Spring 2015

Yarm

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h Grey t ou

Newsletter Publisher: Michele Perry

Homefinders

Issue Number: 32

Date: Spring 2015

Kennels situated at 51 Cromer Road, Hainford, NR10 3AU (on A140) and are Open from 10am until 2pm every day. www.yarmouth-greyhound-homefinders.co.uk Telephone: 0845 458 3797

Note from the editor

Dear friends,

Hello everyone, welcome to the Spring edition of the newsletter. Hopefully all your hounds have enjoyed the last of frosty winter walks, if they are anything like my two they are now full of the joys (and scents) of Spring.

I have kindly been asked to share my thoughts on my first two months as the Retired Greyhound Trust’s Chief Executive.

Blue, my elderly greyhound enjoyed his first “naked” walk of the year recenlty, enjoying the winter sun without his jacket on!

In this issue we have added a top tips from our very own Di Wright, these will become a regular feature in future newsletters.

Does anyone else’s greyhounds start on a digging frenzy around this time of year? A friend of mine, who is a dog trainer once told me that dogs can smell the changes underground, so can sense new life in bulbs and roots, and this can lead Elly having a dig! to them starting to dig. Our back garden used to resembile a mine field in the past, but we now have hard landscaping, Blue happliy has a little dig when we are out on walks though.

Please send me your stories for the Summer newsletter: michele_storer@hotmail.com I’ll try to include as many as I can.

Michele

The time has really flown by and the first couple of months in this role have been fantastic. The RGT benefits from an expansive branch network, and I am immersing myself into operations to experience as much as I can about the RGT hounds and the volunteers who look after them day after day. Simply put, the RGT would not exist as it is today without the endless dedication of these individuals. It really is an inspiring charity.

Joining the RGT in its 40th anniversary year is a privilege. During this time we have homed more than 70,000 hounds, which is something to really be proud of. This year will be a true celebration as we have a full schedule of celebratory events.

Not only will we soon be printing a commemorative issue of Homer Magazine, we are inviting greyhound owners to join us at events all through the summer, including the Greyhound Extravaganza, the Great Greyhound Gathering, the new Scotland Greyhound Gathering and the RGT’s Ruby Ball. I hope that you will be able to join us for a few of these events, as I am looking forward to meeting RGT supporters from around the country.

My warmest wishes,

Lisa Morris-Tomkins

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders, a branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust Registered Charity No: 269668

Editor: michele_storer@hotmail.com 25 Vanguard Chase, Costessey, Norwich NR5 0UG

CO-ORDINATOR’S BIT

Spring Open Day - March 15th

This year, in June, the Retired Greyhound Trust celebrates its 40th birthday. To celebrate this we are hoping to have some sort of celebration at Hainford. We are also going to enter a float in The Lord Mayors Procession in Norwich on July 4th. We would like your ideas for both of these and will need groups of volunteers to work on both events with the staff.

Last year was one of our most successful homing 137 greyhounds. Regularly going to fetes, dog shows and other events every weekend with our stall undoubtedly helped greatly towards our total. We hope to do the same this year and if anyone would like to bring their greyhound and talk to the public they would be made very welcome. If you have an event in your area and the organisers would allow us to come along please let us know.

We continue to collect at the turnstiles and organise a raffle at the Stadium on Saturday evenings, we are always looking for extra helpers and if you would like to be involved contact Lisa Pimble she will be delighted to hear from you.

We, the dogs and staff, greatly appreciate all the volunteers who help walk the dogs each morning throughout the year in sun, rain, snow, whatever the weather. We know there are some people unable to come in the morning but would still like to walk, from April, as we already do on Wednesdays, you will be made very welcome from 1.30pm to walk dogs. Morning walks begin at 10.30am and we do request that you do not arrive before then in order to give the staff the chance to finish cleaning the kennels. We always welcome new walkers even if you are unable to commit to coming every week.

We are always looking for new foster families. Sometimes we have elderly or younger dogs who have been in homes for a long time returned. It is very upsetting

for them to be put back into the kennels, particularly the older dogs. All we ask is you give the dogs a loving temporary home while we look for a new owner, all vet bills etc. are covered by us. If you feel you could help in this way please ring on 08454 583797 and have a chat.

We hope to see you at some of the Open Days this year, the next one is on May 10th at the Stadium for the track walk or perhaps a stroll round Wolterton park on19th April takes your fancy.

We are pleased to announce that despite her busy schedule, new RGT Chief Executive Lisa Morris-Tomkins will be visiting us on Saturday 9th May, Lisa will be at the Stadium for the race meeting, to meet the Homefinders Volunteer fund raisers and the Vet and Trainers in the racing Kennels. If her schedule allows, Lisa will visit our homing kennels at Hainford and or pop into the Stadium on Sunday for the Track Walk.

