GUIDE Dogs Association for the Blind celebrates its 80th anniversary and 70th year in Leamington

But staff, volunteers and beneficiaries of the charity in the Leamington area have double cause for celebration as the organisation’s training centre at Edmonscote Manor in Warwick New Road has now been there for 70 years.

The building became the association’s first permanent home in 1941 and, one of four training centres in the country, continues to be an important site for the charity.

One big supporter of Guide Dogs is Southam woman Christine Fowler, who devotes most of her time to volunteering for the association.

As well as being a ‘brood bitch holder’ – which means she keeps a female dog who produces puppies to be trained as guide dogs, the 64-year-old looks after and walks puppies until they are ready to start training, reguarly gives talks about the charity and conducts tours around Edmonscote Manor and fundraises.

She said: “I used to live in Reading, where there was a Guide Dogs training centre, then I moved to Leamington where there is also a training centre, so it made me think about what the charity does.

“Dogs are a fairly recent thing for me. I never had any before I became a volunteer five years ago.

“But it’s really enjoyable. It’s an absolutely lovely thing to do.”

Mrs Fowler’s brood bitch Bella had her first litter of five puppies in December last year – one of which, Gypsy, has stayed with Mrs Fowler as one of her puppy walking charges.

Puppy walkers usually keep the little ones from age six weeks to 12 to 14 months, at which point they can begin their journey as a guide dog.

Mrs Fowler said: “We have to bring them up to be sociable, obedient and well-behaved before they begin their formal training.

“It’s so rewarding to see how the puppies develop. You know that when the dogs qualify, they will literally transform lives.

“Now we have got people under 16 who have guide dogs. It’s amazing what they do.”

A retired IT project manager, Mrs Fowler’s life is now completely different to what it used to be. But she has become so involved that she is the main organiser for this year’s Guide Dogs annual fun day, which takes place at the Pump Room Gardens tomorrow (Saturday).

As well as dog agility displays, a farmers market, trade stalls, cream teas, children’s activities, bouncy castle and craft tent, there will be stands where people can find out more about how the charity works and what it does.

Dog owners and their four-legged friends are also invited to take part in the charity’s ‘go walkies’ sponsored walk on the day. Registration is from 10.30am. The fun day itself takes place from 10am to 5.30pm.

Mrs Fowler said: “The purpose of the day is to both raise awareness and raise funds.

“And we also need more volunteers. Guide Dogs has bout 1,100 staff but 11,000 volunteers. Volunteers are a vital part of the organisation.

“At the moment, we are desperate to get brood bitch holders. It’s for people who want a dog for life, but the charity pays for all the expenses so there are no vet bills or food to pay for. You get so much support - there’s always somebody there to help.”