Forward
The official Guide Dogs magazine
Spring 2017
Taking on
the London
Marathon
Also inside:
Supporting
a younger
generation
credit The Wigan Evening Post
Guide Dogs Annual
Awards finalists
Making a perfect match
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Contents
12
Regulars
5. Welcome from our
Acting CEO
6. News
Stories from across
Guide Dogs
9. Guide Dogs in the
media special
Featuring Luna, star of
ITV’s This Morning
Features
11
12 Taking on the
challenge
London Marathon
runners
15. What’s on?
Guide Dogs’ diary
34. Caption competition
What’s our dog
thinking?
11 Guide Dogs Annual
Awards 2017
16
19
19 Making a
perfect match
14 On the
campaign trail
25 Local Volunteer
Awards
16 Supporting a
younger generation
33 Behind the scenes
of the Sponsor a
Puppy advert
People and dogs
10. Leaving a legacy to
Guide Dogs
18 A day in the life of
Jamie Hambro,
Chairman of the Board
of Trustees
33 20. Thank you to our
supporters
22. We’ll never forget
26. New Partnerships
25
34. Letters
9077
Please recycle
this magazine
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
3
Friday 21 April is
National Tea Day!
Host a party and help change lives!
National Tea Day is all about tea, community and fun! That’s why we are encouraging
everyone to get involved and to get dunking biscuits for our charity’s cause!
Get your free party kit at: www.guidedogs.org.uk/teatime or call 0345 143 0192
Contributors:
Melissa Gerbaldi, Liam
Challenger, Lucy Llewelyn,
Joe Bullimore, Amy Frost,
Annabel Williams, Emma
Hockenhull, Hayley Price,
Jolene Moran, James Kell,
Hannah Trussler and
Deborah Rees
Designed by: Guide Dogs
guidedogs.org.uk
Contributions: Send items to
Forward at the Head Office
address or email forward@
guidedogs.org.uk
Unfortunately, due to the
volume of ideas we receive,
we cannot acknowledge
every item. We reserve the
right to edit or refuse. Forward
is available in Braille, large
print, audio CD and online
as audio and text files. It is
also available as a PDF from
our website and in a range
of languages – for this and
4
mailing enquiries call
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please contact us, call
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[email protected]
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Founding Editor: The
late Captain Nikolai
Liakhoff MBE FRZS
Any products or services
advertised in Forward by
third parties are not in any
way endorsed by Guide
Dogs and Guide Dogs
shall not be responsible
for the accuracy of any
information contained in
such advertisements nor
has it investigated or verified
any of the information.
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)
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Welcome
Acting Chief Executive’s welcome
• A
t the time of writing, this
brings the total number
of guide dogs we have
trained since our creation
to 33,871, representing over
80 million days of support
and independence
we have provided for
people with sight loss.
I wanted to start this
welcome by saying how
proud I am to be leading
Guide Dogs as Acting
CEO. One look at all the
good news in this edition
of Forward shows me just
how much everyone’s hard
work and support means in
ensuring that no one is left
out of life because of sight
loss.
It’s impossible to mention all
of the life-changing work we
do in just a few words, but I
wanted to share just some
of the huge impact our work
has had in the past year in so
many areas:
• F or the first time ever in
our history we have over
5,000 live guide dog
partnerships in operation
– this is truly a landmark for
the organisation and for
some colleagues a goal
they have been working
towards for nearly 20 years!
• W
e’ve made great
progress on our
campaigning work,
including changing the
law to ensure audio-visual
announcements are
available on all buses.
• W
e’ve collaborated with
partners, including working
with Action for Blind
People on our My Story
pilots and continuing our
relationship with Microsoft
on Cities Unlocked.
This is also our first edition
since the integration of the
services provided by Blind
Children UK into Guide Dogs,
we started this year as one
organisation, providing
support and services to
people of all ages. You
can read more about our
Children and Young People's
services on pages 16 and 17.
We have a busy year ahead:
we want our charity to be
the best it possibly can be,
ensuring every donation
received is used to give the
maximum benefit for people
with sight loss. In the next
couple of years, we will be
looking to further improve
the guide dog service and
we will be developing our
existing, and new, ways to
raise funds through new
products, channels and
audiences.
We will continue with the
life-changing work we do in
all of our services, fundraising
and support teams and
every day seek ways in
which to make these better.
We may have some
challenges ahead, but
I’m delighted to read
this magazine and the
extraordinary stories we
have to tell, which show the
incredible impact we make
every day. Many thanks for
all your support, work and
contribution.
Best wishes
Steve Vaid
Acting Chief Executive,
Guide Dogs
P.S. If you want to hear more
from me then you can read
my blog here:
http://bit.ly/2kOVpCJ
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
5
News
Do touch the art
We’ve all been to an art museum or
gallery at least once in our lives. Everyone
knows the rules, be quiet, respectful and
above all, “Don’t touch the art!” That
makes a lot of sense, but what if you are
living with sight loss? As part of Culture
Night in Belfast, the Guide Dogs Northern
Ireland team curated a gallery of art that
was created to be experienced by touch,
making it more accessible to people living
with sight loss. Members of the public were
also invited to take part, creating their own
pieces of tactile art to add to Northern
Ireland’s first ‘Museum of Tactile Art’.
Princess Alexandra’s
birthday bash
On Tuesday 29
November the Queen
held a reception at
Buckingham Palace to
celebrate the charity
work of her cousin,
Princess Alexandra, who
turned 80 on Christmas
Day. Back in 1954,
Princess Alexandra
agreed to become
President and later
Patron of Guide Dogs
and has been affiliated
with us ever since. From Guide Dogs,
Chairman Jamie Hambro and long-serving
volunteer, Jackie Bromage attended the
event. A supporter of over 100 charities, the
royal was greeted by many volunteers and
representatives who gathered to honour
her work. Trustee Dr Mike Nussbaum and
his guide dog Zeta, were amongst other
guests invited.
6
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Sandringham
Flower Show
The Kings Lynn and District fundraising
branch have attended the Sandringham
Flower Show for the past 30 years, selling
trading items and crafts. This year they were
extremely fortunate to have a show garden
designed for the show. Prince Charles and
Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visited the
marquee and spent time enquiring about
the work of Guide Dogs.
News
Get ready to Move
it for Money
in 2017
Thousands of you moved
your feet, paws and wheels
for Guide Dogs Week 2016,
helping us to make a huge
difference to people living
with sight loss. We are now
busily planning Guide Dogs
Week 2017 and would love
you to join us in Moving
it for Money. If it moves
you to action, if it moves
you to tears or even just
moves your feet – Move it
for Money this Guide Dogs
Week! Please save the date
7-15 October and preorder your fundraising kit at
guidedogs.org.uk/
guidedogsweek or call our
friendly fundraising team on
0345 143 0192.
Andy is Freda's hero!
When My Guide volunteer Andy, a 33-yearold firefighter from Edinburgh was first
matched with 60-year-old Freda in August
2014, the pair weren’t aware of the huge
impact they’d have on each other’s lives.
With Andy’s support, animal-lover Freda
has been able to carry out community
conservation work and take trips to the
farm. She states: “Andy and I got on right
away, and we’ve already accomplished
so much. I’m so proud of
all he’s helped me achieve.” Andy
adds: “Seeing Freda’s face light up
when she experiences something
new is just so rewarding.”
Volunteer
research
project
In March, volunteers, service
users and staff have the
chance to take part in
research looking at the
difference volunteering makes. We need
this feedback to look at how we better
involve volunteers and we will investigate
whether changes in the last two years
have had an impact. Talk to your local
Volunteering Consultant.
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
7
News
John Lewis
fits out our office
Inspired by
Buster the
trampolining
boxer in their
Christmas TV
advert, John
Lewis Cardiff
has donated
furniture, toys
and treats
worth £2,000 to Guide Dogs Cymru as
its centre expands. Items include dog
beds, radios and even a freezer to cool
food-filled toys for pups in early training.
Other gifts include a one-cup kettle,
so staff and visitors who are blind or
partially sighted can make a hot drink
independently. Coffee tables and new
red chairs have also been provided,
which are easier to find for people with
low vision as they give good colour
contrast with the grey carpet.
Leamington
Business Awards
News in brief
Stand up
for dogs
Guide dog owner
Lindsey Moor and her
guide dog Charlotte
recently met comedian
Rich Hall at his gig.
This is not the first time
Charlotte has met Rich,
he now comments
on the fact she is his
number 1 fan!
Rinty’s
happy
retirement
Rinty, a retired
German Shepherd
guide dog, has taken
up a new role as a
Pets as Therapy dog,
visiting hospices. Rinty
has become a firm
favourite with the
people he is visiting.
Wales' newest supporter
Guide Dogs was presented with the
Leamington National Business of the
Year Award beating off Yo Sushi and
Waterstones for this coveted prize. The
judging panel looked for the national
company that offers service, commitment
and loyalty to their customers, and that
has a presence within Leamington Spa
engaging with its community.
