News Hound - The Basset Hound Club

Basset Hound Club
Midland Branch
News Hound
Summer 2014
Basset Hound Club
Midland Branch
We hope that you like our re-launch of the
Branch newsletter, now re-named
News Hound
Page 1
Chairman’s Report
So the Basset Hound Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary and is still in a healthy position! That’s quite
an achievement in an age which seems not to like joining clubs. Some of us will be celebrating at the
Club’s anniversary dinner on 26th July.
The Branch Annual General Meeting on 23rd February saw the retirement of Brian Griffiths (who is very
much missed) as committee member and editor of the Branch newsletter the Broadsheet. Brian was editor
for quite a few years and (ably assisted by Chris) put huge amounts of time into its production. In addition,
we have welcomed Helen Cutler back as committee member.
Caroline Ker has volunteered to be editor of the branch newsletter and I am sure that this, being her first
edition (we hope the first of many!) will go down well with readers. With a new editor on board, the
Committee decided to give the old Broadsheet a face lift and name. [I was never sure why it was called the
Broadsheet, so if any reader knows, do please let me know.] After much deliberation we chose the new
name to be “News Hound”. We all hope you enjoy its new form which will, undoubtedly, evolve as time
progresses.
The walks held this year so far have all been well attended, with them being held at popular locations such
as at Cannock, Outwoods, Sutton Park, Thieves’ Wood and in May at beautiful Pepperwell Farm, where
Sue Gilkes again excelled in providing excellent fodder for all. Donations were collected and along with the
proceeds from the raffle (totalling £120) were sent to the Basset Hound Health Group.
Fun Day on 8th June was excellent. The weather was idyllic and the venue, Norton Village Hall, near J7 of
the M5 was excellent as it was last year. Sue Gilkes judged the ten classes (the results are in Gill’s
excellent report on the event later in this Broadsheet) with effervescence and dynamism. She introduced
two new classes this year being a sausage gobbling race and an egg and spoon race, both of which were
hugely popular and caused much hilarity, as did the Apple Bottom Couple.
I thank everyone who helped make Fun Day 2014 a great success, including my fellow officers and
committee members: John Sewell, Adele Fuller, Caroline, Sue and Rodger Ker, Danny Holland, Sue and
Ade Turner (who donated masses of the late Hector’s items to the Branch to sell for Branch funds); the
caterers; the Hall trustees who were delightful; everyone who donated items for prizes, the raffle and the
tombola and everyone who I have not mentioned (but should have done!!).
But the person who shone through Fun Day was Sue Gilkes, who was clearly exhausted by it all. She even
had to go home afterwards and walk and feed all the dogs!! I am really sorry Sue, but we have learned. As
a result, Sue’s exhaustion has caused us to re-think the day and so start the ring events at 12 noon rather
than 1pm and thus have time for a break for lunch part way through.
From the feedback from those who attended, the committee has also decided to book Norton Village Hall
for next year’s Fun Day on Sunday 28th June 2015, together with the same caterers. So please put this
date into your diaries now as a ‘not to be missed’.
We have another good selection of our popular walks arranged for the latter half of 2013, including the now
‘traditional’ picnic walk on Ynyslas Beach, near Borth, in Wales on the 17th August.
I also thank all the committee for their hard work in organising and ensuring that the activities of the Branch
are delivered as best as we are able, for the benefit of members.
Paul Russell
Chairman
Page 2
Secretary’s Report
Hi everyone
Well, I am now in my 2nd year as Honorary Secretary and I must admit that I’ve really enjoyed the
involvement with so many Basset Hound owners. Paid-up membership continues to increase and
now stands at 77, mostly doubles, plus 2 honorary members, and Branch funds remain at a healthy
figure.
As most of you will be aware the Basset Hound Club is celebrating its 60 th Anniversary in July so to
commemorate such a momentous occasion the Midland branch has decided to change the name
of our newsletter to “News Hound”. I hope you like the new name!
Following on from the branch AGM in February we have ventured into the 21 st century. We now
have a group set up on Twitter (#bhc_mb) and the “Midland Branch of the Basset Hound Club” is
very active on Facebook. Our walks and events are advertised and it will be a place to notify
members of any changes. We have also issued a reference to the Basset Hound Health Group plus
reminders regarding some health aspects (e.g. bloat, human foods that can be poisonous to dogs
etc). All in all it has proved to be very popular among our membership and if you haven’t yet found
the group on Facebook or Twitter please come and have a look.
Also since the AGM we have welcomed Helen Cutler back to the committee and following the
retirement of long time committee member and Broadsheet editor, Brian Griffiths we now have a
new editor, Caroline Ker.
Our regular monthly walks have continued to be well attended, having been at:
 Outwoods, Charnwood Forest in Leics on 9th February
 Sutton Park on 23rd March, when we experienced just about every aspect of the British
climate during the walk.
 Thieves’ Wood in Sherwood Forest on 13th April
 Pepperwell Farm on 18th May.
Sue Gilkes, once again offered to allow the branch to make use of her farmland for what is
becoming one of our most popular walks. It was again a beautiful, sunny day and
approximately 40 members and their hounds attended. Refreshments were available all
day and after the walk Sue provided a delicious lunch for everyone. A raffle was run and
voluntary donations were given and Sue asked that all proceeds (totalling £120) go to the
Basset Hound Health Group.
