It was with some sadness that twenty three hounds and their owners gathered for this May walk, traditionally hosted by Jean and Dusty, but on this occasion held in their absence. As many of you might already know, Dusty had suffered a stroke three weeks previously. This was then followed by complications acquired whilst in hospital. It was thus without their presence, but with them very much in our thoughts, that we held this walk and picnic.

The morning was sunny with some overcast cloud which somehow fitted with the mood.

In Jean’s absence I led the group, which included some new members, from the car park and up a gentle climb up through the forest soon reaching the gallops – a vast clearing near the top of the Downs used by the local racehorse stables. Here, though under a dull sky, the views were spectacular across rolling Downland to the east.

We continue across the top edge of the gallops before once again entering the forest - by now, dappled with sunlight. The shade of the beech trees helping to cool both hounds and owners.

Following a track used by the loggers, we continued a long circular route through the forest and eventually back to the car park were a super picnic had been laid out.

It was also good to see that Avril and Michael Errey had turned up to join us for the al fresco lunch which was greatly enjoyed by everyone - the hounds behaving impeccably in the face of so much temptation! We all signed a greetings card to be sent to Jean and Dusty with the group’s best wishes. This will always be known as their walk.

(Ed. This was written before the sad news. Please see page 7).