Here we are again preparing to summon up the Christmas Spirit and the unfolding of a new year. Reflecting on the past year, those who attended the walks can congratulate themselves on the steadily increasing numbers with the help of a number of new faces.

Thirty-two hounds enjoyed Jean and Dusty’s Picnic followed by a record thirty-eight for the Midsummer pooled picnic (great food ideas everyone!) and our BBQ attracted thirty-four hounds and about fifty members.

As usual we provided the basics but the interesting accompaniments brought by members made it a real feast. Tony’s Greek salad was beautifully displayed - more a work of art as you might expect from him. Thanks to Chris for invaluable help with the cooking - which would have been impossible on my own considering the numbers. Also thanks to all who cleared up the crockery and the chairs.

We have also enjoyed a very well supported Fun Day no doubt reported elsewhere. That day was a significant birthday for me - no time to remember that during proceedings but as I declared the formal part closed I was aware that instead of the usual stampede for tea everyone was surrounding the ring.

Then followed a spirited rendering of “Happy Birthday” followed by a bottle of Champagne (with a “Keep calm you're only 80” balloon attached) and a seemingly endless stream of cards and most thoughtfully personalised presents including a monster card signed by all those attending. I had not even noticed Frankie going round collecting signatures! Finally there was a gigantic chocolate cake.

So much kindness and thought spearheaded by Frankie, Sue, and the Committee - a complete surprise. No one could wish for a more pleasant day - surrounded by hounds and their staff.

I will always cherish the memory!

At the end of August, we enjoyed our first Camp Basset. This was Tony Roberts’ brain-child and a huge success.

So, thank you Tony, and also to Phoebe Herridge who not only prepared a well mown field but also rigged up electricity and provided the fun of having piglets and Dexter cattle adjoining, not to mention her home-made sausages and the added atmosphere of a 1920 vintage traction engine, all fired-up and running.

Now on a more serious note.

As you know the entire Officers and Committee will be resigning on 1st January next for reasons already given and it is not without a tinge of sadness that I realise this is my last contribution as Branch Chairman and (more importantly) The Basset Hound Club will not be represented south of London until the Branch is revived again.

I earnestly hope that when a new set of officers and committee come forward that they will receive encouragement from The Basset Hound Club and will be consulted before the Club makes decisions affecting them, due note being taken beforehand of the feelings of the Branch.

Having been given the views of the regular walks attendees, it was very clear that none could see a compelling reason for membership of The Basset Hound Club. as their overriding interest is simply in social events celebrating our Breed which would best be achieved by a totally independent club with its committee responsible solely to its members.

Come 1st January your united Officers and Committee will be grazing in pastures which are new and yet entirely familiar.

As usual I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Bassetful New Year.

chairman@bassethoundowners.org.uk