8
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Guide Dogs in Llanelli have a brand
new supporter, baby Megan,
who was born on 29 June. Proud
parents Alison and Phillip John of
Ammanford are long-time Guide
Dogs volunteers and take Megan
along to local fundraising events.
Guide Dogs in the media
Guide Dogs in the media
Luna brightens the nation’s mornings
Loveable labradoodle Luna is taking
fame in her stride. Since joining the
ITV This Morning family last September
she’s quickly become one of the
nation’s most recognised pooches.
Following in the paw-steps of Clover, our
original This Morning guide dog puppy,
Luna has over 50,000 followers on social
media, and she’s also started to get
stopped in the street! But, of course,
as a confident guide dog-in-training
she’s unfazed by all the attention.
Luna’s puppy walker Michelle says: “We
get double-takes when we’re out and
about, and people stop and say: ‘That’s
not Luna is it?’ It’s amazing how many fans
she has. Some people say they tune in on
Mondays and Thursdays just to see her –
she’s really captured people’s hearts.”
Through This Morning, Luna and Clover
are helping Guide Dogs to raise more
awareness of the hard work, and cost, of
training guide dogs – from puppy walking
right through to matching and beyond. The
show’s two million daily viewers follow the
puppies through their puppy training and
watch them have lots of new experiences
along the way. The popular show is also
interested in interviewing the pups’ future
owners once training is completed.
On social media we’re able to show more
of the advanced guiding training Clover
is currently completing – such as how
she learns to identify kerbs, find chairs,
and also how clicker training works.
Clover is transforming from ‘puppy with a
purpose’ to ‘life-changer’ right before our
eyes, and the response from the public
has been overwhelmingly positive!
Follow Luna and Clover on Facebook:
facebook.com/ThisMorningPuppy
Luna meets TV presenter
Davina McCall
With the winner
of Strictly Come
Dancing Ore Oduba
Sniffing out
the stars
Squad goals at puppy
class training
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
9
Media summary
Other media highlights
Channel 5 programme Secret Life of
Puppies returned for a second series in
December, with the first two episodes
featuring a guide dog called Axel.
Following episodes will feature guide dog
mum Ivy’s litter and guide dog pup Twiggy,
and will broadcast over the next couple
of months.
Axel
We released research
and a video about guide
dog owners being
illegally turned away
from taxis and minicabs,
coinciding with a Private
Member’s Bill being
discussed in Westminster.
Senior Campaigns
Manager James White appeared on
BBC Radio 5 Live’s 5 live Breakfast show,
and Sky News Sunrise hosted guide dog
owner Debbie Impiazzi and Campaigns
Manager Jennifer Keen in the studio. The
Huffington Post UK ran a blog by guide dog
owner Elin Williams about a taxi refusal she
experienced. You can read the blog here:
huffingtonpost.co.uk/elin-williams
One of our Sponsor
a Puppy pups, Immie,
was profiled in The
Times, appearing in
the paper’s Animal
Life section.
Immie
National Free Wills Network
Guide Dogs is committed to a world in
which being blind or partially sighted
isn’t what defines someone; we rely on
donations and gifts in Wills to continue
changing the lives of people with sight loss.
Guide Dogs is part of the National Free Wills
Network, and as a supporter you can have
your Will written or updated for free using
a local participating solicitor. There is no
obligation to leave a gift, but we hope you
might consider supporting us in this way.
Using the service is really straightforward,
as Guide Dogs supporter Glenis
Kennor explains, "I thought it may be
a complicated process but it was very
easy and we had a choice of local
solicitors to contact at our convenience.
10 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
I was so impressed with this service that
I would recommend it to anyone.
By leaving a gift you will help to create
more guide dogs who will go on to change
the lives of people who are blind or partially
sighted. If you’d like to use the free Will
writing service, simply visit
guidedogs.org.uk/freewills
or call 0800 953 0113
Guide Dogs Annual Awards 2017
Finalists revealed
The Guide Dogs Annual
Awards 2017 ceremony will
take place on Wednesday 17
May, and we are pleased to
reveal our fantastic finalists!
This Morning’s Inspirational Guide Dog
Owner award
This award will be decided by a public
vote from viewers of ITV This Morning
to celebrate a guide dog owner who
has achieved something exceptional or
overcome a significant challenge. Voting
will open nearer the event, details will be on
the website guidedogs.org.uk/awards. The
finalists are:
Kay Kitto
In September 2016 Kay, her family and
guide dog Jackie were setting off on
a weekend away, when a lorry hit her,
causing life-threatening injuries.
Kay is now back home but every day is a
challenge. She can now walk 20 metres
and is taking her recovery one step at a
time. Kay has been with Jackie since 2014
and through her recovery, Jackie has been
a calm and loving presence.
Meet the rest of our fantastic finalists:
My Guide Partnership
Soji Adeloju and Graham De Smidt
David Oliver and Hollie Pemberton
Felicity Sylvester and Adi Latif
Young Person’s Achievement
Harry Lavender
Ellen Watson
Lucy Edwards
Beyond the Call of Duty
Dianne Woodford & Darcy
Ione Heil & Courtney
Jeremy Fletcher & Quest
Lora Fachie
28-year-old Paralympic cyclist, Lora Fachie
has never let her visual impairment stop her
from pursuing her dreams.
In the summer of last year, she took home
gold and bronze at the Rio Games and
now has her sights set on the Para-cycling
Track World Championships.
Lora comments: “Whatever goal I set myself,
I give my all. I want to show others living with
sight loss that having a disability doesn't
mean lowering the bar.”
Louise Jenkins
When mum of two Louise suddenly lost her
sight 14 years ago she thought her world
had ended. But with her fearless attitude,
determination and guide dog Trinity by her
side, nothing can stop her. Louise has shown
true strength over the last year putting the
needs of others before her own to help
care for family through serious illness, while
also working full-time to support people
with mental health needs in her community.
“Life’s just too short!” says Louise.
Life Changing Partnership
Chris Gallagher & Ishka
Kim Burrows & Tami
Mandy Pike & Fable
Collaboration of the Year
Royal Canin
Blackpool Transport
Club Triumph
Breaking Down Barriers
Karl Lloyd (Liverpool City Council)
Emma Free
Simon Goodall
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
11
London Marathon
The London Marathon:
Taking on the
challenge
Pounding the pavements, the treadmill or the track…it’s
all part of the hours of training that thousands of people
have been putting in, in preparation for this year’s London
Marathon. Among them are eight amazing people with
sight loss and their sighted guides. All taking up the
challenge to run 26 miles and raise funds for Guide Dogs.
We wish them all the very best – good luck!
“Running is everything to
me, it makes me happy.
26 miles is insane – I know
it’s going to be hard, so it’s
a good thing I get on with
my guide, Steve! I’m doing
it for my guide dog Olga
as she does so much for
me. It’s the least I can do.”
Lucy Edwards
Guide dog owner
“I’m running with my brother,
Chris. We may have some
arguments along the way
but we’re looking to enjoy
it, not to get the best time.
Neither of us have ever
run before so having the
stamina is going to be the
challenge. I’m hoping the
crowd will keep us going.”
Dawn Gerrard
Guide dog owner
12 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
“It’s going to be challenging
fitting in the training with
everything else but I’m
going to get over the finish
line, even if I’m on my hands
and knees! Guide Dogs has
given me the most amazing
guide dog and I want to
give something back.”
Deborah Persaud
Guide dog owner
London Marathon
“It was a long-standing joke
“My friend and guide Mandy
with my husband Simon that talked me into it! We’d never
I’d run it one day. Neither
run before but our friends
of us are runners but now
had made fun of us going
he’s running with me as
to the gym so we thought
my guide. It’s nice to feel
‘we’ll show you’! Both the
that I can do something
training and fundraising
independently, and show
are time consuming but
people that you can do
I’m hoping to raise enough
it, no matter what.”
to name a puppy, and
Emma McCrossan
Guide dog owner
Helen McCann
Guide dog owner
“I’ve always wanted to run
the London Marathon and
as well as raising money, I
want to raise awareness of
all Guide Dogs’ services.
I love running – you can’t
beat running outside. It’s
going to be emotional
but a huge sense of
achievement at the end.”
“Running with my guide
Jim wasn’t easy to start
with as I didn’t have much
confidence in myself
without a guide dog.
We’re both newcomers
to the running world and
although the training is
hard, it’s enjoyable. Crossing
the finish line along The
Mall will be something
very special for us both.”
Francesca Ballon
Has used our services for
children and young people
“I really enjoy running – it
gives me freedom and
a sense of normality. The
challenge will be for my
guide getting us round
people as we need
more space, although
I’m alright, I just have to
put one foot in front of
the other! I’m excited
already – I get butterflies
just thinking about it!”
