White Table Evening
Our regular meeting held on 9th April 2019 was a talk followed by a White Table Festive Board.
The usual masonic business was transacted, which included the W.M. investing Bro. Stuart Campbell as Senior Deacon.
The Lodge business was officially concluded and the Lodge doors opened to non masonic guests including wives, partners and guests. who were invited into the Lodge.
W.Bro. Robin Evans then presented a most interesting and enlightening talk entitled, "The Diary of a Guide Dog Puppy". W.Bro Robin was ably assisted by Valerie, a puppy in training, who was to celebrate her first birthday the following week.
Valerie was a Golden Retriever puppy, a breed which makes excellent guide dogs.
However, a cross bred Labrador / Retriever is the norm as they make the ideal guide dog by combining the attentative traits of one by the calmness of the other.
We learned about the selection processes for the puppies, their training, deployment as a working dog and their retirement after eight to ten years.
It was quite a surprise to us all to find that from selection to retirement a guide dog costs between fifty five and sixty thousand pounds.
Valerie took the whole evening in her stride, remaining calm but alert.
Indeed it appeared that she relished the petting and attention. (You just couldn't resist her).
During the Festive Board a raffle was held which raised £120 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Finally the W.M. thanked W.Bro Robin and Valerie on behalf of the members and guests for a really enjoyable evening.
For more information regarding the Guide Dogs for the Blind do click the link below to visit their website.
Valerie and the W.M. W.Bro. Ernest "Mac" Miller seemed to really get along