Hi everyone. I wish to apologise for the slightly later publication of this issue of Lowdown. I am sure that you have all been enjoying the sudden arrival of summer too much to notice its non- appearance.

I know that with the coming of hot days our lawns, hedges and weeds leapt into life with such vitality that I needed to take prompt action to keep them from totally overwhelming our own small blessed plot.

Frankie and I managed to get away with the hounds in late May with the motorhome for a few days to Dorset. We managed to enjoy some of this wonderful weather. Bearing in mind 'our boys' ages, we had to be careful how much exercise and heat they could manage. That said, we still all came back feeling exhausted but well relaxed.

We arranged this short getaway by placing my ninety-four year old mother (who we have living with in respite care.

While visiting the Care Home, I heard a nurse ask another elderly guest,

"How are you getting on at home with your new chair lift?"
"Oh, dear me", replied the elderly lady, "it's driving me up the wall".

Anyhow, I do hope that you are managing to enjoy the company of your wonderful hounds during these lovely days though I am aware this comment might seem risible if you are reading this as it is tipping down outside with rain.

But that's a British summerI think it was George II who described it as consisting of three fine days and a thunderstorm.

I guess that the great advantage of being the size of club that we are is that we can quickly adapt to changing situations. We have already had to do this a few times so far this year.

Firstly, Frankie our esteemed Hon Secreter/y heard that we had been double-booked at our regular Fun Day venue. For some reason, it was deemed that long-standing local wedding or birthday parties take precedence over having an afternoon of fun with some long-eared, low hounds.

What is wrong with people!

So we have had to reschedule our big event which now takes place on Sunday, 12th August. Sc please note this in your diaries.

Secondly, due to severe weather warnings affecting the South-East, it was decided to cancel the Long car park walk in March, and the Club's AGM which should have followed.

It is very rare that we cancel any of our monthly walks - we know how hardy our breed and owners are - but we were concerned that both driving and walking conditions could prove hazardous.

Frankie managed to telephone our most regular walkers, and Derek immediately posted the alert on the website.

It was decided to hold the AGM very much a formality and usually poorly attended by members before the next Committee meeting in May at The White Horse in Ditchling. Likewise, this news also appeared on the website.

This does underline how useful the Club's website is, and just how important it is for members to regularly check it for any updates. Of course, it also contains lots of other really interesting things about Basset Hounds.

Our great webmaster, Derek, devotes almost every waking moment (which admittedly is not many) to improving and adding to this important Club project. And it is incumbent of us, mere members, to visit and wonder in awe at his achievement as frequently as we can.

Renewals of BHOC this year have been very gratifying. Also, we have also seen several new members joining and it is always a pleasure to meet them and witness their hounds, sometimes rather tentatively, integrate into the pack.

I always think it takes a few outings for them to properly settle in and I do encourage owners who have only tried one or two walks to try again.

I admire just how loyal and determined many of our members are to attend Club walks. Regular walkers will know we have friends from Belgium, Wales, and distant East Anglia frequently joining us. It is always very good to see them and their hounds.

The Club has made a few changes for 2018. We introduced a new walk in West Sussex for the February walk which we hoped would encourage members from that particular part of our area.

And we are trialing a new BHOC Christmas Lunch venueThe Barley Mow pub which is on the A27, near Polegate, East Sussex.

Following a few problems experienced at last year's event at The White Horse, we hope that this new venue, which should be straight forward to find, will be a more comfortable and satisfactory solution.

Ever wanting to offer more opportunities to spend time with our 'pack', the Club is very eager to find a suitable place where we could hold another Basset Camp Weekend. Quite a few members have caravans, motorhomes, or tents, and it is a super way to have a few casual days away together with our hounds.

It is essential to find a good place to do this. We require it to be accessible for vehicles, safely fenced for our hounds, and with a fresh water supply. We are prepared to hire a Portaloo should facilities not already be available on-site.

So, if you are aware of somewhere suitable, or know someone who could help, do please contact any member of the Committee.

Anyway, whatever your summer plans are I hope that both you and your hounds continue to enjoy the Summer and the whole Committee look forward to seeing as many as possible at some of our Club walks and events.

editor@bassethoundowners.org.uk