Great Greyhound Gathering – Nottingham

Great Greyhound Gathering 27th September

The biggest day in the retired greyhound calendar was finally here. This year “Sittingbourne RGT” would have a presence. All branches were allowed to set up their stalls and sell their merchandise and also have a chance to nominate a dog and to give a reason why they thought their nominated greyhound should win the Retired Greyhound of the year.

We nominated Elvis because he had been in our kennels from the start, he was often overlooked because of his size but eventually a home was found for him. Never one to miss an opportunity to raise some funds we stuffed the van to capacity with mechandise and of course slotted April our retired greyhound in, who I could tell was thrilled to go as always. As you all know greyhounds are great magnets for attention and whilst we were parked at one of the services for a much needed stop we met a couple from the Brighton and Hove RGT with their greyhounds and before long Mark, Julia Bugsy and Wellington had joined us, so we were having our own gathering there in the car park. April as usual got bored and laid down, but the other greyhounds were excited at meeting each other and none of us had been to such an event before so we were looking forward to it as well.

The day started off a bit foggy but the weather forcast was good for the rest of the day and promised to be a glorious day. We arrived at the Nottingham racecourse at 7:30 am which was a miracle really as we were one of the first to arrive for once. We pitched the tent and started to unload the merchandise, the van seemed like the Tardis as the stuff just kept coming out. We were not planning on taking much back so all of what we had was to be sold that day. By 9:00 am everything was set and April had taken up her ususal position, on her bean bag and no one was going to move her this time.

We could not have wished for a better day. There was a steady stream of people through the gate and I have never seen so many greyounds in one place, all different colours, shapes and sizes but it was not just greyhounds that could enter in the shows, there were opportunities for other breeds of dog as well. There were also activities for children as well like go karting, bouncy castle farmyard pets and fairground games, there was aolso a sponsored walk around the race course, which April, Elvis and Mouse went on with Leah and Geoff. There was so much to see and do you could even have your dog washed in the pampered pooch corner.

Leah, Geoff, Elvis and Mouse arrived eager to register for the competition. Mouse was entered for one of the classes and came third winning a lovely rosette and toy. 

Elvis, unfortunately did not win the “retired greyhound of the year” competition, but to us all of the greyhounds that we have homed are winners. We had a brilliant day, and spoke to a lot of interesting people.

A BIG THANK YOU to Mark, Julia, Bugsy and Wellington. Leah, Geoff, Elvis and Mouse for their support. We all had a brilliant day and a good laugh.

THE GGG IS A DEFINATE MUST FOR 2009.

Below are some pictures of our great day in nottingham.