LOWDOWN 2011 Winter

LOW

DOWN

THE SOUTH EAST BRANCH OF THE BASSET HOUND CLUB NEWSLETTER

NUMBER 8: WINTER 2011/12 Wishing you all a very ‘Yappy’ Christmas!

The committee wish a very warm welcome to all our new members.

Please send details and photographs of your hounds to the editor of LOWDOWN (lowdown.newsletter@tiscali.co.uk) and we will print them in our New Hounds’ Gallery.

OFFICERS Hon. Secretary (also Branch Representative to the BHC): Frankie Roberts

Chairman: Brian Malin Hon. Treasurer: Michael Errey

COMMITTEE Walks Leader: Chris Cooper

Walks Coordinator: Jean Miller

Jayne Cooper

Lowdown Editor: Tony Roberts

Webmaster: Derek Harris

Basset Hound Welfare: Sue Sampson

Jill Malin

COPYRIGHT©SEBBHC 2011

©

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily shared by the Branch committee or the BHC. The content of LOWDOWN is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. COVER IMAGE: EDGAR ©PETER ROBERTSON 2011

* Note: additional copies of LOWDOWN are available at £2.00 each inc. postage. * 1

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CONTENTS

1 OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 2 THE EDITOR’S BARK by Tony Roberts 4 FROM THE CHAIR by Brian Malin 6 EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY 7 NEWS HOUND 11 HOUND HEALTH by Sally King 12 ROSIE – A TRIBUTE by Sue & Terry Sampson 13 ENDING & NEW BEGINNINGS by Trudy Allen 15 IN DEFENCE OF DOGS – a new book review by Tony Roberts 17 HOUNDS ON TOUR – caravanning with Bassets by Tony Roberts 22 THE TWELVE THEFTS OF CHRISTMAS by Sally King 23 FOUR FEET – a poem in praise of a dog by Rudyard Kipling 23 A QUICK WAG! 24 SOME BRANCH TRADITIONS EXPLAINED by Tony Roberts 26 WALKS REPORTS by Jean Miller 37 WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW BACK NEW HOUNDS GALLERY

The Editor’s Bark

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . woof! woof!

Hi, everyone.

Blimey, winter already! What did happen to 2011?

Is there some Einstein theory about time passing faster the older one becomes?

After a promising spring, the summer seemed to come and go without too much intervention by the sun. That said, we seemed to have been very lucky with the weather on our Branch walks and, indeed, our Fun Day. The real gem for me was October - sunny and warm. Luckily, Frankie and I had decided to have a few days away with the hounds in our caravan during the first week. I don’t think we could have five better days, weather-wise. We found ourselves sitting out of doors at nine in the evening, eating under the stars, still in our T-shirts – perfectly warm. I have written of our adventures on page 17.

Many of you – especially our walks’ regulars – will know the lovely Trudy Allen and her hound, Mollie. In September of this year Trudy fulfilled a long-time dream and moved to live on a small island in the Philippines.

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Trudy has been a very enthusiastic member, managing to recruit more new members to the Branch on her various travels than anyone I know. She was the first winner of Lowdown’s Winnie Wheelbarrow Trophy. She will be greatly missed, but I know that she starts her new life with everyone’s best wishes for the future. You can read her moving farewell in this issue.

As ever, I am indebted to everyone who has contributed items to the two issues of Lowdown that we have published this year. I would especially like to highlight the work of Sally King for her regular, wonderful stories of Clara and Rolf; and Sheila Williams for her charming line drawings which brighten our pages. Thank you, ladies! I would be very grateful to receive contributions from any of our many new members.

I believe that 2011 has been a very successful year for the Branch. New members have continued to join and many have tried our monthly walks – some coming from quite far away (you can see photos of our new hounds in this issue). Jill Malin, who keeps our records, mentioned to me that fifty-five different hounds have attended our ‘meets’ this year. Wouldn’t it be great if they all turned up at the same time?

Looking forward, one innovation that is being trailed in 2012 is holding our Midsummer Walk & Picnic on a Saturday. Hopefully, this will attract members who find attending Sunday ‘meets’ difficult.

In fact, the committee would be very eager to know whether holding some of our walks on Saturdays, rather than Sundays, would suit more members. If you have an opinion on this please contact Lowdown at the email address shown on the back page, or any member of the committee.

Your Branch committee holds around four meeting throughout the year, plus an AGM each spring. It is at these that all our events and direction of the Branch are planned; I know that I speak for the entire committee when I invite suggestions from you, our members, on how to further improve the Branch.

Perhaps, new members can see opportunities which we old hands might not have spotted.

On the subject of the Branch committee, I must add how hard working and enthusiastic the present one is. It is a real pleasure to be a part of such a great team - plus, we do have fun!

I must use this ‘bark’ to encourage those of you with computers to visit our website: www.southeastbasset.org.uk – especially if you have not done so recently. It is packed with goodies which our brilliant webmaster, Derek Harris, constantly refreshes the content and appearance.

It contains some real gems and is not wholly free of Derek’s dry wit. My own favourite being his inclusion of contact details for Birmingham International Airport, handy for those travelling to Bickenhill for the BHC Championship Show in their private jets. Te! He! Please check it out.

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I guess this Lowdown will be dropping through your letter boxes just as you are making preparations for the season’s festivities. On behalf of everyone on the Branch committee, I would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012.

Enjoy your wonderful hounds!

lowdown.newsletter@tiscali.co.uk Drawing by Sheila Williams©2011

IMPORTANT: SUBSCRIPTION RENWALS FOR 2012 Branch subscriptions remain unaltered for a further year - £3.00 for single membership and £5.00 for joint membership.

The South East Branch is confident that all members will regard this as terrific value.

Please continue to be part of the Branch’s revival by returning the enclosed renewal form with your subscription by 1st January 2012.

Further forms are available www.southeastbasset.org.uk.

to

download

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website

Please note: if you joined the Branch after 1st October 2011 your membership covers all of next year.