Jeanette Stevens
Guide dog owner
Scott Cunningham MBE
Guide dog owner
credit The Wigan Evening Post
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
13
Campaigns
On the campaign trail…
Pavements are for people
The campaigns team started 2017 with a
bang with the relaunch of the Pavement
Parking campaign to keep pavements
accessible for people with sight loss. Cars
parked blocking the pavements are a huge
issue all over the country, so we started a
new petition asking for the Government to
act to make sure that pavements are for
people. You can sign the petition at:
guidedogs.org.uk/pavementparking
Shared surface or scared surface?
People with disabilities are going out of their
way to avoid shared surface streets in their
communities. In January we published some
new research into people’s experiences
of shared surfaces, along with some
recommendations for how the Government
can help make sure all of our streets remain
accessible to everyone.
Access All Areas
Back in December the Access campaign
hit a new milestone when a bill to make
disability training mandatory for taxi and
minicab drivers was debated in Parliament.
Although the bill did not progress, the
campaign certainly did, and the team
recently opened a new petition asking
for the Government to introduce this vital
training to stop guide dog owners from
being turned away. Sign the petition at:
guidedogs.org.uk/accesspetition
Talking Buses: now en route!
The Bus Services Bill is now making its way
through the House of Commons, and we
can expect it to become law later in the
year. This is great news for the Talking Buses
campaign; now that the Government is fully
in support of requirements for accessible
next-stop and final destination information,
we can hope to see announcements on the
majority of buses across Great Britain in the
next few years.
For more frequent updates and how you can
help, sign up to our campaigns newsletter at
guidedogs.org.uk/signup
14 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
What’s on
What’s on?
100k Yorkshire 17 June Take on the challenge
of a lifetime in 2017
After the hugely successful first event last year, we are
delighted to be returning to the 100k Yorkshire this year.
Our new and improved route starts and finishes in the
picturesque village of Darley Ford, close to Harrogate.
Registration is open with a discounted registration
fee of £50 until 31 March. There is also a relay option
for those wanting to work together as a team, with
a discounted registration fee of £90 (£60 and £100
respectively from 1 April).
The registration fee includes lunch, dinner and
breakfast at three rest stops, snacks and refreshments
along the route and a free event t-shirt.
Peter Emmett, who took part last year, says: “It was
definitely the most rewarding challenge I’ve ever completed. I would wholeheartedly
recommend our awesome and more accessible new route for 2017.”
Email [email protected] or call 0345 143 0200 to sign up.
Global Dogs Unite 23 April
This is no ordinary dog walk
In 2016, Guide Dogs was part of something
incredible – an international sponsored dog walk
celebrating the amazing job guide dogs do all
over the world. Across the UK, Australia and New
Zealand, thousands of supporters came together
to raise funds for a life-changing cause.
This year, Global Dogs Unite is working closely
with guide dog organisations in North America,
Africa, Asia and Europe to make it bigger and
better than ever – and you can be part of this
worldwide movement.
Sign up on our website, do your walk at a time
and place that suits you, and take our fundraising
challenge: raise just £35, enough to support one
of our life-changing partnerships for a week.
Find out more at dogsunite.org.uk/global
Your dog has the power to give someone
a new life.
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
15
Children and Young People’s Services
Supporting a younger generation
Until January this year, our services to children with sight loss
were provided through Blind Children UK. Now we’re able
to support people with a vision impairment, whatever their
age, through one organisation under the Guide Dogs name.
Read on to find out more about the invaluable services that
are helping to change the lives of children with sight loss and
their families.
Family support
The time immediately after a child has
been diagnosed with a vision impairment
can be particularly difficult for a family, as
mum Aggie found. “It was overwhelming,”
she says, “like entering a different world.”
We provide vital emotional and practical
support, advice and information at every
stage. Family Support Officer Phill Ward
made the referral for her to the local vision
impairment team and put her in touch with
another family whose child had the same
eye condition.
11-year-old Martha has become a more
independent learner, thanks to a laptop
at home provided through the grants
programme and the right technology at
school provided by the local authority.
Movement Matters
Access technology
Assistive or adaptive technology and sensory
toys can make all the difference to how a
child with sight loss learns and plays. We
provide independent advice to families
on choosing the best possible technology.
We also offer a grants programme. After a
thorough assessment,
16 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Our Movement Matters service provides
training to help children with sight loss
from birth to age 25 get around safely and
independently. We also partner some young
people with a guide dog and some children
with a buddy dog. Eight-year-old Sarah has
been learning long cane skills with one of our
habilitation specialists after mum Vanessa
realised she was having difficulties in poor
or bright lighting conditions. She says: “It’s
changed her life and given her confidence.”
Children and Young People’s Services
CustomEyes
Opening up the world of books for
education and pleasure is so important for
children and young people with sight loss.
Our CustomEyes service produces tailormade books to match each child’s specific
requirements, all at the recommended retail
price. Kayleigh Ann is keeping up with her
sighted friends by reading the Harry Potter
series, only her’s spans 101 volumes (the text
is in 40 point print size), making it the largest
version ever produced!
Education support
Our team of support officers help families
identify the right nursery, school or college
for their child, liaises with other professionals
and provides advice on the child’s statutory
rights. Harry’s mum Beverley sought help
when it came to Harry’s transition to
secondary school, which involved redrafting
his Statement of Special Educational Needs
and helping Beverley appeal against the
local authority’s suggestion to send Harry to
a mainstream school.
Now Harry comes home
from school happy, she
says “the difference is
amazing.”
Recreational activities
We arrange events and activities around
the UK for families to take a break and
meet others in a similar situation. Relaxing
and having fun can encourage children
with sight loss to develop confidence and
make new friends. With audio-described
theatre visits, trips to the zoo, summer parties
and residential family weekends, there’s
something for everyone!
Sign up to the email newsletter about our
children and young people's services at:
guidedogs.org.uk
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
17
Day in the life
A day in the life of…
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Jamie Hambro
Jamie joined Guide Dogs as its Chairman in October 2015,
bringing a wealth of business and board experience. Over
his career, he has founded and managed a number of
financial and investment companies and he is currently
Chairman of James Hambro and Partners.
Volunteers meeting with
Chairman, Jamie Hambro
So why Guide Dogs? Jamie explains: “Our family ethos
is very much about helping other people and I’ve been
involved in a variety of charities over the years. Guide Dogs
is a fantastic charity and I was thrilled to be asked to take
on its chairmanship.”
As Chairman, Jamie’s key role is to lead the board of
trustees, ensuring that it is functioning properly. The
trustees have overall responsibility for all of Guide
Dogs’ activities, including preparing the charity’s
annual report and accounts. As well as chairing
board meetings, Jamie is the line manager for the
Chief Executive and works closely with him, this post is
currently held by Steve Vaid as Acting Chief Executive.
Jamie regularly visits staff, volunteers and people we
support around the country. He explains: “You can’t
understand the ethos of the charity, nor the impact of
the decisions you make, without meeting the people.”
“It’s an amazing organisation, with an
extraordinary skill base, incredible donor
loyalty and, the ‘golden nugget’ – our
volunteers,” Jamie says. “Speaking to
some of the people we support, and
hearing about the difference we’re
making is inspiring.”
He recognises that Guide Dogs faces similar challenges
to other charities, most notably raising sufficient income
to carry out our life-changing services and he relishes the
opportunity to make a difference. He says: “The board
is committed to finding ways to make more efficient
use of our income, while continuing to support our
employees and volunteers, campaigning and bringing
our services to other communities, to name but a few.”
18 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Dave Kent and his guide dog,
Chad meeting with Chairman,
Jamie Hambro
Guide dog owners meeting
Chairman, Jamie Hambro
Matching Mandy Pike
Making a perfect
match
Just as each one of us is unique, so are
our guide dogs. It’s no wonder then that
matching the right guide dog to the right
person is a complex process. The result,
however, is a long-lasting partnership that
brings precious independence to a person
with sight loss.
44-year-old Mandy Pike was matched with
her first guide dog, Fable, in July 2015. She
had approached Guide Dogs six months
before, after she felt her eye condition,
ocular-cutaneous albinism, was beginning
to impact her independence.
Mandy knew that she might have to wait
some time. The process of matching a person
with sight loss with a guide dog is involved
– both must be compatible in character,
temperament, lifestyle and environment. In
addition, some people have more complex
requirements than others – like regular travel
on the London Underground.
In the interim, Mandy took up Mobility
Instructor Taylor McCaffrey’s offer of long
cane training. “I think it’s fair to say I hated
the idea of using a cane,” she says, “but
Taylor educated me about its benefits and
how using it meant more freedom.”
In June 2015, Mandy received a call to say
a possible match had been found in the
Reading area. Mandy lives in Southampton
but headed straight up to Reading, where
she describes her first walk with Fable as “like
linking arms with a friend.”
The Reading team hadn’t been able to
match Fable locally because, as Mandy
explains: “Fable needs a firm hand – and I
can do that. She suits my lifestyle and we’re
so similar, we both like a challenge. For me,
she’s perfect.”
I had no misconceptions about the
matching process taking time. It has
to be right for you, otherwise it won’t
work,” says Mandy. "I don’t know how
they do it – I think it must be magic!"
