Dogs Unite! - Guide Dogs
Transcription
Dogs Unite! - Guide Dogs
The official Guide Dogs magazine Summer 2014 Dogs Unite! Canines come together for the cause Also inside: • Volunteers’ Week – we celebrate you all! • Guide Dogs Annual Awards 2014 – who will you nominate? • Profiling our pups. • And much more... Helping change the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted has never been more fun! Entry £1 per week Hurry Enter our Lucky Lottery now and you could win up Hurry to £3,000. There are 100 cash prizes to be won every week and each entry costs just £1. Hurry Hurry! Sign up by 5 June to be included in our next Super Draw on 27 June Hurry where you could win £3,000! To find out more call us on 0800 688 8406 or visit us online at www.guidedogs.org.uk/luckylottery Guide Dogs is a registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 7307 03/14 Contents Regulars 05Welcome 06News • Talking Buses survey launched • Celebrating 30 years in Northern Ireland 10 View from the top Looking ahead with our CEO 11 Guide Dogs in the media Highlights of TV, radio and print coverage 14 Features 12 27 A day in the life of... Georgia Collins, trainee journalist and guide dog owner 28 What’s on? Gearing up for Guide Dogs Week 17 46 Letters and caption competition People and dogs 20 33 In memory 34 We’ll never forget Please recycle this magazine 20 Celebrating our volunteers The stories of some amazing people 14 My Guide Life-enhancing partnerships 24 Dogs Unite! Turn your hound into a fundraising hero 16 Pups in profile Assessing each dog’s future potential 17 Kashley and Kassie A unique guide dog partnership 30 Thanks to our supporters 38 New partnerships 12 Guide Dogs Annual Awards 2014 Who will you nominate? 29 18 A gift with wings! How leaving a legacy gives the gift of freedom 26 A listening ear Guide Dogs and the Blue Cross bereavement service 19 On the campaign trail 29 Knitting chicks and A brilliant start to 2014 naming pups A Scottish group’s epic fundraising 37 A partnership for happy, healthy pets Working together with Petplan Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 3 Share an amazing adventure - from just £1 a week. Why not sponsor an adorable guide dog puppy as they train to change the life of a person that is blind or partially sighted. You’ll follow their amazing journey every step of the way with regular photos and updates. So why wait? You can sponsor a puppy right now. Text ‘GUIDE’ to 63333 or visit www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk Here’s what you’ll receive A charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). 7310 09/13 Welcome Editor’s welcome A very warm welcome to the summer edition of Forward and thank you to all the readers who wrote with compliments on the new format – I’m delighted you like it. There’s now an exciting new addition to the Forward mailing: at the same time as you receive the magazine, you’ll also get a copy of your local team newsletter, packed with Guide Dogs news from your area and ideas for getting involved with our life-changing work. have a special four page feature profiling some of our key volunteer roles. We really can’t thank our volunteers enough for all the incredible work they do and hope you enjoy reading about them. Next month sees the thirtieth anniversary of Volunteers’ Week and, to celebrate, we I can’t quite believe it but it’s also time to make your nominations for the Guide Editor: Tracey Gurr Editorial Line: 0118 983 8811 Contributors: Lucy Llewelyn, Hannah Vickers, Kelly Caulfield, Helen Whiteside, Rachael Smith. Designed by: Guide Dogs guidedogs.org.uk Contributions: Send items to Forward at the Head Office address or email 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 0870 240 6993. It’s all happening in June – on the fourteenth, we’ll be holding our Dogs Unite headline event at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. If you want to be part of London’s largest ever dog walk, now’s your chance! Turn to page 24 to find out more. 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 983 5555 Fax: 0118 983 5433 www.guidedogs.org.uk Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk © 2010 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) Dogs Annual Awards 2014. On page 12 you can read about all the different categories and find out how to nominate that special person, dog or organisation. I hope you have a great summer – do write and tell me about all the exciting Guide Dogs activities you get involved in. Best wishes Tracey Gurr Full colour advertising is available in Forward. For information on rates, publication dates and circulation, please call 0845 372 7330 or email forwardadvertising@ guidedogs.org.uk. Terms and conditions apply. Any products or services advertised in Forward by third parties are not in any way endorsed by Guide Dogs and Guide Dogs shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any information contained in such advertisements nor has it investigated or verified any of the information. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 5 News From Cymru to Crufts Ian Hamilton with Renton and a team of puppy walkers in the BBC Centre, Glasgow In March, Konrad GalenBisping from Llandeilo and his guide dog, Radley, joined four other finalists in the Crufts 2014 Friends for Life competition. The pair are no strangers to award ceremonies – Konrad was named Inspirational Guide Dog Owner at last year’s Guide Dogs Annual Awards. Radley helped Konrad regain his confidence, as well as his independence, when the former Lance Corporal lost his sight after being attacked with an axe while training with the Army. It’s also thanks to Radley that Konrad met his wife, who was manager at the gym in Carmarthen where Konrad started working out. They now have three children. Konrad couldn’t be more proud of Radley. He says: “I was shocked to hear I’d been shortlisted for Friends for Life. I’m so pleased Radley’s had the recognition he deserves. He gave me my life back, he’s my boy.” Promoting puppy walking in Scotland As part of Guide Dogs’ recruitment drive for more puppy walkers in Scotland, Puppy Training Supervisor Fiona Fraser and puppy walker Gillian McCracken recently joined Fred MacAulay on his morning show on BBC Radio Scotland. Listeners heard all about puppy walking, and why puppy walkers put so much time and effort into this challenging, but hugely rewarding, volunteer role. This followed on from a highly successful visit by staff and puppy walkers to the BBC Scotland building to promote Guide Dogs in Scotland. They were joined by Ian Hamilton, who is a journalist for BBC Scotland as well as a guide dog owner. If you’re interested in becoming a puppy walker in Scotland, please visit guidedogsscotland.org.uk, email rubina.shah@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0845 372 7436. Celebrating 30 years in Northern Ireland Guide Dogs in Northern Ireland has come a long way since its first steps in 1984 and staff, volunteers and service users are looking forward to a year of celebrations. Over 30 years, they have created 386 guide dog partnerships, of which 103 are currently active on the streets of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland was also home to the 2009 pilot for what became 6 the My Guide service. Since then over 60 partnerships have been created and hundreds of people supported at one-off events. Among many celebrations, there’ll be a thanksgiving service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, a photo exhibition in the Stormont Parliament buildings and an extreme sports fundraising event! Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 News All aboard the Bus Survey 2014! We recently launched our annual bus passenger survey to find out about your experiences and opinions of Talking Buses. Talking Buses have audiovisual information about the next stop and final destination, enabling people who are blind or partially sighted, and many other groups in society, to use buses independently. Last year Running for gold more than 450 people took part in our survey. The results were put to great use supporting our campaign on this issue: during a Westminster debate in October, the evidence from last year’s survey was mentioned repeatedly by MPs, helping us secure a meeting with the Minister for Buses. Please help us make this year’s survey even more successful by taking part: visit guidedogs.org.uk/BusSurvey or call 0800 688 8404 Two young women with sight loss are hoping to compete at this year’s Commonwealth Games. Libby Clegg, from Scotland, won silver at the 2012 Paralympic Games alongside running partner Mikail Huggins. With ambitions for the Commonwealth Games, this year is going to be particularly exciting for Libby as she’s also waiting to be matched with a guide dog. Leicester guide dog owner Selina Litt was chosen by British Athletics to represent the Commonwealth Select Team, running in the visually impaired 60 metres at the Glasgow International Match in January. She achieved a personal best of 8.77 seconds, placing her third. Selina said: “I was very satisfied with my performance and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.” Guide Dogs’ first charity shop Guide Dogs has opened its first charity shop in an unused building in the grounds of Edmondscote Manor, our Leamington Guide Dog Training School. Staff and volunteers refurbished the building, helped by a grant from national company, Henkel’s. If you have any good quality items to donate or could help in the shop, please contact Benn Lane on 0845 372 7417 or Penny Hefferan on 0845 372 7344. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 7 News Investing in Volunteers PAT dog Vince Belfast Mobility Team has become Guide Dogs’ first mobility team to achieve the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard. It’s a UK-wide quality standard for voluntary organisations, demonstrating how much they value the contribution made by their volunteers. The team’s manager, Fiona Brown, said: “We have more than 300 volunteers in Northern Ireland and the support and enthusiasm they bring is absolutely invaluable.” As well as being loyal guide and best friend to James Preston, labrador retriever cross Vince has another very special role, as a PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog. James and Vince regularly visit John Taylor Hospice in Erdington. While James chats with patients, Vince communicates with them in a different way. James explains: “He offers comfort by showing them affection. I’m so proud of the difference he makes when patients say ‘we’ve really been looking forward to you both coming today’.” A major milestone Congratulations to Glasgow Mobility Team, who recently trained their 300th guide dog partnership. The proud holder of that honour, Matthew Brown, said: “I’ve gone from feeling I can’t go out without a protective cage around me to feeling I can go anywhere.” 8 Summer Dogalogue ide Dogs go to Gu All profits mmer 2014 Spring/Su y Happy registered a by guarantee and Wales limited Wales (291646) and A company and in England (SC038979) in England registeredScotland and charity (209617) Tel: 0118 com www.dogalogue. but so 983 5555 life changing, loss is ‘Sight CHSMGD Gloucester © The Company, Card British Great www.greatbritishcards.co.uk Birthda Happy Birthday rg.uk www.guidedogs.o Dogs’ are Guide registered a by guarantee and Wales limited Wales (291646) and A company and in England (SC038979) in England registeredScotland rg.uk New! 0003 and charity (209617) om www.dogalogue.c but so 983 5555 life changing, Tel: 0118 loss is ‘Sight www.guidedogs.o Dogs’ are Guide CHSMGD 0009 Gloucester Company, Card British Great www.greatbritishcards.co.uk range Stationery © The ts Food trea 1 ne Order onli gifts Fabulous ories Pet access call ue.com or at Dogalog 0845 371 1371 The sky’s the limit We train our guide dogs on many forms of public transport including planes. Virgin Atlantic Little Red (domestic flights) is working with Guide Dogs to help with that training by offering places on their London to Manchester flights. There is a clear process to follow for both Virgin staff and the guide dog trainer to ensure the journey goes smoothly. Guide Dogs’ Policy Business Partner John Welsman says: “It’s vital that our guide dogs can cope, whatever the situation, which is why support from airlines like Virgin Atlantic is invaluable.” The summer edition of our gift catalogue, Dogalogue, is out now. There are new products for you and your pets, including some which are exclusive to Guide Dogs. All profits go to Guide Dogs, so you help people with sight loss when you buy. To request your copy, call 0870 240 6993 or browse and order online at dogalogue.com Roma meets Michael Young pup Roma attended The Royal Television Society’s London Branch Christmas Lecture with her puppy walker, Peter Blackman. She behaved impeccably and attracted plenty of attention, the highlight being a conversation with TV presenter Michael Palin. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 News Doors open for schools tours Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre near Leamington Spa is a state of the art facility which gives guide dog pups the best possible start in life. This year we’re delighted to be welcoming groups of schoolchildren on a two-hour interactive tour of the centre, enabling them to learn about life with sight loss and, of course, giving them the chance to view the pups. The tour complements school curriculum studies around disability awareness, assistance dogs and the work of charities. There’s no charge but we welcome donations towards the cost of providing the tours and encourage school fundraising activities. For more information about tours for children or adults, or to book a meeting room at the centre, please email nbcvisitors@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0845 372 7432. In brief New ID for assistance dog owners All assistance dog owners, including guide dog owners, will soon have an Assistance Dogs UK ID book to support their legal right to access goods and services (and help service providers understand those rights) when accompanied by their dog. New law on dog attacks A new law has now passed which will make dog attacks on guide dogs a more serious offence, with irresponsible owners facing a potential prison sentence if their dog attacks an assistance dog. (See On the campaign trail, page 19, for more). Keep Me Posted Guide Dogs is supporting the Royal Mail’s Keep Me Posted campaign, which calls for the protection of consumer choice about how people receive important communications. Many businesses now use digital communication, which is not suitable for everyone, including people with sight loss. You can see the campaign’s pledge at keepmeposteduk.com New Year’s Honours Mike Clarke has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to people with visual impairment. Members of Bury St Edmunds branch, where he has been chairman for 33 years, celebrated by naming him King of Bury Guide Dogs. He was ‘knighted’ by committee member Jill Gooch dressed as Queen Victoria! in memory of her late husband, Gary – enough to name and sponsor 25 guide dog puppies. Pups go right to the top A group of puppy walkers and their pups were given exclusive entry to the Shard in London, the tallest building in the European Union. What better place for pups to learn about high speed lifts and stairs? Puppy walker Janice McCauley, who organised the trip, said: “It was a fabulous day and the pups were so well behaved. Thanks to the Shard’s PR Executive Stacey Wright for allowing us to do this.” Sue Ratcliffe, from Harlow, received the same honour in recognition of her amazing fundraising for Guide Dogs. She has raised over £125,000 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 9 View from the top View from the top Since Guide Dogs began in the 1930s, we’ve helped to transform the lives of thousands of people who are blind or partially sighted. Our staff and volunteers are world leaders in training guide dogs, but we’re not complacent – we are striving to improve all the time, making sure guide dog owners get the best possible service and that we reach as many people as possible with a personalised approach. There’s a great example of that personalised service in the story of young guide dog owner Kashley, which you can read later in this edition of Forward. Kashley has a complex mixture of different needs; in addition Chief Executive Richard Leaman shares his views to her sight loss she has Asperger’s syndrome – a form of autism – and mental health issues. This presented challenges for our guide dog mobility instructors, but they were absolutely determined to help Kashley achieve as much independence as she possibly could and her progress has been amazing. This kind of story is replicated on a daily basis across the UK as we work with more and more people with sight loss, many of whom have at least one additional need. One of the best ways for us to improve our services is to learn from the experience of others. There are now 86 organisations in the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and, this month, Guide Dogs staff are attending the IGDF conference in Japan. The conference covers topics as diverse as ‘Strategies for Snow Travel’ and ‘Reading Dog Body Language’, giving us invaluable information to help develop our ways of working. Working collaboratively with other organisations, both in the UK and further afield, is something I am passionate about. In the spring edition of Forward we told you about the exciting work we’re doing with Microsoft and other major companies, using technology to open up the 10 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 world for everyone, including people with sight loss. On 8 April we held a special event in London to showcase the results of the research we’ve been undertaking, looking at both the stresses faced by people who are blind or partially sighted as they travel around our cities, and the potential solutions offered by technology. It was an extremely fruitful and inspiring evening attended by more than 100 people, including senior executives from Microsoft, Transport for London, Network Rail, the Open University and many others, and we hope to launch a real-world concept demonstrator in Reading, Berkshire, very soon. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that Guide Dogs is at the forefront of this groundbreaking work. What’s most satisfying for me is the chance to combine over 80 years’ history and expertise, with cutting-edge technological innovation. I think it’s a combination which, over the coming years, will take us much closer to our vision of a world in which people who are blind or partially sighted can enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else. I’ll keep you posted on developments in future editions of Forward. Guide Dogs in the media Guide Dogs in the media We’ve been hitting the headlines with some amazing stories across TV, radio and media, raising awareness of our life-changing work. ITV: Birds of a Feather In February two guide dog owners featured in Birds of a Feather. Margo Cargill played Angie, Chris’s new love, while James O’Driscoll charmed the infamous flirt Dorian with his good looks. ITV: Coronation Street Annie Giles-Quinn and her guide dog Mr Quin have become regular extras on the programme after Granada Studios requested a Guide Dogs collection box from her. Channel 4: Crufts Coverage of Crufts in March featured puppy walker Katy-Ann Mason in a piece about puppy socialisation, while guide dog owner Konrad Galen-Bisping was a finalist in the Friends for Life competition (read more on page 6). ITV: Daybreak The show broadcast live from our National Breeding Centre for its Jobs for the Dogs series in February. Service Delivery Manager Tony Murray talked about guide dog training surrounded by a litter of puppies, then Katy Fawcett did a blindfold walk with a guide dog. The piece also featured a film about Tony Brown-Griffin and her guide and seizure alert dog, Hetty. Miller pushes the button – national newspapers and magazines Guide dog Miller jumps up at pedestrian crossings to push the button for his owner, Chris Michaels. In January their story featured in the Sunday Express, online in the Daily Mail and BBC News, and in Our Dogs and Dog World. It’s not something we train guide dogs to do but an invaluable ‘extra’ in helping Chris get about safely. Take a Break Two partnerships featured in a doublepage spread in March – Jet, guide dog to Jessica Cowley, and Lucy, buddy dog to Oliver Voysey. (There’s more about Lucy in our volunteering feature on page 20.) Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 11 Guide Dogs Awards Guide Dogs Annual Awards 2014 Who will you nominate? The Guide Dogs Annual Awards celebrate all that’s great about the charity, our people and, of course, our dogs. Building on the spectacular success of last year’s awards, this year’s are set to be even better. This year, there will be two sets of awards. On Wednesday, 10 December, we’re delighted that we’ll be back in the glamorous surroundings of the London Hilton Park Lane, for the Guide Dogs Annual Awards ceremony. Before that, however, on 24 October, in the elegant Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we’ll be holding our People Awards, specially organised to celebrate the fabulous contribution made by our staff and volunteers. You can play your part in these amazing events by making a nomination in any of the award categories. Here’s how: Inspirational Guide Dog Owner Award (now our headline award) For a current guide dog owner (working with a guide dog since at least 1 July 2013) who has achieved something exceptional or overcome a significant challenge. Guide Dog of the Year Award There are two categories in this award for the year’s top dog – Beyond the Call of Duty, and Life Changing. A winner will be chosen from each of the two categories and the overall Guide Dog of the Year selected from between them. Anyone 12 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 can nominate a dog, but it must be a fully qualified guide dog, currently working and expected still to be working in December 2014. For the Beyond the Call of duty category, the heroic behaviour must have happened since 1 July 2013. My Guide Partnership Award Our My Guide service partners people who are blind or partially sighted with specially trained volunteers, giving them confidence to get out and about. This new award is for a My Guide partnership which has really made the most of the opportunity, demonstrating benefits for both the service user and the volunteer. Guide Dogs Awards Young Person’s Achievement Award in association with National Blind Children’s Society Collaboration of the Year Award This award is for an individual or group of people between the ages of 14 and 25 who have achieved great things with the support of Guide Dogs or National Blind Children’s Society – or both. Their achievements could include accomplishments at school, at work, in their hobbies or volunteering, and must have been attained between 1 July 2013 and 18 July 2014. Do you know a company that may buy a table, or offer sponsorship or prizes? Please call 0118 983 8392. For an individual, company or other organisation that has worked successfully in partnership with Guide Dogs, making a valuable contribution towards improving the lives of people with sight loss. It could be a local authority, for example, or a corporate sponsor. Breaking Down Barriers Award For an individual or organisation that’s actively breaking down the barriers that prevent people who are blind or partially sighted from getting out and about on their own terms, for example by improving access to shops or services, or campaigning for a change in the law. People Awards There will be six awards for volunteers and six for staff, based on Guide Dogs’ six values: 1. Inclusive & embracing 2. Maximising impact 3. Dedicated to superior quality 4. Passionate and determined 5. Customer focused 6. Trustworthy The winners of these 12 awards will be those who’ve demonstrated one of these values most clearly in their work with Guide Dogs. Three overall winners will then be chosen for the People Awards: 1. Overall Volunteer of the Year (over 25) 2. Overall Young Volunteer of the Year (25 and under) 3. Overall Staff Member of the Year How to make a nomination In 500 words or fewer, tell us why your chosen guide dog, person, team or organisation should win your chosen category. If you’re nominating someone for one of the People Awards, please state which value you feel they demonstrate most clearly. Your nomination must reach us by 18 July. Please give your name, address, email address and daytime phone number, and those of your nominee. You can make your nomination through our website at guidedogs.org.uk/ awards or write to Guide Dogs Annual Awards, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG. For help making your nomination, please call 07970 026 141. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 13 My Guide My Guide: life-enhancing partnerships Every week more people are discovering the amazing benefits of our My Guide service. Meet two of our recent partnerships. Dimitri and Peter Dimitri Pharmakov is a newly qualified teacher living in Portsmouth. Over recent years, his sight has deteriorated, which has sometimes made normal day-to-day activities difficult for him, let alone going clubbing in the evening – he particularly struggles in dim light and new areas. Dimitri’s closest friend, Peter Carey, had been helping him to get out and about but, having never had any formal training in sighted guiding, Peter sometimes found it difficult to know the correct way to do things. That changed when he attended a two-hour sighted guide training session. Dimitri says: “Peter’s much more confident with getting me from A to B. Even simple things like getting me safely to a chair 14 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 without me ending up on the floor! I feel safer going out as when I was on my own, I found it difficult to memorise my routes and would sometimes get distracted if someone called me. I’ve learnt a lot too and I trust him more.” As a result of the sighted guide training and Dimitri’s improved trust in Peter, the two have been getting out and about a lot: “We do normal things like going to the doctor’s, or the hospital”, says Dimitri, “but we are even able to go nightclubbing together. I really am almost living a normal life. Peter says he should wear the yellow vest and be my guide dog!” Dimitri is currently on the waiting list for a guide dog and hopes to be matched in the near future. My Guide Olga and Orrlene 62-year-old Olga Mokaganya is originally from South Africa, where she trained as a midwife, but she has lived in Belfast since 1999. Over time, Olga lost the sight in one eye, then the other, and eventually she had to leave the job she loved. “This left me very down, my confidence was gone and I only ventured out for doctor’s appointments,” she says. When she was introduced to the My Guide service, she was initially reluctant. “As a nurse I was used to looking after people,” she says, “so it was a big step to put myself in the care of someone else.” Thanks to sighted guide Orrlene McMillen, Olga’s life has been transformed. “She taught me that there is no stigma in asking for help,” Olga explains. Olga now has the confidence to ask the bus driver to tell her when they arrive at her stop. She uses her white cane to get out more and try new activities, including a computer class that helps her keep in touch with her family back home. Olga says: “I’m the person I am now because of the support the My Guide service has given me. I can’t thank Orrlene enough for giving me my life back.” There’s no end to the activities that My Guide partnerships help people take part in. Here’s just a small selection of those we know about. Please tell us about any we’ve missed! •Community health walks •Doing voluntary work •To the gym •Rifle-shooting •Hill walking •Going to the All Ireland Fleadh •Status Quo gigs •Running •Drama groups •Christmas shopping •Visiting the coast •Visiting exhibitions •Horse-riding •Archery •Rambling •Fishing •Going to the bank •Sailing •Using the bus again •IT classes Guide Dogs’ My Guide service is available to anyone with sight loss, reducing their isolation by giving them the confidence to get out and about. For My Guide volunteers it’s a great way to learn new skills and know you’re making a real difference to people’s lives. To find out more, please call 0118 983 8187 or email myguide@guidedogs.org.uk Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 15 Puppy profiling Pups in profile Have you ever wondered how we turn tiny bundles of fur into confident working guide dogs? It all begins well before they start their professional training… As you might imagine, at Guide Dogs we have a huge amount of experience and expertise in puppies and how they behave. Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can tell about a dog’s future potential even when it’s a young pup. And our experts have now developed a unique tool for assessing puppies’ temperament and character. We assess the puppies in a specially designed room at Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre. It’s great fun for the pups, as our specially trained assessors lead each of them through a series of games. These include following the assessor, coming when the assessor calls, interacting with toys and getting through obstacles. It’s called the Puppy Profiling Assessment (PPA) and we use it to assess the temperament of our pups before we place them with puppy walkers – skilled volunteers who look after them for the first year of their lives and provide their basic training. After observing the pups’ behaviour during their assessment, we then follow their development through puppy walking, training and their working lives. This has helped us identify strong links between the way they behave during their assessment and then later, when they are being trained as guide dogs. The assessments are very 16 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 helpful in enabling us to tailor our training to our pups’ individual characters. The PPA is the result of detailed scientific research by Guide Dogs and the University of Nottingham, spanning a period of more than 10 years. It has involved literally thousands of puppies and is the first ever scientific study of this size. It was only possible because we have such meticulous records of our dogs’ behaviour from birth to retirement. We’re continuing to develop the way we use the assessments to ensure we really make the most of all this knowledge, helping us make sure our pups have the best possible start in life – and grow up to be even better guide dogs. Kashley and Kassie: a unique partnership Kashley and Kassie: a unique partnership Guide Dogs’ top priority is to provide excellent, tailor-made services for people with sight loss – many of whom have a mixture of different needs. Meet Kashley, who’s on a remarkable journey… 24-year-old Kashley lives in Lancashire. She has very little useful vision, so getting around has never been easy. She also has Asperger’s, a form of autism, and experiences mental health issues which pose additional challenges. Life has been tough for Kashley. She became depressed after being bullied at school. People struggled to understand Kashley’s complex state of mind, as she has multiple personalities and uses some unique vocabulary. What shone through when Guide Dog Mobility Instructors Rachel Harrison and Tracey Alger first met Kashley, however, was her zest for life and sense of humour. She also clearly wanted to own a guide dog and become more independent. thought she would always need to be accompanied on her walks. The first step was for Tracey and Rachel to spend three days with Kashley in her home, building up a detailed picture of her needs and making sure a guide dog was right for her. When they gave her the news she’d been hoping for – they would start looking for a guide dog for her – Kashley was delighted: “I was over the moon”, she said. “I just cried and cried.” It took a while to find the right dog but Kashley was matched with Kassie in June 2013. After six weeks of intense training, Kashley became a very proud guide dog owner. Since then Kashley and her partnership with Kassie have thrived and Kashley is much more relaxed. What’s most remarkable is that Kashley walks several routes with Kassie completely on her own. She has totally exceeded everyone’s expectations, inspiring all those involved. Says Tracey, “It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. The expression on her face when we told her we’d be matching her with a guide dog will stay with me forever.” The complexity of Kashley’s needs was a challenge but Rachel and Tracey were determined to do all they could to help her enjoy her life, though they Tailoring our service About a third of the people we work with have additional, sometimes complex, needs. Amongst others, we work with people who have: • Both sight and hearing loss • Epilepsy • Cerebral palsy • Multiple sclerosis • Autism • Acquired brain injury • Learning disabilities • Mental health issues • Arthritis Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 17 A gift with wings! A gift with wings! The stories of people’s decisions to leave us a gift in their Will can be very moving. Often their association with Guide Dogs goes back years: There are over 4,700 guide dog owners leading an active and fulfilling life in the UK today. Two out of three of these guide dogs exist thanks to the generous gifts people leave in their Wills. Inspired with confidence In association with Guide Dogs Your gift can help bring new hope, says Victoria Lambert When Glenwynne Egan awarded her 2:1 degree was information technology in University of Salford, sheat the nearly the star of the show.was The business and web accessibility expert, 51, from Norfolk is almost completely blind owing to a progressive, incurable condition called Stargardt disease (a form of early-onset macular degeneration, in which cells in the retina die, spreading outwards from the centre), which has been robbing of sight since the age of her 22. But who could compete with George – her guide who earned himself a dog first in “lecture disruption” at the tender age of five? “Without George,” says Glenwynne, “I couldn’t have taken a degree at all. My world was shrinking, and he Life-saver: guide dogs opened it up again.” can give their owners the freedom to live an independent George, a golden labrador life giving up, the Guide Dogs retriever, came into her for Poppy, another golden the Blind Association called. just when she needed life labrador retriever, who him It had a dog perfect for Free Wills helps most. He condition had her; her pick the right could she join the next constantly complicated three- the London train carriage on Network her week residential course? when she working life - her career needs to attend meetings. “The course was history includes personnel Guide Dogs offers “One of the single biggest illuminating, I met so and business administration supporters the many challenges for someone , inspirational sight-impaired with manual work and even opportunity to have a sight loss is having people coping brilliantly. running her own shop, simple will written or And confidence to try the but again. were cut short by her failingall George was wonderful from updated free by a local dogs give you that,” she Our the start. It was amazing says. sight. “I knew I had to solicitor. While there is “I wouldn’t be where I give getting my independence up the shop the day I failed no obligation to include now without George; he am to back. I felt like I had recognise one of my a gift in your will, wings.” saved my life, and my When the Guide Dogs sanity.” customers – my own mother.” Guide Dogs hopes that Two out of three guide course ended in 2001, dogs Undaunted, she decided people taking part will it was exist thanks to the generous time to get back into work. take an Access to Higher to consider including at gifts that people leave Glenwynne moved to York in Education course, as a least a small gift wills. Jack Visser, legacy their and began working springboard for university, towards the charity’s manager at Guide Dogs, in BBC’s North East on the 1996. By now, she had regional vital work. Find out “When you think that says: only website. From there, she there peripheral vision. “The more about the Free are over 4,700 guide dog found herself headhunted course was a nightmare Wills Network owners leading an active –I to London to work on was nervous getting around, at www. web fulfilling life in the UK and accessibility programmes. today, constantly walking into guidedogs. you can see how important Sadly, George is no longer things.” As she considered org.uk/ gifts in wills are. For all around to help. Instead these giftsinwills it is people life opens up again.” Mrs J Nunn alamy As we told you in the last edition of Forward, we have been working with the Daily Telegraph to raise awareness of this crucial source of income. Recently, the newspaper featured the story of Glenwynne Egan, whose two guide dogs have helped turn her life around. “I used to see a man and his guide dog getting off the bus and I would walk with him to Woolworth’s. I marvelled at his dog and how good he was. I used to look forward to seeing him and have supported your good work ever since.” For information on leaving a legacy in your will to Guide Dogs, call 0845 37 27371, email giftsinwills@guided ogs.org.uk or visit telegraph .co.uk/guidedogs & Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979) Charity registered in England 51-year-old Glenwynne is almost completely blind, owing to a progressive, incurable condition she’s had since the age of 22. Her condition had constantly complicated her working life and, by 1996, she only had peripheral vision. “My world was shrinking,” she says. “I was nervous getting around, constantly walking into things. “Then guide dog George stepped into my life. It was amazing getting my independence back,” Glenwynne says. “I felt like I had wings.” “As a child I remember an Airman who had a guide dog, Lennie. We were never allowed to touch him while he was working but we could join in with his playtime. I took two pennies to school every week for the ‘blind dogs box’ and have supported you ever since. You work wonders.” Mrs V Odell Thanks to George, Glenwynne was able to complete a degree in IT and now works on web accessibility programmes in London. First George, and now Poppy, have opened up her world and given her the freedom to get on with her life. She says: “One of the single biggest challenges for someone with sight loss is having the confidence to try again. Our dogs give you that.” “It was amazing getting my independence back. I felt like I had wings.” 18 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 If you’d like to find out more about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact the Gifts in Wills Team on 0845 603 1477 or giftsinwills@guidedogs.org.uk On the campaign trail On the campaign trail What a brilliant start to 2014 for Guide Dogs’ campaigns! Talking Buses We’ve already received lots of support from MPs for our calls to have audio visual announcements installed on buses and we’re holding a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons this July. Find out more at: guidedogs.org.uk/talkingbuses Dog Attacks Owners whose dogs attack guide dogs face up to three years in prison under a new law passed in March. Guide Dogs was a driving force behind the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, now in effect in England, Wales and Scotland. The law also contains measures to force owners to curb the behaviour of out-of-control dogs. This is great news for our campaigners and supporters, who’ve fought hard for legislation which recognises the devastating impact of an attack on a guide dog; we’re delighted that irresponsible dog owners can now be properly brought to account. Thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign. Streets Ahead We’re asking the Prime Minister to take a blindfold walk and learn more about the problems street clutter and poor street design cause for people with sight loss. Join over 1,000 people who’ve signed our online petition: guidedogs.org. uk/BlindfoldChallenge Safe and Sound Quiet vehicles can be dangerous for people who are blind or partially sighted. A new EU Regulation means that new quiet electric and hybrid cars will have to install sound generators from 2019. In the UK we’ve been calling for the government to fit these devices sooner, making their installation a condition of funding for future electric and hybrid vehicles. Become a Guide Dogs campaigner by signing up online: guidedogs. org.uk/campaigns or call 0800 028 4348. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 19 Volunteers’ Week Rachel Patterson Volunteer puppy walker 20 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Volunteers’ Week Celebrating our volunteers Volunteers’ Week celebrates the fantastic contribution of millions of volunteers across the UK. Guide Dogs is proud to have thousands of the most skilled, caring and hardworking volunteers in the business – we salute you all! Our volunteers are the backbone of Guide Dogs – the organisation literally wouldn’t run without them. Here we profile a few of their many vital roles. Collection box coordinator – Jonny Mehaffey Tour guides – Forfar Guide Dog Training School Across the UK, a team of volunteers act as tour guides, showing visitors around our training schools. Among them is Lamont Forbes, who’s been volunteering for Guide Dogs for over 35 years. “I enjoy telling people about Guide Dogs,” Lamont says, “and the more you’re involved, the more you become part of it.” Fellow guides Betty Laird, June Gibson and Isobel Colligan are just as enthusiastic: A student at Queen’s University, Belfast, Jonny took on the role of collection box coordinator as a way into volunteering, and to help raise the profile of Guide Dogs in his local area. “We love showcasing the work of the training school and would encourage anyone to consider becoming a tour guide. We’re proud to be a small part of the amazing final partnership.” His job is to find homes for our collection boxes in local shops and businesses and then to empty them and forward the proceeds to Guide Dogs. It’s not a time-consuming role but it has led on to other opportunities, such as training to become a sighted guide. “Helping to bring independence to someone,” he says, “is a fantastic thing to see. I’ve learnt new skills too, engaging with people on a different level.” Volunteers’ Week has been running since 1984 – so this year is extra special as it’s the week’s 30th anniversary Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 21 Volunteers’ Week Fundraising branch – Llanelli Sandra Francis and her husband, Lloyd, have been staunch fundraisers and members of the Llanelli branch, of which she is secretary, for over 25 years. Like Volunteers’ Week, the branch celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Over the last five years, the branch has raised around £50,000 – enough to support a guide dog from birth to retirement. Lloyd’s mother was a guide dog owner herself, so it was an obvious choice when the couple were choosing a charity to fundraise for. “When a guide dog owner talks to you about the difference a guide dog makes, it’s inspiring,” Sandra explains. Puppy walkers – Bill and Margaret Wilson Puppy walkers like Bill and Margaret play a vital role in the early socialisation and training of our guide dogs. They take a pup into their home at six weeks old and help familiarise it with everyday sights and sounds until it moves on to the next stage of its training at 12-14 months. “It’s a huge commitment but very rewarding,” Bill says. Bill’s first pup, Lucy, has gone on to become a buddy dog to Oliver, whose mother, Sarah, is full of praise for Lucy’s puppy walkers: “Our thanks for looking after Lucy and making her so wonderful for Oliver. Lucy is marvellous! Whatever you did in those formative months, she must have grown up feeling very loved and secure as she’s so settled and puts up with anything!” All our volunteers bring so much energy, passion and commitment to Guide Dogs. Whether you’re keen to get more involved or thinking about volunteering for the first time, there’s a role to suit everyone. As well as all the roles featured in this article, here’s a small selection of the many others available: 22 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 • Volunteer trainers • Brood stock holders (looking after our guide dog mums and dads) • Admin support • Mobility Team service user representatives • Volunteer Voices representatives (local consultation groups) • Photographers Volunteers’ Week Boarders – Lesley and Nick Gilbert Some guide dogs in their final weeks of training benefit from being in a home environment. Boarders offer temporary homes, looking after the dogs during evenings and weekends. Lesley and Nick have given a home to five young guide dogs. Lesley explains why: “We both love dogs and we have the benefit of having a dog around without worrying about what to do with the dog in the daytime.” It’s always upsetting when the dog leaves but, she says: “It’s such a positive knowing that the dog is now making a difference to someone’s life.” Guide Dogs society – Curt Hickey Setting up a student society is a great way to get a new generation of young volunteers involved with Guide Dogs, which is exactly what Curt has done at Lancaster University. He’s also been a fundraiser and has completed sighted guiding training, part of which involved being guided blindfold. “It was an enlightening moment as it gave me a glimpse of the experiences of the people Guide Dogs is helping.” About volunteering, Curt says: “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My confidence has soared which has helped with my studies. It’s also helped me develop lots of other skills, such as team work, communication and problem-solving.” • My Guide sighted guide (read more about sighted guiding on page 14) • Reception support • Speakers • Drivers • Dog exercisers • Kennel assistants • Laundry assistants “To all the Guide Dogs volunteers: as a guide dog owner, I just wanted you to know how much the work you do means to us at the end of the chain. Without you I wouldn’t have the confidence to go out independently, to enjoy the countryside and to travel. Thank you all so much.” Alan Hughes, guide dog owner A huge thank you from us all to each and every one of our volunteers. We truly could not provide any of our life-transforming services without you. If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers, visit guidedogs.org.uk, email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0845 371 7771. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 23 Dogs Unite! Dogs Unite! Do you know a dog who loves a walk? Dogs Unite will be getting tails wagging this summer by uniting thousands of dogs and their owners at sponsored dog walks across the UK. Dogs Unite encourages dogs of all shapes and sizes to become heroes for the day by raising funds for their idols, our life-changing guide dogs. This is the only sponsored dog walk of its kind, allowing dogs to collect sponsorship from their friends! Join in the fun You can get involved by joining a walk near you or by becoming a Dogs Unite event organiser and creating a local event for your friends, family and community. The Dogs Unite website has a whole host of exciting fundraising materials, including fun posters and sponsorship forms, making it easy for your favourite canine to be a hero. Visit dogsunite.org.uk/forward to find out more. 24 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 So what’s in it for your pooch? All dogs who take part by raising vital funds receive their very own cape (an accessory a hero simply can’t be without!), a Dogs Unite dog tag medal, plus a special doggy goody bag. Dogs Unite! Now’s your chance to turn your hound into a hero. Events Got a camera? Why not join London’s largest ever dog walk? Our headline event of the year will be held at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London on 14 June. Then why not take part in our ‘dog selfie’ extravaganza on Twitter and Facebook? Simply take a close-up shot of your canine friend smiling for the camera and post it to our social media accounts with the hashtag #mydogselfie. Aiming to attract 10,000 people, this event will provide the ultimate canine escapade for dog lovers. The sponsored walk will be the centrepiece of a wide range of activities such as fun dog shows, celebrity appearances and entertainment for children. facebook.com/dogsunite twitter.com/dogs_unite There are plenty of other large and small events taking place all over the UK. Find a walk near you or start organising your own by visiting: dogsunite.org.uk/forward r relax Spence Nell the lurcher ing fie he staf t y d d Bu oodle Tia the d Brenna (eight w eeks old) Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 25 Blue Cross A listening ear Losing a pet is upsetting but the loss of a guide dog can be devastating. Not only has the owner lost a friend and companion but also their means of getting about independently. A sympathetic, listening ear can make all the difference. Guide Dogs already offers support to guide dog owners through local mobility teams and our network of service user representatives. Now we’re also working with Blue Cross, who deliver emotional support through a national Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS). Of course, when a guide dog dies, the emotional impact is enormous, but the end of a partnership may also be due to illness, retirement, rehoming or some other cause of separation – and the feelings of loss are often the same. And it’s not only guide dog owners who are affected. Children with buddy dogs, puppy walkers and other volunteers, staff and their families – in fact anyone who comes into close contact with any of our dogs – may well be grieving when the relationship comes to a close. That’s why the service is open to current and retired guide dog owners, volunteers and staff – and the families of all these groups. PBSS also offers support for children as well as information for parents, teachers and guardians about the effect the loss of a pet can have on a child or young person. Blue Cross has been providing a professional bereavement service across the whole of the UK since 1994. The service is accredited by the Helplines Partnership and is run by volunteers with full back office support and training. The listeners undergo 14 weeks of training, which includes a module about the special relationship between a service user and an assistance dog. Guide Dogs has worked very closely with the PBSS trainers to ensure the listeners have an indepth understanding of the guide dog service. 26 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 “I was very impressed. It had been a very traumatic time for me but the listener put me at my ease. I certainly felt better afterwards because I’d had someone to talk to, which counts for a lot.” Guide dog owner We are now developing the links between PBSS volunteers and their local Guide Dogs mobility teams to foster an even better understanding of the services both have to offer. The PBSS phone line is open 365 days a year from 8.30am to 8.30pm on 0800 096 6606. There is also an email service for those who prefer to write about how they are feeling – pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk. A listener from PBSS will write back to them and offer them a conversation on the phone if they would find that helpful. A day in the life A day in the life of Georgia Collins, minutes on a very distracting route where we first discovered Tara’s fascination with Brighton’s seagull population. We both enjoy finding cafes to sit in at lunch time, and Tara’s finely tuned labrador nose has proved perfect at hunting out the best ones! trainee journalist Tara has an extremely hard job at college as there’s so much to contend with: discarded food, crowded corridors, and lots of people trying to get her attention wherever she goes as if she is minor royalty. It’s a good job that when we get to lectures she can have a snooze on the floor, while it’s my turn to concentrate. Ever since I lost my sight eight years ago, being independent has been a challenge – until I met my guide dog Tara. I knew I had to apply for a guide dog when I started to have trouble with my left wrist; constantly using a cane had taken its toll, and I suffered from chronic repetitive strain injury. We both need our relaxation time at the end of the day and, when she’s not guiding me to the pub, we’re playing in the garden together, or having cuddles whilst watching TV in the evening. After being on the list for a while I attended a Guide Dogs client day, and had the opportunity to meet some guide dogs and even take them for a test run around the local area. It was the most amazing feeling being able to share some of the responsibility of moving around, and it showed me how much freedom I’d have when I finally got my own guide dog. In June 2012 I got a call from the Reading team saying they had a possible match for me – a black labrador retriever cross called Tara. It took Tara and me two and a half weeks to train. In that time we learnt all the Guide Dogs commands and really got to know each other. Now it’s been almost two years since we qualified as a partnership, and I can’t imagine Tara not being part of my life. In January we moved from Reading to Brighton so I could pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. We travel an hour each way to and from college every day, using the bus and walking about 15 It’s safe to say that no two days are the same, and it’s a testament to Tara’s ability to adapt to any situation that we’re able to work so well together. I hope Tara has many more years ahead as a working dog, and that our adventures continue for a long time to come. