LOWDOWN 2009 Summer

LOW

DOWN

SOUTH EAST BRANCH OF THE BASSET HOUND CLUB NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2009

FORTY YEARS ON: STILL BARKING MAD ABOUT BASSETS !

ABOUTABOUTBASSETS!

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

Please send details and photographs of your hounds to LOWDOWN and we will print them in our New Hounds’ Gallery.

OFFICERS & COMMITTEE Ch a irma n: B ria n Ma lin Ho n. S e c re t a ry : Ro s e ma ry Iz a rd Co rb e t t Ho n. T re a s ure r: Mic h a e l Erre y We b ma s t e r: De re k Ha rris Wa lks Co o rd ina t o r: Je a n Mille r B ra nc h Re p re s e nt a t iv e : F ra nkie Ro b e rt s N e w s le t t e r Ed it o r: T o ny Ro b e rt s Jill Ma lin P a m Mc Go ug h S ue S a mp s o n

COPYRIGHT ©2009 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. * Please note: additional copies of LOWDOWN are available at £2.00 each inc. postage. *

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* WALKS, EVENTS, WEBSITE, PLUS TWICE YEARLY ISSUES OF LOWDOWN – REALLY GREAT VALUE - CONTINUE TO BE PART OF THE REVIVAL *

CONTENTS

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE PAGE 2 THE EDITOR’S BARK by Tony Roberts 3 FROM THE CHAIR by Brian Malin 6 DUSTY MILLER – A Short Tribute by Tony Roberts 7 EVENTS DIARY 8 NEWS HOUND 10 THE ACCIDENTAL BASSET OWNER by Sally King 12 EVERY LITTLE (BASSET) HELPS by Sally King 14 COMPETITION - Win a Super Prize!

15 HOUND HEALTH: Canine Lungworm 16 TEXAS NOTES by Frankie Roberts 17 WALKS REPORT by Jean Miller 20 SHOW RESULTS 30 WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW 31 A BIT OF HISTORY: Found: Ancient Roman Basset Hound 33 COMPETITION RESULT: Entries & Winning Photograph 35 & BACK PAGE

THE EDITOR’S BARK..

.. WOOF!

Hi, everyone. I hope that you will enjoy browsing through your latest LOWDOWN and that you will find in it something of interest.

Since our last issue in December, the country has been battered by blizzards meteorological, financial and political - yet our hounds seem oblivious these onslaughts.

This seems no bad thing – why worry about the things beyond our control?

With a freshly brewed coffee next to the laptop, I am putting this issue together after one of my regular, long walks across the Downs with Pablo and Nico. The warm, spring sun had quickly seen off the morning mist and the birds were noisy and busy. The hounds were in high spirits - somehow sensing the change in the seasons. It was easy to anticipate the nearness of warm summer days and long, light evenings which, hopefully, lie ahead. (continued over)

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Roll on some lovely summer walks together with the branch pack. For many of us, these meets are one of the highlights of each month.

The numbers of members attending the walks seem to constantly increase – we saw this even over the winter months. Also, it is super to see new people and hounds at almost every meet. They are most welcome and I am sure they are surprised at how quickly their hounds integrate with the others.

On behalf of the committee, may I extend the invitation to anyone who has not yet attended a walk to come along and try the experience. Your hounds will love it – and there

is no such thing as a stranger with a Basset Hound!

Although our Walk’s Co-ordinator, Jean, and the committee plan the venues with some care, we are all very aware that even a fairly central location such as Ashdown Forrest is not convenient for everyone. I know that some of you drive long miles to be with us and deserve some appreciation for making such a commitment. I know of one new member from exotic Essex who drives over one and a half hours to seek us out in foreign territory.

Those members living in deepest Kent might also have to make a substantial journey to reach some of our venues – especially, say, Sullington Warren or Friston Forest; though for others, these places are on our doorstep.

A year or so back we did organise a walk near Canterbury. Although many of the walk stalwarts drove for several hours to attend, it was not supported by many local members.

However, membership demographics change, and if there is a cluster of members in Kent who think they can attract support for a new venue, then please get in touch with LOWDOWN or anyone on the committee. If properly organised and justified by enough attendance it might even be possible for the branch to hold twin walks.

It is because of the popularity of these meets that I devote so much space in this magazine to the Walk Reports.

From talking with you, I know that even members who cannot attend the meets enjoy reading of our exploits and seeing the photographs of our wonderful hounds. For some it is a chance to go on virtual walks with the pack.

I am very conscious that LOWDOWN is your newsletter. It is important that it contains items that you want to see and read. For this reason, please let me have your views on what you like, or don’t like, about our little publication; or indeed, any matters that affect the branch and the breed.

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As you are probably aware, the Basset Hound along with several other breeds was criticised in the BBC programme, ‘Pedigree Dogs: Exposed’; which was broadcast last year. The fallout from it has been considerable. In addition to massive media attention, the BBC withdrew from its annual Crufts coverage, which in turn lost several major sponsors.

I resisted mentioning this very contentious show in the last issue of LOWDOWN as there has already been much media comment on the matters raised by the programme.

However, the criticisms made in the programme have affected the views of the general public. I have heard the same points repeated by people I have encountered whilst walking our hounds and talking generally. I think that as owners we should be informed enough to be able to defend the breed we love against these unjustified attacks.

The show described the Basset as ‘congenital dwarf’. Well, those of us with some knowledge of the Basset Hound’s origins and history will not treat this as the negative slur it was intended to be. We know that as with just about every domesticated animal and cultivated plant, desirable traits have been selected and bred from in order to achieve a specific goal.

The Basset’s short legs – which result from an inherited dwarf gene – were considered a useful asset for a hound used to stalk small game by hunters on foot. When the hound’s head was down, the long ears helped ‘curtain’ and isolate the scent of its quarry. Its loose skin prevented entrapment and damage when in dense undergrowth.

All these traits and more were actively encouraged by a selective breeding programme.

These dwarf hounds were interbred to eventually become the Basset we know today.

None of this is a recent phenomenon. Short legged hounds are shown on Egyptian tomb paintings. They were carefully bred by Benedictine French monks in the fourteenth century and were referred to by Shakespeare in Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Though very attractive, it is not for its unique looks that the Basset was developed. The Basset Hound is not some modern designer dog – it is not a canine accessory!