Our next 2 summer walks will be at Blidworth Bottoms, near Mansfield NG21 0NW on 13 th July and
Ynyslas Beach, near Borth, West Wales SY24 5JZ on 17 th August and I look forward to seeing as
many of you there as possible. Don’t forget your picnic lunches for the seaside.
So as I write we are all recovering from a very successful but exhausting Fun Day on Sunday 22nd
June. We have received some excellent feedback both verbally and on Facebook from a lot of
people who attended which makes all the planning and hard work worthwhile.
Page 3
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our judge for the day, Sue Gilkes for doing such a
superb job of picking our winners and also for bringing some “fun” back into the ring events with
her sausage gobbling and egg and spoon races. The weather was perfect, attendance was up on
last year and as everyone appeared to have a great time we have booked the same venue for Fun
Day 2015.
A date for your diaries – Fun Day Sunday 28th June 2015
I hope you and your Bassets enjoy a warm, sunny and healthy summer.
Kindest regards
Gill Henderson
Honorary Secretary
EDITOR’S WORLD
Hello everybody,
Most of you will be aware that sadly Brian Griffiths had to resign as Editor
due to family commitments and the role was advertised. For those of you
who don’t know me I’ve owned Amber for 8 years & been a club member for
many of those, you might have noticed me hobbling about on crutches for
the past 15 months at branch events.
Amber’s my first basset and meant that all other dog breeds are no longer an
option as her basset ways have totally won me over!
This brings me onto recent events having possibly found the man of my dreams there’s only one flaw he’s a
beagle owner!!! Whilst I have a slight twinge of admiration that’s he’s into hounds the difference between
us is rather big. I thought I would invite him to walk Amber (as I still can’t) on a couple of the basset walks
with the intention of spending more time together & convert him to a more relaxed, less manic houndy
ways. The first walk he did text me saying this not so much a walk as a waddle round the woods, cheeky
man! However on the second walk he got with the basset ways relaxed, enjoyed chatting to fellow owners
& realised that you don’t need to chase your hound all over the countryside as with beagles. He’s now a
true basset convert so much so we’re planning to get a second one. He was also fed following the
Pepperwell Farm walk by Sue Gilkes which was much appreciated, thank you to Sue for all her hard work
organising the day & refreshments.
Finally I would like to thank Brian & Chris for their kind offers to help me in taking over the role.
Obituaries
Neil Shayler
It is with deep regret that the Committee heard of the unexpected death of Neil Shayler in April, aged only
54. Although based in the London and Northern Home Counties area, Neil and his wife Julia have been
members of the Midland Branch for many years.
Neil was the Treasurer for the L&NHC branch and his wife Julia is on the committee.
As our two branches share a border, we used to have a joint summer walk starting from their farm. They
were always very welcoming, providing refreshments after the walk, along with a good dose of sunshine.
On behalf of the Midland Branch, we offer our condolences to Julia and all Neil's friends and family.
Page 4
Mervyn Ainge
Sadly, the Branch has lost a special member in Mervyn Ainge
who died on 9th July. Since joining the Branch, Mervyn has been
an active supporter of our annual Fun Days and our monthly
walks. His support was recognised at the 2010 AGM when he
won the Branch Supporters Award.
Along with his wife Pat, Mervyn worked tirelessly for Basset
Welfare re-homing unwanted dogs. Through his work for the
charity, he recruited many basset owners to the Branch so that
they could socialise their hounds with like-minded people.
Most of his dogs were rescued hounds and his first male basset
Boris, who was a larger than life character, won Hound of the Day
at the Club’s 50th anniversary Fun Show in 2004.
Mervyn was a very friendly and approachable man who was
always willing to give practical advice and guidance to owners
having difficulties with their hounds. His knowledge and good
humour will be sadly missed and we offer our condolences to his
wife Pat and all his friends and family.
Marjory Prest
on behalf of the Midland Branch
Mervyn Ainge - A Friend
Bassets are great introducers, thus it was that I first met Mervyn
and Pat back in 1992. As you no doubt have read or heard,
Mervyn sadly passed away on Wednesday 9th July in St. Giles Hospice after a long illness, and I for one will
miss him and his cheery greeting whenever we met.
Mervyn had a great interest in steam-trains, narrow boats, bassets and work even to the point of being a
workaholic, something that I could understand having been accused of the same in the past myself.
We had many a happy walk and chat in the past and I particularly remember the occasional problem that
he had with Boris, or “Bonking Boris” as Mervyn and Pat often called him.
Both Pat and Mervyn were great supporters of the monthly walks, turning up pretty well to all of them and
became very involved with Basset Welfare ending up covering the whole of the Midlands.
Their holidays often were spent on their narrow boat, cruising canals along with the hounds, and I never
heard of any of them falling in! Christmas dinners were also a source of enjoyment for Mervyn and he
loved getting involved, Pat and Mervyn found the venue for a couple of them.
I think that the Midlands Branch owes them both a debt of gratitude.
It is with a heavy heart that I have written this. Mervyn I will miss you, and I’m sure that many who knew
him will too. He is gone but will not be forgotten.
John
Page 5
MIDLAND BRANCH FUN DAY 22 JUNE 2014
Venue: Norton Parish Hall, Wadborough Road, Littleworth, Worcester, WR5 2QB
All week the weather forecast had been promising us a fine day with intermittent cloud and no rain for this
year’s Fun Day so it was fingers crossed that the forecasters had got it right. We woke up to a warm, bright
Sunday morning and set off at 7.15am with the car packed and 2 Basset Hounds, 1 Dalmatian and 3
Humans on board.
