9:37am Sunday 16th March 2008
By Staff Reporter
A POPULAR dog club is set to close after teaching hundreds of four-legged friends how to sit and walk to heel.
Leaders of the Bury Pet Dog Training Club have reached retirement age and cannot find anyone to take over.
The group, which has more than 50 members, will hold its last classes later this month.
Founded in 1975 by John and Irene Bostock, the club teaches basic obedience skills and how to be sociable.
Club member Anne Darlington took over around ten years ago. She has led classes every Wednesday evening at Radcliffe Boys and Girls Club with the help of her daughter, Emma Morris, and Joan and Gordon Burns.
They have also organised fun nights and Christmas parties for members.
Mrs Darlington (58), of Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, said: "It's been great fun running the club. We have had dogs who have come in pulling their owners and after a few weeks, they settle down.
"It's very satisfying to see people who have come with a problem dog and we have been able to help.
"I will be very sad when the club closes. Everyone was quite upset when I told them we were closing. It's amazing how many people have made friends. It's like a big social club."
The group will hold its last meeting on March 26, with a farewell party planned for April 2.
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