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
19
Our supporters
Thank you
to our supporters
Dear supporters,
What a tremendous time we’ve had
recently, everyone working hard to change
the lives of those living with sight loss. I’m
overwhelmed by the efforts and ingenuity
shown by you all. We’ve seen a host of
activities over the past few months from
rowing events to organised cake sales and
raffles. Couples celebrating their golden
wedding anniversary have even kindly
asked friends and family to donate funds
to Guide Dogs instead of giving presents.
A special thank you must be given to Triumph,
who have to date raised over £81,000 for
Guide Dogs. Their latest event was the
returning Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability
Run which saw 120 Triumph cars and crew
complete a 2,000-mile drive around the UK
in 48 hours.
Your continual support is always much
appreciated. Thank you all so much.
Jayne George
A Dogs Unite event
organised by the
Welwyn Mobility
Team at Hatfield
House, raised £502
from stalls and over
£7,110 in sponsorship.
Tony Sheridan and
a team of Guide
Dogs supporters
raised over £5,242
by rowing 21 miles
along the River
Thames in three
hours 45 minutes.
Director of Fundraising and Marketing
Ray and Verner
Hepple raised £635
celebrating their
golden wedding
anniversary with
friends and family.
Volunteers made
and sold cakes and
preserves at the historic
Buttercross in Otley, West
Yorkshire, which together
with a street collection,
raised more than £1,000.
20 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
The committee of
River Valley Golf
Club, Kent, met
River, the puppy
they named after a
sponsored golf day
last year. They've
pledged to support
Guide Dogs
throughout 2017.
Will Harrison took
part in the London
JP Morgan
Challenge with his
guide dog Texan
and raised £2,364.
For their golden
wedding, guide
dog owner
Beryl Stevenson
and husband
Dick asked for
donations rather
than presents and
raised over £875.
Mike Rae raised
just over £450
completing the
Scottish Half
Marathon.
Our supporters
The Club Triumph Round
Britain Reliability Run, took
place with over 120 cars and
crew taking part, completing
a 2,000-mile drive around the
UK in 48 hours. To date the
club has raised over £81,000.
Organised by Niamh
and Erin Sammin and Issy
and Charlie Lee, the 3rd
Southport Guides raised
£232 with a quiz, raffle and
cake sale.
Builders merchants Hale & Co.
sponsored a charity golf day at
the Forest Hills Golf Club. They
named a puppy, the ninth to
be named by a local company
as a result of this event.
Canley branch of Sainsbury's
completed a local charity
of the year partnership by
raising £12,843, supported by
Coventry fundraising group.
They’re sponsoring two pups.
Bernard Hough, Gordon
Clapham and Roger
Frankland collected 56
sacks of aluminium foil.
The foil is recycled by
Morecambe Metals, which
has raised over £6,500,
over 41 years.
Edinburgh Airport raised over
£13,500 and named two
puppies by raffling confiscated
perfumes and alcohol, holding
fundraising events and turning
their control tower blue for
Guide Dogs Week.
The Falkirk Tryst Golf Club
(Ladies Section) has raised
£5,719. Captain Linda Allan
presented the cheque at a
prize-giving dinner.
Tim Poole and his guide dog
Buckie received a cheque for
£3,600 from outgoing Mayor
of Great Yarmouth, Shirley
Weymouth, who chose Guide
Dogs as one of her charities.
12 youngsters from Hastings
raised £807 though their
‘Paws for Eyes’ initiative, as
part of their National Citizen
Service. They organised a
fête, sponsored walk and a
supermarket bag pack.
NFU Mutual raised £250,000 for
Guide Dogs over a two year
fundraising partnership. Thank
you to everyone at NFU Mutual.
Scarborough, Filey and district
branch raised £840 for Guide
Dogs Week collecting at the
Halifax Bank in Scarborough and
Sainsburys, along with a stall and
tombola at the Grand Hotel.
Chris Holland
raised £358
playing
saxophone
outside
Waitrose in
Billericay.
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
21
Canine obituaries
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 [email protected]
or to Forward at Hillfields,
Burghfield Common, Reading,
RG7 3YG.
We’ll never forget
Becca 12.7.02 – 12.7.16
Faithful guide to
Wendy. Retired to
John and Judith.
Loving and loved
by everyone. Gone
to heaven. Rest in
peace our beautiful
girl. God bless.
Demi 30.10.03 – 4.8.16
Outstanding guide,
dearest best friend.
Forever in our hearts.
Sadly missed by
Mum, Dad, puppy
walker Carmel Norlan
and many friends.
Sleep in peace.
Gilly 26.5.03 – 22.10.16
Rehomed and most
loved member of
our family for just
over 12 years. The
best and most loyal
companion. We’re
going to miss her
so very much.
Bernie 27.1.07 – 15.8.16
A gift from above,
bonded from the
moment we met.
Loyal, loving friend,
loved by many
others whose lives
he touched, Much
loved, dearly missed.
Dexter 19.7.02 –
20.6.16
Faithful guide to
Jacqueline for
nine years. Enjoyed
retirement with Derek
and Jacqueline.
Good night and
God bless our big
handsome lad.
Love you always.
Hancock (Andy)
5.5.04 – 18.7.16
Stud dog sponsored
in America and
brought to England.
Sire to over 200
pups. Loved and
looked after by
Sarah and family,
missed by many.
Debbie (Debs)
14.9.07 – 19.9.16
Precious, gentle
guide to Louise.
Tragically died while
on holiday together.
Missed by many,
especially my Dad.
Stay safe Debs love. I
cherish our memories.
Isla
Dulcie 29.10.00 – 7.2.16
In memory of our
beautiful, gentle
Dulcie, guide to
Karen Jones and
retired to the family.
Gone from our touch
but never our hearts.
Issi
22 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Joey
Hazel 18.9.03 – 13.4.16
Puppy walked
by Laurence and
Liz, ‘Hazy Hoover’
became a Pets As
Therapy dog instead,
giving unconditional
comfort to anyone
who needed her.
Unforgettably special.
Kenny
Heidi 13.6.00 – 4.11.16
A spirited and jolly
brood bitch. A very
good mother to
36 pups. Missed
by so many.
Isla 23.5.06 – 1.11.16
Our Duchess of Tickles
has gone and we
are heartbroken.
Puppy walked and
returned to David
and Alison Wightman
as a wonderful family
pet. God bless.
Issi 2.3.01 – 23.9.16
Issi was such a
beautiful, precious
and forever
happy girl and will
always be lovingly
remembered.
She really was the
perfect ambassador
for Guide Dogs.
Natt
Canine obituaries
Becca
Debbie
Joey 21.1.03 – 12.9.16
Loyal and faithful
guide to Darren until
he was 11. Retired to
Jean and Mike. He
was a treasure, loved
by all who met him.
Dexter
Natt 31.8.04 – 24.6.16
Trusty, loyal guide
to Joyce Warren,
puppy walked by
Annette, retired to
Jan and Steve. Your
sweet nature touched
everybody you met.
Kenny 29.3.02 – 16.5.16 Missed so much.
A brilliant working
dog and loveable
Odette 16.6.06 –
rascal when free.
4.11.16
A wonderful
Beloved third and last
companion who
guide to Eric, retired
will be much missed
to Sue’s loving care.
by all. God bless
Constant companion,
Old Blue Eyes.
comfort and joy. Her
cuddles and love are
Molly 28.8.02 – 9.9.16
missed by so many.
Run free beautiful
girl. A most loved
Opal 10.11.03 – 10.9.16
companion to
Retired brood bitch.
Hilary and Michael
Wonderful mum to
Hallowell and guide
30 puppies. Missed
dog to Haley Day.
by her daughter
Very much missed.
Mindy and all the
Stanley family. X
Odette
Opal
Dulcie
Paddy 2.7.03 – 16.6.16
Gentle giant, lovable
rogue, loved by
everyone who met
him. Desperately
missed by his family
and friends.
Ross 6.4.02 – 3.5.16
Guide to Mike,
retired to Pat and
Doug. Three-and-ahalf years with our
beautiful golden boy,
companion and joy.
Loving, loyal and
so sadly missed.
Scooby 20.6.04
– 23.9.16
Guide to the late
Stewart Murray.
Retired to puppy
walkers. Our special
boy, loved fundraising
and cuddles. Run free
with Dale and Nina.
Miss you so much.
Paddy
Ross
Hancock
Spike 20.11.04 –
24.10.16
Fifth guide to Lynda
Cantor. Puppy walked
by Lorraine Scurr. A
wonderful dog who
loved his walks. A
great companion,
sadly missed but
never forgotten.
Tally 4.3.03 – 16.5.16
Puppy walked
by Joy Dickinson.
Beloved guide to
Charlie, retired with
Charlie and Beryl.
A lovely, loyal girl,
sorely missed.
Turner 9.3.02 – 10.11.16
Much loved guide
and friend to Joan
Milburn. Retired to
Gail and Paul O’Neill.
Our wonderful,
kind gentle giant.
