On Sunday 18th October 2015 BTW held its AGM at Woodmansterne in Surrey.
At the AGM Diana O’Grady was elected as President after Margaret Curtis had decided to stand down Margaret had expressed the view that Diana should be made President in recognition of the work she has done for Welfare since its beginnings in 1981. Following on from that appointment John Evans was elected as Vice President and Jimmi Johnston-White Vice Chairman. All of the existing Officers and Committee Members were re-elected and Douglas Culley joined with a view to taking over as Treasurer in the near future.
After the formal business of the day had been dealt with the meeting was closed and the entertainment commenced. Our first speaker was PC Heath Keogh of the Metropolitan Police who gave us a very enlightening talk on “Dogs and The Law”. This raised a good many questions from those present and was very warmly applauded by everyone. We are grateful to Heath for giving up his time to be with us and for his continued participation throughout the rest of the day.
Before the break for lunch John Lawrence from the Essex Border Terrier Owners Group and Paul Duce of the BTW EuroTour presented cheques for the amazing amounts of money they had each raised for BTW and photos were taken by Clare O’Hagan . Following this a delicious lunch was served by our regular catering team “The Isle of Wight Girls” who are Angie Newton, Ellen Stromdale and Liz Prior and assisted by new President Diana and a number of the committee members. This lunch is always a winner and didn’t disappoint in anyway, well done everyone and thanks to you all.
The afternoon events began with Paul Duce well known to many as the “Loony Hoodad” of Mini Jess. Paul had heroically travelled all the way from the far North East of England and then manoeuvred his 1200 cc Motor Cycle ( It weighs something in the region of 45 stone!) into the hall where it was placed on display for all to see surrounded by a display of photographs from the BTW Euro Tour . Paul gave us a fascinating talk on the adventure where the duo took on the challenge of travelling through 16 countries in 7 days covering some 2200 miles. Paul & Mini Jess raised an absolutely astonishing £5631.25. The talk covered the idea behind the journey and the preparation as well as some of their experiences during the trip and also the technology used in the way of GPS tracking and other such devices. Paul also gave an insight into his plans for the next fund raising event “The Baltic Sea Challenge”, two weeks and over 4000 miles including the Arctic Circle . As Mini Jess says “it’s bonkers”.
Throughout the day there were opportunities for a bit of retail therapy at the Welfare Table where we were pleased to see Jan Gale back on duty after a very difficult year. Other attractions included star photographer Clare O’Hagan who, in addition to covering the event for us, took studio photos of the dogs for a small charge from which Clare makes a generous donation to BTW. Also at the Toddy & Jo table a colourful selection of bandanas and other items were available and here again Jo donates to BTW from her sales. There was a very successful raffle of an original charcoal and pastel sketch donated by well-known canine artist and BTW supporter Paul Doyle which raised a little over £270. In addition to this we also had a very generously supported Raffle table. Thanks to all who donated items for this.
All this talking and eating and listening meant it was time for a little fresh air and exercise and also something for the dogs to do so it was “Showtime” where a number of well supported classes were judged by our two speakers. The winners received rosettes and other goodies, the top winner receiving the new “Colin Rhodes Annual Trophy”.
After all this exercise appetites were restored and to finish the day and fortify the guests for their journey home an equally delicious tea was served with a magnificent selection of cakes. Again well done the catering team.
We hope that everyone enjoyed their day as we did and thank you all for your support.
from the Essex Border Terrier Owners Group and Paul Duce of the BTW EuroTour presented cheques for the amazing amounts of money they had each raised for BTW and photos were taken by Clare O’Hagan . Following this a delicious lunch was served by our regular catering team “The Isle of Wight Girls” who are Angie Newton, Ellen Stromdale and Liz Prior and assisted by new President Diana and a number of the committee members. This lunch is always a winner and didn’t disappoint in anyway, well done everyone and thanks to you all.
The afternoon events began with Paul Duce well known to many as the “Loony Hoodad” of Mini Jess. Paul had heroically travelled all the way from the far North East of England and then manoeuvred his 1200 cc Motor Cycle ( It weighs something in the region of 45 stone!) into the hall where it was placed on display for all to see surrounded by a display of photographs from the BTW Euro Tour . Paul gave us a fascinating talk on the adventure where the duo took on the challenge of travelling through 16 countries in 7 days covering some 2200 miles. Paul & Mini Jess raised an absolutely astonishing £5631.25. The talk covered the idea behind the journey and the preparation as well as some of their experiences during the trip and also the technology used in the way of GPS tracking and other such devices. Paul also gave an insight into his plans for the next fund raising event “The Baltic Sea Challenge”, two weeks and over 4000 miles including the Arctic Circle . As Mini Jess says “it’s bonkers”.
Throughout the day there were opportunities for a bit of retail therapy at the Welfare Table where we were pleased to see Jan Gale back on duty after a very difficult year. Other attractions included star photographer Clare O’Hagan who, in addition to covering the event for us, took studio photos of the dogs for a small charge from which Clare makes a generous donation to BTW. Also at the Toddy & Jo table a colourful selection of bandanas and other items were available and here again Jo donates to BTW from her sales. There was a very successful raffle of an original charcoal and pastel sketch donated by well-known canine artist and BTW supporter Paul Doyle which raised a little over £270. In addition to this we also had a very generously supported Raffle table. Thanks to all who donated items for this.
All this talking and eating and listening meant it was time for a little fresh air and exercise and also something for the dogs to do so it was “Showtime” where a number of well supported classes were judged by our two speakers. The winners received rosettes and other goodies, the top winner receiving the new “Colin Rhodes Annual Trophy”.
After all this exercise appetites were restored and to finish the day and fortify the guests for their journey home an equally delicious tea was served with a magnificent selection of cakes. Again well done the catering team.
We hope that everyone enjoyed their day as we did and thank you all for your support.