The journey only took an hour and by 9.00am all the committee were there, unpacking Tombola and Raffle
prizes and setting up the Agility course and show ring on the large field outside. The caterers arrived in
good time and soon we were all tucking into delicious bacon butties and cups of coffee. By 11.00am we
were ready and raring to go with the sun shining and a pleasant summer breeze blowing. Fun Day 2014
was declared open!
Like last year we had several “stalls” set up inside the hall. There was a Tombola with over 100 prizes, a
bric-a-brac table with ornaments and cuddly toys and a raffle was also run with lots of lovely prizes that
had been donated by some of our members. Basset Welfare also ran a stall full of Basset-orientated
wares, clothing and pictures.
One of our branch’s more famous Basset Hounds, Hector Turner, unfortunately passed away early in the
year and his owners, Sue and Ade, very kindly donated all of Hector’s things to the Branch. We managed
to fill 3 large tables with everything from sheepskin coats to car ramps and poo bags to water bottles and
business was brisk. Sale proceeds on the day were £80 and there is still some left for future events.
At 1.00pm the Ring Events commenced. Sue Gilkes, from Pepperwell Farm where we held our walk in
May, agreed to be our judge and she did a marvellous job of deciding 1 st, 2nd and 3rd places of each of the
classes as well as choosing the Basset of the Day. This year Sue asked if we could add a couple of “fun”
races to the agenda and she very kindly provided the sausages and dishes for the Sausage Gobbling race
and the boiled eggs for the Egg and Spoon race.
Sue’s new races were a huge success and I feel sure that they will be included in the agenda for many years
to come.
I’m sure that everyone who came to Fun Day will join me in thanking Sue for all her hard work and for
making our ring events such a success on what was a very hot and exhausting day for her.
Page 6
The results of the day’s events are as follows. My apologies for any errors or omissions:
Basset Puppy Parade - (4 entries)
1st
N Skipp - Worcester
nd
2
Clare Austin (with Arthur) – Sutton Coldfield, West Mids
3rd
Angie Skipp – Worcester
Most Handsome Male Basset - (24 entries)
1st
Myra Davies - Cwmbran
2nd
A Broad (with Alfie) – Llanegryn, Gwynedd
rd
3
David Wellman – Dursley, Gloucs
Prettiest Girl Basset – (16 entries)
1st
Andy Lees – Little Dawley, Telford
2nd
Kathleen Broad (with Bb) - Llanegryn, Gwynedd
rd
3
Dave Williams – Long Eaton, Derbyshire
Sausage Gobbling Race – (20 entries)
1st
John Lows – Childswickham, Worcs
2nd
Myra Davies - Cwmbran
3rd
Sarah Spiers – Shelfield, Walsall, West Mids
Best Veteran Basset – (11 entries)
1st
Adele Fanshawe – Lichfield, Staffs
nd
2
Linda Nicholson - Haile Egremont, Cumbria
3rd
Sheila Wellman – Berkeley Gloucs
Best Honorary Basset – (7 entries)
1st
Katie Fox – Bromley Cross, Bolton
nd
2
Sue Ker – Ilkeston, Derbyshire
3rd
Amanda Bent – Kidderminster, Worcs
Egg and Spoon Race – (8 entries)
1st
Katie Fox – Bromley Cross, Bolton
2nd
Mark Henderson (with Jaffa) - Armitage, Staffs
rd
3
Linda Nicholson - Haile Egremont, Cumbria
Parade of Children – (18 entries)
1st
Alan Lowe – Cannock, Staffs
2nd
Myra Davies - Cwmbran
rd
3
Sophie Brookes
Best Basset Apple Bottom Couple – (11 entries)
1st
Mark Henderson (with Jaffa) - Armitage, Staffs
2nd
Abigail Price – Clayhanger, Walsall West Mids
3rd
Jane Axten – Lichfield, Staffs
The Basset the Judge would most like to take home – (8 entries)
1st
Margaret Bibby
nd
2
Margaret Bibby
3rd
Sky Littleworth
Basset Hound of the Day
Adele Fanshawe – Lichfield, Staffs
Page 7
I firmly believe that Fun Day 2014 was even more successful than last year. We have often been concerned
about the distance some people have to travel to Norton Village Hall but we need not worry when people
and their Bassets are prepared to come from places like Cumbria, West and South Wales and the Isle of
Man.
Fun Day would not happen without a lot of hard work by a lot of people and I would like to finish by
thanking the following people:
Sue Gilkes (Judge)
John Sewell (Announcer/PA)
Basset Welfare
Gemma Paxton (for helping with the raffle and just about everything else)
Adele Fuller (advertising)
Sue and Ade Turner (Hector’s Donations)
Everyone who donated prizes etc
All my fellow committee members (without them Fun Day wouldn’t happen)
And finally.... every human, every Basset Hound and every Honorary Basset who attended.
‘Hope to see you all next year at the same place on Sunday June 28 th 2015.
Basset Hound Of The Day
Parade of Children - Alan Lowe
Adele Fanshawe
Apple Bottom Contest
Page 8
Sausage Gobbling Contest Winner
John Lows
Puppy Parade Winner – N. Skipp
Egg & Spoon Race
Hector Turner’s Donations
Sausage Gobbling Race
Page 9
The Basset Hound Club’s
60th Anniversary 2014
Diamond Jubilee Weekend
At The Royal Court Hotel
Tamwoth Road, Keresley Coventry, Warwickshire. CV7 8JG
Hotel reservations—please book direct with the Events Team on 02476 334171 Negotiated
room rates: bed & breakfast - per night - £50 double/£40 single
Dogs are allowed in the room (securely crated) at no extra cost.)
