Best buddies
Transcription
Best buddies
Forward The official Guide Dogs magazine Spring 2013 Best buddies... Rags enriches life for Luke Guide Dogs week 2012 – our best yet Go Walkies in the bright lights Street clutter! Tell us about your high street... Also inside: Enter our seasonal competition • Exciting times for pups Betty and Kelly • Life for a teenage guide dog owner Guide Dogs has been transforming lives for over 80 years. Will you be part of the next 80? You can help create many more life-changing guide dog partnerships. Just email [email protected] or call 0845 603 1477 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). Contents Regulars 5 Welcome 6 News •Campaigns successatparty conferences •Changing children’slives 14 A day in the life of… ImogenGodwin, 15-year-oldguide dogowner 15 View from the top Lookingaheadwith GuideDogs’CEO 19 Features 10 22 What’s on? 23 Your letters 38 Competitions 10 Exciting times ahead BettyandKellyare allgrownup 10 Past and present BluePetermemories 11 Go Walkies Walkinginthebright lightsofBlackpool 12 Guide Dogs Week Whatatremendoussuccess! 16 6 18 Taking Forward into the future Alookatyourviews onthemagazine People and dogs 24 In good company 19 Rags enriches life for Luke Wecatchupwitha buddydogpartnership 25 Thank you to our supporters 28 We’ll never forget 31 New partnerships 16 Are you sitting comfortably? Howtwoofourdogsare helpingchildrenread 18 Pleaserecyclethis magazine ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 3 Looking for a challenge to kick start the new year? Why not get into shape and sign up for a 2013 sports and challenge event in aid of Guide Dogs! Wehaveguaranteedplacesinlotsoffantasticeventsin2013includingthe LondonMarathon,theGreatNorthRun,RideLondon100,aswellasourveryown Conistonteamchallengeevent. Join Team Guide Dogs today! Call: 0845 600 6787 Email: [email protected] Visit: guidedogs.org.uk/events RegisteredcharityinEnglandandWales(209617)andinScotland(SC038979)379312/12 Welcome Editor’s welcome Welcome to the first Forward of 2013. I’m delighted to have taken on the role of Editor – it feels a little like coming home, as I used to edit the magazine about ten years ago. There have been many exciting developments at Guide Dogs since then, but the important things are still the same: our volunteers are still the backbone of the organisation and helped make this year’s Guide Dogs Week the best yet – you can read about it on page 12. Anotherthingwecanalways relyonisthededicationofour staffintrainingourdogstothe highestpossiblestandard.A minoritydon’tquitequalifyto Editor:TraceyGurr Editorial Line:0118 983 8364 Contributors: FionaMacAulay, AnnabelWilliams,James Kell,LucyLlewellyn,Hannah Robertson,ClaireHendrick, HannahVickers Designed by:GuideDogs guidedogs.org.uk workasguidedogsbutwe alwaysdoourbesttofindthem alternative“careers”andsome ofthemarenowbecoming BuddyDogs,helpingblind andpartiallysightedchildren andyoungpeopledevelop confidenceandimprovingtheir qualityoflife.Onpage19we catchupwith13-year-oldLuke andhisbuddydog,Rags. “ViewfromtheTop”onpage 15.It’sagreattimetobeapart oftheGuideDogscommunity– wehopeyou’relookingforward totheyearaheadasmuchas weare! ideaswereceive,wecannot acknowledgeeveryitem.We reservetherighttoeditorrefuse. Registered Head Office: TheGuideDogsfortheBlind Association,Hillfields,Burghfield Common,ReadingRG73YG Tracey Gurr Wehopethatmanyotherslike Editor Lukewillbenefitfromabuddy doginthecomingmonths andyearsaswereachout tothousandsmoreblindand partiallysightedpeoplewithour services.OurChiefExecutive, RichardLeaman,hasmoreto sayaboutourfutureplansinhis ForwardisavailableinBraille, largeprint,audioCDand onlineasaudioandtextfiles. ItisalsoavailableasaPDFfrom ourwebsiteandinarangeof languages–forthisandmailing enquiriescall0118 983 8138. Contributions:Senditemsto Founding Editor:Thelate ForwardattheHeadOffice CaptainNikolaiLiakhoff addressoremailforward@ guidedogs.org.uk.Unfortunately, MBEFRZS duetothesheervolumeof Tel: 0118 983 5555 Fax:0118 983 5433 www.guidedogs.org.uk Email:[email protected] ©2010Registeredcharityin EnglandandWales(209617) andinScotland(SCO38979) Cover:Luke,13,andhisbuddy dog,Rags. ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 5 News Help our Safe and Sound campaign GuideDogs’SafeandSoundcampaigniscallingforaudiblesounds inquiethybridandelectricvehiclestoensurepedestrians,particularly vulnerablepeoplesuchasthosewithsightloss,canhearthem.The issuesarebeingdiscussedbytheEuropeanParliament,withtheir EnvironmentalCommitteelookingatproposalsforsoundgenerators onquietvehicles. Ourstandatlastautumn’sPartyConferencessuccessfullyengaged politiciansinthecampaign(nottomentionattractingtheattention ofactorHughGrant),winningseveralawards,includingthePublic AffairsNewsAwardforinnovation.1,300ofyouemailedyour MPsaskingthemtovisitthestandandnowweneedyourhelpin drawingtheEuropeanParliamentproposalstotheattentionof yourlocalMEP–pleasevisitthecampaignspageonourwebsite: guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns. Celebrating our volunteers TheHouseofLordswastheillustriousvenueforacelebrationofGuide Dogs’volunteerslastOctober.Itbeganwithtributestooneparticular volunteer–formerGuideDogsChairman,TonyAston–andgaveus theopportunitytothankothers,particularlyyoungones. Onesixteen-year-oldvolunteersaid,“Mydadisaguidedogowner, andthisisarealchancetogivesomethingback.Idocollections andI’msoongoingtobespeakinginschools”.Another,aged 18,said,“VolunteeringforGuideDogsgivesmearealsenseof achievement;IwanttospeaktothepublicaboutGuideDogs’ work.”Withthatlevelofenthusiasm,thefutureofGuideDogs’ volunteeringisinsafehands! 6 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 A new guide to Cool Britannia LivingPaintings,acharity thatprovidesafreelibraryof ‘TouchtoSee’booksforvisually impairedpeople,haslaunched itsfirstpublicationforteenagers. Called‘ABCUK’,thebookbrings tolifeamulticulturalanddiverse mixofhistory,science,pop culture,cookery,sport,poetry andmoreusingBraille,tactile picturesandaCDsoundtrack. TofindoutmoreaboutLiving Paintings’extensivecatalogueof uniquebooks,call01635 299771 orvisitlivingpaintings.org News Dogs can multi-task too! New Chairman appointed for Guide Dogs JohnStewart,theChairman ofLegal&General,has beenappointedasthenew ChairmanofGuideDogs. Hetookuphisappointment inNovemberandcomesto uswithawealthofsenior managementexperience acrossarangeofFTSE100 companies.Johnispassionate aboutGuideDogsandourlife-changingwork.Hehasbeenout andaboutmeetingpeopleacrosstheUKandisverykeento beintroducedtoasmanysupporters,volunteersandclientsas possibleoverthecomingmonths;we’llbringyouaninterview withhiminafutureeditionofForward. GuideDogshasworkedwith DogsfortheDisabledtotrain asecondLeonbergerfor assistancedogownerNicola Hendey.Beeleyisnowqualified bothasaguidedoganda dogforthedisabled.Nicola’s previousdog,Cavendish,also aLeonberger,hadworkedin thesameway;it’sunusualfor abreedofthissizetobecome aguidedogbut,withNicola’s particularneeds,asoliddog isagreatadvantage. A major equestrian partnership GuideDogshasbeenchosenasthecharitypartnerforthe renownedBlairCastleInternationalHorseTrialsandCountryFairin August2013–thankstotheproposalputtogetherbypuppywalker andfundraisingvolunteerRebeccaAlexander. Runningfrom22–25August,it’sScotland’sleadingequestrian event,attracting40,000visitors.Aswellasalltheshowjumping classes,Olympicmedallistswillcompetealongsideamateursin fourinternationaleventclasses. GuideDogs’PerthandDistrictfundraisingbranchwillrunspecial events,includingGoWalkies,guidedogdemonstrationsanda blindfold‘dininginthedark’meal.Tomakethemostofthisgreat opportunity,theyneedyourhelp!Tovolunteerattheevent, pleasecontactEmmaMurtonon0845 372 7406oremail [email protected] Inspiring future technologies Technologyhashugepotential totransformeveryone’slives. That’swhyGuideDogshas workedwithMicrosofttomake avideothatshowshowfuture technologiescouldhelpblind andpartiallysightedpeople getoutandaboutontheir ownterms.Ittellsthestoryofan ordinarydayoutsometimein thenearfuture,withafather, sonandgrandfatherfinding theirwayroundLondon.The fatherisblindandisintotal controloftheday,using technologytogivehimchoices, independenceandinformation. Wehopeourvideowillstarta debate,inspiringpeopleand organisationstoworktogether tomakethingshappen.You canwatch‘Afamilydayout’ atguidedogs.org.uk/inspiringfuture-technologies ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 7 News Eric scoops Sense award 48-year-oldEricGriffiths,fromHanworth,washonouredtobe namedrunner-up‘DeafblindPersonoftheYear’attheSense charityawardslastOctober.Theawardwasinrecognitionofhis fundraisingeffortsandvolunteeringworkforbothHearingDogsand GuideDogs.Italsorecognisedhispositiveoutlookonlife–“Imay bedeafblindbutthat’snotgoingtogetmedown,”Ericsaid. Ericlosthishearing25yearsagoandbecameaguidedogowner whenhealsobeganlosinghissight. Changing children’s lives - together GuideDogsandthe NationalBlindChildren’s Society(NBCS)areforginga strongerpartnershipsothey canhelpvisuallyimpaired childrenandyoungpeople reachtheirfullpotential. Thetwoorganisationshave signedaMemorandumof Understanding,sotheycan combinetheirexperience, knowledgeandskillsto achieveacommonaim. GuideDogs’ChiefExecutive RichardLeamansaid:“We knowchildrenwithsightloss oftenlacktheconfidence theyneedtoliveafulland activelife.However,with therightsupport,theycan developalltheskillsthey need.It’sabrightvisionand thispartnershipwillreallyhelp usworktowardsit.” Paul and Katie make it a double CardiffcouplePaulMeeksandKatieTholebeattheoddswhentheyboth qualifiedasguidedogownersonthesameday. Katieisanoldhandatthis–Nivenishersixthguidedog–soshewasable togivefirsttimerPaulalotofsupportandadvice.Coincidentally,their guidedogssharedtheirearlytrainingaspuppies–andnowthey’reback togetheragain! 