going out with Edwina every
week! She has been a massive support and the work we have done together means I
now have the confidence and means to continue my journey on the road to
independence.”
Included to the right of this section is the “My Guide” logo, the logo is a blue
circle with the text “My Guide” written in white with a picture of a person
helping guide a visually impaired person to the left of the text in white.
Special feature - Tony Brown-Griffin
A family affair
Enter Tony Brown-Griffin’s house near Tunbridge Wells and you soon realise this is
not your average household...
First to greet guests are the three assistance dogs, who share the house with two
cats, at least one rescue ferret and four chickens. Then there are the two
children - 12-year-old Grace, who has autism, and five-year-old Mimi, who was born
with a near fatal heart condition. In charge of all this are Dan (who his wife
describes as “very laid back” - which could be a blessing!) and his wife Tony, who
is both blind and has epilepsy. Never far from Tony’s side is Hetty, unique in
that she is the first assistance dog to be trained as both a guide and seizure
alert dog.
Tony had her first seizure in her late teens but was only diagnosed with epilepsy
in her early 20’s. Seizures can be frightening, and dangerous too - in the past
Tony has broken ribs and other bones by collapsing without warning and striking
furniture as she fell. She was experiencing 12 major and up to 40 minor seizures a
week when she got her first of three seizure alert dogs from the charity Support
Dogs in 1995.
Tony explains: “The dog can warn me, usually about 40 minutes in advance, that a
seizure is coming so if I’m out and about, I can jump in a taxi and get home or at
least find a place of safety such as a police station and explain what is about to
happen.”
It is not known exactly how the dogs detect the seizure but there are minute
physiological changes in the person, invisible to the human eye. Katie Burns,
Training Manager at Support Dogs, says that to make the training work “you have to
make a seizure so exciting for the dog and give it its highest value reward at
that point, that the dog will then look for hints and cues to spot the seizure
earlier.”
When the Brown-Griffins were told that they were expecting a child with a
potentially fatal heart condition who would need urgent reconstructive surgery,
Tony’s seizure alert dog Ajay provided an immense amount of support. He was
present during Mimi’s birth and stayed in hospital with the family.
To add to what they were going through, it was at this point that Tony suffered
catastrophic bleeds in her eyes and lost a significant amount of sight, leading to
further deterioration and becoming registered blind. However, determined not to
give up her independence, Tony contacted the local Guide Dogs team, who helped
Ajay support Tony as an unofficial guide dog, as well as continuing with his
seizure alert duties. Ajay has retired now but his special qualities have been
recognised in the Dogs Trust Honours 2012, where he recently won the “Dogged
Devotion” award.
With Ajay coming up for retirement, the search for a replacement began. It takes a
very special dog to carry out two such intense roles and with Tony leading such a
busy life, it was important that the dog could keep up. Support Dogs is based in
Sheffield, so they worked in tandem with staff from the local Guide Dogs Mobility
Team to identify suitable dogs. Their search took them right up to the Forfar
Guide Dog Training School in Scotland, where they found two dogs with suitable
characteristics. In the end, both were dual trained to ensure at least one dog
would be available for Tony.
Tony met both dogs but she had an immediate rapport with Hetty, who Katie
describes as: “Very loyal, in tune with individuals and good at problem solving,
which you have to be as a seizure alert dog as you have to respond without human
help.”
When Tony returned to Sheffield for her training, Support Dogs carried out a week
of seizure alert training before Tony and Hetty started work with Guide Dog
Mobility Instructor Ian Armstrong, who found the whole experience a real eye
opener: “Tony had a lot of seizures but Hetty wasn’t distracted at all. It was
fascinating working with both of them, one of the most interesting things I’ve
done in nearly 30 years with Guide Dogs.”
Ian was invited to attend Hetty’s graduation ceremony at Support Dogs, as was
Hetty’s puppywalker, Margaret Cullen, from central Scotland. “Hetty was always
very focussed and tried to do her best but I was delighted when I heard Hetty had
been selected by Support Dogs - she’s very special,” says Margaret.
Hetty has a one hundred per cent success rate in predicting Tony’s seizures
(exactly 42 minutes beforehand), which can come day or night. “When I have a
seizure, Hetty lies behind me until I recover. They usually last five to 10
minutes but, if you have a warning, the fear is taken away. With Hetty on duty 24
hours a day, I feel safe.”
Hetty’s guiding skills are equally important to Tony. As she says: “Life without a
guide dog would be awful. All the things that I take for granted - spotting trip
hazards, finding doors, post boxes - they’re all down to Hetty using her eyes for
me.”
Despite having to cope with more than her fair share of adversity, Tony remains
refreshingly positive. She admits to having “dark, frustrating days” but her view
is that “if you’re negative, you just get dragged down. I’m definitely a glass
half full person.” Certainly she never sits still for long. As a trustee for
Support Dogs she travels up to Sheffield regularly. She also teaches Braille three
times a week. “I had to learn it myself and couldn’t live without it,” she says.
“It means I can read books with the kids, which I love.”
As well as having Ajay and Hetty, the Brown-Griffins have a third assistance dog
of a different kind. Merlin is their daughter Grace’s autism assistance dog. His
role has evolved as she gets older but he gives her confidence, helps her relax
when she gets anxious and provides a degree of predictability for her family.
Tony has been taking Grace horse-riding for some time to help with her physical
coordination problems. “It’s one of the things we can all do as a family,”
explains Tony. “Both girls like to compete and for Grace it’s a level playing
field.”
Tony used to ride herself and managed a yard before the epilepsy got too bad. She
is now back in the saddle, with Hetty looking on. “It was very scary riding again
but I’m jumping now, and doing dressage. I have to do a lot by feel but the horse
seems to know there’s something different about me. It’s still scary but it makes
me feel alive.”
Nothing much seems to stop Tony as she overcomes one apparent problem after
another. Technology has made a big difference and you wouldn’t find Tony without
her smartphone. She says: “One of the scary things about being blind and having
epilepsy is that when you come round after a seizure, you have no idea where you
are. I use a sat nav that I can program to tell me where I am, where I need to be
and what time.”
There are four photographs included within this article. The first is of Tony
Brown-Griffin riding a large white horse. Tony is wearing a black riding helmet, a
bright yellow fleece and black jodhpurs. The second photograph is of Tony and
Hetty having a cuddle together. Hetty is a black Labrador and is wearing her high
visibility working harness. The third photograph is of Tony and Hetty enjoying
some play. The final photograph is of Hetty, Tony, Ajay a curly coat retriever,
Mimi, and Grace, with Grace’s assistance dog Merlin, a black and white Springer
Spaniel.
There are also three quotes included within this article, the first quote is from
Tony which reads “With Hetty on duty 24 hours a day, I feel safe.”. The next
quotation is from Mobility Instructor, Ian Armstrong which reads “Tony had a lot
of seizures but Hetty wasn’t distracted at all. It was fascinating working with
both of them, one of the most interesting things I’ve done in nearly 30 years with
Guide Dogs.” The final quotation is again from Tony, which reads “The combination
of guide dog, seizure alert dog and technology means that I can take on the world.
My dogs are my strength.”
Meeting the needs of our service users...
Together with the other assistance dogs charities we can meet the varying and
sometimes complex needs of our service users with additional needs. There are
currently 22 working dual purpose dog partnerships...
 17 with people who suffer from deafblindness (Hearing Dogs).
 Two with wheelchair users (Canine Partners) and one single purpose guide dog
guiding its owner as a powered wheelchair user.
 One with a type one diabetic person (Medical Detection Dogs).
 One with an epileptic person (Support Dogs).
For more information visit www.assistancedogs.org.uk.
What’s on
Your guide to upcoming events
GUIDE DOGS WEEK
6-14 October 2012
Help celebrate our amazing partnerships and raise awareness of our life-changing
work during Guide Dogs Week 2012.
This year, we’re inviting you to “Walk my Way”. Take up the challenge to step into
the shoes of a blind or partially sighted person. Whether it’s a blindfold walk or
dinner in the dark - we think it will open your eyes.
To find out more visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek
Edinburgh photography exhibition 4 - 18 August
Photographers Andrew Follows and Rosita McKenzie prove that visual impairment need
not be a barrier to the creative arts in an exhibition at the Old Ambulance Depot,
Edinburgh. “Through the Looking Glass Dimly” is presented by the Contemporary Art
Exchange. For further details, please contact kate@contemporaryartexchange.org.
Guide Dogs Fun Days Atherton - 2 September, Cardiff - 16 September
Every year Guide Dogs’ sites around the UK put on Fun Days for our supporters,
their families and the public to learn more about what we do - and have fun!
You’ll enjoy anything from a hog roast to a bouncy castle. To find out more, visit
www.guidedogs.org.uk/fundays.
Coniston Adventure Team Challenge 2012 8 September
In teams of four to six, hike, bike and kayak around the beautiful Coniston Lake
District for an extra special tenth anniversary of this exciting challenge. For
more information, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/conistonchallenge.
