Autumn Forward 2012 PDF
Transcription
Autumn Forward 2012 PDF
Forward The official Guide Dogs magazine Autumn 2012 Focus on the future... How Andrew followed his photography dream The Andrex® Puppy celebrates its 40th birthday Guide Dogs Week: ‘Walk my Way’ Also inside: Olympic and Paralympic update • Guide Dog of the Year Awards winners Street clutter! Tell us about your high street... Remember a life Change a life Support our Guiding Stars in memory of your loved one In return for your kind donation, we’ll hang a personalised star in memory of your loved one on one of our special Christmas trees. To request a star, or for more information, call the Gifts in Memory team on 0845 603 1477. Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) Contents Regulars 5 Welcome 6 News •Guide Dog of the Year Awards •New ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign 14 A day in the life of… Frank Salt, transport consultee 15 View from the top Celebrating your achievements 22 What’s on? 18 Features 23 Your letters 38Competitions 12 10 Going for gold Pups Betty and Kelly pick up new tricks 10 Past and present Memories of travelling in London in the 1960’s 11 Go Walkies A walk with a sporting theme in Doncaster 18 6 16 Guide Dogs Week Take inspiration from some of the events that will be underway this October People and dogs 18 Olympic update The Olympic and Paralympic Games from Guide Dogs’ perspective 24 In Good Company 25 Thank you to our supporters 28 We’ll never forget 31 New partnerships 12Andrex® How Kimberly-Clark is celebrating its famous pup’s landmark 40th birthday 23 19 Life through a lens Photographer Andrew Follows’ antipodean adventure Please recycle this magazine Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 3 Do you want to help Guide Dogs raise vital funds in your community? Become part of a team that’s dedicated to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people. We are currently recruiting for: Branch organisers Collection box coordinators Treasurers Speakers Secretaries Schools and youth ambassadors Drivers Schools liaison coordinators 0845 371 7771 [email protected] guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) Welcome Editor’s welcome This is a bumper edition of Forward and is packed with even more news than normal. With Guide Dogs Week round the corner and the Paralympics just having drawn to a close, there’s hardly been a moment to draw breath. Everyone here is very excited about the new Andrex® campaign and it’s great that the brand has launched a campaign with Guide Dogs at its very core, which will see us on TV, online and on the shelves of shops all round the country. July saw our annual awards, the Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards, which gave Chief Editor: Elaine Cobb Editorial Line: 0118 983 8364 Contributors: Lucy Miron, Fiona MacAulay, Annabel Williams, Elaine Cobb, James Kell Designed by: Guide Dogs www.guidedogs.org.uk Contributions: Send items to Forward at the Head Office address or email forward@ guidedogs.org.uk. Unfortunately, due to the sheer volume of Executive Richard Leaman a prompt to consider how the awards reflect the changing nature of Guide Dogs as a charity and he has taken the opportunity to share his thoughts. I was fascinated when I heard about Andrew Follows, a guide dog owner from Australia who exhibited his photography at this summer’s Edinburgh Festival, and I hope you’ll be interested to find out about his work and how his trip went. Finally, with Guide Dogs looking forward to its next 80 years, we’re looking at how we communicate and so I hope you’ll share your views and opinions in our readers’ ideas we receive, we cannot acknowledge every item. We reserve the right to edit or refuse. Forward is available in Braille, large print, audio CD and online as audio and text files. It is also available as a PDF from our website and in a range of languages – for this and mailing enquiries call 0118 983 8138. Founding Editor: The late Captain Nikolai Liakhoff MBE FRZS survey which is attached on the carrier sheet and in all the alternative formats. I hope that, like me, you’re gearing up for Guide Dogs Week and maybe I’ll see you out and about during the week! Elaine Cobb Editor 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: [email protected] © 2010 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) Cover: Andrew Follows and Eamon. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 5 News Guide Dog of the Year 2012 John Tovey and Dez from near Bristol were named as overall Guide Dog of the Year winners in London in July. For the first time ever, we gave seven awards to celebrate the success of guide dogs and their owners, plus all the volunteers and fundraisers who make our amazing partnerships possible. Watch a video of the event and find out more about the award winners at guidedogs.org.uk/gdoy2012 and see the full list of award winners on page 15. Safe and sound? Our own Olympic hero Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more common on our streets and they’re very quiet – a cause of concern for blind and partially sighted people thinking of crossing the road. We’re campaigning for car makers to build in audible sounds to improve road safety and are taking this message to politicians at the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat conferences in September and October as part of our new ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign. Ask your MP to visit us by filling in our online form: guidedogs.org. uk/emailMP/safeandsound. 6 The only guide dog owner to work as a volunteer at the Olympic Park this summer described his experience as “incredible”. Terry White was responsible for helping athletes at the Olympic Park and the Excel Centre, where fencing events were held. Terry from Walthamstow, who was accompanied by guide dog Kent, is an experienced fencer himself and said: “Kent gets a lot of attention from the athletes. We’re having an incredible time.” Read more about the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Guide Dogs on page 18. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 News A classical combination Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s most famous classical singers, has invited Guide Dogs to carry out a collection at his UK concerts in November. Brood bitch holder and fan Sandra Hoffman has met him many times and said: “Andrea lost his sight as a child and as I am a Guide Dogs supporter I could see a connection. It’s been my dream for us to fundraise at his concerts.” Fans can buy tickets for Andrea’s UK dates in Birmingham, Liverpool and London from kililive.com. A lasting legacy Guide Dogs’ Fundraising team recently won acclaim when it received an award for Best Use of Legacy Fundraising from national body the Institute of Fundraising. Our Director of Fundraising and Income Generation, Jayne George, said: “Two out of three guide dogs wouldn’t exist without gifts in Wills and we hope the success of this campaign will help us transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people for years to come.” The row to Rio Guide Dogs is an Associate of the GB Rowing team, which is already looking ahead four years to the Rio Games. We’d like to hear from anyone who might be interested in trying out for visually impaired rowing at elite level at an open day later in the year. Please contact [email protected]. New ‘Fundraise for Us’ site launched In August, we launched a new online fundraising pack called ‘Fundraise for Us’ in place of our Get Together pack. Claire Hendrick of our Fundraising Innovation team, who developed the site, said: “It’s the complete package, including all the materials and information you’ll need to set up and promote your events, plus an ideas generator!” Check it out at guidedogs.org.uk/ fundraiseforus. Who’s your Guiding Star? Our annual Christmas campaign in memory of loved ones is due to launch in November. In return for your kind donation, we will hang your personalised star in memory of a loved one on one of our Christmas trees. Keep an eye out for a star in the post or call 0845 602 1477 to find out more. Christmas stocking With Christmas approaching, we’ve just launched the 2012 Dogalogue, in which you can find gifts, cards, calendars and wrapping paper to suit all tastes. This year we have a range of Guide Dogs branded clothing and carefully selected gifts for family members and canines alike. Call 0118 983 8374 for a copy or shop online at dogalogue.com. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 7 News Sponsor a Puppy TV ad Guide Dogs hit the airwaves this summer with a new Sponsor a Pup TV ad, which features pup Betsy (pictured) and tells the story of a guide dog pup’s potential and how one guide dog, Quince, saved the life of his owner Dave Kent. Visit sponsorapuppy.com to see the ad, which aired in August and September. When I’m eighty-four Setting out on a new path The first bricks in the new Path of Remembrance at our National Breeding Centre in Leamington Spa are now being laid. The path is similar to those we’ve already laid in Forfar, Atherton and Redbridge. Each inscribed brick commemorates the life of a friend, loved one or beloved animal. One of the first bricks was purchased by Alison Naylor with donations from her mother’s funeral. Alison said: “Mum and Dad used to be nearby puppy walkers so it holds a special place in our hearts.” Call our Gifts in Memory team on 0845 603 1477 for more information. Eighty-four-year-old greatgrandmother and guide dog owner Joy Stone made her third and final parachute jump in aid of Guide Dogs on 30 July. The adventurous pensioner was inspired to go the extra mile high by the support and companionship from her golden retriever: “I got Lomax and it has been wonderful, like having somebody else in my house.” A pat on the back for Eva Rich of Pembrokeshire Cardiff Mobility Team Manager Katie Roberts nominated Eva and said: “She’s had six dogs and in the last 50 years has taken on an increasing number of voluntary roles to support Guide Dogs. Her dynamic efforts have raised thousands and she organises her local branch, one of the most successful in Wales. Eva is widely respected in Wales as a role model and is always ready with heartfelt advice and a listening ear.” To top it, Eva won the 2012 Guide Dogs Lifetime Achievement Award in July. 8 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 News In other news... A brush with royalty Our Cirencester Branch recently held a collection at its local Co-op store and was delighted to meet Zara Phillips, who popped in for some shopping. She’s pictured here with Ann Nicholls, who said: “It was a lovely surprise to meet her and she was ever so nice and made a big fuss of my dog.” Alison Evans MBE Sussex guide dog owner Alison Evans has received an MBE for services to visually impaired children and young people. As the Executive Manager of charity Blatchington Court Trust, Alison was nominated by one of the young people she helped and said: “I feel the work we do at the Trust is very much a team effort and not just down to me alone.” Finance tools With the help of volunteer treasurers, we have launched new finance tools in Microsoft Excel designed to help branch treasurers who are visually impaired with their banking. Guide dog owner Robert Blackwood of the Ayrshire and Glasgow Branch said: “I’m able to produce paying in slips and receipts quickly and accurately. I’m happy, the bank is happy and most importantly, I’m able to continue with my treasurer role.” Contact Jo Boland on 0118 983 8296 to find out more. Congenital Amourosis research Leading ophthalmic researcher, Professor Mike Cheetham of University College London, will be carrying out the next generation of research into the condition Leber’s Congenital Amourosis. Guide Dogs is funding the study as part of its aim to make the most of the residual vision and mobility of those living with eye conditions. Up, up and away A guide dog in Exmouth has become a full member of the town’s Royal Air Force Association Club. Legend became an owner after qualifying with his owner, David Gailey, and even has his own membership card. Remember a Charity Week The annual week when charities ask supporters to think about gifts in Wills is just coming to a close. From 17 to 23 September, we’ve been out in force raising awareness and have taken part in a ‘yellow plaque’ scheme, which has seen us awarded plaques to showcase life-changing projects made possible by gifts in Wills. