Bletchley Fire Station Open Day on 10th September 2011
Date: Saturday September 10, 2011
MK Hearing Dogs were invited to take part in the Fire Station Open Day. Several volunteers took part along with their dogs. It was a busy day with many families attending.
A wide range of our goods were on offer. The dogs were the most popular draw, they all received a great deal of attention from little Bennie, quiet Iris, lively Yannie and big cuddly Cope.
The game ‘Spin to Win’ and the Lucky Dips drew much attention but all went quiet when the firemen displayed what would happen when a chip pan caught fire.
We made a total of £230.76 on the day but more importantly more people are now aware of Hearing Dogs and the magnificent work they do. It was a busy, fun afternoon.
Paws for coffee at Milton Keynes Police station on 31st August
Date: Wednesday August 31, 2011
Branch member Michelle organised a Paws for Coffee and writes:
This PAWS for Coffee was organised at the very last minute as for various reasons I wasn’t sure if it would be able to go ahead.
Unlike many other P4C – I didn’t actually provide the coffee – just the cakes! BUT luckily police officers LOVE cake – so with the help of the others in the Forensic Investigation Department a fine spread of cakes and biscuits were displayed and then it was a matter of waiting for Police officers and office staff to appear.
Obviously as a working police station everyone takes a break at very different times and it appeared the day was quiet. It was lovely to meet Janet and Cliff with Hearing Dog Gypsy and although it was quiet for the period that they joined me for – they did get a demonstration on different fingerprinting techniques – not quite like the TV programme C.S.I! Nearer lunch time and with the arrival of Terry and the puppies – our office got busier. A big thank-you also to Terry’s grandson – who kept many of my colleagues
entertained with his amazing magic tricks!All in all a very successful event – a good opportunity to raise awareness of the charity and show what a difference it can make to many people’s lives. Considering the day had been quiet I was very pleased to hear that we had raised £130.02! A big thank-you to all involved.
The Grange Summer Fete on Sunday 5th June 2011
Date: Monday June 13, 2011
The annual summer fete for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People was held on Sunday 5th June at their head office, The Grange , Near Saunderton, Bucks. The event was opened by Frank Bruno and included displays from many of the assistance dogs, including, of course, our own Hearing Dogs.
The weather was fairly kind – a slight wind (well it seemed quite strong whilst putting up the gazebo) and a little drizzle but other than that great weather for dogs being out and about – and there certainly were plenty of those at this popular family event.
The Milton Keynes and District fundraising branch had a stall selling all our doggie goods – beds, coats, bandana’s et al. We had a great day selling all but 3 of our hand made dog beds – many to return purchasers, who had been so pleased with their previous year’s purchase that they came back for another. What fantastic news that is!
Overall we made just over £300 – the first of many events towards raising £5000 to sponsor a puppy in memory of Paul Niven, our Secretary.
The picture shows two of our members busily assembling “catch the rat” – our fun family game!