8 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 News In other news... Quiz queen Nicki GuidedogownerNicki Cockburn,fromLlandudno, becameasmall-screen sensationwhenshe appearedonITVgame showTheChase.Thanks toherimpressivegeneral knowledgeandquick-fire answers,shescoopeda half-shareofthe£11,000prize. AGM date announced ThedatefortheGuideDogs’2013Annual GeneralMeetinghasbeensetas20July.It willbeheldatCentralOfficealongsidethe Funday.MemberswillbenotifiedinJune. Sir Steve Santa! Around1,700runnerstookpart intheSantaFunRunorganised bytheRotaryClubofMarlowin aidofGuideDogs.Amongthe runnerswereSirSteveRedgrave (picturedwithguidedogin trainingWoody),whohelped presentthewinningrunnerswith theirmedals. Win a three night hotel break VisionHotels,runbyActionforBlindPeople,is committedtodeliveringahotelexperience thatmeetstheneedsofpeopleaffectedby sightloss. YoucanhelpbytellingVisionHotelswhat’s importantwhenyougoonholiday–andyou couldwinanallinclusivethreenightbreakat aVisionHotel.Simplycompleteatwominute surveyathttp://actn.it/VisionHotels and leaveyouremailaddress,orcall0845 603 0051 andaskforyourpreferredformat. Unsinkable volunteers visit Titanic SomeofNorthern Ireland’sGuide Dogsvolunteers weretreatedtoa dayattheamazing TitanicBelfastexperiencebymembersof theNorthernIrelandteam.Thephotoshows themonthestaircasemadefamousbythe film‘Titanic’. Paving the way for responsible parking GuidedogownerRubyShahappearedon ScottishTVNewslastmonthexplaininghow carsparkedonpavementshinderhergetting aroundwithguidedogKassie.Ruby,Volunteer DevelopmentCoordinatorfortheGlasgow MobilityTeam,wasdrawingattentiontothe launchoftheProposedResponsibleParking (Scotland)Bill.GuideDogssupportersin ScotlandcanhelpsupporttheBill’sprogress throughtheScottishParliamentbylobbyingtheir localMSP.Pleasevisit guidedogsscotland.org.uk tofindoutmore. Have you tried our accessible mobile site? Lastyearwelaunchedthe GuideDogsaccessible mobilesite.It’sbeen suchahitthatmorethan 12percentofpeople visitingourwebsitenow usethemobileversion.It featuresallthenewsand informationbutinan easierformatformobile. Takealookathttp://m. guidedogs.org.uk 0:00 AM An apology TheAutumneditionfeaturedapictureoftheAndrexPuppy® eatingcake.Thecakewasmadeofdogfoodbutcouldbe mistakenforchocolate,whichisharmfultodogs.Thehealthand welfareofalldogsisobviouslyparamountforusandwearesorry foranyconcernthephotomayhavecaused. ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 9 Name a puppy series Betty and Kelly are all grown up... It seems like only yesterday that pups Betty and Kelly (named by longstanding supporter Dorothy Wells) started their lives in the Guide Dogs family. Last time we heard about the exciting summers they’d enjoyed and found out that Kelly was being considered for a career as a brood bitch – a guide dog mum. Now we say goodbye as Betty prepares to leave home and we find out what the future holds for Kelly… Bettywillsoonbeleavingherpuppywalker,Gill Martin,tobeginthenextstageofhertraining.In thelead-uptothebigdayshe’sbeenrevisingall she’slearnt–travellingontubes,visitingschools andenjoying theoccasional classicalconcert. Gillsays:“I’llbesad toseeBettygo.I’ve walkedfivepuppies andI’malwaysvery sadwhentheyleave.It’ssuchalovelythingto doandI’vemetsomeamazingpeople.Ifound outrecentlythatthenextpuppyI’llbewalkingis alsonamedbyDorothyWellsandwillbecalled Dorrie.Itwillbeanhonourtowalkanotherof Dorothy’spups.” Kelly loves her toy s Kellylefthomeafewweeksagowhenherpuppy walker,Delores,gotthegoodnewsthatKelly hadbeenacceptedasabroodbitch.Delores says:“I’msoproudthatKellywillcreatethenext generationofguidedogpups.Seeinghergowas toughbutshe’sleftsuchfondmemories–likehow shelovedtosingalongtothehymnsinchurch! “Thedaybeforesheleftwewentonherfavourite walk,andwesentheroffonhernewadventure withhermosttreasuredpossession,thesqueaky burgertoy.”Goodluck,BettyandKelly! s d Betty and frien Tofindouthowtonameapuppy,call0118 983 0190, email [email protected] or visit guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy Past and present In1964GuideDogslaunchedaninnovativefundraisingappeal withBluePeter,encouragingfamiliesacrosstheUKtocollectfoil andbottletopstoraisemoney. 66yearoldPatriciaEdwardshasbeenaGuideDogssupporter forover50yearsandsharedhermemories,“WhenIwasabout 12yearsoldmygrandfatherlivedwithus.Hewasseverely visuallyimpairedandIusedtocuthishair,shavehisbeardand sittransfixedasIwatchedhimreadhisenormousBraillebooks. Inspiredbythis,myfamilywouldcollectfoilandbottletopsto helpGuideDogs. “WhentheappealfinishedIwasofferedatourroundthetrainingcentreinWoodford.Itwasamazingto seeallthepuppiesbeingtrained,knowingthattheywouldgoontochangelives. “AcoupleofyearsagoIstartedsponsoringguidedogpuppiesandabsolutelylovegettingmy ‘Pupdates’.MorerecentlyImadethedecisiontoleaveGuideDogsagiftinmyWill.Ithoughtlongand hardaboutthisdecisionbutthinkingaboutmyhistory,myhomeandespeciallymygrandadmademe realisehowimportantthiscauseis.” 10 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Your Go Walkies Go Walkies highlight of the year... Blackpool has been famous for its beautifully illuminated promenade since 1879. With 400,000 lamps and over 74 miles of wiring decorating a six-mile length of the promenade, it’s easy to see why millions of tourists flock there each year. Now Guide Dogs is giving everyone another reason to visit – with a chance to ‘Go Walkies Through the Lights’! ‘GoWalkiesThroughtheLights’isorganisedby GuideDogsvolunteerBrendaWildish.Brenda hasdedicatedalmost25yearstoGuideDogs asapuppywalker,speakerandnow,asaGo Walkiesorganiser. Blackpool’scolourfulGoWalkiestookplaceon 19October2012andsawbetween100and150 walkerstravelfromasfaras60milesawaytotake part.Participantscamefromall‘walks’oflife,from guidedogownersandsupporterstoalocalBrownie pack,aStJohnAmbulancecrewandthetown’s DeputyMayor,CouncillorJohnBoughtonwithhis wife,Jaki. Dogsweresponsoredtowalkoneorfivemiles. Brendaexplains:“WesaunteredfromNorthPier andtheiconicBlackpoolTowertothesoundof theballroom’sWurlitzerorganandchuckledour wayacrossthespectacularComedyCarpet. Wespedupaswepassedtherazzmatazzofthe GoldenMiletowardsCentralPierandback– thoughmanyheadedfortheglitzofSouthPier beforereturning”.Blackpool’sGoWalkieshasso farraisedover£1,000,withonewalkerinparticular, 10-year-oldLaurenMayon,raisinganastonishing £415!Brendasays:“Everyonewhotookpartdidso withsuchgreatenthusiasm,creatinganamazing atmosphereonalovelyevening.Itwassomuch funthatwehavealreadybooked18October 2013forournextevenbiggerandbetterevent. Allarewelcomesobesuretogetthedatein yourdiariesnow!” Dogs of Britain, Go Walkies needs you! If,likeBrenda,you’dliketoorganiseaGo Walkies,orsimplyfindandregisterfor yournearestevent,visitthewebsite gowalkies.org.uk orcall0845 600 6787.Youcanalsoemailtheteam [email protected] formoreinformationonhowto getinvolved. Nodogofyourown? Youcanstilltakepartby sponsoringguidedog puppyNuba–theofficial GoWalkiesmascot!Simply visitvirginmoneygiving. com/gowalkies ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 11 Guide Dogs Week Review Guide Dogs Week 2012 – what a success! Guide Dogs Week takes place every October to celebrate our amazing partnerships and raise awareness of the life-changing work we do. Thisyearweaskedoursupporterstostepbriefly intotheworldofblindandpartiallysightedpeople bytakingupthechallengeto‘WalkmyWay.’ Whetheryoutookablindfoldwalk,ateyourdinner inthedark,wentonaGoWalkiesortooktothe streetswithacollectionbucket,youhelpedus raiseover£650,000.Wecouldn’thaveachieved thiswithoutthededication,enthusiasmand energyofourguidedogowners,volunteersand supporters–sothankyou. £650,000couldhelp340blindandpartially sightedpeopleasitcoversthecostofbreeding over340guidedogpups.Theweekwasa massivesuccess:anincredible450eventstook placeacrosstheUKwiththousandsofpeople joininginahugevarietyofactivities. Ourmainphotoshowspeoplegettinginvolved inLondon’sChinatown.Londoncommuterswere alsogivenauniqueopportunityintheirlunch break–totakeablindfoldwalkaroundEuston 12 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 SeanFordintheSwindonAbseilevent station.Manybravecommutershadagoand brieflyexperiencedsomeofthechallengesblind andpartiallysightedpeoplefacewhenthey’re outandabout. InChepstow1,000thrillseekerstookpartina 720metrezipwirechallengeaboveawaterfilledquarry.GuidedogownerJohnToveysaid: “Itwasabsolutelywonderful;IwishIcoulddoit again.Desmyguidedogcameintomylifeand totallyturneditaroundsoIwanttodoallIcanto promoteGuideDogsandraisesomefundsdoing thezipwirechallenge!” GuideDogs’CentralOfficeinReadingopened itsdoorstothepublicforthefirsttimeandheld aFunDay.Over2,000localpeoplecamealong andenjoyedstalls,dogdemonstrationsandthe “sensorytunnel”,learningmoreaboutourwork andhowtheycangetinvolved. GuideDogsWeekhadagreatrangeof supporters:celebritiesincludingKatiePrice tweetedtheirsupport;theGBBlindFootball team,whichincludesseveralguidedogowners, appearedonSoccerAM;andParalympians supportedmanyofourevents. ‘Walkingmyway’inLeeds Our‘WalkamileinmyPaws’videofeaturingNicky West’sguidedogAlmawasahugehitonYouTube, withover1,000viewers.Ifyoumisseditduring GuideDogsWeekyoucanstillviewitonYouTube. Withblindfoldchallengestakingplaceacrossthe UK,sightedguideswereinhighdemand.Guide DogsWeeksuccessfullyincreasedawarenessof ourMyGuideschemeandduringtheweekwe trainedover300newsightedguides.Theweek alsohighlightedtheproblemofstreetclutter tolocalMPs,councillorsandtownplanners.By providingblindfoldwalkswewereabletogive themfirst-handexperienceoftheobstaclesblind andpartiallysightedpeoplefaceeveryday. Manylocalpoliticiansagreedthattheissueof streetcluttershouldbeaddressedattheplanning stageandsupportedtheinvolvementofdisabled residents.Ourfour-leggedfriendstooktotheparks intheirhundredstoshowtheirsupport.Arecord 23GoWalkieswereheldduringGuideDogs Week,witharound600doggyparticipants. MayorofReadingdoesablindfoldwalk GuideDogsWeek2012wasahugesuccessandwecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.Thanks toyou,we’veshoneaspotlightonsomeofthechallengesblindandpartiallysightedpeople faceeveryday.And,ofcourse,themoneyyouhelpedusraisewillchangelives. We’realreadyexcitedaboutnextyear’sGuideDogsWeek:5-13October2013.Withyourhelp, weknowwecanmakeitevenbiggerandbetter–sopleaseputthedateinyourdiaryand watchthisspace! ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 13 A day in the life of... Imogen Godwin 15-year-old guide dog owner Imogen’sguidedogLailamay sleepthroughShakespeareand dozeoffduringDickens,butshe givestheteenagerthefreedom andindependencetoenjoy schoolandspendtimewith friends: atoweltogetherdry.Onceweareregisteredwe gotolessons,andLailawaitspatientlyatmyfeet. MyfavouritesubjectisEnglish,butLailadoesn’t sharemyenthusiasmforHamletandsnores throughthelessons. “Atlunchwesometimesgotothesupermarket withmygroupoffriendstogetfood.Thisisnew tomeasIneverwentoutatlunchwhenIused mycane–butIlovethenew-foundfreedom!” “BeforeIgotmyguidedogLaila,everyday startedwithabang…literally.Onmyrouteto schoolthereisaparkingmetertothesideofthe pavementand,thoughIamfairlyproficientusing mycane,inmyteenageearlymorninghaze,I endedupcrashingintotheparkingmetereach time.Now,however,Isailpast. “Afteranafternoonofmorelessons(andusually Laila’ssnoring)weheadovertogetcoffeefroma cafeintownorreadinthelibrary.I’vediscovered thatwithLailaIamneverlonely–Ialwayshave myfurrycompanionandontopofthatshegets somuchattentionfrompassers-byit’slikehaving acelebritywithme! “FirststopistheVisualImpairmentofficeinschool, whereIcollectthepresentationstheteachers willuseinlessonsandputthemontomylaptop soIcanfollow–usingspeech–whateveryone elsesees.Lailahelpsmefindthedoorstothe mainbuildingsatschoolandhelpsmebetween classrooms–thisusedtobereallystressful.Then weheadtomyformroomwherewesayhelloto ourfriends,andifitisrainingIwillwrapLailaupin “InOctober,LailaandIhadthefantastic opportunityofdoingworkexperienceatthe GuideDogsofficeinBeverley.WhenIamolderI wouldliketoworkincharitymanagement,andI learntlotsofskillstodowiththiswhilstthere.Itwas agreatweek,andeventheever-cynicalLaila enjoyeditbecauseshecouldrunaroundwiththe teamdogs!GettingLailahasmadeeverydayso muchbetter!” 14 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 View from the top Chief Executive Richard Leaman shares his views 2012 – a remarkable year by any standards By the time you read this edition of Forward, we’ll already be well into 2013 so I hope you’ll forgive me for taking a quick look back over 2012. It really was a remarkable year – for the UK and for Guide Dogs. TheLondonOlympicsandParalympicswasa highlightofeveryone’ssummeranditgave GuideDogsaveryspecialopportunity–totrain 1,500GamesMobilityvolunteerstohelpthem confidentlyassistblindandpartiallysighted spectators.Iwasextremelyproudthatwewere abletoplayourpartinmakingtheGamesall theycouldbe. Anotherhighpointwas,ofcourse,theQueen’s DiamondJubileeandIwasdelightedthatGuide Dogswasoneoftheorganisationshonoured withTheQueen’sDiamondJubileeAwardfor Volunteering2012.Thisisamarvelloustributeto GuideDogsandourwonderfulvolunteers. HotontheheelsoftheJubileecelebrationsand theGamescameourownGuideDogsWeek. Whataweekthatwas!Youcanreadabout itelsewhereinthemagazinebutIjustwantto sayapersonalthankyouformakingitourbest GuideDogsWeekever,raisingover£500,000and spreadingthemessageaboutourlife-changing workat450eventsandinhundredsofradioand newspaperarticles. Theworstrecessionin100yearshasnotstopped GuideDogsachievinggreatthings.Aswewent topress,thenumberofguidedogpartnerships wehadtrainedin2012was847withmore toqualifybytheendoftheyear-that’san amazingfigure,andwehavemoredogsonthe streetnowthaninour80yearhistory.Wehave reachedsome5000peoplewithourMyGuide project,andthisisonlythestart!Ourfundraising incomewasup15percentonlastyear,and wecreated20mobilityteamsacrosstheUKto enableustosupportthousandsmoreblindand partiallysightedpeoplemoreeffectively. Ourcampaigningmessagesarereallyhitting hometoo.OurworkwithDEFRAandthe HomeOfficehasresultedintheformulation ofanumberofmeasuresthatwillhelptackle irresponsibledogownershipand,asaresult ofourconstantpressure,1,300newbuses willbeonourroadsin2013withaudio-visual equipmentfitted. Wealsohelpedsome600blindandpartially sightedchildrenandyoungpeoplethrough ouryoungpeople’sguidedogandbuddydog services,andthemobilityservicesweprovide throughcontractswithlocalauthorities.I’m veryexcitedaboutthisareaofourwork,and especiallyaboutworkingmorecloselywith organisationsliketheNationalBlindChildren’s Societyasyou’llhavereadinthenewspages. Weknowthatthesoonerwecanstartsupporting visuallyimpairedchildren,themorechancethey haveoffulfillingtheirpotentialandgettingwhere theywanttogoinlife–andthat’swhatGuide Dogsisallabout. Lookingforwardto2013,Iseeanorganisation ingreatshape,thankstothededicationand dynamismofourstaff,volunteersandsupporters. Thankyoueverybody–wecouldnotdoit withoutyou! ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 15 Reading dogs Are you sitting comfortably? How guide dog Gemma and retired guide dog Elliott are helping children improve their reading skills. WhenchildrenatMorehall PrimarySchoolinFolkestone, Kent,readtoeight-year-old goldenretrieverGemma, shedoesn’tstopthemifthey makeamistakeorcriticisetheir pronunciation.Shelistens,wags hertailtoshowshe’senjoying it,andsometimeshasasnooze! Andbitbybitthechildrengainin confidence. PaulaPage,whosedaughtergoestotheschool, ifsheandGemmacouldlistentoeachofthe childrenreadoutloudonceaweek. “Researchhasshownthatreadingtoadogcan giveachildmoreself-confidence,andimprove theiraccuracy,fluencyandcomprehension,” explainsCoralieBuckle,MorehallPrimarySchool’s FamilyLiaisonOfficer.“Withoutadoubt,thiswas thecasewiththegroupofchildreninvolved– feedbackfromallthestaffhasbeenpositive.” Thechildrenwerehappytoreadaloudto Gemma,andPaulawasonhandtoguidethem, ontheirterms,iftheywantedhelp.“Ienjoyit,and Gemmalovesit!”saysPaula.“They’renotreading tome,soIstayquietanddosomeknitting,but In2011theschool’sReadingRecoveryteacher iftheygetstucktheysometimesaskforhelp wasgivingone-to-onesupporttoagroupofpupils andIgetthemtospellouttheword.It’sreally withreadingdifficulties,anddecidedtotryan rewarding.Theonlydownsideissometimeshaving innovativeapproach.Sheaskedguidedogowner tohearthesamestoryagainandagain!” 16 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Reading dogs “Reading to a dog can give a child more self-confidence, and improve their accuracy, fluency and comprehension” PaulaandGemmaarestillsupportingtheschool inanumberofways–includingreadingwithblind andpartially-sightedchildrenintheschool’svisual impairmentunit,andalsohelpingthempractise theirBrailleskills. AtOakwoodInfantSchoolinHartleyWintney, Hampshire,rehomerLisaPygottandherretired guidedogElliotthavebeenhearingagroupof eightYear2childrenreadeveryFridaymorningfor somesitonchairs,andsomeliketoshowhim twomonths. thepicturesintheirbooks.It’slovelytoseethem readingtheirlittleheartsout.” “IsawafeatureinTheTimesabouthowreading todogscouldimprovechildren’sconfidence, Elliott,whohadtoretireearlyduetoproblemswith andsentittotheheadteacherandliteracycooneofhisbacklegs,lovesbeingwiththechildren. ordinatoratmyson’sschool,”saysLisa.“Ithought: Infact,whenhewasbeingrehomedhisGuide ElliotthasagoodCVforthat!Ididn’tthinkthey’d Dogsrehomingofficerspecifiedthattobehappy takemeseriouslybuttheycalledthenextday.” inhisretirementhewouldneedtobeplaced withafamilythathadchildren–sohe’sdefinitely Elliott,anine-year-oldblackLabradorretriever foundtheperfectjob! cross,listenstoagroupofchildrenwhohave somefluencyinreadingbutneedabitofhelpto Lisasays:“It’sElliottdoingthework;Isittherewith ‘takeoff’,asLisaputsit. myiPadandplayScrabble!ButIfeeluseful–ifat theendoftheyearwe’vemadeadifferenceto “It’sfantastic–theyaresomotivated,really onechilditwillhavebeenworthit.” desperatetoreadtohim,”shecontinues.“There’s onelittlegirlI’dneverheardspeak.Elliottgave herasniff,Iaskedherifshehadadog,andshe justtalkedandtalked.Somechildrencuddleup, ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 17 Survey Results Taking Forward into the future InMaythisyearwe’recelebratinganamazing70yearsofForward magazine–70yearsofheart-warmingandinspirationaltalesabout guidedogowners,articlesdescribingtheworkthatGuideDogs doesandahugerangeoffundraisingfeats.ForwardisGuide Dogs’flagshippublicationandweareproudoftheroleitplaysin promotingthecharitytoawideraudience. It’simportantthatForwardcontinuestoplay thatrolebutoverits70-yearhistorymuchhas changed,notjustwithinGuideDogsbutalsoin thewiderworld–thereismorecompetitionamong charitiesforlimitedresources;thewaysinwhich peopleshareinformationhaveincreasedhugely, especiallywiththeinternet,emailandsocial media;andcharitiesarefindingdifferentwaysof engagingwithpeople. WeneedtoensureGuideDogsremainsrelevant andattractivetothegeneralpublic,whilealso keepingcostsundercarefulcontrol.Wewantto findthemosteffectivewaysofreachingoutto newandexistingsupporters,forexampleonline, facetofaceorthroughourlocalteams–andthe surveysentoutwiththelasteditionofForward formedpartofthat.Thankyoutothoseofyou whoreplied–wereceivedover3500responses, allofwhichareinvaluableinhelpingusshape thefutureofForward,andhowwecommunicate withyou. Therearesomeinterestingresults:twothirdsof youwouldliketoreadmoreaboutguidedog partnerships,howguidedogsaretrained,orthe issuesfacingblindandpartiallysightedpeople; threequarterswouldliketheprinteditiontobe smaller;and60percentthinkweshouldhavea dedicatedareaonourwebsitetopromoteour newpartnerships. Thisyearwe’llbetakingadetailedlookat Forwardandourotherpublications,takingyour viewsintoaccountofcourse. ThefirstchangeyouwillseeisthatForwardwill bepublishedthreeratherthanfourtimesa year–inJanuary,MayandSeptember.Thiswill enableustokeepyouupdatedonallGuide Dogs’activities,whilsthelpinguscontrolourcosts inthesefinanciallytestingtimes.Thereareother changesunderdiscussion,includingreducing thesizeofthemagazine,aswellaslookingat alternativewaysofpresentinginformationsuch astheNewPartnerships,andreviewingthe contentofForwardingeneral.Changebringsits ownchallengesbutitisimportantthatForward continuestoevolveasithasdonesosuccessfully overthelast70years. 18 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Luke and Buddy Dog Rags Rags enriches life for Luke Two years on from the launch of Guide Dogs’ Buddy Dogs Service, we catch up with one of the very first partnerships. TheUK’sfirsteverbuddydogwasaneight-yearoldflatcoatretriever-goldenretrievercrosscalled Rags,whostartedhiscareerinaschoolforblind andpartiallysightedchildren.Whentheynolonger neededabuddydog,Ragsdefinitelywasn’tout ofajob–waitingforhimwas11-year-oldLukefrom AshfordinKent. Asaresultofanumberofdifferenteyeconditions, Lukehaspoorvision–particularlyinbrightsunlight andinthedark.Atypical11-year-old,hewould getupsetandfrustratedwhenhecouldn’tdo everythingotherboyshisageweredoing. “I feel more confident with Rags. He makes me much happier.” Luke’smumLindaexplains:“Luke’svisionhashadits ‘upsanddowns’sincehewasborn.Hewashaving areal‘down’,andwouldgetangrywhenhe couldn’tdosomethinghefeltheoughttobeable todo.Wespoketothespecialistteacherforthe visuallyimpairedathisschool,andshesuggested wewenttoaGuideDogsfundaytofindouthow theymightbeabletohelp.” ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 19 Special feature “He can do things he would never have done before. Now he feels happy and safe with Rags by his side.” Thefamilycouldn’tgo,soLindacalledGuide Dogstoseeiftherewasanotherwayofgetting information.“Theladywhoansweredwasvery helpful.WegotchattingaboutLukeandshe mentionedbuddydogs,andhowtheycould improveconfidenceandself-esteemforblindor partiallysightedchildrenandyoungpeople.It soundedidealforus.” RachaelBarton,GDMA(GuideDogMobility Assistant),visitedthefamilytoassesswhethera buddydogwasrightforLuke,andwhattypeof dogwouldbestsuithisneedsandthehousehold. Lukewasputonthewaitinglist,andjustthree monthslaterhiswaitwasover. Rachaelwasoriginallylookingforayoungerdog, butsheknewRagswasaperfectmatchforLuke: “Hewassocalm,gentleandsensible,”shesays. Shetookhimtomeetthefamily. “WhenwesawRags,wethought‘ohyes,we’ll havehim’!”laughsLinda.Lukerememberstheday well,too.“Ithoughthewasreallygood–playful andcalm,”hesays.“IlikedhimandreallyhopedI wouldgethim.” RagscametolivewithLukeinOctober2011,and soonbecameoneofthefamily.“Hejustfitsinwith us,”shesays.“WhenLukewasatprimaryschool RagsandIwouldwalkhimthere,andwhenIgot backfromworkwe’dpickhimup.NowLukegoes tosecondaryschoolbytaxi,andRagsknowswhen toexpecthimhome–whenhehearsthecardoor shuthegrabshisteddyandrunstothefrontdoor, it’ssosweet!” WhenLukegetshome,heandLindatakeRagsfor alongwalkandfreerun,thenLukegrooms,feeds andplayswithhim. “He’sfunnyandcheeky,”saysLukeofhis companion.“WhenIgethomefromschoolhe’s sittingbythedoorwithhisheadtooneside.He’s mybestfriend.” BothLukeandhis14-year-oldbrotherMatthew, whoisalsovisuallyimpaired,aremembersof apan-disabilityfootballteamandplayvisually impairedcricket,andLukeswimstoo.Ragsjoinsthe familyalmosteverywheretheygo. “When he starts feeling upset, he stops and plays with Rags and calms down straight away.” “Wegotoasmanyplacesaswecan,”explains Linda.“Buddydogsdon’thavethesameaccess rightsasguidedogs,sowealwaysask,butthe answerisusually‘yes’.We’vetakenhimonthetrain toLondon,onbuses,inshoppingcentres,tothe dentist…andalsotohospitalwhenLukehadhis check-up,whichhelpedreassurehim.” LindahasseenbigchangesinLuke.“Hedoesn’t getasfrustratedinsituationsthatusedtomake himveryupset.Whenhestartsfeelinglikethat, hestopsandplayswithRagsandcalmsdown straightaway.” Lukeagrees:“Ifeellessstressed.WhenIfeelangry Igoandcuddlehim,andhesometimesbringsme oneofhistoysandwe’llplay,andIfeelbetter.” LindafeelsLukeismoreconfidentand independent.“Hecandothingshewouldnever havedonebefore,”shesays.“Hefeelshappyand safewithRagsbyhisside. “Lukeusedtobequitequiet,butnowhe’llspeakto anyone.Hisgrandparentshavenoticedhe’scome outofhisshell–whenwevisitedheusedtosay‘hello’ 20 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Luke and Buddy Dog Rags andthenplayonhisown,butnowhesitsandhasa chat.Healsosocialisesmorewithhispeers.” “IfeelmoreconfidentwithRags,”Lukeexplains. “Hemakesmemuchhappier.”HeeventhinksRags helpshimdobetteracademically.“WhenI’mat school,IthinkaboutwhatRagsisdoingathome, andIgetthingsright–morethanIdidbefore!” Ragsisalsomakingadifferencetofamilylife. Lindasays:“Weekendshavealwaysbeenmanic, withalltheboys’sportingactivitiesitwasabitofa blur–butnowwehaveRagswespendmoretime togetherasafamily,andmaketimeforwalksinthe woodsandpicnics.” HavingRagshasinspiredLinda,whoisalsovisually impaired,toapplyforaguidedogherself,and she’snowonthewaitinglist.Thewholefamilyhas alsobecomeinvolvedintheirlocalGuideDogs fundraisingbranch. LindafeelspositiveaboutLuke’sfuture.“He’snot afraidtotrynewthingsandgivethemago.Also, havingabuddydogwillhelphimdecidewhether togetaguidedogifthetimecomes–heknows whattoexpect.I’matypicalmum–abitofa worrier!–butnowIseehowmuchdifferenceRags hasmadeIfeelLukehasamoreindependentand capablefutureaheadofhim.” Fast facts about buddy dogs •Thebuddydogsservicewaslaunchedin January2012,followingasuccessfulyearlongpilot. •Buddydogsareplacedwithablindor partiallysightedchildoryoungpersonand theirfamily,orwithinaschoolenvironment. •Havingabuddydogcancounterisolation, developconfidenceandcommunication skills,helpablindorpartiallysightedyoung personbecomemoreactiveandmobile, andimprovetheirlearninganddevelopment. •Theservicealsohelpsusassesswhether someonecouldbenefitfromaguidedogor otherGuideDogsserviceinthefuture. •Therearenowaround30buddydog partnershipsintheUK. •Buddydogownersrangeinagefrom3to15. •Someofourdogsthathaven’tquitequalified asfullyfledgedguidedogscanmake fantasticbuddydogs. •Unlikeguidedogs,buddydogsarenot trainedtoassistwithmobilityortoperform specifictasks. •Findoutmoreatguidedogs.org.uk/services/ buddydogs ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 21 What’s on Feeling energetic? Run for Guide Dogs! Reading Half Marathon –17March Brighton Marathon –14April Virgin London Marathon –21April Glasgow to Edinburgh Cycle –11May SuperHero Fun Run (Regent’s Park, London) – 19May Edinburgh Marathon –26May BUPA Great Manchester Run - 26May Visit guidedogs.org.uk/events orcall 0845 600 6787 formoreinformation. Crufts: 7 – 10 March CometoHall2,Stand5attheBirminghamNEC; meetourguidedogsandgothroughoursensory tunnel–aninteractiveexperiencethatsimulates whatit’sliketobetotallyblind.crufts.org.uk Guide Dogs information days: February and March BBC Gardener’s World: 13 – 17 June ForinformationabouteventsinDerby, Sheffield,LudlowandNottingham,please [email protected] orcall 07825 905918 Meetourdogsandtakeablindfoldchallengeto testyoursenses.bbcgardenersworldlive.com The Pet Show: 20 – 21 July ComeandseeusinStoneleighPark, Warwickshire,atStandF101.There’llbeasensory tunnel,guidedogdemonstrationsandplentyof dogstomeet!Visitthepetshow.co.uk QAC Sight Village 16 April -HiltonGrosvenorHotel,Edinburgh 17 April - MarriotHotel,ArgyleStreet,Glasgow 16/17 July -NewBingleyHall,Birmingham Majoreventsshowcasingtechnologyandservices forblindandpartiallysightedpeople.Guide Dogsstaffwillhelpwithownershipenquiriesand volunteeringopportunities.qac.ac.uk Meetlocalguidedogowners,puppysand staff,andfindouthowtogetinvolvedwith GuideDogs. ForeventsinTorpoint,Modbury,Devon, Malvern,Ledbury,TetburyandDevizes,please email [email protected] orcall 07990 540131 ForeventsinInverness,Motherwell,Kendal, Washington,Helensburgh,Airdrie,Huntly,Turiff, KirkintillochandWansbeck,pleaseemail [email protected] 07825 202180 Guide Dogs Fun Days Liverpool – 25May Leamington –6July Forfar –22June Peterborough – 7Sept For further details about any of these Fun Days, please visit guidedogs.org.uk/events Guide Dogs Awards: December 2013 Thisyear’sawardswillbeevenbetterthanlastyear’s!Aswellasrecognisingtheremarkable achievementsofourpartnershipsandsupporters,we’llbecombiningtheawardswithaglamorous dinnerdance,raisingfundsforourlife-changingwork–moredetailsinthenextedition. 22 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Letters Your letters Have you got any questions or comments for Forward? If so, please write to [email protected] or to Forward, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. Taz comes full circle Tazcametousatsixweeksandwasanadorablepuppy.At13 months,hewentontodowhathewasborntobe,aguidedog.We wenttoseehimwhenhehadcompletedhistraining,notexpecting himtorememberus,buthewentbananas!Tazwasplacedwith aladyinCardiffbutwhenhercircumstanceschanged,hewas retrainedandplacedwithanotherowner. SadlyTaz’sownerbecametooilltogooutso,ratherthanretraining Tazagain,thedecisionwasmadetoretirehim.Weweregiven firstchoicetohavehimand,amazingly,afterallthattime,he rememberedmeandhe’sjustasIrememberhim–awonderful cuddlybearofadog. Jill Naylor, Cambs The art of fundraising IthoughtI’dwriteandtellyouaboutanovelfundraisingideawe hadinAirdrie.IattendoneofNorthLanarkshire’sCommunityArt Classesandwedecidedtoholdanartexhibitionwithadifference. Gordon(right),hisguidedog, Rory,fellowartistsandGuide Dogs’KylaStratton Eachmemberoftheclassesproducedfourpostcardsonthemesof theirchoice,whichweresoldfor£5each.Wewereverypleasantly surprisedwhenmostofthemsoldontheopeningnight,raising£385 forGuideDogs. Gordon Waddell, Airdrie Royal honour for Sheila and Kerrie ForwardreadersmightbeinterestedtohearaboutKerrie,thefirst guidedogpupwewalked,whowasrecentlyintroducedtothe Queen–withherowner,ofcourse! HerMajestywasvisitingthePoppyFactoryinRichmondto celebrateits90yearshelpingwoundedveteransbackintocivilian work.Kerrie’sowner,SheilaNutbeam,worksatthefactoryand kindlycontactsusfromtimetotimewithprogressupdatesonKerrie. ApparentlyHerMajestycommentedonKerrie’stoymonkeyand pettedher.We’retremendouslyproudofKerrieandwantedto sharethisstory! Margaret and Dave Mavdell, Kent SheilaandKerriemeetHer MajestytheQueen ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 23 In good company Andrex points to the future Lastyear,theAndrexPuppy celebratedhis40thbirthday andtomarktheoccasion, Andrexteamedupwith GuideDogstoraiseamassive £300,000–enoughtotrainat least40puppiestobecome guidedogs.Andrexcustomers couldbuyacommemorative softtoyAndrexPuppy,and alsodonatetheirPuppyPoints tohelpthetotalalong. Aswellasraisingvitalfunds, workingwithAndrexhelped usreachmorepeopletotell themaboutourimportant work.Forinstance,you mighthaveseenAndrex’s TVadvertintheautumn featuringadorablepuppies. Youcanfollowtheprogress ofsomeoftheAndrexguide dogpuppiesonline–visit andrexpuppypoints.co.uk. Jollyes are behind Riley all the way JollyeschoseGuideDogsasitsnationalcharitypartnerinMay2011 andamongemployees’fundraisingfeats,anincredible£50kwas collectedoverjustoneweekend.Thesumisbeingusedtocover thecostoftrainingandsupportingguidedogpuppy,Riley,from birthrightthroughtohisretirement. StaffattheKetteringbranch gottomeetRiley,asthey werethemostsuccessful fundraisingteam. ManagerMandyAdamssaid: “Iwasabsolutelyecstaticwhen IheardthatRileywascoming tomystore.Iwassothrilled andproudaboutgettingthe opportunitytomeethimafter allthehardworkandeffortall theJollyesstoresputintoraising themoneytosponsorhim.” 