Friday 25th July - Welcome evening with a traditional British menu and a pub quiz.
Saturday 26th July - BHC Championship Show followed later by a Champagne
Reception & Dinner & Dance. To be held in the hotel’s grand ballroom. Champagne reception
at 7pm with the dinner commencing at 7.30 pm
The Club will hold its 60th Anniversary Championship Show with internationally
acclaimed judges:
Mrs Marianne Nixon (Brackenacre) - UK (dogs)
Dr Claudia Orlandi (Topsfield) - USA (bitches)
Sunday 27th July - Health Symposium
Starting at 11.00 in the hotel, with an informal talk by Dr Claudia Orlandi
This will be followed by The Basset Hound Health Group’s selected speakers discussing Hot
Topics such as PMDS.
More details nearer the time on www.bassetsrus.co.uk
Page 10
Lungworm and Our Dogs
Whilst at Crufts we became aware of the presence and risks from Lungworm to our dogs.
What is lungworm?
The larvae of the lungworm parasite are carried by slugs and snails. Dogs can be affected if they eat slugs
and/or snails, outdoor toys which may be slimed by slugs/snails, drinking from puddles on walks, outdoor
drinking water, eating grass at home or while out walking etc foxes and frogs can also carry the larvae.
Infection can cause health problems which can be fatal if not treated by your vet. This is a year round
threat which can be prevented with monthly preventative treatment.
We need to be aware, find out more about signs and symptoms and discuss a prevention programme with
our vets to protect our beloved bassets from this parasite.
Detecting Lungworm Infections
Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected with lungworm.
However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the
parasite. Dogs who are known to eat slugs and snails should also
be considered high risk.
Lungworm infections can result in a number of different signs, which
may easily be confused with other illnesses. If your dog is displaying any of the signs below,
consult your veterinary surgeon immediately.
Improved detection methods including blood test and poo sampling mean more and more cases are being
confirmed.
The signs of lungworm
Some dogs don’t initially show visible signs of a lungworm infection but here are a few things to look out for.
If you are concerned your veterinary surgeon can perform tests which may help detect if your dog is
infected with the lungworm parasite.
Breathing problems
Poor blood clotting


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Coughing
Tiring easily

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Excessive bleeding from even minor
wounds/cuts
Nose bleeds
Bleeding into the eye
Anaemia (paleness around the eyes and gums)
Page 11
General sickness
Changes in behaviour
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Weight loss
Poor appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Depression
Lethargy
Seizures (fits)
If you’re concerned about any of the information you’ve read above or have any further questions please
speak to your veterinary surgeon.
More info available from your vet & www.lungworm.co.uk
BLOAT WITH A TWIST
Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) (bloat with a twisted stomach) is a disease in which there is gross
distension of the stomach with fluid or gas and gastric mal-positioning. It causes pathology of
multiple organ systems and is rapidly fatal. It is common in large and giant-breed dogs. The
disease appears to have a familial predisposition. Thoracic depth/width ratio also appears to
predispose dogs to GDV. Implicated dietary factors include dietary particle size, frequency of
feeding, speed of eating, aerophagia (swallowing air) and an elevated feed bowl.
Exercise should be withheld for an hour before and after feeding as this can also be a factor. A
fearful temperament and stressful events may also predispose dogs to GDV. Abdominal distension,
non-productive retching, restlessness, signs of shock, tachypnoea (rapid breathing) and dyspnoea
(difficulty breathing) are possible clinical signs. The normal canine stomach does not directly
contact the body wall. It is loosely held in place by its attachments to the oesophagus and
diaphragm (at the oesophageal hiatus) and to the duodenum. Portions of the lesser omentum
(two layers of extremely thin continuous peritoneum - a membrane which forms the lining of the
abdominal cavity) that normally assist in maintaining the position of the stomach include the
hepatoduodenal ligament and the hepatogastric ligament. The greater omentum (a large fold of
visceral peritoneum) attaches loosely to the greater curvature of the stomach and provides no
positional support.
It has been suggested that repeated episodes of gastric dilatation, especially when associated with
splenic involvement, may cause stretching of the gastrosplenic ligament and hepatoduodenal and
hepatogastric ligaments, thereby predisposing dogs to GDV. The hepatogastric ligaments of
similarly sized dogs treated for GDV were significantly longer than the ligaments of control dogs.
Initial treatment includes treatment of shock and gastric decompression. Surgical treatment
should be performed promptly. There are no studies comparing the use of different anaesthetic
Page 12
agents in the anaesthetic management of GDV. Pre-medication with an opioid/benzodiazepine
combination has been recommended. Induction agents that cause minimal cardiovascular
changes such as opioids, neuroactive steroidal agents and etomidate are recommended.
Anaesthesia should be maintained with an inhalational agent.
Surgical therapy involves decompression, correction of gastric malpositioning, debridement of
necrotic tissue, and gastropexy (surgical fixation of the stomach to the body wall). Options for
gastropexy include incisional, tube, circumcostal, belt-loop, incorporating, and laparoscopic
gastropexy. Expected mortality with surgical therapy is 15–24%. Prognostic factors include
mental status on presentation, presence of gastric necrosis (dead stomach tissue which needs to
be removed) - preoperative measurements of plasma lactate concentrations can be used as a good
pre-indictor of gastric necrosis, this may assist in determining the prognosis of dogs with GDV; and
the presence of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rate).
