SUNDAY 1st MAY 2011

Once more Steve Lennox kindly allowed us to hold the walk at Treetops, very generously allowing us to invade his home and immaculate garden. Knowing the amount of work and preparation that is done before the day and after we leave, we are extremely grateful. The day dawned, bright, sunny and warm and with the same forecast country wide it was a huge relief after last year’s arctic conditions! Once again I accepted the welcome offer of a lift from friends in Doncaster and proceeded to squash myself into the back of their car amongst all the goodies they were taking to the walk, with two large, excited Irish Setters sitting behind me. There was a well placed towel between me and them to catch any ‘flying slobber’, but once we were on our way they settled down so well you wouldn’t have known they were there.

Bank Holiday traffic is always dreadful, but this was the Royal Wedding weekend, so it was worse than normal. In fact, we had many phone calls from people en route who were stuck in traffic, or had been diverted miles out of their way due to accidents and who ultimately didn’t make it. When we arrived, the garden was full of walkers and dogs, all eagerly waiting to set off. It was wonderful to see so many regular supporters and to welcome so many new walkers. There were about 65 people there, including the stalwart team of helpers, with many of the walkers bringing more than one dog. As has become the norm, we had a variety of breeds. The majority were Irish Setters, but we also had a Wire-Haired Jack Russell, a Springer Spaniel, a Welsh Springer Spaniel, a Gordon Setter and a Mongrel. We even had two delightful twelve week old puppies who stayed in the garden whilst their brother went on the walk. They were impeccably behaved, took a great interest in everything around them and lapped up all the attention they received!

All the dogs eagerly set off on the walk pulling their well trained owners behind them, but on return to base it was obvious that most of them had not been able to resist the lure of the pond in the woods, some it has to be said, were cleaner than others!! Once everyone had left for the walk, the team of hard working helpers began busily preparing the mouth watering food. It certainly isn’t a day to be observing your diet!!! These dedicated people travel to Matlock every year giving their time freely to help with all the hard work in the kitchen, before, during and after the walk, helping to make this event so successful. We are extremely appreciative of all they do and certainly couldn’t do it without them. The people who attend this event are incredibly generous, arriving armed with donations of food and raffle prizes. We are very lucky to have such generous supporters for this worthy cause. Not to be left out, at the end of the day, all the dogs were rewarded with a bag of treats, once more very generously provided by Phil & Jackie Cater.

For several years now, Clyde & Carol Frith have consistently raised the highest amount of sponsor money, raising £800 in 2010, their highest amount to date. As a mark of appreciation and recognition of their hard work, we decided to award a trophy and certificate to the Best Fund Raiser of the year and were delighted that Barbara Rogers agreed to present it. As you can see from the photo, their dog Woody was delighted.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make this event such a success. We won’t know the final total raised until the end of the year. If you were unable to join us for the walk, but would like to make a donation, please make your cheque payable to:
EAST MIDLANDS SOCIAL REGION OF THE ISBC and post it to our Treasurer,
Mrs Sue A. Shepherd, 14 Larch Close, Allestree, Derbyshire, DE22 2JA.

Michelle Webster