24 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Workplace Giving GuideDogs’employee donationagency,Workplace Giving,invitedGuideDogsto afestiveWinterWonderland eventlastmonth. MembersoftheLondon MobilityTeamtooksomefourleggedfriendstotheevent, whichwashostedbyonline fashionfirmASOS.com(As SeenonScreen),andsold GuideDogstradingproducts asstockingfillers.Workplace Givingworksbycollecting moneyforcharities,including GuideDogs,directlyfrom employees’pay. Special thanks Special thanks 49 years of fundraising StourValleyfundraisinggroupchairwoman, MarjorieCulham,hasbeenpresentedwitha DiamondChampionpinbadgeinrecognition of49yearsoffundraisingforGuideDogs.The badgewasdesignedbytheDuchessofCornwall, approvedbyHRHPrinceCharles,andgivenas partoftheWomen’sRoyalVoluntaryService’s (WRVS)DiamondChampionsscheme. Theinitiativecelebratesolderpeoplewhogive theirtimetoimprovethelivesofothers,marking TheQueen’sDiamondJubileelastyear.Mrs Culhamwaspresentedwithherbadgebyactress, PatriciaRoutledge,oneof60peopleinthesouth andeasttoreceivethehonour. MrsCulhamhasalsobeenaGuideDogsspeaker formorethan40years,andapuppywalkerfor 25years.HercurrentpupisGermanshepherd retrievercross,Zorba. Marjorie(right)withactressPatriciaRoutledge Team Wilkie raises £1,005 ThanksmustgotoPeteandSarahMitchell,who tookpartintheGreatSouthRuninPortsmouthat theendofOctober. ThecoupleraninmemoryofPete’sauntie,Sue Ashdown,whopassedawayinSeptemberafter alongbattlewithcancer.SueworkedforGuide Dogsformorethan18years,andfundraisedfor ustoo. Shehadmorethan25years’experienceasa guidedogowner,andismuchmissedbythe SouthamptonMobilityTeam.Runningunderthe name‘TeamWilkie’afterSue’sguidedog,Pete andSarahraised£1,005. PeteandSarahraninmemoryofSueAshdown Supporting Guide Dogs since 1972 BosmereJuniorSchoolandtheHavantandHaylingIslandfundraisinggroup,bothinHampshire, organisedtheir40thanniversarysponsoredwalkinOctober.Thefour-mile-longwalktookplaceon SouthHaylingBeach.BosmereJuniorSchoolpupilsstartedwalkingforGuideDogsin1972,organising theeventeveryotheryearandraising£62,894intotal. Theschool’sdonationshavenamedmanyguidedogsincludingpuppiesSpike,IreneandTim.Thanks mustgotoallthegenerationsofpupilswhohavetakenpartandalsotogrouporganiser,Edward Brigham,forhiscommitmentanddedication. ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 25 Thanks to our supporters Thanks to our supporters I’mreallylookingforwardtotherestofthisyear.Notjustbecauseoftheexcitingplans wehaveforexpandingourservicestothousandsmoreblindandpartiallysighted people;notjustbecauseofthegreatfundraisingactivitieswehaveinthepipelineto helpusachieveourgoals;butbecausewehavethemostdedicated,creativeand passionatesupportersandvolunteersinthebusiness.You’reapleasuretoworkwithand, together,wewilltransformevenmorelivesin2013.Now that’s exciting. DirectorofFundraisingandIncomeGeneration Saffron Walden fundraising group Lauren Buckley TheSaffronWaldenfundraisinggroup celebrateditsfirstanniversarywitharecord donationof£700fromthetown’sbranchof Waitrose.Thesupermarket’sgiftwasmade throughitsCommunityMattersschemewhere, everymonth,customersvoteforthreegood causestoreceiveashareof£1,000. LaurenBuckleyraised£91.55whenshesetupa tombolaandanamethepuppycompetition outsidethePostOfficeinTarbertinArgyllwhere hergrandmother,ChristineReynolds,lives. Christineisacollectionboxcoordinatorbut Lauren,10,organisedeverythingherself,from collectingprizestofoldingtickets.Laurensaid afterwards:“ItwasveryfunandIhopeIinspired otherstodoittoo!” Redbridge fundraising group TheRedbridgefundraisinggroupinEssexraised £786.28bysellingGuideDogstradingitemsatafun ScoutandCubeventcalledKubadoinOctober. Thebiennialdayofgamesandactivitiesgives ScoutandCubpacksacrossEssexthechance tomeeteachother,haveagreattime–and helpGuideDogs! Sainsbury’s Royal Wootton Bassett TheRoyalWoottonBassettbranchof Sainsbury’schoseGuideDogsaslastyear’s charityoftheyear,donating£2,300tothe Swindonfundraisinggroup. ChairmanAlanFletcherandhisguidedog,Joy, acceptedthechequewithguidedogpuppies Greta,BenandChristianandtheirpuppywalkers. 26 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Thanks to our supporters Stevenage branch WhenmembersoftheStevenagebranchorganisedacollectioninthe Corey’sMillbranchofSainsbury’s,theyhadnoideatheywouldbestanding veryclosetoaniconicParalympicTorch!Thedayyielded£381.90forthe coffersandagreatphotoopportunityforeveryonethere.Thisincluded guidedogowner,SeanDilley,hisguidedog,Chipp,andGuideDogs BranchandSupporterGroupDevelopmentManager,LornaCopland. Zandra Tomkinson ZandraTomkinson raisedmorethan £1,500whenshetook onanepic82-mile walkwithguidedog puppy,Yoda,andherpetYorkshireterrier, Roly.Theybrokethe82milesinto13circular walksalongtheSandstoneTrailinCheshire, completingthelastwalkwithZandra’sson, Dan,andHelenLeafromtheSouthCheshire fundraisinggroup. Pembrokeshire Group AGoWalkiesatStackpole,nearPembrokein Wales,duringGuideDogsWeekraisedaround £1,700.Thankstoorganiser,KimJameson,and supportersfromPembrokeshirePawPrintsDog WalkingGroup,PetsPantryPembrokeshireand WillowtreeDogTrainingSchool. Barrie and Pat Clarke WhenAberdeenshire puppywalkersBarrie andPatClarkeheld apartytocelebrate theirgoldenwedding anniversary,theircakefeaturedtwoofthe puppiestheyhavewalked,NalaandStar, onthetop.Guestswereaskedtogivea donationinlieuofgifts,andthecouple’s thoughtfulnessraised£1,000. The Fox pub TheFoxpubinPatching,WestSussex,donated £5,000totheWorthingfundraisinggrouptoname apuppy.Thecashwasraisedwiththehelpof TheFox’ssisterpub,TheSpottedCow,and£700 camefromtheinauguralSussexGolfSocietyCup Tournament,organisedbytheOddBallsgolfgroup. 2nd Hutton Company Boys Brigade The2ndHutton CompanyBoys BrigadeinBrentwood, Essex,havebeen avidGuideDogssupportersforthepasteight years,raisingenoughtosponsorthreeguide dogpuppies.Thegroupof15collectsfunds bytakingonfunchallengessuchasdoing obstaclecourseswhileblindfolded,learningto dance,andsponsoredwalks. Brentknoll Vet Centre BrentknollVeterinary Centre’sannualcharity familyfundayand dogshowraisedover £1400.Thepractice choseGuideDogsas itscharityoftheyearas stafftheretakecareof ourdogs. East Cheshire group MembersoftheEast Cheshiregroupraised morethan£1,200from theirfirstcharityconcert backinJuly,starring MacclesfieldMale VoiceChoirandanact calledTheSilkWorms. 2nd Chilwell Beavers 2ndChilwellBeaversinNottinghamraised£121 bydoingasponsoredfitnesschallenge.The chequewaspresentedtoguidedogpuppy, India,byBeaverScoutsFfionandArchie,with BeaverLeaderCharlotteGosling.Thepack chosetodonatetoGuideDogsafterhearing allaboutourworkduringavisitbypuppy walker,SusanCoxon. ShareyourfundraisingstorywiththeForward team!Senddetailsofwho,how,where, whenandhowmuchmoneywasraised, withadaytimecontactnumber,toforward@ guidedogs.org.ukorbyposttoForward,The GuideDogsfortheBlindAssociation,Hillfields, BurghfieldCommon,Berkshire,RG73YG.Don’t forgettosendusyourbestphotos! ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 27 Canine obituaries We’ll never forget Ifyouwouldliketopaytributetoaguidedog youhaveknown,pleasesendyourtribute (uptoamaximumof25words)toforward@ guidedogs.org.ukortoForwardatHillfields, BurghfieldCommon,Reading,RG73YG. 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 on weekends. mylifeback.Deewill berememberedforher twoloves,carrotsand toys.Shewillbemissed.” Debbie 26.4.97 – 12.6.12 “Wonderfulsecond guidetoNella.Awell travelled,specialand loyalfriend.Muchloved andrememberedby herpuppywalkersand allwhoknewher.” trainedcompanion”. ManythankstoSally McCoyandAlisa Fiddler;sadlymissedby EricandJoan. Ester 29.10.05 – 3.8.12 “Ester,beautifulinside andout.Shetouched theheartofeveryone shemet.” Evan 20.12.98 – 9.8.12 GuidetoKate Alton 5.5.02 – 24.7.12 Bobby 14.1.00 – 24.3.12 Donna 25.10.97 – 8.10.12 Harringtonthen GuidetoDarrenCooke retiredtoJulieand “Altonworkedand “Ourgentlefriendwith thenretiredtoher MartinHaines.“Such playedtirelessly.”Guide abigheart;returned puppywalkers,Mary ahandsomeboyand dogtoJohnandmuch tousinretirementfora lovedandveryspecial shortwhile.You’llalways andJohnfromBristol.“A friendtoallthefamily, dearfriendwhowasso nowatrest. friendofJohn,Tessa, holdaspecialplacein bravetotheend.God AidenandSimon. ourhearts.”Caroland bless,loveyoualways.” Fabbie 12.4.97 – 4.11.11 DebbieWilliams. Puppywalkedand Amber 17.8.98 – 18.9.12 Donny 16.12.98 – 13.10.12 adopted(afterhaving “Myheartachesfor Bobby 27.7.02 – 4.8.12 Agreatlossofafaithful alitterofeightpuppies) herloss,asdomy Puttosleepaftera companionandguide. byCarolandDavid friendsandfamilywho shortillness,caredfor “Lovedbyeveryone Simpson.“Ouradored alsolovedher.Shewill inretirementbyAnn whomethim,foreverin babygirlwhowillnever neverbeforgotten. Ireland.“Therewill ourthoughts.Lovefrom beforgotten.” Goodbyemylovely neverbeanotheryou. yourDadx”. baby,sleepwell.” Loveandmissyou Frankie 17.9.00 – 5.11.12 loads,sunshine.” Echo 28.5.00 – 13.8.12 RetiredtoMuriel Babs 21.12.00 – 13.9.12 Pounderforfiveshort PuppywalkedbySue Brodie 14.1.00 – 27.9.12 FirstguidetoHilda Wattsandguardian months.“Hewassuch Forteandguidedog Noble,conscientious, angelinretirement. aspecialgoldenboy toLilyLock.“Loving fifthguidetoSarah “Lovedbyallwhoknew whostolemyheart, companionandfriend Craig-Hancock.Lovingin familyandfriendstoo. toallwhoknewher,rest retirementwiththeTurner her.Sleeppeacefully, myBonnielass.”Mam Goodbyebonnylad.” inpeace.” family.“Speakingwords andFlora. ofwisdomyellowdog.” Gael 3.7.99 – 25.6.12 Bartley 25.3.00 – 18.6.12 “Anirreplaceable Deana 18.1.00 – 21.9.12 Ember 29.1.05 – 28.9.12 Devotedguidedog GuidetoEricWiliams– toJackiePage,retired superstarthat “Havingaguidedog “privilegedtohavehad in2008.“Aspecialgirl, everybodyloved” waspivotaltogetting thepleasureofawell lovedbyeveryonewho Alton 28 Bobby Bobby ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Deana Debbie Echo Ember We’ll never forget Ester Evan Frank Hallie knewher.Foreverinour Kai 8.8.06 – 3.10.12 hearts.Sweetdreams.” Kaiwillbemissedvery Jackie,AshleyandSuzie. muchbyhisownerMr GeoffHodges,family George 26.8.97 – 18.10.12 andfriends.“Sleepwell, “Hehadawonderful Kai–yourmemorywill longlifebutitwashis liveonwithusall.” timetogo.Wewere blessedtohavehim.” Keely 5.5.05 – 10.8.12 Hadafabulouslifeas Hallie 13.12.04 – 13.6.12 faithfulcompanionto Adoptedandpuppy puppywalkerLorraine walkedbyMagsand Meehanandhelped Neil.