Lin Stapley, from Guide Dogs, joined the January meeting with her retired guide dog Woodie, now 12 and her current boy, 5 year old Declan, to talk about the work of Guide Dogs, their early life with their puppy walkers, their training and Lin's own experience owning and working with her guide dogs.

You don't really think about the owners needing to be trained and periodically reviewed to make sure they do things the 'right' way, so that insight was fascinating. Her stories about the training of dogs, owners and family were funny and moving. Husband Mark added to these, as he also had to be 'trained', but of course as a sighted person, he must never use the harness when he free runs with the dogs.

Lin talked about the point at which, as someone fiercely independent, she realised she would function more safely with a dog and having become an owner, is now such an advocate for the service, she works for Guide Dogs herself. Judging from the questions from her audience she certainly raised our awareness, interest and support for this service. We also had plenty of opportunity to make a fuss of the two dogs.

Guide dogs, Woodie & Declan, with Lin and her husband Mark

The monthly competition, to draw a face whilst blindfolded raised much laughter as we all had a go at the task. The winner was Pam Parnell.

The talk was followed by a tasty supper provided by Wendy Barker and Pam Parnell.