Sleep tight our
beautiful Turnip. X
Scooby
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
23
Canine obituaries
Spike
Tally
Valda 29.2.00 –
18.10.16
A brilliant guide and
friend to Sue Nicholls,
retired to Enid and
Patrick Lintum. Loved
by everyone, an
absolute treasure.
Valda is sorely
missed, RIP.
Valda
Turner
Vince (Vinny) 9.12.03
– 23.5.16
Ta friend to all, a hero
to me. This world was
never meant for one
as beautiful as you.
You will always be
my star. Love, Mark.
Woody 19.3.07 –
18.4.16
Still working as guide
Meet Irvine!
Yana
to John Baines. Died
suddenly of a stroke;
missed by all who
knew him. Sleep
peaceful Woodworks.
Yana 23.1.07 – 20.7.16
Retired, third guide
to Judith Bowers.
Puppy walked by
Julie Farnsworth and
Mrs Murphy. Friend to
He’s six weeks old here
Follow this handsome pup’s incredible journey to become
a life-changing guide dog.
You’ll receive regular ‘Pupdates’ and photos of him
throughout his training, right up to the moment he changes
the life of a person who is blind or partially sighted.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
Sponsor Irvine from just £1 per week
Visit us online at sponsorapuppy.org.uk
or call us on 0800 953 0113
24 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
ZsaZsa
Poppy. Much loved.
Run free golden girl.
ZsaZsa 16.2.05 –
6.10.16
Our much loved
ZsaZsa, from puppy
walking to adult,
has sadly passed
into doggy heaven.
Forever in our hearts.
Local Volunteer Awards
Guide Dogs Local Volunteer Awards 2017
Who will you nominate?
Local Volunteer Awards celebrate our volunteers’ fabulous
contribution to Guide Dogs. The awards will be held in
locations across the UK in June. There’ll be six awards, based
on Guide Dogs’ values:
• Inclusive and embracing
• Maximising impact
• Dedicated to superior quality
• Passionate and determined
• Customer focused
• Trustworthy
In memory
The winners of the local awards will
be those who’ve demonstrated one
of these values most clearly in their
work with Guide Dogs. They’ll then
be entered into Guide Dogs’ national
People Awards, taking place in
November 2017 at the Birmingham
Hilton Metropole. Got someone in
mind? Make your nomination on the
Guide Dogs website – it couldn’t be
simpler.
guidedogs.org.uk/localawards
Nominations open until
Friday 7 April 2017.
Margaret Black
Guide Dogs lost a key volunteer in
October with the death of Margaret
Black. Supported by her husband John,
she devoted most of her adult life to
Guide Dogs as a puppy walker and
fundraiser in Mold, North Wales. She
walked 48 puppies in total – just two
short of her target of 50. Most went on
to qualify as guide dogs and some were
selected as brood bitches.
Margaret raised thousands of pounds for
Guide Dogs and often took her puppies
into Ysgol Bryn Coch, the primary school
where she worked as a dinner lady, to
meet the children and give them an early
awareness of the guide dog service. She
was very proud when the school became
the first in Wales to sponsor a class of
guide dog puppies.
Margaret held a collection in Mold each
March. This year, it will take place in her
memory, on 25 March.
Paddy
Margaret Black,
husband John and
puppy Nisa with
the pupils of Ysgol
Bryn Coch in 2013
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
25
New partnerships
Congratulations
to our new partnerships
New partnerships are listed by mobility team. Each listing details owner, guide dog, town,
breed, puppy walker and brood bitch holder. Warm congratulations to all our new qualifiers.
Belfast
Ivy Anderson & Spice
from Lisburn LxGR,
John & Margaret Ure
from Carnoustie
Jonathan Attenborough
& Zorba from Newburgh
LxGR, Jilly Cranston
from Blairgowrie,
Marisa McDermott from
Stirling * Paul Dodd
from Ross-on-Wye
Corey Crozier & Ida from
Lisburn L, Eva Jordung
Nicolson from Paisley
* Adrian Newitt from
Leamington Spa
Helen Kennedy &
Rigsby from Bangor L
Leslie Massey & Zane
from Craigavon LxGR
William Warwick & Ippy
from Belfast GRxFCR,
Jimmy & Anne Kelly
from Alloa * Gail Paul
from Charingworth
Birmingham
Cooper from Swadlincote,
Sheena Kinnon from Ayr
Norman Dunn & Sparky
from Okehampton
GRxL, Chris Munn
from Bromsgrove *
Colin Sargent from
Coventry, Mrs R McGuirk
from Birmingham
Lianne McKeon & Ralph
from Birmingham LxGR,
David Mottram from
Nottingham * Amanda
Wakefield from Rugby
Edris Miller & Gemma
from Hereford GRxL,
Sheila Mackenzie
from Edinburgh * Jane
Swain from Hinckley
Jason Payne & Leon
from Hereford L
Robert Rennell & Harry
from Cheltenham GRxL,
Miss K Quarterman
from Warwick
Sue Thomas & Tim from
Oldbury GSD, Vikki
Holt from Redditch
Thelma Boulstridge & Yazz
from Sutton Coldfield
GRxL, Mandy Price
from Kidderminster
Michael Tomlinson &
Georgie from Birmingham
L, Paul & Maria Fellows
from Sutton Coldfield
Calum Brennan &
Ulan from Weymouth
LxGR * Anna Adams
from Daventry
Mary Turner & Lily from
Gloucester GRxL, Pat
Wilkinson from Rugby *
Mr B Bansal from Dudley
Lorna Clarke & Rannoch
from Dursley STPxL * Ann
Rebecca Yeomans
& Yashka from Derby
26 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
GR, Gabrielle Wootton
from Bewdley
Cardiff
Jacqueline Clifton &
Kip from Cardiff GRxL,
Lynda Moore from
Plymouth * Catherine
Tee from Northampton,
Mrs S Pagan from
Leamington Spa
Tom Evans & Morris from
Caernarfon GRxL, Lee
Blanning from Pontypool
Albert James & Frankie
from Bargoed GRxL
* Celene Wilkinson
from Chipping Norton,
Mrs M Lyson-Marshall
from Southam
Susan Margaret Lees &
Gretal from Wrexham
GRxL, David & Rhiannon
Rees-Johnson from
Swansea * Rebecca Leat
from Northampton, Esther
Holmes from Coventry
Donna Livoti-Green &
Sally from Swansea L, Mrs
A Davies from Pontyclun
Lou Lockwood & Taff
from Cardiff L, Derek
Shottin & Ingrid Arntzen
from Chepstow * Pamela
Moody from Leicester
Patricia Moore & Sorrell
from Cardiff GRxL *
Catherine Gray from
Brackley, Mrs M Brearley
from Leamington Spa
John Owen & Stonar
from Barry LxL, Barbara
Bachtold from Bristol
Christine Stabe & Daisy
from Cardigan LxL,
Anne Lane from Bristol
Adrian Tobin & Magic
from Abergavenny
GRxL, Jane Radbourne
from Southam * Kathryn
Holt from Abingdon
Paul Watkins & Moreton
from Barry GRxL, Lesley
Kennefick from Rugby
* Samantha Hanley
from Telford, R Killian
from Leamington Spa
Vivian Williams & Pilot
from Aberystwyth
GRxL, Terence Frankel
from Cheltenham
Central Midlands
Sally Badger & Captain
from Henley-in-Arden
LxGR, John Meaden from
Solihull * Peter Minty from
Cheltenham, Amanda
Wakefield from Rugby
New partnerships
Carly Boswell & Dave
from Studley L, Richard &
Cecilia Lane from Kenilworth * Ms N Riddell from
Warwick
Thomas Brooks & Eleanor
from Leicester GR, Severine Godson from Banbury
* John Rogers from Bromsgrove, Ms H Tranter from
Ashorne
David Bruce & Woody
from Northampton L *
Louise Stephenson from
Warwick, Mr & Mrs K Harris
from Leamington Spa
Jagoda Gorczyk & Sandy
from Northampton GRxL,
Sheila Morris from Bromsgrove * Mrs RD Ditch from
Leamington Spa
Walter Hardy & Elmo from
Wellingborough GRxL,
Dorothy Judith Anne Barrett from Rugby, Margaret
Tasker from Rugby * L Boylan from Coventry
Colin Herricks & Gyp from
Market Harborough GRxL,
Steve Ball from Coventry *
Anne Watson from Kenilworth, Mr & Mrs L Bull from
Leamington Spa
Stewart May & Yoda from
Nottingham GRxL, Mrs S
Burton from Warwick
Wendy Pope & Lily from
Nuneaton GRxL, Carol
Hambridge from Tamworth * Barbara Wilkinson
from Pershore. Mr R J Jolly
from Warwick
Martyn Richardson &
Janet from Thurnby GRxL,
Mrs C Cheshire from Warwick
Kenneth Ridley & Ted from
Northampton GRxL
Eric Sayce & Yago from
