Looking at this lovely birthday portrait of the Hassell family's dear Brig, it is hard to believe that he is seventeen years old today. We send our love and congratulations to him and to Vicky and Michael who have given him such a long and happy life. Over the years Brig (Brambledale Brigand) has been joined by three younger Brambledales - the first, Griff, (Brambledale Barley) was his companion for nearly fifteen years and Brig is currently putting up with the antics of two-year-old Finn and nine-month-old Rafe with his usual good humour. See them all together in our news item for May 14th.