LOWDOWN 2008 Winter

LOW

DOWN

SOUTH EAST BRANCH OF THE BASSET HOUND CLUB NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2008/2009

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE MERRY!

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 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 Dus t y Mille r F ra nk ie Ro b e rt s

COPYRIGHT ©2008 P le a s e no t e t h a t t h e v ie w s e x p re s s e d in t h is ne w s le t t e r a re no t ne c e s s a rily s h a re d b y t h e b ra nc h c o mmit t e e o r t h e B HC. T h e c o nt e nt o f LOWDOWN is s ub je c t t o c o p y rig h t a nd ma y no t b e re p ro d uc e d w it h o ut p rio r w rit t e n p e rmis s io n. * Please note: additional copies of LOWDOWN are available at £2.00 each inc. postage. *

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CONTENTS

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE PAGE 1 THE EDITOR’S BARK by Tony Roberts 4 FROM THE CHAIR by Brian Malin 5 NEWS HOUND 6 EVENTS DIARY 16 OUR HOUNDS by Debbie Parry 17 MOLLIE THE POP 19 MOLLIE’S FAMOUS FAN by Trudy Allen 21 COMPETITION - Win a Super Prize!

23 THE INCREDIBLE MR JEFFRIES by Tony Roberts 24 THE VISITOR by Brian Malin 26 A BASSET IS AN ASSET - Buy the DVD of this song for Christmas!

27 SHOW RESULTS 28 WALKS REPORT by Jean Miller 30 WINNIE’S WHEELBARROW 37 A BIT OF HISTORY 38 SIGHTS FROM ACROSS THE POND BACK PAGE

IMPORTANT: 2009 SUBSCRIPTIONS REMINDER Please note that subscriptions to both the branch and the national club are due by the 1st January 2009.

Please send your branch subs, payable to South East Branch, Basset Hound Club (£3.00 single, £5.00 joint), to our Secretary, Rosemary, at the address shown on page 1. * WALKS, EVENTS, PLUS TWO ISSUES OF LOWDOWN – REALLY GREAT VALUE - CONTINUE TO BE PART OF THE REVIVAL * Please send your BHC subs, payable to the Basset Hound Club (£8.00 single, £9.00 joint) by post to: Mrs Joan Scott-Goldstone, Hon Secretary BHC, Flat 3,

10 Boyne Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8ET. To book your place at our Christmas Lunch on Sunday, 7th December (see Events Diary for details) please contact Rosemary as soon as possible.

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THE EDITOR’S BARK Hi, everyone. Well, what an interesting few months since the last LOWDOWN. Firstly, I must thank all of you who have kindly taken the trouble to write, email, or voice your appreciation of the first issue. I am grateful for each and every message.

LOWDOWN was also warmly received by the national dog press and attracted a deal of welcome attention to our branch in its fortieth year. It has been said to me that it raises the bar for newsletters produced by other branches and breed clubs. Well, I am not sure about that. My intention was simply to produce a newsletter that you, the membership, would enjoy, find interesting to read and look forward to receiving. As I wrote last time, I want it to be as inclusive as possible and I have been especially pleased to receive some articles and contributions from members who were not previously known to me. So, a very special thanks to them.

It has been noted that the branch seems to be enjoying a revival of late. As you will see from Jean’s Walks Report, we are getting good numbers of hounds attending and the atmosphere is always so enjoyable. Jean and Dusty’s walk and picnic at Friston Forest was a great success. Brian and Jill’s barbeque, following the Sullington Warren walk, was as always, really superb and much appreciated. Several branch members had a great weekend attending the Midland branch Fun day and BHC Championship Show in June.

Our own Fun Day was what it says on the tin – fun! We were lucky with the weather and delighted by the appearance of some distant members. We were pleased to see several new people and their hounds turn up on the day and join the branch.

Talking to BHC members from other branches, as I did at various events and championship shows over the summer, I know that they greatly admire the regeneration of our branch. So, well done everyone! But please, if there are any suggestions to further improve the club, do let us know – we are all ears!

I must add that the enthusiasm of the general membership extends to the branch’s officers and committee. It is at branch committee meetings that all our activities are planned. You may well imagine that these meetings resemble something from The Vicar of Dibley – well yes, no, not quite.

Though enjoyable, a good deal of business gets done and I must pay tribute to my fellow committee members for their hard work and dedication to the club that has resulted in such a busy and successful 40th anniversary year. The guiding principle to which we all subscribe is that it is all about the hounds and us enjoying their company. If we don’t loose sight of this we will be fine.

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Furthermore, and I know he will hate me writing this, but none of this regeneration would have been at all possible without the vision, the enthusiasm and gentle, yet firm, leadership from our superb chairman, Brian Malin. He was prepared to assume this position a few years ago at a very difficult time for the branch and has so cleverly presided over its dramatic revival. The branch owes an enormous debt of gratitude to him and I know that I represent all members when I offer him our heartfelt thanks. Well done,

Brian, our hounds salute you!

Many breed clubs and their branches have their own website. These are useful to those of us who are coming to terms with life in the 21st century as a way of getting and giving information. Up to now our branch did not have one. Not any more!

Our new, super website can be found at www.southeastbasset.org.uk. This is the brain-child of one member, Derek Harris, who many of you will know. He alone created this - clever old thing - and it looks great. It will be very useful for dissipating the latest information and news of the branch plus, hopefully, attracting some new members surfing the net for Basset Hound related material. Please check it out. To remain relevant these websites need to be regularly updated by a webmaster and Derek has kindly offered to take on this role (sadly, it doesn’t include a uniform). He has kindly accepted an invitation to join the committee. The branch is very lucky having such talents freely available from its membership. Derek has also been responsible for the design of the useful Walk Maps leaflet which comes with this issue of LOWDOWN. Please keep this handy for future reference.

Due to the coverage of events in this special year, space in this issue has been limited and this has precluded the inclusion of both the book review and the reports from the BHCA National Speciality in Texas that I mentioned in Summer LOWDOWN. These articles will now be in our next issue, out in June.

