At our March members’ evening we showed the Blue Light Aware videos and the link to them is below:

Blue Light Aware videos – full set

Using your own car, you’ll learn skills and techniques that you can apply on the road, all within the safety of a closed-circuit environment. Working one-on-one or in a small group with a qualified instructor, you’ll gain practical knowledge and use the circuit to practice and perfect your skills. This year’s dates are 14^th May and 8^th September.

Also available, Car Skills Day with Skid Pan, which combines coached circuit driving with a practical skid pan session. Working one-to-one with IAM RoadSmart-qualified instructors, you’ll develop precision, control, and confidence in your own car. Reduced numbers on the skid pan this year allows more focused guidance as you practise handling low-grip conditions safely. For more details, go to https://www.iamroadsmart.com/skills-days-2026/

Katharine writes:
“These elements aren’t just technical tools for training; they are the foundation for everything we do with our dogs.

The core takeaway? Think about doing things with your dog, rather than to them. By observing our dogs’ feedback and listening to their “whispers”, we can use these nine elements as “dials” to adjust our interactions. If your dog seems unsure or overwhelmed, shifting one of these elements can set them up for success.”

The TTouch 9 Elements in Everyday Life

The Shape of the Circle: While specific to TTouch bodywork, it reminds us to keep our movements soft and rounded rather than sharp and direct.

Pressure: Are your physical interactions too heavy? Whether it’s brushing, petting, or holding the lead, less is often more.

Tempo: Speed creates adrenaline. If your dog is over-aroused, slow your own movements down. Are you rushing them through their day?

The Mindful Pause: This is where the magic happens. A brief pause allows the nervous system to process and integrate new information.

Connections: Strengthen your bond by being fully present and intentional in every interaction – from mindful grooming and active listening to shared “sniffari” walks and creating a safe, predictable environment.

Breathing: When we hold our breath, we hold tension. If you breathe and smile, your dog will feel the shift in your nervous system and likely mirror it.

Intention: Hold a positive mental image of how you’d like the interaction to go. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our internal “narrative”.

Release of Expectation: Do not get attached to the outcome. When we let go of the “need” for a specific result, the pressure vanishes for both parties.

Body Posture: Avoid leaning over your dog. Try to stand side-on rather than facing them directly to remain in a non-threatening, “polite” position.

The Golden Rule: Always listen to the feedback. When we allow for adjustment and adaptation, we build a foundation of trust that makes every day with our dogs easier.

For more information on how TTouch can support you and your dog, visit www.caninesupport.co.uk or visit the YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@caninesupport to watch any of the ‘Celebrating 50 Years of TTouch’ video series.

Katharine Brunsch
TTouch Practitioner, Canine Wellness Trainer & Trauma Informed Dog Practitioner
www.Caninesupport.co.uk
07369 251682
info@canineupport.co.uk

Somerset Sight is a local charity that has been supporting blind and partially sighted people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 they won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The services they provide are very important and valuable, and enable blind and visually impaired people in Somerset to continue to live full and independent lives, the majority in their own homes.

These services are: Resource Centre, Mobile Advisory Service, Low Vision Clinic, Emotional Support, Technology Support, Social Groups and various activities, including an annual holiday and benefit so many people.

One of the main services they offer is the Volunteer Visiting Service, where volunteers are matched locally with a sight-impaired person for regular visits for company and support and to alleviate any feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Volunteer visitors help with a variety of tasks such as reading, correspondence, or making appointments, going out for a drive or just a cup of tea and a chat. Their volunteers get great satisfaction and enjoyment from their voluntary work, many friendships are formed and the people they support very much look forward to their visits, some telling us that it is the highlight of their week. Full training is provided and they cover all reasonable expenses.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer visitor or driver and would like further information, please phone 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk.

Dining in the Dark

A while ago, Somerset Sight organised the second of their “Dining in the Dark” fundraising events, a delicious three-course meal at the stunning North Cadbury Court, but there was a catch – no one could see what they were eating or drinking.

The unique experience where people eat whilst blindfolded, was organised to enable participants to experience for themselves what it’s like to live as a blind or partially sighted person.

Jackie Sopwith, CEO of Somerset Sight, said “Many people who come to us at Somerset Sight with a new or deteriorating sight loss often feel that nobody knows what they’re going through. Whilst the aim of the event is to raise awareness, it’s also an excellent way to show people how reliant they are on their sight for everyday tasks such as eating and drinking, and to give them an inkling of what it’s really like for somebody with no sight at all.”

The Sir John Timpson Cup, which is awarded for the most popular introduction, together with the best presented car, was won by Louise Ellis and her immaculate Mini. Her introduction was informative and amusing and showed a real affection for her car, which was spotless and obviously well looked after.

On Wednesday, 21st May, Katharine Brunsch of Canine Support gave a fascinating and information-filled talk about the secret to stress-free car rides for our canine companions. She told us about Tellington TTouch, giving us tips and tricks to make our dogs’ journeys safer and more enjoyable by creating a calm and comfortable environment for our dogs, no matter the distance. For those who were unable to attend, she has put together an eBook to give you a flavour of her approach; it may also serve as a helpful reminder for those who attended. Tellington TTouch for Travel: Helping Your Dog Feel Safe on the Go

We were guided to the stables and introduced to several horses.  All police horses in Clevedon are Irish geldings, and a minimum of 17 hands tall. They are chosen for their calm nature. The trainee police horses are called ‘Remounts’; when they have qualified, they are given a police name. There were 2 Remounts in the stalls, named Arthur and Max. More of Max later.

The trained horses present were Pilton, Mendip and Sandford. PC Jenny’s colleague advised us not to get too close to Mendip, who is possessive about his stall and is prone to biting people who get too close to him, with somewhat comical results for those who did not heed the warning. Mendip does, however, have a lovely, friendly and approachable manner when he is out on patrol. We also caught a glimpse of the sergeant’s horse, Brutus, being returned to his stall.

After meeting the horses, we were shown the horsebox, which also doubles up as a mobile police station when they are out on patrol. This vehicle weighs in at 18 tonnes and when fully loaded, it is certainly not a high-speed pursuit vehicle.

The last part of the tour was in the indoor training ring where PC Jenny and her colleague put Max, a dappled grey, through his paces, showing us how the horses are trained. All stages of training are started quietly and slowly, allowing the horse to become accustomed to distractions and noise, gradually building up their exposure to strange objects, like items found at Glastonbury festival, and crowds and noises, as at football matches, for example. Giving Max his due, he never blinked or flinched at anything put to him, even when we were asked to make some noise with bells, tambourines and maracas, and PC Jenny’s colleague even marched around Max banging a drum and waving a large flag.

We then posed for a group photograph and thanked PC Jenny for an excellent and informative tour of the Avon & Somerset Police Mounted Section in Clevedon.