At one point in the programme, the modern Basset Hound was described as having been bred to be overly large and with legs too short. An old photograph of a Basset from the 1940’s was shown. The implication was that this earlier hound was somehow healthier and more desirable than today’s hounds. However, this hound totally lacked substance – with insufficient ribcage for a good sized heart and lungs - an essential requirement for the exertion of the hunting field. He seems not ‘fit for function’ – the new mantra issued by the Kennel Club as a requirement in all its revised breed standards. Like people, modern dogs have benefited from the nutritional research not available in the past. Of course they are bigger than before – we all are! The average person is larger and taller than in the past.

Unlike some of the other breeds featured, the Basset Hound is not plagued by very many

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health problems. Admittedly, one does see some exaggerated examples; together with a few overfed, under exercised ones. Naturally, these characteristics can lead to health problems. But generally, the modern hound is healthy and has been well served by its modern breeders.

Any changes to its standard, merely to placate some anti-pedigree dog lobby, should be very carefully considered. The Basset Hound is too special to be lost.

We are not just owners – we are also custodians of the breed.

From the Chair

by Brian Malin

Looking around the hall at our AGM it struck me how lucky we are to share our lives with a breed so adorable, stubborn, wilful, naughty and utterly delightful. In case of doubt, I refer

to Basset Hounds not other halves!

Our hounds in the branch range from three month old pups to Cooper, our sound, but senile, grumpy old man of fourteen.

I also thought how lucky the hounds are to have such caring owners in our branch. They are multi-talented, whether it’s preparing food, washing-up, chasing missing Bassets in the underground on our walks, or separating over-amorous males from some quite cooperative bitches.

Much time is spent on ‘phone and computer and at committees, arranging events; sussing out prospective walks; and pubs with car parks that can take our ever expending membership. Not forgetting the routine, but vital, secretarial duties and the production of the exciting LOWDOWN and website - www.southeastbasset.org.uk.

These matters don’t just organise themselves.

As in all clubs, we are a diverse group, but, all the better for that; and pulling together we will keep progressing for the benefit of our hounds. A pity our world leaders can’t do likewise. Perhaps, every family worldwide should eventually be issued with a Basset – Jill says, now I’m being stupid! (continued over)

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Finally, on behalf of us all, I wish to congratulate Michael Errey on his selection to judge our hounds at Crufts, last March. It was an honour well merited; and recognition of his many years of devotion to the breed and services as chairman of our parent club. Sadly, Michael felt he should not take up the appointment - in fairness to entrants. His stamina might not have lasted – large classes being anticipated. There is a five year run-up to appointments – just a pity he wasn’t on the list a couple of years earlier.

Derek ‘Dusty’ Miller It is with great sadness that I report the death on 25th May of longtime SEBBHC member, Dusty Miller.

Dusty will be very familiar to everyone who has ever attended a walk or other branch event; his presence always adding a kind of legitamacy to procceedings.

He was a great character, a warm avuncular figure; always ready to see the amusing side of any situation.

Ever friendly, Dusty and dear Jean were the first people who came up and welcomed us, when Frankie and I first joined the branch back in the eighties.

Years later, it was an honour serving on the branch committeee with him. He had seen it all before and exuded a wistful benevolence at some of the more novel suggestions made by some of us.

Together with Jean, he was an enthusiastic supporter of dog showing at all levels; laterly campaigning Cassius. He also judged – his last appointment at the Houndshow at Stafford was only a few weeks before he was taken ill. It was a priviledge to appear there under him – although, he was noticably frail and must have found it quite an ordeal.

We always looked forward to seeing him each Tuesday evening at Langney Ringcraft where he was an honorary member - his popularity with everyone there was so evident.

I can pay him no better tribute than that he was a sweet man who dearly loved Basset Hounds and sharing the company of other like-minded owners; and that his loss will be greatly felt by the branch. The Butchershole meet will always be ‘Jean and Dusty’s walk’.

I know that the thoughts and best wishes of the officers, the committee and all members of the branch are with Jean at this very sad time.

Farewell, Dusty – you will be sorely missed by us all. The hounds salute you.

by Tony Roberts ( This issue of LOWDOWN is dedicated to his memory).

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EVENTS DIARY PLEASE REFER TO THE WALK MAPS LEAFLET FOR VENUE LOCATIONS Walks Coordinator: Jean = 01323 767244 (home) or 07516400297 (mobile) Other mobile numbers for walks: Rosemary =07510298131. Frankie =07784075230 MIDSUMMER EVENING WALK AND PICNIC: Sunday, 14th June; 5.00pm.* – GILL’S LAP CAR PARK – ASHDOWN FOREST. (*please note start time). The car park on the junction of the B2026, north of the Duddleswell masts at the junction of the road to Colemans Hatch. Please bring along something to add to this al fresco banquet.

WALK / BARBEQUE: Sunday, 19th July; 11.00am. - SULLINGTON WARREN – WEST SUSSEX. Meet at Sullington Warren, Water Lane, Storrington, West Sussex. RH20 3EA. Water Lane is off the A283 (a road off the A24). The car park is on the left. After the walk we go to Brian and Jill’s stunning home - The Barn, Mill Lane Mews, High Salvington, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3DJ - for the always wonderful barbeque – a great atmosphere and completely unmissable! Hounds are welcome at the BBQ. IMPORTANT: To help with planning please let Jill and Brian know beforehand if you wish to attend (01903 264461).

Artwork © Tony Roberts 2009

FUN DAY: Sunday, 16th August;12.30am. – CROWHURST VILLAGE HALL, CROWHURST LANE, CROWHURST, NEAR LINGFIELD, SURREY, RH7 6LR. (This is a change of venue from last year ) Special Guest Judge: Ms Jeanie Thompson.

This will be great fun for both hounds and owners - games, hounds fancy dress, an auction of Basset memorabilia, a buffet lunch and much more. Typical summer madness! Members: £5.00. Children: Free.

Please bring camping chairs as hall might have only limited seats available.

On the A22 head towards Brindley Heath (between Newchapel and South Godstone). Turn west on the B2029. After a few 100 yards turn left into Tandridge Lane – the Red Barn pub is on the right- continue for about 2 miles until the Brickmakers pub, here turn immediate right into Crowhurst Lane. The venue is 1.5 miles on the left.