Corinne Dogs homed since last Newsletter Monty (Turbo Baritone), Rambo (Montis Rambo), Jessie (Reference Point), Katie(Boxer Katie), Tommy (Good Tradition), Cracker (Mr Cracker), Willy (Roberts Dancer), Smithy (Munster Champ), Topaz (Telford Topaz), Lady (Lonesome Lady), Mary (Glenske Mary), Sam (SwissCross), Messi (Ullid Messi), Tanner (Three Tanners), Whacker (Wednesday Whacker), Fizzy (Oh so Fizzy), Larry (Libres Adventure), Bomber (Gorm Aris), Talbot (Riverside Talbot), Bluey (BlueRocket), Danny (ArtisticTalent), Peter (Namecheck), Gad (Grown Ups), Asher (Anger Management), Trixie (Nametab Bluebell), Dash (Terrorbash Dash), Queenie (Edencurra Queen), Woody (Cohan Blue), Kelly (Invincia Kelly), Pepper (Ridgedale Impact), Bart (Darian Marvel), Charlie (Maine Andoe), Sparky (Stargate Spark).

Sadly gone to the Rainbow Bridge Bonnie (Burgoyne Bunny), Chloe (Emma’s Lady), Finbar (Beanie Black), Pye (Pyro), Lola (Princess Belinda), Barney (Rough on Air),Ty (Ian the Flowerman), Beau (Bodell Bepe).

Homefinders needs you!

Sponsor Our Kennels

Sponsor Our Newsletter Postage

We have now set up a standing order form for anyone who wishes to donate a monthly amount (from only £1) to Homefinders. Simply complete the form and send it to: Lisa Pimble, 77 St Benets Road, Stalham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR12 9DW.

Even after editing the mailing list we need to post nearly 700 Newsletters and the number grows with each issue.

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you can help by supplying 2nd Class Stamps or Donating towards the cost we would be very grateful. Please Post the Stamps or Donation to: Lisa Pimble, 77 St Benets Road, Stalham, Norwich, or Drop them into the Kennels Office

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Thank You

Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Please Note we are not able benefit from used Stamps)

Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks to everyone who attended, made items, or helped on the day. We raised a fantastic £926.33, and three dogs were reserved on the day.

If you are sponsoring as a gift for someone else also provide their details

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders Veterans Race Boxing Day Morning at Yarmouth Stadium The Veterans Race, entrants must be four years of age or older, is the popular annual feature at Yarmouth Stadium, on the Boxing Day morning greyhound race card. Having attracted a competitive field, the close race was won

by Bettyshill Hi, owned by Dick Sutton and trained

by Jane Craske.

The presentation turned out to be all Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders personnel. Homefinding Co-ordinator Corinne Douglas presented Joanne Armiger, holding Bettyshill Hi, with the Trophy that accompanies the £200 winners prize.

At race meetings Joanne is Kennel Hand to Jane Craske, during some week days and at alternate weekends, Joanne works at Homefinders Hainford homing kennels.

Seated is Joanne’s daughter Ashlyn. At the front Lisa Pimble, who also works at Hainford with the available pets, holding Marley, he had been “Meeting and Greeting” the public at the turnstiles.

Lisa Pimble also organised the Homefinders raffle on the morning, unexpectedly selling out of raffle tickets.

Including the gate collection over £600 was raised, a good sum and all going to help meet the costs of rehoming the ex-racers.

Di’s Greyhound Tips Here is a tips from Diane Wrights website, she offers a new tip each week at: www.dispetservices.co.uk

... save you ££££’ss. l il w y ed m re l ra This Natu le Cider Vinegar. its name is.... App

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Jas g do y myself on m rox. 1tsp - 1tbsp. your dogs food (app to ar eg vin er cid e move parasites You can add Appl make up a mix to re To . g) do ur yo of e azes, just depending on the siz abbed up cuts and gr sc t ea tr to o als d rs an in a spray bottle or bacteria in the ea o good for the skin als is It n. tio lu so ix make a 50/50 m eas and ticks. a walk to prevent fl re fo be R O th ba a after one r in it...the Organic he ot m e th ve ha t us egar m The apple cider vin is best.

Spotted on Facebook, hounds doing what they do best...

A Good Turnout of Volunteers Christmas Morning Unfortunately, we had some returned pets, just before Christmas, unexpectedly increasing the number of pets at Hainford over the festive period.

A certain amount of doubling up in kennels was required, so they could all enjoy the days together, in one kennel block, rather than spread out into both blocks.

The holiday period went well, with many of the Homefinders Volunteers turning out on Christmas Day, ensuring the day was special for all the hounds. A big thanks to everyone who came along on the day.

Letters to the editor

Spotted! - Greyhounds in museums

Hi Michele,

Hello Michele Best wishes from me and from Zina (Tomscabin Breeze) who has been with me now for nearly five years. She was 9 in January and is a real spoilt princess.

I’m sending you a picture of her showing how she likes to sleep on her own special couch! Doesn’t look comfortable does it, but she seems to like it!

All the very best Lora Meredith, Kessingland, Suffolk Everyone at Homefinds would like to thanks Lora for her donation, which she made to us instead of sending out Christmas cards last year.

Dear Michele, It is with great sadness that I have to tell homefinders that our lovely boy passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Friday 7th November 2014.

