FORWARD: Autumn/Winter 2021 Guide Dogs presents the Autumn/Winter 2021 issue of Forward, the official Guide Dogs magazine. Introduction This document contains every part of the print version of Forward, and in the same order as that used in the print edition. Guide Dogs | 90 Years Forward The Guide Dogs magazine Autumn/Winter 2021 Celebrating 90 amazing years! Guide Dogs anniversary special commemorative edition Inside: photos of our RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden Special feature: the history of Guide Dogs Find out who’s won our new Lifetime Achievement Awards On the front cover are twelve photographs. Two of them are stylish, contemporary black-and-white photographs taken by world-renowned photographer Andy Gotts and featuring celebrity Guide Dogs supporters with their pet dogs. His subjects are Fiona Bruce with Irish terrier Molly, and Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton with their Cairn terrier cross rescue dog, also called Molly. Two of the photographs were taken at the opening of the South West Regional Centre in Bristol in July and are of retiring Guide Dogs Patron Princess Alexandra unveiling a plaque to mark the opening, and one of her successor, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, meeting a guide dog in training at the same event. One of the photographs is a still image taken from Guide Dogs’ Flash, the guide dog puppy animation, which was released in the summer. Three photographs are from Guide Dogs’ garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show; one of them is of two Chelsea Pensioners meeting golden retriever guide dog puppy Chelsea (named after the event), while another is of the bench in the centre of the garden with a wire sculpture of a man and his guide dog walking along the path behind. He is walking towards a sign which is in the final image and reads “Living the life I choose”. One of the photographs is of Derek Freeman, a long-standing breeder and trainer of Guide Dogs from 1959. The final three black-and-white photographs are from the 1930s. One is of Captain Nikolai Liakhoff, the first permanent Guide Dog Trainer and founding editor of Forward magazine, working at his desk. The second is of the first four qualified guide dog partnerships. The third is of four women who were early Guide Dogs supporters – including Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond – with a guide dog in training. Contents Regulars – Welcome from the CEO Regulars – News The latest stories from across Guide Dogs Regulars – Guide Dogs in the media Find out where we’ve made the headlines Regulars – On the campaign trail Regulars – Star news A world-renowned photographer helps us mark our 90th anniversary Features – Announcing our People Awards winners Features – Meet the first winners of our new Lifetime Achievement Awards Features – The results of our latest Volunteer Impact Assessment Features – You gotta role with it! Features – Rubin’s story Features – Buddy dog discovery sessions Regulars – Thank you to our supporters Features – Our RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden photo special Features – Introducing our new Academy Features – What’s in a name? Features – Guiding Stars Regulars – A day in the life of… Natalie Glew, Canine Assisted Partnership Specialist Features – Improving how we handle your data Features – The history of Guide Dogs Regulars – Letters & Caption competition Retired guide dog Pippa has a nap Regulars – In good company Promotions Contact details – arising from the articles in this edition of Forward Included here are five photographs. The first is of a mum looking at an iPad with her child. The second is of actor Jason Watkins with his dog Georgie. The third is of volunteer Sue Ward with yellow Labrador Chloe and labradoodle Rhubarb. The fourth is of Rubin with golden retriever buddy dog Vesper. The fifth is of a wire sculpture of a guide dog in Guide Dogs’ garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Subscription enquiries: You’re receiving this copy of Forward magazine as one of our valued supporters. Forward is available in standard print, Braille, large print and audio CD formats. It’s also available as an accessible PDF, as a plain text document and as audio files at www.guidedogs.org.uk/forward. If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, or if you wish to change the format in which it’s sent to you, please contact us on 0800 953 0113 or via guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk. Editorial contributions: Send your stories to Forward by email to forward@guidedogs.org.uk or by post to the Head Office address below. Unfortunately, due to the volume of ideas we receive, we cannot acknowledge every item. We reserve the right to edit or refuse. Founding Editor: The late Captain Nikolai Liakhoff MBE FRZS Registered Head Office: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG Tel: 0118 983 5555 Web: www.guidedogs.org.uk Email: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk © 2021 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and in Scotland (SC038979) 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. A welcome from Tom It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this special 90th anniversary commemorative issue of Forward magazine. We have a wonderful feature detailing our history later in this issue, including an interview with the granddaughter of our very first permanent guide dog trainer (and the first editor of this magazine), Captain Nikolai Liakhoff. We’ve organised some fantastic activities to mark our anniversary. Our front cover features some brilliant moments from this year’s celebrations, including images taken by world-renowned photographer Andy Gotts. You’ll find more of Andy’s amazing work later. Another highlight was our garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show – find out more later in this issue. While we’ve been celebrating everything we’ve achieved in the last nine decades, we’re also thinking about the next 90 years and beyond. Investment in our sites and staff continues, with our new Academy revolutionising how we recruit, train and develop our people to deliver the guide dog service. Driving this initiative is the need to provide more life-changing partnerships. We’re extremely mindful of how long some people have waited for a guide dog, a situation sadly still hindered by the delays Covid-19 brought to our breeding and training programmes. We believe we’re on the right path to our goal of creating 1,000 guide dog partnerships a year, and building a legacy we can all be proud of. Speaking of legacies, the official opening of our new South West Regional Centre in Bristol in early July saw Princess Alexandra pass on her patronage of our charity, a role she has held since 1957, to Sophie, Countess of Wessex. I’d like to thank the Princess for her decades of dedication to Guide Dogs, for which we are very grateful. Others who deserve recognition for the time they have given to this charity are the four Trustees who stepped down at our AGM in September. Amanda Ariss, John Wrighthouse, Polly Shute and Dr Michael Nussbaum came to the end of their tenures and I’d like to thank them for the part they’ve played in shaping Guide Dogs into the charity it is today. Finally, you may remember that my wife Charlotte and I care for Dolly, one of our guide dog mums. At the start of this year Dolly had a litter of pups who are doing really well with their Puppy Raisers. They’re nearly a year old and so will start formal guide dog training soon. Charlotte and I can’t wait to see whether 2022 will bring another litter of guide dog puppies into our lives! Christmas is coming and if you’re feeling festive, don’t forget that you can buy tickets to our Christmas Wishes Concert. There’s more information in the News section. Happy holidays to all, and here’s to a wonderful new year. Tom Wright CBE Chief Executive Guide Dogs @TomwrightUK on Twitter Included here is a photograph of Tom Wright CBE, Chief Executive, holding a young golden retriever guide dog puppy. News Thousands take part in our Guide Dogs 90 Appeal Our 90th anniversary celebrations throughout October saw thousands of our supporters celebrating this special occasion by taking on a 90-themed fundraiser for the Guide Dogs 90 Appeal. We had dog lovers walking 90km with their canine companions while proudly wearing their Guide Dogs 90 bandanas, schools using our resources to teach kids about Guide Dogs’ history, workplace bake sales and all sorts of challenges across the country. The creativity and passion from our fundraisers shone through each and every activity, raising money to help us be there for the next 90 years. It’s not too late to get involved! Find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk/appeal. 