Looking forward…
28 October: Bupa Great South Run, Portsmouth www.guidedogs.org.uk/greatsouth
6 and 7 November: Sight Village, Kensington Town Hall, London
11 and 12 November: Discover Dogs, Earls Court, London
March 2013: Bath Half Marathon - Guide Dogs has guaranteed places. Visit
www.guidedogs.org.uk/bath to find out more.
April 2013: Virgin London Marathon - probably the world’s best!
www.guidedogs.org.uk/london
Included at the start of this article is a photograph of a lady taking part in a
blindfold event.
Your letters
Have you got any questions or comments for Forward? If so, write to
forward@guidedogs.org.uk or to Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading,
RG7 3YG.
Anger at forgotten passengers
I read the article on your “Forgotten Passengers” survey with growing anger. I was
appalled that “29 per cent of respondents with sight loss reported having drivers
refuse to tell them when they were at their stop”. Such behaviour is unworthy of
someone in a public service role; it may also be a breach of equality legislation.
On a lighter note, a friend of ours who is completely blind was due to catch a bus
for the first time the very day I read your article. Thankfully, she said the
drivers couldn’t have been more helpful and she made her journeys without any
problem.
Guide Dogs does a great job, but direct action is required to change attitudes.
Are the Department of Transport aware of your survey?
Carole Baines
Editor’s reply: We’re working with the Department of Transport to make them aware
of these issues and won’t rest until blind and partially sighted people get a fair
deal on public transport.
Included at the start of this article is a photograph of a guide dog owner sitting
on a bus with their guide dog sitting patiently beside her.
Learning by example
I’m a puppy walker and I’ve recently handed back 14-month-old Hudson. He’s a very
special puppy as my husband Chris has a working guide dog, Jim. As far as we’re
aware, this is the first time a puppy and guide dog have been brought up together.
We had strict instructions that the dogs could not sleep on the same bed or be
walked together, otherwise Hudson would be reliant on Jim - although Hudson tried
to get into Jim’s harness each time it was Jim’s turn to go out! I’m told Hudson’s
doing extremely well. I’m so proud of my boy and hope he makes it all the way.
Jayne French
Clever cards
I am a guide dog owner and volunteer Vision Awareness Trainer for a local blind
society in Newcastle. One of our tools is a “Wylie card” (named after the person
who came up with the idea). About the size of a credit card, it opens to show an
iconic photo of Newcastle’s bridges. On the other side is the same photo seen
through the eyes of a person with a common eye condition, for example glaucoma.
It’s not easy explaining what you can and can’t see so we’ve found these cards
excellent for giving sighted people an indication of the difference between full
sight and various eye conditions.
Susan Jones
Editor’s reply: Sounds like a great idea - perhaps one which other local societies
could take up.
In good company
A few examples of our corporate partners
Mutual appreciation
Huge thanks to the president of a mutual society whose members have raised £96k
for Guide Dogs, with the society rounding it up to a total of £100k.
Richard Darlington’s year as President of Foresters Friendly Society ended in
June, and members at the society’s 200 plus branches got behind his chosen
charity, doing everything from running half marathons to organising raffles to
raise funds. Richard’s daughter, Catherine, also got in on the act and collected
£700 by doing the Great South Run in Portsmouth. Richard, who lives with wife
Doreen near Ashford, Kent, said: “Doreen and I have been actively supporting Guide
Dogs since the early 1990’s, personally sponsoring 18 dogs over the years. Guide
Dogs does such wonderful work, so I’m pleased we have been able to do so well for
the cause during my year as President.”
Pictured at the start of this article is a photograph of Guide Dogs’ Corporate
Partnership Manager Gareth Holmes with Doreen Darlington and Richard Darlington.
Doreen and Richard are sitting on a bench with Gareth crouching down next to a
guide dog puppy in training.
Specsavers
Thanks must go once again to Specsavers. The Edinburgh branch of the optician
chain raised £1,700 for us. The optician’s Camborne branch has raised more than
£4,500, sending Specsavers well on the way towards reaching its £110,000
fundraising target for this year. We have a long-standing relationship with
Specsavers, who are sponsoring our Guide Dog of the Year Awards, and branches
across the country regularly hold all sorts of events to collect donations. Dame
Mary Perkins, Specsavers’ founder, said: “Specsavers have enjoyed a fantastic
relationship with Guide Dogs. Our staff relish the opportunity to support the
visually impaired and blind in any way they can.”
Diane Seddon
A big thank you must go to Diane Seddon, from Oak Tree Photography in Stockport,
Cheshire, for kindly gifting her time to Guide Dogs for a photoshoot. Diane, who’s
a member of the Royal Photographic Society, took pictures of the Manchester United
players featured in our News section when they met guide dog puppy, Titan, after
donating £1,000 of training ground fines.
Included here is a photograph of Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea. David
is wearing the Manchester United training kit and kneeling down next to guide dog
puppy Titan.
Special thanks
Special thanks
Thank you Ann!
Fundraiser Ann Johnson, from Farnham in Hampshire, deserves recognition and thanks
for raising £10,000 for the Liphook Branch with her Christmas coffee mornings and
summer garden parties. Though Ann isn’t a branch member, her support for Guide
Dogs has been unwavering since 2001, also helping out with branch events, looking
after 16 collection boxes and sponsoring guide dog puppies for the last 20 years.
Ann’s husband, Peter, also gives his time, and Ann has five framed photographs of
guide dogs in appreciation of her efforts. Liphook Branch organiser, Pam Higgins,
said: “Ann is extremely friendly and very popular - her gatherings attract well
over 100 guests. She’s very hard-working too, always willing to lend a hand. We’re
very grateful for her support.”
Pictured here is a photograph of Ann Johnson and friends in the garden.
Eddy’s hair raising experience
It was hair today, gone tomorrow for Eddy Atkins from Telford, who raised a
whisker under £1,200 for us by taking part in a shave-a-thon. Mr Atkins, 61, had
his 40-year-old beard removed, much to the despair of his wife, Jean, who had
never seen him without facial hair! Mr Atkins’ close shave took place at the
Wheatsheaf Inn in Chetwynd Aston, Shropshire, and his story was featured in the
Market Drayton Advertiser.
Included here are two photographs of Eddy Atkins, the first is of Eddy with a long
bushy beard before his shave-a-thon. The second photograph is of Eddy after his
shave-a-thon, with a clean shaven face.
£500,000 and still going strong
Congratulations must go to members of the Claverham, Clevedon and District Branch,
who reached the £500,000 fundraising milestone in February last year after 32
years. Over the years, events such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta,
North Somerset Show, dog shows and golf days have all boosted the coffers,
alongside activities including collections and book stalls. Despite the economic
gloom, the branch raised £32,500 last year, with a shop in Portishead for a
fortnight in November contributing to the total. But branch members are far from
resting on their laurels, as this year’s fundraising effort got off to a great
start with £8,000 raised at a Burns Night celebration.
Thanks to our supporters
Thanks to our supporters
Bolton School’s Girls’ Division
Thanks must go to Bolton School’s Girls’ Division, who have named their second
guide dog puppy Dickens for the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth. The school
is the first in the North West to name two guide dog puppies, and the
Reprographics department is on its way to naming a third, which would make Bolton
School the first nationally to achieve this.
Included here is a photograph of some pupils at the Bolton School’s Girls’
Division, they are all dressed in clothing from the Dickens era.
Gas Safe Consultants
Well done to Cheshire firm, Gas Safe Consultants, where staff have raised £5,000
to name a guide dog puppy Greg. Julie Broughton, wife of the family-owned Sandbach
business’ founder, Terry, ran a series of half marathons, marathons, and cycled
from Land’s End to John O’Groats to help raise the cash.
Appleton Rainbow and Beavers
Members of the Rainbow and Beavers groups in Appleton, Oxfordshire, deserve thanks
for raising £322 with a bingo evening for family and friends.
Ten-week-old guide dog puppy Mark, with his puppy walkers Liz and John Clack, went
to one of their meetings to receive a cheque from youngsters Ella and Daniel.
Included here is a photograph of Ella and Daniel presenting a cheque to John
Clack, who is sitting on a chair with guide dog puppy Mark lying on his lap.
DHL Bristol
Staff at the Bristol offices of logistics firm DHL are working towards naming a
guide dog puppy. A quiz night has already raised more than £1,000, and another is
planned for this summer, so a big thank you to everyone involved!
Leanne Brown
Big thanks to 10-year-old Leanne Brown from Cambridge, who made her own Guide Dogs
collection box and spent five nights outside her primary school to collect £52.85.
Leanne took up the cause because her eight-year-old brother, Charlie, is visually
impaired, and puppy walker Susan White offered the services of her guide dog
puppy, Beccy, to raise the cash.
Harvey
Huge thanks and a dog treat or two must go to pet golden retriever, Harvey, who
has accompanied his owner Angela Rogers on collections for us for the past five
years. Angela, a member of the Chester Branch, has recorded how much she has
collected when she has Harvey with her, and his total stands at just over £3,000.