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 27 What’s on? 4 - 12 October Guide Dogs Week 2014 Guide Dogs Week 2013 was a spectacular success and, with your support, this year will be even better. Like last year, we’re asking people to ‘Stand Out For Guide Dogs’. The colour yellow will feature prominently again – reflecting our iconic guide dog harness – so you might want to dust off your yellow clothes from last year! We’re using Guide Dogs Week to raise awareness of Talking Buses, highlighting the need for audio-visual announcements on buses, enabling people with sight loss to travel confidently. Look out for our bright yellow Stand Out Bus, touring the UK in the lead-up to Guide Dogs Week, with a grand finale in London. Once again, we’ll be saying ‘Let’s Glow’ for Guide Dogs: Let’s Glow – Collect: organise an envelope deskdrop collection in your workplace Let’s Glow – Dress Down in Neon: join us on Friday 10 October for our national dress down day Let’s Glow – Glow Together: organise a get-together with friends and help us make this year bigger, brighter and better than ever before There’ll also be a great high-viz accessory for sale, and we’ll be using social media and our website to spread the word too. We hope you’ll throw yourselves into Guide Dogs Week so we can help more blind and partially sighted people get out and about on their own terms. Visit guidedogs.org.uk to find out more. Reception Days Meet guide dog owners, staff and volunteers and find out how leaving a gift in your Will helps change lives. (Read some inspiring quotes on page 18 from supporters who’ve left a gift in their Will.) Aylesbury 2 June Abergele 2 June Salford 4 June Hinckley 9 June Dumfries 10 June Romford 10 June Wakefield 18 June Ely 18 June Tavistock 18 June Ashford 24 June Birmingham 24 June Howden 25 June For more information, call 0870 240 6993 or email receptiondays@guidedogs.org.uk 28 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 BBC Gardener’s World Birmingham NEC, 11-15 June Meet our dogs, take a walk in our Sensory Tunnel and take a blindfold walk to test your senses. bbcgardenersworldlive.com Win free tickets! Visit guidedogs.org.uk/goodfood Guide Dogs Fun Days Take the family, learn more about what we do – and have fun! You’ll find all sorts at our Fun Days, from fun dog shows to car boot sales. Leamington Open Day and car boot sale 19 July Call 0845 372 7344 or email graham.kensett@guidedogs. org.uk Liverpool Fun Day 14 June Call 0118 983 8749 or email liverpool@guidedogs.org.uk Dogs Unite Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 14 June Our unique launch for Dogs Unite with fun dog shows, entertainment, trade stalls and, of course, a Dogs Unite sponsored dog walk. Read all about Dogs Unite on page 24. For tickets, visit dogsunite.org.uk or call 0845 600 6787 QAC Sight Village Birmingham, 15-16 July A major event showcasing technology and services for people who are blind or partially sighted. qac.ac.uk/exhibitions Name A Puppy Guide Dogs AGM 4 August, National Breeding Centre, There will be an opportunity for members to take a tour of the centre before the AGM. We will be writing to members and further information will be available in July at guidedogs.org.uk Running Blind Catton Park Derbyshire, 24-25 August Our new 12-hour off-road running event, taking place overnight. Take the challenge alone, in pairs or as a team; free camping for friends and family. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/events or call 0845 600 6787 The Coniston Challenge Lake District, 13 September Now in its 12th year, Guide Dogs’ amazing challenge will bring out your adventurous side. Hike up the Old Man of Coniston, mountain bike through Grizedale Forest and kayak across Coniston Water. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/events or call 0845 600 6787. Knitting chicks and naming pups Easter began early this year for a group of Scottish puppy walkers and other volunteers. As they do every year, members of the Chatelherault Cohorts knitted chicks for sale, which, over the years, have raised a staggering £30,000. This year alone, they have knitted an amazing 5,000 birds! They also take their pups to visit local schoolchildren to help them learn about Guide Dogs’ work and have raised enough to name a whole clutch of guide dog pups. Named after Scottish islands and scenery, the pups are called Ailsa, Bracken, Harris, Heather, Iona and Lewis, plus, appropriately enough for a Scottish puppy, Bonnie. A member of the group who celebrated knitting 6,000 chickens as well as her 90th birthday was given the honour of choosing the other puppy’s name – Craig. Cohort member Ann Hamilton says: “It’s a lovely group; we love speaking and fundraising but most of all walking our puppies.” To find out more about how you can name a puppy, call 0118 983 0190 or email nameapuppy@guidedogs.org.uk Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 29 Our supporters Thanks to our supporters If you’ve reached this page of Forward, you won’t have missed the fact that we’re celebrating National Volunteers’ Week (1- 7 June) a little early. I make no excuses for that – as far as I’m concerned our volunteers deserve to be celebrated 365 days a year. As well as all the other roles taken on by our skilled and caring volunteers, we rely on you to raise the money we need to continue our life-changing work. You do that with incredible energy, creativity and commitment as these pages show and, for that, I really can’t thank you enough. Director of Fundraising and Marketing Dundee fundraising group held a ‘Dinner in the Dark’, raising £1,000. Guests really enjoyed the evening, which included a ‘slave auction’ and a quiz on their food! 1st Addingham Brownies raised £260 through a blindfold sponsored walk, which, with an anonymous donation, means they’ve been able to join the ‘sponsor a puppy at school or club’ scheme. Frank Berry celebrated his 75th birthday by taking a blind drive challenge at the National Heritage Museum, Warwickshire, achieving a lap time of 27 seconds. Better still, Frank raised £785, adding to the £900 raised by his wife Christine and family from a coffee morning. Karen Vaughan, whose husband is a guide dog owner, bravely shaved off her long hair, raising £750. She donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children having treatment for cancer. Guide dog owner Stuart Powell has produced his second calendar featuring photos of his guide dog. Selling the calendar to friends and colleagues, he’s raised £2,000. Huge thanks to Specsavers who’ve exceeded their latest pledge to raise £250,000 for Guide Dogs. Employees have organised hundreds of fun days and donated thousands of £1 coins from customers. Some even took on personal challenges – like Michelle Bridges who bravely completed a sky dive, helping Stowmarket branch raise nearly £7,000. A puppy has been named Michelle in recognition of her dedication. On top of all this, Specsavers has been the headline sponsor for key events, including the Guide Dogs Annual Awards and the Aberdeen Ball. All this amazing commitment has so far raised £262,799 – enough for the basic training of an extraordinary 52 guide dog puppies. From all of us to all of you: thank you so much! Volunteer John Blanchard-Mc Millan was honoured to open the newly refurbished Accrington store with retired guide dog Logan. 30 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Our supporters Congratulations to Hilary Reed, named Westbury’s 2013 Person of the Year. A puppy walker for 32 years and active fundraiser for 27, Hilary supports branches across Wiltshire, running fundraising events and speaking for Guide Dogs. Supported by local guide dog owners and puppy walkers, Southend-onSea fundraising group raised a magnificent £83,260 in 2013 through store collections, collection boxes, talks and quiz nights. Brentwood fundraising group held a Guide Dogs Week coffee morning, raising a brilliant £850. The photo above shows Mayor of Brentwood, Sue Rowen and guide dog Layla, and puppy walker Brenda Weaver with Ramble. Young supporter Morgan Aylisse makes pin cushions helped by her neighbour, Christine Mabbett, selling them for Guide Dogs and Diabetes UK. So impressed is Christine by Morgan’s enterprise, she’s bought her Sponsor a Puppy as a gift. Whitby fundraising group celebrated three key events last October: the group’s 30th anniversary; the 90th birthday of Colin Searby, who’s volunteered with them since 1984; and the fantastic fundraising feats of Christine Young, who’s raised £16,000 since 1997. Laura Haynes’ guide dog, Peggy, sadly died suddenly last September. Laura and her husband John organised a coffee morning in her memory, raising a marvellous £1,150. Norwich Lower School pupils with guide dog owners Mhari Claxton and Mervyn Ivany Congratulations to Elliott, Finlay, Ben and Arjun from Norwich Lower School, for their sponsored climb up Mount Snowdon. With support from Norwich fundraising group, they raised a staggering £2,475.99! Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 31 Our supporters Customers of Newbury Waitrose raised £600 through the store’s Community Matters scheme. The photo shows Michael Thomas and Sara Coffield from Waitrose presenting the cheque to volunteer Tracy Bracher, puppy walker Jenny Eaton with Richie and guide dog owner Roy Smith with Lance. Lloyds Bank Community Fund awards grants to local causes and, in a public vote last November, Swindon and Chippenham fundraising group received the most votes in their area and were awarded £3,000. Norman and Mary Miller didn’t want gifts for their 50th wedding anniversary – they had everything they needed after 50 years! They’ve always had an interest in Guide Dogs, as their daughter, Debbie Miller, is a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. They were delighted to raise £370. And when Elizabeth Bowhay married John Greenway last year, a special guest was Fuller, the first puppy Elizabeth walked, now a working guide dog. Their guests raised £634 in lieu of gifts. After Dark club owner and DJs with members of the Reading fundraising group The After Dark Club, Reading, held a ‘Fools Gold’ evening, where customers gave a donation rather than paying an entry fee. Thanks to their generosity, the club raised £3,069 to name a guide dog puppy. Belfast Mobility Team raised over £5,000 through the 2013 Belfast Marathon. They’ve named a pup Olly in memory of guide dog owner Olive Calvert, whose grandson, Thomas Priestly, raised over £1,500 of the total. 32 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Inspired by her father, who is losing his sight, Alison John ran the Cardiff half marathon, raising £1,370 – a record amount for individual fundraising in Llanelli and District fundraising group. The Eclipse Cinema, Downpatrick, was filled to capacity for the charity premiere of the film ‘Philomena’. Thanks to the Dufferin Arms, Killyleagh (whose interior was used in the film), for sponsoring the event and to all who helped raise £2,522. Eastleigh fundraising group may be small, but they raised a splendid £16,000 in 2013. The picture shows one of the group’s skittles evenings. An open house run by Mid Surrey fundraising group raised over £800 with a raffle – main prize, a home-made Christmas cake! The appropriately named ‘The Plough at Skellingthorpe Fundraisers’ raised £2,500 in 2013 through village and pub-based events. They were presented with a framed photo of a guide dog in appreciation. In memory Mark Jenkins We are sorry to announce that Mark Jenkins, Trustee, passed away in January, after losing his battle with cancer. Mark was appointed as Honorary Treasurer in February 2012, chaired the Audit Committee and sat on the Investment Committee. Although only with us for a short time, Mark established himself quickly and made a significant and lasting contribution. He was well respected, not least for his positive manner during his illness, but also for his straightforward approach and sound judgement. He will be greatly missed. Ivy Needham Tributes have been paid to Ivy Needham, who died in December, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who described her as “quite simply a legend”. Ivy was at the forefront of the campaign to claw back millions of pounds stolen by Robert Maxwell from his staff and pensioners and received an MBE for her services. She was a fervent supporter of Guide Dogs and her three guide dogs regularly appeared at demonstrations. great passion, pride and commitment. He and his wife boarded over 70 dogs and adopted labrador Charlie. Bryan and Charlie were inseparable and, sadly, Charlie passed away 10 days after Bryan. Their ashes were buried together. Bryan Rice Manley We are sad to announce the death of Bryan Rice Manley, chairman of Cardiff branch, boarder and fundraiser, last April. Bryan undertook all his roles with Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 33 Canine obituaries We’ll never forget Anna 4.11.99 – 23.2.13 You changed my life completely and made so many of my dreams a reality. I’ll love you forever little lady and will always miss you. Basil 31.12.02 – 27.11.13 My third guide dog. Sadly put to sleep following a short illness. Much loved by all who knew him. Rest in peace gorgeous boy. Carter 16.11.99 – 16.12.13 Puppy walked, kept as a stud and in retirement by John and Judith Wild. A gentle, friendly dog. Will be greatly missed. Cassie 2000 – 2014 Constant companion and helper to Jackie Brown. An enthusiastic fundraiser with a rare passion for the bagpipes. Retired with her beloved mistress. Remembered with much love. Beattie 28.6.00 – 22.2.14 Taken from us, our beautiful, special girl. Greatly missed. Always loved. Mum, Dad and little sister Zola XXX Blake 04.02.02 – 10.02.14 Retired early to his puppy walker. He greeted everyone he met like an old friend. The perfect gentleman who never complained. Missing my dream dog. Anna 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. Charlie 5.11.99 – 5.12.13 Run pain free big man. You were my best mate, a true gentle giant. Greatly missed by all. Dale 18.4.99 – 29.10.13 Guide to Bob Kirk. Retired to Margaret and Jim Barclay. Perfect ambassador for Guide Dogs. Loved by many. Forever in our hearts, our gentle boy. Beattie 34 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Carter Ellie 1999 – 2014 Ellie – thanks for your love and friendship, guide to Toseef, loved by Helen, Hannah, Eve, Joan, Malcolm, Craig. Run free Ellie lass on Heaven’s grass. Ellie (Eliza) 14.4.01 – 12.10.13 Bred by the Dibb family. Adopted by puppy walkers Delia and Philip Woodbridge. Helped half-sisters Olivia and Jemma to qualify. Joyous, loyal, creative and loved. Fidde 19.09.03 – 01.12.13 Guide dog to Susan Jones. Thank you to the Guide Dogs staff and vets who looked after Fidde so well in his last days. Fletcher 17.9.00 – 23.12.13 In loving memory of dear Fletcher, our very special friend and guide. Dale Loved by all and so sadly missed. Happy memories. Flick 12.2.02 – 8.1.14 A special girly, an amazing guide dog, willing to work even in retirement. We’re all going to miss you and love you so much. XX Guiness 20.6.05 – 31.1.14 Hardworking and loving guide to Rodney Tooke and friend to everyone. Will always be missed by human and doggy friends. Harry 5.9.98 – 19.2.14 Much beloved guide to Malcom Matthews of Tottenham. Retired to Peter and Doreen Beeson. An exceptional dog, who was almost human. Kandy 27.8.14 Night night our darling, dearest little Kandy Floss. The corner by the fire is Ellie Ellie Fletcher lonely without you. Love you always, William and Pearl. Kelly 14.11.00 – 4.11.13 