1931 2021 Guide Dogs 90 Years Marking more than 60 years of service supporting Guide Dogs Princess Alexandra has stepped down as Guide Dogs’ Patron after more than sixty years in the role. The announcement was made at the official opening of the South West Regional Centre in Bristol in early July. Thanking the Princess for her contribution and commitment to the charity, Chairman Jamie Hambro said: “We are incredibly honoured to mark, and to thank in person, Princess Alexandra for her wonderful contribution over the last sixty-seven years, first as our President, then since 1957 as our Patron.” The Princess has been succeeded as Patron by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who also attended the ceremony. Included here is a photograph of Chairman Jamie Hambro introducing Princess Alexandra at the opening of the South West Regional Centre. New Patron Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is also present. The Guide Dogs Shop is back Guide Dogs Shop is back with a new look and exciting new products, including lots of new branded merchandise, and better-than-ever Christmas gifts for the family. Shop the full range online at www.GuideDogsShop.com, or in our 2021 Christmas catalogue. We’re celebrating 90 years of Guide Dogs in style with a special collection of gifts and homeware, featuring exclusive artwork inspired by the classic railway posters of the 1930s. Visit www.GuideDogsShop.com/90years. Included here is a photograph of some of the special collection items featuring the exclusive 90th anniversary artwork – a tote bag, notepad, mug, coasters and an A3 print. A warm welcome to Frankie This summer we welcomed Frankie, who’d travelled more than 1,000 miles from Croatia to the West Midlands to become a guide dog mum. After health and temperament checks, 18-month-old Labrador Frankie, originally known as Frka, moved into her new home with Diane and Gordon Fowkes in Nuneaton. Guide Dogs is a founding member of the International Guide Dog Federation, which is made up of more than 90 guide dog organisations. Members often exchange breeding dogs to ensure genetic diversity, and in June 2019 we provided a guide dog school in Croatia with a black Labrador called Amba. Included here is a photograph of yellow Labrador Frankie sitting on the grass. My Sighted Guide – we couldn’t do it without our volunteers The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting need for social distancing brought understandable disruption to our My Sighted Guide (MSG) service, where we partner sighted volunteer guides with adults with sight loss to access their local area. As restrictions have lifted across the UK, our community teams have worked tirelessly to get MSG partnerships back out and about and at the time of writing, more than two thirds of partnerships have begun meeting up again. If you’re an MSG volunteer, you should have heard from us by now to confirm if you wish to continue as a guide, and we’re also focusing on progressing volunteer applications as fast as we can. If you haven’t heard from us, please get in touch via volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk. Christmas Wishes Concert – 2021’s most heart-warming celebration! We’re delighted that our Christmas Wishes Concert returns this winter, and it’ll be sure to get you in the festive spirit! Enjoy a wonderful night of yuletide cheer supported by Royal Canin and hosted by broadcaster Nicky Campbell. There will be stunning vocals from Classical Reflection, inspiring stories, a celebration of 90 years of Guide Dogs and much, much more. You can either come along to the live concert on Tuesday, 14 December in Marylebone, London (with Covid-19 safety measures in place), or cosy up on the sofa for a special recording that will premier online for virtual ticketholders on December 21. Find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk/christmas-wishes. Included here is a photograph of two pet dogs with a wrapped Christmas present. The VI Charity Sector Partnership marks one year of working together When the Covid-19 pandemic started, Guide Dogs and seven other leading UK sight loss charities started working together to ensure that people with sight loss got the help they needed. To build on the benefits they had found in joining forces, in October last year the charities named their collaboration the VI Charity Sector Partnership. The seven other charities are Blind Veterans UK, Glaucoma UK, Macular Society, Retina UK, RNIB, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Visionary. The aim of the partnership, which has just marked its first anniversary, is to implement initiatives across the UK charity sector which improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people and those at risk of sight loss. Celebrating 10 years of our National Breeding Centre As well as 90 years of UK guide dog partnerships, this year we’re also marking 10 years since our National Breeding Centre opened its doors in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Now re-named the National Centre, more than 10,000 guide dog puppies have been cared for under its roof in the last decade. Breeding staff and dogs moved to the centre on 3 May 2011, and its official opening took place on 11 October. Matthew Bottomley, Guide Dogs’ Head of Breeding Operations, said: “The centre houses the largest assistance dog breeding programme in the world. We’re very proud of our amazing centre, staff and volunteers and look forward to the next decade”. Included here is a photograph of Janine Dixon, Dog Care and Welfare Manager, holding a very young yellow Labrador puppy outside the National Centre. Greta and Dorie help their owners say “I do”! When Laura Hill and Calum Briars got married this summer, their guide dogs Greta and Dorie had important roles in the wedding party. Greta, a German shepherd/retriever cross, wore a pink cape with the words “Furry Bridesmaid” as she accompanied Laura down the aisle, while yellow Labrador Dorie sported a bandana fashioned into a dinner jacket as he waited at Calum’s side. Laura and Calum met while studying at Hereford College and decided to apply for guide dogs after setting up home together in Hengoed, South Wales. Laura said: “We were paired with our dogs in 2019 and qualified just a week apart. The dogs get on brilliantly and love playing together.” Included here is a photograph of Laura and Calum on their wedding day, with Greta and Dorie sitting patiently in front of them. Tech For All empowers children with sight loss in everyday life Over the summer we launched our Tech for All pilot, which provided free assistive technology to those aged between three and 18 with a vision impairment in the UK. The pilot helped more than 3,200 under 18s, with many applicants also wanting to find out more about our other services for young people. Emma Foulds, Guide Dogs’ Director of Marketing, Digital and Influencing, said: “Technology can be a great enabler for children and young people. For those with a vision impairment, tech gives them a sense of normality, confidence and independence. We’ve launched Tech for All to empower them.” We’re reviewing the pilot and will have an update in the new year, to find out more visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/techforall. Included here is a photograph of a mum looking at an iPad with her child. Guide Line – a first port of call for your queries Guide Line continues to help the public, existing and potential service users and sometimes our volunteers with questions or information about our range of services. Guide Line is staffed by 19 advisers along with three supervisors, one operation lead and one manager – with more than 170 years of combined experience of working at Guide Dogs, including 50 years of guide dog owner experience. Most advisers have come from an operational community team background, dealing with puppy raising, dog health, My Sighted Guide and fundraising. There are also four on-call dog health and welfare specialists supporting Guide Line staff with dog health issues every day. Call Guide Line on 0800 781 1444 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm) or email information@guidedogs.org.uk. Media highlights Guide Dogs in the media In early September, BBC Radio 4’s The Listening Project included a conversation between guide dog owner and fitness instructor, Jaina Mistry, and Rachel Sutton, mother to vision-impaired young service user Nell. They discussed independence, mobility, challenging people’s perceptions and the Paralympics. Their conversation is still available on BBC Sounds; search for “The Listening Project”. The episode is dated 5 September, with their chat starting at the nine-and-a-half minute mark. Included here is a photograph of Nell sitting on her mother’s lap. An episode of BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World in August featured guide dog owner Sarah Davison, who designed and manages her sizeable garden with no sight. The garden in Hinckley, Leicestershire, is also a quiet space for her guide dog, Willow, to potter and relax while off-duty. The programme’s still available on iPlayer, search for episode 23 and start from nine minutes in. Our Tech for All service received widespread coverage in September, as we reported that more than half of UK parents feel judged by others for allowing their children to use phones and tablets – so-called “tech shaming”. Instead, we highlighted how technology can actually open up a child’s world, especially if they are vision impaired. Blind TV personality and Guide Dogs supporter Amar Latif spoke about Tech for All on GB News, BBC Radio 5 Live, Radio Scotland and a host of regional radio stations, plus our report appeared on local news websites including Belfast Live, Cambridgeshire Live and Leicestershire Live. Included here is a photograph of Amar Latif sitting by a river holding a long cane. In August we released survey results which found that 65 per cent of dog owners had plants in their gardens which are toxic to their canine companions. The story was covered online by the Daily Mail, the Daily Express, the Daily Star, Yahoo! News, Metro and The Sun, plus a host of national radio stations including Talk Radio, Magic Radio, Hits Radio and Rock FM. Our survey also proved popular with local and regional radio stations across the UK, from Glasgow-based Clyde 1 to Swansea Sound in South Wales. Included here is a photograph of a young golden retriever puppy sniffing in the grass. Campaigning On the campaign trail Equal chances, the right support Earlier this autumn we published a report which sets out recommendations for how specialist services for children and young people with vision impairments can be improved across areas like healthcare and education. Our report was put together by a group of external, independent experts that we formed, known as a policy commission. Our commission brought together young people with lived experience of vision impairment, parents and families, and frontline, specialist professionals. We’re grateful to our commission members for their time and input, and to everyone who shared their story with us. We’re now working with decision-makers, including Members of Parliament, to ensure our policy recommendations are supported. We’re determined to secure change to ensure services are more joined-up, available across the country and that parents and families have access to high-quality information and advice. Our recommendations set out what’s needed to build a better pathway of support and services, empowering every young person with a vision impairment to grow up living a happy and independent life. Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns for more. Included here is a photograph of a young child enjoying colouring in a picture. Tactile warning strips are essential on all station platforms We continue to take forward our campaign on the important issue of tactile warning strips at railway stations. We’re campaigning for these warning strips to be installed at every railway station. Their importance was reinforced by a tragic and fatal accident in February 2020 at Eden Park station in London, involving a vision-impaired man who fell from the platform and was struck by a train. That platform did not have tactile strips, which assist blind and partially sighted people in finding the platform edge. A third of station platforms on Great Britain’s rail network do not have this essential surface installed. We’re campaigning for warning tactile strips to be installed on all platforms within the next three years. People with sight loss need to be confident that they can use train stations independently. In response to our campaigning, Network Rail and the UK Government have started to speed up their tactile installation programme but we’ll be keeping the pressure on to ensure this essential work is completed as soon as possible. Included here is a photograph of people waiting on a railway station platform. In the middle of the group is a guide dog owner with his golden retriever guide dog. Star news Paw-traits of the stars As part of our 90th anniversary celebrations, celebrity portrait photographer Andy Gotts created a series of stunning images of the UK’s most famous faces with their beloved dogs. The world-renowned photographer teamed up with Guide Dogs and its A-list supporters to shine a light on the stars’ most loyal supporters – their dogs. Andy, who’s famous for his portraits of Hollywood icons such as Paul Newman and George Clooney, volunteered his time to photograph the dog-loving celebs. We then released his striking pictures to the media to launch the 2021 Guide Dogs Appeal to fund life-changing services for people with sight loss. Andy said: “Needless to say, for my career sight is important, so I have always thought that helping a charity like Guide Dogs that supports people with a vision impairment is something I would love to do.” David Walliams, who was photographed with his border terriers Bert and Ernie, said: “Guide Dogs is such an amazing charity and is one of the first charities you hear about as a child. My dogs mean everything to me so I can only imagine the incredible bond a person has with their guide dog. I’m delighted to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first four guide dog partnerships.” Actor Phil Daniels, who posed with his Spanish rescue dog Chico, said: “My dog has been very important in my life. I lost my partner nine years ago to cancer when Chico was a young dog and he has been my companion ever since and is 14 now and still going strong. “I think the Guide Dogs charity do an amazing job raising awareness, funds and sponsorship getting the message across that we need more guide dogs.” Included here are fifteen stylish, contemporary black-and-white photographs taken by Andy Gotts, of celebrity Guide Dogs supporters with their pet dogs. Included here are: Lee Mack with Ludo, Wendi Peters with Edie, Dorothy and Ted, James Martin with Cooper and Ralph, Tilda Swinton with Louis, Jason Watkins with Georgie, Beverley Knight with Zain, Phil Daniels with Chico, Jess Impiazzi with Witchert, Nicky Campbell with Maxwell, Misty and Maisie, David Walliams with Bert and Ernie, Dion Dublin with Maggie, Chris Packham with Sid and Nancy, Simon Cowell with Squiddly, Diddly, Freddy and Daisy, Martin Clunes with Bob Jackson, Jim, Penny and Heidi, and Sir Derek Jacobi with Daisy. People Awards A sparkling event to remember! Our 2021 People Awards was the perfect culmination of almost a year-long celebration of our 90th anniversary, especially our Guide Dogs 90 series of stories which profiled a few of our supporters and service users – past and present. On 11 November, our annual People Awards returned to our National Centre (with Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines in place) with a special 90th anniversary-themed event. We celebrated the volunteers, staff and service users whose contribution, achievements and brilliance over the past 12 months and beyond have inspired and touched the lives of so many people. On the day, we were joined by many of our wonderful nominees and Guide Dogs staff and trustees who presented awards to our winners for each of the categories. There was also an array of celebrity supporters who sent congratulatory video messages in honour of our 90th anniversary and guests. If that wasn’t exciting enough, we introduced a special new award category – The Princess Alexandra Award for Lifetime Achievement – to commemorate the patronage of HRH Princess Alexandra who stepped down as Patron in July after more than sixty years in the role. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees! Service user awards winners Inspirational Person of the Year – Mel Griffiths Guide Dog Partnership of the Year – Jaina Mistry and guide dog Laura My Sighted Guide Partnership of the Year – Lorna O’Mahoney (service user) and Gill East (volunteer) Inspirational Young Person of the Year – Arthur Howson Volunteer awards winners Person-Centred – Adrian Cobie Expert – Ruth Evans Optimistic – Ian Wallace Partner – Ceridigion/Powys/S Gwynedd Group Lead by Example – Sian Healey Engage – Cardiff Group Staff awards winners Person-Centred – Jo Howell Expert – Karen James and Sarah Newton, Health & Safety Team Optimistic – The Shrewsbury team Partner – David Smith Lead by Example – Amanda Bennett Engage – Vashti Holland Overall volunteer winner – Sian Healey Sian is naturally good at leading by example. She recently became the fundraising coordinator of the Cardiff group in what’s been a difficult year, and helped to develop a sense of togetherness – a theme which runs through everything she does. With a knack for raising awareness of Guide Dogs and fundraising, she’s started numerous creative initiatives: from art projects and creating a photographic wall of guide dog owners, to engaging local schools and community groups, and building relationships with local businesses. As a guide dog owner herself, Sian has also designed tactile greetings cards which are proving increasingly popular. Included here is a photograph of Sian Healey cuddling her yellow Labrador guide dog. Overall staff winners – The Shrewsbury team Lauren, Laura, Jodie and Howard helped an anxious guide dog owner, whose dog was due to retire, to relocate abroad for their dream job. The team understood the challenges and tailored support so the owner felt prepared, reassured and confident in a new country. They created the perfect new guide dog match, and helped with the legal issues of taking a guide dog overseas. They delivered bespoke My Sighted Guide training to the owner’s support officer, developing the officer’s understanding of how a guide dog works, and learning new routes safely. The team also helped with the practical challenges of relocating, even arranging for in-country mobility training. Included here is a photograph of the Shrewsbury team outside their office with a yellow Labrador guide dog in training. Overall service user winner – Jaina Mistry and guide dog Laura After losing her sight aged 17 – following a sudden allergic reaction in 2002 – Jaina’s world turned upside down but as she began to recover, she pursued a new direction in life. Over the next few years, Jaina completed various health-related courses. In time, she became interested in fitness but struggled with her independence, initially not wanting a guide dog as she feared dogs. However, after meeting a friend with a guide dog, Jaina decided to face her fears and started her guide dog journey. During their nine-year partnership, Laura played a vital role in helping Jaina develop her fitness career and was with her every step of the way. In 2014, Jaina qualified as England's first blind female fitness instructor. Included here is a photograph of Jaina Mistry and her black Labrador guide dog Laura. Lifetime Achievement Awards Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award winner – Bryan Garnham Bryan has a long history of supporting Guide Dogs. Described as the “stalwart” of the Bury St Edmunds branch, Bryan has been fundraising for Guide Dogs for more than 50 years – with his branch raising more than £1m. He began in the early 1960s and kept supporting Guide Dogs throughout his naval career, and later, while running a local fish and chip shop. He’s since devised countless fun and inventive ways to raise money and awareness of Guide Dogs, from inventing and playing deck golf on the Royal Yacht Britannia with square balls, to renovating and selling donated bikes to raise £5,000 towards a Name a Puppy fund. Over the years Bryan has supported many Name a Puppy fundraisers, including naming the original Edmund puppy and their successor, Edmund II, which he promoted on Radio Suffolk. In 2019, Bryan was awarded a British Empire Medal for his fundraising work and later nominated and won two Guide Dogs awards, including the national volunteer award for the “Lead by Example” category. To ensure a fitting tribute for Bryan, his fundraising group are working on having a guide dog puppy named Yoyo, after his nickname in the Navy. Included here is a photograph of Bryan Garnham receiving an award. Staff Lifetime Achievement Award winner – Robert Coop Robert’s career at Guide Dogs started as a Dog Care volunteer in Bolton aged just 14. At 16, he was employed full time and, after 25 years with Guide Dogs, he’s become a highly respected member of the team. He’s passionate and committed to his role in supporting each dog’s journey to become a future life-changer. Robert often goes above and beyond: one winter, he walked through seven miles of thick snow and bad weather from Bolton to Atherton to ensure the kenneled dogs were cared for. His enthusiasm, support and commitment also extend to people. As a tutor, Robert has trained numerous dog care staff, Guide Dog Trainers and Guide Dog Mobility Specialists in their Dog Care modules, and he’s imparted his knowledge to many dog care volunteers. In the past, when he’s given talks on dog care to service users visiting the Bolton centre, he has also served them meals, kept