It was a very happy group of members and hounds who gathered in the car park on a beautiful, warm and dry September morning, all anxious to be off and looking forward to a good, long walk.

A most respectable number of 26 hounds and two honorary hounds were assembled, as this venue is not the easiest or nearest place to find for many members.

We started off and proceeded down one path. Unfortunately Brian and Jill’s Norris slipped his lead and went steaming off down another path adjacent to the one we were all on.

Jill and Wendy rushed after him while we all continued, eventually arriving at the large lake which is always a source of interest to our fourlegged friends. This was rounded without any trouble and we continued along the very long, straight pathway, meeting several groups of horses on the way.

Nearing the car park on our return, we were spread out a bit, but everyone stopped to admire a family coming down the path with two tiny pups, who were very interested in the heavy dogs they had never seen before.

We were very pleased to find both Jill and Norris had managed to get back to the car park safely, without any further mishaps.

While we were saying our goodbyes, a young family were admiring all the bassets. They had seen on our website that we had a walk and had come from north London to see us all and had even brought their completed membership form and paid their subscription.

They haven’t a basset at present, but wanted a puppy very badly and suggestions were made regarding various breeders.

Some members then stopped at the local hostelry, the Old Oak Inn, for food and drinks. I understand this pub has now received an award for best Country Pub for 2014.

Well done to the Old Oak, one to recommend.

After having a general chat in the garden, which allows dogs, we all made or way home, having had a most enjoyable morning and early afternoon.