Please check-out the special feature (on page 27) about ‘A Basset is an Asset’. This is a wonderful celebratory song written and sung by the Seattlebased, Australian musician, Bronwyn Edwards Cryer. The song’s DVD features her own Basset Hound, Charlee with her six puppies and anyone interested in our breed will love this. You have the opportunity to purchase this DVD directly from the branch, proceeds from which will benefit breed rescue and welfare charities here and in the States. This DVD is a must for all Basset Hound fans and will make a super Christmas present.

Finally, as this special year for the branch comes to an end, I and all the SEBBHC committee wish you, your families and, of course, your wonderful hounds, a very Happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to sharing another great year with you all.

Tony Roberts

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FROM THE CHAIR by Brian Malin.

At this time of the year I suspect most of us unconsciously hark back to childhood and hope for a happy and merry Christmas. So I wish you all just that and, as we grow older, let’s also add peaceful.

Fat chance of that with children and/or grandchildren about! But then, they are central to the ‘happy and merry’ theme and it is their special time to remember – with affection, we hope – as they become older.

As the New Year fast approaches, we should reflect on what, if anything, our branch has achieved in 2008. For me, there were two massive advances.

The first was the production of LOWDOWN, our unrivalled quality magazine.

This is entirely down to our editor, Tony Roberts, whose concept it was.

The second, following shortly after, was the equally professional website, designed by a member new to the branch – but not new to Bassets, Derek Harris.

Top marks and huge thanks to both. They have put us into this century.

Thanks also to our keen photographers and contributors – please keep sending in anything which might be of interest to your fellow members.

Having given pride of place to LOWDOWN and the website – Derek, now having the grand title of webmaster (Ed. Tell him that he can’t have a uniform, Mr. Chairman) - I really want to thank our hardworking committee, with special mention of Rosemary Izard Corbett for all her hard work and guidance as secretary. So much work is done by all the officers and committee that is vital, but unsung.

Jean and Dusty Miller’s 40th Anniversary rosettes were exceptional and much appreciated, whilst Rosemary and Frankie jointly represent us on the committee of our parent club.

This year saw our 40th Anniversary Barn Dance in the lovely Old School Hall (Tudor, in part), Cuckfield. We were treated to a lovely buffet spread conjured up by Judy and Roger Howarth and helper. The lively band, Bonabril, and the patient caller helped us with the unfamiliar. I am still confused, but that is to be expected! Thanks to Pam McGough for suggesting them.

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Great fun it certainly was and a true celebration – especially as a number of long standing stalwarts of the branch attended. (Ed. See feature on page 14).

Rosemary and Frankie ventured to the Nationals in Texas. I am sure they will have written about their adventures, so I need only say they enjoyed themselves and we can be confident they brought our branch to the notice of those on the other side of the Pond.

Finally, well done to you, the members, without whom there would be no branch! It is great to have a hardcore (can I call them that in this age of innuendo?) of members supporting the walks and events, not forgetting the happy band who take pleasure in the show ring – good competitors all!

NEWS HOUND Our new website: www.southeastbasset.org.uk The big news story in this issue of LOWDOWN is the launch of the branch’s website. It is fitting that this should happen in the branch’s 40th anniversary year.

Its inception came out of a conversation that I had with Derek Harris after the midsummer walk. He inquired if I was going to set up a branch website. My response was a casual, ‘I’m not, but you can’, or words to that effect. I thought no more of this remark until two days later when I had an email from Derek referring me to the above web address. There it was, fully formed!

Derek’s webmaster page describes the process of designing the site. I am sure that the site will be an invaluable asset to the club and its members.

Also of course, casual Basset Hound surfers will discover the site and, hopefully, join our lively branch. It contains a history of the breed and the branch, forthcoming events, show results and lots of photographs.

Derek was invited to demonstrate the website at the July committee meeting.

Everyone was suitably impressed. As all these sites need regular refreshing to remain relevant and as webmaster it was proposed that he become a coopted member of committee to enable him to keep in the loop regarding branch matters. At the next AGM we will formally vote on his position.

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A Fun Weekend in the Midlands For our breed, after Crufts, the biggest day on the show calendar is the Basset Hound Club Championship Show.

This year it was held on Sunday, 8th June on the church field at Bickenhill, very close to the N.E.C. in Birmingham. The Midland Branch of the BHC hosted the event and held its Fun Day on the previous day.

This provided a marvellous opportunity for many of us to get out our tents and camping gear and descend en masse from all over the country upon this rural location for the weekend. Some from our branch travelled there on the Friday. As we pitched our tents, we were soon joined by others, arriving in some style, in state of the art caravans and mobile homes. The large site soon resembled a nomadic village. The heart of which was a large marquee – intended as venue for the activities should the weather turn nasty.

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That first evening, a few of us in the South East enclave of the site enjoyed a barbeque with accompanying beverages in quite cold conditions. Even so, it was wonderful to relax after the long drive and the exertions of putting up our temporary accommodations and we were not too late retiring to our beds.

At exactly 4.00am, a lone Basset howl from the far side of the site awoke us.

This voice was immediately joined by another, then another, until this melodious chorus spread around the place. Torches were switched on and we saw that our own Nico and Pablo were just forming the sound with their mouths when our hands clasped around their muzzles. Then, as suddenly as it started, the mass howl stopped and we quickly resumed our slumbers. There is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep under the stars!

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On Saturday morning, many more new people arrived at the encampment in time for the Midland Branch Fun Day which began soon after noon. It was rumoured that some members had even booked into local hotels and B&Bs – which struck some of us staying under canvas as cheating.

The various games and competitions held that afternoon were fun. There was a display by the Good Citizen Dog Scheme team. This showed the various disciplines and controls the handlers have over their dogs. All this made the one hundred or so Basset Hounds and their owners watching feel a little inadequate. Still, there was always the waggiest tail contest to look forward to! Though, the omission of a sausage race brought on a few sulks and long faces. Call this a Fun Day? The weather turned a little chilly, but by the evening the sun had re-emerged and the S.E. enclave, having grown in numbers, gathered for an al fresco meal outside the tents.