Well done Harvey!
Lakenheath Elementary School
Pupils at Lakenheath Elementary School at the United States Air Force’s base at
RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk deserve thanks for the $4,700 they raised with their
annual Walkathon. Over the last year, pupils have raised $10,000 and the Walkathon
also took the school’s total contribution to Guide Dogs UK to more than $100,000
during the past 12 years!
Dorothy Morrison
Thanks must go to Dorothy Morrison, who donated £2,500 from the sale of her car to
the Saint Andrews and NE Fife Branch. Dorothy had to give up driving after she was
diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, and handing over the cheque, she said:
“If my donation helps someone young or old to gain some independence, it will be
money well spent.”
Included here is a photograph of Dorothy Morrison presenting an oversized cheque
to the Saint Andrews and NE Fife Branch.
Britannia Lodge 4099
Masons at Britannia Lodge 4099 near Plymouth must be thanked for holding a ladies’
night which raised £500. Members decided to support Guide Dogs as the lodge’s
Worshipful Master, W Bro Paul Darville, suffers from sight loss. Guide Dogs’
Community Fundraiser, Pam Gratton, received the cheque after giving members a talk
about Guide Dogs’ work.
Included here is a photograph of W Bro Paul Darville presenting a cheque to Pam
Gratton.
Wilmslow Branch
Thanks to the Wilmslow Branch members who collected £871 at Norcutts Garden Centre
in Woodford, including Eunice Renshaw with guide dog puppy Briony, Chris Coackley,
Sandra Reid, and Kay Kelly with guide dog puppy Titan.
Included here is a photograph of Eunice Renshaw, Briony, Chris Coackley, Sandra
Reid, Kay Kelly and Titan at their fundraising event at Norcutts Garden Centre.
Peter and Jane Sillett
Puppy walkers Peter and Jane Sillett, from Witham in Essex, were amazed and
delighted when, after their talk to Witham Rotary Club with their guide dog
puppies Jenkins and Faith, club members gave them a cheque for Guide Dogs for more
than £700. Thanks to the club for raising the money.
Included here is a photograph of Peter and Jane Sillett receiving a cheque from
one of the Rotary club members.
Sainsbury’s Taunton
We’re grateful to staff at the Sainsbury’s in Billet Street, Taunton, who named a
guide dog puppy Billy after donating nearly £6,800 from a year of fundraising,
helped by Taunton Branch members. Among the fundraising feats deserving praise
were branch volunteers collecting more than £3,300 from customers, and the store’s
staff holding all sorts of events to raise more than £1,700.
Included here is a photograph of the staff at the Billet Street Sainsbury’s in
Taunton, presenting their cheque to a guide dog puppy walker.
Sam and Vanessa Race
Sisters Sam and Vanessa Race raised £5,000 in 10 months with activities including
climbing Ben Nevis, completing the Great North Run and selling bric-a-brac at a
stall at South Shields Market. The pair presented their cheque to the Sunderland
and South Shields Branch, so a big well done to both!
Derek and Norma Stent
Volunteers Derek and Norma Stent from Bath must be congratulated for arranging
another successful Guide Dogs charity shop in Bath city centre. The couple, who
have puppy walked 44 guide dog pups, raised £5,500 by selling donated goods.
Share your fundraising story with the Forward team! Send details of who, how,
where, when and how much money was raised, with a daytime contact number, to
forward@guidedogs.org.uk or by post to Forward, The Guide Dogs for the Blind
Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Berkshire, RG7 3YG. Don’t forget to
send us your best photos!
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 forward@guidedogs.org.uk or to Forward at
Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG.
If you are a guide dog owner, current or retired, and you want to talk to a
trained listener, who is also a guide dog owner, about the experience of losing
your dog, call the STEP line on 0845 3727474 between 8am and 10pm daily.
Aiden 2.2.06 - 17.2.12
“Mummy’s bestest boy… FOREVER. Now run and have fun… My oh-so-special Aidie
Spadie. Love you always, Eilish.”
Amara 11.3.02 - 13.3.12
Guide to Lisa Kennet. “You never got to retire but it meant we were together right
until the end. Missed so much by so many.”
Anton 27.9.99 - 4.8.11
Guide to the late Mrs Shirley Castle and retired to Mr and Mrs Perrett. “He was
the most intelligent and loveable boy.”
Anton 13.12.97 - 14.2.12
Puppy walked by Jackie Healey, retired to Lynda and Paul. “He was our best friend.
Loved and missed by so many people, never forgotten.”
Breeze 8.10.97 - 8.12.11
Fifth guide dog for Irene Maloney, puppy walked by and retired to Alison King.
“Thank you Breebree for bringing us so much love and happiness, our love to you
always.”
Brewster 13.3.97 - 21.1.12
First guide to Colin Moore and wonderful companion in retirement, loved by all who
knew him. “We’ll never forget you, our special waggy boy.”
Coral 15.3.02 - 28.2.12
Rehomed by Andy and Wendy Catton. “She was a lovely dog and devoted companion and
will be terribly missed.”
Dallas 18.4.99 - 11.4.12
Dearly loved guide dog of Patricia Beck and puppy walker Marjorie Fielding. “Our
dear gentle girl, we loved you so much. Rest in peace now.”
Ellis 30.10.98 - 4.4.12
First guide to John Crofts, retired to Janet. “Find the biggest feeding bowl you
can fella, and enjoy. Missed by so many. Sweet dreams.”
Floss 31.10.03 - 7.4.12
“Rest in peace my darling girl. There will always be a special place in my heart
reserved just for you.”
Frankie 1.8.99 - 5.4.11
First guide to Lorna Jones. Much loved and sadly missed by all who knew him. “You
will always be in our hearts and thoughts.”
Garson 21.4.99 - 28.3.12
Guide and best friend to Joe Coulton. “Loved by all his family, always in our
hearts and thoughts. Sleep tight baby boy.”
Heidi 19.7.98 - 18.4.12
Puppy walked and retired to Karen, Lee and Ben, guide dog to C Beckett. Fundraised
with Mollie and Michael. “Goodbye to our “tart with a heart”.”
Holly 22.5.01 - 4.1.12
Retired brood bitch and wonderful mum to 34 puppies. “Loved by all who knew her.
Sadly missed by the Vining family.”
Illya 4.6.96 - 24.2.12
Guide to Chris Wright, puppy walked by Vera Stokes, an adored family member.
“You’ve given us so many special moments. We love you little illy.”
Jackie 23.4.99 - 20.2.12
Guide to Martyn Anker Cannock, puppy walked by Val Rowe, trained by Emma Robinson.
“Always our little sweetheart Jacks, we shall forever be missing you.”
Karl 15.8.99 - 4.4.12
First guide dog to Mike Rossiter. “Wonderful guide, loving, gentle friend.
Faithful to the end. Miss you.”
Kim 21.10.99 - 28.3.12
Faithful guide dog to Janet Kersey and retired to Mr and Mrs Crisp where she
enjoyed a lovely retirement. “Rest well my darling I will never forget you.”
Lake 28.7.98 - 9.3.12
Rehomed and returned to puppy walkers the Littlefields. “A beautiful and loving
pet. A much loved part of our family. Sadly missed by all.”
Matty 21.6.01 - 13.9.11
Graham’s much loved and trusted guide from 2003. “You will always be missed.”
Morris 20.8.99 - 26.11.11
Superb guide dog to Richard Morris. “Much loved “gentle giant” of the family and
everyone who knew him. Now living with his “happy people”.”
Nadia 2.2.98 - 27.2.11
Retired to Angela Cook. “A very dear friend, who shared so much with us. Adored
member of the school, loved by all the children.”
Norris 5.1.99 - 23.4.12
Didn’t make it as a guide dog but wonderful companion to Barbara and Richard.
“Rest in peace dear Norrie. God bless. Will be sadly missed.”
Oakley 1.5.99 - 26.1.12
Guide to Christine Dunn, puppy walked by Michelle Keyte, retired to Anne and Mike
Pressling. “A very special dog in every way. Run free now Big Boy.”
Pebbles 17.11.98 - 27.9.11
Puppy walked by John & Betty Goodspeed, retired to Roy and Marilyn Curtis. “A
wonderful funny companion, miss you.”
Petra 21.4.98 - 18.2.12
Puppy walked and retired to Pat and Mike Wallace. “She lived for her treats right
to the end. Loved by all. Love you always Petra.”
Poppy 8.3.99 - 6.2.12
Puppy walked and rehomed by the Holloway family. “Didn’t make it as a guide dog
but was a brilliant pet, sadly missed by all. Xx”
Questa 28.2.97 - 5.1.12
Guide to Steven Hicks, retired to Honor and John Gorst. “She was a beautiful girl,
so loving and conscientious, she will be sadly missed.”
Ramsay 18.9.98 - 4.4.12
Very special friend to Karen and “Peppa”. “Loved and missed by everyone who knew
him, always in our thoughts and prayers.”