“Farewelltoour raisebroodbitch beautifulgirl,nomore Quella,broodbitch pain.Missingyouso Smartieandguide much,loveyou.” dogsFloraandWinnie. “Lovedbyallwho Ida 29.11.99 – 22.9.12 knewher.” Amuchlovedguideand friendtoEnnisuntilshe Major 7.2.00 – 10.8.12 retiredto“NannyMary” “Youwereashining (herpuppywalker)with lightandmyguidein whomsheenjoyedafull myworldofdarkness, andhappylife. bringingmeloveand happiness.Sweet Imber 6.1.01 – 10.9.12 dreams,runfreeforever LoyalguidetoRichard untilwemeetagain.” andlovingcompanion toAudrey.Walkedthe Midge 16.4.98 – 21.8.12 BeverleyPastureswith Guideandloyalbest PaulineWebster.“A matetoChrisHill,retired beautifulboywithabig toAngelaandBob personality;toknowhim Charlton.“Youwere wastolovehim.” veryspecial,Midgey andyou’llbegreatly Kai 28.12.98 – 3.8.12 missedbyusall.” “Ithasbeenaprivilege. Thankyouforkeeping Monty 28.1.98 – 20.8.12 mesafeovertheyears. Firstguideand RIP.”FromDaddy,Trish trustedbestfriendto andfamilyxxx ChristineCheal,puppy walkedbytheRae’s, Bridgewater,Somerset. Kai Keely Major Monty Ida Imber Kai Tag 23.7.97 – 17.8.12 GuidedogtoMrKeith Kelsey,retiredtoLydia Nanoo 18.3.99 – 13.10.12 Burton.“Wehadfive FormerguidetoAnnette joyousyearstogether. Newcombe;retiredearly Youwillstayinmy toAudreyBadcock. heartforalways,my “Wonderfulgirl.Sleep preciousBuba.” peacefully,darling.” Tamara (Tammy) Opal (Penny) 31.10.02 – 17.8.12 18.3.01 – 23.7.12 “Goodbyetoour Gentle,obedient, wonderful,faithful lovingandabeautiful friend.Muchlovedand companion.Didn’tquite sorelymissed.Hopefully makethegradebut Baloowillbewaitingso certainlyachievedtop theycanplaytogether marksasafamilypet. asbefore.”LoveVera Sadlymissed. andGerryStokes. “Awonderfuldogand verysadlymissed.” Qasper 21.1.03 – 23.10.12 GuidetoMaryHooton. “Thankyou,God,formy wonderful,belovedQ.” Rags 16.8.02 – 5.9.12 “Themostwonderful dog,suchafantastic workerforBrian,loved byallthefamily;hisillness cameonsuddenly.We willmisshimsomuch.” Rye 27.4.00 – 20.9.12 RetiredtoAnn Moorhouseforthree wonderfulyears.“My lovelygirl,youweremy bestfriend.Imissyouso verymuch.Thankyou foreverything,Rye.” Nanoo Tess 24.12.99 – 26.10.12 BelovedguidetoLiz. RetiredtoJohnand ShirleyRiley.Much lovedandsadlymissed. Tim 9.11.95 – 28.5.12 FirstguidetoLynn Sparrowandretired withthefamily,he wasgentlyputto sleep,leavinghappy memoriestothosewho knewhim.“Godbless. Love,MumandDad.” Verity 7.3.98 – 3.9.12 MadgeMorgan’sguide dogfrom18months oldtoretirement,and thencherishedpetand companionuntilher recentdeath.Verityis dearlymissed. Rags Rye ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 29 Canine obituaries Tag Tess Vernie 29.4.98 – 30.7.12 Peacefullytosleep. “Goodbyemylovely gentleboy,restin peace.”MargaretEals. Whispa 8.4.99 – 16.9.12 Guideandfriendto SandraFishforeleven andahalfyears, retiredthreeyearsago afteradogattack. Alwaysmissedbut alwayswithus. Verity Whispa Yasmin 7.7.01 – 21.9.12 Passedawayinher sleep.“Shewasa verylovingdog,now reunitedwithJacob; theywillbothbeforever missed.”Seanah,Tony andFamily. Yeoman 5.12.98 – 1.5.12 GuidetoMrsLindsey Pannell,remained withusinretirement. “Awonderful,patient, gentledog,howwe Yvette Zoe missyou,Yo-Yo.God bless,tillwemeeton RainbowBridge.” Yvette 1.9.02 – 13.7.12 Loyalsecondguideto Merilyn.Puppywalkedby JohnandJulie.“Always happy,loving,caring andkind.Aspecialdog missedbyeveryone.Run freewithToby.” Zoe 30.6.98 – 13.7.12 FirstguidetoValHydes, Zoe keptinretirement.“Zoe, mydarling,youwere quitesimplythebest andnowatpeace. Missedsomuchx”. Zoe 10.9.99 – 25.4.12 RetiredBroodBitch, Zoe,motherto38 puppies,spenther lastsixyearswith theMawdittfamily. “Wonderful,greedy, cleverZoe.Lovedand missedbyusall.” Illis 5.8.00 – 16.10.12 Black Labrador retriever Illis was 13 years old when he passed away in October. FaithfulguideandcompaniontoDavidBrealey, Illisdidn’tjustgiveDavidhismobilityback–he savedhislifeatleasttwice! Davidremembers:“OnedayIwascrossingaright ofway;unawarethatanoncomingvehiclehadn’t seenme,Isteppedout.AtthispointIllisthrew himselfinfrontofmeandpushedmebackonto thekerb.Ifithadn’thavebeenforhimthatcar wouldalmostcertainlyhaveknockedmedown. “Despiteallhisheroicactions,Illiswasaverylaid backguidedog.Nothingworriedhimandhe wouldfrequentlytravelwithmebyplaneup toScotland. “Hetookeverythinginhisstrideandwasagreat friendtoeveryonewhomethim,especiallyto me,mywife,myoldguidedog,Fabian,andmy newguidedog,Quest. “He’llalwaysbeinourheartsandminds–we thinkofhimdaily.Hewillbedearlymissed.” Make a tribute online Ifyouwouldlikeyourdog’snameto appearinour‘PawsforThought’Online MemorialBook,pleasecontacttheGifts inMemoryteamon0845 603 1477,email [email protected] orvisitgiftsinmemory.org.uk. Ourdogsmaybehonouredwitha complimentarylistingoftheir nametocommemoratethem. 30 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 New partnerships Congratulations to our new partnerships The new partnerships are listed by Mobility Team and each listing details owner, guide dog, town, breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Here’s wishing warm congratulations to all our new qualifiers. Meet Sarah and Bill Belfast SarahWithersfrom Bathqualifiedwith herfirstguidedog Bill,atwo-year-old Labretrievercross, inAugustafter decidingtoapply foraguidedog atthebeginning of2012. Charles Cleland & Pip from Belfast GRxL, JackieSmithfrom Gillingham•Bedding fromSoutham Mark Connolly & Nellie from Belfast LxGR, PeterMcFarlandfrom Ballyclare Jim Cosgrove & Imogen from Newtownards LxGR, SabineFrewfrom Edinburgh•SPriestman fromRushden Stanley Lightowler & Hamish from Coleraine GRxL, EileenSmithfrom Forfar,ThomasBoyes MortonfromStAndrews •ChristineSmithfrom Coventry Norman Lyttle & Bertie from Waterside L, Peter &ThelmaThorntonfrom Carnoustie•CJones fromLeamingtonSpa Lorraine McGarry & Mimmo from Ballymena Key: x – Crossbreed CCR – Curly Coat Retriever LxGR, IvanMageefrom Belfast Anne McKeown & Flossie from Ballymena L, AileenMurphyfrom Aberdeen•Barbara WilkinsonfromPershore Katy Megahey & Tara from Belfast LxGR, AinsworthfromArbroath •CarolEvansfrom Stourbridge Sarah Moore & Dean from Newtownards L, MarjoryMcLeodfrom Kirriemuir,AnneHutton fromCupar•Rachel BagleyfromCoventry Ian Snowdon & Dale from Belfast L, Tristan JamesCrumpton fromArbroath*Ellen Summertonfrom LeamingtonSpa Laurence Woodward & Warwick from Carryduff L, MaryBarclayfrom Fraserburgh,Wendy NicolBrucefrom Inverurie•Rachel COL – Collie FCR – Flat Coat Retriever GR – Golden Retriever Sarah’ssightlossistheresultofacranial tumourshedevelopedaged15.After studyingforA-levelsattheRNIBCollegein Loughboroughandcompletingauniversity degree,Sarahnowworksasamentalhealth supportworker:“TheclientsIworkwithlove Bill”,shesays,“andhelpmewithtaskssuchas takingBillforafreerun.Ithinkitreallybenefits themtogetinvolved.” Sarahhasanactivesociallife.Sheexplains: “Billreallyhelpsmegetoutandabout, althoughI’mstillgettingusedtotheattention hegets.He’sanabsolutetreasureandI wouldn’tbewithouthim.” BillwaspuppywalkedbyJaneSwiftof Stourbridge. GSD – German Shepherd Dog IWS – Irish Water Spaniel L – Labrador SPIN – Spinone STP – Standard Poodle ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 31 New Partnerships BagleyfromCoventry Birmingham Barrie Edwards & Oliver from Crowborough L, SheelaghSalefrom Winscombe•Janette BainesfromBurton-onTrent Claire Hubbard & Natalie from Redditch L, JohnCrollfromBy Dundee•Samantha HanleyfromTelford Molly Jackson & Jinny from Birmingham GRxL, LauraHubblefrom Birmingham•Christina BloxhamfromWorcester Sheila Murray & Merlin from Cirencester L, RuthRoderickfrom Nuneaton•Mary Lawrencefrom Kidderminster Fred Pope & Dylan from Droitwich LxGR, SheilaStephensfrom Pontypridd•JanePlant fromSolihull Anthony Seeley & Harry from Birmingham STPxL, ValZimnyfromDundee •RuthWoodfrom Coventry David Sheriden & Marley from Birmingham GR, HelenandRichard Thistlethwaitefrom Rugby•Sandra Bradburn-Vazquezfrom Lichfield Nicole Swingler & Misty from Plymouth LxGR, DawnAlejandre-Grau fromLeicester,Beryl WinterfromCoalville •PaulaMcLeanfrom Warwick Cynthia Myles & Celyn from Swansea LxL, MargaretBlack fromMold•Pippa Challengerfrom Evesham Susan Taylor & Leo from Bridgend L, Roger JenkynfromCardiff• MercerfromWarwick Thomas Threlfall & Eddie from Tyn-Y-Gongl L, AlisonDurbinfrom Chepstow•Pauline GoodrichfromLeicester Reginald White & Bruce from Gloucester LxGR, MrsRebecca AlexanderfromDunkeld Granville Vaughan & •ElizabethSagarfrom Bowden from Newport Warwick LxL, GillianSheppard Cardiff fromBarnstaple• GordonMacraefrom Samantha Edmunds & OverNorton Kate from Pontypool Olivia Gibson & Cora from Grangemouth GRxL, LindaRuxtonfrom Bathgate•JohnLovett fromTelford Kay Hamilton & Yusef from Aberdeen L, Claire McClearyfromLisburn• WyattfromLeamington Spa Sherrie Hodges & Linda from Arbroath LxGR, RobertMcCrackenfrom Glasgow•GillMoss fromBanbury Jean Melville & Kinsey from Dundee GRxL, Jacqueline GRxL, AnnGlanvillefrom Patricia Worrall & Ryley AnnHardstafffromSt Bristol•SimonHubble from Bridgend LxGR, Sue Andrews,MaryThomson fromBilston DavyfromOldbury• fromForfar•Coughlan SueDavyfromOldbury fromLutterworth Robert Green & Ufton from Ceredigion LxGR, Coventry Colin Rae & Bonnie from ChristineSherrifffrom Falkirk GRxL, Louise Wilfred Bakewell & Ivan Torquay•JanePlant NormanfromSouth from Leicester GRxL, fromSolihull Queensferry•Linda LindaCooperfrom SheehanfromSutton Felicity Marwood & Willenhall•LynShaw Coldfield Dottie from Rhyl GRxL, fromRedditch DavidCoultripand AnneHowdenfrom Banbury•Mr&Mrs PoulterfromStratfordUpon-Avon Carol Bloxham & Isca from Coventry GRxL, PamelaBibbyfrom Worcester•Simon HubblefromBilston Nicola Harvey & Dollar from Leicester GRxL, PeterAstleyfromBristol •MarionVernallfrom Ledbury Julia Morton & Roy from Birmingham L, John ClackfromAbingdon •SheilaHigginsfrom MiltonKeynes Edinburgh Robert Ainsley-Raffel & Umber from Hexham GSD, EdithGordon 32 fromClydebank• CoraBlaverfrom Northampton ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Mary Smart Rasmussen & Nelson from Aberdeen GSD, CatrionaNicolsonfrom Dalkeith•SueHerman fromWarwick Helen Sockell & Milly from Kilmarnock LxGR, ElizabethStephenfrom Stonehaven•Paula McLeanfromWarwick Exeter Sheila Ash & Milo from Glastonbury L, Gillian ChardfromPenarth• AngelaMcAuliffefrom StratforduponAvon John Dobson & Woody from Plymouth GRxL, CarolHolmesfrom Congratulations Loughborough•MarieClaireMontgomery fromLeamingtonSpa Kathleen Dockerill & Sylvia from St Columb GRxL, KevinMatthews fromCwmbran• MichelleMurphyfrom Leicester Michaela Kitto & Fergus from Penryn