Our walk was preceded by a phone call from Tony announcing that he was unable to attend because Frankie had taken his car keys with her to work and further that, as he couldn’t, I had to take photos and write a report.

Too late to detour east to collect Tony en route, we set off wondering at the lengths some people go to, to get out of doing what is expected of them and, in any case, why don’t they have a spare key like everyone else?

Our arrival was greeted warmly; rather the arrival of Grenadilla (see above), our new fourteen-week-old puppy, was greeted excitedly.

I was attracted by Chris’ idea that I should charge 50p a look but as ever I couldn’t get a word in edgeways to set it up, although I did think he was underselling.

Along with a large gathering of two legged followers there were twenty six hounds, this is including Grenadilla, whom Jill thought ought to be counted as a half, however what she lacked in size she made up in spirit, taking the new experience in her stride, boldly walking up to each hound in turn.

Complementing the Basset Hounds were two black Labradors - a Petite Griffon Basset and a Greyhound.

It was a lovely sunny morning if a little chilly with an east wind. Soon forgetting this, and warming-up, we set off at an un-typically fast speed. Grenadilla, following Branch advice, was returned with reluctance (hers) to the car park with Miranda (not reluctant) after a short time.

A moment of excitement when a ‘former’ hunting Basset decided to set off in pursuit of a barely visible distant totally uncatchable deer. Followers enticed by her sudden burst of speed were soon left far behind. Thankfully she returned to her owners call without too long a delay. I forgot to ask her name! (No deer were hurt nor, I suspect, particularly bothered in the running of this event).

A notable new addition to our group - new to me at least - was an enormous hound with perhaps the most magnificently large head I have seen. Memory tells me his owner said he originated from somewhere near Folkestone. I hope that is right - I forgot to ask his name too - and why did I only photograph his back end?

I should have taken a notebook. Net result - a few fleshless anecdotes, no names to relate, and no hard facts.

Perhaps I’m not cut out for journalism. How do Jean and Tony do it?

‘Whatever’ - another successful walk, hounds trotting along, running circles around each other and their two legged companions, an opportunity to chat if you want to, to just enjoy the spectacle, sun shining, good exercise - what more is there?

(Ed. I must apologise to everyone for my non-appearance at this walk. I can only blame poltergeist activity for the eleventh-hour disappearance of my car keys from their usual location and their - seemingly magical - transference to my wife’s dressing gown pocket - to be discovered only much later.

I do have more than one set of car keys, but the back-up set were securely stored on Frankie’s jailer-like key ring and - at the time they were needed - were being escorted around the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport.

The rather obvious flaw in this arrangement has been recognised by both of us and remedial action has been taken to correct it for the future.

I thank Derek for his excellent work as last-minute substitute cub reporter and photographer. There is always an empty desk for him in the Lowdown newsroom. But in truth, I would much prefer to have Fiona Bruce on it !!!.)