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/RAC to find out more. Talking buses Guide Dogs presented Transport Minister Norman Baker MP with a giant talking birthday card when he turned 55 in July. The card served as a reminder to support our Talking Buses campaign, which you can read more about at guidedogs. org.uk/talkingbuses. New tricks Bob Darney has become the oldest person ever to train with a new guide dog. The 96-year-old qualified with Nell, a black Labrador curly coated retriever cross, in May. Duke of Edinburgh Three lucky students at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford recently met the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the city with the Queen as part of Her Majesty’s Jubilee tour of the UK. The Duke asked Ben Rendle, Vicky Manley and Colin Smith about their guide dogs and about blind cricket. RIP Sadie We were sorry to hear of the passing of Sadie, retired guide dog of David Blunkett MP, who said: “Sadie had been with me through thick and thin.” Read David’s full eulogy to Sadie on our website at guidedogs.org.uk/sadie. Christmas Lucky Lottery Sign up by 5 December for our Lucky Lottery Super Draw on 28 December with a top prize of £3,000 or play our weekly draw and win up to £1,000. Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk/ luckylottery or on 0800 688 8406. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 9 Name a puppy series Betty and Kelly go for gold... Pups Betty and Kelly (named by Dorothy Wells) are growing up very quickly! Last time we heard that both girls had mastered the art of using public transport. Now that the pups are 11 months old, we caught up with them to hear about their summer training. Betty continues to flourish, as her puppy walkers Gill and Richard Martin explained: “Betty is doing very well and enjoys going back and forth to London. We have taken her to a few local festivals this summer and she dealt with every element like a true professional.” Kelly has also been enjoying some summer culture as her puppy walker Delores Spurgeon told us: “Kelly is a star; she has been to carnivals and even encountered a Chinese dragon at a parade. Puppy Walking Supervisors have been so impressed by her progress that she is being considered for a career as a brood bitch, meaning that in the months that follow we will find out if Kelly could potentially mother the next generation of guide dogs.” To find out how to name a puppy, call 0118 983 0190, email [email protected] or visit guidedogs.org.uk/ nameapuppy Past and present Reader Janet McConochie shared her memories after reading that guide dogs are now able to travel on escalators in the London Underground. “Early in 1952 I started my first job in Southampton Row, just off the top of Chancery Lane. I used to change trains at Holborn and see a young lady with a guide dog, about 24, who used the underground from Waterloo to Holborn. The staff at Waterloo would meet her, stop the escalator going down underground, and she and her guide dog used to walk down to catch the underground to Holborn. “Sometimes I saw her on my return journey after work making her way up the stopped escalator up to ground level at Waterloo. She worked as a receptionist and telephonist on the north side of the Holborn Road. I once had to visit her office to deliver something and found her plugging in long leads of the switchboard into the various holes, as we did in those early days.” Guide Dogs has been transforming lives for over 80 years. To find out how you can help us create more lifechanging partnerships contact the Gifts in Wills team at 0845 603 1477 or email [email protected]. 10 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Your Go Walkies Going Walkies with the Rovers... A walk at a Doncaster Olympic training venue Richard Bailey of Doncaster Rovers was inspired to go for gold by the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer when he organised a track and field themed Go Walkies at the Rovers’ stadium. Walkers had to keep the pace up to complete the walk before a friendly match against Barnsley that afternoon. Jo Berry, our Community Fundraiser for South Yorkshire, enlisted volunteers from Doncaster to help and said: “We were lucky to get Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium Lakeside Walk as our venue. The stadium is home to Doncaster Rovers and was a training venue for Olympic athletes this summer. “Starting at the main stadium reception, the walk took us round the lakes that surround the stadium. In the spirit of the 2012 London Olympics, we took the walkers and the dogs onto the running track, where some of our walkers did laps of the track blindfolded as part of our ‘Walk a mile in my shoes’ and ‘Walk my way’ themes. “With 10 doggy participants and around 40 walkers, we raised over £250 from the event for the Rovers’ first ever Name a Puppy fund.” Dogs of Britain, Go Walkies needs you! Is your dog a champion just waiting for their time to shine? Then why not Go Walkies for Guide Dogs – they’ll even get a medal! One lucky walker will also win a six-month supply of Eukanuba dog food at every Go Walkies event. Find and register for your nearest event at gowalkies.org.uk or call 0845 600 6787. The prize draw terms and conditions are on the website. No dog of your own? You can still take part by sponsoring guide dog puppy Nuba – the official Go Walkies mascot! Simply visit virginmoneygiving. com/gowalkies. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 11 Andrex® Life begins at 40 12 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Andrex® National treasure the Andrex® Puppy is celebrating its landmark birthday with Guide Dogs. You may have spotted that big birthday celebrations are underway for one of the nation’s best known and cutest pups. The Andrex® Puppy is 40 years old this September and to celebrate, Guide Dogs is very excited that Andrex® has partnered with us to train at least 40 puppies to become fully fledged guide dogs. This is just part of a high profile campaign which started in early September. It sees the famous pup peeking out of supermarket shelves, on television, web and print ads and on Facebook. Andrex® consumers will be able to save up Puppy Points® to donate to Guide Dogs and buy a limited edition commemorative soft toy Andrex® Puppy of their very own. They’ll also see supermarkets decked out in Puppy themed splendour and it will be difficult not to spot the Puppy’s paw prints all over the internet, where our trainers and puppy walkers will be sharing details about individual puppies’ training routines and web visitors will get the chance to learn more about Guide Dogs’ work. Unique Guide Dogs Puppy Points Keep an eye out for Guide Dogs Puppy Points codes on celebratory Andrex® packs in supermarkets and grocery shops from September to December. The points on the packs can be used to make a donation to Guide Dogs through Andrexpuppypoints.co.uk Track guide dog pups in training •Visit Andrexpuppypoints.co.uk or facebook.com/TheAndrexPuppy •Donate Puppy Points to Guide Dogs •Learn about pup’s personalities and traits •Find out what they’ve been up to •Get your own training hints and tips Andrex®, owned by company Kimberly-Clark, wanted to do something special to mark 40 years of their brand icon. The firm’s Jon White said: “The Puppy’s landmark 40th birthday gave us the perfect opportunity to do something special in partnership with our consumers and shoppers to help others less fortunate to make their lives substantially better. very excited to be working with Andrex® on this fantastic campaign. For us, being able to work with one of the UK’s largest brands in order to raise awareness of the crucial work we do to help blind and partially sighted people get out and about is a great opportunity. We hope that more people will engage with Guide Dogs and be inspired about the work we do.” “In preparation for this special event, we asked consumers who we should partner with and what we should do. They unanimously voted to support Guide Dogs and loved the idea of a commemorative soft toy Andrex® Puppy.” The link between the two organisations is obvious, with puppy appeal being a strong pull for both brands, a fact that hasn’t passed KimberlyClark by as Jon White commented: “With our strong heritage in successful charity partnerships, the natural synergy with Guide Dogs and our admiration for the charity’s amazing work to help blind and partially sighted people, this is the perfect way to celebrate. We’re hoping to get the nation behind us to train at least 40 puppies into guide dogs and really make a difference.” With 50 pence from the sale of each toy pup going directly to Guide Dogs, the campaign is a huge boost to Guide Dogs financially but it doesn’t stop there. With a national advertising and web campaign, it represents much more than a generous donation, as explained by Jayne George, our Director of Fundraising and Income Generation: “We’re Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 13 A day in the life of... Frank Salt Member of Greater Manchester’s Disability Design Reference Group A love of trains and “anything on rails”, a keen interest in the local community and involvement with access issues as a guide dog owner, led Frank Salt to join Transport for Manchester’s Disability Design Reference Group four years ago. “The tram system in Manchester is being expanded and every month I attend meetings with a crosssection of people with disabilities where we go through the plans with the engineers. They want to ensure the system is accessible to everyone and it makes such a difference being involved from the beginning. It’s been a steep learning curve for the engineers – for example, they hadn’t appreciated that someone with a guide dog needs a width of at least three feet to pass through safely. “More frequently we also do site visits and these can take several hours. We go to one of the new stops, which are all pretty much still building sites, put on our high visibility jackets and attend a safety briefing. A special tram arrives and takes us to each of the new stops, where we get out and check the platforms for access – stairs, lifts, handrails, etc. With trams, passengers cross the actual tracks, so it’s important that the crossings are absolutely right. “At one stop, the tactile pavement that blind people use to identify where to stand to access the tram when the doors open was in the wrong place. I stepped back right into the edge of the shelter. They moved that pretty quickly! 