Along with the traditional burnt offering from the barbeque, several bottles of rather good wine were appraised by the group, I seem to remember that Roy Drew stuck to his favoured gin and tonic – I bet at home he wears a smoking jacket and has a centre-parting. As one can imagine, the conversation around the table was scintillating.

As the dusk encroached, ‘Good nights’ were wished and we retreated to our little, fabric homes to the accompaniment of a dozen tent zips. I think that we all slept well, except dear Jill, who complained to us the next morning that Brian had parked their campervan on a slope – so making sleep difficult.

On the Sunday, the serious business of the club’s Championship Show began.

The day was consistently hot and the camp site and large marquee had a very continental atmosphere. Around the ringside people were watching in the brilliant sunshine – all sunglasses and sun hats.

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The dogs were judged by Ann Roberts from Wales, the bitches by Phil McGarry Arthurs from Northern Ireland. As you see from the show results pages S.E. branch members enjoyed some success with their hounds. It was interesting at the finale of the show that the two judges could not agree on B.I.S. The great George Johnston - who should have refereed - could not attend, so the onerous decision was made by the substitute referee, Jane Horsley. After a very thorough inspection of the two contenders, the title was awarded to the bitch, Phil Freer’s Switherland Billie Jean. Best Puppy was Heather and Derek Storton’s Buzz Lightyear of Dereheath.

By late afternoon the showing was complete and the crowds began to leave.

It had a feeling of the circus leaving town – but what a great weekend. Do think about putting this event into your diaries for next year – the 6th/7th June.

(Ed. Thanks to Miranda and Derek Harris for all the super photographs).

The Branch’s Fun Day The branch’s 40th anniversary Fun Day took place at the Lloyd Hall, Outwood on 17th August.

After a week of very mixed weather, we were lucky to go through the afternoon free from the threatened rain, in fact, at times the sun shone down on the proceedings.

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Pam and Sue in competition – it could have been the Bird’s Nest stadium.

We were joined by Wendy and Alan Wakefield who had valiantly driven from Dorset and Sally Money who had come from distant Essex.

After Brian’s opening address, the games and races began, with Frankie ‘controlling’ events. The competitive zeal of certain hounds and handlers would not have been out of place in Beijing.

The sausage race seemed very popular with the hounds and a race that involved handlers putting on t-shirts, scarves and hats provided some laughs for the spectators and improved a few people’s dress sense!

After a buffet lunch, Veronica Ross, our esteemed invited judge, assisted by steward, Jean, began the classes. There was a large entry in some classes and some strong competition. All the finalists were awarded special rosettes and diplomas.

Roy, Chris & Barney - both delighted at coming second - and Sally

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FUN DAY MATCH RESULTS (Judge: Veronica Ross).

(Ed. Apologies to everyone concerned for some missing and possibly inaccurate results which appear below. The paper that they were on was ‘filed’ for a while in the mouth of our young hound, Nico – it emerged incomplete, chewed and very, very soggy - but on reflection, it could have been so much worse!).

Best Veteran: 1st. Opal Money (10 years); 2nd. Bessie Williams (9 years); 3rd. Rosie Samson (8 years).

Prettiest Bitch: 1st. Molly Wakefield; 2nd. Ruby Booth; 3rd. Bessie Williams.

Best Puppy: 1st. Prudence Slater; 2nd. Madge Crosthwaite; 3rd. ?

Waggiest Tail: 1st.Herbie Drew/Mathews; 2nd. Barney Cooper 3rd. ?

Most Handsome Dog: 1st. Bertie Bassett; 2nd. Rolf King; 3rd. ? Wakekield.

Best Rescue: 1st. Bessie Williams; 2nd. Oreo& Ripley McGough; 3rd. Snoops Older.

Best Condition: 1st. Bertie Bassett; 2nd. Ruby Booth; 3rd. Bessie Williams.

Fancy Dress: 1st. Prudence Slater (Bumble Bee).

Best in Match: Opal Money. (Ed. Well done Sally!).

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Judy and Michael graciuosly accepted Honorary Membership certificates.

Veronica, now also an Honorary Member, was presented with a super wine glass engraved by Kara Slater - in appreciation of her judging at Fun Day. Best in Match, from Veteran Class, was Sally Money’s Opal.

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40th Anniversary Barn Dance.

It was all check shirts, fancy footwork and lots of laughs at this special occasion. An excellent band and caller led us through some pretty complex moves and everyone aquited themselves admirably. Good fun was had and the event can be rightly regarded as a great success. Some could even still move the next day!

Special thanks must go to Judy Howarth and her team for the marvellous banquet that they produced. Absolutely delicious!

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FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE WALK VENUES, PLEASE REFER TO THE LOWDOWN WALK MAPS LEAFLET WHICH CAME WITH THIS ISSUE.

EVENTS DIARY

Walks Organiser: Jean = 01323 767244 (home) or 07516400297 (mobile).

Further Mobile Numbers for Walks: Rosemary = 07510298131. Frankie = 07784075230.

CHRISTMAS WALK FOLLOWED BY LUNCH Sunday, 7th 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 The Crown, East Street, Turners Hill. West Sussex. RH10 4PT.

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 around the open fire at the pub at 12.30pm.

For menu and more details see our website. To book your place please contact Rosemary a.s.a.p. on 01293 782754. You would be barking mad to miss it!

WALK – GILL’S LAP CAR PARK– ASHDOWN FOREST Sunday, 25th January, 11.00am.

WALK – BROADSTONE CAR PARK – ASHDOWN FOREST Sunday, 22nd February, 11.00am.

CRUFTS DOG SHOW – NEC BIRMINGHAM – Hound Day Thursday, 5th March.

WALK – LONG CAR PARK – ASHDOWN FOREST Sunday, 15th March 11.00am.

