Guide Dogs Association

For the first time in its 85 years history the widely acclaimed Guide Dogs Association looks set to establish a satellite training centre in North Wales later this year, members were told by two active Guide Dogs representatives Derek Barker and Mike Hall, of Abergele, in a joint talk at Faenol Fawr. Introduced by Past President Keith Roberts, the speakers, who brought along two attentive and impeccably behaved guide dogs to illustrate the remarkable product of months of painstaking training, said the new centre was expected to become operational at a coastal location quite soon. This hugely welcome facility followed intensive pressure over the past three and a half years for the region’s strong on-going claims to be recognized, as the needs of increasing numbers of visually impaired people throughout the United Kingdom continued to rise. The high costs entailed in the time-consuming process of breeding, selecting, training and meticulously skilful matching of appropriate dogs in a successful partnership with a visually impaired recipient, they pointed out, was only possible through the dedicated commitment, patience and financial support provided by the many thousands of volunteers. After answering a number of searching questions from absorbed members, the warm thanks of the club for such an impressive insight into the work and achievements of the Guide Dog charity, were expressed with admiration and approval by Past President John Hickerton. Endorsing these sentiments, President Mike Parry said the club would enthusiastically be making a financial donation in support of Guide Dogs and he wished their invaluable endeavours all the success they richly deserved. Following the Easter break, the club will resume next Tuesday April 5 with a business and fellowship meeting, incorporating the annual general meeting, to which all members are urged to attend.