14 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 “I can’t wait for the tram system to get to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium” “We give a verbal report of any problems straight away and then send a written report after the visit. “I can’t wait for the tram system to get to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium – my guide dog Lewis and I will be able to jump on a tram and go straight to the match!” View from the top Chief Executive Richard Leaman shares his views... The Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards I was extremely excited to host the Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards in July because, for the first time ever, the awards celebrated not just our inspirational guide dogs but also guide dog owners, fundraisers, volunteers and young people, among others. It was an incredible evening and a fantastic celebration of everybody who makes up the Guide Dogs family. This year’s event was a big step from the inaugural Guide Dog of the Year ceremony in 2003, when three guide dogs and their owners gathered to receive one of three awards, with one being crowned as overall Guide Dog of the Year. This new format is a reflection of wider changes we’re making at Guide Dogs, recognising not just our dogs, but all the people who are working to get more blind and partially sighted people out and about. It’s worth repeating that there are 180,000 blind and partially sighted people who rarely leave home alone, and we are determined to help all of these people enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else. The guide dog service is at the heart of what we do, but it is not for everyone. We are developing and delivering more services to help blind and partially sighted people to get out and about on their own terms. Winners of the 2012 Specsavers Guide Dog of the Year Awards Guide Dog of the Year Award and Life Changing Award – John Tovey and Dez Beyond the Call of Duty Award – Lena Welch and Texan Outstanding Work Award – Tom McInulty and Brunel Mark Pollock Award for Inspirational Guide Dog Owners – Scott Cunningham MBE Fundraiser of the Year Award – Sue Ratcliffe Volunteer of the Year Award – Doreen Sim Outstanding Teamwork Award – Norma and Derek Stent Young Person’s Achievement Award – Kelly Cronin Lifetime Achievement Award – Eva Rich Our sighted guiding pilot, My Guide, aims to do just that. My Guide trains volunteers to use basic sighted guiding techniques in order to help people with sight loss get out of their homes and back into the community. We also offer services for young people, such as Buddy Dogs, and are looking at how we can do even more to improve the life chances of thousands of young people. It is with this in mind that my thoughts have turned to next year’s awards. As we grow, so too will our annual awards, reflecting our growing purpose. The next edition of Forward will arrive in early 2013 and will mark the opening of nominations for our 2013 awards. I hope that you will consider making a nomination. The finalists for the Mark Pollock Award for Inspirational Guide Dog Owners Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 15 Guide Dogs Week Walk my Way Step into our world and raise money for Guide Dogs Blind and partially sighted people tackle new challenges every day. For Guide Dogs Week 2012, we’re inviting you to step into our world. Whether it’s taking a blindfold walk, having dinner in the dark, or singing karaoke with your eyes shut, try doing something our way. We think it will open your eyes. There are hundreds of ways to take part and raise money during Guide Dogs Week; you don’t have to be blindfolded. You could: •Organise a Go Walkies event in your town, your street, or with a bunch of your two-legged and four-legged friends. •Take part in one of the Walk a Mile events happening across the UK and get yourself sponsored to walk a mile blindfolded. It’ll be a real eye opener. •Develop your own challenge and get sponsored by your friends and family. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek for inspiration or to find out about the events we’ve listed opposite and many more that you’ve also told us about. 16 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Guide Dogs Week Three Peaks Challenge A group from Leeds will be doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to celebrate with guide dog owner Maya Makri and her dog Jemma. The challenge must be done in under 12 hours which is going to be tough! The team’s Lily Prestwood said: “We are aiming to raise £1000 and get lots of media attention of course!” Walk a mile in my paws Action camera suppliers ‘Dog Cam’ have lent us one of their action cameras to mount onto a working dog harness so we can ‘walk a mile’ from a dog’s perspective. They have also offered to help us edit the footage and promote it on YouTube. Keep an eye out for the footage during Guide Dogs Week! Walk a Royal Mile Guide Dogs Scotland will take to the streets on 6 October by walking Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, starting at Edinburgh Castle and finishing near the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. The procession of staff, volunteers and guide dog owners will include blindfold walks, sighted guiding and street collections. Sensory Salisbury Salisbury Branch, led by Debbie Furnell and Jenny Evison, has organised a Sensory Awareness Day on 13 October in Salisbury. The event will be supported by Neal’s Yard Remedies who’ll provide aromatherapy; Reeve The Baker offering a taste challenge with mini doughnuts; and sound challenges from volunteers. It will also have a ‘Walk a Mile’ blindfold route. to 3pm, when teams of two will try five tasks on a route through the centre. You can also enjoy stalls, games for all the family and a café, as well as viewing some pups and trying out our sensory tunnel.” Call 0845 3727 432. Open day On 6 October, Guide Dogs’ Central Office, Hillfields in Reading, is opening its gates for a day of fun and education, including demonstrations, a dog show, Go Walkies, hog roast, games and entertainment. Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk or at 0845 983 5555. Walking the Humber A ‘walk in the dark’ event is taking place on the famous Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire on 14 October, starting at 11am. Pairs of people will ‘walk a mile in my shoes’ with each of the pair experiencing part of the walk blindfolded and as sighted guide. Register by calling 0845 372 7414. Teenagers take to Level One Teenaged sighted guides, Charlotte, Kathryn, Sophie and Matt from Sittingbourne in Kent, recently completed their My Guide Level One training. They are now taking sighted guiding back to their schools during Guide Dogs Week for events featuring ‘meet the dog and pup sessions’, blindfold walks, challenges and games. Driving us crazy Action girl and TV and radio presenter Natalie Pinkham will be showing the F1 drivers how it’s done by going on a blind drive during Guide Dogs Week. Natalie is currently a Formula One pit lane reporter for Sky Sports F1, having held the same post for BBC Radio 5 Live in 2011, and is known from ITV’s Dancing on Ice. NBC Open Day Liz Hinckley, Visitor Centre Coordinator at Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre is organising an open day featuring blindfold challenges. She said: “If you’re nearby, come and try your luck with our blindfold challenge on 13 October from 10am Go to guidedogs.org.uk/ guidedogsweek to find out more. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 17 Special feature Olympic and Paralympic Games How Guide Dogs was inspired Many members of the Guide Dogs family were closely involved in all aspects of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. They participated as competitors, torch bearers, volunteers, staff and passionate supporters. Competitors Games visitors Torch bearers The Paralympic Games ran from 29 August to 9 September and 20 sports were represented. Visually impaired people competed in athletics, road and track cycling, equestrian, goalball, football, judo, rowing, sailing and swimming. Up to 1,500 Games Mobility Volunteers received our basic sighted guide training to assist blind and partially sighted spectators at Games venues. The training is part of Guide Dogs’ My Guide scheme, a pilot service launched to help thousands more blind and partially sighted people become more mobile. Dozens of our supporters and service users were nominated to carry the Olympic torch because of their work for guide dogs, including Wendy Shaw of Reading, Mary Leigh of Stockport and David Chaffey from Blaenavon, who said: “I was surprised and overwhelmed to be offered the role as an Olympic Torchbearer.” Following the Games, we are encouraging these volunteers to join a My Guide pilot scheme, where they will be given more training and then partnered with a visually impaired person for three to six months. Guide dog owners Theresa Robberts, Diane Marks and Sarah Clare carried the Paralympic flame near Lords Cricket Ground in London. The three were joined by two other members of the ladies blind cricket team. Guide dog owner competitors included cyclist Lora Turnham, goalball players Simon Goodall, Jessica Luke and Amy Ottaway, and footballers Keryn Seal, Roy Turnham and David Clarke, who is the captain of the blind football squad. David said: “Getting a place in the squad was the realisation of a lifetime dream and a unique chance to compete at the pinnacle of my sport on home soil in front of our own fans.” As Forward went to print, we were waiting to hear about Team GB’s results, which were shaping up to be the best ever... 18 If you are blind or partially sighted, visited the Games as a spectator and met a Games Mobility Volunteer, please complete our five minute online survey at: surveymonkey.com/s/ guidedogs2012. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Let us know what you think about Games Mobility Volunteers at surveymonkey. com/s/guidedogs2012 Andrew Follows Life through a lens Andrew’s antipodean adventure Blind photography seems to be a contradiction in terms, yet it has brought Australian guide dog owner Andrew Follows half way round the world and to his own exhibition at this year’s Edinburgh 2012 Art Festival... Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 19 Special feature Andrew has retinitis pigmentosa, which means he now has no sight in one eye and tunnel vision in the other. “Photography is a challenge,” he explains, “but the camera gives me a key to the world around me.” With the advent of digital photography, Andrew can access the world in a way sighted people take for granted. “I set out knowing what I’m going to do, everything is planned beforehand, but I can’t see the images I’ve taken until I look on the computer. It’s really exciting because on the big screen I can see all the colours and textures, and I get blown away by what I’ve captured. Somehow I manage to capture things that other people don’t see.” “Photography is a challenge, but the camera gives me a key to the world around me.” Art Festival and introduced me to fellow blind photographer Rosita McKenzie, who is well known in the area. It took a year to bring together but the result has been phenomenal.” Rosita McKenzie has had no vision at all since she was 12 but this has not affected her passion for photography. For the exhibition, she mirrored Andrew’s themes by taking photographs of the forest fires in the Scottish Highlands in early 2011 and of the night skies of the Northern Hemisphere. “My aim is to work with and encourage as many visually impaired photographers from around the world as possible,” explains Rosita. “The work they produce, and of course that includes Andrew, is of a very high quality.” With each artist’s work deliberately hung on opposite sides of the gallery space, visitors were invited not only to compare Andrew and Rosita’s For the past four years, Andrew has been different approaches to the same subject, but also documenting the effects of the devastating bush their differing photographic processes. For Rosita, fires in the Victorian Highlands, Australia. He was photography provides ‘a voice’ that challenges working as the coordinator for bush fire relief at the traditional photographic practices and dispels the time, and had friends who lost property due to the myth that totally blind people like herself cannot fires. These photographs, plus others of Australian possess vision and artistic imagination. For Andrew, night skies, became the subject of his recent photography is a tool that enables him to see joint exhibition, called ‘Through the looking glass, glimpses of his fading visual world. For both of dimly’, in Edinburgh. them, it is also about mastering the physical and mental challenges of taking a photograph. Andrew explains how he ended up exhibiting in Scotland: “I had wanted to exhibit in London The exhibition, held over two weeks in August, had but couldn’t get my foot in the door. Through over 200 visitors and also offered two workshops a mutual contact I met Kate Martin, who is run by Andrew and Rosita, one for visually impaired a freelance curator based in Edinburgh. She people, the other for sighted people. Kate Martin suggested we exhibit during the Edinburgh says: “Both workshops were absolutely fantastic 20 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Andrew Follows Eamon has given Andrew the confidence to get out and go but it is his photography that defines Andrew. and a real eye opener. No one really knew what to expect but the participants loved them. It certainly gave those with sight a new perspective on creativity as well as new skills all round.” Andrew’s top tips for those with an interest in blind photography: Travelling thousands of miles to exhibit his photographs has given Andrew the opportunity to explore parts of the UK and document his journey. Particular highlights for him have been the Scottish Highlands, York Minster and the industrial architecture in Bradford. He will be exhibiting photos from this trip when he returns to Melbourne, Australia. Just keep taking pictures – you might capture a gem. It’s not just a camera that he always has with him, however, but also one very special companion, his guide dog Eamon. “If it weren’t for guide dogs Victoria and Eamon, I wouldn’t be doing this, I’d be back at home doing nothing, making excuses not to go out.” Eamon is Andrew’s first guide dog and they are clearly devoted to each other; Andrew describes Eamon as “my soulmate”. Use technology to help you take pictures and manipulate the images. It took several months to organise Eamon’s international travel but Andrew says: “I wouldn’t have done the trip without him. The travel was a big challenge for both of us but Eamon was fantastic. I walked him round the cabin every two hours on the long flights and the cabin staff were brilliant with him.” Andrew and Eamon had to cope with different road and pavement layouts from those they are used to in Australia. To help them get around more easily, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Gavin Neate, from Guide Dogs’ local Mobility Team If you have a passion for it, go for it! Practice practice practice. Have fun. Talk to other people about it and use ‘YouTube’ to find out about and learn from other blind photographers. in Edinburgh, spent some time with them when they first arrived. Gavin explains: “Going to an unfamiliar area with different kerbs, crossings and extra crowds during the festival, was probably quite a shock for them. They both had to really concentrate but Andrew was very relaxed and Eamon is clearly a quality guide dog who adapted well.” Eamon has given Andrew the confidence to get out and go but it is his photography that defines Andrew. He says: “I’m a photographer first and a blind person second.” To see more of Andrew’s work, visit blinkiephotography.com.au. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 21 What’s on Your guide to upcoming events There will be hundreds of ‘Walk my Way’ themed events across the UK for our annual awareness and fundraising week. Some of these will be Go Walkies events – organise your own or join a walk at a fantastic venue such as the Beaulieu Motor Museum, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Battlefield 1403 in Shropshire, Stackpole Court in Pembrokeshire and Mote Park in Kent. Visit gowalkies.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 0845 600 6787 for details of Go Walkies during the week. We’ve highlighted just a few other fundraising and awarenessraising events planned for Guide Dogs Week on pages 16 and 17. Get inspiration for your own ‘Walk my Way’ event at guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek. Looking forward… 28 October: Bupa Great South Run, Portsmouth guidedogs.org.uk/ greatsouth. 6 and 7 November: Sight Village, Kensington Town Hall, London. 10 and 11 November: Discover Dogs, Earl’s Court, London. March 2013: Bath Half Marathon – Guide Dogs has guaranteed places. Visit guidedogs.org.uk/bath to find out more. April 2013: Sign up for the Virgin London Marathon – probably the world’s best! guidedogs.org.uk/london. 22 Visionary Conference This year’s annual Visionary Conference will be on 2 – 4 October at York University. The conference is billed as the must-attend event for those working for a sight loss charity in the UK. Visit visionary.org.uk to find out more. BBC Good Food Show: 28 November to 2 December For the first time ever, Guide Dogs will be at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham. We’ll be showcasing our sensory tunnel and visitors will have the opportunity to blind taste Thornton’s chocolates and get involved with other food related activities. Show visitors who leave their shopping at the shop and drop (a cloakroom for shopping) will be asked to give a donation for Guide Dogs. bbcgoodfoodshow.com QAC Sight Village, London: 6 and 7 November We will be demonstrating our work at the London exhibition of technology, equipment and support services for people who are blind or partially sighted – qac.ac.uk/sightvillage. Discover Dogs: 10 and 11 November Dog lovers can meet guide dogs and watch our demonstration at the Kennel Club’s autumn exhibition at Earl’s Court, where 26,000 visitors and 3,000 dogs will attend – discoverdogs.org.uk. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Letters Your letters Have you got any questions or comments for Forward? If so, write to [email protected] or to Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. VAT on food for guide dogs Guide dog owner Chris Sinclair from East Kilbride called to ask whether there’s any news on the campaign to stop VAT being charged on food for guide dogs. Chris initiated the campaign when he wrote to his local Minister for Scottish Parliament, Linda Fabiani. Reply from the editor: Thanks for asking, Chris, and I’ve heard that we’re still lobbying the Government on this important topic. We’ll have an update next year and will print the news when we can. A brace up the Ben A busy flood for Megan You printed an article about Team Travis Trek stating that Travis was the first guide dog to guide his owner to the summit of Ben Nevis. While not wishing to take anything away from Travis, this is not quite correct as my guide dog Lairg guided me up Ben Nevis on 6 June 2011 about two weeks before Travis. I only mention this because of my guide dog Lairg and what he achieved that day. Yours sincerely, Michael Hardwick and Lairg Here is a photo of chocolate Lab pup Megan being taken for a boat trip to do her ‘busy’ during some recent flooding. She travelled about 200 metres to dry ground (to the beach promenade no less). The kayak owner was just passing when I stopped him. Yours, Jean Benston, puppy walker Reply from the editor: Thanks for sending us the lovely photo and it looks like you had chilly conditions to contend with. A question on veterinary care Guide dog owner Mr B Stalley of Woking wrote to us to ask about side effects experienced by dogs from prescription medication after reading a recent media report. Reply from the editor: Guide Dogs takes the care of our dogs seriously and works closely with veterinary professionals who advise on treatment. If you have any questions about dog health, contact your vet. