October 26, 2010
A special service
to celebrate working dogs is taking place at
Cannock Chase on Thursday 11 November at
2pm
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit is inviting working dogs and their owners to a special service this Armistice Day.
The service has been inspired by Freda, a Dalmatian-type dog that was the New Zealand Rifles’ mascot, when the regiment was stationed on Cannock Chase during the First World War. She died in 1918 while the regiment was training on Cannock Chase, and is buried there.
In memory of Freda, and dogs like her, the AONB is holding a service at her grave, which is off
Chase Road, near
Stafford.
Cllr Tony Williams, Cannock Chase Council’s Portfolio Leader for the Environment, said: “The loyalty and service of our working dogs is often forgotten, and we thought this Armistice Day would be a good opportunity to take a moment to celebrate them, and to remember any dogs that are no longer with us. Whether you are remembering the bravery of a military or police dog, or a missed service dog, everyone is welcome to come to this short service. We are also keen for any working dogs to be there, and we’re sure they will enjoy a walk in the beautiful surroundings of Cannock Chase.”
Freda’s grave is 0.6 miles south east of
Brocton
Village, near
Stafford. It is marked ‘Meml’ on the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 244 – Cannock Chase and its grid reference is SJ978188.
The Milford Common Trail passes the grave. A leaflet is available from the nearby Cannock Chase Visitor Centre at
Marquis Drive in
Cannock
Chase
Country
Park.
On the day Cannock Chase AONB Unit staff will take the opportunity to hand out a new leaflet, Freda’s Footsteps, which contains useful advice for dog walkers - such as when dogs can be allowed off their leads when visiting Cannock Chase, and some simple rules to follow to makes sure dogs are always welcome on the AONB. This will be launched in the next few weeks and will be available in local visitor centres.
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