This month, Dogs with Jobs follows young guide dog Benji over five weeks as he starts “on the job” training with owner John Welsman. 

From their first encounter in June, through two weeks of residential training at a Southampton hotel, instructor-supported training around their home town Petersfield and navigating their way to London via public transport.

After an intense five weeks, Benjy and John are ready to strike out on their own.

Kate Fairweather hears about the highs and lows on this month’s Dogs with Jobs.

Other connected episodes
John Welsman talks about how his relationship with Benjy's predecessor, Breck the guide dog developed over eight years of partnership.
Browse other dogs with interesting jobs.

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2021

This month, Dogs with Jobs follows young guide dog Benji over five weeks as he starts “on the job” training with owner John Welsman. 
From their first encounter in June, through two weeks of residential training at a Southampton hotel, instructor-supported training around their home town Petersfield and navigating their way to London via public transport.
After an intense five weeks, Benjy and John are ready to strike out on their own.
Kate Fairweather hears about the highs and lows on this month’s Dogs with Jobs.
Other connected episodes
<ul>
<li>John Welsman talks about how his relationship with Benjy's predecessor, <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/breck-the-guide-dog">Breck the guide dog developed over eight years of partnership</a>.</li>
<li>Browse other <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/playlists/dogs-with-jobs">dogs with interesting jobs.</a></li>
</ul>
© &amp; ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2021

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.

We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.

This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.

Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at https://shineradio.uk, email team@shineradio.uk or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.
We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.
This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.
Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at <a href="https://shineradio.uk">https://shineradio.uk</a>, email <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.

Voices and stories from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK

Petersfield's Shine Radio

Celebrate the frontline workers of the canine world.

Kate Fairweather comes face to face with a diverse cast of working dogs, perfectly equipped with the instincts, intelligence and training to handle everything their jobs throw at them.

Humans and dogs have worked together for centuries - and still do today in our communities.

Some work with handlers, drawing on their natural hunting, herding, or guarding instincts, or an exceptional sense of smell. Others perform caring roles, providing companionship and support to humans.

Podcast of the Year at the Community Radio Awards 2022.

Produced by volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Contact Kate at team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500.

Celebrate the frontline workers of the canine world.
Kate Fairweather comes face to face with a diverse cast of working dogs, perfectly equipped with the instincts, intelligence and training to handle everything their jobs throw at them.
Humans and dogs have worked together for centuries - and still do today in our communities.
Some work with handlers, drawing on their natural hunting, herding, or guarding instincts, or an exceptional sense of smell. Others perform caring roles, providing companionship and support to humans.
Podcast of the Year at the Community Radio Awards 2022.
Produced by volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Contact Kate at <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call 01730 555 500.

Meet the frontline workers of the canine world.

Dogs with Jobs

Benji, the trainee guide dog and his first five weeks on the job

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
Churcher’s College lecture goes wild for rewilding.
Double anniversary for the Cobbling Family.
Kyra volunteered at Winton House from the Netherlands.
We preview this weekend’s sport.

To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Published at 4:58am on 8 May, 2026

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
<ul>
<li>Churcher&rsquo;s College lecture goes wild for rewilding.</li>
<li>Double anniversary for the Cobbling Family.</li>
<li>Kyra volunteered at Winton House from the Netherlands.</li>
<li>We preview this weekend&rsquo;s sport.</li>
</ul>
To share your news stories email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.
Published at 4:58am on 8 May, 2026

Local news for Friday 8th May

30 years ago, on 11 May 1996, the Petersfield Cobbler Steve White started the family business.

He also married Moira that year so it’s their Pearl Wedding Anniversary too.

They say their Chapel Street family business - two of their five children work there though all have had a dip, as Moira puts it - is worthwhile but it can be demanding especiaily when first starting.

They talk to Mike Waddington about the challenges, the paper work, the unexpected events like Covid but also how much they enjoy it.

Steve after 45 years in the trade is not yet ready to hang up his hammer!

 

30 years ago, on 11 May 1996, the Petersfield Cobbler Steve White started the family business.
He also married Moira that year so it&rsquo;s their Pearl Wedding Anniversary too.
They say their Chapel Street family business - two of their five children work there though all have had a dip, as Moira puts it - is worthwhile but it can be demanding especiaily when first starting.
They talk to Mike Waddington about the challenges, the paper work, the unexpected events like Covid but also how much they enjoy it.
Steve after 45 years in the trade is not yet ready to hang up his hammer!
&nbsp;

Double anniversary for the Cobbling Family

Hundreds of people attended the annual Grill Lecture at Churcher's College on Wednesday 6 May to hear Isabella Tree, best selling author of Rewilding. which also won a number of literary prizes and made into a film.

She spoke about how they revolutionised their 3,500 acre estate at Knepp in West Sussex by bringing back nature.

Talking to Mike Waddington at the event, Isabella speaks with enthusiasm about unleashing nature's ways and means and the message of hope and joy that brings.

Rewilding is a spectrum that anyone from farms to gardens can participate in and alleviate environmental problems. It also, maintains Isabella, breaks down the anxiety around dealing with  problems of this scale.

About the Churcher’s College Academic Lecture Series: designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding, each year, they welcome a wide range of visiting speakers - artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, philosophers, campaigners, - who challenge students to think critically, explore new ideas and engage with the wider world.

A highlight of the series is the annual Grill Lecture, established by former Head of Religion and Philosophy Judy Grill and named in her honour. This lecture focuses on topics with a philosophical perspective.

You can find out more about Knepp here: Isabella Tree - Knepp 

 

Hundreds of people attended the annual Grill Lecture at Churcher's College on Wednesday 6 May to hear Isabella Tree, best selling author of&nbsp;Rewilding. which also won a number of literary prizes and made into a film.
She spoke about how they revolutionised their 3,500 acre estate at Knepp in West Sussex by bringing back nature.
Talking to Mike Waddington at the event, Isabella speaks with enthusiasm about unleashing nature's ways and means and the message of hope and joy that brings.
Rewilding is a spectrum that anyone from farms to gardens can participate in and alleviate environmental problems. It also, maintains Isabella, breaks down the anxiety around dealing with&nbsp; problems of this scale.
About the Churcher&rsquo;s College Academic Lecture Series: designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding, each year, they welcome a wide range of visiting speakers - artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, philosophers, campaigners, - who challenge students to think critically, explore new ideas and engage with the wider world.
A highlight of the series is the annual Grill Lecture, established by former Head of Religion and Philosophy Judy Grill and named in her honour. This lecture focuses on topics with a philosophical perspective.
You can find out more about Knepp here: <a href="https://knepp.co.uk/team-member/isabella-tree/">Isabella Tree - Knepp</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Benji, the trainee guide dog and his first five weeks on the job

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