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 23 In good company A few examples of our corporate partners Specsavers We first worked with Specsavers in 2005 as their charity of the year, raising more than £175,000 via store fundraisers, eye test donations and the launch of boyband, All Eyes, and the release of a charity single, exclusively for Guide Dogs. The family run opticians reinstated the successful partnership in 2009, when Specsavers was celebrating its 25-year anniversary, pledging to raise £250,000 to fund 25 pups. Since then, staff members at Specsavers stores all over Britain and Northern Ireland have been doing their utmost to support Guide Dogs, both in-store and in their own time. Make every penny count with BT’s MyDonate Guide Dogs has teamed up with BT’s new MyDonate fundraising website, which is available at btplc.com/mydonate. The site is Guide Dogs’ exclusive online fundraising partner for Guide Dogs Week 2012 and it’s the first time we’ve gone into a partnership like this. Most other fundraising websites charge a small fee, commission or charge for collecting Gift Aid but BT funds the service out of its company profits, meaning that unlike other fundraising websites, charities receive every penny raised on MyDonate. Being backed by BT, it’s very secure too. Gareth Holmes, Guide Dogs’ Corporate Partnership Manager, who arranged the deal, said: “Unlike other fundraising websites, charities receive every penny raised on MyDonate, it’s just as easy to set up a page and gather donations from friends and family and it’s secure too. Not only this, but ‘Walk my Way’ fundraisers using the site can receive an extra five per cent if they use MyDonate.” Find out how to set up your page and start fundraising at btplc.com/ mydonate/findoutmore. 24 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Just a few examples of their fundraising are: in-store events with guests from Guide Dogs, selling toy pups, quiz nights, sports and challenge events and selling ‘Specs MOTs’. Specsavers also sponsored this year’s Guide Dog of the Year Awards and was a huge help in making the awards a resounding success. Morpeth guide dog owner, Patricia Rescignio told us how much she appreciated the staff in her local Specsavers store: “They’ve been outstanding in their support with collections in their shop, counter top boxes, and guess the name of the puppy, even a room for our equipment. They have been wonderful.” Keep an eye out in your local Specsavers store during Guide Dogs Week from 6 to 14 October. Special thanks Special thanks Surf safari in Northern Ireland Some of Northern Ireland’s more adventurous guide dog owners donned a wetsuit and took part in a sponsored surf-up at Benone beach on the north coast in July. We think this is the first time that guide dog owners have taken to the surf in Northern Ireland. Guide dog owner Brian McDonagh from Derry was one of those who braved the waves and said: “It was such an exhilarating experience to get out in the waves.” 40 years on foot Closer to home, the Havant Branch is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its ‘Walk for Guide Dogs’ with Bosmere Junior School on 7 October at 10.30am, starting at the Coastguard Station at Hayling Island. The branch takes the same walk every year. Since 1972, they have raised £62,894 from the walk and the school has named pups such as Tim, Spike and Irene over the years. Find out more from Ted Brigham at [email protected] or 023 92 797 177. Kenilworth’s Inner Wheel Surf’s up at Benone beach The ladies group raised an impressive £2,585 as a result of a talk from guide dog owner and former Guide Dogs Trustee David Mitchell, followed up by a tour of the National Breeding Centre. As a result of their fundraising, the ladies are planning to name a pup either ‘Sixer’ or ‘Wheeler’ after their Inner Wheel group. Cycling around the world In spring 2011, Forward featured couple Ryan Davis and Rebecca Holliday, who were in the middle of an epic cycling tour to New Zealand. They eventually arrived in March after travelling a gruelling 15,000 miles and raising £11,000 for Guide Dogs and the Amos Trust. Ryan and Bex in Australia Commenting on their feat, Rebecca said: “Probably the hardest thing for us was day one pedalling away from friends and family and into the unknown.” Read all about their adventure at worldcyclingtour.wordpress.com. Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 25 Thanks to our supporters Thanks to our supporters Thank you – I so often say these words to our volunteers and supporters that I find myself hoping that they never sound empty – you make all of our life-changing work possible. To make a difference to an organisation takes generosity and commitment. Thankfully our supporters and volunteers have an abundance of these qualities and it is for your generosity and commitment to helping us make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people that I am truly grateful. Director of Fundraising and Income Generation Colin and Grace Dresser from Stamford in Lincolnshire are to retire from puppy walking having cared for 38 guide dog puppies since 1968. The couple achieved Guide Dogs’ bronze, silver and gold awards for 300 months or more of puppy walking, and the pair are also founder members of the Stamford and District fundraising group. St Margaret’s Church Jane Brown Guide dog owner Jane Brown from Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, raised £1,244.50 by walking up five Wainwrights (hills more than 1,000 feet tall) in five days in the Lake District with friends. Jane said: “It was nice that so many friends decided to come and walk with us. Sometimes they had to get bossy with me to spur me on but hey, it worked!” Saffron Walden The congregation of St Margaret’s Church in Reydon, Suffolk, gave the Lowestoft Fundraising Group nearly £1,000 after selecting Guide Dogs as one of two charities of the year. Reverend Rich Henderson said: “It’s a joy to hand over the cheques to such deserving causes.” Plymouth Half Marathon runner, Jamie Harrison, raised £726.50 and finished the race in 1:53:57. Jamie chose Guide Dogs as his grandfather, Brian Harrison, is the owner of guide dog Webster. Saffron Walden Fundraising Group in Essex has raised £3,700 in its first year, and its members include Paul Atkins and his guide dog, Nessie. Paul and Nessie carried the Paralympic Torch before last month’s Paralympic Games after Paul was nominated to be a Torchbearer by Support 4 Sight, where he works. The charity said that Paul’s attitude embraces the true Paralympic spirit of working in and for a team. 26 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Thanks to our supporters Market Drayton and Whitchurch Group enjoyed a tramp’s supper, which raised £356. It was a lively evening with good food and drink, light entertainment and a competition for the most likely tramp, judged by the local town crier. The Group’s chairman was presented with a cheque for £500 from the Mayor’s Charity Fund. Colwyn Bay Rugby Club Sainsbury’s Warwick Branch Branches of Sainsbury’s supermarket in Warwick, Worcester, Loughborough and Deal have all made Guide Dogs their charity of the year. Collection boxes are already in place at the Warwick and Worcester branches, and arrangements will be made for mobile phone and printer ink cartridge recycling. The Coventry and Birmingham Mobility Teams will run My Guide training sessions at the supermarkets in their areas, so all staff can confidently assist blind and partially sighted shoppers. At the Deal branch, staff hope to raise the £5,000 target to name a puppy. Members of Colwyn Bay Rugby Club in North Wales presented Conwy Fundraising Group with a cheque for £1,000. Rugby club chairman Brian Roberts presented the donation to group organiser Sheila Bown, branch member Paul Bown, and local guide dog owner Rowena Breese with her guide dog, Ellie. 1st Ditchling Cubs For the second time in four years, the boys of First Ditchling Cubs in East Sussex undertook a sponsored walk up Ditchling Beacon for Guide Dogs, raising £777.20. The cubs presented their donation to local guide dog owner, Jackie Page, and her guide dog, Suzy. Westhoughton Carnival Westhoughton Carnival’s carnival queens collected £550 at the event in Greater Manchester. The girls enjoyed a tour around the Atherton Dog Training School as a thank you and presented their donation to Audrey McIlroy and guide dog puppy, Teal. Getting married? Why not order wedding favours from our Belfast Mobility Team? The team has already raised more than £1,000 this way. The favours come in the form of a Guide Dogs-themed pin badge and hand-crafted calligraphy name cards. Call 0845 3727 402 or email alison.bennett@ guidedogs.org.uk. Tony and Ruth Warrington Congratulations to the couple from Caldy, Merseyside, who have retired from puppy walking after an amazing 40 pups. Share your fundraising story with the Forward team! Send details of who, how, where, when and how much money was raised, with a daytime contact number, to forward@ guidedogs.org.uk or by post to Forward, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Berkshire, RG7 3YG. Don’t forget to send us your best photos! Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 27 Canine obituaries We’ll never forget If you would like to pay tribute to a guide dog you have known, please send your tribute (up to a maximum of 25 words) to forward@guidedogs. org.uk or to Forward at Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. If you are a guide dog owner, current or retired, and you want to talk to a trained listener, who is also a guide dog owner, about the experience of losing your dog, call the STEP line on 0845 372 7474 between 4pm – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 9pm at weekends. Amara 11.3.02 – 13.3.12 Beloved guide dog to Lisa Kennet (Dainton). Put to sleep due to short illness. We were together right until the end. Missed so much by so many. Amber 4.2.02 – 18.7.12 Not just a guide dog to Jonathan but a family friend. Retired to Margaret and Guy, to whom she so endeared herself, and is now sadly missed. Anabel 12.4.96 – 15.11.11 Beloved guide to Katie Thole, retired to Pat and Ray Bawden. Our dearly loved Ana, our angel is watching over two lost souls. Baloo 13.11.98 – 19.4.12 Wonderful companion, Amara 28 Amber friend to V and G Stokes. Retired after fireworks thrown when walking with a potential guide dog owner. Sadly missed forever, faithful to the end. Barney 5.10.99 – 11.5.12 Former guide dog to Paul Johnson: Sleep well my chocolate boy. Brewster 21.5.01 – 18.5.12 Farewell to our loving, faithful and trusted family member Brewster. Maria, AnneMarie, Callum, Peter and Derek Hackett. Cresta 23.5.00 – 8.6.12 Guide to Caroline Ferguson, puppy walked by Mrs Wood. Beautiful inside and out, mum and dad will miss you so very much. Anabel Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Dale (the Colonel) 21.12.98 – 13.6.12 Much loved by all privileged to meet him, a priceless companion and guide to Reg White for the past ten years, never to be forgotten. Ebony 25.6.97 – 27.6.12 Born to us and returned to us to become a devoted mum to 39 pups. You gave us so much for 15 wonderful years. Sleep tight. Faldo 23.12.98 – 27.6.12 Hello Faldo my precious old lad, your time has run and it’s so sad, but memories are bound for us all to share, you never died, you’ll always be there. Fred 27.1.97 – 24.3.12 Guide and best friend to Tom Critchlow. Retired to Noreen and John Cotton. Everyone who met Fred loved him. We miss him so very much. Gyp 26.8.97 – 4.5.12 I hope there is a beach in heaven because our Best Boy lives there now. Guide to Joe Webster, retired to the Albutt family and partner in crime with Millie. Brewster Cresta Hanna 27.10.95 – 21.7.10 and Gabby 8.1.98 – 20.7.12 Both retired and rehomed with Margaret and Peter Graham. Both loved by everyone and are so sadly missed. Sleep and rest well my lovely girls. Hogan 24.4.00 – 14.7.12 Rest peacefully my friend Hogie Bear, sadly missed by all the family. Illis 29.8.97 – 6.7.12 Illis retired to Mrs Marsden of Worsley, then to the Whyatt family of Bury. The perfect gentleman, right to the end. Well done Illis. Ingram 30.5.98 – 13.7.12 A legend in Swanage, devoted dog to Margaret Hill, sadly missed by Mum and sister Christine, adapted to all my needs, love you forever. Imogen (Immy) 6.3.1999 – 1.5.2012 Our beautiful, placid, playful girl, gone, but always in our hearts, the day we adopted you, it was happiest day! You made our family complete. Ebony Faldo We’ll never forget Fred Gyp Jane 1.12.99 – 21. 