Branch members must also be members of the parent Basset Hound Club. Details from: Mrs Sandra Allen, 1 Hill View, Ocle Pychard, Hereford, HR1 3QN (01432 820543).

The new Branch Mug – an ideal extra Christmas gift for all the family!

Only £6.50p each!

Available for purchase at all of our walks and the Branch 2011 Christmas lunch.

Hurry while stocks last - don’t be a mug and miss out!

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From the Chair

by Brian Malin Hi Everyone, THREE IN A BED - compulsive viewing I thought (and I bet some of you thought so too) - worth investigating! However, the programme was about three B&B owners visiting and criticising each other’s establishments.

Talk about nit-picking. Triumphantly one would announce a hair found in the food, in the bath, or a crumb under the carpet - SHOCK HORROR!!!

One realistic pet owning hostess brought her guests back to earth by replying in a relaxed manner, "Of course there are hairs" - BRAVO! Peeling back the edges of carpets (beyond Basset muzzle reach) to seek dust, crumbs or hair was a test I would certainly have failed, as I thought brushing such matter under was standard practice, especially if an item is found just as a visitor is coming up the drive. Our carpets are reinforced by hairs!

Naturally, the tests used to annoy Jill were commonplace - running fingers along tops of doors, cupboards and picture frames; but most amazing was the fiend who brought a mirror on a stick with which to view up and under the toilet rim - the mind boggles!

I guess it's time to change the subject.

Our best tonic is non-alcoholic (surprised?) always on tap and free! Nothing lifts the sluggish spirit more than rejoining our hounds and receiving an (over) enthusiastic greeting. You can turn this tap on even if you are out of the room for a few minutes and you stop them following; and should it be for longer then the greeting is proportionately more passionate. Suddenly all is well with the world as you struggle to avoid treading on the tangle of hounds blocking your way.

There are no reproachful looks for excluding them - just joy in the certain knowledge that good things will follow, be it walkies, dinner, or just a stampede into the garden to hurl themselves onto the grass and kick legs in the air. Inevitably, however weary we feel we respond to their advances because the tonic has revived us.

So if your Christmas preparations (or the thought of demanding guests) get you down, just ask your Bassets to recharge your batteries and put life in perspective.

As many have found it works!

On this note I hope you and your hounds will enjoy a MERRY and ENTERTAINING 5

CHRISTMAS coupled with a HAPPY NEW YEAR determined to renew your modest subscriptions and so make the most of the events so carefully planned by your hard working officers and committee, all of whom have supported me so willingly.

I am a lucky guy!

brandjmalin@gmail.com

Drawing by Sheila Williams©2011

Events for your Diary Our Branch Walks are great fun - if you have not recently attended one then please do come along – your hounds will love meeting our ‘pack’.

Locations of all our walks and other up to date details can be found on our website southeastbasset.org.uk where you can also download TomTom coordinates, or print a Walks Map. For those without computer access, copies of the Walks Map are available upon request from the editor at the address on the back of Lowdown.       

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Sunday, 22nd January 2012; 10.45 - Walk - Gill's Lap car park – Ashdown Forest.

Sunday, 26th February 2012; 10.45 - Walk - Broadstone car park – Ashdown Forest.

Sunday, 18th March 2012; Branch AGM; Old School Hall, Cuckfield, West Sussex, RH17 5JZ. Sunday, 25th March 2012; 10.45 - Walk - Long car park, Ashdown Forest.

Sunday, 22nd April 2012; 11.00 - Basset Hound Club AGM, The Red Lion, Atherstone, Warks, CV9 1BB. Sunday, 15th April 2012; 10.45 - Walk - Airman's Grave - The Hollies car park, Ashdown Forest Sunday, 20th May 2012; 10.45 - Walk followed by Jean and Dusty's Picnic, Butchershole car park, Friston Forest, Near Polegate, East Sussex.

Saturday*, 16th June 2012; 4.45 - Midsummer walk and picnic - Gill's Lap, Ashdown Forest. *Please note: This is on a Saturday, not Sunday.

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NEWS

HOUND

All the news that’s fit to bark!

1: THE BICKEN 1. Midland Branch Fun Day & BHC Championship Show

Bickenhill, the small West Midland village, is the venue for the Midland Branch’s Fun Day and the BHC’s Championship Show, both held over one weekend.

Over the last few year’s, several South East Branch members have used this weekend of Basset activities as a good reason to meet together there with our tents, caravans and camper vans.

This was the last camping trip for us using our faithful old tent; Derek and Miranda were in their new Eriba caravan; Brian and Jill had their trusty Bongo campervan; and Sally (with mother, Kate) arrived towing an impressive new buy – a trailer tent.

In previous years, we have experienced weather both fair and foul. Unfortunately, this year, the weather was undoubtedly foul. Very foul!

Some of the photographs accompanying this report show us outside enjoying the sun. I do not remember it being like this.

(Photo right: Four comics) 7

I do remember it being very, very wet.

This was unfortunate for those who had travelled just for the Midland Branch Fun Day, as the rain curtailed proceedings after only a few events. We retired to the relative dryness of our tent, but it was a fairly bleak and uncomfortable afternoon for many hounds and their owners.

That evening, we in the SE ‘enclave’ gathered together in our tent which became a refectory for dinner. This meal was cooked, not in the easiest circumstances, but in a downpour.

This was certainly not the greatest barbeque, but the company was very enjoyable, and conversation was certainly helped along by some excellent wine supplied by our Chairman, among others.

The weather on Sunday – the day of the championship show - was even worse.

A large marquee in the centre of the field is always installed for such poor conditions; and entering it was like walking through a waterfall. The rain was relentless. Hounds and their handlers appeared at the ringside thoroughly soaked; and spectators stood around looking bedraggled and forlorn.

