28th May 2024 – message re Dog Produce Sponsors

The group of Freemasons who have sponsored all of the trails at this Saturdays Dog Produce Stakes meeting, hope that everyone enjoys a wonderful days Hound Trailing. If the advance weather forecast is correct, it is going to be fine day. My wife Lisa, can take credit for raising this money whilst performing catering activities at Freemasons meetings. Freemasonry is only surpassed by the National Lottery when it comes to making charity donations to the Community, and since the beginning of the Pandemic, charities in Cumbria have received more than £1 Million from Freemasons. There is a Freemason’s Hall in every town in Cumbria and if you wanted to know more about Freemasonry I would be happy to put you in touch with the relevant people or you could google cumbriafreemasons.org.

I first attended the Dog Produce Stakes meeting at Cunswick Fell, Kendal in 1972. The Fishers home bred dog pup ‘Ringo’ (Prince Consort – Reason) from Cleator Moor had won a few trails in the Whitehaven Area and was well fancied. He stole the show and won the prestigious event. That magnificent fell hound ‘Shannon’, owned by Bill Jackson and trained by Victor Brownlee was reigning Senior Champion. He overcame the challenge of the favourite and local hound Review to win the Senior Trail. He never looked like being caught up that long uphill finish. ‘Rowfoot Lad’ won the Senior Maiden trail for Harry Crewdson and John Chambers of Whitehaven and ‘Winaway’ won the Open Puppies for Dallas Machell of Pennybridge. It’s funny that I can remember those winners vividly but would struggle to tell you what won last week. We wish all those competing ‘good luck’ for Saturday and hope the meeting produces memories you will never forget.

Edward Crosby