7.12 Originally named Jean, rehomed to the Lancasters. She was a real ‘princess’ and brought us much happiness. She will live in our hearts forever. Keaton 15.2.97 – 21.6.12 A kind, gentle, loving, fun loving boy who will leave a big empty space in my life. He was guide to George Platechy and retired to Mary Fuller. Luke 3.9.97 – 19.4.12 We will miss you, our big boy. All our love Mum and Dad. Xx Major 1.3.02 – 30.3.12 Guide to David Nicholson, then Charlotte Bennie. Retired to his puppy walker, Helen Low and family. A true gentleman! Much loved, much missed, Floory Tail. Minnie 6.9.01 – 17.11.11 Guide, friend, companion and playmate to Libby, Chris, family and all her friends. Loved and missed so very much. Thanks to Jane, Phil and Eve. Keaton Luke Hanna Illis Morgan 2.8.02 – 18.6.12 Our handsome boy, love and miss you forever. All our love Pam, Bill and current guide dog Felicity. Nora 23.12.03 – 27.3.12 Nora was more than just a guide dog, she gave me freedom and protection. She was loving and gentle and part of my family. Norman 25.6.12 Guide to Phil and Alice Bennet for nine-anda-half years. Thanks to Valerie Long, Lynne Lodge and rehomers Christine and Ian Crewe. Imogen Ingram beautiful girl, so loving and conscientious, she will be sadly missed. We would like to thank Honor and John Gorse for giving her a loving and caring retirement home. Quiz 1.12.00 – 6.7.12 Second guide to Ann Nicholls, trained by Phil Brocklehurst. A gentle, sensitive, loyal dog, excellent in all aspects of her work. My clever little Muffin. Robbie Thank you for years of love and happiness. M Hyslop. Ruth 6.99 – 5.12 Orla 20.11.97 – 5.5.12 Faithful guiding partner Trusted guide to Derise, to John Claricoat puppy walked by Mrs and recently beloved Clare. Thank you Orla. companion in You saw me through the retirement to June and hardest times. So loved David. She brought and missed. Run free many hours of love and my darling girl. joy to our lives. Quella 6.8.96 – 2.4.12 Wonderful mum to 18 pups. A gentle, loyal friend and companion to Jane Knifton. Loved by many, will never be forgotten. Questa 28.2.97 – 5.1.12 Retired guide dog to Steven Hicks. She was a Major Minnie Sabin 20.6.04 – 31.7.12 Thank you Sabin for all you did for me. We miss you so much, you brought freedom, fun and lots of joy. Sally 3.4.99 – 8.5.12 Puppy walked by Chris Ramsden, guide to Mary Grimwood and Quella Quiz Jane Jean retired to the King family. You brought joy into our lives. Have fun in doggie heaven. Simba 30.3.01 – 11.6.12 Guide to Geoff Hodges and much loved by wife Sheila. Retired to Margaret Campell. Greatly loved and missed by Jan and Del Badham. Run free now my beautiful boy. Simon 11.11.99 – 24.7.12 Simon will always be in our hearts. He was a gentle, loyal companion and we spent many happy hours together. We will never forget him. Taska 12.3.05 – 29.7.11 Rehomed in training, returned to his puppy walker Margaret McCreadie. Loved and missed so much by Margaret, David, and dogs Murphy and Travis. Teasel 20.2.03 – 11.5.12 Guide dog to William Neil, retired to her puppy walkers Malc and Sue Holmes. A special friend much loved and missed by all. Robbie Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 29 Canine obituaries Sabin Sally Tuppence 27.4.98 – 11. 6.12 First guide dog to Janet Mitchell. Faithful companion and great character and missed by all who knew her. Velma 22.10.00 – 25.6.12 Guide and friend to Tammy Sykes, puppy walked by Pauline Delaney, retired to Gerry Morin. We went Simba Taska everywhere together, Vel. You are very sorely missed. Vanda 3.9.99 – 23.2.12 Guide to Elizabeth Chisholm, puppy walked by Margaret and Ricky, retired to Maureen and George. Special lady, wonderful guide, loved by all. Sweet dreams, Vanda. Odine June 1997 – March 2012 Odine was the devoted, loving and faithful guide dog to the late Betty Blundell. The pair enjoyed a seven year partnership together but sadly when Betty developed bowel and liver cancer in 2005, she was forced to make the difficult decision to give up her guide dog. Retirement for Odine came earlier than for most guide dogs but Betty was safe in the knowledge that her beloved guide was going to a safe home with her friends Katrina and Stuart. Betty’s husband Ron explained: “Betty and Odine were a brilliant match from day one. Betty worked at Green Flag Car Rescue on the switchboard at the time and the whole office was delighted to have Odine on board. They made her feel right at home by having a bed and toys scattered all over the place. “Odine wasn’t shy of a bit of limelight either and once appeared on television for Radio Leeds as they promoted their “Pound for a Pup” campaign in aid of Guide Dogs. She really did have the patience of a saint and would happily help with fundraising at any given opportunity. “Betty and Odine were such a great partnership. 30 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Teasel Velma Vinny 12.5.00 – 23.5.12 Puppy walked by Bev Workman, guide to Mrs Moat, retired to Anne Hennessy. Mentored many puppies, especially Woody and Nessie. Much loved and sorely missed. Zea 30.4.08 - 10.3.12 Guide to Enid Maxwell. Sadly missed but never forgotten. Vinny Zena 04.8.97 – 12.3.12 Guide to the late Gill Townend. Retired to Lindsay and Christine Ferris. Six years of unbridled joy. Much loved gentle precious angel, reunited with Gill in heaven. Zena Odine was quite simply a breath of life for Betty and was always the life and soul of the party when her harness came off, she would eat anything! “Odine was the most wonderful dog, so friendly and a brilliant ambassador for Guide Dogs. Without her Betty wouldn’t have had the life she had. The kids and I can only thank her for everything she did.” Make a tribute online If you would like your dog’s name to appear in our ‘Paws for Thought’ Online Memorial Book, please contact the Gifts in Memory team on 0845 603 1477, email [email protected] or visit giftsinmemory.org.uk. Our dogs may be honoured with a complimentary listing of their name to commemorate them. New partnerships Congratulations to our new partnerships We’ve updated our new partnerships listing to reflect the new Mobility Teams for this edition and you’ll find new partnerships listed in the order of owner, dog, town, breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Here’s wishing a warm congratulations to all our new qualifiers. Belfast Joseph Deery & Fabian from Belfast GRxFCR, G Simpson from Forfar • Carol Evans from Stourbridge Patricia Evans & Hester from Lack LxGR, Catherine Garland from Tillicoultry • Joy Dickinson from Abingdon Colm Glover & Jay from Belfast GRxGSD, Catriona Addy from Linlithgow • Julia Evans from Bromsgrove Brian Henning & Barony from Bangor GRxL, Ailsa Peck from Peebles • Jacki Boyle from Telford Birmingham Catherine Susan Aston & Jacob from Birmingham GRxL, Mary Leckie from Glasgow • Mr & Mrs Gowling from Coventry Mary Bowen & Shelly from Kidderminster Key: x – Crossbreed CCR – Curly Coat Retriever GRxL, Sophie Preston from Milton Keynes • Jacki Boyle from Telford Simon Dowling & Frazzle from Birmingham GRxL, Mr & Mrs Breckenridge from Solihull • Jane Cromack from Stratfordupon-Avon Peter Mason & Elsa from Pershore LxGR, Hilary Reed from Westbury • J Roberts from Brackley Vivienne Timbrell & Jemma from Cheltenham GRxL Cardiff Lesley Hingley & Cabot from Swansea L, Reginald Webb from Paignton, Valerie Lurcock from Newton Abbot, R Scott from Newton Abbot • Suzanne Boggan from Leamington Spa Dilys Grant & Minnie from Pembrokeshire GRxL, Tracey Hope from COL – Collie FCR – Flat Coat Retriever GR – Golden Retriever Meet Rae and Zaide Rae MacDonald from Glasgow qualified with her first guide dog, Labrador retriever cross Zaide, in January after deciding to apply for a guide dog the previous March. “I heard a speaker in March last year and when she talked about the sort of person who applies for a guide dog, I thought: ‘that’s me’. I’d become a creature of habit and went to the same places all the time. “I have diabetic retinopathy, which means my eyesight fluctuates and I don’t know what I’ll see on any day. This means Zaide and I have to take each day as it comes as every day is different.” Rae works for sight loss charity Visibility: “I’m a Community Development Worker, which involves coordinating events and facilitating meetings. This means I need to get out and about and Zaide is brilliant. He loves to go to new places and meet people, which I do for work and in my spare time. I was just in Manchester meeting friends last weekend and it would have been hard without Zaide. He’s brilliant, a great big gentle sop. Zaide was puppy walked by Lesley Newberry. GSD – German Shepherd Dog IWS – Irish Water Spaniel L – Labrador SPIN – Spinone STP – Standard Poodle Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 31 New Partnerships Birmingham • William Kelso from Alcester Marleen Hall & Daniel from Tredegar GRxL, Gargi Rawat from Coventry, Susan Curry from Birmingham • Adele Sullivan from Banbury John Hawkes & Ailsa from Ceredigion L, Sue Robinson from Worcester • Sue Robinson from Worcester Douglas Morgan & Hanson from Blackwood LxGR, Hazel Allen from Birmingham • RC Soley from Redditch Daniel Taylor & Smeaton from Cardiff LxGR, Janet Steyn from Plymouth • Elizabeth Morris from Tamworth Coventry Josephine Bricknell & Kate from Nuneaton GRxL, Timothy Tasker from Rugby • Christina Bloxham from Worcester Susan Burton & Witney from Coventry GRxL, Jenny Hopkins from Clevedon • Anne-Marie Sparks from Southam Margaret Almey & Jimmy from Leicester LxGR, Elaine Hooton from Hinckley • Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove GRxL, John Marchant from Milton Keynes, Kat Ramos from Warwick • John Marchant from Milton Keynes Brian Cooper & Mojo from Coalville GRxL, Canon Phil Metcalf from Gloucester • Cath Pedreschi from Evesham Eleanor Clark & Yoko from Kirkcaldy L, Debbie Horne from Selkirk • Mr & Mrs Bedding from Southam Phillip Cusker & Bonny from Daventry GRxL, Julie Ridge from Abingdon • Paula Ross from Southam Mike Duxbury & Jamie from Towcester GRxGSD, W Whiller from Plymouth • Julia Evans from Bromsgrove John Higgs & Edward from Leicester GR, Joanne Turnbull from Nuneaton Sarah Leadbetter & Kiki from Leicester LxGR, Anthony Stobart from Solihull • Sylvia Burgess from Buckingham Tom Maley & Zola from Loughborough