I sensed the weather had a palpable effect on the gathering – and this was not too surprising. The rain continued relentlessly throughout the afternoon until the show was concluded and the competitors left for home. Many people had to the unpleasant task of dismantling and packing away their tents and caravan awnings in these poor conditions.

For all that, the Bickenhill weekend is an excellent opportunity to meet up with some of the South East Branch members who live at far flung outposts of civilisation – it’s a bit like how missionaries to foreign parts must feel.

Photo above courtesy of Miranda Harris 8

2. SE Branch 2011 Fun Day In sharp contrast to Bickenhill, our Branch Fun Day took place on a really hot, sunny afternoon.

Turnout was a little disappointing – perhaps some were put off attending because it was just too hot.

Those who did come threw themselves into the games and really seemed to enjoy themselves.

Chris and Sue were in charge of the various races, including the ever popular dressing-up race, the slalom, and the always hilarious, sausage race.

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A wonderful buffet and refreshments were enjoyed by everyone. Brian, though experiencing some technical problems with the p.a. system, introduced guest judge, Pat Townend (Great Danes). She was ably assisted in her duties by stewarded, Jean. Her Best in Match was the very sweet, Bessie Williams.

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Hound Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When Health Options Kill

by Sally King

Most of us nowadays know about the danger chocolate can pose to our pooches, and have read how grapes, raisins, sultanas and currents can cause kidney failure. But did you know there is another danger in the kitchen, medicine cabinet and even in our pockets and handbags?

Let's face it, as owners of Basset Hounds we know they will eat anything and countless slabs of chocolate and fruit cake have disappeared without causing problems.

However, it seems it is not always an exact science. Chocolate poisoning is an equation of quality of chocolate versus the size of the dog. This means Fido can gobble down a cheap Easter egg with no bad effects, but a couple of squares of good quality 80% dark chocolate can lead to a life-threatening situation.

Similarly, many dogs have eaten handfuls of grapes and raisins and not so much as belched. Others have eaten two and ended up on life support.

The latest poison to come to light is called xylitol. It’s a naturally-occurring sweetener which is harmless to humans and is used in a lot of “sugar-fee”, “light” or “diet” options.

Unlike chocolate and raisins, it is hard to know if xylitol is in the soft drink your Basset has just slurped out of your glass, without checking the label on the bottle in the fridge.

In humans, consuming more than 40g of xylitol per day (quite a feat) can cause discomfort and diarrhoea, but even small amounts can cause liver failure, seizures and death in dogs.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, within 30 minutes of consuming a small amount of a product sweetened with xylitol, a dog experiences rapidly plummeting blood sugar, vomiting, lethargy and can experience difficulty walking or standing. In severe cases, dogs have seizures, internal haemorrhaging and liver failure.

The ASPCA estimates that two or three sticks of gum sweetened with xylitol could be toxic to a 20lb dog. And just because this advice is coming from an American charity, don’t be fooled into thinking this isn’t a problem in the UK. Google xylitol UK and you will quickly find examples of loved pets which became terribly ill or died a horrible death thanks to a few sticks of chewing gum.

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And it’s not just in fizzy drinks and gum. Xylitol can be found in many sugarfree products – jams, sweets, toothpaste, cakes, biscuits, honey, medicines and even in some homeopathic remedies. For example, many people find Bach’s Rescue Remedy is great for helping dogs with anxiety or itchy skin. However good the drops may be, avoid the pastilles – they too are sweetened with xylitol.

Here are two useful websites. The first gives a list of common pet poisons and the second is an interactive chart telling you how much chocolate, of any variety, will have an effect on whichever size of dog. It’s a bit fiddly to type in, but definitely worth keeping in your internet favourites. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/ http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/pets/chocolate-chartinteractive.html (Ed: Many thanks Sally for highlighting these potential dangers - especially at this time of the year when it is sometimes too easy to be distracted by all the seasonal nonsense and miss what our hounds are getting up to.)

Rosie – a tribute

by Sue & Terry Sampson In 2000 a very special red and white girl was born, her name was Rosie. I was told by a very good friend, “Do not get a red and white (our first) and whatever you do - do not call her Rosie”.

I did not understand her and ignored her completely.

I was later to realise that red and white dogs are in our opinion completely different - bosy, stubborn, always right, and wanting to be first every time.

Always in charge with all dogs – but I know you will be saying all Bassets are like that. But, we found she was so much more a presence in our house than any other dog we have had before.

We loved her so much and we are obviously missing her loads, but at least we do have wonderful memories of her that make us laugh and, yes, sometimes cry.Because in September 2011, as you have now realized, aged eleven and a half, she died. She has gone to meet our previous six Bassets and other Bassets that have gone before her. I bet she is making herself known.

Night-night, my darling.

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Endings and New Beginnings

by Trudy Allen It’s with great sadness and many tears that I say farewell to you lovely lot.

Many of you will know, through our out of breath chats whilst climbing the many hills Tony insists on taking us up on our walks, that I’ve had a rotten couple of years but was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last year.

This has finally come to fruition and I am now, by the time you read this, on a tiny Filipino island in the Pacific.

It was a decision I took a long time to make and there was only ever one sticking point and that was The Pop, aka Mollie. She has been my one constant in the five and a half years that I have owned her and I did consider taking me with her but I knew that would have been more about my needs than hers.

Mollie made herself known to the club from the start, quite possibly the littlest adult Basset of the group, but certainly the noisiest, and maybe even the most energetic, covering three times the distance as the rest of us walkers.

And this is how she is at home too, as well as having the sweetest nature, being a great one for cuddles and head massages and knowing exactly how to make me laugh or get my attention.

I’ve only been without her for three evenings now and it has been the hardest three days I think I have ever faced; the first afternoon returning from work and not seeing her face the minute I opened the door or to have her rubbing her nose all over my trouser legs was awful.

I continue to pause before playing a video of her because I’m thinking “it’ll set my (absent) girl off barking”, the loud sigh I heard from her this morning when my alarm went off only for me to come to and remember that she wouldn’t be waking up beside me anymore.