them company in the evenings and assisted in taking them out – and always with a smile. Outside of his day job, Robert also contributes to fundraising events by constructing display items out of his own pocket; he once recreated a winter wonderland scene for a Christmas fair. Included here is a photograph of Robert Coop with a cat resting on his shoulders. Find out more Search “People Awards” on our website – www.guidedogs.org.uk – for more on our winners, runners up and event photos. Volunteering The highs and lows of volunteering in a global pandemic Here we share the key themes from our 2021 Volunteer Impact Assessment, which tells the story of volunteering for Guide Dogs during a time of unprecedented challenges. Every two years, we conduct comprehensive research with volunteers and staff to understand their contribution and to find out what the volunteering experience is like for everyone. A big thank you to the 2,793 volunteers and 661 staff who took the time to complete our fourth Volunteer Impact Assessment earlier this year. Against a backdrop of paused volunteering roles, temporarily furloughed staff (including volunteer managers or key contacts), several lockdowns and ongoing social distancing – the findings reveal the impact on volunteering. Understandably, Covid-19 has led to a slight drop in contact from volunteer managers with many volunteers feeling unable to contribute to Guide Dogs in their usual way because of government guidance and/or changes to their personal circumstances. However, the findings also demonstrate how we’ve prioritised the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers, reached more volunteers with national communications and provided much-needed information to new volunteers. How we’re using this research Across Guide Dogs, we’re using this research to inform our local, regional and national action plans. We’re already investing in technology and developing volunteer learning, support and training to improve the overall volunteer experience. Alongside this, we’re piloting a more community-based style of volunteering to help bring volunteers from different roles closer together to know each other better, offer peer-to-peer support and discover new volunteering opportunities. Highlights: 84% of volunteers across all roles feel that their wellbeing was considered by Guide Dogs throughout the pandemic. 98% of new volunteers had been given information about how to safely carry out their role. A 14% increase in volunteers now receiving national communications/news (strategy updates and new initiatives) who previously wanted it but didn’t get it. Areas for improvement: 80% of all volunteers overall feel their key contact values their contribution (compared to 87% in 2019). 76% of our volunteers are engaged with Guide Dogs (compared to 83% in 2019). 76% of volunteers rate their communications from Guide Dogs – a mix of national and local communications and contact from volunteer managers – as good or excellent, based on a scale of clarity, timeliness, frequency and sufficiency (compared to 82% in 2019). Included here are two photographs. The first is of a female volunteer with a yellow Labrador puppy in training. The second is of a female sighted guide volunteer talking to a female with sight loss, who is holding a long cane. Volunteering You gotta role with it! Did you know that almost half of our 14,000 wonderful volunteers have more than one role? Raising puppies and funds For eight years, Sue Ward has volunteered as a Puppy Raiser. She first became interested in the role after sponsoring a puppy for years, but it took a little encouragement from husband Alan to get in touch with us. Sue tells us how she sees all her volunteering roles as part and parcel of puppy raising: “I met other Puppy Raisers who were already fundraising. They would invite me and my puppy to local fundraising events. And I thought why not? I can do that.” Eventually, Sue had several fundraising roles and also became a volunteer speaker, but she doesn’t view her different roles as separate or distinct. Sue said: “All my other volunteering roles are really part of being a Puppy Raiser because if I’m speaking to communities, fundraising or emptying collection boxes, it’s all good experience for my puppy to socialise in different environments.” Sue is currently raising her seventh puppy, Rhubarb. But this time it’s different. She’s one of our first Puppy Raisers to use Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) – our new standard way to raise our puppies which prepares them for their adult training and their future roles as life-changers. Sue said: “To be honest, we’ve been doing this since 2013 and you get set in your ways – you know what’s expected of you and how you do things. However, PREP has shown me that it’s all about the puppy and that’s how it should be. It’s definitely a much better way of learning. I’ve learnt how to understand my puppy and what they’re thinking. It’s excellent!” Outside of puppy classes, PREP learning and resources are delivered through an online learning tool called Kallidus. For Sue, it took some time to get acquainted with using new technology. She added: “I think I’ve now mastered Kallidus! I’ve completed all the first exercises. It’s definitely easier and quicker than going through a book!” For our 90th anniversary, Sue is helping to organise a fundraiser in Chesterfield with lots of tea, cakes, and of course, Rhubarb! Included here is a photograph of volunteer Sue Ward with yellow Labrador Chloe and labradoodle Rhubarb. A devoted double act Lauren Romer and her partner Daniel Bateman both started volunteering with Guide Dogs in 2016 just after Lauren lost the last of her vision. Back then, they didn’t know about the range of volunteer roles available but wanted to give back to Guide Dogs for the years of help. Together, they’ve taken on volunteer training roles which directly help service users. Daniel said: “We were trying to give back to Guide Dogs through our early roles in fundraising, because over the years with help from the charity our confidence has grown in a number of areas – particularly for Lauren. As we’ve become more adjusted to Lauren’s sight loss, we’ve tried to move into roles where we can directly help other service users by delivering training.” During the pandemic, the couple went online to continue delivering My Sighted Guide training. Lauren said: “The advantage of us being a couple is that we don’t have to social distance – so we could demonstrate sighted guiding techniques practically for those who were sighted, alongside audio description for those with vision impairments.” Accumulating volunteer roles like this has only added to the couple’s overall volunteering experience. Lauren said: “The roles we both do are very varied, so we feel we gain and use different skills across the different parts of the organisation.” Daniel said: “As a fundraiser, the ability to talk to people about the services Guide Dogs provides first-hand, because we help deliver them, is fantastic. It makes it much more engaging. It’s similar when we are volunteering as speakers. We get lots of questions, and our varied roles mean we often know the answers. Particularly with Lauren being a guide dog owner!” To find out more about Sue or Daniel and Lauren, search “our volunteers” on our website – www.guidedogs.org.uk. Included here is a photograph of Lauren and Daniel laughing as they wade through foaming bubbles at a sensory Guide Dogs event. Stories Rubin’s story The last two lockdowns brought about by the coronavirus pandemic turned out to be a lot of fun for one family in South Wales, all thanks to a new four-legged friend. Golden retriever Vesper was an instant hit with Eve Hellier-Smith and her children, Rubin and Molly, when he arrived at their home in Crickhowell in October last year. Vesper was placed with the family as part of our buddy dog service, which enables children and young people with a vision impairment to enjoy the benefits and friendship of a well-behaved dog. Rubin, aged seven, has nystagmus and is registered blind. He has no sight at all in his right eye and limited vision in his left. His sister Molly, who’s eight, is fully sighted. The family, whose hobbies include paddle-boarding, hiking and wild swimming, began sharing Vesper’s adventures via his very own Instagram account, vesperbuddydog_adventures, which has more than 1,100 loyal followers. Not only has Vesper proved a hit on social media, but the family has helped to raise the profile of Guide Dogs’ buddy dog service by appearing on the sofa with Holly and Phillip on ITV’s This Morning, and sharing their story in other national media such as Best magazine and the Daily Mail online. Eve said: “Vesper has given Rubin more confidence when we go out and about. If we stop for a rest while Vesper is off the lead, Vesper comes straight back to check that Rubin is OK. “At home, Vesper enjoys cuddles with Rubin and if he’s tired, they lie next to each other on the floor. Rubin and Molly love spending time in the garden with him playing tug of war or fetch.” Guide Dogs began rolling out its buddy dogs scheme in Wales last summer and Eve applied immediately. “Four months later, we had Vesper,” she said. “I was surprised and grateful at how quickly it all happened, especially during the Covid crisis. “We attended a couple of online webinars to find out what buddy dogs were all about, then we went to Leamington Spa for a short training session. I feel very well supported by Guide Dogs and can ask for advice whenever I need it.” Four-year-old Vesper was a good fit for the family’s outdoor lifestyle. “He never wants his walks to end,” said Eve. “When the children were off school, we were able to explore and go on adventures to places like The Sugar Loaf mountain in nearby Monmouthshire. “I enjoy wild swimming in the River Usk, but if it’s too high I go to the Keeper’s Pond in Blaenavon. I’ve tried Vesper on the paddle board but it was too wobbly for him! I put the children in wetsuits and they paddle. They’ve been swimming once or twice but it gets cold quickly.” Vesper originally followed the same training path as a guide dog, but the change of career to buddy dog suited his affectionate nature. Eve said: “I’ve taken Vesper into town alone