Unfortunately Frankie had to go to work, but Tony very kindly picked-up me and the dogs, together with tables, food etc. for the picnic.

When we arrived at the car park, Lainie and Chris were already there complete with their new motorhome which was quite luxurious.

I had a little tour round and it seemed to have everything in it for a fabulous holiday, including the kitchen sink.

Lainie and Chris were commencing their first holiday in the motorhome immediately after the walk and picnic, and we all hope they have a great time.

Jayne and Chris were also visiting Cumbria, and we hope they have a lovely holiday.

We had a total of thirty-five hounds, one honorary hound and their owners. We also welcomed two new families, both with young puppies.

It was lovely to see Roger at the walk, he was delighted to see Speckles, who is now very much loved by Rose, Sarah, Owen and Harry.

I was surprised that Sue hadn’t arrived when we started the walk. We heard later that Sally and Sue, travelling together in Sue’s car, went to Sullington Warren - which is a walk near Jill and Brian’s, which we do in July. They realised their mistake and made it down to Friston, but not in time to catch up with the main walk.

As Annie seemed to be doing quite well walking, I decided to keep her on the long walk, Jill and Brian and some members (including the young pups) going on a shorter route.

Zoë and Russell kept with me, but the main members were soon quite a way ahead. Annie got more and more distressed as we made towards the car park, and in the end sat down and wouldn’t move.

While I waited for Annie to get her breath back, along the path came Tony, Russell with a pushchair. By a large stroke of luck, Miranda and Derek were looking after their little granddaughter, Amèlie, for the weekend, and had her pushchair with them, which Tony and Russell had requisitioned.

Tony and Russell managed to get Annie into the pushchair, and we made our way back to the car park. At this point I would like to thank Zoë, Tony and Russell for all their help, and Miranda and Derek for the use of the pushchair.

After all this we had the picnic; and here again we thank all members who also contributed. It was quite late when we disbanded, after a large selection of food and drink was enjoyed by all. Even the weather was very accommodating today.

I am pleased to say that at home, Annie had a sleep and then ate her evening meal.

(Ed. It was good to hear that Annie recovered so quickly after her ordeal. I guess we should be more prepared to cope with such emergencies. Still, Russell’s and my new enterprise, Basset Hound International Rescue, will soon be available for general hire!).