AGM – SOUTH EAST BRANCH BHC – Old School Hall, Cuckfield, West Sussex, RH17 5JZ. Sunday, 5th April, 3.00pm. All members are most welcome to come and meet the committee and have their say in how our branch is run.

Followed by light refreshments.

WALK – AIRMAN’S GRAVE, THE HOLLIES CAR PARK - ASHDOWN FOREST Sunday, 12th April, 11.00am.

AGM – BASSET HOUND CLUB, Sunday, 26th April, The Red Lion, Long Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 1BB. WALK FOLLOWED BY JEAN AND DUSTY’S PICNIC – BUTCHERSHOLE CAR PARK – FRISTON FOREST, Sunday, 10th May, 11.00am.

MIDSUMMER EVENING WALK AND PICNIC – GILL’S LAP CAR PARK – ASHDOWN FOREST Sunday, 14th June, 5.00pm. – Please bring along something to add to this al fresco banquet.

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OUR HOUNDS by Debbie Parry I thought I would write to you after reading Brian's story about how he obtained his hounds. My husband Alan and I were just married and living in a flat when we first decided that a basset hound was our dog of choice. The 1st floor flat was due to be sold and a more appropriate basset home was in the pipeline, however after loosing our buyer for the third time we had to cancel our ordered basset puppy as we didn't know how long it would take to find another buyer.

Eventually we moved into our new house and my husband announced that he was off to work in Russia for 6 weeks. "OK,’’ says I,

‘’But if I am going to be on my own I think it's time for a puppy"! How and why we ended up with a Cavalier King Charles I'm still not sure but he was a marvellous first dog and probably a better breed to have first as we found out later!! Joe was a lovely boy without malice and totally wonderful with our two children who subsequently came along. He died 13 years later after a brave battle with a heart murmur, splenic tumour, cataracts, deafness and a painful spine condition.

During Joe's last few months with us, my mother asked if we would consider taking on a relative's basset hound which the owners could no longer care for. Why not, we thought and went to meet the dog.

When Chester was released from his utility room prison, it was like meeting a tornado for the first time. He wasn't quite what we had imagined our basset to be.

Apparently, his owners had been sold him as an eight month old puppy from the back of a van at a motorway service station and had no idea what they were buying. After much research, we think he is an English Basset or maybe a basset crossed with a beagle? He had no muscles and toenails like a velociraptor, his owners had four children in very quick succession and had no time to walk him.

Also due to the fact that the children were scared by his boisterous disposition, he had been kept in the utility room for the past two and a half years and not allowed to socialise with the family.

How could we leave him there? (A question I have asked myself repeatedly over the last few years)! We collected Chester's worldly goods together and put them 16| P a g e

into the back of my car. By the time we had made our way to our seats, Chester had jumped over the back and was happily making himself comfy next to Eleanor, my youngest daughter. Eleanor and Chester were to become great friends and to this day, she is the only person that Chester has any respect for. Life with Chester is not easy, he is loud, he has attitude, he has no manners, he can be very grumpy, he hates all other dogs except basset hounds and cannot be let off the lead. He steals regularly and is scared of any medical procedure, especially ear cleaning (due to an untreated ear infection which we had to deal with when we first got him) and toe nail clipping which he had never experienced before the age of three.

However, there have been many times when he has left us bent double with laughter at his crazy antics, he can be incredibly nice when he wants to be and Eleanor has managed to teach him numerous tricks including 'bang' which involves being shot with an imaginary gun and he then theatrically dies and rolls over onto his back like an Oscar winning actor! He likes to be put to bed at night under his 101 Dalmatians duvet, which needs to be held up for him so that he can get comfy before being tucked in and loves wearing clothes of which he has quite a collection now.

Having Chester didn't quite fulfil our desire for a Basset hound and so in August 2004, Ralph came to us from the Brakenacre kennel in Plymouth. To say that he has been a handful is putting it mildly, but a joyful handful at that. I have lost count of the shoes, mobile phones, television controllers, children's toys, biros etc etc that he has destroyed and the amount of accidents that he has had (mainly on my beautiful Chinese rug), but one look from that handsome face, we melt and all is forgiven. I had thought that I would show him, but Ralph had other ideas and played up so badly in the ring that it wasn't long before we decided to end his showing career! He adores Chester (not reciprocated) and has diagnosed many of Chester's medical problems by intently licking the affected area until we take Chester to the vet who confirms that indeed there is another problem to be dealt with. He is now known as Dr Ralph! Ralph was recently used as a stud dog and fathered 14 puppies, sadly they didn't all make it and only 6 survived, but it is nice to think that there are little Ralph's out there.

I don't know if we will have any more Bassets, I would love to have either a 17| P a g e

Bloodhound or a Coonhound in the future, maybe when the girls have left home and I have more time, but the Bassets will always be in my heart.

Words and pictures by Debbie Parry

( Ed. Debbie, many thanks for this interesting account).

Mollie the Pop attempts to break in to TV

by Trudy Allen Many of you will already be familiar with Mollie; probably the littlest Basset of our pack and, despite having only three club walks under her collar, already the greatest flirt with Nico, Bertie and Morse in love with her.

Yet, only for a small slight, she could have been known nationally – though she is a growing star on YouTube (‘Catch the Pigeon Basset’ - if you want a look) so there’s still time.

Anyway, Mollie and I took our usual jaunt to Cornwall last year, to my and her favourite beach, now recognised by many as ‘Echo Beach’ though it is in fact Watergate Bay. We were completely unaware of the planned filming until we made our way down to the beach, from our apartment, taking the short cut through the 18| P a g e

public car park where we were met with a little village of caravans and dressing rooms. That evening I met up with the owners of the apartment who told me that ITV was filming a new soap, which would star Martine McClutcheon and Jason Donovan – how exciting!

I made sure that Mollie was looking her best for every (numerous) trip we made through the ‘TV village’ on our way to and from the beach, and yet she remained ‘unspotted’. I figured I only had to get Martine to see her and she’d demand that Mollie was included in a clip somewhere. But to no avail.