for a couple of trial runs, and he’s a different dog with his buddy dog jacket on. It’s as if he reverts to guide dog mode, and it takes my respect to a different level. I’m looking forward to taking Rubin out and knowing that Vesper is going to be fine in busy situations. “I would love it if Rubin could have a guide dog in the future, and he will learn so much from Vesper. I hope many more families living with sight loss will benefit from this amazing service when they realise how well behaved these dogs are – so different from an ordinary pet.” Included here are three photographs. The first is of Rubin and Vesper in the Welsh countryside. The second is of Eve, Rubin, Molly and Vesper at the top of a hill. The third is of the four of them next to a shallow river. Buddy dogs Learn more about buddy dogs through our discovery sessions A buddy dog brings a new friend into the life of a child or teenager with sight loss and can help build self-confidence, trust and have a positive impact on wellbeing, among other benefits. These are dogs that, after starting their training, are not quite suited to being a guide dog but make ideal pets as they are friendly and well-behaved. For families considering whether a buddy dog is right for them, Guide Dogs runs monthly discovery sessions to find out more. These half-day webinars provide an overview for parents of what’s involved in caring for a dog, information about the service and the application process, as well as an understanding of what a buddy dog is and how they are different to a guide dog (for example they don’t have the same legal access rights as a guide dog and can’t be used as a mobility aid). There’s also the chance to ask questions to help with deciding the best way forward. Verity de Winton, Support Dogs Lead, explains: “We know from our buddy dog families that these dogs can totally transform family life – bringing benefits that go way beyond the child. “However, owning any dog brings responsibilities and commitments, so as well as showing people the difference one of our buddy dogs might make, we’re also honest about some of the less glamorous elements – like walking them in the cold and the wet! Discovery sessions are a great way of getting to know prospective owners and deciding together on the next steps.” Joanne Howell, a Canine Assisted Partnership Specialist, adds: “Families often tell us how useful they find the sessions in helping them to make up their minds on whether a buddy dog is right for them. They sometimes find that there are benefits they hadn’t thought of and get a better idea of what’s involved. The webinars can also be a good way to make contact with other families who may be having similar experiences and challenges.” After the discovery session, parents complete an application form if they want to continue the process and learn more about dogs and their behaviour through follow-up development and in-person experience sessions – where appropriate giving children the opportunity to meet a stuffed toy dog before interacting with a real dog when everyone’s happy that’s the right next step. Find out more To book on to a discovery session or for further details, contact Guide Line on 0800 781 1444. Included here is a photograph of buddy dog Sam with Jago and mum Suzanne on a walk. Supporters Dear supporters, It’s been wonderful to hear about all the fantastic fundraising you’ve been doing, now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted and life is returning to normal. Whether it’s something simple like having your beard trimmed like Arthur Wheeler, or you’re determined to name nearly a whole litter of guide dog puppies like Scarlett Elliott, we’re thankful for your dedication to helping people with sight loss to live actively, independently and well. Sending you best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Maria Novell Fundraising & Commercial Director Included here is a photograph of Maria Novell. She is wearing a blue and white stripy cardigan and smiling at the camera. Mel Griffiths from Nottingham wanted to mark Guide Dogs’ 90th anniversary year and set off in May for our Walk Your Socks Off event, raising £5,257. Not long after completing her challenge, her father passed away and Mel named a puppy Neil after him. For October’s Guide Dogs Appeal, Mel continued to fundraise in memory of her dad, a dog-lover who was passionate about Guide Dogs’ work as Mel has been supported by seven guide dogs over 32 years. Mel’s husband is also a guide dog owner, and her current guide dog is called Elsa. Included here is a photograph of Mel with her black Labrador guide dog Elsa. Alan Spink from Darlington, County Durham, raised £5,000 to name a guide dog puppy Maggie after his late wife. Alan, who’s aged 90, raised the money by painting more than 600 pet portraits over the past five years. He took up watercolour painting after taking early retirement from teaching in 1986. Alan said: “My wife Maggie was my childhood sweetheart from the age of 14 and passed away a few years ago after a battle with dementia. It’s great to be able to raise funds for such a worthy cause – we had two pet Labradors whom we loved dearly, so it’s also in memory of them. It was wonderful to meet puppy Maggie and I really hope she becomes a successful guide dog.” Included here is a photograph of Alan at work on a watercolour. “An experience I’ll never forget” – that’s how blind action man Nige Hughes of Wrexham described his 10-mile Tough Mudder challenge in September. Nige plunged into ice-cold water and scrambled through a “rat sewer”, guided by friends Lee Butterworth and Matt Clarke. The trio raised more than £6,400 for Guide Dogs, including £1,500 match funding from their employer, HSBC. They will now name a puppy Tandem to bring back memories of their 200-mile sponsored cycle ride from London to Paris three years ago. Nige is no stranger to extreme sports and goes skiing every season, and he also enjoys running and cycling. He said: “My fifth guide dog, Torch, passed away unexpectedly in June, so I’m on the waiting list for a new dog. In the meantime I get around with a long cane, but I don’t like using it. When you have a guide dog, it’s more natural to go out.” Included here is a photograph of a very muddy trio – Nige, Lee and Matt after completing the Tough Mudder challenge. Arthur Wheeler from Richmond, North Yorkshire, raised £336 when he organised his very own TMB – Trim My Beard – event over the summer. Arthur found a local Turkish barber to tidy up his year-old lockdown beard, and decided to raise money for Guide Dogs at the same time as he’s a volunteer. Arthur handed over his donation to the Dales & District Group. Included here are before and after photographs of Arthur, with a full and then a neat, trimmed beard. Lisa Halley and her guide and hearing dog, Jumble, raised £1,050 when they completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk in September. Lisa, from Dundee, was born deaf and was diagnosed with Usher syndrome aged 21, which means she could eventually lose her sight completely. Lisa said: “Jumble and I completed the 16.5-mile route of the Kiltwalk and Jumble was just amazing as always. The sponsor had a competition where if you took a photo with their kilt, you could win £500 to donate to your chosen charity, so Jumble and I gave it a go. When we received the news that we’d won, I got emotional as I know how much this money will mean to Guide Dogs.” Included here is a photograph of Lisa with her yellow Labrador guide and hearing dog Jumble, posing in front of the sponsor’s paper cut-out kilt. This year, the Mansfield Chad newspaper in Nottinghamshire celebrates its 60th anniversary of raising money to name puppies. The Chad (a portmanteau of Chronical Advertiser) has named many puppies over the decades, beginning in 1961 after columnist Anne Agayne heard a guide dogs speaker talk at Mansfield Rotary Club. Anne was so inspired by what she had heard, she appealed for readers to send in milk bottle tops, silver paper and donations. Sixty years later and the paper has raised more than £320,000 for Guide Dogs, including £15,000 earlier this year. Included here is a photograph of representatives from the Mansfield Chad presenting a cheque to Guide Dogs staff outside the Nottingham office. Ten-year-old Scarlett Elliott didn’t stop smiling when she finally got to meet the guide dog puppy she had named Max. Their meeting was delayed due to Covid-19, so Scarlett was delighted when Puppy Raiser Jan Merrett gave her a photo album of Max as a young puppy. Scarlett, from Ashford in Kent, raised the money by organising events like opening her family garden to visitors, and she even enlisted support from local businesses. Scarlett chose the name Max in memory of a much-loved family friend’s dog, and has since raised another £5,000 to name a puppy Sophie in memory of her cousin. Scarlett’s new target is another £5,000 to name a guide dog puppy Moxy, after her family’s cat who passed away aged 16. Included here is a photograph of Scarlett and black Labrador guide dog puppy Max. An annual golf day at Drumoig Golf Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, in late August raised more than £17,000. The event, in its tenth year, was organised by local Puppy Raiser Danny Rooney. Danny said: “It was a great team effort. We have so many people, local businesses and golf clubs to thank, especially those who made us so welcome. Nearly 150 golfers took part, travelling from as far as London, Belfast and Dublin. We also had 18 fantastic volunteers, including two guide dog owners, who made sure all the golfers were looked after. We had a visit from six-month-old guide dog puppy Drumoig, whom we raised the funds to name from our last golf day. It was great for the golfers to see her on her journey to becoming a fully qualified guide dog.” Danny’s golf day returns in August next year. Share the fun Would you like to have your fundraising fun recognised in these pages? We’d love to hear about how you’ve raised money for Guide Dogs. Send details to forward@guidedogs.org.uk or by post to Forward magazine, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Reading Road, Burghfield Common, RG7 3YG. Don’t forget to include a high-res photo! 