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The saving grace I have is that she hasn’t gone to Rainbow Bridge, but has gone on to live with two wonderful people who love her as much as I do, and who have been waiting patiently for the day that she would join them and their lovely girl; Speckles.

Mollie greeted Roger and Judy with such joy and much ‘helicopter’ tail wagging, so I know that she loves them too.

I wanted to say ‘goodbye’ and thank you to you all for making the walks such good fun, and for the ongoing connection that you will have Mollie the Pop. I look forward to following your future walks on Facebook and for glimpses of Molls in your many photos.

Trudy x

(Ed: Frankie and I were walking Pablo and Nico along the Eastbourne seafront one summer evening when we chanced upon Trudy and Mollie, playing together on the beach near the pier. We chatted for a while and encouraged her to come to one of the Branch walks. Though interested, she thought that they might prove too much for her, as she suffered from M.E. We were very pleasantly surprised when she and Moll attended our next walk.

Both of them enjoyed it enormously.

Since that time Trudy has been a very active and enthusiastic member of the Branch. She has also been a great ambassador for us and I don’t think anyone has recruited more new members than Trudy has done on her various travels.

Her very sweet nature and joie de vivre have made her enormously popular with everyone. She will be much missed.

I know that I write on behalf of everyone in the South East Branch when I wish Trudy every possible good wishes for her new exciting life. Mollie’s continuing appearance at Branch events will be a pleasant reminder of her former ‘mum’.

Our love and best wishes go with you, Trudy.)

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IN DEFENCE OF DOGS a new book review

by Tony Roberts

A new book was published this summer that counters many of the prevailing theories in many dog training manuals.

And what a welcome and very useful addition to the canine bookshelf it is.

In Defence of Dogs is written by John Bradshaw, an eminent biologist who founded and directs the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol.

Bradshaw has studied dogs for over twenty-five years and, as one would expect from his background and training, writes with scientific authority on how dogs evolved to become man’s closest other species.

In the process, he dismisses the premise that has informed many recent dog training methods – namely, that studying wolf pack behaviour helps us to understand dogs and their relationship with us.

Because dogs share 99.96% of their DNA with the grey wolf, it is easy to understand why some researchers have assumed the wolf to be a useful model in understanding the psychology of dogs. Bradshaw convincingly argues that this is not a worthwhile exercise in understanding dogs.

The domestication of the dog began well over ten thousand years ago. Over this period, and though sharing much DNA, much wolf-like behaviour in dogs has been lost.

He points out that dogs form mutually co-operatively flexible, family groups like authentically wild wolf packs; and do not follow alfa-dominant patterns found in artificially constructed, captive wolf packs.

Man has mythologised the wolf into a species to be hated, feared, and hunted almost to extinction. As a consequence few grey wolves now exist, and those that do come from a diminished gene-pool containing only the smartest, wildest

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wolves – the ones as wary of man and as separate from dogs as it is possible to imagine.

In one experiment, wolves and dogs were tested to see if they could get food out of a closed box. The wolves scrabbled away at it until the box broke, while the dogs would just turn to their humans and ask for help.

In recent years there has been a glut of very successful - though to my mind very prescriptive and bossy - books and television programmes where some little dictator - I avoid using ‘Caesar’ – or tweed or leather-clad dominatrices exert their will over some poor canine, thought to be recalcitrant.

These ‘behaviourists’ base many of their methods on research conducted only into captive wolf packs and, consequently, expect that the dog/wolf that we invite into our homes to be always on the lookout to assume dominance over us. Bradshaw completely dismisses this idea.

Bradshaw is particularly interesting when he details how some early, wild canines adapted to being in close contact with humans, with both species appreciating the mutual benefit of this arrangement and reinforcing the long established bond between us.

The book devotes several interesting chapters dealing with the extraordinarily highly developed canine senses of sight and smell; and how data is communicated using ‘pee-mails’.

The later sections of the book challenge the principles behind current pedigree breeding. Personally, I think that Bradshaw fails to understand what drives us to maintain the canine heritage that is pure-blood breeding. In some aspects, he echoes the arguments made by those behind the contentious Pedigree Dogs: Exposed television programme.

However, he can be praised for exposing as risible, training methods which use bullying, whistles, clickers and electric shocks. Though not a training manual, the book deals with how puppies develop socially and are trained to become adult dogs (this happens within the first three or four months).

At times this book is not an easy read. It is densely rich with academic research (Bradshaw’s normal outlet is scientific papers) and the he is not always a wholly comfortable narrator; but this said, it is well worth doggedly persevering with as it throws serious, new and convincing light onto understanding man’s best friend.

A dog is not just for Christmas – but this book could be.

In Defence of Dogs by John Bradshaw is published by Allen Lane at £20.

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Hounds on Tour – caravanning with Bassets

by Tony Roberts

Some of you will have followed in Lowdown our previous camping trips with our ‘boys’, Pablo and Nico.

You might have read, no doubt with some incredulity, how after many years tenting, we had decided that we were becoming just too old for the quasi SAS hardships that go hand-in-hand with holidaying under canvas.

With the purchase of our super-duper, twenty-six foot long, twin- axled, white box of dreams, we had said goodbye to sleeping on an inflated mattress (only inches off the floor), and hello to a proper bed in its own room.

We now had a real kitchen with a hob, an oven, and a microwave. We could drink cold wine straight from the fridge.

We evolved from torches to electric lights. Now, we could experience the luxury of staying up after dark, reading, chatting, watching the television (if we so wished).

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We also had central heating. We had grown up – perhaps.

The hounds took to trips in the new ‘van with some enthusiasm. I am sure they viewed it as some glorified, mobile kennel.

They did seem to enjoy the luxury of sleeping on seating which is as comfortable as that at home. Pablo, particularly, appreciated being able to continue his favourite pastime – that of keeping sentry duty.