Reema 10.4.97 - 6.2.12
Devoted guide dog to Anne Donnelly. Retired to Gilbert and Barbara Farnell. “A
special lady sadly missed. Forever in our hearts, love Mom and Dad.”
Sacha 21.8.02 - 16.3.12
Gently put to sleep. Puppy walked and retired to Frank and Jean Smith. “The house
is so quiet without you. Loved very much.”
Sade 6.4.98 - 10.1.12
Third guide to Sue Smith. “My little princess you are a guiding star in the sky
now shining bright. I will always love and miss you.”
Sam 29.4.00 - 10.1.12
Rehomed to Leslie and Ian Sarginson. “Loved for ten wonderful years, Sam was a
true gentleman, never to be forgotten.”
Sheeba 23.2.99 - 12.3.12
Didn’t quite make it as a guide dog, retired to Sheila and the late Fred Prichard.
“Deeply missed, brought so much joy, Mum’s lovely girl.”
Sky 24.9.97-15.2.12
Puppy walked by Kevin and Jackie Ireland. Guide to Ivan Johnson. Retired to Marion
and Dave Beakhust. “Keep rescuing those rocks my beautiful curly girlie.”
Stella 29.11.97 - 11.10.11
Puppy walked by Sally Tyler and guide to Edris Miller. Rehomed to the NoyceGuthrie family. “Missed and loved by all. X”
Tarka 22.3.98 - 23.2.12
Puppy walked by Pat Lott. Rehomed to Pat and Peter Reed. “Helped raise numerous
pups and a wonderful fundraiser. Will be greatly missed.”
Teddy 1.5.00 - 30.9.11
Third guide to Peter Sheath, a friend to Mary in retirement and puppy walked by
Glynis Ormsby. “A gentle giant who was loved by all.”
Tegrin 24.1.99 - 31.8.11
Much loved guide to Fred for many years. “Faithful friend to the entire family.
Will be sadly missed.”
Whisp 3.12.97 - 14.2.12
“A dog is a man’s best friend, as Alan’s guide this was true of you. Thank you for
all you were, will love you always. X”
Wilkie 3.12.98 - 27.4.12
Puppy walked by Jean and Bob Jones, second guide to Martin Foden, retired to play
with Kia. “Will be sadly missed by Sheila and Maureen.”
Yorkie 19.10.00 - 12.3.12
Retired to puppy walkers David and Christine Burroughs. “Wonderful and most loving
friend. Farewell our darling, loved and sadly missed. Forever remembered.”
Yosie 5.12.98 - 6.1.12
First guide dog to Lesley Milwain, puppy walked by Rachael and Lance. “Our perfect
little lady missed by all who knew her. Love you always our angel.”
Zac 3.4.01 - 19.4.12
Adopted by his puppy walkers Bill and Margaret Wareing. “Love and miss you always.
Run free babe, with your pal Ian. Mum and Dad.”
Zac 18.3.00 - 9.2.12
Retired to Rutland with David and Margaret Holmes. “A grand old gentleman, you
will never be forgotten Mr Z.”
Zea 30.4.98 - 10.3.12
“Your leaving was hard to bear, but you knew we were there, now you’re free from
all your pain, sleep tight until we meet again.”
Zena 4.8.97 - 12.3.12
Guide to the late Gill Townend and retired to become a member of the Ferris
family.
Zim 18.4.97 - 20.2.12
Rehomed to Elizabeth and Don Nixon. “A loyal and much loved boy. Forever in our
thoughts and missed by so many.”
There are photographs taken in various locations and in different poses of: Aiden,
Anton, Brewster, Frankie, Garson, Heidi, Holly, Illya, Jackie, Lake, Morris,
Norris, Pebbles, Petra, Poppy, Reema, Sacha, Sam, Sheeba, Stella, Tarka, Whisp,
Wilkie, Yorkie, Yosie, Zea, Zena and Zim.
Deacon Arris 16.3.97 - 23.2.12
Yellow Labrador retriever cross Deacon never quite made it as a Guide Dog, but
instead lived a long, happy and healthy life with re-homer Richard Arris.
Richard said: “I fostered Deacon when he was 12 months old after he decided life
as a working guide dog wasn’t the right career for him. Over the next 14 years we
were practically inseparable, he was always by my side giving unconditional love
and companionship, a true friend and partner.”
Richard, who lives in Whitley Bay just east of Newcastle, would have Deacon
walking down the beach nearly every day: “Deacon had a great passion for swimming,
he would race me there and wait by the sea front waiting for the go ahead. Myself
and my wife Sue frequently go on canal boat holidays which Deacon loved too,
although it was always an effort to get him to stay in the boat.”
“He was frisky and loved a game of hide and seek but very caring too, a great
listener. When my elderly mother came to stay Deacon would tend to her and guide
her round the house holding her sleeve.”
“As old age started to show, he was truly inspirational and showed strengths I
will find hard to achieve in my old age. I find it hard to express the pain and
emptiness caused by his loss other than to say that a significant light in my life
has gone out forever. “Deacon, I hope you are now at peace and I will always love
and miss you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”
Every dog born into the Guide Dogs family, whether or not they have a career as a
working guide dog, mean the world to us all. It is always a time of great sadness
when one of these wonderful dogs passes away.
Included here is a photograph of Deacon Arris, a Yellow Labrador retriever cross.
Deacon has been photographed standing on a beach and is looking to the left 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
giftsinmemory@guidedogs.org.uk or visit www.giftsinmemory.org.uk.
Our dogs may be honoured with a complimentary listing of their name to commemorate
them.
Competitions
Summer quiz
Flex your thinking muscles this summer with our Paralympic themed quiz and stand a
chance of winning a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher.
1. In what year did the idea for the first Paralympics start?
2. Which city hosted the Paralympics in 2008?
3. In which year and country did Great Britain bring home an amazing 42 gold
medals in the Paralympic Games?
4. How many different sports do the Paralympic Games consist of?
5. What is the newest sport to be added to the Paralympic programme?
Congratulations to Miss J E Godden from Kent who is the winner of our Spring quiz.
You’ll notice we have shortened the quiz this time to allow room to publish the
answers from last time. The answers were as follows:
1 The Vernal (Spring) Equinox
2 Halloween
3 Great Sphinx
4 Holy Saturday baptism
5 1912
6 Physical and psychological association with the arrival of Spring
7 First Sunday after or on first full moon after the Vernal (Spring) Equinox
8 Diamond
9 Daffodil
10 A sign of fertility and new life
Caption competition
Thanks to Linda Richardson for sending in this adorable picture of her new
precious package, guide dog pup in training, Maisie.
Maisie is a tiny yellow Labrador, she has been photographed hiding in a large
brown box, with her head popping out the top. The words “HANDLED WITH CARE” are
printed on the side of the box.
Send your caption to us by 16 August 2012. The prize is a £10 Marks & Spencer
voucher.
To enter, please e-mail us at forward@guidedogs.org.uk or send your answer on a
postcard along with your name and address to Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields,
Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG.
The Spring caption competition winners were Ivor and Ruth Wood of Coventry, their
winning caption was: “Now that’s what I think of VAT on my food, Mr Osborne!”
The picture for last edition’s caption competition was of Pelham, a black
Labrador, who was photographed standing outside in the garden. Pelham was looking
to the left of the camera and sticking his tongue out.
Competition rules
The competitions are open to anyone resident in the UK, except employees of the
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, their families and anyone connected with the
competition. No purchase necessary. Proof of posting cannot be accepted as proof
of delivery. No responsibility can be accepted for entries delayed, damaged or
mislaid or wrongly delivered. Illegible entries will be disqualified. Only one
original entry is allowed per envelope. The winners will be notified by either
post or telephone and the results will be published in the next issue of the
magazine. The winners must agree to the publication of their names, photographs
and any publicity, if requested. In all matters concerning the competitions the
Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence can be entered into. Entry implies
acceptance of the rules. The closing date for these competitions is 16 August
2012.
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
giftsinwills@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0845 6031477.
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?
www.gowalkies.org.uk
www.facebook.com/gowalkies
0845 6006787
Pictured in this promotion is a black and brown Doberman who is holding a light
brown leather lead in its mouth.
The “Go Walkies” logo is pictured at the top right hand side of the page, the 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.
Eukanuba
PROUD SPONSORS OF
go Walkies for GUIDE DOGS
The Eukanuba logo is also pictured, the text is written in white, inside a bright
pink rectangle. There is a white paw print on the right hand side of the text.
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).
3. LUCKY LOTTERY
Helping change the lives of blind and partially sighted people has never been more
fun!
In the centre of the promotion is a photograph of a small yellow Labrador puppy.
The puppy is surrounded by 10 blue stars located in various positions, and three
yellow & three blue lottery balls of different numbers.
Enter now and you could win up to £3,000
Call: 0800 6888406
www.guidedogs.org.uk/luckylottery
In the right hand corner of the promotion is the Guide Dogs’ Lucky Lottery logo,
the text “LUCKY LOTTERY” written in white with a picture of three lottery balls to
the right.