The true incidence of recurrence of GDV remains unknown. Further prospective studies with large
numbers of cases and long-term follow-up may help identify the recurrence rate of GDV after
gastropexy.
Lauren Armstrong R.V.N. (Lauralee) 22nd December 2012
Heaven Bound Hound
On 17th February 2014 we reluctantly had to say farewell to our beloved
hound Hector Turner (Basset Hound Extraordinaire) - Winner of 1st
place in “Best Senior Veteran” at Fun Day in 2013 (winning a signed
hardback copy of Fred Bassets 50th Birthday book) and regular
contributor to “Outward Bound Hound”.
In the words of our lovely vet Craig who had also brought Hector into the
world 12½ years ago: “You would never find another hound like him!”…
He was so knowing and loving – and a true fighter overcoming so many
problems over the years including skin and gut problems (due to an
immune problem), persistent ear problems, a form of Glaucoma (where a skin grew over his eyes), many serious
episodes of Bloat (including a Gastropexy 18m ago) and more recently Heart Failure, Fluid on the Lungs and
Dementia. He was truly a one off!
He was well known everywhere we went! People would greet him with “It’s Hector isn’t it?!” and we often
wouldn’t have a clue who they were! He had videos and photos of him taken by people from all over the world
on his travels. He had his photo taken with Richard Booth (The Book King of Hay on Wye) at his castle in Hay.
He met Bobbie Davro walking his dog in Weymouth many years ago. He hobnobbed annually for many years
with Tony Wright MP when attending local Remembrance Parades - and at one point Tony asked: “Is he
following me?” after they both attended 2 separate parades in one week.
He also once received a letter from The House of Commons addressed to “Hector Turner (Basset Hound)”
enclosing a copy of the firework code and details of what the government intended doing to improve the situation
for hounds after he complained to Tony Wright MP about the loud bangs! He received a special visit from
Dolores Ho the Archivist at the Waiouru Army Museum in New Zealand where Freda’s collar is kept (*re “Freda’s
Grave” on Cannock Chase) when she came to Cannock a couple of years ago for the Anzac Remembrance and
was also friends with Parker (and Richard Pursehouse & Lee Dent) who discovered The Cannock Chase
Messines Model. He also regularly used to meet local Brocton personality “Kiddo the Goat” when walking on
Cannock Chase many years ago and also regularly received emails/visits from The Virgin Islands from his Uncle
Gary & Aunty Carol (Harvey and Jake Hound’s mom and dad).
Page 13
His half sister Skye was once on the Bonio boxes. He often used to
walk in the grounds of the Shugborough estate when Lord Lichfield was
in residence – and he would often doff his cap as he drove past in his
sports car. He was allowed into a ward at Cannock Hospital on Xmas
Day 2004 when his granddad was ill. He visited The Cornish Seal
Sanctuary a couple of years ago – and has his own section in Visitors
Photos on their website where there are photos of Hector with the
penguins, and he also represented The Basset Hound Club in Discover
Dogs at Crufts 3 yrs running! He absolutely loved cuddles and would
talk to you answering Yes or No with his paws.
He toured most of England & Wales over the years (although he did cross the Scottish border once we didn’t
unfortunately get to explore fully up there) and he’d seen and done many things:
He went up The Great Orme on the cable car (and sniggered when his dad was scared of the height). He also
went up on a tram on another visit. He visited several caves, waterfalls and Slate & Gold Mines in Wales. He
went on the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway and loved looking through a crack in one corner where he could watch the
track go by. He went on a boat trip round Kielder Reservoir and also went in a bird and red squirrel hide. He
went in the Dambusters Museum in the left tower of the Derwent Dam between the Derwent and Ladybower
Reservoirs near Sheffield and had his photo taken with a very nice man called Roy Kitchener who made the
model of Ashopton (the village under the water). He visited many castles including Caerphilly, Ludlow,
Pembroke, Pendennis, Corfe, Kenilworth and many others. He went inside the Pen y Garreg Dam at Rhyader
and stood on the tower on the top of the dam drinking the water as it went over the top. He went to The Bishop’s
Palace at St Davids, Whitley Court and Cholmondley Castle Gardens.
He went on a tram at The Crich Tramway Museum in Derbyshire. He went to Blists Hill Victorian Town Nr
Ironbridge and also walked through the Gorge visiting the various pubs and museums in his younger years. He
accompanied us across the Iron Bridge itself once with his granddad in a wheelchair, a huge teddy bear (approx
54”high) on his granddad’s shoulders and another bear on his lap – and had several photos taken by tourists in
the process. He was very friendly with the deer at Bradgate Pk Nr Leicester. He walked across the Pontcysyllte
Aquaduct at Trefor near Llangollen and looked down on the river below. He had tea outside Sid’s Café in
Holmfirth (the café in Last of the Summer Wine); He went to Brean Down Fort, Weymouth Nothe Fort and also
Felixstowe Fort. He went to Duxford Air Museum and saw Matt & his dad go up on their 1 st ever flight in a
wooden WW11 Dragon Rapide aeroplane. He went on the tour and in the cellars at Healeys Cornish Cyder
Farm (Where Rattler is made). He visited Charlestown Nr St Austell (used in many period dramas) and also
went in the museum there.