Second guide to Ann Boland, puppy walked by Mrs Fosberry, retired to Pat and Len Bennet. Cherished right to the end. Run free baby girl. Lloyd 4.6.98 – 25.9.13 Goodbye to the lovable, laid-back Lloyd who had enough love in his heart for everyone. Until we meet again my friend. Love Tom and Brunel McInulty. Mitch 16.3.01 – 1.11.13 Puppy walked by Yvette Papps, stayed with us as unable to work, our beautiful boy. Loved by everyone, including Oakie. Missing him so much. Molly 9.1.02 – 29.1.14 A beautiful and devoted first guide to Norma. Sadly Lloyd Flick missed by all. Run free in God’s garden. Goodnight sweetheart, God bless and thank you. Morton 29.6.00 – 6.12.13 Guide to Mick Murch and retired to Janet and Martin Evans. Touched everyone’s heart who knew him. Such a loving and caring dog. Sadly missed. Nick 20.4.03 – 25.1.14 We only had him as a retired guide dog but we miss him very much. A wonderful warm-natured soul, so very kind and also very cheeky. Nixon 1.8.98 – 30.1.14 Goodbye Nicky Noodle, my wonderful guide for nine years. We had some great times and you were loved and cherished by everyone who met you. Mitch Molly Harry Nugget 2.4.02 – 14.11.13 First guide dog to Colin Proudlock. Guide, friend and fundraiser. Always ready, never put a foot wrong. Enjoy your rest, you wonderful boy. Pearce 31.5.97 – 6.8.13 A loyal guide to Brenda. Loved by all the family, especially by Ruth, who looked after him in his retirement. Sleep in peace. Purdie 6.6.00 – 10.1.14 Guide dog to Mrs Alexander. Puppy walked and retired to Mrs Kershaw. Love you for always sweet baby. Questa 19.2.01 – 11.12.13 Didn’t qualify but became the beloved ‘Babe’ of the Walker family in 2002. Thank you for all the wonderful years together. Miss you so much. Nick Kelly Robbie 20.12.99 – 7.3.14 Robbie Dog was a fantastic guide dog with a love for life and touched so many people’s hearts. He will be dearly missed. Roxy 1.7.98 – 18.11.13 The Mad Hatter has departed! Guide to Carol and Mike Pearson for nine-anda-half years. Hardworking, intelligent and socially scatty. Much loved. Retired to puppy walker Pat Peters. Russ 6.4.02 – 19.2.14 Russy, aged 11 and 10 months. The jolliest boy, loved by everyone he met. We miss our darling dog, Big Wagger Boy! Shula (Ursula) 5.01 – 25.1.14 In memory of my beautiful, devoted dog Shula. Guide to Susan Jones, retired Nixon Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 35 Canine obituaries Nugget Pearce to the family. Friend to guide dog Pelham. Sleep well my darling. Tamara 21.2.00 – 5.11.13 Guide dog to Georgina Liddle. Will always miss you. She was a good guide dog. Orchid misses you too. Tenby 8.12.00 – 17.2.14 Puppy walked by Ros Page, guide to Martin, retired to Bill and Daphne Glover. A perfect gentleman, you had a happy, active retirement. Very much missed. Terri 23.8.00 – 27.9.13 Farewell Terri, my loving, faithful dog and best friend. Purdie Geoff. Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure. Loving you always. In our hearts forever. Walter 11.12.00 – 12.2.14 Devoted guide to Natalie, beloved companion to the Williams family. Too many fond memories to recount here, thank you sweet Walter. Kisses from us all. Warren 14.8.03 – 13.2.13 Guide to Helen Rourke. My gentle giant, adored by and loved by everyone he met. A star brighter than the sun now shines in heaven. Viking 6.3.98 – 29.1.14 Guide dog to Johnny, adopted by Sylvia and Russ Shula Tenby Viking Walter Warren 36 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Questa Roxy Guide Dogs is working with the Blue Cross to provide a bereavement support service for current and retired guide dog owners and volunteers who are grieving the loss of their dog or pup through retirement, rehoming, illness, separation, transition or death. A phone line is open daily from 8.30am – 8.30 pm and there is an email service for people who prefer to write about how they are feeling. Guide dog owners and volunteers can call the bereavement service on 0800 096 6606 or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk We’ll never forget A partnership for happy, healthy pets As regular Forward readers will know, Guide Dogs works in partnership with a number of companies across the UK. These partnerships are invaluable in helping us raise funds to continue our life-changing work with people who are blind or partially sighted. One of our most fruitful partnerships is with pet insurance company, Petplan. Whenever a Guide Dogs supporter buys a Petplan insurance policy for their pet, the company gives ten percent of the premium back to Guide Dogs, and then a further ten percent each year the policy is renewed. The funds we raise through this type of partnership are very important – but it’s not just about the money. It also gives us great opportunities to raise awareness of our work amongst new audiences of pet owners, many of whom share similar values and concerns. So, as well as a substantial contribution to our income, it can also lead to new supporters and volunteers for Guide Dogs. A key part of Petplan’s ethos is responsible pet ownership, a value which is, of course, shared by everyone involved with Guide Dogs. One of the ways we put this value into practice, in partnership with Petplan, is by providing four weeks’ free Petplan insurance whenever a retired guide dog is rehomed to a new family. Pet insurance can help provide peace of mind for owners that they are covered in the event of a pet’s unexpected illness or injury. Last year, one of our supporters claimed £3,500 for the cost of veterinary treatment when her german shepherd Toby developed a splenic tumour. As Toby’s owner had a full Petplan policy, she was able to concentrate on looking after Toby, rather than focussing on how to pay the vet bills which, as every pet owner knows, is exactly what you need when your pet is poorly. To find out more about Petplan insurance policies visit petplan.co.uk/gdba or call 0800 197 9017. Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 37 New partnerships Congratulations to our new partnerships Belfast Birmingham Paul Beattie & Drumoig from Portadown GRxL, Norman Clark from Tayport * John Allsopp from Leamington Spa Sharon Biscombe & Tolly from Camelford L, Sandra Croker from Birmingham * Janet Klaar from Stourbridge Michael Boyd & Scooby from Ballymena LxGR, Debbie Williamson from Glasgow, Vicky Paterson from Glasgow * Sandra BradburnVazquez from Lichfield Robert Boon & Mark from Paignton GRxL, John Clack from Abingdon * Maria Leggett from Oxford Jacqueline Brown & Bumble from Maghera GSD, Diane Hankin from Kirkcaldy * Andrew London from Hereford Edith Finlay & Lexie from Larne LxGR, Doris Campbell from Aberdeen * Jane Plant from Solihull Gertrude Johnston & Yardley from Belfast LxGR, Elaine Wood from Edinburgh * Sue Davy from Oldbury Martha McClelland & Jasmine from Londonderry L, Andrea Clark from Kinross * Andrew Starr from Devizes Rodney Brooke & Innis from Leominster GRxL, Amy Johnson from Birmingham * Julia Maxwell from Kenilworth Valerie Brown & Jack from Birmingham LxGR, Evelyn Hardiman from Kidderminster * Joan Raxter from Redditch Stanley Eden & Zoe from Ross-on-Wye GRxL, Shirley Hawkins from Stafford * Ruth Philpott from Malvern Lucille Evans & Ashleigh from Evesham GRxL, Jennifer Parker from Warwick * Darrin Grocock from Lutterworth Paul Hopkins & Usher from Birmingham LxGR, Linda Brown from Atherstone * Mrs Davies from Telford Geraldine Howes-Smith & Acorn from Ledbury GRxL, Carol And Andrew Herring from Basingstoke * D Ward from Rugby 38 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 New partnerships are listed by Mobility Team. Each listing details owner, guide dog, town, breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Warm congratulations to all our new qualifiers. Ann Marsh & Lollie from Redditch LxGR, Diana Molcher from Kettering, Wendy Moore from Northampton * S Sager from Leamington Spa Nicholas Moore & Warwick from Worcester GRxL, Zoe Court from Barford, Sue Herman from Warwick * John Marchant from Milton Keynes Amanda Francis & Hobbs from Cardigan GR, Gillian Chard from Penarth * Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Gerald Jones & Walter from Colwyn Bay L, Jane Newton from Clevedon * Christina Bloxham from Worcester Jayne Murphy & Ginty from Cheltenham GRxL, Mandy Price from Kidderminster * John Marchant from Milton Keynes Susan Nicholls & Ginny from Birmingham LxGR, Linda Whitwell from Kettering * Anna Adams from Daventry Gordon Paxford & Logan from Bourton-on-TheWater LxGR, Theresa Glenn from Heanor * Jane Plant from Solihull Claire Rush & Dash from Hereford L, Barry And Janet Roberts from Walsall * Clare Turton from Solihull Emma Williams & Junior from Worcester L, Janice Wild from Bolton * Mrs Lyle from Warwick Cardiff Denise Ann Edwards & Bliss from Wrexham L, Annette Tadman from Bristol Peter Trimmer & Victor from Aberdare GRxFCR, Beverley Finch from Solihull * Alison Jordan from Stafford Morlais Williams & April from Caernarfon GRxL, Vivien Baker from Chelmsford * Darrin Grocock from Lutterworth Coventry Brian Cooper & Lulu from Coalville GRxL, Susan Tudor from Northampton, Lauretta Collins from Quorn * Mrs Coughlan from Lutterworth Jackie Elshaw & Liam from Warwick LxGR, Norma Stent from Bath * Gerald and Ann Lewis from Leamington Spa New partnerships Wayne Farini & Keller from Leicester L, Maura Parsons from Milton Keynes * Annette Smith from Swadlincote Linda Fosse & Marlowe from Brackley GR, Margaret Mardell from Rochester * Jacquie Williams from Moreton-in-Marsh Karina Gregory & Orca from Coventry GRxL, Lisa Wilkes from Sutton Coldfield * Phil Revill from Southam Jon Hayre & Bob from Oakham GSD, Richard & Iris Chapple from Martock Mark Iliffe & Rajah from Solihull GRxL, Myrtle Pacey from Bridport, Alison Kent from Taunton * Carla Alves Da Silva from Solihull Sue Pallett & Poppy from Coalville LxGR, Vivien Bevan from Ilkley * Jane Plant from Solihull from Kirkcaldy, George & Elizabeth Paterson from Inverkeithing * Alison Morton from Leamington Spa Edinburgh Edith Butchart & Ushka from Dundee L, Caroline Thom from Falkirk * Christina Bloxham from Worcester Mary Godzik & Yaris from Denny GRxL, Pearl Kirk from Kirkcaldy * Mrs Field from Warwick Barry Griffin & Josh from Edinburgh LxL, Tom & Ann Duly from Dunfermline * Anne Baulch from Rugby Heather Laidlaw & Winnie from Edinburgh GRxL, Louise Norman from South Queensferry * Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-Upon-Avon Teresa Reading & Baden from Nuneaton L, Gill Rackley from Gillingham Ella Jane Syme & Sparkle from Bicester LxGR, Kathryn Holt from Abingdon * Anna Adams from Daventry Vanessa Tailby-Bates & Yassie from Kibworth Beauchamp LxGR, John Karwowski from Falkirk, Mrs Dodds Key: x – Crossbreed CCR – Curly Coat Retriever COL – Collie FCR – Flat Coat Retriever GR – Golden Retriever Louise McLeary & Libby from Kirkcaldy LxGR, Leanne McDonald from Edinburgh * Jane Plant from Solihull Michael A R Neville & Milton from Peebles GRxL, Caroline McGrory from Bonnybridge * Julia Duncan from Daventry Martin Rivers & Tibby from Newcastle Upon Tyne LxGR, Moira Cocker from Aboyne * Sandra BradburnVazquez from Lichfield Margo Scott & Thistle from Edinburgh GRxL, Ian Munro from Linlithgow * Janet Holt from Hinckley Stephen Shaw & Doodle from Livingston GRxL, Marjorie Morgan from Ballyclare * Mrs Bedding from Southam Exeter Ginny Baker & Becky from Exeter GRxL, Katy-Ann Mason from Peterborough * Alison Ashley from Daventry Ted Baker & Dylan from St Austell GR, Margaret Squance from Redditch, Yvonne Hunter from Cannock * S Priestman from Rushden David Barber & Kasper from Weston-SuperMare L, Ian Sawyer from Merriott * Linda Sheehan from Evesham Theresa Boyce & Nero from Teignmouth GRxL, Robert Endsor from Bristol, Helen Mitchell from Street * Robert Jones from Rushden Jeffrey Bungay & Ulma from New Milton STPxL, I Vosper from Exeter * Linda Brush from West Haddon Roderick Carne & Imogen from Burnhamon-Sea L, Eunice and Tony Brand from Colchester * Ellen Summerton from Leamington Spa John Coles & Bruce from Bristol GRxL, Caroline Thomas from Bristol, Helen Mitchell from Street * Cherry Gillbard from Aldingbourne GSD – German Shepherd Dog IWS – Irish Water Spaniel L – Labrador SPIN – Spinone STP – Standard Poodle Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 39 New partnerships Christine Dean & Jodie from Wincanton LxGR, Jacqueline Eve from Beaminster * Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Sally Rodrigues & Lillie from Bristol GRxL, Ann Greenway from Swansea * Alison Ashley from Daventry Tim Gibbins & Ula from Tavistock STPxL, Anne Matson from Bristol * Rachel Cutler from Rugby Alan Walsh & Arnie from Bristol GRxL, Kate Price from Ashby-De-LaZouch * Darrin Grocock from Lutterworth Jodine Healy & Fudge from Bristol LxGR, Carol Hambridge from Tamworth, Julie March from Cannock * Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent Patrick John Hole & Nugget from Exeter GRxL, Andy & Jan Squire from Swindon * Mary Cheesman from Southam Heidi James & Spencer from Sidmouth L, Mahzbeen Patel from Leicester * Joan Perry from Southam Judy Watson & Autumn from Stoke-SubHamdon GRxL, Robert Penney from Ilminster * Tracy Twomey from Leamington Spa Steven White & Ulric from Bristol LxGR, Sandra Emsley from Southam * John Starkey from Malvern Jo Woodcock & Unis from Modbury L, Jean Reece from Bishop Auckland, Hazel Ann Pratt from Northallerton * Brian Green from Birmingham Albert Lee & Laurie from Exeter GR, Jacqueline Crowe from Northampton * Jacquie Williams from Moreton-in-Marsh Martin Wright & Neil from Exmouth GRxL, Katherine Harvey from Worcester * Brian Green from Birmingham Deborah Ann Palmer & Pearl from Exmouth LxGR, Linda Hole from Bristol * Mrs Davies from Telford Glasgow Megan Pritchard & Willow from Liskeard L, Andrea Eaton from Clevedon * Christina Bloxham from Worcester Matthew Brown & Ike from Dumfries L, Ashley Gray from Tranent, Felicity Stanley from Falkirk, Mrs Bumpass from Newport-on-Tay * Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-Upon-Avon Graham Gunning & Toffee from Glasgow GRxL, Debra Anne Merrett from Milltimber * Beth Julian from Leicester James Hume & Rudge from Alexandria GR, Judith Evans from 40 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Edinburgh, Annette Mundy from South Queensferry * Mrs Field from Warwick Sandra Leslie & Iona from Dumfries LxGR, Joyce Wallace from Glenrothes * Linda Langman from Milton Keynes Mairi McQuade & Rusty from Paisley GR, Catriona Addy from Linlithgow * Mrs Field from Warwick Elaine Perry & Ricky from Wishaw GR, G Simpson from Forfar * Mrs Field from Warwick Ian Wright & Luka from Glasgow LxGR, Helen Kilpatrick from Belfast, Robin Kilpatrick from Belfast * Jane Plant from Solihull Hull Catherine Ball & Moss from Lincoln GRxL, Dawn McKeown from Bangor * Julia Duncan from Daventry Derrick Eyre & Harvey from Brough GRxL, Helen Lance-Marsden from Liverpool * Marie Court from Halesowen Keith Kelsey & Frizz from Horncastle LxGR, Jo Stradling from Langport * Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent John Pinder & Stokes from Scunthorpe LxGR, Jean Ruff from Redcar * Barbara Walker from Sutton Coldfield Leeds Prayer Beaumont & Heather from Huddersfield GRxL, Marion McComb from Arbroath * Marie Court from Halesowen Martin Dudley & Zac from Leeds GSDxGR, Alison King from Morpeth * Mrs Simpson from Leamington Spa Susan Gaunt & Charity from Pudsey L, Jean Greenway Cole from Buxton * Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Harry Grantham & Toby from Sheffield GRxL, Helen Austwick from Sowerby Bridge * Janet Holt from Hinckley Emma Oldfield & Orlando from Wakefield GRxL, Wendy Cunningham from Dundee * Beth Julian from Leicester Christine Ross & Val from Doncaster L, Derek & Margaret Hyslop from Dunfermline, Lesley Karen Morris from Blairgowrie, Carole Stryker from Rosyth * Christine Smith from Kenilworth Jane Hodgson & Yasmin from Giggleswick LxGR, M Spencer from Bishop Auckland Stuart Thornton & Chester from Keighley L, Jennifer Moffett from Altrincham, Lesley Needham from Congleton * Danielle Vaughan from Wigston New partnerships Liverpool Andrew Graham & Moy from Wallasey GR, Joan Jones from Altrincham * Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Matthew Andrew Mair & Monty from Widnes GRxL, Ann Price from Chester * Julia Duncan from Daventry Linda Perry & Vogue from Liverpool L, Beryl Dennison from Lancaster * Christine Smith from Kenilworth Priya Commander & Sidney from London L, Sarah Connolly from Witham * Mrs Poulter from Stratford-Upon-Avon Marjorie Convey & Lennie from Harrow L, Shirley Ann Charlesworth from Nottingham * Annette Mulcahy from Stratford-Upon-Avon Glen Coull & Floyd from London L, Sue Verran from Beckenham * Sheila Coton from Birmingham Kerry Singleton & Harley from Warrington GRxL, Bernadette Kee from Liverpool * Sian Simmons from Kenilworth Anne Taggart & Morris from Chester GR, Christine Kemp from Wirral * Marie Court from Halesowen Mark Tilsley & Venice from Macclesfield L, Elaine Hope from Whitley Bay Ron Williams & Jones from Runcorn LxL, Susan Hill from Buxton * Anne Baulch from Rugby Kate Young & Star from Malpas LxGR, Jayne Doak from Mold, M Scott from Northwich * Sandra BradburnVazquez from Lichfield London Geoffrey Cochrane & Austin from Norwich GRxL, Elizabeth Endacott from Dover * Darrin Grocock from Lutterworth Richard Greenwood & Zeus from Welling GRxGSD, Patricia Sampson from Hockley, Cynthia Duvall from Rochford * Peter Meadows from Lutterworth Kim Harris & Dancer from Bromley GRxL, Tanya Alvis from Ashford, Veronika Weise from London * Carol Mannion from Coventry Paul Horsfield & Carl from Borehamwood LxGR, Karen Munro from Enfield * Anna Adams from Daventry Simon Jones & Ivy from Epsom L, Barbara Paul from Swindon * Ellen Summerton from Leamington Spa Paul Manton & Kristian from London L, Joan Smith from Malmesbury, Patricia Nixon from Chippenham * Linda Sheehan from Evesham Catherine McAteer & Unity from London LxGR, Liz Wilkins from Shepperton * Mrs Davies from Telford Maidstone William Allen & Aero from Seaford GRxL, Brenda Weaver from Brentwood * Darrin Grocock from Lutterworth Frances Ash & Isca from Hove L, Tracey Williams from Swindon * William Kelso from Alcester Terence O’Brien & Casey from Chigwell LxGR, Beata Jones from Gillingham * Anna Adams from Daventry Richard Downey & Lady from Ashford GRxL, Elisabeth Meakin from Woking * Mrs Coughlan from Lutterworth Darren Paddick & Nan from Croydon GRxL, Susanna Fleet from Cambridge * Brian Green from Birmingham Barry Ginley & Skye from Maidstone L, Vanessa Johnson from Sittingbourne Patrick Roberts & Rufus from London GRxL, George Odell from Chelmsford * Phil Revill from Southam Susan Jeffery & Bella from Maidstone GRxL, Angela and Paul James from Chelmsford * Sarah Pagan from Leamington Spa Amir Kamali Sarvestani & Larry from London L, Jackie Hardstaff from St Andrews * Annette Mulcahy from Stratford-Upon-Avon Davinder Kullar & Archie from Gravesend GRxL, Carol Vaughan from Grays, David Moore from Romford * D Ward from Rugby Leslie Smithson & Guiness from London LxGR, Philippa Leguen De Lacroix from London * Anna Adams from Daventry Gary Robinson & Pj from St Leonards-on-Sea GRxL, Louise Banham from Sittingbourne, Paul and Deborah Welch from Ashford * Jackie Elliott from Warwick Janet Tuggey & Kinsey from London GRxGSD, Fiona Newman from Tunbridge Wells * Mandy Matkin from Burntwood Patricia Welton & Imogen from Hamwell L, Amanda And Dean Arnold from Swindon, Joan McCann from Swindon * William Kelso from Alcester Samuel Wilkins & Pilot from Gillingham GRxL, Valerie Townsend from Ashford * Jackie Elliott from Warwick Julia Wilson & Esme from Worthing GR, Doreen Griffin from Reading * Barbara Walker from Sutton Coldfield Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 41 New partnerships David Wood & Nevis from Hythe GRxL, Paul and Deborah Welch from Ashford, Louise Banham from Sittingbourne * Mary Cheesman from Southam Janet Wood & Bella from Deal GSD, Carole Arrowsmith from Reading, Susan Wilks from Slough, Nicky Cockroft from Wokingham * Mrs Tindall from Coventry Manchester Judith Appleton & Flash from Bolton LxL, Marilyn Netherington from Perth * Dawn Wood from Kenilworth Shanice Black & Claude from Kearsley L, Mary Slater from Kelso, Debbie Horne from Selkirk * Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Susan Chippendale & Storm from Preston LxGR, Rachael Cumming from Brechin * Sandra Bradburn-Vazquez from Lichfield Judith Daniels & Owen from Chorley GRxL, Terry Knight from Rotherham * Mrs Edwards from Leamington Spa Margaret Ellerton & Tetley from Blackburn L, Carole Rogers from Altrincham * Sheila Higgins from Milton Keynes Margaret Gillan & Wilson from Lytham St Annes GRxL, Jean Burton from Greenock * Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-Upon-Avon Lee Thomas Hacking & Uffa from Bolton LxGR, Eileen Matthews from St Helens, Margaret Mableson from Redcar, William Stutchbury from East Boldon * John Starkey from Malvern Sandra Heaton & Karen from Darwen GRxL, Andrew Stephen Powell from Chorley * Roger Morgan from West Malvern Alan Edward Hughes & Kim from Chorley L, Ann Hammond from Derby * Karen Robbens from Leamington Spa Keith Hughes & Quasar from Preston GR, Janet and John Young from Derby * Philippa Rainbird from Coventry Ann Marie Lonergan & Voss from Rochdale GRxFCR, Jane Stringfellow from Lancaster * Alison Jordan from Stafford Richard Scott & Reno from Lancaster L, Julie Peel from Durham * Cora Blaver from Northampton Andrew Shaw & Yukon from Thornton-Cleveleys LxGR, Terry & Deborah Rankine from Filey * Sue Davy from Oldbury Alan St John & Jasper from Darwen GRxL, Bertha Morral from Holbrook * Mrs Dawson from Kenilworth Newcastle Dennis Armes & Jasper from Hartlepool LxL, Kathleen Coull from Montrose * Anne Baulch from Rugby Richard Trelfa & Frankie from Middlesbrough LxGR, Alice and James Tosh from Aberdeen * Sue Davy from Oldbury Nottingham Florence Burn & Twig from Gateshead GRxL, Allison Durbidge from Arbroath * Steve Shaw from Coalville Jennifer Cowell & Skye from Derby L, Joan Cairns from Wirral * Liz RussellYarde from Coventry Lyn Carse & Eva from Glasgow GRxL, Hilary Sinclair from Banff * Jason Webb from Birmingham Nathan Edge & Hudson from Mansfield GRxL, Hilary Allen from Darlington * Cath Pedreschi from Evesham David Clithero & Albie from North Shields L, Alistair John Jack from Inverness * John Lovett from Telford Nicola Gardner & Keith from Sheffield GRxGSD, Peter Fearnhead from Bebington * Mandy Matkin from Burntwood Jennie Hodkinson & Upton from Carnforth L, Roland & Jacqueline Dunn from Elgin * Christina Bloxham from Worcester April Hawley & Elki from Nottingham GRxL, Pauline Gledhill from Sale * Jason Webb from Birmingham James Hutton & Vargo from Barrow-in-Furness L, Margaret Anne Noble from Cupar * Christine Smith from Kenilworth Julie Martin & Kes from North Tyneside L, David Wood from Perth * Karen Robbens from Leamington Spa Louise Okello & Rhys from Newcastle upon Tyne GR, Gill Geddes from Edinburgh * Mrs Field from Warwick Darren Potter & Ashley from Newcastle Upon Tyne L, Elizabeth Apsley from Lisburn * Jenny Ashley-Smith from Coventry Francesca Hooley & Fruin from Nottingham L, Linda & Allan Sloan from Irvine * Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Stephen Loring & Loxy from Barnsley GRxL, Sara Rolleston from Rushall * Mrs Coughlan from Lutterworth Nicholas Mulryan & Comfort from Buxton GSD, Freda Woods from Wigan, Susan Brown from Wirral * Rachel Moxon from Stockton Iris Peel & Delaney from Nottingham GR, Elizabeth Edmondson from Huddersfield * Christine Fowler from Southam The photos on these pages are illustrative only; they do not correspond to listed partnerships. 42 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 New partnerships Nicola Simpson & Lex from Nottingham GR, Jacqueline Oliphant from Whitley Bay * Pam Kimmins from Birmingham Marilyn Spray & Poppy from Nottingham LxGR, Linda Patricia Myatt from Leeds * Sue Davy from Oldbury Graham Street & Lucy from Sheffield L, Imke Thomson from Dundee * Annette Mulcahy from Stratford-Upon-Avon Kathy Bye & Eleanor from Ely GR, Elizabeth Melville from Clactonon-Sea, Dawn Ross from Woodford Green Lucy Dawson & Becky from Norwich LxGR, Patricia Giles from Godalming * Mrs Davies from Telford Margaret Fletcher & Pebbles from Norwich GRxL, Natasha Lattimore from Loughton * Jayne Hallam from Walsall Christine Walton & Binnie from Chesterfield GRxL, Penny Rutherford from Harrogate * Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-Upon-Avon Nicola Hughes & Onyx from Wisbech GRxL, Helen Seaman from St Albans, Roy Brown from Hemel Hempstead, Gillian Martin from Luton * Phil Revill from Southam Peter Walton & Eva from Derby GRxL, Ruth Fischer from Crewe * Julia Veasey from Leamington Spa Ray Ling & Otto from Lowestoft GRxL, Christine Brown from Leighon-Sea * Julie Arnull from Stourbridge Kay Wheeler & Coco from Doncaster L, Marie Westmore from Fleetwood * Danielle Vaughan from Wigston Stephen Page & Jasper from Norwich GRxL, Myrtle Pacey from Bridport * Natasha Brady from Northampton Peterborough David Allen & Eddie from Norwich L, Sharon Atkins from Stourbridge Richard Brinkley & Uri from Norwich LxGR, Colin Carn from Plymouth * Mrs Davies from Telford Jacqueline Brooks & Meg from Haslingfield GRxL, Nicola Neesam from Livingston * Mrs Lockley from Leamington Spa Linda Robinson & Arrow from Repps with Bastick GRxL, Diane Armshaw from Burton-on-Trent * Darrin Grocock from Lutterworth Mick Scadden & Molly from St Ives L, Patrick Hutchinson from Colchester * Marion Vernall from Ledbury Ami Turnbull & Keiran from Ipswich GRxGSD, Rosalind Herbert from Westcliff-onSea * Mandy Matkin from Burntwood Scott Vallance & Benjie from Stalham GSD, Daphne Swain from Woodford Green * Andrew London from Hereford Claire Wallace & Blaze from Gamlingay L, Michelle Taylor from Mepal * Marion Vernall from Ledbury Reading Paul Bennett & Berry from Reigate GRxL, Lori Munday from Bracknell * Cherry Gillbard from Aldingbourne Emma Boswell & Rani from London GR, Richard Gregory from London * Gill Moss from Banbury Annie Cote & Nelson from Bognor Regis GRxL, Gillian Bane from Cambridge * Brian Green from Birmingham Kristina Dodd & Gretal from Lightwater LxGR, Heidi Barton from Swindon, Carol Laycock from Wantage, Joan McCann from Swindon * Anna Adams from Daventry Richard Foot & Annie from Burgess Hill L, Maggie Speirs from Sevenoaks * Marion Vernall from Ledbury Gillingham * Ginny Turner from Leicester Pauline Mines & Odelle from High Wycombe L, Rebekah Cornford from St Albans, Robert Whalley from Watford * Janice Briggs from Leamington Spa Roslynn Oliver & Jess from Faringdon LxGR, Lynda Buchanan from Nantwich, Gill Maynard from Southampton * Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Jean Smith & Flora from Abingdon L, Sue Taylor from Farnham * Sheila Coton from Birmingham Lauren Weaver & Nelson from Wokingham L, Martin Cooper from Portsmouth * AnnMarie & Kevin Meredith from Kidderminster Shrewsbury Kevin Betteridge & Billy from Cradley Heath GSD, Margaret Mattingly from Morecambe * Andrew London from Hereford Sarah Burrows & Hamish from Wolverhampton GR, Harry Stringer from Bolton * Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Tim Guttridge & Zeke from Reading GRxL, Tom & Donna Coy from London * Ginny Turner from Leicester Nicholas Jenks & Cobbett from Botley GRxL, Margaret Reynolds from Faversham, Samantha Brown from Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 43 New partnerships Tracey Clasper & Bonnie from Stoke-on-Trent LxGR, Karin Croasdale from Chester * Elizabeth Sagar from Warwick * Sheila Higgins from Milton Keynes Paul Hamilton from Montrose * Julia Duncan from Daventry Southampton Bill Hadley & Stevie from Oldbury LxGR, Dorianne Butler from Malton * Sandra BradburnVazquez from Lichfield Deborah Booth & Jasper from Bournemouth LxGR, Patricia Booth from Lutterworth * Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Deborah Mitchell & Edith from Portsmouth L, Anthony Chamberlain from Taunton * Dawn Collins from Telford Craig Hathersmith & Dixie from Walsall GSD, Sharon Forshaw from Warrington * Rachel Moxon from Stockton Alan Fletcher & Nutmeg from Swindon GRxL, Svenjei And Mrs Kathleen Eriksen from Torquay * Brian Green from Birmingham Gareth Holdcroft & Ross from Stoke On Trent L, Robert Ingham from Washington * Jenny Ashley-Smith from Coventry Suzanne Foyle & Annie from Alresford GRxL, Jane Collins from Rosson-Wye * Tracy Twomey from Leamington Spa Janie Johnson & Rumble from Stoke-on-Trent GRxL, Maureen Hoey from Belfast, Jacqui Gormley from Ballyclare * Dawn Collins from Telford Peter Gear & Sandy from Trowbridge GRxL, Rachel Patterson from Basingstoke * Mrs Coughlan from Lutterworth Colin Jones & Sparky from Oldbury GR, Joan Grace from Liverpool * Mrs Field from Warwick Matthew Gettins & Zag from Havant GRxL, David Climmer from Studley * Ginny Turner from Leicester Judith Lissamore & Vikki from Dudley L, Kathleen Batchelor from Manchester * Christine Smith from Kenilworth John Moore & Freddie from Bewdley GR, Joanne Smith from Wirral * Mrs Field from Warwick Janet Porter & Tosh from Walsall GRxL, Jill Radcliffe from Poulton Le Fylde, Vivien Parker from Leyland, Yvonne Onslow from Chorley * Janet Holt from Hinckley Margaret Thomas & Tango from Stafford L, Susan Coxon from Nottingham Graham Grange & Jade from Swindon LxGR, Alan Roscoe from Welling * Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Debbie Hughes & Mary from Weymouth GR, Christine Fowler from Southam, Helen and Richard Thistlethwaite from Rugby * Christine Fowler from Southam Nicola Hull & Nia from Poole GRxL, Alison Kent from Taunton * Robert Jones from Rushden Jean Maskell & Magic from Eastleigh GRxL, Jacqueline & 44 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 Marilyn Shepherd & Betty from Portsmouth GRxL, Brian Attwood from Burnham On Sea * G Tookey from Warwick Tim Williams & Bronze from Westbury GRxL, Sue Spicer from Portsmouth * Jackie Elliott from Warwick Welwyn Garden City John Beaumont & Nyle from Stevenage GRxL, Susan Chambers from Chelmsford * Mary Cheesman from Southam Tracy Brunelli & Betty from Diss GRxL, Sheila Bleach from Worthing * Mrs Coughlan from Lutterworth Malcolm Cooper & Bennett from Cambridge GR, Patricia Butcher from Wisbech * Barbara Walker from Sutton Coldfield Terry Cooper & Gus from Chelmsford L, Ann White from East Cowes * Joan Perry from Southam Mary Dawson & Elvis from Welwyn Garden City GR, Margaret Mardell from Rochester * Deborah Kelsey from Coventry Crystal Hedges & Amber from Basildon LxGR, Martin and Joady Mitchell from London * Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Maureen McKenzie & Pip from Southend-onSea LxGR, Jane Castle from Sevenoaks * Mrs Davies from Telford Raymond Phipps & Maxwell from Colchester GR, Sarah Murphy from London * Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Eddie Rimmer & Yara from Milton Keynes GRxL, Jennifer Higgins from Nottingham * Mrs Field from Warwick Carol Standen & Baker from Basildon GRxL, Alan Field from Ashford * Cherry Gillbard from Aldingbourne Umit Turkusev & Rochester from Hackney LxL, Andrew And Nicola Cornick from Swindon, Joan McCann from Swindon * Gordon Macrae from Over Norton Peter Waller & Arthur from St Albans GRxFCR, Paul Doyle from Barnet * Alison Jordan from Stafford New partnerships Breeding Stock Ali * 26.11.13 * L * Bitch * Ms D Collins from Telford * Mr D O’Donoghue from Gillingham Faith * 22.10.13 * GR * Bitch * Mrs S Burgess from Buckingham * Mr & Mrs C Treweek from Leeds Honey * 15.12.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs M Leggett from Oxford * Ms JW Wilson from Sale Bernie * 09.10.13 * GSD * Bitch * Mrs J Evans from Bromsgrove * Mrs S Franz from Cranbrook Flynn * 14.12.13 * L * Stud * Mrs L Russell-Yarde from Coventry * Mrs D Wyatt from Shipley Jacky * 10.01.14 * L * Bitch * Mrs S Hanson from Coventry * Mrs KT Traynor from Tyldesley Bessie * 21.10.13 * L * Bitch * Outside Bred * Mr M Robins from Porthcawl Gabby * 21.11.13 * L * Bitch * Outside Bred * Donated Dog Beth * 14.11.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs JL Wassell from Warwick * Mrs JL Wassell from Warwick Hector * 14.11.13 * L * Stud * Mrs CM Pedreschi from Evesham * Mr A Robson from Dunfermline Jamie * 17.12.13 * L * Stud * Mrs S Hanson from Coventry * Mr D Walker from Ardrossan Charity * 15.12.13 * L * Bitch * Mr I Hendry from Birmingham * Mrs K Menzies from Rosyth Hesta * 14.11.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs CM Pedreschi from Evesham * Mrs MJ Cullen from Larkhall Courtney * 09.10.13 * GRxGR * Bitch * Mr & Mrs Davies from Telford * Mrs J & L Meaney from Chatham Hetty * 26.11.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs CM Pedreschi from Evesham * Mrs PM Moran from Halifax Daisy * 14.11.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs L Morris from Stratford-Upon-Avon * Mrs KM McGuigan from Macclesfield Holly * 17.12.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs M Leggett from Oxford * Ms C Steyn from Edinburgh Jane * 09.10.13 * GR * Bitch * Ms C Williams from Evesham Janet * 09.10.13 * L * Bitch * Mr M Piper from Rugby * Mrs K Yates from Chester Ms ZT Tomkinson from Crewe Joanie * 14.01.14 * L * Bitch * Mrs S Hanson from Coventry * Mr GP Ethelston from Ripley Kizzy * 09.10.13 * GSD * Bitch * Mrs J Evans from Bromsgrove * Mrs J J Garrill from Blackpool Mr J Southall from Blackpool Could you be a brood bitch holder? We are always looking for more volunteer brood bitch holders, who look after our guide dog ‘mums’ in their own homes. You need to live within an hour’s drive of our National Breeding Centre, near Leamington, not work more than four hours per day, have a secure garden, and be able to transport the guide dog mum to and from the centre. For more information, please call 0845 372 7432 or email bshenquiries@guidedogs.org.uk Lylah * 14.01.14 * L * Bitch * Miss S Evans from Rugby * Mrs P Galgut from Ascot Peppa * 02.12.13 * L * Bitch * Ms D Collins from Telford * Miss K Cole from Billericay Mrs C Potter from Chelmsford Poseiden * 20.01.14 * GSD * Stud * Outside Bred * Donated Dog Rumba * 05.12.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs J Hallam from Walsall * Mrs EJ Danby from Keith Suzi * 21.10.13 * GRxGR * Bitch * Mr & Mrs Davies from Telford * Mrs D Clarke from Swindon Vanda * 26.11.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs J Hallam from Walsall * Mr VJT Thorpe from Wakefield Veevee * 26.11.13 * L * Bitch * Ms D Collins from Telford * Mrs M Powell from Rugby Yasmin * 17.12.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs D Field from Warwick * Mr J Bailey from Chelmsford Yosie * 05.12.13 * L * Bitch * Mrs D Field from Warwick * Mr WJ Aaron from Lytham St Annes Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 45 Letters and caption competition Letters A Christmas cruise Thanks to Joyce Storer for sending this great photo of Ken Whitcombe and guide dog Greg in Madeira on New Year’s Eve. Joyce met them on a Fred Olsen cruise. They experienced Force 12 gales, which apparently didn’t faze Greg at all! A fascinating read Congratulations to the team on the latest edition of Forward. I read fascinating articles on dogs and their owners and learnt about the people behind the Wedding bells scenes. There was fundraising Janet Sample sent us a lovely and how to get involved, photo of her wedding day, humour and sadness; how proving, in her words, that does anyone get through “it’s never too late to fall in the ‘In Memory’ section love.” Both guide dog owners, without tears? I have Janet and Ralph had been supported Guide Dogs since family friends for many years collecting silver foil as a child but their lives took a different in Bolton and visiting the turn in July 2012. What centre there. Thank you for started with a date quickly continuing to keep people became an engagement informed and involved in and less than one year such an interesting way. later, they tied the knot with guide dogs Ajax and Caroline Fairbrother Lana as guests of honour. Caption competition Thank you to West Yorkshire puppy walker Jean Endersby for this picture of studious young guide dog pup Patch. What do you imagine he’s thinking? Please send your caption idea on a postcard to Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG, or email forward@guidedogs.org.uk with your name and address. There’s a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher for the winner. The winner of the last caption competition was Mrs V H Tennant with: “I know I buried it somewhere. I’ll just have to take pot luck!” – we hope you enjoy your voucher. 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. 46 Forward Magazine | Summer 2014 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 20 June 2014. Gifts in Wills 7:00AM 8:07AM 7:00AM 9:00AM 8:07AM 11:31AM 9:00AM 2:00 PM 11:31AM 3:27PM 2:00 PM 3:27PM 8:44PM 4:15PM 11:00 PM 8:44PM 4:15PM 11:00 PM Will you leave a gift that’s full of life? Will you leave a gift that’s full of life? Guide dog Pippa is there for her owner Lynette all day, every day. She’s given her dog the Pippa confidence enjoying her whole again Guide is thereto forstart her owner Lynette all day,life every day.without She’s relying on others. “With Pippa by my side, her mywhole friends bewithout my friends given her the confidence to start enjoying lifecan again relying on others. “With Pippa by my side, my friends can be my friends not my carers,” says Lynette. Please leave a gift in your Will to Guide Dogs my visually carers,” says Lynette. Pleaselive leave a giftday in your Will full. to Guide Dogs andnot help impaired people every to the and help visually impaired people live every day to the full. For a free information pack and DVD, For a free information pack and DVD, visit guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills, call us on visit guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills, call us on 0845 603603 1477 ororfillfillininthe 0845 1477 theform form below. below. TitleTitle Name Name Address Address oo std co PosPtc ede PhoneNo. No. Phone 045325_GD_LEGACY_ATL_PRESS_250x173mm_v9.indd 1 045325_GD_LEGACY_ATL_PRESS_250x173mm_v9.indd 1 Pleasereturn return envelope Please in in anan envelope to: to: Freepost RSBC-ARYS-YATB, Freepost RSBC-ARYS-YATB, Gifts Team, Guide Dogs, GiftsininWills Wills Team, Guide Dogs, Chippenham SN14 6NG Chippenham SN14 6NG A14G80001 A14G80001 A charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). A charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). 09/10/2013 14:37 09/10/2013 14:37 to Guide All profits go Dogs er 2014 Spring/Summ New ay y Birthd Happ y Happy Tel: 0118 registered a by guarantee and (291646) Wales limited Wales and A company and in England in England (SC038979) s.org.uk registeredScotland charity and www.guidedog (209617) ue.com Dogs’ www.dogalog are Guide but so life changing, loss is ‘Sight 983 5555 CHSMGD © The Gloucester Card Company, British Great www.greatbritishcards.co.uk 0003 registered a by guarantee and (291646) Wales limited Wales and A company and in England in England (SC038979) s.org.uk registeredScotland charity and www.guidedog (209617) e.com Dogs’ www.dogalogu are Guide but so life changing, loss is ‘Sight 983 5555 New! Tel: 0118 Birthda © The CHSMGD 0009 Gloucester Card Company, British Great www.greatbritishcards.co.uk ge Stationary ran New and exclusive to Guide Dogs… Food treats Order onli s Fabulous gift s Pet accessorie call gue.com or ne at Dogalo 1 0845 371 137 Spring/Summer catalogue out now! Call 0845 371 1371 for your copy. Only available from Guide Dogs, our new range of branded gifts, stationery and pet products. 100% of profits go to Guide Dogs Pet fleece blanket £9.99 Keep your pet comfy and cosy in this blue fleece blanket with paw prints and Guide Dogs logo. Code: 14721 Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Featuring guide dog pups! Happy Birthday A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979) Tel: 0118 983 5555 www.dogalogue.com A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979) www.guidedogs.org.uk ‘Sight loss is life changing, but so are Guide Dogs’ Tel: 0118 983 5555 www.dogalogue.com Wales (291646) in England and ee registered (SC038979). and Scotland limited by guarant A company Wales (209617) England and idedogs.org.uk registered in .com www.gu and a charity www.dogalogue card 5555 Tel: 0118 983 the sale of this benefits from Guide Dogs www.guidedogs.org.uk ‘Sight loss is life changing, but so are Guide Dogs’ © The Great British Card Company, Gloucester www.greatbritishcards.co.uk CHSMGD 0003 © The Great British Card Company, Gloucester www.greatbritishcards.co.uk CHSMGD 0005 A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). Tel: 0118 983 5555 www.dogalogue.com www.guidedogs.org .uk Guide Dogs benefits from the sale of this card A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979) Tel: 0118 983 5555 www.dogalogue.com www.guidedogs.org.uk ‘Sight loss is life changing, but so are Guide Dogs’ www.paperthemes.co.uk o.uk www.paperthemes.c © The Great British Card Company, Gloucester www.greatbritishcards.co.uk CHSMGD 0009 Puppy birthday card collection £4.99 Puppy notelets wallet £4.99 Pack of 10 cute puppy cards, two of each design. A great way to wish someone a happy birthday. Includes envelopes. 14cm x 14cm. Code: 14500 Pack of eight cards, two of each design, supplied with handy wallet. Includes envelopes. Perfect for ‘thank yous’ and keeping in touch. 12cm x 12cm. Code: 14508 Guide Dogs jute bag £3.50 Don’t forget your shopping bag. 47cm x 34cm x 16cm Code: 14616 Visit www.dogalogue.com to see our full range of products! To order call 0845 371 1371 or visit www.dogalogue.com Please quote D14G27001 or indicate you saw this advert in Forward when ordering. Guide Dogs is a registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 7308 04/14