LxGR, Jane Gunton from Rugby • Carol McAteer from Stourbridge Andrew Siddons & Kiera from Leicester Edinburgh Angie Dalgarno & Adam from Aberdeen L, Anna Stephenson and Mr Glen Chapman from Dunfermline • Sandra Hoffman from Coventry Steven Fettes & Prince from Aberdeen LxGR, Shelagh Davidson from Burntisland • Lynne Marie May from Northampton Kathleen Williams & Layla from Turriff GR, Margaret Kidd from Glasgow • Amanda Baulch from Rugby Kim Clancy Hodges & Roscoe from Edinburgh L Craig Blackbird & Commando from Houghton-le-Spring GRxL, Lisa Hilditch from Blairgowrie • Michelle Murphy from Leicester Sheila Brennan & Neil from Newcastle-uponTyne L, Heather Reid from Perth • Mr & Mrs Davies from Telford Debbie Clark & Cherry from Dunfermline GR, Elizabeth Gilbert from Banchory, Mr & Mrs Munro from Stonehaven • Joy Dickinson from Abingdon Bruce Cruickshank & Quaver from Cullen LxGR, David Alexander 32 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Smith from Bridge Of Don • Elizabeth Morris from Tamworth Michael Hatton & Jason from Denny LxGR, Mr & Mrs Begg from Dundee • Tracey Wilkinson from Telford Janette Hayworth & Yolanda from Aberdeen GRxL, Bea Gray from Carluke, Valerie Thomson from Irvine, Aileen Kerr from Troon • Robert Walpole from Cirencester David Russell Hynd & Faldo from Alloa GSD, Alan Smith from Longniddry • Amanda Turner from Shrewsbury John Alistair Lyle & Bart from Crieff GRxL, Mr & Mrs Taylor from Forfar • John Smith from Sutton Coldfield Monica McGill & Waffle from Linlithgow GRxL, Margaret Purdy from Belfast, Ricky Flanagan from Belfast • Natasha Brady from Northampton James McQueen & Olive from Glasgow GRxL, Kathryn O’Neill from County Antrim • Eve Smith from Tanworth In Arden Doctor Derek Naysmith & Vesper from Edinburgh GSD, Jess Black from Dunfermline • Christine Williams from Halesowen Exeter Chris Atkins & Heidi from Wellington GRxL, Elizabeth Walker from Yarm • Debra Williams from Melton Mowbray Congratulations George Beadle & Mika from Penzance GRxL, Graeme Morton from Broadway • William Kelso from Alcester Robert Boon & Wag from Torquay L, Jane Scott from Hinckley • Gordon Macrae from Over Norton Barry Butt & Niall from Exeter GRxL, P Mason from Paignton, Christine Short from Paignton • David & Dawn Herbert from Leamington Spa Diane Cram & Farah from Exeter GSD, Susan Burge from WestonSuper-Mare, Sheena Kemp from Coventry, Angela Cutter from Solihull • Amanda Turner from Shrewsbury David Gailey & Legend from Exmouth L, George McCaffery from Corsham • Mr & Mrs Straker from Stratfordupon-Avon Mark Hunter & Rowan from St Austell LxGR, Margaret Lee from Tewkesbury • Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Alexander William Kennard & Benson from Bristol GRxL, B Jones from Bridgwater • Linda Sheehan from Sutton Coldfield Mandy Palmer & Harmony from Bristol GRxL, Patricia Revell from Solihull • Debra Williams from Melton Mowbray Claire Rogers & Muffet from Newquay GRxL, Lee Blanning from Torfaen • Sandra Sweetland from Stratford-upon-Avon Katherine Vickery & Vikki from Yeovil L, Graham & Mary Moorcroft from Derby • Brian Green from Birmingham Thelma Wakely & Scooby from Barnstaple GRxL, Norah Clarke from Porthcawl • Suzanne Jarvis from Wolverhampton Sally Waters & Julia from Bristol GRxGSD, Severine Godson from Banbury • Julia Evans from Bromsgrove Martin Wright & Bertie from Exmouth GR, Vivien Marie Blenkinsop from Harrogate Rodney [Rod] Wright & Zip from Bideford L, Janet Boswell from Llantwit Major • Y Dillon from Warwick Glasgow Joyce Burnie & Oscar from Glasgow L, Amanda Henderson from Bonnyrigg, Alastair & Isobel Robson from Dunfermline • Jeanette Hannon from Oldbury Jimmy Coats & Kevin from Renfrewshire GRxL, Nicola Hurst from Dalgety Bay, Raymond Charles Borley from Perth • John Marchant from Milton Keynes Eric Crawford & Neena from Inverness GRxL, Jim Gallagher from Belfast, Sandra Bourassa from Antrim, Maura Elliott from Belfast, Lena Reid from Newtownabbey Scott Cunningham & Milo from Larkhall L, Grant & Ailsa Armstrong from Perth • Gordon Macrae from Over Norton Arnie from Hull GRxFCR, A Brown from South Shields • Julia Evans from Bromsgrove James Macdougall & Cujo from Glasgow L, Doreen Stone from Glasgow, Cathy & Bill Steel from Kilmarnock • Karen Robbens from Leamington Spa Gail Dean & Denzel from Selby GRxL, Alice and James Tosh from Aberdeen • Mr & Mrs Lockley from Leamington Spa Sinead McFarlane & Ike from Tain, Ross-Shire L, Ashley Gray from Tranent, Felicity Stanley from Falkirk, Mr & Mrs Bumpass from Newporton-Tay • Sarah Mitchell from Stratford-uponAvon Janina Maria McIntosh & Ivy from Newtyle L, Hazel Rennie Hope from Inverurie • Rachel Cutler from Rugby Aileen Mitchell & Kris from Stevenston GRxL, Kathleen Mary Coull from Montrose • Linda Morris from Stratfordupon-Avon Gilbert Neil & Harry from Kilmarnock LxGR, Dennis Nicol from Aberdeen, Mr & Mrs Corse from Laurencekirk • Gwen Cheyney from Southam William Renfrew & Freddie from Paisley LxGR, Diane & Mark Turberfield from Montrose • Rachel Leason from Banbury Elizabeth Turner & Ingrid from Croy, Inverness L, Patricia Ann Willox from Peterhead • Rachel Cutler from Rugby Hull Robert Burnham & Mary Grainger & Lynne from York L, Stewart Barratt from Derby • Shirley Birkbeck from Susan Hodson & Tiffy from Louth GRxL, Sheila Etchells from Macclesfield • John Marchant from Milton Keynes Graham Philip Longly & Wilber from York LxGR, Shirley Ann Charlesworth from Nottingham • Tracey Wilkinson from Telford Suzanne Rawlings & Carlton from Skegness L, Elaine Kemp from Blackburn Claire Underwood & Fitz from Spalding GRxL, Wendy Jackson from Bury, Lynda Hamblet from Bolton • Jane Cromack from Stratfordupon-Avon Derek Wardle & Kibo from Bridlington GRxL, Lynne Hampson from Fleetwood • John Marchant from Milton Keynes Leeds Pamela Curley & Pepper from Thirsk LxGR, Linda Meredith from Littleborough • Gerald Lewis from Leamington Spa Hayley Day & Abbie Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 33 New partnerships from Harrogate GRxGSD, B Mattinson from Pickering • Anne Cadwallader from Southam Ann Haley Brown & Folly from Keighley GRxFCR, Mr & Mrs Bell from Leyburn • Carol Evans from Stourbridge Anna Messruther & Austin from Scarborough GRxGSD, Jean Endersby from Leeds, Amanda Anderson from Skipton • Anne Cadwallader from Southam Darren Scott & Sherri from Whitby LxGR, David John Laverick from York • Gwen Cheyney from Southam Samantha Smith & Lorna from Sheffield GSD, Rita Farnsworth from Keighley, Jan Harker from Newcastle-uponTyne • Trudy Evans from Coventry Tammy Sykes & Jumble from Leeds L, Ann Price from Chester, P Hill from Bolton • Sheila Higgins from Milton Keynes Liverpool Bernard Meehan & Byron from St Helens GR, Joan Jones from Altrincham • Amanda Baulch from Rugby Daniel Atkin & Rea from Northwich LxGR, Christine Crocket from Oxenhope • Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Samantha Bate-Johnson & Rosie from Southport GRxL, Vincent Joseph Thorpe from Wakefield • Helen Easty from 34 Kettering Leslie Clarke & Rubie from Bromborough LxGR, Susan Wilks from Prescot • Rita Tongue from Shipston-on-Stour Marsha Corper & Quinney from Wirral GR, Julie Jones from York • Janet Evans from Warwick Dawn Gerrard & Kerry from Runcorn GRxL, Ellen Keane from Wigan • Sandra Sweetland from Stratford-uponAvon Andrew Graham & Ozzie from Wallasey L, Bruce Thomas Lunt from Macclesfield • Jeanette Hannon from Oldbury June Jarvis & Phoenix from Chester L, Elizabeth Ellis Churchill from Leeds • Mr & Mrs Bedding from Southam Jayne Massey & Witney from Liverpool GRxL, Lynda Keeley from Chorley • Natasha Brady from Northampton Jim Moran & Carlton from Liverpool L, Mr & Mrs Pate from Chester • Karen Robbens from Leamington Spa London Malcolm Matthews & Parky from London L, Sue Fletcher from Sheffield • Andrew Starr from Daventry Maureen Sandeford & Otto from Orpington L, Liesl Hadley from Chelmsford • Jeanette Hannon from Oldbury Louise Skinner & Teddy Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 from Bromley GRxL, Sarah Butler from Leighton Buzzard, Margaret Smith from Arlesey • Sheila Coton from Birmingham Stephen Steppens & Owen from London L, Mark Trezise from Dorking • Jeanette Hannon from Oldbury Janet Adams & Kingston from Enfield L, Ellen Young from Basingstoke • David Yarwood from Birmingham Annette Emerson & Marley from Ruislip L, Charles Robert Holland from Doncaster • Sarah Mitchell from Stratfordupon-Avon Gardia Howell & Pebble from Ilford LxGR, Margaret Jones from Witham • Gerald Lewis from Leamington Spa Brian Johnson & Bonham from London GSD, Elaine Cole from Colchester • Angela Stocks from Leicester Alex Turner & Westley from Hornchurch GRxL, Fran Taylor from Tonbridge, Jeanne Harrall from Swanley • Marie-Claire Montgomery from Leamington Spa Claire Vickers & Ice from Edgware L, Claire Gomersall from Swindon, Wendy Terry from Hungerford, Ann Bradford from Fleet • Rachel Cutler from Rugby Andrew Summers & Jasper from Dagenham L, Frank Rogan from Crook • Barbara Wilkinson from Pershore Maidstone Ian Allaway & Freya from Farnham GSD, Susan Wilks from Slough • Carla Nieuwenhuizen from Banbury Sheila Burley & Zara from Whitstable GRxL, Susan Potter from Peterborough • Clare Turton from Solihull Giles Carrington & Smokey from Eastbourne GRxL, C Greenwood from Doncaster • Kelly Withers from Walsall Robert Keen & Zeppelin from Hastings LxGR, Elaine Cole from Colchester • S Priestman from Rushden Beth Walton & Breeze from Tenterden GR, Nickie Jeffery from Tring • Alison Morton from Leamington Spa Manchester William Allott & Laddie from Burnley GRxL, Kathleen Allison from Preston • Natasha Brady from Emberton Peter Slater & Mercer from Manchester GSD, Debbie Williamson from Glasgow • Donna Morris from Telford Christine Coucill & Autumn from Bolton GRxL, Brenda Abson from Rotherham • Rachel Davis from Kettering Derek Cunliffe & Zodiac from Wigan GRxL, Sheila Towler from Todmorden • Clare Turton from Solihull Congratulations Michelle Fryer & Sally from Accrington GRxL, Lesley Heal from Crewe • Jacki Boyle from Telford Colin James Glover & Iggy from Poulton-leFylde GSD, Jill Clyde from Sheffield • Tracey Martin from Stourbridge Pam Hackett & Maple from Altrincham LxGR, Jean Barber from Thornton-Cleveleys • Paula McLean from Warwick Joan Mee & Russell from Leigh LxGR, Alison Lees from Alderley Edge • Katherine Baker from Mitcheldean Karen Monks & Sky from Bolton GRxL, Diane Johnson from Wirral • Kelly Withers from Walsall Newcastle David Allen & Winnie from Consett GRxL, Liz Jones from Aboyne • Natasha Brady from Northampton Ashley Carruthers & Elvis from Workington GRxL, Rachael Cumming from Brechin • Catherine Gray from Brackley Beth Dawes & Anne from Wallsend GRxGSD, Bryan & Heather Knight from Carnoustie • Anne Cadwallader from Southam Paul Matheson & Nala from Newcastle LxGR, Patricia Clarke from Inverurie • Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Albert Veitch & Logan from Newcastle-uponTyne LxGR, Carol & David Greer from Kirkcaldy • Erica Dowse from Coventry Nottingham