At home, he keeps watch by the front gate – in the caravan he uses an elevated vantage point which allows him to see through all the front windows or by looking through the open stable-style door.

Of course, caravanning and tenting have always attracted dog owners. We love living with our canine friends – why not also take them on holiday? This meant that Pablo had lots of four-legged, potential miscreants to monitor.

In early October we had a five-day trip to Emsworth, Hampshire - five constantly sunny and hot days.

It really was a perfect break.

The campsite is a former apple orchard, and given the season, both we and the hounds became familiar with hearing the windfall fruit bouncing off the roof of the ‘van.

Though, this could be very startling when it happened during the night!

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Pablo and Nico also a few close shaves when tethered outside in the shade of the trees, with apples suddenly thumping down on the ground near to them.

The advantage of this Newtonian harvest was that we could use this free bounty to make some delicious crumbles and pies.

We were based about a mile from the coast with access to some wonderful walks around Chichester harbour. However, we were careful not to exert the ‘boys’ with too much exercise in the heat. Fairly frequent stops in country pubs and other attractive watering holes seemed a suitable precaution.

One morning we walked along the beach below the sea wall at Emsworth. The sun was glistening off the water and nautical types were messing about in the little sailing boats which were moored along the shoreline. It was like walking through a picture postcard.

Pablo and Nico found plenty of scents to investigate around the shingle and rock-pools.

We walked for some time enjoying the scenery on such a wonderful day. When we reached a rather ancient, wooden jetty, we decided to turn around and head back. It was then that we noticed that the tide has suddenly, silently, come in behind us.

As there were no exits from the beach along the sea wall we had to retrace our steps quite quickly to avoid being cut-off by the fast, incoming tide. Frankie and Pablo managed to make fast progress, even though the sea had reached the wall in some places. As on all these little excursions I had assumed the roll of a 19

Yak, or some other beast of burden; and was handicapped by carrying bags containing our picnic lunch, dog water bottles, camera etc.

Before setting off, I rolled up my jeans and took off my shoes.

Blimey! the shingle was pretty uncomfortable to walk on.

Also, I had to wait for Nico who was oblivious to any drama and was paddling merrily around a bobbing sail boat - he had always liked sea swimming since being a puppy.

He found my attempts to catch and put him on his lead a really good game. My pursuit of him was hindered by the sharp shingle underfoot, and the attempts to keep my camera, my shoes and the packed lunch dry.

The sea was now at knee level. Nico was still doggy-paddling merrily, his surplus skin floating around him like the skirts of one of those early Cotterall hovercrafts that crossed the English Channel in the early sixties.

I thought that I should change tactics and head towards the concrete landing stage at the end of the harbour, where Frankie and Pablo were standing - both of them watching my water ballet with some amusement - in the hope that Nico would follow. It was then that I heard a rhythmic ‘putt-putt-putt’ sound of a two-stroke, outboard motor.

From behind me appeared an inflatable dingy – with a scruffy little terrier at its bow. The old sailor steering the craft was straight out of central casting – grey, grizzled beard, face the colour of creosote, even a navy-blue cap.

‘Need a hand, matey? The voice had a heavy Hampshire burr. Well, yes. Thank you’, I replied, trying not to seem too desperate.

Nico had also heard the dingy and had spotted the little terrier bitch on board.

He made no effort to escape the craft as it came along side him, or Capt’n Haddock who grabbed his collar and hauled him on board. There, Nico and the terrier greeted each other warmly (only after he had shaken furiously, spraying 20

seawater over his rescuer).

I was about to wade towards the craft for my lift, when the outboard motor roared into life and the craft set off at speed towards the landing stage, leaving me to follow, very gingerly, on foot.

‘Oh, thanks’, I muttered under my breath. Any hope that he might be coming back for me or, at least, my baggage was fleeting.

By the time that I reached the landing stage, emerging from the water with as much dignity as I could muster, Frankie and Haddock were sitting on the sea wall chatting - and I should add, laughing. Nico, Pablo and Kipper the terrier were chasing each other around the boatyard at the top of the landing stage, having great fun.

Though my jeans were sodden to the waist, I tried my best to seem amused at the - to my mind rather inane - comments that greeted my arrival.

As the three of us sat on the sea wall in the hot sun, watching the dogs playing, we ate our picnic lunch and my humour improved enormously, helped considerably by the speed at which my jeans were drying out.

I didn’t even mind sharing with the old sea dog my handmade game pie and bottles of beer, as he told us some very convoluted, but funny, boating stories.

That evening back at the caravan, Nico slept deeper than ever; even waking Pablo with his loud snoring – though his occasional leg twitches suggested that he may have been re-living the day in his dreams.

Our five days away passed almost too quickly. But they were tremendously enjoyable. We realised that caravanning was noticeably easier and more comfortable than tenting; and we returned fully rested and refreshed.

We are looking forward to spending a few dark, winter evenings planning our caravanning programme for 2012. I know that ‘the boys’ would also be looking forward to further adventures with the ‘van, if they could. Roll on next year!

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♪♪ THE TWELVE THEFTS OF CHRISTMAS ♪♪

by Sally King On the first day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the second day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the third day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the fourth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the fifth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the sixth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the seventh day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, seven decorations, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the eighth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, eight stamps for posting, seven decorations, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the ninth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, nine tubes of glitter, eight stamps for posting, seven decorations, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the tenth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, ten strings of tinsel, nine tubes of glitter, eight stamps for posting, seven decorations, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ On the eleventh day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, eleven sugared almonds, ten strings of tinsel, nine tubes of glitter, eight stamps for posting, seven decorations, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry ♪ 22

♪ On the twelfth day of Christmas my Basset stole from me, all the wrapping paper, eleven sugared almonds, ten strings of tinsel, nine tubes of glitter, eight stamps for posting, seven decorations, six chocolate bonbons, five remote controls, four wrapped gifts, three mince pies, two pairs of specs and an old sock from the laundry

Happy howlidays everyone!

