IN June it was bears and in July the animal theme continued with dogs, firstly at the Guide Dog Training School in Leamington, where we were able to meet some of the trainees and watch them being put through their paces, and then at our meeting, when Merleen Watson, accompanied by her husband and her hearing dog, Grace, visited us to explain something of what it is like to be profoundly deaf and what a life-changing effect dogs like Grace can have by providing independence, confidence and companionship. Merleen lost her hearing when she was in her early 30's, which explains why she doesn't 'sound deaf' when she talks. People sometimes say to her 'you don't look deaf' - how do they expect someone who is deaf to look? - and don't always understand that it is a disability and how isolating it can be.

The first training centre for hearing dogs was set up in 1986 after Bruce Fogle, a veterinary surgeon (father of Ben, the TV presenter), learnt about hearing dogs when visiting America and brought the idea back to this country. Training begins from the age of 8 weeks and the puppies live with a puppy socialiser for 12 - 14 months. They are taught basic obedience and gain experience of meeting people, travelling by bus and train, escalators, etc, and attend puppy school every fortnight. Next comes sound work training. The dogs learn to distinguish between normal household sounds, such as the door bell or telephone, when they will give an alert by touching the knee with their nose or paw and then taking the trainer to the source of the sound, and danger signals like a smoke alarm or fire bell. In that case the dog will drop to the floor to indicate danger. With Merleen's husband pressing the appropriate buttons, Grace demonstrated perfectly how that worked. After a partnership is established, the trainer will visit the home 3 days a week for up to 6 weeks to ensure that everything is going well. Merleen gave us an real insight into the realities of living with hearing loss, and difference hearing dogs like Grace can make to the quality of life of the person they are helping.

Events in July included an interesting tour of The Hive in Worcester and a visit to the lovely garden at Stone House Cottage Nursery near Kidderminster.

Our August meeting was a special Tea Party to celebrate the Centenary of the WI and we were delighted to welcome five founder members of Hampton WI, including Rosemary Reid, our first president. We began with a glass of Pimms, followed by sandwiches, scones and cream, delicious cakes and meringues with strawberries. Many thanks to those who helped to prepare the delicious spread. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Our next meeting on September 11, will be our bring and share Harvest Supper. If you would like to join us at one of our meetings do come along. We are always pleased to welcome new members and visitors. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Hampton Guide and Scout Community Hall.

CHRISTINE ROBERTSON