Not to be sold to or by any person under 16 years of age. Licensed by the Gambling
Commission under the Gambling Act 2005, www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk, Licence
number 4946. Entries are restricted to residents of England, Scotland and Wales.
Registered society: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Contact: Jayne
George, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG. A
company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a
charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). All
profits from the lottery will be used to fund the work of Guide Dogs. If you feel
you have a problem with gambling, please visit our website for help and advice at
www.guidedogs.org.uk/gamcare or contact the GamCare National Helpline on 0845
6000133.
4. Jump for Guide Dogs
Any time, any place, anywhere...
www.guidedogs.org.uk/go
Registration Fee £50 per person
Fundraising target £350 per person
For more information on Jumps visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/jump
We’re here between 9am and 6pm and we’d love to hear from you
Call: 0845 6006787 E-mail: events@guidedogs.org.uk
Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979)
Pictured in this promotion is a photograph of a man taking part in a sky dive. The
photograph is a close-up head shot of his face, he’s wearing a black safety helmet
and goggles and has his mouth open with excitement.
The Guide Dogs’ logo is pictured on the top right hand side of the page.
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: giftsinwills@guidedogs.org.uk
Go Walkies
Call: 0845 6006787
E-mail: gowalkies@guidedogs.org.uk
Visit: www.gowalkies.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gowalkies
Sponsor a Puppy
Visit: www.guidedogsgiving.org.uk/sponsorapuppy
Talking Buses
E-mail: campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk
Street clutter survey
E-mail: campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk
Nominate a volunteer
Call: 0845 3717771
Visit: www.guidedogsvolunteers.org.uk
Visually impaired rowing
E-mail: forward@guidedogs.org.uk
National Breeding Centre tours
Call: 0845 3727432
E-mail: NBCVisitors@guidedogs.org.uk
Book of Sports
Visit: www.clearvisionproject.org
Easy Fundraising
Visit: www.easyfundraising.org.uk
Fight For Sight
Call: 0207 2643900
Visit: www.sightlosspsp.org.uk
Name a puppy
Call: 0118 9830190
E-mail: nameapuppy@guidedogs.org.uk
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy
Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Award
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/gdoy2012
Thrive
Call: 0207 7202212
Visit: www.thrive.org.uk
Microchipping campaign
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns
Dangerous Dogs
E-mail: campaigns@guidedogs.org.uk
Visit: www.bit.ly/oPLkGV
My Guide
Call: 0118 9838187
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/myguide
Assistance Dogs
Visit: www.assistancedogs.org.uk
Guide Dogs Week 2012
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek
Edinburgh photography exhibition
E-mail: kate@contemporaryartexchange.org
Guide Dogs Fun Days
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/fundays
Coniston Adventure Team Challenge 2012
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/conistonchallenge
Bupa Great South Run
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/greatsouth
Bath Half Marathon
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/bath
Virgin London Marathon
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/london
Letters
Write to: Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG
E-mail: forward@guidedogs.org.uk
Fundraising
Write to: Forward, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields,
Burghfield Common, Berkshire, RG7 3YG
E-mail: forward@guidedogs.org.uk
We’ll never forget
Write to: Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG
E-mail: forward@guidedogs.org.uk
Bereavement or Loss Counselling - STEP
Call: 0845 3727474
Gifts in Memory
Call: 0845 6031477
E-mail: giftsinmemory@guidedogs.org.uk
Visit: www.giftsinmemory.org.uk
Competition
Write to: Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG
E-mail: forward@guidedogs.org.uk
Guide Dogs Lucky Lottery
Call: 0800 6888406
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/luckylottery
GamCare
Call: 0845 6000133
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/gamcare
Jumps
Call: 0845 6006787
E-mail: events@guidedogs.org.uk
Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/jump or www.guidedogs.org.uk/go
New partnerships
Congratulations to our new partnerships
We’ve updated our new partnerships listing to reflect the new Mobility Teams for
this edition and you’ll find new partnerships listed in the order of owner, dog,
town, breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Here’s wishing a warm
congratulations to all our new qualifiers.
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 Fred and Rigsby
Fred Lindley from Cleveleys in Lancashire has recently qualified with Rigsby, a
two-year-old Lab retriever cross and couldn’t be happier with him, or with the
support he received from the Guide Dogs staff at Atherton.
“I qualified with Rigsby on 15 March and haven’t looked back. I’ve had several
guide dogs and there’s been a bit of a gap since my last one but Rigsby was well
worth waiting for. He’s a very affectionate, loving dog and a good worker - a real
cracker.”
“The difference he’s made to my life is tremendous. It’s really surprising how a
guide dog opens doors in your life; I get out so much more and it’s also helped me
socially - it’s easier to interact with people when Rigsby’s with me.”
“My wife, Wendy, and I love to go on holidays and we’ve already had a little break
since I got Rigsby, at Alveston Hall in Cheshire. There are beautiful grounds
there and Rigsby loved it. He’s also quite at home in Blackpool, our nearest big
town. Wendy is also a guide dog owner. Her dog, Lady, is six and is definitely the
boss - but provided Rigsby does as he’s told, they get on very well!”
Included here is a photograph of Fred Lindley and Rigsby. Fred is wearing a pale
blue shirt and black trousers and is standing in a hotel lobby, with Rigsby
sitting patiently at his side. Rigsby is a yellow Labrador cross golden retriever.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Barbara Sampson & Ulay from Bishops Stortford GRxL, Alan Roscoe from Welling,
Janet Klaar from Stourbridge
Gary Welling & Yannik from Waltham Cross L, Julie Strazzer from London, D Ward
from Rugby
Trevor Ewen & Zim from London LxGR, Margaret Reynolds from Faversham, Carol
McAteer from Stourbridge
Annette Bodsworth MBE & Ursula from Braintree GRxL, Natalie Donaghy from
Auchterarder, Helen Jordan from Glasgow, Christina Bloxham from Worcester
Roseanne Evans & Lynton from Watford LxGR, Joanne Parker from Leigh-on-Sea, Janie
Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Cari Hann & Hayley from Hemel Hempstead GRxL, Yvonne Neary from Ashford, Jane
Chance from Kidderminster
Jacqui Karbhari & Spirit from Watford LxGR, Angela James from Chelmsford, Jennifer
Drake from Upminster, Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove
Christine Mason & Debbie from Watford GRxL, David & Patricia Selwood from
Sheffield, Mr & Mrs Taylor from Coventry
Alison Mead & Ted from Watford GRxL, Sheila Marven from Saint Albans, Karen
Robbens from Leamington Spa
Janet Plechaty & Tarka from Basildon L, Anna Green from Chelmsford, Mr & Mrs
Phipps from Lechlade
John Schofield & Bart from Salford GRxFCR, Rebecca Forrest from Southampton, Julia
Evans from Bromsgrove
Gordon Stokes & Betty from Harwich GRxL, Kim Bassett from Andover, Sheila Wright
from Andover, Mr & Mrs Moloney from Leamington Spa