We were out walking with Finbar (Beanies Black DOB 21/07/01) and Titchling(Teds Told Me To), when Finbar collapsed, he had been not too grand since the summer.

His back legs were not so good and his breathing was a bit of a struggle, but he was still enjoying his shorter walks and also his meals. We got him to our vets and he was put to sleep in the back of our car. We held him as he peacefully fell asleep.

Finbar was an in your face, lovely demanding lad, but he was a gentle loving one and the kindest nature you would not believe. The house is so quiet without him and Titchling cannot quite make out where he has gone to. We had Finbar for just over 7 years and he was 14yrs 4 months old. A privilege to have looked after him.

Lois Artpeach Prismall spotted this piece in Verulamium museum in St Albans. The Romans liked their greys enough to put them on a bowl!

I just thought I’d let you know how I’m getting on in my forever home with Mum (Linda) and Blue. I came home in May 2014 and don’t know where the time has gone.

I was a bit bossy with Blue to start with (and he was a gentleman about it) but we get on fine now. I enjoy playing tag with him in the garden and he seems happy to share his slippers and rope toy with me.

We’ve got squeaky toys too but are only allowed these under supervision as I can still get a bit protective of mine.

Mum taught me not to jump up all the time. Not sure I was too keen on the water spray but I soon got the message. Apparently I am quite bright. I move off Mum’s sofa when she comes to sit down (sometimes without being asked). I understand that is almost unheard of in grey circles. However, there is another sofa to sit on. I also come and join Mum in the kitchen as soon as I’ve finished my food while we wait for Blue to eat his. Not saying I’m a goody two shoes or anything but I do try and please.

I really love a good cuddle and luckily when Mum’s friends come round they seem happy to oblige.

Please take a photo of your unexpected greyhound spots and email them to michele_storer@hotmail.com

A uniquely festive fund raiser for Homefinders.

The Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Church Caister-on-Sea In the run up to Christmas, from Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th December, Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders took part in the Christmas Tree Festival at Caister Holy Trinity Church, the Stadium’s parish church.

Despite over fifty trees featuring at the five day festival, the Homefinders Tree more than held its own, thanks to the unique and lovely felt greyhound decorations complete with festive collars, whilst the star on the top of the tree was a copy of the neon logo sign atop the Stadium restaurant, all handmade by Homefinders supporter Karen Daynes.

When the festival ended, the tree was displayed at the Stadium, throughout the Christmas race meetings.

Following her felt greyhound decorations being shown on Facebook, Karen was inundated with requests for them, so she busily got to work making more, to be sold at Homefinders Christmas Fayre at Taverham Village Hall. All in all good publicity and a unique festive fund raiser for Homefinders.

Hope all my mates at the kennels get lovely forever homes soon.

1: On the left Lisa Pimble, with Joanne Armiger and Stadium representative Dave Smith, who supplied the tree, erecting the tree.

Sylvie (Kellsboro Sally) Dear Michele, I am writing to let you know that Ty “Ian the Flowerman” lost his battle with throat cancer. He was put to sleep three weeks before Christmas.

During the 12 months after we adoped him, he became “one of the gang” and fitted in seamlessley. It was as though he had always been with us.

2: And finally with the tree erected, happily adding the decorations.

1

2

3: Topping out the tree with a `unique fairy`.

4: The splendid view down the main aisle, with the Homefinders tree on the right.

I really appreciate all the support that Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders gave to us when we discovered he had cancer. Up until the last week with us Ty had a great quality of life.

Yours Truly, Sandra Sullivan

Kathleen Austin 3

4

EVENTS LIST 2015 Date

Event

Location

Time

Sunday 10th May

Stadium Track Walk

Yarmouth Stadium

11am to 3pm

Sunday 24th May

RGT Greyhound Extravaganza

Newmarket

Sunday 7th June

Late Spring Open Day, Inc Greyhound Show

The kennels

Sunday 21st June

Great British Greyhound Walk

Pakefield

Saturday 4th July

Lord Mayor’s Procession

Norwich

5pm

Sunday 5th July

Summer Walk

Blickling hall

11am

Sunday 5th July

Discover South Norfolk

Long Stratton

11am to 4pm

Saturday 18th July

Hellesdon Carnival

Community Centre

All Day

Sunday 2nd August

Wells Next the Sea Fete

Sunday 2nd August

Taverham Vets Dog Show

Costessey Recreation Ground

Sat/Sun 8-9th August

Starting Handle Club Show

Marsham

Sunday 16th August

Summer Open Day and Agility Fun

The kennels

11am to 3pm

Norfolk Showground

All day

Sun 23/Mon 24th August All About Dogs

11am to 3pm

All Day Afternoon

Saturday 5th September

Fundenhall Fete and Dog Show

Sunday 6th September

Beer Festival

Pakefield

1pm to 6pm

Sunday 27th September

Autumn Walk

Winterton Beach

11am

Sunday 11th October

Autumn Open Day and Auction The kennels

11am to 3pm

Sunday 22nd November

Winter Walk

TBA

11am

Saturday 12th Dec

Christmas Fayre

Taverham village Hal1

1pm to 3.30pm

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