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Please let Rosemary know beforehand if you wish to attend (01293 782754).

WALK: Sunday, 20th September; 11.00am. – AIRMAN’S GRAVE – ‘THE HOLLIES’ C.P. -ASHDOWN FOREST. A return visit to this favourite Ashdown Forest venue, as we have added an extra walk date this year. ‘The Hollies’ car park is on the linking road immediately north Nutley which connects the A22 with the B2026. C.P. is halfway along this road on the south side.

WALK: Sunday, 18th October; 11.00am. ABBOTS WOOD, EAST SUSSEX. BN26 6SJ. This walk is a few miles north-west of Polegate. From the west travel along the A27, continue straight on at Drucillas Park Zoo roundabout, 0n reaching Wilmington village turn left and follow signs. From the east, on the A27 at the Polegate/Eastourne bypass, take the A22 (north). Turn-off to Abbots Wood is a few miles on the left, then follow signs. From the north along the A22, one mile past the Hailsham turn-off, turn right at sign for Abbots Wood, Arlington and Michelham Priory.

Note that this is a pay and display Forestry Commission car park.

WALK: Sunday, 15th November; 11.00am - MILLBROOK EAST CAR PARK (known colloquially as ’THE DUMPS’) - ASHDOWN FOREST. This car park is on the A22. From the south pass through Nutley and travel north on the A22, the car park is on the right-hand side of the main road.

From the north head past Forest Row and Wych Cross, the car park is on the left -this is the car park with the seemingly permanent ice cream van.

WALK FOLLOWED BY CHRISTMAS LUNCH: Sunday, 6th December; 11.00am.

COWDRAY WOOD. BALCOMBE, WEST SUSSEX, RH17 6HQ. Leave A23 at Handcross. Car park is on the B2110, close to junction with the B2036. A walk followed by a Christmas lunch at a new venue, the The Red Lion, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex, RH17 6BP. This was a very popular event last year. Even those who braved the rain last year will, I am sure, want to start the festive season this way again! Much fun was had. If you want, miss the walk and meet up with the stoic walkers – all party frocks and wellies - later at the pub at 12.30pm.

Please let Rosemary know beforehand if you wish to attend (01293 782754).

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NEWS HOUND – on the trail of a good story.

CRUFTS - HOUND DAY – 5th March 2009.

Crufts 2009 was held as usual over four days at the vast NEC, Birmingham. However, some changes had been made to the event. Amid controversy resulting from the highly contentious television programme, ‘Pedigree Dogs – Exposed’, this year’s show was sadly not televised by the BBC. However, a handsome Basset Hound waiting in the benches did grace the front page of The Guardian. The breed was also featured in several other newspaper articles, most of which focused on perceived health problems.

The media’s preference for using our photogenic breed made me realise that they would rather miss it if the self-styled animal rights/anti-dog lobby ever have their way.

Despite this depressing media coverage, 28,000 dogs were entered and over 160,000 visitors supported the event.

Reportedly, anti-pedigree dog protesters were staging a demonstration outside the venue. But, as we had arrived at 7.15am – after a 4.00am start form home - we witnessed none of this. They were probably still in bed.

This did not spoil the enjoyment for those of us who had travelled up to Midlands with our hounds. The competition was very stiff with 140 Basset Hound entries. The S.E. Branch BHC was very well represented.

Indeed, most of us seemed to have entered the same large class – Post Graduate Dog! Barnaby, Cassius, George and Nico all went head to head with each other and some of the top breeders’ hounds. Looking from the ringside, everyone acquitted themselves admirably well. As did Blossom, Mabel and Ruby competing in the bitch classes (see results on page 30).

The hounds were presented in super condition and handled with some flair. It must have been a difficult decision for the very thorough judge, Mr Roy Metcalfe. He was obviously keen on movement and being fit for function, and made the hounds move around the ring several times.

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We were aware that Mr. Metcalfe was a replacement for Michael Errey who, sadly, could not fulfil this prestigious judging appointment for health reasons. I know that many of us felt very sorry he was not in the ring. Even so, Michael still managed to attend and show his presence around the ringside as BHC Chairman. This was much appreciated by members.

So, well done everyone! It was, as always, a long and very tiring day for the hounds and their handlers (and their chauffeurs) – but it still remains an unmissable fixture on the show calendar and dog lovers, generally.

Editor’s note: The newspaper clippings are from: The Guardian, (top-right p10; The Sunday Times (lower right p10) and The Telegraph (above).

THE BRANCH AGM – The Old School Hall, Cuckfield - 26th April 2009.

Twenty two members attended this year’s AGM at its usual attractive venue.

Brian, our chairman, opened proceedings with an upbeat appraisal of the last twelve months, including, of course, the branch’s fortieth anniversary celebrations.

Our secretary and treasurer read out their reports; Michael distributed balance sheets and announced that subscriptions would remain unchanged for the forthcoming year.

Further reports were presented by the walks co-ordinator; and the newsletter editor.

Derek was unable to attend the meeting as he and Miranda had absconded to Ireland for a friend’s wedding, so Brian delivered the webmaster’s report – and conveyed the more technical aspects in a wholly convincing manner.

A secret ballot was held for the position of Hon Secretary; Rosemary being announced the winner of the contest by beating off a challenge by Jean Humphrey. Frankie was elected (unopposed) to be branch representative to the BHC committee.

There was some discussion about a new venue for the Christmas lunch, following disappointment at last year’s meal. Two new possible pubs were suggested and investigations into these will be made.

The use of the branch’s capital savings was raised from the floor and some discussion followed. No final decision was reached – however, the chairman did assure everyone that the whole branch would be consulted before any very large sums were spent.

After about an hour, the meeting closed and those present enjoyed some light refreshments before leaving.

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THE ACCIDENTAL BASSET OWNER

by Sally King How did you come to own a Basset? I never planned on owning one. Like many people unfamiliar with the breed I had thought of them as dull, lazy dogs, lacking character or charm. Ha! The time had come for a new dog in the family. Our little lurcher, Georgie had left us, aged 18, just over two years before. In that time I had moved to a new house and volunteered for the Cinnamon Trust, to walk and foster dogs for elderly people, but it just wasn't the same without a dog of our own.