Then half way through the week, probably on the coldest day yet, the TV crew set up under the coves to film the beach ‘rave’ scene – really, what decade are they living in! Anyway, I decided to take Mollie for a walk along the glorious, golden beach which would just happen to involve walking past the film crew.

We were probably a good 800 yards away but Mollie decided that they all looked like they were all having loads of fun, which I doubt because I had three layers on and the poor actors were either topless (boys) or in little strappy dresses (mostly the girls). However, she decided it just couldn’t be missed and charged over. I realised that they would probably be less than impressed if they had to ‘cut’ and start filming again so called her back in the nick of time.

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If you do find someone with a copy of the very first episode of Echo Beach and if you just happen to squint past the actors in the ‘rave’ scene, you might pick out two shadowy figures in the distance; one human-shaped the other dog-shaped – that’s Mollie that is!

PART 2: Mollie’s Famous Fan. I'd bought a ticket to go and see Jack Johnson in concert on Sunday 6th July. I had Mollie booked in with Christine, a dog sitter who it turns out used to look after Chalky Stein when he got too old to follow Rick around when filming. We'd just spent an hour with her so Mollie could get to know her and her two dogs (I would definitely recommend her if anyone is travelling to Cornwall and needs a sitter).

Anyway, Mollie and I headed straight to the beach (Watergate Bay, Cornwall) from Christine's and had already walked and played for an hour when I decided to head the other way. I was slightly stunned when I realised that Jack Johnson was a short distance ahead of me and in my excitement turned my back to him so I could text my friend and tell her. It was at this point that Mollie decided to be her absolute cutest and she started prancing around and barking at me to chase her - well who was I to deny her.

So we're playing when I overhear Jack say, "Hey kids, look at the dog" then, "Hey can I show my kids your dog, is it okay?" to which I replied, "She's fine, she can be a bit nervy" whilst hoping to god she behaved herself. He brought the kids over and they petted Mollie for a bit and Jack said "Look at her ears, aren't they great, this is 20| P a g e

a hound, this is daddy's favourite dog, he's always wanted one of these" ... So how about that Jack Johnson, lover of Bassets (you can see it in the photos).

I was kicking myself that my camera wasn't in my bag but thankfully remembered the one on my phone, so I asked if it would be okay. Mollie then decided to be a bit clingy and kept walking out of shot towards me, but Jack pretended he had a treat and called her over, just as I remembered I had a load so I gave these to him to give to her.

See two photos above - am I smug or what! Weirdly, Jack was in the exact same cove on the beach where Mollie interrupted the filming of Echo Beach last year - I wonder who we'll meet/see next year.

Words and pictures by Trudy Allen

(Ed. Many thanks, Trudy, for these two adventures. Guesses are invited for who was the flirtier at the encounter with Jack Johnson, Mollie or Trudy? Does anyone else have any stories of their hounds gate-crashing an event or meeting a celebrity? Please write in and let us know).

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COMPETITION – WIN A SUPER PRIZE!!!

As the last competition tested your literary skills, I thought it would be interesting in this issue’s competition to discover your visual talents and so we have a picture competition.

The winner will be the member who sends in the most interesting and original Basset Hound photograph.

This time, the prize is very special; it is a small, original, lino-cut print by the canine artist, Ian Mason. This lovely image is hand-signed and numbered from a limited edition of 100. It will look super framed.

RULES: So as to avoid any copyright infringements, the only stipulation is that the photograph must have been taken you. It can be either colour or black & white, and in digital or film format.

Please send your submissions, which can be in the form of photographic prints, images on disc or emailed jpegs, together with your name and contact details to LOWDOWN by March 31st 2009.

The summer issue of LOWDOWN will include the winning photograph together with the best runners-up. Please have a go and see your work in LOWDOWN! PLEASE NOTE: THE DECISION OF THE EDITOR’S WIFE IS FINAL.

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COMPETITION RESULTS – SUMMER 2008 ISSUE. Many thanks for all your replies to our previous competition. Below are some interesting answers, in no particular order, to the problem of finding an original collective noun for Basset Hounds: A ...................... of Bassets. 

Howling by Geoff Alderton



Humper by Roy Drew



Waggle by Brian Malin



Embarrassment by Elizabeth



Bassinette by Jill Malin



Monarchy by Roy Drew



Patience Tester by Roy Drew



Great Sight by Roy Drew

Watson   

Battalion by Beryl Mathew Ponderance by Beryl Mathew Tide by Tony Roberts

After much consideration and in a process similar to that of a papal election – the editor’s wife was bricked up for a number of days and when I spotted white smoke from the woodburner she was allowed to emerge with the winner’s name.

Our first competition winner is: ELIZABETH WATSON with: AN EMBARRASSMENT OF BASSETS. Judge Frankie’s comments: What struck me about Elizabeth’s entry was that is apt and so true. Also, I liked the connection with an embarrassment of riches.

Our hounds are sometimes embarrassing treasures!

Congratulations and well done, Elizabeth, your prize should reach you shortly.

(Ed. So you didn’t like Tide then?).

(Judge. No, absolute rubbish, didn’t even make the final cut!).

(Ed. Oh, right).

THE INCREDIBLE MR. JEFFRIES

by Tony Roberts I have received a very interesting letter from branch member, Geoff Alderton.

He was prompted to write in after reading my article about Sigmund – a hound

in front of the camera in the first issue of LOWDOWN. He wanted to tell of his late ‘magnificent hound’ called Mr Jeffries (Knightsfollie Ladiesman).

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This Basset Hound’s claim to fame was that for about three years, according to the Guinness Book of Records, he held the world record for being the dog with the longest ears – a staggering 29.2cms inches) each!

(11.5

Mr Jeffries’ endowments brought him appearances on television and in the national press. Geoff was not the hound’s first owner, and did not know how he acquired his name.

