November 4, 2011
A service
to celebrate working dogs is taking place at
Cannock Chase on Friday 11 November at
2pm
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 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.
Last year, 30 dog owners and handlers, along with 15 dogs, gathered at Freda’s grave to take part in the ceremony. This included listening to readings and poems, and laying wreaths on the grave.
Emma Beaman said “The loyalty and service of our working dogs is often forgotten, and so this Armistice Day service is a chance 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.
Image: Emma Beaman, Watchman V and Greg Hedges (Credit Graham Orgill). |