Coventry GSD, David &
Janice Nash from Bristol
* Jacqueline Webb from
Wolverhampton, Mrs S
Herlihy from Leamington
Spa. Mr & Mrs P Woodward from Kenilworth
George Upfield & Yoko
from near Daventry LxGR,
Alison Hicken from Solihull * Mrs J Thatcher from
Warwick
Richard Wise & Barry from
Coventry STPxL, Cicely
Smith from Bristol * Miss H
Gelder from Rugby
Edinburgh
Michael Hamilton
Anderson & Quin from
Larbert GRxL, Janet
Kilford from Laurencekirk
* Paul Albrecht from
Stratford-upon-Avon
Elspeth Brown & Tyson from
Edinburgh GRxGSD, Lesley
Black from Carnoustie
Robin Ernest Clayden &
Zelda from Dunfermline L
Mary Falconer & Shadow
from Edinburgh L, Joss
Atkin from Ballater
Lily Monie & Demi
from Crieff L
Ross O'Malley & Verney
from Dalkeith LxGR
Dennis George
Robertson & Ufton from
Stonehaven GRxGSD
Paul Kenneth Peter
Sixsmith & Dasher from
Falkirk GRxL, Elizabeth
Mackay from Ayr * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth
Kevin Stewart & Ludo from
Aberdeen GRxFCR, John
Croll from Dundee * Linda
Atkins from Bromsgrove
Janet Mary Suttie & Felix
from Cupar GRxL, Frances
McGrath from Bangor, Iain
McLachlan from Forfar
Gladys Taylor & Betty
from Cupar STPxL, Angus
Adams from Banchory
Eric Millar Thomson &
Frankie from Dundee
GRxL Allister & Adam
Baird from Belfast
Exeter
Ian Brooks & Velvet from
Glastonbury LxL, Steve
Ball from Coventry * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Anthony Burton & Gaynor
from Radstock GRxL
David Courtney &
Vespa from Bath LxGR
Carol Ann Eddon &
Wilson from Bristol GRxL,
Sylvia Waite from Exeter
Sam Hearn & Nelson
from Exeter L, James
& Ann Simonds from
Stourbridge * Pamela
Moody from Leicester
Sheila Lilliman & Brian
from Bristol GRxL *
Rebecca Leat from
Northampton, Esther
Holmes from Coventry
Antonia Locke & India
from Torquay GRxL, Nancy
Cox from Sherborne
Maia McAdam & Willow
from Hereford LxGR, Dawn
Martin from Ivybridge
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
27
New partnerships
Tristan Mutton & Ajay from
Bristol L, Richard And Anita
Silk from Warminster * Mr
P Carswell from Tiverton
Mary Waterer & Dawn
from Seaton L, Janet
Colley from Bristol
Judy Pryor & Ursula from
St. Agnes LxGR, Barbara
Lock from Torpoint
Amelia Wilson & Penny
from Perranporth GRxL
* Mrs M Courtney
from Exeter
Naomi Roach & Woody
from Bristol LxGR,
Frances West from
Colyton * Amanda
Wakefield from Rugby
Carrie Woodhouse &
Amber from Bideford
L, Carol Moran from
Clevedon * Fay Keech
from Coventry
Thelma Rogers &
Rhia from South
Gloucestershire GRxL * L
Boylan from Coventry
Genowefa Woods &
Sarah from Newton
Abbot GRxL, Alison Kent
from Taunton * Catherine
Gray from Brackley
Avtar Singh-Dahaley
& Ribbon from West
Molesley GRxL, Bridget
Holroyd from Bristol * L
Boylan from Coventry
Stuart Trick & Ian from
Bideford GRxFCR,
Richard & Marion Farmer
from Exeter * Gail Paul
from Charingworth
Naomi Yiancou &
Laura from Ivybridge
GRxL, Kerstin Sheridan
from Bristol
Abbot GRxL, Alison Kent
from Taunton * Catherine
Gray from Brackley
Naomi Yiancou & Laura
from Ivybridge GRxL,
Kerstin Sheridan
from Bristol
Glasgow
Paul Cunningham &
Mike from Glasgow
GRXL, David Kemp from
Forfar * Keith Binding
from Banbury, Mrs E
Sutherland from Larkhall
Richard Lythe & Alfie from
Goole L, Ann Mitchell from
Newcastle upon Tyne
David Lindsay & Coco
from Motherwell
GRxL, Anne Watson
from Kenilworth
Francesca Navas &
Woody from Cleethorpes
GRxL, Mr & Mrs Bland
from Burnley
Ada Meikle & Evie
from Glasgow L, Alistair
& Pauline Hunter
from Edinburgh
Sheila Radwell & Kiri
from Lincoln LxGR * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Ian Stevenson & Elmo
from Glasgow LxGR, Fay
Keech from Coventry
Hull
Maureen Ford &
Logie from Hull GRxL
* Paul Albrecht from
Stratford-upon-Avon
Matthew Heath & Poppy
from Hull GRxL * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth
Grace Meffen & John
from Barrow upon
Humber GRxL
Ted Reed & Henna
from Hull GRxL * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth.
Elizabeth Stephenson &
Tucker from Cleethorpes
* Sandra Boden from
Rugeley, Paul Albrecht
from Stratford-upon-Avon
Diana Vaughan & Bridie
from Lincoln * Stephanie
Hill from Warwick
The photos on these pages are
illustrative only; they do not
correspond to listed partnerships.
28 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
New partnerships
Judith Wand & Ramsay
from Grantham
GRxL * Keith Binding
from Banbury
Vivien White & Burdett
from York GRxL, Robert
and Susan Johnson
from Ilkeston * Sandra
Boden from Rugeley,
Paul Albrecht from
Stratford-upon-Avon
Leeds
Caroline Flower &
Winter from Leeds L
Kate Hammond & Sheba
from Harrogate L, Sheila
Etchells from Macclesfield
Mark Heaume & Basil from
Liversedge L, Katherine
Lowcock from Leeds
Jane Kolton & Venus
from York LxGR, John
Balderson from Keighley
Kevin Ross & Graham
from Leeds LxGR
Melanie Smith & Ashleigh
from Pontefract GRxL,
Ian & Anne Bromley
from Oldham * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth
Liverpool
Lucy Tilsley & Rocky from
Macclesfield LxGR
Roberta Webber & Ernie
from Congleton GR,
Helen Lance-Marsden
from Liverpool
London
Martin Foden & Eva
from Northolt GR
Marilyn Gladwell & Teddy
from Bexleyheath LxGR *
Fay Keech from Coventry
Terry Hornbuckle & Judi
from Carshalton L, Sheila
Watt from Brechin
Dominika Jesiolowska &
Bobby from Romford GRxL,
Patricia Davis from London
Jemma Konuralp & Fable
from London GR, Debby
Merrett from Milltimber
David Babb & Otter
from London L
Patrick Moran & Yoda
from Liphook GRxGSD,
Harry Stringer from Bolton
John Baines & Beau
from Sidcup L * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Barry Parfett & Euston
from Sidcup L, Christine
Bell from Kilmarnock
Janet Bedford & Maple
from Hornchurch
GR * Keith Binding
from Banbury
Irene Pennell & Pearl
from Bexleyheath GRxL
Sara Dixon from London
* Rebecca Leat from
Northampton, Esther
Holmes from Coventry
Kelly Burstow & Olivia from
Chislehurst LxGR, Edith
Preston from St Albans
Guillermo Romero &
Kandy from London
GRxL * Anne Watson
from Kenilworth
Paula Summers & Archie
from Dagenham L
Redmond Szell & Ella
from London GRxL
Brian Tutty & Felice
from Canterbury GSD
Jo Westlake & Percy
from Surbiton STPxL
(Peter) John Wood &
Elvis from London L, Gary
Lyon from Dundee
Joan Zusich & Angel
from Purley GRxGR
Irene Pennell & Pearl
from Bexleyheath
GRxL, Sara Dixon from
London * Rebecca Leat
from Northampton
Maidstone
Abi Baker & Joyce
from London GRxL
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
29
New partnerships
Michelle BarnesMoss & Bianca from
Polegate * Stephanie
Hill from Warwick
Tim Bayliss & Chief
from Arundel GSD
John Blackall & Trixie
from Horsham LxL
Philip Brewer & Earl from
Peacehaven GRxL* Esther
Holmes from Coventry
David Cheshire & Pippa
from Gravesend GRxL *
Jane Swain from Hinckley
Robert Daniels & Bobby
from Gillingham GRxL
John Greenhill & Alex
from Eastbourne GR
Amanda Hodgkinson &
Dilly from Ashford STPxL
* Mrs A Chattenton
from Maidstone
Teresa Newman & Garla
from Tunbridge Wells
GRxL * Rebecca Leat
from Northampton, Esther
Holmes from Coventry
Janis Radley & Nemo from
Lancing L, Marian Jarman
from Chelmsford * Pamela
Moody from Leicester
Gary Tapp & Ice
from Tunbridge Wells
GRxFCR * Gail Paul from
Charingworth, Mr & Mrs
P Ingram from Aylesford
Manchester
Gemma Bell & Kath from
Nelson GRxL * Janet
Chandler-Smith from
Coventry, Mr & Mrs J
Saunders from Manchester
Tina Belshaw & Ushi from
Wigan GRxGSD * Mrs
S Jukes from Wigan
Juan Greggor & Angel
from Peel GRxL, Helen
Short from Manchester