I thought that as he looked so magisterial, perhaps he had been named after Hanging Lord Jeffries. Is this idea too fanciful?

Apparently, yes.

A little research on my part revealed a more mundane reason – his first owner was called Phil Jeffries. Mr Jeffries – the hound – had a grandfather, Biggles, who had previously held the longest ears record and appeared on Hush Puppy ads.

Very sadly, at the age of only three years, Mr Jeffries developed bloat. Geoff says that although he was rushed to the vet he did not survive.

I understand that Mr Jeffries’ record was beaten and the current owner of the title is Tigger, a Bloodhound with ears that each reach 34.9 cms (13.75 inches), who lives in the U.S.A. For the last four years Geoff has owned two ‘lovely’ girls, Iggy and Lilly, to whom he is clearly devoted. When we spoke on the telephone, Geoff was in the process of a seemingly traumatic house move, though he did express the desire to attend some of our walks in the future when things were more settled.

It is interesting to note the Kennel Club’s breed standard for Basset Hounds, against which all show dogs are judged, calls for ears that are: ‘Long; reaching well beyond end of muzzle of correct length, but not excessively so’.

Words byTony Roberts, picture by Geoff Alderton.

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THE VISITOR by Brian Malin.

Amongst any bunch of visitors (family or otherwise) there will always be the VISITOR. This unfortunate person arrives in an immaculate black suit or dress – often velvet – despite being asked to come ‘casual’.

There is also an inherent character defect, namely a lukewarm or even mildly hostile attitude to dogs who sense this and instinctively crowd round VISITOR, keen to show how friendly and harmless they really are.

Often the hounds will just have had a mighty drink and watery slobber cascades onto the immaculate VISITOR. ‘Don’t worry, it will all come out with a little water’, I say optimistically I usually carry a slobber cloth in my pockets and try to dry VISITOR with it. Plainly, the hounds enjoy drooling over embarrassing parts – so sometimes I feel discretion is more important than blotting!

The hounds’ social skills gather apace. The more VISITOR shrinks, the more they press home their affection, jostling each other out of the way and eventually this develops into play biting, which scares you know who into making the excuse of needing to wash my hands in order to find a place of refuge. Hounds are forcibly prevented from following.

Unnoticed, VISITOR leaves a nearly full plate on the coffee table – no need to explain what happened! VISITOR returns surprised and somewhat peeved – hounds are smiling and absolutely love VISITOR. Everyone else is amused. I produce a fresh plate – no, I tell a lie – Jill does this because I am grinning too much. After all, neither I nor the hounds asked VISITOR to dress other than casual. The dogs were only trying to be friendly; and we know in the canine world if you abandon your food you must be replete. It is only courtesy to ensure all plates are cleared, which anyway is a very green, politically correct attitude – as well as a well licked dish doesn’t need washing! They wash – we wipe.

The hounds are now calmly lying at /on VISITOR’s feet and enjoying being stroked. So, they have recruited another convert against all the odds.

Maybe VISITOR would like a year’s membership of our branch for Christmas!

Until then perhaps we can give up VISITOR for Lent. Does this count?

(Ed. This will ring true for every member!).

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*** SPECIAL FEATURE ***

A Basset is an Asset!

‘With long droopy ears and a tail that swishes, You oughta put a Basset at the top of your wish list.’

Perhaps no other breed of dog has been celebrated in music quite so affectionately as the Basset Hound in the recent song ‘A Basset is an Asset’. This is a love song to the breed by the talented Seattle based, Australian singer/songwriter, Bronwyn

Edwards Cryer.

I first discovered this wonderful, lyrical song quite by chance on YouTube and contacted Bron through her website to find out if it had been generally released. She told me that she was just completing the DVD of ‘A Basset is an Asset’. This stars her own hound, Charlee, together with her six adorable puppies. Besides the song the DVD also features: 

 



Buddy Basset, the puppies’ sire with son, Barkley, enjoying adventures such as riding around Seattle on the back of a motorcycle and in a trailer (see back page).

A poem by Ruth Whiteside about an ‘offleash’ exercise park used by Bassets.

The All Fools’ Parade and Basset Bash in the city of Woodinville, WA, where the local High School band marches through Main Street playing the song accompanied by 300 Bassets – some in fancy dress.

Video if the puppies when first born and at their first birthday party.

This delightful DVD is set to become a real collector’s item and Bron has kindly allowed the South East Branch of the Basset Hound Club to sell it on her behalf in the U.K. Proceeds from the profits of the DVD will benefit Basset Hound welfare and rescue charities both here and in the States.

*** Get your copy of this great ‘A Basset is an Asset’ DVD *** It will make a wonderful Christmas gift for any Basset Hound lover.

Only £12. including postage and packing.

Available from: BASSET DVD, Hounds Lodge, 18 Elven Lane, East Dean, East Sussex, BN20 0LG. Please clearly state you name and address, plus the number of DVDs that you require. Please make cheques payable to: South East Branch, BHC.

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SHOW RESULTS

Dog showing is a tiring business – we need our beauty sleep!

OPEN SHOWS SUTTON DOG SHOW SOCIETY. May 2008 (Judge: Jerry Robertson).

Booth’s Space Bug, 2nd Junior.

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 1st Junior.

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined, 2nd Graduate, Best Puppy & Group Best Puppy.

Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 1st Open & Best of Breed.

Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 2nd Open.

Gater’s Balmacara Man in Black with Kithalined, 3rd Open.

Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, VHC Open.

HORLEY & DISTRICT SHOW. August 2008. (Judge: Marie Bryce Price).

Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, Best Puppy, 1st Junior. Reserve B.O.B. Matthews & Drew’s Houndstone Lancelot, 2nd Post Graduate, 1st Open.

SOUTH EASTERN HOUND CLUB. August 2008 (Judge: Tony Fryer).

Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, Best Puppy.

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 1st Junior.

Malin’s Malrich Voodoo,3rd Graduate.

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined, Res. Graduate.

Malin’s Malrich Voodoo,2nd Limit.

