ANNUAL RESCUE WALK 2007

Sunday 6^th May was this year’s date for our Annual Sponsored Walk to raise money for Irish Setter Breeders Club Rescue Scheme. These much needed funds help with the day to day running costs.  As always, Miss Sybil Lennox and her brother Stephen very kindly allowed us to hold the event, starting and finishing at their home, Treetops, in Matlock.  For those of you who are regulars, you will know that after a pleasant circular 5 mile walk through the stunning Derbyshire countryside, once back at base, everyone is rewarded with refreshments.  The atmosphere is always that of a garden party, but one which allows dogs, all of whom have a wonderful time and never seem in the slightest bit tired after their exertions.  This year the weather was not as kind as it normally is, remaining fairly cool and cloudy, but was perfect from the dogs view point.

We had several new walkers joining us this year.  As a committee we have always been delighted to receive positive feedback from those present on the day and the grateful thanks of the ISBC Rescue Sub Committee.  It’s always good to have a pat on the back and know that your efforts are appreciated, so I was doubly delighted to receive the following item and photographs from two new walkers, Phil & Jackie Cater, within hours of returning home.  This is a first for us.  Their item and photographs say it all, so thanks to both of you for taking such a lot of trouble to let us know how much you enjoyed the day and personal thanks from me for saving me a job!!

Michelle Webster  Secretary - ISBC East Midlands Region

Photos By: Phil Cater

It's not every day that an immaculate garden in a perfect scenic setting is declared open for forty or more dogs, but the ISBC Rescue Sponsored Walkers, both two and four legged, do have this treat to look forward to.  As newcomers to the event, we were very impressed with the cheery welcome and the novelty of being accompanied by so many friendly Setters - normally if we see just one out and about, it's a big thing.  And there were a few interlopers too, but all were made welcome, and all soon settled themselves along the route.

After a short scramble up a hillside, it was easy going along a pleasant forest pathway, with many interesting smells and distractions along the way for those dogs that could be trusted off the lead.  In particular, there was a rather brown muddy pond, irresistible for a select few Setters that got in there quick, like bees to a honeypot.  By the time they returned for tea and cakes, even this adventurous bunch of delinquents had dried off and looked almost respectable.  Did we just mention tea and cakes...?  We'd not seen so many on offer since we were kids at our friends’ birthday parties.  They would have gone further, except that quite a few dogs got their illicit share too and with that many dogs about, there wasn't much decorum or etiquette to worry about, either.  Just a grand, fun and relaxing afternoon.  We were looking forward to next year's outing before we'd even got home!  A huge thank you to everyone involved in organizing this event – and we hope Miss Lennox’s garden wasn't too worse for wear!

Phil & Jackie Cater

The East Midlands Region sponsored walk has taken place for many years; circa 1970’s. However this is the first time it has featured on the ISBC website. The ISBC and its Rescue Sub Committee acknowledge with most grateful thanks all the effort that this hard working region has put into raising the funds that are so necessary for its work to continue.  I would like to mention the fantastic efforts of Clyde & Carol Frith who have raised 50% of the fund generated by the walk over the last few years.  Well done you two – from all of us.  Thank you also to our two photographers.

Barbara Rogers – Secretary ISBC Rescue Committee

Photos by: Maggie Smith

Photo by Neil and Sheila Selman