Our Patron:

  Lady Rosemary Ruggles-Brise DL

  of Finchingfield

  High Sheriff of Essex (2011/12)

  1949 - 2026

It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our Patron Lady Rosemary Ruggles-Brise.

Rosemary became our Patron in 2012, at the very start of our journey as a charity for Essex Retired Police Dogs.  Together we all worked so hard to achieve the goal of being able to help all Essex RPDs with their vet and welfare costs.  Not one dog have we failed to help. 

Rosemary was, from day one, a source of wisdom, experience and most importantly joy.  She loved meeting the dogs, their handlers, and their families.  Hearing their stories, the challenges, and the triumphs.

Under Rosemary's patronage we grew from a charity with a Bank Balance of just £500 to the now regular yearly payments to RPDs of £20,000.

Rosemary was often our representative with the leaders of the County, Chief Police Officers, the great and good across the board.  Always a comsumate professional, diplomat, keenly interested in the welfare of all involved.

From our Founder and Chair, Linda Belgrove MBE:

"Rosemary has been a constant friend to ERPDF, she could not have been a more perfect patron to our charity.  I will miss her advice, encouragement and support.  That voice at the end of the phone who would grasp the nub of the discussion in seconds and always put the best interests of ERPDF first."

"Our hearts go out to Rosemary's husband, Sir Tim and the wider family, their loss is a great one indeed."

Board of Trustees:

Linda Belgrove MBE, Elaine Michaels, Frank Belgrove, Kerry Hodder.

Below is a sample of Rosemary's commitment to ERPDF with the joy and success we all shared in providing support for these exceptional dogs.

Lady Rosemary Ruggles-Brise

1949 - 2026

Rosemary at an inaugural meeting of ERPDF.

Stephen, Linda, Graham, Rosemary, Frank, Amanda & Belinda.

Rosemary with her

husband Sir Tim,

High Sheriff Nick Charrington

Dog handlers

Steve Hutley & RPD Gus

Dan Elford & RPD Reg

Fundraiser with the

Essex Police Choir

Colchester

Rosemary with

Essex Lord Lieutenant Lord Petre

Chief Constable

Sir Stephen Kavanagh

Inaugural Service Medal Ceremony

for Retired Police Dogs at Police HQ 

Chelmsford

RPD Ralph receiving his medal.

Rosemary with

Jerry & RPD Copper at the launch

The Essex Lottery by invitation of

Essex County Council

Chelmsford County Hall.

Rosemary at Stanstead Airport - a day long fundraiser by invitation from

The Chamber of Commerce.

With Frank, David & RPD King, Supporter with Rosemary and Graham.

Rosemary receiving a

very large cheque from the

Student Intake at their

Pass Out Parade at

Essex Police HQ Chelmsford.

Rosemary 

with Graham, judging one of the tables at the

Bake-Off hosted at the

Sandon Dog Unit

fundraiser for ERPDF

Rosemary with

Deputy Chief Constable

Pippa Mills,

Sue & Peter Davies,

Lord Petre

ERPDF Award Ceremony for Volunteers.

Rosemary presenting

Certificate of Thanks to

Chief Inspector Ronnie Egan

who had raised money for ERPDF.

Rosemary receiving

a cheque from Student Intake

with Linda, Mandy & RPD Baloo

at Essex Police Headquarters.

**********