So, the girls and I drove out to a rescue that had an overcrowding problem and was begging for new homes for its inmates. On the phone they had mentioned a blue greyhound, which sounded hopeful, and a couple of lurchers, so I felt sure we'd be able to offer a good home to a needy dog.

This facility was muddy, unkempt and run by a very well-meaning elderly lady and a middle-aged man whose use of the choke collar was, I felt, too harsh and too frequent.

They showed us one dog that was too sick and another that was two big. Then they said: "Well, we have got a basset hound".

My younger daughter was almost dancing on the spot. She had been begging for a basset for months. I turned round and looked at this shaggy, low, dog. A Basset? Surely not.

Bassets have short hair. Not this one, he is a long-haired Basset.

As I squatted down to speak to him, he leaped up and put his stubby legs on my shoulders. Not expecting this, I tumbled backwards into the mud.

We took him up the hill for a walk. Boy was he pleased to get away from that place, I now know he had been there for more than six months, a large chunk of time considering he was just over two years old.

The mud had dried on my back by the time we got back from an enjoyable stroll inspecting every last bush and tussock with this enchanting little fellow.

The elderly woman looked hard at me. "I think you're mad," she said. "They're horrible

dogs. You will have to make sure he knows who's boss or he'll walk all over you."

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Even the man looked surprised. "Get on the internet," he advised. "Read everything you

can about the breed."

I opened the back of my car and for the first and last time since I've known him, Rolph jumped in. He really was desperate to leave that place.

So there he was, my accidental Basset, and the next three months proved to be the biggest learning curve of my life.

Every dog I'd owned previously had slept in the kitchen. Rolph could open the fridge and the cupboards as well as reach all the counters, and thought nothing of helping himself to whatever he found.

My dogs had never been allowed in the bedrooms. Rolph made it quite clear that he was not sleeping anywhere else.

He snatched food off our plates as we ate at the table, chewed up every pencil and pen in the house, ate socks and undies, charged round the house smashing into walls and furniture, used a rug on a wooden floor as a go-kart and went through people's pockets including visitors' - to steal anything he could find.

No bin, be it kitchen, bathroom or bedroom was safe from him, even so-called lockable 'dog-proof'' bins. He raided the laundry hamper just as easily.

But his worst vice was using the sitting room as his potty place.

I believe he had been housetrained. Certainly he knew his obedience. Someone at some point had spent a lot of time teaching him all the basics and a few party tricks, but he would pee as a statement. Never when he was left alone, always when I was there and he felt he wasn't getting enough attention - and that included when I was asleep.

He was a nightmare. And yet, there was clearly a very sweet, loving boy in this firebrand.

I resorted to the internet and found a Basset-owners forum www.dailydrool.com Signing up, I quickly learnt much of his behaviour was just down to being a young basset.

With heaps of support experienced owners, included people who breed champions, and work in the American Basset rescues, I how to help him.

from who show many learnt 13

In turn he learnt I wasn't going to give up on him and we both relaxed.

Yes, he's still the worst counter cruiser I have ever met, he still opens the fridge and cupboards if I leave the kitchen door open and he is never slow to grab unattended food.

But he is such a character I cannot imagine life without him - or Clara who joined us eight months later from Basset Hound Welfare.

I guess he was just an accident waiting to happen.

EVERY LITTLE (BASSET) HELPS by Sally King Early one morning, I decided rather than taking Rolph and Clara to the seafront I'd take them round some residential streets. Just for a change.

At the end of one of them is a shopping street, which is a fairly main road, with several other roads crossing it and an even bigger main road at the top.

It is at this point that Rolph suddenly sprints off as though he's seen a cat. I tense my arm waiting for the lead to jerk - and SNAP! His leash breaks.

Suddenly Rolph is running up the busy road, heading towards the main road, off lead.

Within a split second, Clara and I are running up same street, with me screaming "Rolph!

Rolph!", which, let's face it, sounds pretty much like a human trying to bark.

Rolph has the wind under his tail. He's not stopping. People making their way to work and families on their way to school are sort-of scattering as this woolly mammoth and screaming woman come charging up the street.

Then he stops. He looks at me. I think "he's waiting". And he dives straight through the door of Tesco.

I get there just in time to see the naughty tail charging up the bread aisle.

What do I do? I can't take a second dog into the shop (he's at the dairy produce now).

There are several very surprised-looking Tesco employees standing looking at this anomaly (vegetables and heading to the soap powder).

Do they help? Do they offer to hold Clara so I can grab him? No, this is Britain. Everyone just pretends it isn't happening - except Rolph, who, by this time, is having a high old time among the magazines and confectionery.

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I am standing in the doorway yelling his name, but what true basset is going to come back when faced with a shelf of doggie treats?

I throw caution to the wind. Clara and I enter the shop and charge up and down the aisles, still yelling, following a buoyant explorer as he discovers previously unknown territories (canned fruit anyone?).

Eventually, he decides the game's up. He comes to me reluctantly, but obediently.

We leave the shop.

And all the people we leave inside are still all standing stock still, with that very British "gosh, did I really see that?" look on their faces.

Words and pictures by Sally King.

COMPETITION – WIN A SUPER PRIZE!!!

This issue’s competition tests your wit to find an amusing or insightful caption to go with this super photograph of Derek, our webmaster and committee member carrying Cocoa over a country stile. The caption could be in the form a title, or a speech, or thought bubble for either Derek or Cocoa or even the sheep! The choice is yours. Be as creative or surreal as you wish.

The winner will be the member who, in the opinion of the editor’s wife, submits the

most

interesting

or

funniest

caption. So have some fun with this.

The prize is an interesting reproduction of an advertising poster featuring Basset Hounds. It will look great when framed (see back page).

Please send your submissions together with your name and contact details to LOWDOWN by October 31st 2009.

Photo: © Miranda Harris 2009.

Results of our photographic competition can be seen on pages 35 & 36.

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HOUND HEALTH The rather sinister-sounding condition, canine lungworm, is reported to becoming more prevalent in recent years, especially here in the South East of England. As such, it is wise to be alert to our hounds presenting the symptoms of this distressing and, sometimes, lifethreatening disease.

Angiostrongylus Vascorum is a parasite that infects the lungs, heart and airways of the hound. Puppies and young dogs are particularly susceptible, because of their natural inquisitiveness. The parasite is spread by slugs, snails and, sometimes, frogs found in our gardens. Faeces of the predators of these creatures, like birds and foxes, can also lead to its transmission.