Watson’s Carresmar Look No Further, 3rd Limit.

Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, VHC Limit.

Corbett’s Moonsmead Lois Lane, 2nd Open, Reserve BOB. Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 3rd Open.

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CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW ( Judge: Mrs D Campbell).

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined ,2nd Puppy Dog Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, Reserve Junior Dog. Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, Reserve Puppy Bitch.

BATH CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW. May 2008 (Judge: Mr B. Pocock).

Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 2nd Novice Dog. BASSET HOUND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW June 2008 (Judge: Ann Roberts – Dogs, Phil McGarry Arthur – Bitches).

Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, 2nd Yearling Dog. Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 2nd Post Graduate Dog. Gwynns’s Durins Mr Baggins Esq, VHC Limit Dog. Gwynne’s Durins Flame Of The West, VHC Limit Bitch.

WINDSOR CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW July 2008 (Judge: Mr A Wood).

Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 1st Post Graduate Dog. Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, VHC Puppy Bitch.

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, VHC Junior Bitch.

Gwynne’s Durins Flame Of The West, 1st Limit Bitch.

EAST OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW July 2008 (Judge: Mrs M Martin).

Roberts’ Culdaws Bayleaf, VHC Post Graduate Dog. Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 2nd Junior Bitch.

BOURNEMOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW August 2008 (Judge: Mrs T Watkins).

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined , Reserve Junior Dog. Miller’s Durins Dain Ironfoot of Eastmill, 1st Post Graduate Dog. Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, VHC Post Graduate Dog. Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, 1st Limit Dog. Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 1st Junior Bitch.

RICHMOND CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW (No CC’s) September 2008 (Judge: Yvonne P Dean).

Gater’s Balmacara Orange Crusader for Kithalined , 1st Junior Dog. Matthews & Drew’s Houndstone Lancelot, 1st Post Graduate Dog. Malin’s Malrich Voodoo, 3rd Post Graduate Dog. Malin’s Malrich Voodoo,3rd Limit Dog. Gater’s Balmacara Orange Blossom for Kithalined, 2nd Junior Bitch.

Matthews & Drew’s Yarwoodinae Shermintine, VHC Junior Bitch.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELL DONE, EVERYONE! THERE ARE SOME GREAT RESULTS. BEST OF LUCK IN THE FUTURE. Please continue to send LOWDOWN your results: email lowdown.newsletter@tiscali.co.uk or by post.

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If you have not previously attended any of our walks 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

GILL’S LAP – MIDSUMMER WALK - ASHDOWN FOREST – 24th. February 2008

After last year, when we finished our picnic in the rain and almost dark, we decided to meet this year earlier at 5.00pm.

It was a lovely evening, very warm and sunny and we were pleased to see a total of twenty two Bassets, two puppies and a Retriever – plus their owners. The puppies, of course, had their own mini-walk, whilst everyone else set out over this particularly beautiful part of Ashdown Forest.

It was so dry that when the hounds were running along they caused great clouds of dust to appear. In fact, when we had finished my shoes were absolutely covered in dust. A little way along our path there was a steep incline with a big pool at the bottom. Of course, quite a few Bassets, together with the retriever, rushed down for a welcome bath.

When we arrived back at the car park everyone donated sweet and savoury dishes,

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plus assorted beverages to a communal picnic. I think that all enjoyed themselves – and were in no hurry to hurry-off home! It was almost dark when we all left.

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SULLINGTON WARREN WALK and JILL AND BRIAN’S BARBEQUE -13th July 2008.

(Ed. As Jean and Dusty were unable to attend this walk and BBQ, my report follows below).

THE WALK. After a somewhat inclement week, it was a relief that it was sunny and warm on the morning of this annual, much anticipated walk at Sullington Warren. As always, this walk was followed by a barbeque at Jill and Brian’s super home, The Barn.

Twenty one hounds and their owners gathered at the car park eager to spend a few pleasant hours in each others company. There seemed quite a high ratio of males in the pack and even though there were a few friendly mock battles along the way all the hounds were exemplary in their behaviour. After an initial climb, the track took us down through the cooler woodland. Scents and the sight of strangers and rogue dogs led some of the pack to break away; a few calls brought the offenders back.

We looped around and climbed out of the wood and up to a stone vantage point – an ideal spot for a group photograph (see above). The views from here across the Downs are spectacular, though as you see, Chris seems more intent on keeping an eye on his van in the car park.

From here it was open Downland and the hounds enjoyed playing and chasing each other around. It was very warm and Sue - the hounds’ Mother Teresa gave water to the thirsty. It was a joy to watch. After this welcome breather, we headed back into woodland and headed towards the car park.

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However, once in the woods there was another Basset Hound breakaway. Or rather, Bassett family breakaway; as Jonathan led his parents and hounds on an alternative route back to the cars. No problem, as we were all reunited again after a few minutes.

THE BARBEQUE. Walkers and hounds travelled in convoy from the car park venue to The Barn and arrived in eager anticipation of good food, a tincture of liquid refreshment and some fascinating conversation – we were not disappointed – Rainbow the Toucan held court and was most enthralling.

Brian, the sophisticated version of Gordon Ramsey - I’m sure that he only curses in Latin - fired up two barbeques, such is his mastery of the culinary arts. As the rest of us sat around with our drinks chatting, his occasional wraith-like form could be seen in the swirling smoke. In no time at all he emerged bearing platters of wonderful of grilled meats. The gathering quickly descended upon these and together with fine salads and other dishes enjoyed an al fresco banquet. Wonderful! Everyone there enjoyed this marvellous day.

Many thanks must go to Jill and Brian for their very generous hospitality.

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ABBOTS WOOD WALK – NEAR POLEGATE – 21st September 2008.

Dusty and I used to come to Abbots Wood many years ago as it was a favourite walk of our previous Bassets, Emily and Teddy. Annie and Cass have been before, but not on the walk we did this time.

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We were very pleased to see a total of fourteen Bassets – plus their ownwers – as we knew several people were on holiday and it was also quite a journey for some members.

