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