To become infected, a dog has to eat infected larvae present within these creatures – in the case of snails and slugs; this could even be their slime trail. Also, outside water bowls, which may have been visited by these little devils, could harbour the larvae.

Once digested, worms then develop from the larvae and grow within the respiratory organs and airways and even arteries inside the heart.

Symptoms caused by lungworm can be confused with other illnesses. But, they can include:  Breathing difficulties or coughing and/or getting very easily tired.  Excessive bleeding from minor traumas bleeds into the eye, and anaemia (shown by pale pink gums and haws).  Loss of appetite, weight-loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fitting.

Your vet should be able to determine if any of these symptoms are caused by lungworm.

Treatment is an easy spot-on chemical, such as Bayer’s Advocate, which is applied monthly and, if caught early enough, a complete recovery is perfectly possible.

These days, there are a great number of these health alerts to be concerned about. I think that we need to take a balanced approached to how serious we regard them. But, it certainly is useful to be armed with the knowledge of these hazards.

For my own part, I might rethink leaving a water bowl outside in the garden for my boys – and start washing my hands after lobbing my snails into the neighbour’s garden.

(Ed: I am indebted to Jean Humphrey for providing the information used in this article).

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TEXAN NOTES by Frankie Roberts.

PLANO, TEXAS, USA. September/October 2008.

The 2008 Basset Hound Club of America’s National Show was hosted by the Dallas, Fort Worth BHC. Show hounds and their owners from all over the States were augmented by exhibitors from as far away as Argentina. A few Brits took the long flight from the U.K. directly into a very hot Dallas.

I was eager to experience this week-long Basset spectacular!

Many exhibitors certainly arrived in style. Some of the largest vehicles that I have ever seen were in the car park of the South Fork Hotel – the venue for the event.

Two Texan ladies told me that they had only bought their camper van the day before - it turned out to be a mere 36 feet long! They had never even driven one before. How brave! The old pioneering spirit lives on.

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It was amusing to see that many of the handlers had immediately customised their rooms by moving chairs, tables and other ‘unnecessary’ furniture into the public hallways. No doubt they needed more space for their hounds and crates, though this was probably against all health and safety regulations. The Bassets’ needs would come first this week!

One very large room had been set aside for use as a hound crèche ;and was piled high with dog crates and equipment.

The week began with the host club’s show. It was strange for me to see the hounds shown on ramps, as opposed to the floor. I know that we experimented with this method for a very short period over here, but it was never popular.

The hounds were confident climbing up the rather steep ramp to the table and it was certainly easier on both the handlers’ and judges’ backs!

Another feature which differed from dog shows here was the very vocal crowd watching the judging. It was not unusual for them to cheer their favourites or even heckle a particularly slow judge! Not what we are used to.

One handler called Barbara, who I got to know quite well, had settled in the States from the England some years ago. She was well known to the spectators and her presence in the ring was greeted with the chant, ‘Go Limey! Go Limey! Go Limey!’

Besides the show classes, there were Obedience and Agility competitions. There was also tracking and field trials held at a rural location about fifty miles from the Southfork Hotel venue. Though I had hired a car, I decided not to test my shaky grasp of Texan geography by hitting the confusing network of highways to find this remote location.

Over the course of my stay I became familiar with the American driving experience and trips out to downtown Dallas held no terrors. It was a little surprising just how tolerant people were of this alien driver.

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Everyone I met was really welcoming and interested in the Basset Hound scene the U.K. One popular lunchtime haunt used by those attending the event – especially the men - was Twin Peaks Restaurant, one block from the hotel.

The tacos and nachos were served by waitresses whose minimal uniforms were obviously designed with the sweltering temperatures in mind. The girls were very sweet and took an interest in the Basset activities happening down the road. Tex-Mex food suddenly became very popular!

A small group of us went to Dallas To take in the sights.

Dealey Plaza and the Book Depository were sad reminders of the Kennedy assassination. I found it a little odd that the exact location of the Presidential limousine at the time of the shooting was marked, not by a brass or bronze plaque as I expected, but by a temporary looking white paint cross on the tarmac.

All too trivial, somehow.

Dallas had vast, chilled shopping malls, full of expensive designer stores of all kinds.

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The citiy’s modern museums, concert halls and civic buildings being a testament to the city’s oil and ranching wealth.

Returning to the hotel after one of my trips out, I parked my car and was about to enter the hotel when I almost stumbled across a lone policeman lying across a handcuffed youth on the floor.

Perhaps rather stupidly I went over and asked the cop, ‘Are you alright?’ He replied, ‘Yes Ma’am, I’m fine.’ I hurried to my room which overlooked the car park and watched as three police cars arrived and the area seemed to be full of cops with guns drawn.

These were then joined by five fire trucks and a police photographer who recorded the incident.

The guy and his bag were then searched before he was bundled into a car and driven off. It brought to a close a fascinating trip. Very surreal, but unmissable.

They have a saying ‘only in America’ – you better believe it! In 2009, the BHCA Nationals move to Washington State.

Words and pictures Frankie Roberts

Missing you, already! Frankie x

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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!

CLUB WALKS REPORT

by Jean Miller – Walks Organiser

COWDRAY WOOD – WEST SUSSEX - Walk and Christmas lunch – 7th December 2008.

(Ed. Jean and Dusty skipped the walk and went directly to the pub, so the report below is mine.)

THE WALK. Those who went on this walk last year will remember the relentless rain – this time it was so different. This lovely morning was crisp and frosty with a winter sun lighting the Christmas-card landscape.

Twelve couple, with their owners, turned up eager to celebrate the occasion, all behaving impeccably. It was a joy to see new members taking considerable trouble to attend the event.

We all followed Chris into the forest without question – his innate leadership qualities inspiring confidence in both man and hound. Once among the trees, the sunlight streamed

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through the tree canopy making the forest resemble the interior of a gothic cathedral – well, except for all the barking.

Our small expedition took a short, circular route through the forest and quickly reached the broad natural avenue which cuts through wood. Recent rain had left the ground wet and muddy. Dear Pam fussed around her hounds, intent upon keeping them out of the mire and shepherding them to a drier course so they would remain in their original pristine condition – she badly failed!