William Taylor & Millie from
Newhaven GRxL, Norma
and Terence Dumbrell
from Longfield * Keith
Binding from Banbury
Andrew Frederick
Joynson & Tinker from
Bury GRxGSD, Rita Mary
& Stuart Henderson
from Worsley * Mr & Mrs
S Sudlow from Bolton
Mark Williams & Freya
from Brighton GRxL *
Celene Wilkinson from
Chipping Norton
Wendy Lindley &
Waffle from ThorntonCleveleys L * Miss G
Knowles from Darwen
Michael Keeling & Verdi
from Sheerness GRxL
30 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Barry Mason & Connie
from Lancaster
GRxL * Kathryn Holt
from Abingdon
Scarlett McCracken
& Poppy from Preston
LxGR, Anne Lifsey from
Doncaster * Mr & Mrs G
Sheelan from Bolton
Graham Pennington
& Eric from Leigh GRxL
* Janet ChandlerSmith from Coventry
Joseph Rendle & Woody
from Wigan L * Mr & Mrs J
Kershaw from Manchester
Richard Scott & Bea from
Lancaster GRxL * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth
David Storm & Zola
from Wigan L
Newcastle
Stephen Falp & Aldo
from Boldon Colliery
GRxL, Nancy Taylor
from Kilmarnock * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth,
Mrs N E Edmondson from
Newcastle upon Tyne
New partnerships
Don Finlay & Zea from
Whitley Bay LxGR,
Daniel McKeeman
from Dunfermline *
Tracy Twomey from
Leamington Spa
Jade King & Silk from
Stanley GRxL, Irene Innes
from Dalgety Bay * Colin
Sargent from Coventry
David Lovejoy & Ronny
from Newton Aycliffe
L, Diane Macleod
from Dunfermline
Laura Maloney & Polly
from Sunderland L * Fay
Keech from Coventry
upon Tyne LxGR, Ian
Spink from Arbroath, Liz
Jones from Aboyne
Nottingham
Linda Bowskill & Keith
from Retford LxL
Shirley Carney & Fil
from Doncaster GR,
Maureen Chambers
from Huddersfield
Michael Davies &
Ascot from Nottingham
GSD, Terry & Deborah
Rankine from Filey
Peterborough
Alan Jones & Andy
from Norwich L
Anne Kelly & Betty from
Newmarket LxL * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Hannah Mills & Joy
from Ipswich LxL
Stephen Page & Chip
from Norwich GRxL *
Celene Wilkinson from
Chipping Norton
Ron Pyke & Albie
from Ipswich L
Florence Deakin & Flash
from Nottingham L
Kevin Ramsey & Elsa
from Haverhill LxGR
Ann McKee & Indie from
Stanley GR, Marie Pattison
from Edinburgh * Anne
Watson from Kenilworth
Isabel Moore & Eddie
from Buxton GRxL
Geraldine Tipping & Liz
from Ipswich GRxL
Philip Simpson & Leonard
from Nottingham GRxL
Kim Pearson & Don from
Durham LxGR, Grace
Brock from Dunfermline
Mark Whittle & Archer
from Nottingham
GR * John Rogers
from Bromsgrove
Lucy Tucker & Revel from
Great Yarmouth L, Ruth
Revis from Peterborough
Kenneth Robson &
Quincey from Newcastle
David Winters & Tillie
from Lowestoft L
Reading
Julie-Ann Baker &
Cooper from Crawley
GRxL * Samantha
Hanley from Telford
Janet Bell & Craven
from Theale GRxL, Colin
Comley from Swindon,
Andrew & Nicola
Cornick from Swindon
* Rebecca Leat from
Northampton, Esther
Holmes from Coventry
Nicolas Bonne & Raffles
from Southsea LxL
Suzanne Brown & Wadey
from Aylesbury L * Pamela
Moody from Leicester
Jessica Chambers & Percy
from Windsor GRxL * Mrs
T Corre from Reading
Alison Clarke & Coco from
Newbury GRxL * Ms A
Gilkes from Crowthorne
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
31
New partnerships
Danuta Curtis & Joker
from Reading GRxL, Sonya
Scott from Brentwood *
Mr & Mrs A & R Tudhope
from Bracknell
Hilary Daglish & Suzy from
Hales GRxL * Catherine
Gray from Brackley
Alex Farrow & Marty
from Epsom LxGR * Peter
Minty from Cheltenham,
Amanda Wakefield
from Rugby, Miss T
Suff from Reading
Christopher French
& Ozzy from Banbury
GRxL * Jane Swain from
Hinckley, Ms L Scourlock
from Wokingham
Hungerford * Celene
Wilkinson from Chipping
Norton, Mr & Mrs K & V
Wooldridge from Reading
Lucy Jaques-Long & Karter
from Henfield GR * Keith
Binding from Banbury,
Mr & Mrs O & P Gardam
from Wokingham
Paul Lemm & Murphy from
Bognor Regis GRxL * Miss
C Barker from Reading, Mr
N Martin from Reading
Jane Manley & Rosie
from Horley GRxL * L
Boylan from Coventry
James Hutchison & Milo
from Chichester GRxL
Graham Miles & Star from
Gosport GRxL, Pauline
Judge from Peterborough
* Mr & Mrs C & J Wiggins
from Woodley
Gerald James & Ruby
from Reading GRxL,
Grainne O'Kelly from
Tony Randall & Sallas from
Reading GRxL * Mr & Mrs J
& P Daniels from Reading
32 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
Derek Sargood & Smithy
from Staines GRxL *
Rebecca Leat from
Northampton, Esther
Holmes from Coventry
Shrewsbury
Donald Bagley & Leider
from Wolverhampton
GRxL * Paul Albrecht from
Stratford-upon-Avon
Bertie Bate & Penny
from Shrewsbury
LxGR, Frank Harrison
from Littleborough
Garry Edwards & Dusty
from Stourbridge L
Agon Klinaku &
Karmen from Grays L
Karen Lamond & Penny
from Stoke-on-Trent
GRxL, Mark & Jackie
Ayles from Bilston
Nicholas Mills & Percy
from Stourbridge L * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Wayne Pugh & Vince
from Stoke-on-Trent LxGR
Anne Roberts & Dora
from Shrewsbury GRxL,
John & Barbara Anstie
from Sheffield * Kathryn
Holt from Abingdon
Julie Southcombe &
Tammy from Bridgnorth
GRxGSD, Jacqueline
Oliphant from Whitley Bay
Jayne Weston & Lulu from
Stoke-on-Trent GRxL
Jacqui Wilkins & George
from Stoke-on-Trent GRxL
* Paul Albrecht from
Stratford-upon-Avon
Josephine Spears & Polo
from Swindon GRxL * Ms A
Dempster from Andover
Sue Wright & Rachel
from Gosport GRxL, Jill
Overton from Birmingham
New partnerships
* Keith Binding from
Banbury, Mrs K Wardley
from Southampton
Southampton
Malcolm Cripps & Babe
from Portsmouth L
Alain De Souza &
Cooper from Ryde LxL
Julie Duffy & Spencer from
Southsea GRxL * Colin
Sargent from Coventry
Glynn Evans & Tyler
from Swindon L, Colin &
Diane Sanderson from
Plymouth * Mr & Mrs S &
E White from Eastleigh
Linda Godwin & Yoko
from Southampton GRxL
Barbara Hall & Phoebe
from Swindon GRxL,
George McCaffery
& Janice Boswell
from Corsham
Vera Henning & Willow
from Portsmouth GRxL
Aron Mallows &
Yoshi from Eastleigh
GRxL, Dick & Jacqui
Richomme from Jersey
Nancy Maylott & Vaughn
from Bournemouth LxL,
Richard & Jennifer Sharp
from Kettering * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Amanda Jane Moore &
Linford from Poole GRxL
* Barbara Wilkinson from
Pershore, Paul Albrecht
from Stratford-upon-Avon
Philip Pearce & Jake
from Sherborne L
Sharon Rixon & Venus
from Hayling Island GR,
Penny Hall from Bideford
* L Boylan from Coventry,
Mr R Browning & Mrs M
Towl from Bishopstoke
Josephine Spears & Polo
from Swindon GRxL * Ms A
Dempster from Andover
Sue Wright & Rachel
from Gosport GRxL, Jill
Overton from Birmingham
* Keith Binding from
Banbury, Mrs K Wardley
from Southampton
Welwyn Garden City
River Alandra & Nutmeg
from Hoddesdon L
Mary Dawson & Lawrie
from Welwyn Garden City
LxGR, Harry & Frances
Perston from Livingston
Samantha Leftwich &
Liz from Basildon L
Caren Porter & Angel
from Stevenage GRxL
Victoria Reaveley & Tigger
from Colchester GRxGSD
Karen Robinson &
Paddy from Loughton
L, Wendy Alexander
from Haddington * Fay
Keech from Coventry
Robert Walker & Ursa
from Rochford GRxGSD
Terence Peter Doyle
& Leroy from Benfleet
GRxL, Bill & Cathy Steel
from Kilmarnock
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
33
New partnerships
As regular readers will know, the New Partnerships pages of Forward list all our new guide
dog partnerships, together with their puppy walkers and brood bitch holders who have
supported them. We have now extended our online edition to include stud dog holders
and boarders who have supported a dog for over 10 weeks, in recognition of the vital role
they play.