The previous week had been warm, sunny and dry and we were hoping it would last.

As it was, we could not fault the weather; but the walk did not go according to plan, as Trudy’s Mollie (together with a couple of boy dogs) all thought it would be fun to explore the woods. The boys all came back, but not Mollie. Trudy and Frankie then left the main party to see if they could find her.

What a blessing a mobile ‘phone is! As Roy, Terry and Dusty had all turned back, they were ‘phoned and it turned out that Mollie had returned to the car park and was sitting by Trudy’s car. Much relief all round and the rest of us continued to the lake, where there were several fishermen. Being Bassets you can imagine what happened. ‘What’s going on there?’ they seemed to be saying. Eventually, they lost interest in the very patient fishermen and we walking to the car park without further mishap.

We then went to the Old Oak Inn, near the woods, and sat outside in the very warm sunshine, where we had welcome drinks and food from a very wide menu.

We wondered afterwards what Zinzi – a Russian guest of Trudy’s who came on the walk – thought of all the mad English people chasing and yelling at their dogs as only Basset people can!

(Ed. We all felt for Trudy – but what a smart hound Mollie is to find her way back!).

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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 will contain all the ‘odds and sods’ without a home elsewhere in LOWDOWN. A LATE-NIGHT THOUGHT: Can anyone help me with the answer to this?

Why are pure-bred horses called thoroughbred, yet pure-bred dogs are pedigree?

Along with his other recent endevours, Webmaster Derek Harris gave me a CD he had compiled of music based on dogs. The major part of this is Theme Time Radio Hour presented by the great Bob Dylan. It is a revelation just how often dogs, especially hounds, appear in songs. Included are two versions of Hound Dog – neither by Elvis Presley – with the wonderful lyrics: You ain’t nothing but a hound dog, crying all the time, You never caught a rabbit, so you ain’t no friend of mine.

One very funny blues song has Howard Tate singing: How come my Bulldog don’t bark, Baby, when Big Jim come around?

When everyone knows I got the meanest Bulldog in town.

Dylan’s links in his distinctive, nasel drawl are as entertaining as the songs, which cover various musical styles, rag time, jazz, blues, etc. My favourite bit is when at one point and in true poetic form Dylan uses the the term canine malfeasance to describe a dog’s ill treatment. Also, he even tells a joke about two dogs talking to each other, one says, You need to go see a phsyciatrist; the other replies, I’d love to, but I’m not allowed on the couch! He includes several quotes about dogs including, If you think you that you are a person of some infleunce, try ordering someone else’s dog around. How true. He also reads the Lord Byron’s tribute to his Newfoundland which I included in the last issue of LOWDOWN – great

minds, or what!

At Jill and Brian’s Barbeque, Terry entertained us with a true story about his friend’s father. This gentleman was somewhat elderly, small and seemingly a little frail. This said, on one occasion he was entrusted with taking his son’s Basset Hound for a walk using an extending lead.

At some stage into the walk they climbed a steep incline. This tired the old gentleman considerably and he held on to a nearby tree for support whilst he regained his breath.

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The hound must have thought this was some game and ran around the man and tree until his lead was fully extended, completely tethering the poor chap to the tree in the process. He was completely tied-up, unable to move or free himself and had to remain like this until someone chanced to pass by. I bet the hound found this very funny!

Pam enjoying some of Chris’ sophisticated banter at the Jill and Brian’s barbeque.

Veronica Ross kindly sent in these charming shots of Surfer (Verwood White Wave) meeting and greeting a new garden sculpture of a Greyhound.

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Above left: Sue and some very close friends in Jill and Brian’s garden. Above right: Snoops.

Below: Fun, games and relaxing at Fun Day.

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LOWDOWN NOT LOW-BROW - A NON-HOUND THOUGHT: “It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us, as the confident knowledge that they will help us.”

Epicurus, Greek Philosopher, (341 – 270BC).

We always help Mom when making the bed.

Photo and caption: Roy Drew.

It was the Bassets that did it!

Photo courtesy of Bronwyn Edwards Cryer.

A BIT OF HISTORY Two respected doyens of the Basset Hound have recently died. Margaret (Peg) Walton and Joan Wells-Meacham - both of whom were 90 years old and each made an enormous impact on the breed.

Peg Walton’s highly successful and influential Lyn Mar Acres kennel produced a great string of American Champions. In the 1960’s, prodgeny from her highly considered breeding programme were imported into the bloodlines of both the U.K. and Italy. She was a respected international breed and group judge and wrote, perhaps, the best U.S. breed book, The New Basset Hound.

Joan Wells-Meacham’s Fredwell affix is very evident in the pedigrees of many successful Basset Hounds from the 1960’s and 70’s. She bred the legendary, Fredwell Varon Vandal, who won 23 CCs – a record at the time. Her own book on our breed was The Basset Hound. She served on the committee of the BHC for 25 years. In 1969, in partnership with Mildred Seiffert, she imported a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen for the first time into this country. She went on to become the President of the Basset Griffon Vendeen Club.

The deaths of these two very dedicated women certainly mark the end of an era.

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SIGHTS FROM ACROSS THE POND

Photo: ©Bronwyn Edwards Cryer. .

COOL BASSETS IN SEATTLE. Steve McElhenney, a Basset Hound owning friend of Bronwyn Edwards Cryer (see A Basset is an Asset - page 26), with Buddy Basset and son, Barkley – known as ‘The Boyz’ – travelling in style and wearing their Doggles.

Texas Photos: ©Frankie Roberts.

…and as a taster for our next issue’s report from the Nationals in Texas, look

at this rather flash Basset Hound transporter and meet the Basset Houndfriendly waitresses from, would you believe, Twin Peaks Resturant, Plano, TX.

* SUMMER 2009 ISSUE OF LOWDOWN * DUE OUT EARLY JUNE TRACK DOWN A COPY Please note: additional copies available at £2.00 each.

CONTACT: Please sent 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.