We try to keep this walk quite short – but, as we climbed gently back to our cars, we all felt better having spent an hour or so in the wonderful fresh air. We then made our way in convoy to the Crown to meet up with our fellow members who were not on the walk.

THE LUNCH. The roaring open wood fire was a welcome sight for the walkers arriving at the pub and the first round of drinks certainly hit the spot.

The common consensus was that the meal was disappointing and not good value. That said, the company was super and I think most of us enjoyed the few hours that we were together. Brian announced that Sue and Terry’s hounds, Rosie, Maisey and Lola, had won the Walk’s Trophy – well done to them. The new Winnie’s Wheelbarrow Trophy – awarded to the best contribution submitted to LOWDOWN – went to Trudy Allen and Mollie. Trudy could not attend the lunch so she will be presented with it on the next walk.

Photos by Derek Harris.

Brian announces the new LOWDOWN trophy

Jean presents Sue and Terry with the Walks Trophy

GILL’S LAP – ASHDOWN FOREST - Walk – 25th January 2009.

Normally, we do not have a walk in January; but on talking to members late last year, it was generally agreed that with Christmas over and January being a flat month it would

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cheer everyone up to have a walk with the pack in January.

We awoke to foul weather. It was so bad; Annie – who usually loves her walks – took one look and point blank refused to go. In fact, she went straight back on her bed. We don’t like leaving her for long, but decided we would take Cass, see if anyone had braved the weather, and if not, and get back home in the warm.

After we arrived, quite a collection of cars parked up, all with members and hounds. In all (we couldn’t quite believe it) there were seventeen hounds and their owners.

We started off, still the rain poured down and the wind blew, but nothing deterred our hardy group. The Bassets loved it – they didn’t get too muddy – but had a great time getting so wet that they were actually running through quite deep streams of water.

Needless to say, owners were almost as wet, but on getting back to the car park everyone agreed it was a most enjoyable walk. Well done to all who attended in the most dreadful conditions.

EDITOR’S NOTE: After this very wet, but wonderful, walk, I had the pleasure of presenting Trudy Allen (and Mollie!) with the WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW TROPHY. This was awarded to the best contribution sent in to LOWDOWN in 2008. Trudy won this for her accounts of chance encounters on a Cornish beach (see winter issue 2009, page 19). With innate journalistic sensibilities she had also used her mobile phone to take photographs. Well done, Trudy.

Engraved by Kara Slater, the glass award depicts a Basset Hound in a wheelbarrow -what else! It also has on it the winner’s name and is retained for a year.

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BROADSTONE CAR PARK – ASHDOWN FOREST – Walk – 22nd February 2009.

(Ed. Although Jean had damaged her ribs trying to protect her Cassius from an attacking Staffie, she had still bravely turned up to meet the walkers – what a heroic walks coordinator! She was obviously in too much pain to undertake the walk itself. My report appears below).

The first notable aspect of this meet was the considerable style in which some members chose to arrive. A rather chic silver Jaguar was the preferred vehicle of our Chairman – with Barnaby looking aloof on the back seat. Judy Howarth, an honorary member, was in a vast camper van which looked like it needed planning permission to park anywhere. However, it was arrival of our webmaster, Derek with the delightful Miranda, in I think, a Mazda Midlife Crisis sports car, that tuned the most heads. Flash w......ebmaster!

It was delightful to see some new members – including a little human puppy in a papoose with their hounds. Very welcome, they were. Twenty two hounds had gathered – including veteran, Thomas, who did not take part in the walk, but watched with interest from Judy’s camper van.

The weather was a little overcast and chilly, so that it was with some eagerness that we all set off after having a few group photographs taken.

Jim McGough announced that he used to cross-country run across this bit of the forest, so as he had a walking stick and was wearing a bright red hat – he seemed the natural choice to lead the walk. With some confidence we headed north toward a copse which hid a large wooded crater. Jim carefully accessed this barrier to our progress and, after dismissing the idea of abseiling across, led the pack around the craters perimeter.

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From this potential hazard, Jim, using some uncanny sixth sense, led us directly to another. This one being a very boggy pathway which skirted a tree-lined ravine with a stream at the bottom. The hounds, of course relished this muddy terrain, but the walkers found themselves sinking up to their ankles. We were traversing Grimpen Mire with Sir

Henry Baskerville!

Occasionally, we had a tantalisingly sight of a wide, dry pathway, basked in glorious sun, running parallel to our own swampy course, but our Scottish scout pressed onwards without a second thought. This, no doubt, some sort of Hibernian payback for Braveheart.

At one point, Sue suddenly disappeared from view. Sliding elegantly down the side of the ravine – one down, another

twenty to go!

My one regret was that as I was near the head of the column of walkers, I missed getting a photo of the drama that, I think, involved Sue’s rescue by Lola.

Jim, with a casual wave of his stick directed us east towards higher, open ground and sunlight. The pack was a little strung out by now as we slowly climbed – the atmosphere was merry and all seemed pleased to be sharing this winter sun.

Eventually, we reached the car park where Dusty, Terry and Roy were waiting for us.

They were standing like sentinels in front of the Chairman and Webmaster’s cars. I am sure that I saw them salute when the two dignitaries returned to their respective vehicles.

We must be the only branch with its own security guards – how cool is that! They should have uniforms. By the way, Jim, many thanks, it was a great walk.

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Forgive me for tacking on this poem to the walk report, but it is very apt: A yawning swamp around him spread; Spell-bound and lost he ventures on One fatal step - and all is done; Hopeless he struggles, vain his throes, Deeper and deeper down he goes!

The raven claps her ebon wing, His dirge the howling winds may sing, And mists will spread the last sad pall O’er that dark grave unknown to all.

Edward William Lewis Davis (1863).

LONG CAR PARK – ASHDOWN FOREST – Walk – 15th March 2009.

We picked a beautiful day for this walk, and had a total of twenty eight Bassets and one Staffie together with their owners. Jill and Brian’s Cooper managed the walk at a grand age of fourteen years. Well done, Cooper!

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the bottom; which we all got over safely - with a bit of help. Some of the Bassets were carried over, but our Annie refused until it was found that there was an easier way over (thank you Chris and other friends).