He visited St Ives Cornwall, Lands End, Padstow, Boscastle, Watchet, Watergate Bay, Perranporth, Penzance,
Bude, Marazion (opposite St Michael’s Mount), Caerfai Bay, Manorbier Beach, Porthgain Harbour, Fishguard,
Newport Sands and Ynyslas (his favourite beach!) on several occasions. He went to Castell Henllys Iron Age
Hill Fort and sat in one of the Iron Age Huts round a camp fire. He visited the Cornish Shire Horse Centre. He
visited Cenarth Falls and the National Coracle Centre and Mill where he was fascinated with one coracle which
still had a tail. He went to Chatsworth for the Dambusters 70th Anniversary Flypast – and met some very friendly
lambs. He went to Glastonbury Abbey and also walked up to the Tor. He went to Cheddar Gorge and went into
the caves and shops.
He went to Solomon’s Temple and Buxton Country Pk, The New Forest, Sherwood Forest, The Malvern Hills,
Beaumaris, Tintern Abbey, Symonds Yat, Aberdovey, Portsmouth, Torquay, Bala Lake, Lake Vyrnwy, Albert
Dock Liverpool, Llanberis and the blue pool in the slate quarry there, Beddgelert, The Long Mynd, Hatton Locks
and Hatton Country World, Parys Mountain Copper Mine Anglesey, Cosmeston Mediaeval Village Nr Cardiff
(Ealdor on Merlin) where he sniggered at his dad in the stocks, Cardigan, Newquay, Aberystwyth, Whitesand
Bay, Newtown, Leeds, Bowness on Windermere, Bamburgh Beach, Hexham, Rothbury, Alnwick, The Blue Pool
and the Wareham Bear Collection and tea room, Broughton in Furness, Prestatyn, Holkham Beach, Great
Yarmouth, Alston, Stratford, Shrewsbury, Studland Nature Reserve (including a trip on the Swanage Ferry),
Carlisle and went in the machine room at Tregwynt Mill Nr Fishguard to see the looms working.
Page 14
He found a fire on Cannock Chase once – and we called the fire brigade. He went camping several times with
his old mate Sooty Bunny and even went to the local pub in the evenings. Hector loved rock pools but not
waves – Sooty Bunny on the other hand loved sitting in the sea and Hector used to bark at him as if to say “Get
out you stupid rabbit! There’s a wave coming!”
He went in the Terracotta Warrior Exhibit in Dorchester. He heard Maska and Kajika the Wolves in the Lake
District howling when his dad went to walk with them last year. He went to Foxton Locks, Mkt Harborough,
Talacre Beach, Dovedale, Barmouth, Black Rock Sands, Highforce Waterfall in Teesdale, St Davids, Lincoln,
Newcastle on Tyne (Including walking across both the Millennium Bridge and the Tyne Bridge).
He stayed at several cottages including one at Greenends Farm Nenthead where he walked among a herd of
Alpacas. He walked on Hadrian’s Wall itself and had his photo taken with a Roman Guard at Housesteads Fort.
He went to Porthmadog, Whitby Abbey, Frinton, Bradford on Avon, Bourton on the Water, Stowe on the Wold,
Bridlington, Scarborough, Evesham, Wenlock Edge, Attingham Park, Grangeover Sands, Near Sawry (Beatrix
Potter’s village), Hawkshead, The Wordsworth Garden at Grasmere (and was in the Lake District on the day of
the shootings!).
He went to Cockermouth and saw the sign above his dad’s head where the floods had been up to a few months
before. He went to Bassenthwaite Lake and walked up in the woods to a view point overlooking an Osprey Nest.
He went to Bewdley, Stourport, Derwent Water in the lake District, Keswick, Machynlleth, Bakewell, Church
Stretton, Hawkstone Pk and Grotto Hill, Newborough Beach on Anglesey, Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor,
Tintagel Castle and village – where nobody could believe he’d insisted on walking up the hundreds of steep
steps to the top and also saw a seal in the bay.
He had fuss outside Prince Charles’ Highgrove Shop in Tetbury. He took part in the Fred Basset 50 th Birthday
photo shoot at Fun Day 2013. He visited several hound friendly pubs including The Hare & Hounds nr Sidmouth,
The Spode at Armitage and also The Royal Oak in Bowness on Windermere. He visited the Blithbury Reindeer
Farm and saw Santa’s washing on the clothesline and he visited many local places including Lichfield, Cannock
Chase, Walsall Arboretum and Gailey Pool and many many more….. and we have thousands of photos to
remind us of this fantastic time together…
Despite all this - his favourite place was on his dad’s lap!… and he had chosen to live with us when he was just
one week old!
Thanks Chris & Brian for giving us the chance to know and love him – he was a very special hound and it was a
real privilege to have been given the opportunity to share our lives with him, care for him and accompany him on
his travels/adventures. Thanks also to the club for allowing him to share his experiences in Outward Bound
Hound. Please all continue to contribute to this article via the BHC Broadsheet as it really does help to give
others ideas for enjoyable hound friendly days out.
“Rest in Peace” Heckybum… You know we will always love you very very much and we know you love us too.
Love also to Hector’s cousin Ben (our previous Basset) and also Sooty Bunny. They will all now be scattered
together.
Mom & Dad (Ade & Sue Turner) XXXXXXXXXX
Also Matt, Shel, Simba, Bobo, Loz, Phil, Tyler, Theo, Splodge and Minnie XXXXXXXXXX
On behalf of the Midland Branch we would like to thank Sue & Ade for their generous
donations of Hector’s belongings to raise funds for the Branch.
