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NEW ARMY OF RECRUITS BOLSTERS NFDOG |
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Support for NFDOG has increased dramatically as a result of new membership rules. The group has seen its biggest surge of new members since the initial rush to join when it was launched in 2001. A new deal was offered in June 2007 allowing relatives living in the same home as an existing member to join for just £1. More than 250 people snapped up the offer in the following three months. In addition, 90 people showed their loyalty to NFDOG by signing up as life members in the same period. NFDOG members prompted both initiatives. They pressed the committee to introduce the new rules as a way of recruiting new supporters. Membership Secretary Penny Gayler said: “It is way beyond what we expected. The new names just kept rolling in day after day. I was having trouble keeping on top of the job of adding them to our database. “The £60 life membership deal seems to have struck a chord with many of our supporters who want to show their complete commitment to our objectives. I would have regarded 40 or 50 life members as a very good result. Signing up 90 is simply marvellous.” Typical of those who welcomed the “family-member-for-£1” deal were Ian and Bridget Corrie-Hill of Brockenhurst. Ian, a member from the start, said: “It is a very bright idea. My wife is the perfect example because she was an equally strong supporter but it had never occurred to us that she should become a member. For an extra £1, it makes absolute sense.” Lyndhurst members Bernard Miles and his wife, Lindy, did not hesitate when they discovered that life membership was available. Both of them have signed up. Bernard, who attended the launch meeting in 2001, said: “It is a great idea. We plan always to live in the Forest and always to have a dog and so life membership is ideal for us. I am sure we will recoup our £60 fees in the long term.” Bernard, who walks Labrador/flat coat retriever cross Polly, added: “We support NFDOG because it fights for our rights to walk properly controlled dogs off lead. Polly would go bananas if she had to be kept on a lead. It would be cruel.” NFDOG chairman Pauline Ludlow said: “It is very gratifying to get such strong support. What makes it especially pleasing is that the new deals were suggested by members. We like to be responsive to our membership and this is a fine example of that happening. “I have said many times that much of our success in protecting traditional freedoms enjoyed by dog walkers is down to the fact that we have thousands of supporters. I make no apology for repeating myself. A big membership means that we have big influence in the places that matter.”
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