NOTES FROM PENARTH PEERS WI MEETING WEDNESDAY 11th OCTOBER 2023
The meeting was opened at 7pm by Julie Davies. Several members had sent apologies; there were no visitors. Julie reminded the group of the location of fire escapes and toilets. November tea hostesses are, Brenda, Chris Dyer and Jane.
Julie introduced speakers John Chard, and Patrick with his dog Peggy.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
John and Patrick are ‘puppy raisers’, providing puppies with a home from approximately 8 weeks to 14 months old. The National Breeding Centre, outside Leamington Spa, provides dogs for a 50 mile radius. Most common breeds are black and yellow Labradors, Retrievers, German Shepherds, with standard poodles also being used for crossbreeding. Dogs have no more than 4 litters, after which they become family pets. Puppies then go to the training centre to be assessed for health, temperament, and introduced to different situations. Guide dogs association breed up to 1200 puppies a year, many are sponsored.
Puppy raisers will be visited by a supervisor who checks on the welfare of the dog; food and vets’ bills are paid for. All puppies are raised to obey the same commands. They are socialised and introduced to going on public transport, into shops and cafes etc. Dogs become accustomed to being ‘on duty’ when their harness is on; harnesses differ according to different impairments. Dogs work for no longer than 10 years.
The guide dog organisation has been operating since 1931, set up to help casualties from WW1. Advanced training takes about 6 months. If deemed unsuitable for guiding, dogs can become buddy dogs. Dogs live with foster families during training. They are taught to guide around objects such as bins, lampposts, trees and cars parked on pavements. It is important not to touch or distract a working dog; introduce yourself to the owner initially. Owners do not pay for their dogs; food and vet bills are covered. It costs around £55,000 per dog, from puppy until retirement. When a dog retires their owner can keep it if able to do so, or it will be found a new home.
Sue Orpin gave the vote of thanks, saying what an important and worthwhile organisation to be involved with.
Other business:
BBC trip – Julie reminded members to take photo ID
PODS – Ladies Day, Julie has given out slips showing seats, meet outside the Paget Rooms at 7.10
Pantomime – Tickets available for Thursday night. If interested, contact Julie or Wendy
Lunch Club 12pm – Sally will organise a Christmas lunch during December
Dinas Powis WI – coffee morning on Saturday 14th October 10am-12pm, £4 entry with tea and cake, proceeds to go to Huggard Centre. Annie has tickets.
Whatsapp group – a reminder that this is for WI business, rather than social conversation
Quiz team, games afternoon – anyone interested, please see Joyce
Next meeting – Christmas crafts, please bring scissors, glue, narrow ribbon, large-eyed needle, garden twine, curtains rings if available.
Welsh – leaflets available for anyone who wishes to learn locally.
The raffle was drawn, and the meeting closed at 9pm.
The meeting was opened at 7pm by Julie Davies. Several members had sent apologies; there were no visitors. Julie reminded the group of the location of fire escapes and toilets. November tea hostesses are, Brenda, Chris Dyer and Jane.
Julie introduced speakers John Chard, and Patrick with his dog Peggy.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
John and Patrick are ‘puppy raisers’, providing puppies with a home from approximately 8 weeks to 14 months old. The National Breeding Centre, outside Leamington Spa, provides dogs for a 50 mile radius. Most common breeds are black and yellow Labradors, Retrievers, German Shepherds, with standard poodles also being used for crossbreeding. Dogs have no more than 4 litters, after which they become family pets. Puppies then go to the training centre to be assessed for health, temperament, and introduced to different situations. Guide dogs association breed up to 1200 puppies a year, many are sponsored.
Puppy raisers will be visited by a supervisor who checks on the welfare of the dog; food and vets’ bills are paid for. All puppies are raised to obey the same commands. They are socialised and introduced to going on public transport, into shops and cafes etc. Dogs become accustomed to being ‘on duty’ when their harness is on; harnesses differ according to different impairments. Dogs work for no longer than 10 years.
The guide dog organisation has been operating since 1931, set up to help casualties from WW1. Advanced training takes about 6 months. If deemed unsuitable for guiding, dogs can become buddy dogs. Dogs live with foster families during training. They are taught to guide around objects such as bins, lampposts, trees and cars parked on pavements. It is important not to touch or distract a working dog; introduce yourself to the owner initially. Owners do not pay for their dogs; food and vet bills are covered. It costs around £55,000 per dog, from puppy until retirement. When a dog retires their owner can keep it if able to do so, or it will be found a new home.
Sue Orpin gave the vote of thanks, saying what an important and worthwhile organisation to be involved with.
Other business:
BBC trip – Julie reminded members to take photo ID
PODS – Ladies Day, Julie has given out slips showing seats, meet outside the Paget Rooms at 7.10
Pantomime – Tickets available for Thursday night. If interested, contact Julie or Wendy
Lunch Club 12pm – Sally will organise a Christmas lunch during December
Dinas Powis WI – coffee morning on Saturday 14th October 10am-12pm, £4 entry with tea and cake, proceeds to go to Huggard Centre. Annie has tickets.
Whatsapp group – a reminder that this is for WI business, rather than social conversation
Quiz team, games afternoon – anyone interested, please see Joyce
Next meeting – Christmas crafts, please bring scissors, glue, narrow ribbon, large-eyed needle, garden twine, curtains rings if available.
Welsh – leaflets available for anyone who wishes to learn locally.
The raffle was drawn, and the meeting closed at 9pm.