Sally, Rolph and Clara

FOUR FEET – a poem in praise of a dog I have done mostly what most men do, And pushed it out of my mind; But I can’t forget, if I wanted to, Four-Feet trotting behind.

Day after day, the whole day through – Wherever my road inclined – Four-feet said, “I am coming with you!”

And trotted along behind.

Now I must go by some other round, – Which I shall never find – Somewhere that does not carry the sound Of Four-Feet trotting behind.

by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Drawing by Sheila Williams©2011

A QUICK WAG! While touring in Norfolk this summer, we found ourselves in a charming country pub. On the wall of the gents was a poster for Shepherd Neame Brewery. It read: SPITFIRE ALE - DOWNED ALL OVER KENT - JUST LIKE THE LUFTWAFFE! 23

SOME BRANCH TRADITIONS EXPLAINED

by Tony Roberts

Almost every group or organisation which has existed for any length of time establishes certain customs or traditions. The South East Branch, which has been around for over forty years, is no exception.

It occurred to me that many new members, of whom we thankfully have many, may be either unaware, or even confused, by some of the things that take place within the Branch.

Here is an explanation of how a few of them came about: BRANCH WALKS The South East Branch was started in the 1960’s by an architect and devoted Basset Hound man, Norman Burgis. Both he and his wife, Winifred, were very keen on hunting with their hounds and had established their own pack called the Burgonet in the late 1950’s.

These hounds, which at times numbered fifteen couple (thirty hounds), were kept in purpose-built kennels at their home in Ringmer, East Sussex.

By the mid-sixties the pack, together with its followers and supporters, was hunting every week during the season in an area between Uckfield and Seaford and also held ‘meets’ at Stanmer Park, Brighton.

The Burgonet had a dedicated staff to help with the management of the pack - our own esteemed Treasurer, Michael Errey, being one of the whippers-in. Other local Basset Hound owners would also attend the meets and would sometimes be invited to augment the pack. In the seasons when hunting did not take place, followers would descend upon the Burgonet kennels with their vehicles and take the hounds for exercise on Ashdown Forest.

When we hold one of our monthly walks on the Forest, I think that it is inspirational to remember as we trek across the picturesque 24

landscape there that we are following in the footsteps of these enthusiasts and their hounds. At our Branch Christmas lunch, the Branch Walks Trophy is awarded to the owner of the hound that has completed the most walks over the previous twelve months – committee members’ hounds excepted.

WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW Norman’s wife, Winnie, from all accounts was a formidable and very practical woman. Certainly, she was a huntswoman who was not afraid of rolling her shirt sleeves up and getting stuck in.

Apparently, she would push her wheelbarrow from the kennels at her home to the nearby abattoir, and return with it pilled high with meat carcasses for the hounds. This must have looked quite a sight.

To remember and celebrate this admirable lady, Lowdown has an occasional section called, Winnie’s Wheelbarrow.

Appropriately, it contains all the bits and pieces that don’t fit comfortably in the rest of the newsletter.

Winnie’s Wheelbarrow Trophy - an engraved glass vase - is awarded annually by the editor to the best contributor to the newsletter.

DUSTY’S BELL Anyone who has attended either a walk or other Branch event will be aware of the customary ringing of Dusty’s Bell by our Chairman before the event begins.

It is also rung at the start and end of our committee meetings (often to the consternation of fellow drinkers in The White Horse, or other committee venue, who sometimes mistake its clanging as calling ‘time’).

Dusty Miller was long-time member of the South East Branch and served on the committee for many years. He was a great supporter and Basset Hound enthusiast and, together with Jean, loved showing them. Dusty also judged.

Jean and Dusty held an annual picnic after the Friston Forest walk and the Branch continues this tradition. Dusty was a sweet man who was ever eager to talk Bassets, and always willing to pass on his knowledge to others, especially those new to the breed. His passing in 2009 saddened all who knew him. The Branch was all the richer for him being part of it. The brilliant idea of a brass memorial bell was conceived by member, Roy Drew.

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Branch Walks Report Walk Organiser - Jean Miller; Walk Leader – Chris Cooper; Walk Record Keeper – Jill Malin.

If you have not previously attended any of our walks then do give them a try. Basset Hounds are naturally pack animals and love the opportunity of ‘letting-off steam’ by chasing across the countryside together.

Their owners quite enjoy it as well – and come from far and wide!

MIDSUMMER WALK & PICNIC – GILL’S LAP, ASHDOWN FOREST: 26th June 2011 by Tony Roberts

A midsummer night’s dream-walk – well almost.

A very hot, sunny evening greeted the walkers and their hounds for this popular and greatly anticipated walk.

It was lovely to see some new members attending their first walk. One of whom, a dog-walker, operates the wonderfully named, Furry Dogmother, and arrived in some style in her suitably Basset-decorated van.

After all the normal greetings, the ‘pack’ set off at a brisk pace; but the temperatures were still high enough for even the most eager ‘alpha’ hounds to adjust their speed and slow down. Mad dogs and Englishmen . . .

It soon became clear that some hounds and owners were finding the conditions 26

difficult. Upon reaching the bottom of a dusty, rutted track, those in the leading group rested in a shaded area and waited for those following to catch up.

After a period which allowed for man and hound to cool down we set off along a level, wide, track and appreciated some gorgeous views across the Weald to the west.

The route back to the car park required us to tackle two steep inclines.

Normally, these would not be too difficult, but the hot conditions made them quite exhausting work and the short rest that we took between them was much appreciated.

It was completing such endeavours that made the prospect of refreshments laid out in the shade of the trees back in the car park all the more welcome. With the end in prospect everyone’s pace seemed to quicken.

Members had brought snacks 27

and other contributions to the communal picnic and after watering the hounds everyone tucked into the feast – which was plentiful and delicious.

Unfortunately, our esteemed Hon Secretary was unable to attend due to work commitments; and as I had to collect her from Polegate station, I bade farewell and left everyone chatting happily in the evening sunshine. In all, a really lovely ‘meet’.