90th anniversary Guide dog puppies and celebrities give our 90th anniversary Chelsea garden some flower power! The jewel in the crown of our 90th anniversary celebrations was our very first garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The artisan garden turned heads (and hearts) – attracting celebrities aplenty, thousands of visitors and even winning a silver medal. As the show opened its doors, the garden was visited by two VIPs – our 90th anniversary guide dog puppy, Flash, and guide dog puppy Chelsea, who was named after the event. Both met the world’s media and our celebrity supporters, plus famous faces including Monty Don, Fiona Bruce, Alan Titchmarsh, Nick Grimshaw, Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench all enjoyed some guide dog puppy cuddles. There was plenty of media exposure of the garden, too. From the BBC’s daily live coverage, to the broadcaster’s round-up programmes in the evening, the garden seemed to be on air for much of the show’s week-long duration. Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood also learned just how strong a guide dog puppy can be when Flash pulled her over live on BBC Breakfast! Designed by Chelsea gold medal and People’s Choice Award winners, Adam Woolcott and Jonathan Smith, the garden explored the charity’s 1930s origins when the very first guide dog owners – four veterans blinded in the First World War – were matched with their dogs. This conceptual sensory garden illustrated a journey from loneliness and despair into a world of enrichment, acceptance and joy. In one corner, a rusted barbed wire sculpture of a man sat alone in a stone hollow, representing fear and isolation. The planting surrounding the figure – which was wearing a WW1 tin hat with a gas mask case at his side – was deliberately dark. A second metal sculpture of a man with a guide dog appeared a few metres away at the top of the garden’s sloping path, standing upright, confident and full of hope. Nearby was a signpost pointing to a better future, reading “Living the life I choose”. A 1930s bench was placed in the centre of the garden, where guests could sit to enjoy the bright, colourful flowers (sight), fragrant blooms and herbs (smell), fruit trees (taste), tactile wild grasses (touch) and the babbling stream (sound) to engage and stimulate the senses. Jonathan said: “We wanted this garden to be not only nostalgic, but also to have a real emotional feel about it, to give people an idea of how important guide dog partnerships are.” Adam added: “This was our favourite garden of all that we’ve ever designed! It made such a difference and we have learnt so much from some truly inspiring people. It was an emotional journey that often had us in tears, hearing people’s stories of overcoming isolation and gaining independence with their guide dog at their side. We’re proud to be associated with such an amazing charity!” Included here are twelve photographs from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Three are of the story told by the garden: a barbed wire sculpture of a man in a stone hollow, full of despair; a wire sculpture of a man walking, full of hope with his guide dog; and the path through the garden, following the sign to “Living the life I choose”. In addition are the following photographs: garden designers Jonathan Smith and Adam Woolcott with golden retriever guide dog puppy Chelsea, Fiona Bruce stroking Chelsea, Monty Don holding Chelsea, Dame Maggie Smith with Chelsea, Alan Titchmarsh with Chelsea, Sophie Raworth and Carol Kirkwood with Flash, Tom Allen stroking Chelsea, Dame Judi Dench cuddling Chelsea and Flash sitting on a bridge through the garden. Academy Introducing Guide Dogs’ Academy Academy is our new way of recruiting and developing Guide Dog Mobility Specialists and Trainers to help reach our goal of 1,000 new guide dog partnerships a year. Demand for guide dogs is only set to grow in the future and this means we’ll need a bigger workforce to keep pace with training our dogs, matching the right dog with the right person, and supporting new and existing partnerships. With most of our dog-related roles distinct to us, Academy is our answer to this challenge and is revolutionising how we recruit, train and retain Guide Dog Mobility Specialists (GDMSs) and Guide Dog Trainers (GDTs) so we’re well-placed to help the increasing number of people with sight loss. Julian Harris, Project Academy Resourcing Lead, said: “This is a big shift in our approach to recruitment. We’ve been really proactive, focusing on finding people with the skills and behaviours we need, rather than previous experience of dog training. We know we can train people to be great dog trainers. Through the Academy we will ensure that our people also have the right skills to meet the needs of our clients and so increase the support we’re able to provide. “Most importantly, they need the right mindset, with the capacity to learn and develop. We’ve also provided more information up front, so that people have a really clear idea of what the job involves before applying and can decide whether it’s right for them. That means we’re getting people with the right skills and a passion to be part of what we do, which ultimately increases the number of vision-impaired people we can reach through our work.” We will be taking on and training 200 new GDMS and GDT staff over the next five years, and broadening our approach to recruiting talented and diverse people with relevant life and work experience. We’ve always looked for people who have a natural affinity with dogs, and that hasn’t changed, but we have learned that experience of working with any animal is beneficial, along with a mindset of teaching, coaching and helping others reach their potential – whether that’s the dogs themselves, our colleagues, or our guide dog owners. If our learners can bring those skills, our expert Technical Learning Specialists (TLSs) can teach them the rest. Emma Mellor, a Technical Learning Specialist based in Shrewsbury, said: “I was a Guide Dog Mobility Specialist before and always loved the tutoring part of my role. Now I’ll be dedicated to coaching three new recruits, working with four dogs, throughout their learning journey. “I think learners will really benefit from the peer support of learning together and having a consistent and structured programme. It’s a great way to learn and will help us train our quality staff more quickly.” To help find the GDMSs and GDTs of the future, we partnered with recruiter Charity People to develop a website to give people in-depth information and insights up front, including a comprehensive candidate pack, and videos getting behind the scenes of these iconic and life-changing roles. The response so far has been incredible with 1,000 applications to date. Our first intake of learners will start over the next few months at our regional centres across the UK. They’ll be embedded within our delivery teams but working through the Academy framework, so they are alongside their colleagues from the outset. They will be trained to the highest international standards and put through a new competency-based training programme which combines practical learning, digital content, workshops and observations plus peer, group and self-directed learning. At the end of their formal training, new staff will be ready and confident to move across to delivery teams, continuing their development and gaining experience in the field. Our technical staff have worked relentlessly over the last 18 months to deliver services in really difficult circumstances. The need for our Academy was identified well before the coronavirus pandemic struck – and these creative solutions are building on the planning and work of many years – but by providing such a boost to our GDMS and GDT workforce, it will be key to us matching as many partnerships as possible in the future. What do these roles involve? Guide Dog Trainers (GDTs) train our guide dogs after they leave their Puppy Raiser, teaching them the skills and behaviours they need to support a person with sight loss. For example, how to navigate public transport, locate certain objects and find a bench in a park. Guide Dog Mobility Specialists (GDMSs) work with both people and guide dogs, providing specialist advice and ongoing support for new and existing partnerships. This might involve coaching a new partner before they get their guide dog to matching suitable guide dogs and helping with any problems. Name a Puppy What’s in a name? Veteran Craig Lundberg knows the importance of having the right name – something with meaning behind it. The father-of-three was so moved by how much his first guide dog, Hugo, helped him rebuild his life after he lost his sight in horrific circumstances that he called his first son Ben Hugo. Craig now has his second guide dog, Comet, who was named through Guide Dogs’ Name a Puppy scheme. Craig was on his second tour of duty in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancashire Regiment in March 2007 when he was hit by two rocket-propelled grenades. The former Lance Corporal had to be carried to a helicopter by a fellow soldier, flown back to Basra and placed in an induced coma. It was touch and go whether he would survive. After a 12-hour operation to remove shrapnel, Craig woke up in a German hospital, where he was told that his sight was gone. He was transferred back to the UK and once discharged, had to start rebuilding his life. Craig said: “My Army career was over and I was only 22. I didn’t want to be vulnerable. I was determined to still make something of my life even though I couldn’t see.” Craig threw himself into sport, completing the London Marathon in 2008 and playing blind football for England. Travelling from his home in Liverpool to Hereford twice a week for training prompted him to apply for a guide dog, and Craig qualified with black Labrador cross Hugo in March 2009. Craig said: “Hugo just made travelling around so much easier. I’d grown up with dogs and liked them but having a guide dog just felt like a real safety net, I was never lost any more.” Craig has also turned his professional life around, investing his compensation money into property and learning how to refurbish houses. He now owns an estate agency franchise, managing more than 150 properties. After Hugo retired, Craig qualified with black