We continued on this quite long walk and came upon some horses, also a group of Collies – all enjoying the wonderful weather.

When we arrived back at the car park some members, who for various reasons cannot manage these long and quite hard walks, had had a wonderful time just sitting in the sun and enjoying the surrounding forest.

Lastly, I would congratulate Alan Humphrey on his brilliant effort of actually coping with an almost two hour walk on two sticks. Basset Hound owners are very hardy people!

Photo by Ian White

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(ED. I just want to add that some new members came to this meet – I think that they really enjoyed seeing the pack of fourteen couple enjoy this sunny, spring morning. So, a very special warm welcome to each of them – this is what the club is all about).

AIRMAN’S GRAVE – THE HOLLIES C. P. - ASHDOWN FOREST – Walk - 12th April 2009.

We started off from home in the morning with drizzle and mist. But, on reaching the car park it had stopped raining and was even getting a bit warmer. Several members of the committee queried if we had made a mistake picking Easter Sunday, as so many other things seem to be happening then.

Much to our surprise, we totalled twenty four hounds and twenty eight members – Jean, Alan and Leo who arrived after we left, did their own walk.

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a new rescue hound, Myrtle.

On the way to the airman’s Grave we came across a lost Shih Tzu who was immediately surrounded by a group of Bassets. He was not at all disturbed by this, and a little further on we met his anxious owner, who was delighted to be reunited with him.

Airman’s Grave itself is very interesting, set in the middle of a clearing in the forest, surrounded by stone walls. (Ed. See photo above).

There were quite a number of poppy wreaths all marking members of the R.A.F. who died in the area during the Second World War. When we got to the bottom of the hill there was a lovely pond and quite a few Bassets had a little bath.

We continued on our return journey when a horse and rider came past. Myrtle raced after the horse and Chris did a very good job of rescuing her – Basset, not horse. I later heard that the encounter with the pretty female rider - all riding boots and whip – still features strongly in Chris’ lasting memories of this walk.

When we got back, Jill and Brian kindly gave an Easter egg to each human and treats to the hounds. Many thanks, Jill and Brian, from all of us.

(Chris, please note: we are returning to this venue in September – so get that horse liniment ready!).

BUTCHERSHOLE – FRISTON FOREST – Walk and Jean & Dusty’s Picnic - 10th May 2009.

It was with some sadness that twenty three hounds and their owners gathered for this May walk, traditionally hosted by Jean and Dusty, but on this occasion held in their absence. As many of you might already know, Dusty had suffered a stroke three weeks previously. This was then followed by complications acquired whilst in hospital. It was thus without their presence, but with them very much in our thoughts, that we held this walk and picnic.

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The morning was sunny with some overcast cloud which somehow fitted with the mood.

In Jean’s absence I led the group, which included some new members, from the car park and up a gentle climb up through the forest soon reaching the gallops – a vast clearing near the top of the Downs used by the local racehorse stables. Here, though under a dull sky, the views were spectacular across rolling Downland to the east.

We continue across the top edge of the gallops before once again entering the forest – by now, dappled with sunlight. The shade of the beech trees helping to cool both hounds and owners.

Following a track used by the loggers, we continued a long circular route through the forest and eventually back to the car park were a super picnic had been laid out.

It was also good to see that Avril and Michael Errey had turned up to join us for the al fresco lunch which was greatly enjoyed by everyone – the hounds behaving impeccably in the face of so much temptation! We all signed a greetings card to be sent to Jean and Dusty with the group’s best wishes. This will always be known as their walk.

(Ed. This was written before the sad news.

Please see page 7).

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SHOW RESULTS

OPEN SHOWS HORLEY & DISTRICT CANINE SOCIETY. February 2009 (Judge: M. Boydell).  Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, 1st Open, Best of Breed.

MIDLAND BASSET HOUND CLUB. February 2009 (Judge: Mr D. Darley).  Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined, 3rd Post Graduate.

HORSHAM & DISTRICT. February 2009 ( Judge: Miss W. Blatchford).  Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 2nd Open.

SUTTON DOG SHOW. March 2009 (Judge: Mrs C. Chryssolor).  Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, 1st Open, Best of Breed.  Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, 3rd Post Graduate.  Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 2nd Open.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS. March 2009 (Judge: Mrs L. Wood)  Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 3rd Post Graduate.  Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, 2nd Open.  Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined, 3rd Open.

HOUND ASSOCIATION. March 2009 (Judge: Mr D. ‘Dusty’ Miller).  Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 1st Post Graduate Dog, Best Opposite Sex.  Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, 2nd Junior Bitch.  Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, 4th Post Graduate Bitch.

BASSET HOUND CLUB. March 2009 (Judge: Mrs L. Johnson).  Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 2nd Post Graduate Dog.  Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 2nd Open.  Matthews & Drew’s Houndstone Lancelot, 3rd Limit Dog.  Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, 1st Special Beginners  Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, 2nd Novice Bitch.  Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, Reserve Junior Bitch.

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION. December 2008 (Judge: Mrs S. Ergis).  Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined, 1st Post Graduate Dog.  Matthews & Drew’s Houndstone Lancelot, VHC Post Graduate Dog. CRUFTS. March 2009 (Judge: Mr R. Metcalfe).  Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, VHC Post Graduate Dog.  Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 2nd Post Graduate Dog.  Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 3rd Post Graduate Bitch.  Gwynn’s Durins Flames of the West, 2nd Limit Bitch.

WEST of ENGLAND LADIES KENNEL SOCIETY. April 2009 (Judge: Mr R. J. Price)  Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, 4th Limit Dog.

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What’s in ...............................................................................

WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW?

It’s not offal, …it’s not awful, ...it’s just a dog’s dinner!

WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW, a feature named in honour of Winifred Burgis

This contains all the ‘odds and sods’ without a home elsewhere in LOWDOWN.

Just look at these wonderful hounds. This super photograph, which was taken in the mid‘80’s, was kindly passed to me by Michael Errey. It shows the Albany Pack during a New Year’s hunt on Romney Marsh. Michael said that at this time there were about ten couple – readers will know this is twenty hounds. In those days, the Albany was pure-bred – this is not now the case, having been out-crossed and, in my opinion, sadly ruined.

Michael and Avril seem to have been perfect hosts over the two-day meet, as they seemed to accommodate everyone at Holly Bank. I suspect that the Merrie Harrier pub opposite did not have the quietest few days, either. Who claims that the modern Basset Hound is not fit for function?