WALK & JILL & BRIAN’S BARBEQUE – SULLINGTON WARREN, WEST SUSSEX: 24th July 2011 by Jean Miller We were so lucky with the weather for today's walk, especially as last weekend was a complete wash out. Frankie and I arrived at Water Lane Car Park, to be greeted by a very large group of Basset owners and their hounds.

Several members were on their first walk and it was great to see how enthusiastic both humans and hounds were for the "off".

The total count was twenty-eight Bassets, two mini-Dachs and a

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Beagle. We also had a very young baby Basset and her owners who had called just to say "hello", and we hope to see them all on future occasions.

The walk is very pleasant with a mixture of wooded copses and open spaces and in places distant views of the surrounding Downs.

There is a steep incline leading up to a monument, from which one has a clear view of the surrounding countryside (and which also gives a moment to recover from the climb). This always seems a good place to take a portrait of the group.

From here it is a gentle walk across the valley before climbing up through the woods to the cars.

We soon arrived back at the car park and proceeded in convoy to Jill and Brian's home for the eagerly anticipated barbeque.

Here we sat in their lovely garden, drinking and chatting, while the hounds had a wonderful time chasing one another.

Our two youngest members, Rose and Euon, also had a great time as all afternoon they were inseparable.

We would all like to thank Jill and Brian for their excellent barbeque which as usual went on for a good few hours with plenty of food and drink and delightful company. For those members who came for the first time, we hope you had an enjoyable day, and look forward to seeing you on all or some of our future events.

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(Ed. The Chairman and ‘first lady’s’ barbeque is always very much enjoyed.)

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WALK – ABBOTS WOOD, POLEGATE: 25th September 2011 by Jean Miller

Tony very kindly picked me up as my car was out of action. Unfortunately, Annie and Cass had to stay home and have a walk later, as it would have been too much of a squeeze to try to manoeuvre four large Bassets in the back of Tony's car.

Frankie drew the short straw and had to work.

The weather was just right, lovely and warm and with a gentle breeze.

Eighteen hounds and their owners commenced the walk, the Bassets, as usual causing quite a lot of interest with other walkers in the car park.

We started off and hadn't gone far when we noticed a group of people looking for mushrooms. Tony went over to them and started talking to one gentleman. It turned out to be the broadcaster David Dimbleby, whom Tony had met previously on several occasions. He did ask if Basset Hounds were any good at helping the party find any mushrooms, Tony answered that it was most unlikely - rabbits maybe!

We continued until we came to the lake, quite a nice spot on such a lovely day, with various other dogs and owners around. In fact, one little terrier-type dog was most intrigued by the Bassets and wanted to come along with us. As the owners were going in the opposite direction he was reluctantly dragged away by 31

his lead.

With no further interruptions we made our way back to the car park only to find that Sherlock's owners had arrived just too late, could hear us in front, and spent the walk trying to catch up. By a strange coincidence, we also had a new member with his young bitch who lived in the same area (Lewisham) as Sherlock's owners. It was quite a long journey for all of them, and none of them had met before.

Some members decided to visit the nearby 'The Old Oak' either for a drink or for some food. We all went in the garden and had a very pleasant hour eating, drinking and generally discussing Bassets amongst other things.

There was much sniffing on the part of my two when I got home (where have you been with Bassets?) but they soon cheered up when I took them over the fields near me.

WALK – GILL’S LAP ASHDOWN FOREST: 24th October 2011

by Tony Roberts Jean, our walks’ co-ordinator, could not attend this walk as she was expecting friends visiting from London.

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Frankie and I (with Pablo and Nico) eagerly headed towards this popular walk on a wonderful sunny, autumn morning. It was a little windy, but the chilly air seemed fresh and healthy to be in.

We arrived early at the car park, but were soon joined by the Wilsons – brand new members from Leatherhead together with their three Basset Hounds and a PBGV.

Bertie, one of the Basset trio, will play a major part as our report unfolds.

Twenty-five hounds finally arrived at the venue, including more members attending their first walk – the Mitchinsons with Major Tom. It was very good to see them all.

Brian rang Dusty’s Bell and our merry band set out across the Forest.

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All the hounds seemed especially lively and excited at seeing each other.

We followed our normal route along the east pathway, yet in no time at all the group had become a little stretched out, forming front and rear clusters, with many hounds running back and forth between the two. They all behaved impeccably well when a lady on a very pretty horse rode by – evidently amused by the low hounds.

It seemed from my front position that each time we in the front party stopped for the rear to catch up, then so did they.

From the distant shouts, we suspected that an adventurous hound had broken away from the others. This was confirmed when we halted at a small copse at the bottom of the hill and were finally joined by some from the rear group.

In fact, when we checked for absentees, Mollie had also absconded.

Judy and Frankie decided to backtrack the way we had come, while the rest of us continued along the normal route – everyone keeping an eagle-eye out for rogue Bassets.

We discovered sheep grazing behind electric fencing in an area normally free from such distractions. All hounds were put on leads as we made our way, firstly along a fairly level pathway which allowed us to see some wonderful views of the high Weald; and secondly, climbing two steep inclines which eventually back to the car park.

It was a great relief to see that Mollie was united with Judy and Speckles.

However, newcomer Bertie Wilson, was still worryingly absent.

He had been spotted going to another car park and then crossing the road into woods.

The Wilsons were following up reports of various sightings. The Branch committee swung into action, Brian and Frankie reported the lost hound to a Forest Ranger who had appeared at Gill’s Lap car park. Notes were written and left on parked cars. Mobile contact numbers were exchanged and Chris and Jayne Cooper set off on foot to help the search. Frankie and I drove around the locality for a while hoping for a sighting. But, all to no avail.

Bertie’s owner takes up the story.

Debs Wilson writes: Clearly this is an experience that every owner dreads - and the trauma of it was awful especially as the afternoon wore on and fewer and fewer sightings of him 34

by walkers. Adrenalin kept us going and a determination that we would find him kept us driving, walking and looking.