We need to have received your permission to give you our thanks in this way, either in print
or online. If you haven’t already done so, please let your staff contact know if you are happy
to be included in future.
Breeding Stock
Belle * 21.07.16 * GR * Bitch *
Outside Bred * Mr & Mrs T Mundy
from South Queensferry
Hartmann * 17.08.16 * L *
Stud * Outside Bred
Tess * 16.09.16 * L * Bitch * Mrs D
Proudfoot from Cowdenbeath
Ida * 21.07.16 * L * Bitch *
Benji * 17.08.16 * GR * Stud * Mrs
J Cattell from Worcester * Mr &
Mrs R Cassidy from Torquay
Iggy * 27.10.16 * LxGR * * Mrs K
Cumberlidge from Hexham
Tessa * 18.10.16 * L * Bitch * Mrs J G
C Greenway Cole from Buxton
Blossom * 08.07.16 * GRxL * Bitch *
Mrs V Turner from Waltham Cross
Jenga * 27.10.16 * L * Bitch
Topsy * 06.08.16 * GRxL * Bitch *
Mrs L A Smith from Gloucester
Jumble * 08.07.16 * GR * Bitch
Velvet * 21.09.16 * L * Bitch
Liz * 18.10.16 * GR * Bitch * Mr I
Hendry from Birmingham * Mrs B
Hughes from Budleigh Salterton
Vickie * 21.09.16 * L * Bitch
Bubbles * 06.08.16 * GR * Bitch *
Mrs J Cattell from Worcester
Bumble * 06.08.16 * GR * Bitch *
Mrs J Cattell from Worcester
Cinders * 06.08.16 * L * Bitch *
A James from Chelmsford
London * 21.09.16 * GSD * Stud *
Mrs Y Savage from Leicester
Mia * 17.08.16 * GRxL * Bitch
Disney * 21.07.16 * GR * Stud * Mr
& Mr B & J Lumley from Peterlee
Pixie * 18.10.16 * GR * Bitch
Donald * 21.07.16 * GR * Stud *
Mrs H W Kilpatrick from Belfast
Sky * 18.10.16 * GRxL * Bitch *
Mrs A Bourne from Nuneaton
Emma * 17.08.16 * GRxL * Bitch
Skyler * 21.07.16 * GRxL * Bitch
Erma * 27.10.16 * GR * Bitch *
Mr I Hendry from Birmingham *
Mrs B Abson from Rotherham
Summer * 16.09.16 * GRxL * Bitch
* Mrs A Bourne from Nuneaton
* Mrs B Holroyd from Bristol
Rene * 21.07.16 * L * Bitch
Walter * 08.07.16 * GR * Stud
Willow * 18.10.16 * L * Bitch *
Mrs S J Hanley from Telford *
Mrs P Smith from Rochdale
Wilma * 18.10.16 * L * Bitch *
Mrs S J Hanley from Telford
Yara * 06.08.16 * GSD * Bitch *
Mr & Mrs Sherred from Shipley
Yazzy * 27.10.16 * GR * Stud * Mr
I Hendry from Birmingham
Zebedee * 18.10.16 * GR * Stud *
Mrs L Graham from Harpenden,
Mrs J Nield from Harpenden
Zilla * 11.07.16 * L * Bitch
Zula * 21.09.16 * GR * Bitch
Key:
X – Crossbreed
CCR – Curly Coat Retriever
COL – Collie
FCR – Flat Coat Retriever
GR – Golden Retriever
GSD – German Shepherd
34 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
IWS – Irish Water Spaniel
L – Labrador
SPIN – Spinone
STP – Standard Poodle
Meet the stars of our new
Sponsor a Puppy TV advert!
Guide Dogs launched a new TV advert
to encourage people to sponsor a lifechanging guide dog puppy. Called
‘Who Knew?’, the advert features
glimpses into the lives of five guide dog
owners, and one man who’s waiting for
his first guide dog…
When Lucy Tilsley lost her sight to diabetes aged just 23,
doctors also discovered kidney failure. Lucy’s first guide dog,
Vanya, gave her the confidence to live life again. After a
transplant in 2012 gave Lucy her health back, she’s looking
forward to the future with new guide dog Rocky by her side.
Justin Cunningham is a 22-year-old DJ who lives in London
with his parents and guide dog, Nugget. A music fanatic
from a young age, he hosts his own radio show and has
performed DJ sets across London. Justin’s long-term goal is to
be a music producer.
Mahomed Khatri’s mum, Shabnam, overcame her fear of
dogs to welcome a guide dog into their home but once she
did, Vargo completely changed her son’s life. Mahomed
now represents England at blind cricket.
Aged 17, Lucy Conn planned to become a doctor, but lost
her sight after various medical procedures. As well as losing
her independence, she had to re-think her career. Lucy now
studies psychology at the University of Worcester with guide
dog Olivia by her side.
Sally Burden lost her sight suddenly in 2006 due to a brain
tumour. She was then 38, with children aged 11, nine and
six. Life with a young family was a struggle until she was
partnered with guide dog Twiggy in February 2008. She now
has guide dog, Yoko.
In our advert, Paul King is waiting to be partnered with
a guide dog, but he’s since been matched with yellow
labrador, Oscar. Before Oscar came along, Paul King hadn’t
left his home on his own for eight years. Paul’s blogged
about life without sight on Huffington Post UK – catch up with
his story at www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/paul-king1.
Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
35
Over to you
Letters
Demo dog Delphi retires
I'd like to mark the retirement
of an amazing dog who
has touched the lives of
many tens of thousands of
people throughout his time
as Guide Dogs National
Demonstration Dog. Also to
thank the lovely Jean and
Ian Murray, who have been
his permanent boarders
and loving family, and will
continue to be.
Delphi has been Guide
Dogs' “front man” since
2008, being the perfect
advert for us during
demonstrations to
audiences, ranging from
Crufts to Parliamentary
Conferences, from large
corporate events to
performing on live TV with a
blindfolded Alan Titchmarsh.
I’m so very proud of his
ability to “touch” everyone
he meets. His gentle and
caring nature always
shines through, especially
with vulnerable or anxious
people. Delphi’s work
included guiding visually
impaired and sighted
people (in blindfold).
Regardless of their age,
height or ability, our lovely
Delphi would always take
care of them.
One of Delphi’s most
treasured qualities is his
ability to gently guide
children and toddlers with
sight loss.
His stand-out moment was
guiding a visually-impaired
two-year-old girl who
had never properly met
a dog and until then had
never let go of her parent’s
hands in public. Within five
minutes Delphi was guiding
her carefully through an
obstacle course on her
own… typical of our lovely
Delphi, without being asked,
he finished by bringing her
his favourite teddy.
Andy Guiel
Guide Dogs Education and
Demonstration team
Caption competition
Thank you to Dog Care and Welfare Advisor Glenda
Webb, for sending in this picture of Alfie – a model guide
dog in advanced training. This photo was taken at a
cheque presentation to the Exeter Team from City Vets,
who raised £300 in a raffle for Guide Dogs. What do you
think Alfie is thinking? Help us caption this photograph.
Send your captions to: Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields,
Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG or email
[email protected] with your name and address.
There’s a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher for the winner.
The winner of the last caption competition was Samantha Ayers
from Bedford with: “Please don’t leave me on the shelf”.
Congratulations – we hope you enjoy your voucher.
Competition rules
This competition is open to anyone resident in the UK, except employees of the
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, their families and anyone connected
with the competition. No purchase necessary. Proof of posting cannot be
accepted as proof of delivery. No responsibility can be accepted for entries
delayed, damaged or mislaid or wrongly delivered. Illegible entries will be
disqualified. Only one original entry is allowed per envelope. The winners will
36 Forward Magazine | Spring 2017
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 competition the Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence can be
entered into. Entry implies acceptance of the rules.
The closing date for the competition is 7 June 2017.
Do you love Guide Dogs?
Are you online?
Then make sure you sign up to our
monthly newsletter so you can keep
up with the news in between your
copies of Forward.
Sign up today at
guidedogs.org.uk/aboutus/staying-in-touch
If you can’t wait that long for your
Guide Dogs news, you can follow us
on social media to get daily updates
News
facebook.com/guidedogsUK
twitter.com/guidedogs
instagram.com/guidedogsuk
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