Canine Partners’ Bedfordshire Community Group marked its 20th anniversary on 19 August, bringing together volunteers, supporters, families, friends, and assistance dog partnerships to celebrate two decades of life-changing impact.
Held at Oakley Village Hall, the event was filled with laughter, shared memories, and plenty of wagging tails as the community reflected on everything it has achieved together. Dressed in a sea of purple, attendees celebrated not only 20 remarkable years, but also the lasting difference Canine Partners has made to disabled people across the UK.
Purple, puppies, and partnerships
- 20 years.
- 167 puppies raised.
- Nearly £500,000 generated.
- Countless lives changed.
Since it was established, the charity’s Bedfordshire Community Group has helped raise and train 167 puppies, with the vast majority going on to become life-changing assistance dogs for disabled people. The community has also raised close to half a million pounds through fundraising events, personal challenges and community partnerships, helping more disabled people benefit from the confidence, independence, and companionship that assistance dogs provide.
At the heart of this success is Lorraine Keeling, Puppy Training Co-ordinator, whose vision, passion, and determination helped grow the Bedfordshire Community Group from an ambitious idea into the thriving, welcoming community it is today.
“Twenty years is a long time and when I look around this room, I’m reminded of just how many wonderful people, dogs, and memories have been part of that journey. From community events and fundraising challenges to seeing assistance dogs transform lives, every moment has been special. What makes me proudest is the incredible community we’ve built together and the life-changing partnerships that have grown from the puppies raised here in Bedford.”
A family journey with Canine Partners
The anniversary was also an opportunity for Lorraine to reflect on her own journey with Canine Partners. When she started, her daughter was just two –years –old and her son was four, meaning they have grown up alongside the charity.
Over the years there have been many memorable moments, from awareness talks with local Brownie, Scout, and WI groups to a visit from the Countess of Wessex, who stayed longer than expected to learn more about the charity’s work.
Alongside the celebrations, guests took time to remember volunteers, supporters, partners, and beloved dogs who are no longer with us. Their contributions, friendships, and lasting impact remain an important part of the Bedfordshire Community Group’s story.
Fundraising that goes above and beyond
The fundraising achievements of the Bedfordshire Community Group are nothing short of remarkable. Supporters have raised close to £500,000 through community events, personal challenges, and local partnerships, helping to ensure more people can benefit from an expertly trained assistance dog.
Among those recognised was Belinda, whose fundraising adventures included a skydive in her late seventies and a wing walk at the age of 84. Her enthusiasm, determination, and sense of adventure perfectly reflect the spirit that has powered the Bedfordshire community group throughout its 20-year history.
Celebrating life-changing partnerships
One of the most emotional moments of the day was celebrating the partnerships that the satellite has helped make possible. Among those attending were Jo and Barry, Joanna and Petra, Brian and Bobbie, and Shelley and Meikle.
For Lorraine, seeing Brian and Bobbie together was particularly special. The very first puppy raised by the Bedfordshire Community Group was Mr Beazley, who later became Bob’s assistance dog. While handing over a puppy is often the hardest part of being a Puppy Training Volunteer, seeing the difference Mr Beazley made to Brian‘s life reinforced exactly why volunteers do what they do.
Although Mr Beazley is sadly no longer with us, Brian‘s partnership with Bobbie continues to demonstrate the confidence, independence, companionship, and joy that assistance dogs bring every day.
Recognition from across the Canine Partners community
Having joined Canine Partners on 1 August 2006 and now the charity’s second longest-serving employee, Lorraine’s contribution was also recognised by Lucy, CEO of Canine Partners.
“Lorraine is truly a force of nature. The Bedfordshire Community Group has helped raise 167 puppies, with the vast majority going on to become life-changing assistance dogs. Through its volunteering, fundraising, and community spirit, the group has made an extraordinary impact, both locally and across Canine Partners. The supportive, inclusive culture Lorraine and the volunteers have created is a model we’d love to replicate across the UK as Canine Partners continues to grow.”
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the attendance of Mrs Susan Lousada, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, who praised the dedication and community spirit that have defined the Bedford Satellite.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, said: “Raising 167 puppies is an extraordinary achievement, but what is even more remarkable is the dedication, kindness and community spirit behind that number. The sense of family, friendship and shared purpose within the Bedfordshire Satellite Community Group is palpable, and it has been a privilege to join you in celebrating this important milestone.”
Looking to the future
Guests also enjoyed exploring a display of photographs, memorabilia, and fundraising materials that captured the Bedfordshire Community Group’s journey from its earliest days to the vibrant community it is today.
Throughout the celebration there was a strong sense of pride in all that had been achieved and gratitude for the volunteers, supporters, families, friends, and dogs who made it possible.
For 20 years, the Bedfordshire Community Group has brought people together with a shared purpose: creating life-changing partnerships between disabled people and expertly trained assistance dogs. Here’s to the next chapter, and the many more life-changing partnerships still to come.