As it got later and the sun beginning to fade, a dreadful realisation set in that the area to search was enormous and that if he were to be lying injured in the forest no-one would know. I couldn't imagine leaving the area without him and refused to contemplate going home, but knew the time would come.

Just as desperation was setting in, it was then that I took the best call ever Bertie was safe!

Then just to find Pete who was out on foot and by then he was not exactly sure where he was - when I asked him for a landmark to find him by, he said 'trees'!!!

Ten minutes later, with husband safely in the car, we headed off to collect Bertie.

Here is Bertie's version of events: "I thought I would make the most of the moment when Pete took his eye off me and I could follow another family down a different track. Scrumpy came with me for a bit, but she heard him call and went back - she's such a goodiegoodie. Well, I got the scent of deer just needing to be chased. This was the best fun - I am normally on the lead when there are animals around - Debs always says I might upset the animals - so this was pure heaven.

Lots of walkers said I looked like I was having a lot of fun - and I was for a 35

while..... but then I got lost. I couldn't find Scrumpy or Mini so I kept going, but then I got sore feet and I got more and more tired.

I'm not really sure what happened then, but after a long a while a very nice family and their dog found me in Hundred Acre Wood and took me home to their lovely warm house.

They rang Debs - I heard them tell her that I was very quiet and in shock. By then my feet were really hurting and I was so tired, so all I wanted to do was lie down and snooze. But, but it was so good to see them that I didn't mind getting up to go home - slowly and limping and they said I looked as thought I had spent a few weeks on the street.

I was very tired when we got home, but they checked my over, and bathed my cut paws. That was yesterday, and today Pete took me to the vet for a check up.

Thankfully, I have no real injuries, just nasty cuts on three paws, and the vet says I will have to wear socks until they heal.

Time for another snooze....."

Debs writes, again:

Drawing by Sheila WilliamsŠ2011

What helped us was having phones with lots of charge and a reasonable map of the area - though an O/S Pathfinder would have been even better.

We always have several spare leads in the car, and although we didn't need them in the end, it meant that we could all take a spare in case we were them one to find him.

Speaking to as many people as possible gave us the best chance of getting an update of a 'sighting' and these were consistent with the direction in which Bertie was found.

We are very grateful to everyone for their help and good wishes.

Bertie says he is very sorry for all the trouble he caused.

(Ed. We can all learn something from this episode. Pete and Debs had been wise enough to have their mobile numbers engraved on the Bertie’s collar tag.

Many of us only have our home contact. This demonstrates just how useful mobile phone contacts are when we are on walks or on holidays with our 36

hounds, and experience problems away from home.

Also, what good foresight it was that the Wilsons had their mobile phone battery chargers with them. The search lasted several fraught hours and one can image easily exhausting the phones’ batteries making calls over this time.

Anyhow, it is wonderful that the story had a happy end. Well done, to everyone who helped.

WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW This summer, during another of Derek and Miranda Harris’ seemingly endless world tours, they were eating at a restaurant somewhere in deepest France when Miranda noticed a Gallic fellow walk by with a Basset Hound in tow.

Ever mindful of their responsibilities of being Lowdown’s special foreign correspondents, Miranda ran over to the gentleman and, after explaining in fluent French her associations with the breed, asked to photograph him and his dog, to obvious bemusement.

The hound must attract quite a lot of attention over there as it is not one of the indigenous French varieties of Basset (Artésien Normand, Fauve de Bretagne, Bleu de Gascogne, etc.).

I am grateful to Miranda for her diligent on-the-spot reporting. While doing this, I understand that our webmaster remained firmly locked onto his dinner.

Sighting Bassets while abroad is always fun – so, if you happen upon any on your travels, please email your photos to Lowdown.

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Back on home turf, and a few years ago, we were walking the hounds along Eastbourne seafront when we were approached by an elderly gentleman and his younger female companion who were very admiring of Pablo and Nico.

I recognised the man’s features and, when he spoke, his noticeable German accent confirmed his identity to me. We had a nice chat and spoke for some time about Basset Hounds. After bidding each other farewell, I said to Frankie, ‘Do you know who that was?’ ‘Yes, wasn’t that Lucien Freud? She replied.

Freud, grandson of Sigmund, was probably this country’s greatest living painter - internationally recognised – he was most famous for painting nude portraits.

He died in July this year, aged 88.

He was fascinated by dogs and sometimes included them in his work. The passing of this great painter and dog-lover is a very sad.

Is it fanciful to wonder if, when we parted, Freud said to his partner, ‘Do you know who that was?’

Most dog lovers will know the famous story of Blackfriar’s Bobby – the little Terrier who after the death of his beloved master held a fourteen year vigil by sitting at the grave, presumably grieving. There is even a statue erected to mark his memory.

New research exposes this heart-warming story as a complete Victorian myth.

A historian now believes the story was a publicity stunt, dreamed up by local businessmen, in order to attract custom to their particular district of Edinburgh.

New evidence suggests that Bobby was actually two dogs; and that locals cynically recruited a new one when the original died.

The dog probably didn’t even have an owner at all, but was a stray kept at the cemetery with bribes of food.

I am sorry to have to be the one to break this to you!

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New Hounds’ Gallery Meet some super new members of the South East Branch’s ‘pack’

TOP LEFT: Edgar Robertson MIDDLE LEFT: Major Tom Mitchinson BOTTOM LEFT: Sophie & Molly Christmas

TOP RIGHT: Buddie Cooper BOTTOM RIGHT: Dylan Cornthwaite

SUMMER 2012 ISSUE OF LOWDOWN IS DUE OUT IN EARLY JUNE Please note: additional copies of LOWDOWN are available at £2.00 including p.&p.

CONTACT LOWDOWN’S EDITOR – TONY ROBERTS: lowdown.newsletter@tiscali.co.uk