A special service was held at St James’ Church New Brighton, on Sunday 03 October, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Britain’s first Guide Dogs. Members of the Guide Dogs Association were also present and there was also an exhibition in the church’s display area showing the history and work of the organisation.
The movement, which later became known as the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, started in New Brighton when four blinded World War 1 veterans received their dogs on 6 October 1931. The Revd Heather Atkinson, the vicar of St James’ said: “It is so fitting that we are celebrating the milestone anniversary of this wonderful organisation in the parish church of New Brighton, the place where it was founded.”
Officers from the Guide Dogs Association also took an active part in the service and individual guide dogs received a blessing.
Heavenly mayhem at our lovely service today, celebrating 90 years of Guide Dogs for the Blind since their formation in New Brighton @StJamesChurchNB pic.twitter.com/FJbOc4CiV2
— St. James w Emmanuel (@StJamesChurchNB) October 3, 2021