Cardiff
Kirsten Barrett & Honey from Bridgend LxGR, Nicola Neville from Bristol, Anne
Skinner from Wells, Anne Matson from Bristol, Gwen Cheyney from Southam
Rebecca Blaevoet & Karrie from Aberbargoed L, Victoria Arbenz from Wolverhampton,
Kate Price from Ashby-De-La-Zouch, VJ Addison from Rugby
Ann Boland & Flora from Aberdare LxGR, Patricia Anne Brown from Otley, Mr & Mrs
Bayley from Malvern
Eileen Bufton & Maddie from Hereford GRxL, Yvonne Strawson from Cwmbran, Mr & Mrs
Straker from Stratford-upon-Avon
David Chaffey & Robyn from Ebbw Vale LxGR, Linda Whitwell from Kettering, Sally
Barsby from Buckingham
Timothy Coughlan & Milly from Cardigan L, Linda Blackwell from Ely, Mr & Mrs Wyatt
from Leamington Spa
Florence Curram & Tara from Barry L, Helga Wedderburn from Rugeley, Kath Spedding
from Wolverhampton, Mr & Mrs Watson from Leamington Spa
John Dabbs & Angel from Tenby GRxL, Caroline Thomas from Bristol, Jill GordonLennox from Worcester
Kevin Davies & Mason from Ferndale LxGR, Mr & Mrs Wand from Bridgwater, Pippa
Challenger from Evesham
Penny Davies & Jayjay from Haverfordwest GRxL, June Breeze from Rainham, Valerie
Veness from Sutton Coldfield
Karen Gibbons & Norris from Tonypandy LxCCR, Ashley Gray from Tranent, Janet Court
from Birmingham
Andrea Gordon & Kayley from Swansea GRxL, Severine Godson from Banbury, Mr & Mrs
Allen from Worcester
Alison Harber & Amble from Abertillery GR, Jean Ruff from Redcar
Marian Lewis & Anjelo from Aberystwyth GRxL, Michael Davie from Loughborough, Y
Dillon from Warwick
Stacey Morgan & Quella from Pontypridd GRxL, Mary Reeves from Walsall, Valerie
Hanson from Birmingham
Jon Nixey & Max from Abertillery GSD, Elaine Whiteley from Solihull, Donna Morris
from Telford
Terence John Ottewell & Varney from Brecon GR, Valerie James from Birmingham,
Pauline Goodrich from Leicester
Deborah Pye & Tarka from Knighton GR, Diane Trout from Tamworth, Sarah Douglas
from Bromsgrove
Julie Rees & Gwen from Swansea GRxL, Patricia Revell from Solihull, Jeanette
Hannon from Oldbury
Paul Rowlands & Ziggy from Maesteg L, Sandra Wickson from Walsall, Pauline
Goodrich from Leicester
Ron Royffe & Haden from Cams GRxL, Mel Horsell from Plymouth, Jenny Dillon from
Chipping Campden
Sue Sims & Flora from Hengoed GRxL, Carol Moran from Clevedon, Sharon Fitzpatrick
from Weston-Super-Mare, Hilary Reed from Westbury, Mr & Mrs Allen from Worcester
Joan Slater & Waffle from Newport GRxL, Heather Woodward from Swansea, David
Windhober from Northampton
Hannah Stevenson & Oscar from Cardigan LxGR, Claire Kendall from Worcester, Mr &
Mrs Plenderleith from Solihull
Katie Thole & Lawrie from Cardiff GRxL, Elizabeth Gibson from Milton Keynes, Gail
Saunders from Oxford, Margaret Reynolds from Rugby, Karl Wainwright & Pete from
Flintshire
East Anglia
Brian Franks & Jenni from Norwich GR, Jack Holland from Morden, Gill McDowell from
Holmfirth
Nancy Jones & Sparkle from Felixstowe GRxL, Pauline Smith from London, Margaret
Buckingham from Warwick
Terry Jones & Mac from Peterborough LxGR, Brian Malcolm Welch from Aberdeen, Paula
McLean from Warwick
Hilary Todd & Roddy from Felixstowe GRxL, Catriona Addy from Linlithgow, Steve &
Jane Baron from Stirling, JL Wassell from Warwick
East Midlands
Ian Cloke & Dawson from Rotherham GRxL, Barbara Searing from Altrincham, Eve Smith
from Tanworth In Arden
Ruth Douse & Shandy from Derby LxGR, Barrie Southall from Blackpool, Mr & Mrs
Walker from Sutton Coldfield
Ernest Ellerton & Lady from Dronfield GRxL, Sharon Mason from Blackburn, Mr & Mrs
Hanson from Coventry
Louise Etherington & Rory from Belper GR, Peter John Bratt from Holmfirth, H
Ablett from Kenilworth
Paul Farrell & Bronte from Mansfield LxGR, Margaret Morris from Knutsford, Mr &
Mrs Simpson from Leamington Spa
Mr Royal Fereday & Helena from Rotherham GRxL, Hazel Whinton from Macclesfield,
Dianne Merker from Malvern
Lorraine Getten & Ivor from Nottingham L, Anne Moss from Wigan, David Joseph Snape
from Warrington, Rachel Cutler from Rugby
Deborah Lambert & Adele from Swadlincote L, Christina McCarthy from Warrington,
Sue Robinson from Worcester
Victoria Needham & Peter from High Peak GRxL, Mr & Mrs Sherred from Shipley,
Janice Briggs from Leamington Spa
John Scaife & Yannik from Rotherham LxGR, D Young from Middlesbrough, Pauline
Veronica Young from Sunderland, Mary Herbert from Warwick
Martin Southam & Kean from Doncaster GRxL, Ronald George Stewart from Hartlepool,
Linda Morris from Stratford-upon-Avon
David White & Yarna from Sheffield L, Lynn Nicholson from Bolton, Cora Blaver from
Northampton
Sarah Wynn-Jones & Ushi from Buxton GRxL, Marion Hill from Chorley, Christina
Bloxham from Worcester
Liam White & Irwin from Barnsley GRxL, J Sudworth from Wigan, R Stone from
Coventry
Patricia Cross & Coral from Rotherham LxCCR, Rachael Groves from Coventry, Janet
Court from Birmingham
Teresa Dickinson & Gwenda from Sheffield GSD, Stephanie Sartin from Harrogate,
Eileen Brereton from Northallerton, Mr & Mrs Tindall from Coventry
Colleen Tiffany & Sunshine from Doncaster LxGR, Claire Thorington from Northwich,
Mr & Mrs Plenderleith from Solihull
East Scotland
Sylvia Jane Christie & Hazel from Aberdeen LxGR, Bea Gray from Carluke, Linda
Thomson from Mauchline, Gwen Cheyney from Southam
Margaret Clayden & Luke from Dunfermline GR, Catriona Addy from Linlithgow,
Annette Mundy from South Queensferry, Amanda Baulch from Rugby
Laura Rose Cluxton & Pixie from Tullibody GRxL, Elizabeth Ellis Churchill from
Leeds, Mr & Mrs Lyle from Warwick
Lawson Eades & Nia from Polmont LxGR, Nicola Ireland from Blairgowrie, Sharon
Pogson from Bromsgrove
Samantha Paterson & Rianna from Aberdeen GRxL, Doreen Imrie from Glenrothes, JL
Wassell from Warwick
Ronald Robson & William from Blyth GRxL, Iris Cargill from Arbroath, Natasha Brady
from Emberton
Steven Taylor & Heidi from Dundee LxGR, Margaret & Edward Docherty from Stirling,
Joy Dickinson from Abingdon
Exeter
Daniel Bailey & Paula from Exeter LxGR, Alison Kent from Taunton, Lynne Marie May
from Northampton
Nicholas Dixon & Brad from Colyton GRxFCR, Lyndsey Bardsley from Stonehouse, Eva
Middleton from Stratford-upon-Avon
Jan Gibson & Joey from Swindon LxGR, Michael Davie from Loughborough, Nick Hanson
from Coventry
Michael Griffin & Eartha from Plymouth GRxL, Lucie Benchouiha from Exeter, Rebecca
Jackson from Kidderminster
Kenneth Joseph Kelly & Harley from Exeter GRxGSD, Diane Armshaw from Burton-onTrent, Sue Wilkins from Rugby
Adrian Reigate & Pepper from Wellington GRxL, Julie Barrett from Bicester, Janice
Briggs from Leamington Spa
Charles Rhodes & Blaze from Redruth L, Jacqueline Crowe from Northampton, Gail
Jackson from Pershore
Patricia Short & Nessie from Weston-Super-Mare GRxGSD, Monica & Nigel Chetwood
from Tewkesbury
Mary Shute & Kandy from Paignton GR, Diane McRoberts from Dunfermline, Janette
Baines from Burton-on-Trent
Karen Thompson & Innis from Plymouth L, Linda Atkins from Bromsgrove, Caroline &
Michael Evason from Warwick
Darren Walker & Jet from Exeter L, Andrew & Debra Coleman from Gloucester, Brian
Green from Birmingham
Jason King & Simba from Saint Austell GRxL, Kath Dunning from Chard, Jacki Boyle
from Telford
Greater Manchester
Tina Belshaw & Kane from Wigan GRxL, Louise Aikman from Knaresborough, Linda
Morris from Stratford-upon-Avon
Karl Grantham & Sam from Skelmersdale GRxGSD, Mr & Mrs Wildish from Lytham Saint
Annes, Sue Wilkins from Rugby
Jennie Harrison & Chloe from Wigan GR, Regina Tombs from Bingley
Norma Jones & Hetta from Manchester GRxL, Wendy Barbara Young from Leeds, Melanie
Jane King from Leeds, Nicola & Ian Roberts from Craven Arms
Frederick Peter Lindley & Rigsby from Thornton-Cleveleys GRxL, Margaret Black from