Labrador Comet in 2019. Comet adores Craig’s children just as Hugo did, and allows Craig to get to work, do the school run, or be anywhere he needs to be without relying on others. Find out more To find out more about naming a guide dog puppy, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy or call 0800 953 0113. Included here is a photograph of Craig Lundberg and his black Labrador guide dog Comet sitting in the park. Guiding Stars Celebrate the memory of a loved one by dedicating a star this Christmas As Christmas fast approaches we would like to send you our best wishes and hopes for a Christmas where you can enjoy the festivities and spend much-needed time with family and all the special people in your life. Christmas can also be a time when our thoughts turn to those who are no longer with us. It can be especially poignant to share those memories and honour what was important to our loved ones at this time of year. That’s why every Christmas, at Guide Dogs, we run a Guiding Stars campaign where you can dedicate a star to commemorate someone special and take comfort in knowing this memory has contributed to our work helping people with sight loss to live the lives they choose. This year, our Guiding Stars pack includes two stars – one to keep and one to either post back to Guide Dogs to be displayed at one of our offices, or you could add an image of the star and your message to our online dedication page at www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidingstars. This can be a wonderful way to remember a beloved person, pet or guide dog at this special time of year. Last year, we received more than 3,000 beautiful Guiding Stars and thanks to the kind donations included with them, were able to name a guide dog puppy who will one day be a future “Guiding Star” to someone with sight loss, helping them live their life to the full. To find out more, call 0800 953 0113 or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidingstars. Included here are two photographs. The first is of a golden retriever sitting in a snowy field as snow gently falls. The second is a close-up of a Christmas tree full of Guiding Star decorations at Guide Dogs’ Reading Hub. A day in the life of… Natalie Glew, Canine Assisted Partnership Specialist Support dog expert Natalie Glew joined Guide Dogs in 2019 and finds families in the Midlands their perfect four-legged friend, whether that’s a buddy dog for a child with sight loss or a companion dog for an adult who has sighted support at home. As one of five Canine Assisted Partnership (CAP) Specialists across the UK, Natalie helps family members through every step of the process, from discussing the initial application and if a buddy or companion dog is the best option, through to ongoing aftercare and an annual check-in once the dog is living with the family. Natalie said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the dog and human bond and studied animal behaviour at university before working as a dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Blue Cross and Dogs Trust. “Now I’m at Guide Dogs, I spend a long time talking to people about their specific needs and then look at the dogs available nationally to find the best match. We take many considerations into account such as how busy the household is, the child’s age, any complex needs and even what colour dog they will be able to see most easily. “Sometimes the dog just coming into the family is enough, while others are open to taking on a dog with a particular behavioural quirk or health condition. “We support people with that through tailored training and explain all about how to care for their dog in our virtual group sessions. “Once a suitable match has been made, it’s very rewarding to watch the special relationship that families develop with their dog. A child might be timid to begin with, for example, but they grow to love their buddy dog, gain confidence and really come out of their shell. “One little boy didn’t go outdoors much but I showed the family how to teach the dog fetch. They’ve now formed a fantastic friendship and he enjoys getting out into the garden to throw the ball, which is good for his motor neurone skills. Another of our buddy dogs has been taught how to apply deep pressure using his chin to help bring a child with autism out of meltdowns. “Adults most value the companionship of a dog but there are lots of other benefits. One former guide dog owner, who missed having a dog but didn’t think they could cope with a puppy, found an older, well-trained companion dog slotted right into their lifestyle, helping them exercise more, meet new people on walks and feel less isolated. “It’s such a fascinating area – I regularly take part in seminars and webinars on animal behaviour and animal assisted therapy to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments, and I love seeing what a huge difference the right dog placed with the right family can make to people’s lives.” Included here is a photograph of Natalie Glew with a young black Labrador wearing a “buddy dog” coat. Improving how we handle your data to give you a better experience of Guide Dogs Guide Dogs has started a project which will be key to improving the experience of every service user, volunteer and supporter in the coming years. The aim of the project is to have a single source of data, rather than different databases for different groups. This means we can be more efficient and effective with our donors’ money, our volunteers’ time and efforts, and we can support people with sight loss in new ways. It will also help us continue to manage data in line with the latest regulations. Called “Project One”, this vital work will be taking place behind the scenes over the coming years, so while you may not notice an immediate change, in the longer term you should have a better experience of how your data is handled as part of the Guide Dogs family. Guide Dogs’ Chief Information Officer Gerard McGovern said: “We’re investing in the way we manage our data because it has a huge impact on everything we do at Guide Dogs. “Our core system is based on 20-year-old technology and wasn’t designed with the current digital world in mind. “We realise this is not a small undertaking in terms of resources, but we firmly believe the benefit will enable us to support more people. “This investment is long overdue, and we look forward to capitalising on the many benefits to do more to support people with sight loss.” 90th anniversary 90 years and counting 1931 2021 Guide Dogs 90 Years Two innovative women, four incredible dogs and a lock-up garage in Merseyside: humble beginnings for an incredible charity! It was 1931 when Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond started training dogs to support servicemen who had lost their sight due to mustard gas attacks in the First World War. Inspired by projects in America, Germany and Switzerland, these remarkable women organised the training from a humble lock-up garage in Wallasey, Merseyside. Back then, the idea was pretty radical, but the impact was immediate. Allen Caldwell was partnered with a dog called Flash, GW Lamb with Meta, Musgrave Frankland with Judy and Tomos ap Rhys was matched with Folly. All four dogs were German shepherds, as Muriel and Rosamund loved the breed. In October 1931, these first four guide dog partnerships qualified together. Within six months of meeting their new guide dogs, all four men reported finding a freedom and independence they had not known since before the war. Three years later, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was formed and we’ve gone from strength to strength since. Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers and donors over the years, we’ve partnered more than 36,000 people with a guide dog and transformed the lives of thousands more through our other services. Included here are four black-and-white photographs from the 1930s. The first is of Captain Nikolai Liakhoff working at his desk. The second is of the first four qualified guide dog partnerships. The third is of a lady training a German shepherd. The fourth is of a guide dog owner waiting to cross the road at a zebra crossing with his German shepherd guide dog. Other milestones in our 90 years of history: 1933 Our first permanent Guide Dog Trainer, Captain Nikolai Liakhoff, started work. 1940 Edmondscote Manor in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, became our first permanent training centre. 1943 The very first edition of Forward magazine was published with Capt Liakhoff as editor. 1956 We began recruiting volunteer Puppy Walkers, and last year we re-named the role Puppy Raiser. 1960 Capt Liakhoff started our world-class breeding programme. 1965 Our partnership with the children’s television show Blue Peter began with the introduction of guide dog in training, Honey. 1965 The opening of our Forfar Training School in Scotland by our then Patron, Princess Alexandra. 1970s The opening of Tollgate House in Leamington. 1984 Centres in Belfast and Cardiff opened. 1986 Redbridge training school opened. 1990s We started awarding ophthalmic research grants, investing in eye health and new technology projects. 1991 Hillfields, near Reading in Berkshire, became our central office. 1996 We began offering habilitation services. 2011 Our National Breeding Centre (now known as the National Centre) opened near Leamington. 2013 Our My Sighted Guide service launches. 2017 Blind Children UK and Guide Dogs became one charity, making us the UK’s largest provider of services for children with sight loss. 2019 We launched our By My Side strategy to see us to 2023 and beyond! A tribute to Captain Nikolai Liakhoff – Guide Dogs’ very first permanent Guide Dog Trainer It’s no exaggeration to say that Captain Nikolai Liakhoff’s passion and determination to make a success of the UK’s guide dog training programme was so strong that it’s reached down through three generations of his family. Born in April 1897 in Russia, he served in the military before becoming an instructor for L’Oeil qui Voit (The Seeing Eye) in Switzerland in 1931. When the school moved to America in 1933, he joined Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond in England. Forward spoke to Capt Liakhoff’s granddaughter, Olga Bibikoff, who said: “British guide dog training started with a lot of difficulty. People didn’t have much knowledge of dogs in those days as they didn’t have so many domesticated pets. Suddenly, blind people were being asked to put their trust in a dog. Everyone was wondering “how can this work?”