Page 15
CRUFTS 2014 BREED & CLASS RESULTS
BASSET HOUND
Judge: Mr R S PARKER
BEST OF BREED
AKASHA BANANA SPLIT (ATC AR001171TA) – Bitch
Owner: MRS A BONACOSSA
BEST PUPPY
DIHEATH JOHAN – Dog
Owner: MRS C ALLCHORNE
DOG CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE
SWITHERLAND ROYAL IMAGE
Owner: MR P & MS M FREER & RODGERS
BITCH CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE
AKASHA BANANA SPLIT (ATC AR001171TA)
Owner: MRS A BONACOSSA
RESERVE DOG CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE
BASSJOY NIGHT OF LOVE (ATC AW02411MLT)
Owner: M ANSOLDI
RESERVE BITCH CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE
LAVINIA AVALEUR DU SABRE (ATC AQ01738BEL)
Owner: F ETELKA
Veteran - Dog
Entries: 2 Abs: 0
1st
LEDLINE CHEVROLET (MR B R & MRS J & MRS A MALIN & MERRY)
2nd
KORTINA'S ALBE-DARNED (MRS S ALDWORTH)
1st
DIHEATH JOHAN (MRS C ALLCHORNE)
2nd
WOFERLOW CEELO GREEN (MRS D J NEWMAN)
3rd
WOFERLOW KANYE WEST (MRS N D & MRS D J BEALE & NEWMAN)
Res
SEDONIA'S ROYAL INTRUDER (MR & MRS SEDDON)
VHC
NEW BELLECOMBE URSA MAJOR IMP (MESDAMES C, M & G KING,
1st
DIHEATH PANTOMIME (MR D G & MRS H M STORTON, MISS D
Special Puppy - Dog
Entries: 8 Abs: 1
LEDWARD & SERVAIS)
Special Junior - Dog
Entries: 2 Abs: 0
MELBOURNE, MR P ISTED & MISS J MURRAY)
2nd
DALPINO WOLF SCOLL FOR SUAISA (IMP MLT) (MR D P S & MRS DG WEBB)
1st
SWITHERLAND CLASSIC DESIGN (MR P FREER)
2nd
LIVORNO AVALEUR DU SABRE (IMP BEL) ( MRS B PRICE)
3rd
MALRICH CASINOROYALE AT ROAMANBAY (MR ARCHER)
Res
BASSBARR FALERNO (MR N & MRS C COULTAS)
1st
AZEL DE I TITANI DI URANO [ATC AQ02354ITA] (MISS F GHEZZI)
2nd
DEARDUENNA BOURGUIGNONNE ( MISS E MCEVEDY)
3rd
SEDONIA CAPTAIN JACK (MS S L MARLAND-FITZELL)
Res
RAKEFOOT HUGO LIPIQUER (MR P & MRS M THOMSON)
VHC
DIHEATH BOB DYLAN AT KEJANA SH CM (MISS N E & MR K P, MRS J A
1st
AZEL DE I TITANI DI URANO [ATC AQ02354ITA] (MISS F GHEZZI)
2nd
KORTEBIN WYVERNWARRIOR BY FIVEVALLEYS (MRS S D ALLEN)
Yearling - Dog
Entries: 4 Abs: 0
Post Graduate - Dog
Entries: 8 Abs: 0
HIRST & HIRST)
Limit - Dog
Entries: 10 Abs: 2
Page 16
3rd
RAKEFOOT DR FU FOR LIPIQUIR (MRS S MITCHELL)
Res
BRACKENACRE INTREPID JW (MRS C ALLCHORNE)
VHC
BURNVALE QUANTUM (MR & MRS T JOHNSTON)
1st
SWITHERLAND ROYAL IMAGE (MR P & MS M FREER & RODGERS)
2nd
BASSJOY NIGHT OF LOVE [ATC AQ02411MLT] (M ANSOLDI)
3rd
RUS/D/FIN/LU CH BUFFOBASS CARAMEL-VANILLA ICE CREAM [ATC
AQ00618RUS] (MRS M AKINDINOVA)
Res
AZEL DE I TITANI DI URANO [ATC AQ02354ITA] (MISS F GHEZZI)
VHC
MALRICH DIAMOND GEEZER AT ARMARDIO (MISS Y C PEARSON)
Open - Dog
Entries: 19 Abs: 1
Good Citizen Dog Scheme - Dog
Entries: 1 Abs: 0
1st
BRACKENACRE INTREPID JW (MRS C ALLCHORNE)
1st
RAKEFOOT MILKY WAY (MRS S MITCHELL)
2nd
WOFERLOW FLORA MCDONALD AT BIRICHINO (MRS S GILKES)
3rd
DEREHEATH DELILAH AT KEJANA (MISS N E HIRST)
Res
SWITHERLAND DOUBLE DELIGHT JW (MR C MILLER)
1st
DIZANDRA AUREOLA (MISS A GAMBLING)
2nd
NEW BELLECOMBE ULTRAMARINE (MRS M & MRS C & MRS G LEDWARD,
3rd
SEDONIA'S RAZAMATAZ TO BRAITHWELL (MRS V L GREEN)
Res
ROSEZEST DAISY MAI (MRS Z & MR R STEERS)
VHC
WOFERLOW CHRISTABEL (MR I & MRS J & MRS D J SEDDON & NEWMAN)
Veteran - Bitch
Entries: 4 Abs: 0
Special Puppy - Bitch
Entries: 5 Abs: 0
KING & SERVAIS)
Hi everyone,
Amber Basset here. I’m supervising mom (Helen Cutler) polishing my
rosettes and trophy from Crufts and sighing. I don’t understand what
all the fuss is about yes I enjoy strutting my stuff in a big ring on nice
carpet in front of lots of people but mom gets very daft when I get a
red rosette!! Although I do like posing for pictures with my rosettes
though! But I have just as much fun out on the branch walks, as long
as people are fussing me and realise what a gorgeous girl I am all is
ok with the world.