L, JamesBowlesfrom Bromsgrove•Barbara WilkinsonfromPershore Marjorie Pattemore & Elisa from Crewkerne LxGR, Carey&Karen Bambrookfrom Warwick,Suzanne BeecheyfromStratford uponAvon•Barbara McMillanfromStratfordUpon-Avon Elisabeth Rich & Nancie from Radstock GRxL, KeithandMaryDodd fromBristol•Tracey WilkinsonfromTelford Barbara Ward & Winnie from Bristol LxL, MalcolmStorerfrom LeamingtonSpa• ElizabethMorrisfrom Tamworth Sarah Withers & Bill from Bath LxGR, Jane SwiftfromStourbridge •SylviaBurgessfrom Buckingham Scott Wood & Penny from Bristol LxGR, HeatherWoodward fromSwansea•Linda LangmanfromMilton Keynes Carol Woodman & Wilson from Truro L, PamelaNashfrom Northampton• PaulineGoodrichfrom Leicester Robert York & Usher from Weston-SuperMare LxGR, Claire KendallfromWorcester •JanePlantfromSolihull Glasgow Daniel Allan & Travis from Glasgow GRxL, FionaWebsterfrom Dundee•Cath PedreschifromEvesham Edmund Dunlop & Nesta from Prestwick LxGR, MarshallMcFarland fromCountyDown Catherine Gordon & Inca from Inverness GRxL, PatriciaTodd fromAyr•Simon HubblefromBilston Susan Grant & Khara from Irvine GRxL, AndreaClarkfrom Kinross•Coughlan fromLutterworth John Hamilton & Cyder from Kilmarnock GRxL, KellyfromAlloa•Sarah BrettellfromStratford uponAvon fromSuttonColdfield HubblefromBilston Maureen McLellan & Sparkle from Clydebank L, RubyLaveryfrom Alford,JimRogers fromAberdeen• MaryCheesmanfrom Southam Aileen Driver & Carlos from Tickton LxL,Fiona TaylorfromNottingham •PippaChallenger fromEvesham Agnes Steel & Bella from Helensburgh GRxL, MargaretCullenfrom Larkhall•JohnSmith fromSuttonColdfield Anna Margaret Muir Lawson & Ufton from Leeds GSD, TeresaSyers fromMorecambe• AngelaStocksfrom Leicester Imogen Godwin & Laila from Tickton GRxL, Catherine Rae & AnnabelWynne- Whisper from Gairloch JonesfromLiverpool• GRxL, TracyScottfrom MargaretBuckingham Livingston,DeniseDudds fromWarwick fromBiggar•MarieLeeds ClaireMontgomery John Britten & Gretal fromLeamingtonSpa from Leeds GRxL, Colin Simpson & Stevie GertrudeTaylorfrom from Hamilton GRxL, Burnley,HedleyAusten MargaretMalcolmfrom fromStoke-on-Trent• Dundee•KellyWithers MichelleMurphyfrom fromWalsall Leicester Robert Simpson & Heidi Caroline Flower & Katie from Dumbarton GRxL, from Leeds GRxL, Sarah SusanKingfromInsch SaunbyfromSheffield •JaneChancefrom •Coughlanfrom Kidderminster Lutterworth Guy Kibblewhite & Preston from Glasgow LxGR, Michael&Jean BirdfromDumfries• LindaLangmanfrom MiltonKeynes Gwenyth Thomson & Katie from Ayr L, MargaretWhittakerfrom Irvine•DavidYarwood fromBirmingham Hull Marion Maden & Wilson from Bradford L, Cath WoollofffromIlkley• RachelBagleyfrom Coventry Allyson Lee & Woodie from Lairg L, Jacqui GormleyfromBallyclare, CountyAntrim•Angela McAuliffefromStratford UponAvon Anita Aslin & Bertie from Grantham LxGR, JenniferMarilyn CawthornefromSkipton •ElizabethSagarfrom Warwick Christine Mason & Victoria from Pontefract GRxL, AndrewStephen PowellfromChorley •JoanPerryfrom LeamingtonSpa Piotr Lewandowski & Carter from Motherwell GRxL, SusanLongair fromDundee•John LovettfromTelford Sarah Bassett & Frazer from Hull L,Linda WilliamsfromLiverpool •MariaLeggettfrom Oxford Martin McGarrity & Barney from Greenock GRxL, DavidBrownfrom Lanark•JohnSmith Nicola Dixon & Isabel from Hornsea GRxL, JulieBatemanfrom Billingham•Simon Debby McCallan & Hutch from Catterick Garrison GRxL, MaureenDoddington fromReading•Dr JosieBlackshawfrom Coventry David Sinclair & Pippa from Leeds LxGR, ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 33 New partnerships JudithRobinson fromSunderland• GeraldLewisfrom LeamingtonSpa Jim Smith & Maddy from Shipley GRxL, Roman Romanowskifrom Manchester•Christina BloxhamfromWorcester Jennifer Whelan & Suzi from Leeds GRxL, Hazel GillattfromSheffield, DrClaireDoidgefrom Sheffield•Rhiannon HutchingsfromHenley inArden Liverpool Julie Bennett & Polly from Liverpool LxGR, LindaRichardsonfrom NewcastleUponTyne •LindaLangmanfrom MiltonKeynes Patricia Ann Clewes & George from Crewe LxGR, SharronMarie BurnsfromWallasey• LindaLangmanfrom MiltonKeynes Les Davidge & Felicity from Wigan GSD, JanetAnneMolloy fromHalifax•Carla Nieuwenhuizenfrom Banbury Christopher Duggan & Inca from Chester LxGR, AngelaLawtonfrom Tollerton•GillMossfrom Banbury John Haill & Betty from Warrington LxGR, Pat ByrnefromNorthwich •ElizabethSagarfrom Warwick Nicola Kirby & Jazz from Bootle L, CathBritton fromIlkley•Sheila HigginsfromMilton Keynes Rachael Macfarlane & 34 Saffron from Burscough GRxL, DavidRawlins fromLiverpool• RhiannonHutchings fromHenleyinArden Ken Morley & Westley from Liverpool L, Val IronsfromDeeside• AngelaMcAuliffefrom StratforduponAvon Blodwen Phillips & Faith from Northwich GRxL, MScottfromNorthwich •ClareShorttfrom Kidderminster Mark Shakeshaft & Ivan from Widnes LxGR, PatriciaAlsopfrom Nottingham,Jennifer HigginsfromBeeston• GillMossfromBanbury SuchetaGammonfrom WelwynGardenCity• DrJosieBlackshawfrom Coventry Daniel Callow & Pilot from Chessington L, FionaLazenbyfrom Swindon,HeidiBarton fromSwindon• CarolineDempsterfrom LeamingtonSpa Emily Davison & Unity from London LxGR, DianaHolmesfrom Tonbridge•JanePlant fromSolihull Eilish Devlin & Russell from London LxGR, MyriamSteadmanfrom Welling•SueDavyfrom Oldbury Peter Soutar & Amelia from Liverpool GRxL, JohnDavisfromBolton •HazelBarclayfrom SuttonColdfield Mary Furby & Flax from London GR, Michael DennyfromLondon •GillMcDowellfrom Holmfirth Sheila Whittaker & Vicky from Warrington LxGR, HilaryPercivalfrom Warrington•SSager fromLeamingtonSpa Sunethra Goonewardene & Beau from London L, JacquelineMeaney fromRochford•Wyatt fromLeamingtonSpa London Malcolm Matthews Liam Archer & George from London GRxL,Dorianne ButlerfromMalton• ChristineSmithfrom Coventry Julian Bradfield & Stanley from London LxGR, RachaelLeefrom Swindon•JanePlant fromSolihull Dorothy Bray & Bliss from London GR, Jane MillsfromMaidstone, LornaFryerfromAshford •AlisonMortonfrom LeamingtonSpa Kelly Burstow & Zeb from Chislehurst GRxL, ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 fromMaidstone•Jude JennisonfromWarwick Frank Roberts & Quasia from Twickenham LxL, BeataJonesfrom Gillingham•Deborah KelseyfromCoventry David Townley & Earl from London L, Margaret BoycefromSouthend onSea•Pauline GoodrichfromLeicester Susan Temnuik & Omega from Barnet GSD,Mr&MrsWright fromEdinburgh*Donna MorrisfromTelford Maidstone Anna Barham & Hattie from Rotherfield GRxL, Sharon Hagen from Wantage • Christine SmithfromCoventry Derek Beal & Quaker from Broadstairs GR, JL BanksfromCarnoustie •JanetEvansfrom Warwick Colin Davies & Drummer from Peacehaven GRxL, FionaParkinfrom Sevenoaks•Marion VernallfromLedbury Susan Hopkins & Petra from London GRxL, Ruth RevisfromPeterborough Kim Harris & Harmony from Bromley GR,Lorna •JohnMarchantfrom ColeyfromEpsom MiltonKeynes •SandraBradburnDeborah Persaud & VazquezfromLichfield Lewis from London L, Katy Johnson & Ashley MalcolmMoorefrom from Littlehampton Sidcup•RachelCutler GRxFCR,Beverley fromRugby KempsonfromHexham Scott Rentle & Ellis •JuliaEvansfrom from Ruislip GRxL, Bromsgrove VivienneLivermorefrom Jim Martin & Annie from Stevenage•Vanessa Sevenoaks LxL, Eva JonesfromRugby FrailefromSwindon• Annie Rimmer & Marden GordonMacraefrom from London GRxL, OverNorton TeresaKinvigfrom Ian Pascoe & Rascal Rochester,PatAngus Congratulations from Burham LxGR, LorraineWattsfrom Colchester•Jacquie WilliamsfromMoretonin-Marsh Teresa Peirce & Arthur from Canterbury GRxL, MeredithMistryfrom Harrow,GillianMartin fromLuton•Jude JennisonfromWarwick Barry Penton & Calli from Ramsgate GRxL, JackMorrisfrom Swanley•JohnLovett fromTelford Reverend Dylan Turner & Hester from Longfield GRxL, WendyPfeiffer fromSittingbourne• ChristineSmithfrom Coventry Eveline Turner & Alice from Otford GRxL,Jim RogersfromAberdeen •RachelDavisfrom Kettering GRxFCR, MargaretLee fromTewkesbury•Julia EvansfromBromsgrove Lindsay Walker & Caesar from Bolton GRxL, PeterSimpson fromBury•JohnLovett fromTelford Newcastle Denis Callaghan & Uffa from Middlesbrough GRxL, PatriciaBrown fromDundee,Denise WallacefromHawick •JanetKlaarfrom Stourbridge Ian Hay & Magic from Workington LxGR, BarbaraJohnstonfrom Belfast Joanne Hewitson & Bubbles from Hartlepool GR, AngelaJaneTurner fromNottingham• AlisonMortonfrom LeamingtonSpa John Routledge & Zack from Newcastle upon Tyne GRxL, SusanMillar fromEdinburgh•Clare TurtonfromSolihull Laura Tambin & Quarry from Houghton-leSprin LxL, SCLang fromStAndrews, ShirleyPenmanfrom Glenrothes•Deborah KelseyfromCoventry Brian White & Inky from Whitehaven GRxL, Mary SlaterfromKelso•Lyn ShawfromRedditch Nottingham Amanda Barnett & Edward from Barnsley LxGR, CarolTownsend fromPlymouth• BarbaraMcMillanfrom StratforduponAvon Ged Berkin & Rinty from Nottingham GSD,Harry StringerfromBolton •SueHermanfrom Warwick Shirley Cole & Bede from Nottingham GRxL, JoanneBarran fromBradford• RebeccaJacksonfrom Kidderminster Dennis Cook & Junior from Sheffield GRxL, SharonForshawfrom Warrington•John LovettfromTelford Elizabeth Hague & Lily from Rotherham L, ChristineHenderson fromChesterLeStreet• MercerfromWarwick Derek Kenneway & Vadar from Nottingham Manchester Nicola Bamford & Shearer from Manchester GRxL, Alison KingfromMorpeth• CathPedreschifrom Evesham Tommy Burns & Otis from Manchester L, EstherCookfrom Nottingham•PhilRevill fromSoutham Peter Sandiford & Benny from Bolton LxGR, CaroleAtkinsonfrom Durham•SylviaBurgess fromBuckingham Tanya Shimmin & Bailey from Onchan GRxL, AnnePalphramand fromYork•PaulaRoss fromSoutham Alma Swarbrick & Voss from Thornton-Cleveleys ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 35 New partnerships GRxL, StuartKayefrom Barnsley•JoanPerry fromLeamingtonSpa Jasmin Newton & Jingle from Alfreton GRxL, LorraineHillfromCardiff •PaulRackhamfrom Rugby Doreen Parsons & Nell from Sheffield GR, JaniceButlerfrom Solihull•JanetEvans fromWarwick Linda Tait & Willow from Barnsley GRxL, ElaineLeakefrom Durham•Marie-Claire Montgomeryfrom LeamingtonSpa Paul Wells & Casper from Doncaster L, Ann PricefromChester• MariaLeggettfrom Oxford Peterborough Carolyn Allum & Koral from Ipswich LxGR, JackieSmith fromGillingham• SylviaBurgessfrom Buckingham Sarah Arnull-Henry & Kaspar from Peterborough GRxL, StaceyDawnRoberts fromMansfield •Coughlanfrom Lutterworth Kerry Broom & Quella from March LxL, Marie EveredfromBromley• DeborahKelseyfrom Coventry Robin Evans & Ellis from Great Yarmouth GRxL, JeanneHarrall fromSwanley• RebeccaJacksonfrom Kidderminster Luke Massey & Vania from Bury St Edmunds 36 LxGR, DianaReynolds fromCambridge•S SagerfromLeamington Spa CathrynMcCulloch fromDundee•Dr JosieBlackshawfrom Coventry GR, NicolaMeekings fromLondon•Dr MaryEmbletonfrom Abingdon Timothy Poole & Buckie from Caister-on-Sea GRxL, GillianBanefrom Cambridge•John LovettfromTelford Kevin Deacon & Texas from Reading LxGR, JacquelineMalhotra fromCambridge• CarolEvansfrom Stourbridge Abbey White & Annie from Oxford GRxL, Bob CroucherfromSouth Ockendon•JaneHart fromCirencester Paul Griffin & Eaton from Bognor Regis L, George OdellfromChelmsford• PaulineGoodrichfrom Leicester Marina Bradbury & Spyder from Tamworth GRxL, ValerieGeefrom Swadlincote•Kelly WithersfromWalsall Joy Roberts & Tammy from Norwich GRxL, EdithPrestonfrom StAlbans•DrJosie Blackshawfrom Coventry Peter Skivington & Keller from Peterborough LxGR, SusanBrooker fromHarpenden, JeanNieldfrom Harpenden,SuBrooker fromHarpenden• SylviaBurgessfrom Buckingham Gwen Watts & Vasco from Brandon GR, StephenFarrenfrom Sittingbourne•Pauline KelsallfromBirmingham Reading Jennifer Bottom & Archie from Reading GRxL, SueThornhillfrom Nottingham,Anne BrendaEvansfrom Nottingham,Garth MuntonfromDerby •RachelDavisfrom Kettering Martin Brown & Oak from Brentford GSD, JanetCurzonfrom Chatham•Donna MorrisfromTelford Andrew Jones & Bobby from Ruislip LxGR, Janie TurnerfromAscot,Lynne HighyfromWindsor• LindaLangmanfrom MiltonKeynes Michael Leader & Tudor from Wallingford GRxL, MarjorieCulhamfrom Manningtree•Paul RackhamfromRugby Jonathan Lewis & Sterling from Horsham GRxL, PennyParkerfrom Felixstowe•ClareTurton fromSolihull Lesley Power & Dave from Reigate GRxL, ClaireMorganfrom SouthendonSea• MarionVernallfrom Ledbury Jadine Sharp & Brodie from Hereford GR, BeverlyHillfrom Gillingham•Dr MaryEmbletonfrom Abingdon Tracy Chapman & Rhia from Amersham LxGR, JacquelineLibertyfrom Benfleet•SueDavy fromOldbury Jeanne Stephen & Breck from Gerrards Cross GR, DianePage fromClacton-on-Sea •ChristineFowlerfrom Southam Georgia Collins & Tara from Reading GRxL, John Welsman & Breck from Guildford ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 Shrewsbury Rowland Brown & Daniel from Newport LxGR, CatherineGilpinfrom SouthBrent•Simpson fromLeamingtonSpa Sonya Downs & Rose from Stoke On Trent LxGR, KarenLavisfrom Bristol•KatherineBaker fromMitcheldean Chris Gray & Victor from Stourbridge GR, ElizabethBowhay fromWickford•Linda MallettefromWorcester Roger Nolan & Junior from Halesowen GRxGSD, RMeers fromPershore,Linda Appletonfrom Tewkesbury•Julia EvansfromBromsgrove Marion Oakes & Cleo from Cannock GRxL, KathleenShepherdfrom Bolton•JohnLovett fromTelford Eleanor Roberts & Woody from Newport GRxL, BridgetHolroyd fromBristol•Poulter fromStratford-UponAvon Southampton Calum Brennan & Fella Congratulations from Weymouth L,Ruth MurrayfromMoffat, DouglasWalkerfrom Ardrossan•Maria LeggettfromOxford Weymouth L, Margaret Grewcockfrom Hinckley•Wyattfrom LeamingtonSpa Sandra Powell & Betty Roy Davies & Radar from Basingstoke GRxL, from Wimborne L, Alison BrianAttwoodfrom Bamford-Elsdonfrom BurnhamonSea•G NewtonAbbot•Rachel TookeyfromWarwick BagleyfromCoventry Steven Reed & Lawrie Marion Hookins & Maisie from Havant L, Elizabeth AllenfromCoseley• CarolineDempsterfrom LeamingtonSpa Susan Mead & Milly from Swindon L, Keziah RhodenfromPort Talbot,JanetBoswell fromLlantwitMajor• MaryLawrencefrom Kidderminster Eric Powell & York from from Eastleigh GRxL, ElizabethGibsonfrom MiltonKeynes,Gail SaundersfromOxford• MargaretReynoldsfrom Rugby Welwyn Garden City Keith Davies & Hugh from Colchester LxGR, PaulDoylefromBarnet •JoyDickinsonfrom Abingdon Pamela Hanson- Abbott & Maggie from Frinton-on-Sea GR, GillianSantosfrom Musselburgh•Sandra Bradburn-Vazquezfrom Lichfield Natalie Hedges & Ushi from Radlett LxGR, Lana BrandfromCarnoustie, Neil&CarolWoodfrom Dundee•JanePlant fromSolihull Doctor Brian Howe & Pudsey from Harpenden LxGR, CatrionaRose fromEdinburgh, CarolineHornfrom Glasgow•GeraldLewis fromLeamingtonSpa Peter Keens & Lynx from Kempston L, Wendy HartwellfromBraintree •StrakerfromStratfordUpon-Avon Christian Norman & Warwick from Colchester GRxL, Allison CoardfromCallander, RobertBeattiefrom Stirling•Marie-Claire Montgomeryfrom LeamingtonSpa Wendy Purcell & Vegas from Luton L, VanessaJohnsonfrom Sittingbourne•Erica DowsefromCoventry Terri Sawkins & Ufton from Colchester GSD, Su FranzfromCranbrook •CoraBlaverfrom Northampton Ronald Whitt & Nala from Billericay GSD, CynthiaDickinsonfrom London•SueHerman fromWarwick Breeding Stock Astra • 10.09.12 • L • Bitch •MrsSASweetland fromStratford-UponAvon•Mr&MrsHicks fromLythamStAnnes Bernie • 03.09.12 • GRxL •Bitch•MrPSwallow fromWarwick•MrsC RottonfromNottingham Bobby • 20.09.12 • L • Stud •Mr&MrsMoloney fromLeamingtonSpa •MrDWrightfrom Manchester Cookie • 06.07.12 • L • Bitch •MrsGWinnett fromBirmingham•Miss SFFridayfromSale Daisy • 16.08.12 • GR • Bitch •MrsJBurnfrom Wokingham Daphne • 16.08.12 • GR • Bitch •MrRGregory fromLondon Ellie • 06.07.12 • GRxL • Bitch •MrsJSVeasey fromLeamingtonSpa •MrsMLeckiefrom GlasgowMrAKemp fromGlasgow Esta • 16.08.12 • GR • Bitch • OutsideBred• MrsCCosgrovefrom SouthBrent Eva • 26.07.12 • GR • Bitch •OutsideBred• MrsMChetwoodfrom Tewkesbury Gilly • 12.07.12 • GRxL • Bitch •MrPSwallow fromWarwick•Mrs MLStewartfromSouth Queensferry Inca • 20.09.12 • L • Bitch•MrsJHannon fromOldbury•MrsS WattfromMaud Isabel • 20.09.12 • L • Bitch • MrsJHannon fromOldbury•MrsTM BroerefromAboyne fromKirriemuirMrGS GlenfromKirriemuir Jackie • 20.09.12 • L • Bitch •Mr&MrsMoloney fromLeamingtonSpa •MrsEThomsonfrom Aberdeen Queenie • 10.09.12 • L • Bitch • MrsCMMcBride fromSale Quilla•12.07.12•GRxL • Bitch • Miss S Price from Claverdon • Mrs P Holmes from Dunblane Jessie • 13.07.12 • L • Bitch • MrsM Buckinghamfrom Warwick•MsVBurridge fromColchester Kara • 26.07.12 • GR • Bitch • MrsJDickinson fromAbingdon•MrsLB BeamishfromBolton Taz • 16.08.12 • GR • Stud • MrsJDickinson fromAbingdon•MrsM ThomsonfromAberlour Travis • 26.07.12 • GR • Stud • MrsJDickinson fromAbingdon•Mr& MrsZimnyfromDundee Lilac • 16.08.12 • L • Bitch •MrsSASweetland Yves • 12.09.12 • GRxL fromStratford-Upon• Bitch • MrsSHoffman Avon•MrsADDillon fromCoventry•MsD fromBury ScottfromLondon Lottie • 16.08.12 • L • Bitch • MrsSASweetland fromStratford-UponAvon•MissEMountford ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 37 Competition Winter into Spring Quiz It may still be chilly but spring’s not too far away. Why not have a shot at our Winter into Spring Quiz? You could win one of two £10 Marks and Spencer vouchers if you answer our six seasonal questions correctly: 1. What is the name of the King in Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”? 2. Where is the Winter Palace? 3. What is the common name of the plant Jasminium Nudiflorum? 4. Who wrote the song “I love Paris in the springtime”? 5. On which date will the vernal equinox fall in 2013, marking the first day of spring? 6. Who wrote the poem “Ode to the West Wind” featuring the line, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” Autumnquizanswers 1. NameHagrid’scowardly boarhound,ofHarryPotterfame. Fang 2. WhatistheRussiandogLaika famousfor?Firstanimalinspace 3. WhatbreedisBarackObama’s dog,Bo?Portuguesewaterdog 4. NamefourofthenineBluePeter dogs.Petra,Patch,Shep,Goldie, Bonnie,Mabel,Lucy,Meg,Barney 5. WhatroboticdogappearedonDr Who?K9 CongratulationstoLesleyHorrillwhohaswontheAutumnQuiz.Wehopeyoutreatyourselftosomewinter warmerswithyourMarksandSpencersvoucher,Lesley! Caption competition ThankstoJaniceMcCauleyforsendinginthisadorablepicture ofguidedogpuppyRussellhavingdinnerwithhislittlefriend. Enterthequizorcaptioncompbyemailingforward@guidedogs. org.ukorsendyouransweronapostcardtoForward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG. Remembertoincludeyournameandaddress. Thelineupofentriesforautumn’s criminallytrickycaptioncompetition wasatoughcasetocrackbut we’vemanagedtoidentifyawinner. CongratulationsRobertMorganof Aberdeenshire!Robertcollaredthe prizewith: “After a hard day I thought it was time for arrest.” Competition rules ThecompetitionsareopentoanyoneresidentintheUK,except employeesoftheGuideDogsfortheBlindAssociation,theirfamiliesand anyoneconnectedwiththecompetition.Nopurchasenecessary.Proof ofpostingcannotbeacceptedasproofofdelivery.Noresponsibility canbeacceptedforentriesdelayed,damagedormislaidorwrongly delivered.Illegibleentrieswillbedisqualified.Onlyoneoriginalentry 38 ForwardMagazine|Spring2013 isallowedperenvelope.Thewinnerswillbenotifiedbyeitherpost ortelephoneandtheresultswillbepublishedinthenextissueofthe magazine.Thewinnersmustagreetothepublicationoftheirnames, photographsandanypublicity,ifrequested.Inallmattersconcerning thecompetitionstheEditor’sdecisionisfinal.Nocorrespondencecanbe enteredinto.Entryimpliesacceptanceoftherules.Theclosingdatefor thesecompetitionsis16April2013. Helping change the lives of blind and partially sighted people has never been more fun! 12 3 32 24 7 15 Enter our Lucky Lottery now and you could win up to £3,000. Each entry costs just £1. Call: 0800 688 8406 www.guidedogs.org.uk/luckylottery Not to be sold to or by any person under 16 years of age. Licensed by the Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005, www.gamblingcomission.gov.uk, Licence number 4946. Entries are restricted to residents of England, Scotland and Wales. Registered society: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Contact: Jayne George, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). All profits from the lottery will be used to fund the work of Guide Dogs. If you feel you have a problem with gambling, please visit our website for help and advice at www.guidedogs.org.uk/gamcare or contact the GamCare National Helpline on 0845 6000 133. Your guide dog puppy adventure starts here... Sponsor a Puppy for just £1 a week, and change a life forever To find out more, call 0870 2406993, or visit www.sponsorapuppy.org.uk Registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).