On one of our club walks earlier this year, I was told that some new members might turn up. Of course, being aware how important it is to meet and greet and give a good first impression of our branch, I approached anyone who appeared in the car park that I thought could be them.

For this simple courtesy I was ribbed mercilessly by certain people – Mr Roy Drew being the chief culprit. Apparently, I had gone up to several females and innocently enquired, ‘Hello,

are you in the club?’’ I now understand that this was a bit ambiguous.

Mind you, this does explain some of the rather odd replies!

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A Basset Pony! This Press Association photograph of a pony with legs of Basset Hound proportions appeared recently on the BBC News website. It was taken in Hampshire near the river Test.

Apparently, people reported seeing a pony that had sunk up to its knees into mud!

It seems likely that it is a result of an achondrophasia, the dwarf gene which, of course, is the mutation that determines the look of our hounds.

OUR MUTT a poem by Roy Drew We have a tri-coloured Basset pup, she really is a dear She has very, very long ears and treads on them, I fear We named the darling Josie, it sounded better than Plod As she grows bigger, we should have named her 'Little Sod' Jumps on our bed each morning, which is rather sweet until she starts to lick my ears or nibbles at my feet She likes to look in boxes, just to see what she can get Even opens door on washing machine, everything is wet.

If she finds my socks, better still my pants or shoes then she is contented as she chews and chews and chews.

Then we try to train her. "Here" she might lift her head Looks at us with those big eyes. 'You come here instead' We have found the secret to get her to do just what we ask It took us such a long, long time, was not an easy task It is so easy and so simple, we will share the secret with you

Make sure first what you ask is something she wants to do So we are making progress, We think!

Roy also sent this fact to me: At five minutes and six seconds after 4 a.m. on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be: 04:05:06 07/08/09.This will never happen again.

However Roy, next year we will see something equally weird: 10:10:10. 10/10/10.

Marilyn Monroe was an enthusiastic owner of a Basset Hound called Hugo. The actress is shown in several photographs playing with him. In 2005, Julien’s Auctions of New York had a sale of memorabilia from Monroe’s estate which raised over one million dollars.

Lot192 was Hugo’s 1959 New York Licence and dog tag which sold for $4,800. The licence is in the name of her then husband, the writer, Arthur Miller. It is perhaps fortunate that Miller had custody of the hound after the couple’s divorce, as it was reported that the actress used to give Hugo whiskey so as to cheer him up, But still, why the long face?

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A BIT OF HISTORY FOUND: ANCIENT ROMAN BASSET HOUND – DE PROFUNDIS! Since 1998, archaeological excavations have been taking place in the harbour of the Tuscan city of Pisa. This massive project – described as investigating the equivalent of an underwater Pompeii - has thrown up some very interesting discoveries.

The harbour played an important part in the commercial life of the Etruscan and Roman empires due to its position at the confluence of two rivers, the Arno and the now extinct Auser. Pisa during this period, 400BC to 500AD, also had an extensive canal network.

Over thirty ships – some Greek and Phoenician - have so far been found in the deep clay silt on the sea floor – some being remarkably well preserved. Many appear to have been capsized as a consequence of some natural disaster – possibly a tsunami.

These discoveries are very intriguing. I was interested to read that among some large amphorae – terracotta storage jars – hundreds of pork shoulder bones were found – all from the right side of the pigs. One odd theory for this explains this. Apparently, pigs generally sleep on their left side and that as a result, meat from the right shoulder is considered the more tender and so makes the best prosciutto!

However interesting this may be, it was the discovery of a particular skeleton that causes me to include this feature.

Under a capsized ship – thought to be from 10AD, the time of the Emperor Augustus; a near complete human skeleton was found amongst the cargo and debris. It is thought to be that of a sailor.

Francesco Mallegni, an anthropologist at the University of Pisa, said that the remains were of a forty years old male who was 170cms tall. He was strongly-built man, possibly a slave from northern Europe. His teeth were well worn down – this likely caused by using them in tying and undoing knots. He had been pinned down by a wooden beam across his neck and his right foot appears to be torn off by a rope - perhaps as a consequence of being was thrown overboard during a storm.

Most fascinating to us is that he was found with his left arm outstretched; across which was the skeleton of a dog. This was described by Dottori Mallengi as having a long body and short, twisted legs, and being ‘like a Basset Hound’’. It has been suggested that this was the sailor’s pet, and that the hound could have been used aboard the ship for catching rats. A Basset hound’s low centre of gravity would certainly have been an advantage aboard a rolling ship.

It is rather nice to think that we share a common appreciation across the centuries with this subject of the Roman Empire, who in death, was holding and possibly trying to save the life of his beloved Basset Hound.

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PHOTO COMPETITION ENTRIES In last winter’s LOWDOWN you were invited to send in your best Basset Hound photographs.

They are reproduced below and the winning picture is printed in colour overleaf.

Brian Malin

Sue Sampson

Roy Drew

Jean Humphrey

Paul Booth THE JUDGE’S VERDICT by Frankie Roberts.

This competition was a difficult one to judge – seeing all those appealing eyes willing me to choose them. Some of the entries shown above were submitted by committee members - for

which the editor is grateful – however, these were not in consideration for the winning prize.

My choice for this top honour is the super action shot of Bassets clambering up a bank which was taken on a branch walk by Ian White (see overleaf) – a very dynamic and well shot image!

Well done Ian, you should get your prize very shortly – it is a small, lino-cut print of a Basset in a limited edition and hand signed by the artist, Ian Mason.

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* PHOTO COMPETITION WINNER – Ian White *

Photo: © Ian White.2009.

(see page 35 for details of other entries) CONTACT: Please send your articles, show results, letters, photographs etc. for possible inclusion in LOWDOWN by email to: lowdown.newsletter@tiscali.co.uk or by post to: Tony Roberts, Hounds Lodge, 18 Elven Lane, East Dean, East Sussex, BN20 0LG. WINTER 2009/10 ISSUE OF LOWDOWN DUE OUT IN EARLY DECEMBER

* TRACK DOWN A COPY *

WIN THIS SUPER POSTER (SEE P.15).

Please note: additional copies of LOWDOWN are available at £2.00 incl. p&p.

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