Mold, Ann-Marie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster
Alan McLoughlin & Niven from Manchester LxGR, Mr & Mrs Rogers from Altrincham,
Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove
Kerry Painter & Jody from Blackpool LxL, Susan Salmon from Doncaster, Donna
Gillbee from Rugby
Amanda Pasquill & Iris from Blackpool L, Susan Pascoe from Lytham Saint Annes,
Jackie Manning from Carnforth, Caroline & Michael Evason from Warwick
John Pritchard & Laddy from Ramsbottom LxGR, Catherine Hazel Hyde from Wakefield,
Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Ann Reid & Louie from Sale GRxFCR, Lynne Parr from Wirral, Mr & Mrs Rogers from
Bromsgrove
Jim Reid & Oliver from Sale GSD, Mr & Mrs Mitchell from Inverurie, Donna Morris
from Telford
John Sandiford & Inca from Bolton GRxGSD, Alison Cooke from Wirral, Sue Wilkins
from Rugby
Irene Verrill & Agnes from Ormskirk LxGR, Dennis Morgan from Bishop Auckland,
Hilary Murray from Leyburn, Deborah Kelsey from Coventry
Hull
Anthony Johnson & Alfie from Withernsea GRxL, Mr & Mrs Hanman from Wigan, John
Allsopp from Leamington Spa
Ann Smart & Zukie from Boston L, Joan Holloway from Congleton, Y Dillon from
Warwick
Andrew Watts & Yaris from Hull GRxL, Elizabeth Smith from Wakefield, Robert
Walpole from Cirencester
Richard Webster & Stokes from Lincoln LxGR, Jean Ruff from Redcar, Mr & Mrs Walker
from Sutton Coldfield
Kent and East Sussex
Peter Barker & Cleo from Tunbridge Wells GR, Diane & Mark Turberfield from
Montrose, J Roberts from Brackley
Sarah-Lee Denham & Kai from Gravesend GRxL, Valerie Townsend from Ashford, Linda
Morris from Stratford-upon-Avon
Gordon Divall & Billy from Brighton GR, Linda Marsden from Sittingbourne, Alison
Morton from Leamington Spa
Bernadette Fitchett & William (Wells) from Gillingham GRxL, Jean Brealey from
Bramcote, Mrs Jackson from Nottingham, Anne-Marie Sparks from Southam
Alison May & Bonnie from Dover GRxGSD, Christine Wilson from Poulton-le-Fylde,
Mair Harris from Droitwich
Allan Tweddle & Faith from Orpington GRxFCR, Elizabeth Gilbert from Banchory,
Carol Evans from Stourbridge
Merseyside
Julie Rodaway & Zeta from Bootle LxGR, Susan Flush from Wirral, Carol McAteer from
Stourbridge
Carol Manwaring & Sheila from Liverpool GRxL, Tony Clegg from Bingley, Zandra
Tomkinson from Crewe, Mr & Mrs Moloney from Leamington Spa
Northern Ireland
David Ferguson & Jamie from Bangor GRxL, Stewart Love from Bangor, Shirley Scanlon
from Belfast, Anne-Marie Sparks from Southam
Gary Loughran & Usher from Magherafelt GRxL, Sandra Bourassa from Antrim, Margaret
Purdy from Belfast, Marjorie Morgan from Ballyclare, Christina Bloxham from
Worcester
James Masterson & Carlo from Belfast LxGR, Maria Thorburn from Glasgow, Nick
Hanson from Coventry
Northumberland and Tyne and Wear
Niall McMurtry & Mack from Newcastle Upon Tyne LxGR, Mr & Mrs Payne from
Dunfermline, Rita Tongue from Shipston-on-Stour
Darren Cook & Innis from Consett GRxGSD, Diana Harkiss from Edinburgh, Sue Wilkins
from Rugby
Peter Elliott & Blade from Barnard Castle LxGR, Anne Russell from Kilbarchan, Mr &
Mrs Simpson from Leamington Spa
Pauline George & Ulma from Gateshead LxGR, Georgette Nicol from Livingston,
Catriona Nicolson from Dalkeith, Mr & Mrs Cheshire from Birmingham
Lee Gourley & Terra from Consett LxGR, Lisa Hilditch from Blairgowrie, Deborah
Kelsey from Coventry
Natasha Pogson & Vince from Billingham GR, Ruth & Robert Morgan from Aberdeen,
Pauline Goodrich from Leicester
Edna Ripley & Sparkle from Ferryhill LxGR, Sandra Taggart from Lisburn, Mr & Mrs
Walker from Sutton Coldfield
Ralph Sample & Ajax from Gateshead L, James Harper from Monifieth, Sue Robinson
from Worcester
Geoff Smart & Oscar from Sunderland GRxL, John Hawkins from Livingston, Diana
Harkiss from Edinburgh, Eve Smith from Tanworth In Arden
Shires and London Boroughs
Samantha Hall & Inca from Winnersh L, Cathy Bolton from Peterborough, Caroline &
Michael Evason from Warwick
Jan Newman & Gem from Wantage GRxL, Beverley Howard from Colchester, Mr & Mrs
Lockley from Leamington Spa
Jenny Pape & Kashmir from Winnersh LxGR, Louise Bucknell from Rayleigh, S
Priestman from Rushden
Lee Barker & Hartley from Isleworth GRxL, Nick Boyd from Eastleigh, Janice Briggs
from Leamington Spa
David John Bell & Flash from Oxford GSD, Clive Seeley from Bury Saint Edmunds,
Amanda Turner from Shrewsbury
Jennifer Bottom & Katie from Reading L, Joanie Jones from Sheffield, Terri
Chambers from Redditch
Brian Clayton & Gemma from New Malden GRxL, Ann Ridler from Luton, Zena Greig from
Southam
Alan Farrell & Winston from London GRxL, Amanda Brodie from Hadleigh, Alistair
Sams from Harwich, David Moore from Romford, JL Wassell from Warwick
Muriel Gregory & Archie from Reading GRxL, Sue Thornhill from Nottingham, Anne
Brenda Evans from Nottingham, Garth Munton from Derby, Rachel Davis from Kettering
Frances Hughes & Asher from Banbury GRxL, Sue Thornhill from Nottingham, Sheila
Coton from Birmingham
Paul Johnstone & Shandy from Epsom GRxL, Andrea Dunn from Peterborough, Jacki
Boyle from Telford
Rossana Keene & Daisy from Didcot GRxL, Jacqueline Lowing from Colchester, Mr &
Mrs Taylor from Coventry
Doctor Michael Nussbaum & Zeta from Milton Keynes GRxL, Deirdre Scott from London,
G Tookey from Warwick
Kim O’Shea & Irvin from Newbury L, Laura James from Inverurie, Caroline & Michael
Evason from Warwick
David Prendergast & Jasper from Milton Keynes GRxL, Christine Brown from Leigh-onSea, Mr & Mrs Gowling from Coventry
Reshi Ramlakhan & Lana from Croydon LxGR, Maxine Bloom from Billericay, Janie
Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Margaret Reeves & Bree from Reading GR, Linda & Allan Davie from Dunfermline,
Alison Morton from Leamington Spa
Raymond Walton & Glen from Guildford L, Alison & Michael Kirby from Leeds, Craig
Rogers from Leeds, Linda Sheehan from Sutton Coldfield
Sarah Watts & Illya from Burghfield L, Doreen Sim from Rayleigh, Caroline &
Michael Evason from Warwick
Mark Burchell & Judi from Brighton LxL, Anne Pleace from Maidstone, Donna Gillbee
from Rugby
Mark Graham & Dot from Epsom GR, Trish McLaughlin from Bracknell, Mr & Mrs Clarke
from Brierley Hill
David Smith & Errol from Redhill GRxGSD, Ann White from East Cowes, Anne
Cadwallader from Southam
Kathryn Stewart & Ella from Croydon L, Pauline Fretter from Wantage, Mr & Mrs
Mercer from Warwick
Daniel Walker & Pebble from Brighton GRxL, Linda Fleming from Erith, Mr & Mrs Lyle
from Warwick
Shrewsbury
Lee Taylor & Fagel from Tamworth LxGR, Cicely Smith from Bristol, Mr & Mrs Dennis
from Sutton Courtney
James Aston & Lotti from Colne GR, Derek Janes from Shipston-On-Stour, David
Higton from Coventry, Amanda Baulch from Rugby
Craig Bates & Kinsey from Willenhall GRxL, Pamela Moody from Leicester, Linda
Morris from Stratford-upon-Avon
Gemma Carrington & Glade from Wolverhampton GRxL, Jaqueline Hookham from Cardiff,
Mr & Mrs James from Pontypool, Mr & Mrs Lockley from Leamington Spa
Tony Clarke & Usher from Lichfield L, Lisa Bird from Stratford-upon-Avon, Brenda
Mead from Tewkesbury, Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Matthew Follows & Zac from Brierley Hill LxGR, Fiona McWhirter from Kirkcaldy,
Carol McAteer from Stourbridge
George Higginson & Millie from Newcastle LxGR, Julia Rodwell from Milton Keynes,
Tracey Wilkinson from Telford
Bill Holmes & Simpson from Walsall GRxL, Catherine Cooper from Bristol, Sally
Boulton-Major from Bristol, Colin & Audrey Peedle from Leamington Spa
Daniel Letchford & Midge from Bearwood GSD, Liz Truman from Taunton, Donna Morris
from Telford
Dave Starkey & Luka from Willenhall GR, Mary Bradley from Oxford, Amanda Baulch
from Rugby