Anyway I had so much excitement at Crufts this year! I was with my best mates Lucy & Milly catching up
on all the gossip in between being hugged and adored by all these people on what mom , dad, Auntie
Terry & Uncle Paul call Discover Dogs (I don’t need discovering! I know what I am, thank you!). So this guy
comes up says he’s working with Houndwaves Radio - Bayers Be Lungworm Aware campaign 24 hour radio
station at Crufts and they wanted ME to be their mascot!! So off we pop escorted to the stand - very nice it
was too, all pretend tall grass and pictures of slugs and snails, which mom says not to eat as they carry
lungworm which could make us dogs very poorly! Who should we meet there but Lydia Bright from TOWIE
and Chris Hollins a sports presenter and journalist who won Strictly Come Dancing.
Amber
Page 17
MIDLAND BRANCH WALKS
August 2014 to January 2015
17th August 2014 Ynyslas Beach, nr Borth, Wales, SY24 5JZ
11.30 meet up for 12 Noon walk - bring a picnic!
If you have any questions contact Gill on 01543 305030/07867 389124,
[email protected]
7th September 2014 The Old Hills, Callow End, Nr Malvern, Worcs, WR2 4TE
10.30 meet up for 11.00am walk.
5th October 2014 Outwoods, nr Woodhouse Eaves, Leics, LE12 8TA
10.30 meet up for 11.00am walk.
9th November 2014 Streetly Gate, Sutton Park, B74 3EW
10.30 meet up for 11.00am walk.
7th December 2014 Cannock Chase, Brereton area, Rugeley, Staffs WS15 1BA
10.15 meet up for 10.45am walk.
Followed by Christmas lunch at Spode Cottage, Rugeley Road, Armitage, Staffordshire,
WS15 4AT if you would like to go please contact Gill on 01543 305030/07867 389124, or
[email protected]
11th January 2015 Outwoods, near Woodhouse Eaves, Leics, LE12 8TA
10.30 meet up for 11.00am walk.
Page 18
Ynyslas nature Reserve, Nr Borth, Ceredigion SY24 5JZ
Take the B4353 off the A487; at Tre'rDdol if coming from the north or at Rhydypennau and through Borth
from the south. Turn off north up the beach road at Ynyslas and keep on to the end where there is a beach
parking
The Old Hills, Callow End Nr Malvern Worcs - WR2 4TE
In general follow signs for Three Counties Showground
Please note that there are no toilets at this location.
Leave M5 junction 7, take A44 towards Worcester, and at the next island take first exit from the island A4440. Follow the A4440 going straight on at the first two islands, at the third island turn left onto the
A449. After about ½ mile turn left onto the B4424 Upton Road. You arrive at the village of Callow End after
about 1 mile; continue through village for another ½ mile, to the end of village, you will find Old Hills. It is
possible to park on Old Hills just drive across small car park on your right and go through gate.
Page 19
Outwoods near Woodhouse Eaves Leicestershire,
Woodhouse Lane/Breakback Road, LE12 8TA
From M1 junction 23 go east on the A512 (Loughborough).
After ½ Mile turn right into Nanpanton Road and continue
straight on for 1.9 miles (including at the cross roads by the
Priory Pub) to car park on left.
Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield (Streetly Gate B74 3EW)
Please note that there may be a charge for anyone entering the park after 11.00 a.m. and that there
are no toilets at this location.
From the north-east, east or south east, take M42, leave at J10 and take A5 west towards Brownhills for
nine miles. Take A5127 (Birmingham Road) left (south) towards Sutton Coldfield for three miles, turning
right at traffic island (west) on to A4026 (Blake Street). Go straight on at traffic lights to Rosemary Hill
Road. Keep going straight on until you reach a traffic island: take the second exit in to Thornhill Road.
After 0.3 mile, turn left into Sutton Park . Follow the road into the park for about one mile, just before a gate
blocks the road and park on either side
Page 20
Brereton Business Park, The Levels, Brereton, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 1RD
Christmas walk and Christmas lunch
Please note that there are no toilets at this location.
The Car Park is (coming from Lichfield on the A51) first left after the Red Lion (Main Road is the A460) up
Coalpit Lane and then 3rd right into the Levels, the car park is immediately on the right.
We will start the walk from an Industrial Estate Car Park WS15 1RD which is empty on a Sunday. The walk
will be followed by the Christmas lunch at Spode Cottage, Rugeley Road, Armitage, Staffordshire, WS15
4AT if you would like to go please contact Gill on 01543 305030/07867 389124, or [email protected]
Spode Cottage, Rugeley Road, Armitage, Staffordshire, WS15 4AT
To get from the walk to the lunch, go back to the A460, turn right and at the first island turn left (A51); at the
second island, turn right (3rd exit) onto the A513 and Spode Cottage is 0.9 mile on the right.
Page 21