THE SOUTH EAST BRANCH OF THE BASSET HOUND CLUB

If you have not previously attended any of our walks do give them a try. Basset Hounds are naturally pack animals and love the opportunity of ‘letting-off steam’ by chasing across the countryside together.

Their owners quite enjoy it as well!

CLUB WALKS REPORT
 by Jean Miller - Walks Organiser

GILL'S LAP - MIDSUMMER WALK - ASHDOWN FOREST - 15th. June 2008.

 

After last year, when we finished our picnic in the rain and almost dark, we decided to meet this year earlier at 5.00pm.

 

It was a lovely evening, very warm and sunny and we were pleased to see a total of twenty two Bassets, two puppies and a Retriever - plus their owners. The puppies, of course, had their own mini-walk, whilst everyone else set out over this particularly beautiful part of Ashdown Forest.

It was so dry that when the hounds were running along they caused great clouds of dust to appear. In fact, when we had finished my shoes were absolutely covered in dust. A little way along our path there was a steep incline with a big pool at the bottom. Of course, quite a few Bassets, together with the retriever, rushed down for a welcome bath.

 

When we arrived back at the car park everyone donated sweet and savoury dishes, plus assorted beverages to a communal picnic. I think that all enjoyed themselves - and were in no hurry to hurry-off home! It was almost dark when we all left.

 

SULLINGTON WARREN WALK AND JILL AND BRIAN’S BARBEQUE -13th July 2008.

(Ed. As Jean and Dusty were unable to attend this walk and BBQ, my report follows below).

THE WALK. After a somewhat inclement week, it was a relief that it was sunny and warm on the morning of this annual, much anticipated walk at Sullington Warren.

 

As always, this walk was followed by a barbeque at Jill and Brian’s super home, The Barn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty one hounds and their owners gathered at the car park eager to spend a few pleasant hours in each others company. There seemed quite a high ratio of males in the pack and even though there were a few friendly mock battles along the way all the hounds were exemplary in their behaviour. After an initial climb, the track took us down through the cooler woodland. Scents and the sight of strangers and rogue dogs led some of the pack to break away; a few calls brought the offenders back.

 

We looped around and climbed out of the wood and up to a stone vantage point – an ideal spot for a group photograph (see above). The views from here across the Downs are spectacular, though as you see, Chris seems more intent on keeping an eye on his van in the car park. 

 

From here it was open Downland and the hounds enjoyed playing and chasing each other around. It was very warm and Sue - the hounds’ Mother Teresa - gave water to the thirsty. It was a joy to watch. After this welcome breather, we headed back into woodland and headed towards the car park.

However, once in the woods there was another Basset Hound breakaway. Or rather, Bassett family breakaway; as Jonathan led his parents and hounds on an alternative route back to the cars. No problem, as we were all reunited again after a few minutes.

 

 

 

THE BARBEQUE. Walkers and hounds travelled in convoy from the car park venue to The Barn and arrived in eager anticipation of good food, a tincture of liquid refreshment and some fascinating conversation – we were not disappointed – Rainbow the Toucan held court and was most enthralling.

 

Brian, the sophisticated version of Gordon Ramsey - I’m sure that he only curses in Latin - fired up two barbeques, such is his mastery of the culinary arts. As the rest of us sat around with our drinks chatting, his occasional wraith-like form could be seen in the swirling smoke. In no time at all he emerged bearing platters of wonderful of grilled meats. The gathering quickly descended upon these and together with fine salads and other dishes enjoyed an al fresco banquet. Wonderful! Everyone there enjoyed this marvellous day.

 

 

Many thanks must go to Jill and Brian for their very generous hospitality

 

 

    

 

ABBOTS WOOD WALK – NEAR POLEGATE – 21st September 2008.

Dusty and I used to come to Abbots Wood many years ago as it was a favourite walk of our previous Bassets, Emily and Teddy. Annie and Cass have been before, but not on the walk we did this time.

 

We were very pleased to see a total of fourteen Bassets – plus their owners – as we knew several people were on holiday and it was also quite a journey for some members.

The previous week had been warm, sunny and dry and we were hoping it would last.

As it was, we could not fault the weather; but the walk did not go according to plan, as Trudy’s Mollie (together with a couple of boy dogs) all thought it would be fun to explore the woods. The boys all came back, but not Mollie. Trudy and Frankie then left the main party to see if they could find her.

 

What a blessing a mobile ‘phone is! As Roy, Terry and Dusty had all turned back, they were ‘phoned and it turned out that Mollie had returned to the car park and was sitting by Trudy’s car. Much relief all round and the rest of us continued to the lake, where there were several fishermen. Being Bassets you can imagine what happened. ‘What’s going on there?’ they seemed to be saying. Eventually, they lost interest in the very patient fishermen and we walking to the car park without further mishap. We then went to the Old Oak Inn, near the woods, and sat outside in the very warm sunshine, where we had welcome drinks and food from a very wide menu. We wondered afterwards what Zinzi – a Russian guest of Trudy’s who came on the walk – thought of all the mad English people chasing and yelling at their dogs as only Basset people can!

 

 

(Ed. We all felt for Trudy – but what a smart hound Mollie is to find her way back!).

Please note: The branch committee requests that puppies under 10 months should not undertake the full walk - however, they may to be brought to the venue and introduced to the pack.

Reproduced from pages 29 to 34 of LOWDOWN Winter 2008