John Walker & Amber from Telford GRxGSD, Peter Byrne from Liverpool, Mr & Mrs
Brennan from Warwick
Southampton
Sylvia Tyrrell & Zara from Weymouth L, J Fussell from Bristol, Joan Bowering from
Bristol, Ruth Wood from Coventry
Roger Baker & Denning from Southampton L, Maureen Packard from Milton Keynes, Mr &
Mrs Bedding from Southam
Ellen Brine & Ixie from Shaftesbury GRxL, Brian Roberts from Brackley, Valerie
Veness from Sutton Coldfield
Joe Long & Bella from Portsmouth LxGR, Christine Powell from Holsworthy, Nick
Hanson from Coventry
Robert Martin Sims & Sapphire from Ferndown LxGR, Heather Gilmore from Belfast, Mr
& Mrs Walker from Sutton Coldfield
Terri Tunstall & Alffie from Southampton GRxL, Frances McGrath from Bangor,
Rebecca Jackson from Kidderminster
Warwickshire
Caroline Rogers & Woodie from Shipston-on-Stour GRxL, Janet Ellis from Kettering,
Mr & Mrs Windhober from Northampton
Dawn Seaman & Harry from Leicester GRxL, Susan Gillian Webb from Sheffield,
Margaret Cotton from Oswestry
Roy Webb & Fennel from Northampton GRxL, Janice Butler from Solihull, Mr & Mrs
Wood from Leicester
Donna Barnsley & Spriggs from Coventry L, P Hill from Leicester, Suzanne Boggan
from Leamington Spa
Georgina Clements & Sam from Loughborough GRxL, Sandra Raw from Worcester, Helen
Easty from Kettering
Mary Finnigan & Ufton from Loughborough GRxL, Philip Maycock from Bromsgrove,
Christina Bloxham from Worcester
Russell Graves & Aden from Leicester L, Kate Price from Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Sandra
Hoffman from Coventry
Keith Gregory & Sam from Coventry LxGR, Sandra Emsley from Southam, Janet Klaar
from Stourbridge
Jeanette Jacques & Zack from Rugby L, Bill & Sue Coltham from Axminster, Pauline
Goodrich from Leicester
Michael Murch & Joey from Leicester GRxGSD, Lynda Moore from Plymouth, Sue Wilkins
from Rugby
Beryl Stevenson & Twinkle from Rugby L, Lise Bate from Packwood, Mr & Mrs Phipps
from Lechlade
Anthony Taylor & Wilson from Northampton GR, Debbie White from Bridgwater, Janette
Baines from Burton-on-Trent
Vincent Thacker & Zym from Leicester GRxL, Wendy Moore from Northampton, G Tookey
from Warwick
Adrian Higginbotham & Volley from Coventry LxGR, Joanne Hateley from Sutton
Coldfield, S Sager from Leamington Spa
Maureen Verney & Laura from Coventry LxGR, Evellyn Parker from Milton Keynes,
Elizabeth Gibson from Milton Keynes, Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton
West of Scotland
Margaret Adam & Evita from Alness GRxL, Paula Garden from Bridge Of Don, Rebecca
Jackson from Kidderminster
Steven Bigham & Louie from Kilwinning LxGR, Carlo and Eileen Rossini from Perth,
Janie Macqueen from Fenny Compton
Robert Fraser & Kirsty from Nairn L, David Jamieson from Dumfries, VJ Addison from
Rugby
Robert Grimwood & Ivan from Glasgow L, Peter & Thelma Thornton from Carnoustie,
Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-upon-Avon
Annette Martin & Meg from Wishaw GRxL, James Baxter from Blairgowrie, Sheila &
David McKeown from Glenrothes, Carol Woods from Glenrothes, Mr & Mrs Moloney from
Leamington Spa
Andrea Muir & Karla from Glasgow L, Janette Barnett from Glenrothes, Nancy Kennedy
from Kirkcaldy, Terri Chambers from Redditch
Alex Neeson & Ike from Glasgow GRxGSD, Lesley Black from Carnoustie, Sue Wilkins
from Rugby
Jean Nelson & Lucy from Renfrew LxGR, Doctor William Wilson from Dumfries, Janie
Macqueen from Fenny Compton
James Ramage & Mari from Alexandria GRxL, Fiona Corbett from Dalkeith, Mr & Mrs
Moloney from Leamington Spa
Elaine Tambin & Nellie from Durham GRxFCR, Grace Graham from Helensburgh, Mr & Mrs
Rogers from Bromsgrove
West Yorkshire
Joan Linch & Calley from Harrogate LxGR, Jean Hart-Wright from Glasgow, Karen
Johnston from Lanark, Sally Barsby from Buckingham
Emma Robinson-Shaw & Erin from Huddersfield GRxL, Jane Doak from Mold, Rebecca
Jackson from Kidderminster
Terry Sheard & Josh from Normanton GRxGSD, Philip Bowers from Stoke-on-Trent,
Julia Evans from Bromsgrove
Neil Smalley & Zante from Skipton GRxL, Wendy Cunningham from Dundee, G Tookey
from Warwick
Worcester
Ricky Brennan & Carla from Birmingham GSD, Vikki Holt from Redditch, Donna Morris
from Telford
Jason Payne & Hooch from Hereford GRxL, Carole Prior from Rugby, Dianne Merker
from Malvern
Frederick Stevens & Kris from Nuneaton L, Anne Skinner from Wells, Terri Chambers
from Redditch
Angela Fearn & Vinnie from Cleckheaton GRxL, Frances West from Colyton, Angela
McAuliffe from Warwick
Ellen Darks & Emerald from Cheltenham L, Margaret Creed from Stourbridge, Mr & Mrs
Mercer from Warwick
Roger Green & Olly from Birmingham L, Julie Lyons from Solihull, Annette Mulcahy
from Stratford-upon-Avon
John Irvine & Kaylea from Worcester L, Ray Ham from Sutton Coldfield, VJ Addison
from Rugby
Steven Markham & Toby from Hereford LxGR, Susan Toms from Plymouth, Terence Clarke
from Plymouth, Nick Hanson from Coventry
Michelle Montgomery & Sophie from Redditch LxGR, Mandy Price from Kidderminster,
Mr & Mrs Walker from Sutton Coldfield
Susan Nicholls & Aster from Birmingham L, Sheila Morris from Bromsgrove, Sue
Robinson from Worcester
Zoe Norman & Bonny from Worcester LxGR, Fiona Raychell from Birmingham, Mr & Mrs
Simpson from Leamington Spa
Sean Randall & Yoshi from Kington GRxL, Alison Williams from Exeter, Jill GordonLennox from Worcester
Nicola Shaw & Hollie from Birmingham LxGR, Keith Ravenhill from Chipping Norton,
Joy Dickinson from Abingdon
Norina Staples & Willow from Cheltenham GRxL, Diane Randle from Coventry, AnneMarie Sparks from Southam
Eileen Thompson & Topaz from Coventry GR, Pat Reed from Plymouth, Sarah Douglas
from Bromsgrove
Gary Ward & Olly from Birmingham GR, Leonora Tromans from Kidderminster
Janice Woodrow & Tia from Birmingham GRxL, Linda Hogg from Coalville, Sheila Coton
from Birmingham
Breeding stock
Diesel, 28.02.12, FCR, Stud, Outside Bred, Mrs K Newton from Kingswinford
Edward, 28.02.12, L, Stud, Mr M Piper from Rugby, Mrs BD Dennison from Lancaster
Ella, 21.03.12, L, Bitch Mr M Piper from Rugby, Miss PA Cruickshank from Aberdeen
Ellie, 23.01.12, L, Bitch, Mrs P Goodrich from Leicester, Mrs S Buckland from
Colchester
Evan, 21.03.12, L, Stud, Mr M Piper from Rugby, Mrs J Yarker from Edinburgh
Farah, 21.03.12, GR, Bitch, Mrs L Mallette from Worcester, Mrs K Partridge from
Pershore
Farina, 28.02.12, GR, Bitch, Mrs L Mallette from Worcester, Ms R Slayden from
London
Lassie, 16.02.12, L, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Straker from Stratford-Upon-Avon, Mrs P
Balson from London
Lola, 28.02.12, L, Bitch, Outside Bred, Mr PJ Bratt from Holmfirth
Misty, 23.01.12, L, Bitch, Mrs C Dempster from Leamington Spa, Mrs K Mason from
Peterborough, Miss S Moar from Cambridge
Opal, 23.01.12, L, Bitch, Miss J Baines from Burton-on-Trent, Mr D Songhurst from
Maidstone
Quella, 23.01.12, L, Bitch, Mrs J Elliott from Warwick, Mrs E Dale from Chester
Sonia, 22.03.12, GRxFCR, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Rogers from Bromsgrove, Mrs K Butler from
Leigh-on-Sea, Mrs S Langdon from Longfield
Ushka, 21.03.12 L, Bitch, Mr & Mrs Meredith from Kidderminster, Mrs L Verran from
London
Vicky, 23.01.12, L, Bitch, Mrs P Goodrich from Leicester, Mrs G Webb from
Littlehampton
Waffle, 28.02.12, L, Bitch, Mr D Ward from Rugby, Mrs C Blandford from Tavistock
Ward, 21.03.12, L, Stud, Mr D Ward from Rugby, Miss P Leguen De Lacroix from
London
Willow, 28.02.12, L, Bitch, Mr D Ward from Rugby, Mrs M Creed from Stourbridge
Included within this article is a photograph of a small yellow Labrador puppy
looking at the camera.
Close.
This is the end of the Summer 2012 issue of Forward, the quarterly magazine of the
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Forward Magazine - Summer 2012