LOWDOWN Winter 2012 page 7
FROM THE CHAIR BY BRIAN MALIN
It’s September - the time when we are forcibly reminded by numerous garden centre displays that it is as good as Christmas. I quite like the idea, but how cool it would be if we didn’t realise it was coming until December. Of course, commerce will never permit this and already we are being brainwashed into that first purchase after which there is no escape.
So you will gather that I view the advent of Christmas with mixed feelings - rather like when you see your mother-in-law driving over a cliff, but in YOUR car!
According to academics writing in the Journal of Animal Ethics, the term “pet” is “demeaning and derogatory”. We should now refer to them as being “our companion animals”. For goodness sake - WOOF OFF!
This year has been a great one for our Branch and this could not have happened without the dedication of our fun-loving committee. They really are Premier League. I know I am always highlighting Tony’s Lowdown and Derek’s website, but this is because (and I speak for all of you), we never tire of seeing the proof of their skills which brighten our lives. I also wish to underline the good humoured yet highly efficient endeavours of Frankie who as you know is also our Branch Representative to our parent club. Believe me, she needs that sense of humour at times!
One thing that impressed me greatly this year was the attitude of a brand new member coming to an event for the first time. She who shall be nameless (for the sake of accuracy I will call her Jo) emailed to ask if we would like her to bake a cake, giving us a choice of five fillings. More than that, she baked one hundred and twenty blue cheese and oatmeal dog biscuits to sell for our funds. And believe me, they were tasty! I spared a few for our hounds though.
The point, of course, is that she epitomises our Branch spirit. Members, and that includes the Committee of course, help in all kinds of ways - particularly noticeable to Jill and I at our BBQ, not just for the dishes that transform our basics into a veritable feast, but also in the menial tasks, washing-up when the dishwasher is full, and putting away the chairs. The same enthusiasm is on display at Fun Day.
As to our walks, we are now AVERAGING just over thirty hounds despite the mounting price of petrol and universal tightening of belts. WELL DONE - our hounds love mixing with their own.
Our hounds are our Best Friends and I can prove it.
Put your dog and your wife in the boot of the car for an hour. Then let them out. Who is really happy to see you?
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Bassetful New Year.
Finally, your New Year’s resolution please is to pay your Branch subscription and that due to our parent club promptly. The reward is a year of fun for your hounds.
chairman@bassethoundowners.org.uk
(Ed. I spotted this badge and was reminded of the ‘yin-yang’ photo taken by Brian that was in the last issue of Lowdown.)
It’s September - the time when we are forcibly reminded by numerous garden centre displays that it is as good as Christmas. I quite like the idea, but how cool it would be if we didn’t realise it was coming until December. Of course, commerce will never permit this and already we are being brainwashed into that first purchase after which there is no escape.
So you will gather that I view the advent of Christmas with mixed feelings - rather like when you see your mother-in-law driving over a cliff, but in YOUR car!
According to academics writing in the Journal of Animal Ethics, the term “pet” is “demeaning and derogatory”. We should now refer to them as being “our companion animals”. For goodness sake - WOOF OFF!
This year has been a great one for our Branch and this could not have happened without the dedication of our fun-loving committee. They really are Premier League. I know I am always highlighting Tony’s Lowdown and Derek’s website, but this is because (and I speak for all of you), we never tire of seeing the proof of their skills which brighten our lives. I also wish to underline the good humoured yet highly efficient endeavours of Frankie who as you know is also our Branch Representative to our parent club. Believe me, she needs that sense of humour at times!
One thing that impressed me greatly this year was the attitude of a brand new member coming to an event for the first time. She who shall be nameless (for the sake of accuracy I will call her Jo) emailed to ask if we would like her to bake a cake, giving us a choice of five fillings. More than that, she baked one hundred and twenty blue cheese and oatmeal dog biscuits to sell for our funds. And believe me, they were tasty! I spared a few for our hounds though.
The point, of course, is that she epitomises our Branch spirit. Members, and that includes the Committee of course, help in all kinds of ways - particularly noticeable to Jill and I at our BBQ, not just for the dishes that transform our basics into a veritable feast, but also in the menial tasks, washing-up when the dishwasher is full, and putting away the chairs. The same enthusiasm is on display at Fun Day.
As to our walks, we are now AVERAGING just over thirty hounds despite the mounting price of petrol and universal tightening of belts. WELL DONE - our hounds love mixing with their own.
Our hounds are our Best Friends and I can prove it.
Put your dog and your wife in the boot of the car for an hour. Then let them out. Who is really happy to see you?
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Bassetful New Year.
Finally, your New Year’s resolution please is to pay your Branch subscription and that due to our parent club promptly. The reward is a year of fun for your hounds.
chairman@bassethoundowners.org.uk
(Ed. I spotted this badge and was reminded of the ‘yin-yang’ photo taken by Brian that was in the last issue of Lowdown.)