. “Captain Liakhoff knew that if they didn’t get the trust of the public and of blind people in those first few crucial years, it never would have taken off.” Not content with overseeing solely guide dog training, Capt Liakhoff started our breeding programme, and he was also the first editor of Forward magazine. Olga added: “He was a Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society, and he was known world-wide for his animal psychology work.” Such was his dedication, he was awarded an MBE in 1953 for his services to Guide Dogs. Capt Liakhoff’s two daughters, Tatiana and Catherine, both grew up to play important roles within Guide Dogs. Olga’s mother, Catherine, and father Michael Bibikoff were guide dog trainers, and Michael was in charge of Leamington in the 1950s. Olga grew up surrounded by everything Guide Dogs and when her mother passed away, Olga decided to “take the reins to be part of Guide Dogs in my own way”. She preserves a vast collection of her grandfather’s correspondence, notes, articles and photographs from Guide Dogs’ past at her home in Oxfordshire. Olga’s daughter, Marianna, has clearly been bitten by the Guide Dogs bug – she chose to raise money for Guide Dogs when she ran the London Marathon in October. Included here is a black-and-white photograph of Captain Nikolai Liakhoff with his daughter, Catherine, holding guide dog puppies. There is also a photograph of Olga Bibikoff with her daughter, Marianna. Letters My love for Derek I’ve been sponsoring guide dog puppies for more than 20 years, and was really happy when I heard that my latest puppy was called Derek, as it was my late father’s name. I’ve been a lifelong dog lover since my parents bought me a cocker spaniel for my first birthday. Growing up, I always thought I’d have a dog when I was older, but sadly I couldn’t have one due to my lifestyle. Sponsoring guide dog puppies is my way of having a dog! When I saw that guide dog puppy Derek was being used on a lot of Guide Dogs marketing material, I felt very proud that they’d chosen “my” dog. My dad loved dogs, too, so it felt like everything had come together. Each time I see puppy Derek I hope that he is behaving himself, succeeding in his training, and I wish him good luck. I loved Derek very much… And still do today. Dr Caroline Cordery, North Cheshire Included here is a black-and-white photograph of Dr Caroline Cordery as a child, dressed in her Girl Guides uniform, with her father Derek. Caption competition Lynette Proctor’s retired guide dog Pippa is trying to enjoy a nap, but it seems like Lynette’s two cats, Foz and Monty, have other ideas. Lynette lives in Liverpool with the trio and her guide dog, Dubs. Included here is a photograph of cats Foz and Monty looking at retired guide dog Pippa, who is lying on the living room floor. What would you caption this photo? Send your suggestions to: Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG or email forward@guidedogs.org.uk with your name, address and a daytime phone number. The winner gets a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher. The last competition winner is Kathy Mitchell, from Sheffield, with the caption “Well, he did say there was a leak in the kitchen that needed attention.” Congratulations, Kathy! Included here is a photograph of black Labrador puppy Rex sitting in a veg box with a leaf in his mouth. 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 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 31 January 2022. In good company Supporting Guide Dogs through our partners – at no extra cost to you We work with some fantastic partners that are committed to helping you make a real difference in the lives of people with sight loss through everyday activities, at no extra cost to you. Shopping The loyalty schemes for shoppers at Pets at Home (VIP Club) and Marks & Spencer (Sparks) enable you to support Guide Dogs simply by shopping at no additional cost to you. Members of the Pets at Home VIP scheme help raise vouchers that we can use for our guide dogs in training. And M&S will donate a penny every time you shop using your Sparks card online. When you shop with AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price on eligible purchases when you select Guide Dogs. The Virgin Red rewards club lets you earn points through numerous everyday brands, which you can choose to donate to Guide Dogs. Disposing of a vehicle If you wish to get rid of an old car, Giveacar will collect and dispose of it for you, with proceeds donated to us when you choose Guide Dogs. Browsing online You can even turn browsing the internet into donations for Guide Dogs with Tabs for Good by Good Loop – simply by downloading the Good Loop Chrome plugin. Find out how you can support us through our partners at www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donating. pets at home TABS FOR GOOD BY GOOD-LOOP Virgin RED GIVEACAR ebay FOR CHARITY PayPal Giving Fund M&S EST. 1884 SPARKS amazonsmile Players of People’s Postcode Lottery help children with sight loss by supporting buddy dogs Since 2018, the wonderful players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised an incredible £3.5m in support of Guide Dogs. The latest project that players are supporting is our buddy dog service for 12 months. This will help up to 150 children or young people and their families. A buddy dog lives with a family as a companion and friend. Buddy dogs support children’s development by helping them grow their confidence, reduce their isolation and significantly contributes towards their development in relationships and life. The funding also supports the assessment process, online training and in-person workshops that teach the responsibility of caring for a dog and creating confidence. Supported by players of PEOPLE’S POSTCODE LOTTERY Awarded funds from POSTCODE ANIMAL TRUST Included here is a photograph of a yellow Labrador buddy dog with a lady and her young daughter. Promotions The following are three advertisements that are presented in different places in this issue of Forward. 1. GIVEACAR Donate Your Car Fast | Free | For Charity 1 Tell us about your car or motorbike. We’ll arrange to collect it for free. 2 Depending on its condition, your vehicle will be auctioned or sold for scrap. 3 We’ll donate the proceeds to your chosen charity and send you a receipt. Free Collection | Any Car | Nationwide Call us on 0207 736 4242 or visit www.giveacar.co.uk to find out more In support of: Guide Dogs Giveacar is a non-profit social enterprise supporting over 1700 charities. Giveacar Ltd, New Kings House, 136-144 New King’s Rd, Fulham, London SW6 4LZ. Registered as a Company Ltd by Guarantee in England and Wales. No. 7128385 2. Guide Dogs Tailor-made books at everyday prices Whatever format your child needs, we’ll tailor their books to meet their individual requirements; font type and size, line spacing, paper colour and more. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to develop a love of reading; that’s why we subsidise the service for anyone buying books for children and young people with a vision impairment or dyslexia. Regardless of format, you just pay the recommended retail price. Find out more at: www.guidedogs.org.uk/customeyes Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). GD0555 09/21 Included here is a photograph of a young lady reading a large print edition of “Mr Stink” by David Walliams. 3. Virgin RED Guide Dogs WHATEVER HELPS YOUR CAUSE Donate Virgin Points to Guide Dogs and help change lives Join Virgin Red, Virgin’s brand-new rewards club, to earn Virgin Points on the everyday, and spend them on everything from Everyday Treats to Extraordinary Experiences. You can even use your Points for Good and donate to Guide Dogs and help transform a young dog into a future life-changing guide dog. Sign up now at www.virgin.com/virgin-red Download on the App Store GET IT ON Google Play Over 18s only, UK residents, membership required, terms and conditions apply Included here is a photograph of a young lady dancing. Contact details This is a list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this edition of Forward magazine. Giveacar Call: 0207 736 4242 Visit: www.giveacar.co.uk Customeyes books Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/customeyes Chief Executive Twitter: @TomwrightUK Guide Dogs 90 Appeal Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/appeal The Guide Dogs Shop Visit: www.GuideDogsShop.com 90th anniversary special collection Visit: www.GuideDogsShop.com/90years My Sighted Guide Email: volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk Christmas Wishes Concert Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/christmas-wishes Tech for All Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/techforall Guide Line Call: 0800 781 1444 Email: information@guidedogs.org.uk The Listening Project Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds and search for “The Listening Project” Gardeners’ World Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer and search for episode 23 Campaigns Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/campaigns People Awards Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk and search for “People Awards” Volunteering Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk and search for “our volunteers” Rubin’s story Instagram: vesperbuddydog_adventures Buddy dogs Call: 0800 781 1444 Supporters – share the fun Email: forward@guidedogs.org.uk Post: Forward magazine, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Reading Road, Burghfield Common, RG7 3YG Name a Puppy Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy Call: 0800 953 0113 Guiding Stars Call: 0800 953 0113 Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidingstars Caption competition Post: Forward, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG Email: forward@guidedogs.org.uk Supporting Guide Dogs Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donating Virgin Red Visit: www.virgin.com/virgin-red Close.