Sarah Johnson & Ester from Derby GRxFCR, David & Patricia Selwood from Sheffield • Mr & Mrs Rogers from Bromsgrove Darren Furness & Jenkins from Sheffield GRxL, Derrick Harding from Wirral • Christina Bloxham from Worcester Jean Reid & Ishka from Chesterfield GRxL, Anne Julie Macleod from Douglas • Lyn Shaw from Redditch Kevin Robinson & Danny from Sheffield L, Guy William Cresswell from Clwyd, Lynda Dodds from Chester • Ellen Summerton from Leamington Spa Simon Wheatcroft & Ascot from Doncaster L, Janice Wild from Bolton • Mary Lawrence from Kidderminster Cherie White & Caddy from Barnsley GRxL, Marian Boyden from Richmond • JL Wassell from Warwick Peterborough Harry Vaughn & Kasper from Huntingdon GR, Sheila Marven from St Albans • Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent Linda Ann Norbury & Jake from Manchester GRxL, Mr & Mrs Maull from Wirral, Janet McCalmont from Runcorn • Mr & Mrs Gowling from Coventry Paul Oultram & Vinnie from Manchester LxGR, Louise McLoughlin from Mere • S Sager from Leamington Spa June Sanderson & Zest from Douglas L, Denise Elaine Robinson from Timperley, Julia Waxman from Altrincham • Y Dillon from Warwick Michelle Tomlinson & Millie from Blackpool L, Norma Karen Harrison from Malton • Sarah Mitchell from Stratfordupon-Avon Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 35 New partnerships Peter Bayman & Tyson from Beccles L, Richard Bailey from Southampton • Sarah Mitchell from Stratfordupon-Avon Pauline Brown & Jasper from Cambridge GRxL, Myrtle Pacey from Bridport • Natasha Brady from Northampton Dorothy Burke & Maggie from Sheringham GRxL, Sue Odell from Reading • William Kelso from Alcester Annabel Clifton & Page from Norwich LxGR, Carol Haynes from Worthing • Gwen Cheyney from Southam Colin Daniels & Finch from Aylsham GSD, Fran Dawson from Cambridge • Carla Nieuwenhuizen from Banbury Lisa Dickman & Bobby from Peterborough GRxL, Lisa Rooney from Andover, Sheila Wright from Andover • Sandra Sweetland from Stratford-upon-Avon Grayham ForsytheFields & Hugo from Norwich GSD, Mr & Mrs Begg from Dundee • Donna Morris from Telford Amy Ottaway & Abba from Norwich GRxGSD, Sue Langdon from Longfield • Anne Cadwallader from Southam Marcus Rawlings & Janson from Peterborough L, Jackie Gardner from Potters Bar • Dianne Merker 36 from Malvern Tony Scales & Tommy from Great Yarmouth L, Sheila Marven from St Albans • Rosemarie Naylor from Evesham George Theobald & Buster from Norwich GRxL, Julia Marshall from Southampton • John Smith from Sutton Coldfield Claire Wilson & April from Cambridge GRxGSD, Joan Hattersley from Leatherhead • Anne Cadwallader from Southam Reading John Bates & Emily from Guildford GRxL, Myra Wilson from Ashford, Patricia Twite from Chelmsford • Vanessa Jones from Rugby David Best & Pippa from Brighton GRxL, Lorraine Kennedy from Banstead • Eve Smith from Tanworth In Arden Lian Brock & Penny from Carshalton GRxL, Jackie Gardner from Potters Bar • Jacki Boyle from Telford Harry Crawford & Ronnie from Hove L, Sarah Barnes from Maldon • Ellen Summerton from Leamington Spa Robert Darney & Nell from Worthing LxCCR, Brenda Martin from Bexleyheath • Janet Court from Birmingham Janet Dunn & Rum from Crawley GR, Richard Gregory from London • Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 Rita Greenwood & Doris from Oxted LxGR, Janice Burn from Wokingham • Sharon Pogson from Bromsgrove Derek Hackett & Luka from Staines LxGR, Patricia Walsh from Colchester • Erica Dowse from Coventry Annette Hornsby & Pepsi from Oxford GRxL, Lesley Warren from Basildon • Janice Briggs from Leamington Spa Cheryl Jarvis & Kalie from Hailsham L, Brenda Martin from Bexleyheath • Terri Chambers from Redditch Maria Ryan & Tex from Didcot L, Collette Deane from Swindon, Barbara Clark from Malmesbury, Linda Bonnar from Cirencester • Mr & Mrs Phipps from Lechlade Keith Turner & Eva from Brighton GRxL, Andrea Humphries from Gillingham, Karl Jastrzebski from London • Catherine Gray from Brackley Shrewsbury Dale Brudenall & Ezra from Wolverhampton L, Shirley Burns from Plymouth, Michelle Bloomfield from Plymouth, Jean Heaton from Buckfastleigh • E Hickman from Birmingham Alistair Dunbar & Teresa from Willenhall LxGR, Chris Wooldridge from Droitwich • Nick Hanson from Coventry Mark Gaffey & Rodd from Newcastle Under Lyme GRxL, Susan Philpott from Dudley • JL Wassell from Warwick Paul Gough & Lilly from Cheadle GRxL, Susan Bunney from Pontypridd • Margaret Buckingham from Warwick Claire Johnson & Venice from Stoke-on-Trent GRxL, Pauline Ellis from Kineton • Jacki Boyle from Telford Rita Nicholls & Charlie from Wolverhampton GRxL, Sally Hough from Kingswinford • Jeanette Piggins from Southam Alan Silvester & Pirate from Telford GRxL, Alison Bamford-Elsdon from Newton Abbot • Janette Baines from Burton-on-Trent Doctor Denham Wright & Zeus from Wolverhampton GRxL, Gillian Ashworth from Weston-Super-Mare, Janet Colley from Bristol • Clare Turton from Solihull Southampton Carol Anne Todd & Flora from Gosport LxGR, Julie Trent from Leicester • Pam Kimmins from Birmingham Antony Catt & Weston from Aldershot L, Colin Carn from Plymouth • Ruth Philpott from Malvern Gladys Clowes & Wendy from Farnborough GRxL, Daphne Barfoot from Belfast • Anne-Marie Sparks from Southam Congratulations Philip Pearce & Arty from Sherborne LxGR, Tom Brooks from Tewkesbury • Carol McAteer from Stourbridge Jo-Anna Speer & Bess from Dorchester LxGR, Simon Cowley from Penarth • DM Field from Warwick Danielle Thomas & Neisha from Portsmouth L, Andrew Massey from Solihull • Pat Stafford from Calverton Ian Weston & Charlie from Basingstoke L, Natalie James from Dudley, Michelle Cooke from Milton Keynes • Karen Robbens from Leamington Spa Rachel Tudor & Zoe from Portsmouth LxGR, Patricia Bryant from Bristol • Carol McAteer from Stourbridge Ronald Nightingale & Lennie from Southampton GRxL, Peter Lester from Balsall Common • Mr & Mrs Hanson from Coventry Alan Sloman & Geraldine from Petersfield GRxL, Hilary Reed from Westbury • Cath Pedreschi from Evesham Henry Hugo Williams & Marston from Southampton GRxL, John Hope from Gloucester • Natasha Brady from Northampton Welwyn Garden City Derek Batt & Lucas from Hemel Hempstead LxGR, Olivia Claire Elizabeth Bamlett from Wollaton • Erica Dowse from Coventry Lisa Burgess & Kassie from Southend-on-Sea GRxL, Victoria Upton from Basildon • Linda Morris from Stratfordupon-Avon Margaret Clarke & Marston from Stevenage L, Tracey Williams from Swindon • Mr & Mrs Davies from Telford Jessica Collett & Tara from Luton GRxL, Tom Coy from London • Sheila Coton from Birmingham John Cooper & Andy from Borehamwood GRxL, Patricia Brown from Dundee, Moira Davidson from Aberdeen • Valerie Veness from Sutton Coldfield Christopher Croft & Murdoch from Leighton Buzzard GRxL, Monica Easton from Reading • John Smith from Sutton Coldfield Kaye Embery & Hendrix from Basildon L, Michele Green from Billericay • Sheila Higgins from Milton Keynes Tim Seaton & Kelly from Hatfield GRxL, Gillian Martin from Luton • Christina Bloxham from Worcester Anthony Sharp & Gibbs from Ilford L, Brenda Weaver from Brentwood Kevin Weaver & Tel from Leigh On Sea L, John & Margaret Gibb from Aberdeen • Margaret Ann Cotton from Oswestry Graham Woodward & Purdey from Chelmsford GRxL, Alistair Sams from Harwich • Jeanette Piggins from Southam Breeding Stock Bess • 20.04.12 • L • Bitch • Mrs E Roberts from Stourbridge • Mr & Mrs W Wilson from Kinross Chloe • 20.04.12 • GRxFCR • Bitch • Mr & Mrs Rogers from Bromsgrove • Mrs J Mundell Perkins from Oxford Jaego • 09.05.12 • GSD • Stud • Outside Bred • Mr P Bowers from Stokeon-Trent Jinty • 20.04.12 • GR • Stud • Mrs J Bartlett from Rugby • Mr & Mrs Hopcroft from ThorntonCleveleys Josey • 20.04.12 • GR • Bitch • Mrs J Bartlett from Rugby • Mrs D Milligan from Clitheroe Kea • 11.05.12 • GR • Stud • Mrs J Bartlett from Rugby • Mr PL Condie from Edinburgh Rilla • 25.05.12 • L • Bitch • Mrs C Blaver from Northampton • Mr DM Logan from Aberdeen Sellers • 09.05.12 • GR • Stud • Mr D Thorold from Telford • Mrs B Gray from Carluke Mrs M Cain from Largs Spangle • 20.04.12 • GRxFCR • Bitch • Mr & Mrs Rogers from Bromsgrove • Mrs J Parker from Warwick Syd • 11.05.12 • GR • Stud • Mr D Thorold from Telford • Miss C King from Edinburgh Tasha • 20.04.12 • GRxL • Bitch • Mrs S Stanley from Rugby • Mrs LA Lackenby from Duns Velvet • 25.05.12 • L • Bitch • Mrs Y Dillon from Warwick • Mr T Innes from Dunfermline Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 37 Competition Autumn quiz Put on your thinking caps for our autumn competitions for the chance to win one of two £10 Marks and Spencer vouchers. This edition’s quiz theme is famous dogs and the closing date is 16 November. Congratulations to Glyn Thomas of Newbury who won gold in our summer Paralympic-themed quiz. 1. Name Hagrid’s cowardly boarhound, of Harry Potter fame. 2. What is the Russian dog Laika famous for? 3. What breed is Barack Obama’s dog, Bo? 4. Name four of the nine Blue Peter dogs. 5. What robotic dog appeared on Dr Who? Summer quiz answers 1. In what year did the idea for the first Paralympics start? 1948 2. Which city hosted the Paralympics in 2008? Beijing, China 3. In which year and country did Great Britain bring home an amazing 42 gold medals in the Paralympic Games? Beijing 2008 4. How many different sports do the Paralympic games consist of? 20 5. What is the newest sport to be added to the Paralympic programme? Rowing Caption competition Thanks to Derek Mattocks for sending this arresting shot of 13-week-old Drummond with PC Kenda Bradbury of the British Transport Police at Doncaster railway station. To enter, please email us at [email protected]. uk or send your answer on a postcard along with your name and address to Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. Summer’s caption competition winner was David Patten of Dorset. There was stiff competition this time and David won by a nose with: “I’d like to run and play with other dogs – but I feel boxed in!” 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 38 Forward Magazine | Autumn 2012 is allowed per envelope. The winners will be notified by either post or telephone and the results will be published in the next issue of the magazine. The winners must agree to the publication of their names, photographs and any publicity, if requested. In all matters concerning the competitions the Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence can be entered into. Entry implies acceptance of the rules. The closing date for these competitions is 16 November 2012. Follow our 100th sponsored puppy, and be part of her amazing journey… The Sponsor a Puppy scheme has been around since 2001 and since then we’ve had 100 amazing pups that have been sponsored by our loyal supporters. You could be a part of it too... Sponsor our 100th pup Tilly from just £1 a week and follow her incredible journey. Please call 0870 240 6993 or visit www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk/Tilly Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979)