Yarm

outh Greyhound Homefinders

NewsletterPublisher: Lynda Eden Issue Number: 10 Date: Summer 2009

A Note From The Editor…A note from the editor. Or rather, an apology from the editor!

In the last issue the cheesy dog biscuits should have stated 1 oz of cheese, not 10 oz! Apologies to anyone who had a sticky, cheesy mess to clean up. Mind you, I’m sure your dogs would have helped in the clean up!

The homing of the greyhounds continues to go extremely well. It’s always lovely to see the dogs going off to their new homes but it’s especially rewarding to see when they have been with us for quite a while. So, waving Chevy goodbye was a very special moment. He had been with us for about 18 months so obviously it was quite emotional to see him go!

Harry was another dog that had been with us for a while. For some unknown reason he was always over-looked. I’m really pleased to say that he has now gone off to his new home along with his new greyhound girlfriend, Sandy.

On a sad note, our golden oldie Tiger died shortly after being homed. He’d only ever known kennel life but at least he discovered a few home comforts and love with his new owner.

Thank you Jean for looking after him during his last weeks.

The walk at Bacton Woods was a huge success and it was lovely to see so many friends, old and new, with their dogs. A bonus of the walk is that we are able to take out some of the kennel dogs. I’m sure that they really appreciate getting out and about and seeing new places, faces and dogs!

One such dog was Meaty (now known as Pete). I received the following email from Chloe’s owner Mike:

Hi Lynda

Thanks to you all for such a lovely time, it was wonderful to see so many rescued greyhounds enjoying a get together. We never thought we would become so involved. Their characters seem to encourage us coming into their world.

Our names are Michael & Yvonne and we adopted Chloe in November 2008. She was 5 on April 1st.

We were standing in a crowd of greyhounds when Chloe noticed Pete (Meaty) who was with Sue some 30 to 40yds away standing on their own. Chloe decided she wanted to meet him and just pulled on her lead till I allowed her to walk over to him, they just acted like two long lost friends.

They stayed close throughout the walk, sometimes so close Chloe was leaning on Meaty, incredible!

Thanks again, see you soon.

Mick & Yvonne

Kennels Located At Hainford, A140. Open Saturdays 11am-2.30pm otherwise by appointment

Lynda_eden@hotmail.comMrs Lynda Eden, 20 Bernard Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9AW.

More Tombola Tales From Yarmouth StadiumSince my retirement in December 2008 I am pleased to write that Russell has taken up the challenge of fundraising and that he is doing extremely well.

I would like to thank the many people who have wished me well for the future and all of the kind letters and cards that I have received, also the beautiful fl owers and the very pretty plant.

I must write about Simon my helper who started fundraising for Homefi nders in the summer of 2008. With his fair hair, big eyes and even bigger smile he became a big hit with the ladies who call him “cutie”! He is like a miniature whirlwind and sells more tickets than anyone else! Simon lives in Norwich and travels by train to Great Yarmouth and then walks from the station to the stadium. Now, there’s dedication for you!

Lesley.

There are tombola stalls run throughout the year. Especially busy times are during the school holiday in July and August and September when the Greyhound Derby takes place.

If you can spare a few hours to help to run the tombola stall, sell tickets or to hold a collection tin please contact Russell on: 07828212197 or 01493 377660

Julie Green Races For Homefi ndersFollowing gentle persuasion from one of her friends and greyhound owner, Keith Parkin, one of Yarmouth Stadium’s greyhound trainers Julie Green decided to enter the annual Ames Nissan Amateur Riders Charity Flat Race, supporting the Norfolk Countryside Alliance and local Charities, at Fakenham.This is not an inconsiderable undertaking. To enter the race required a donation of £750 to the Countryside Alliance, then Julie had to obtain a temporary Jockey’s Licence, involving a day at Newmarket riding both a mechanical and a real (large) racehorse! With Keith’s assistance, Julie could then raise money for her chosen charity, Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders. Local racehorse trainer Christine Dunnett lent a super racehorse for the occasion and allowed Julie to attend her stables, training for the big event – riding daily, plus mucking out – Julie also followed a serious diet.

Snow had forced the cancellation of the original race meeting, scheduled for Friday 13th February but Julie didn’t have to wait too long as Fakenham Racecourse was granted an extra day’s racing, on Friday 27th March. Off the pace for the fi rst lap of the course, Julie and Lawyer To World came through to take a creditable third place. When Keith Parkin gathered in all the promised sponsorship monies he found the total had reached the great sum of £2,393.

Thank you Julie, Keith and Lawyer To The World!

Lawyer To World with Keith and Julie presenting the cheque to Julia, committee member of Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders.

Why not become a “Friend of

Yarm

ou

th Greyhound Homefinders

For a suggested minimum donation of £5 you will receive our newsletter and other related

information throughout the year.Please send the following information

Your name, Your address and a Cheque payable to Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi ndersTo: Brenda Garrod, 4, Caystreward,

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 4AR.

Martha’s ProgressSo, here we are, a few months on from the piece in the last newsletter. Martha has been with us for about seven months now and well and truly settled in. Not to say running the show. Still keeping Maggie in her place, but not in a nasty way, the pack needs that predictable stability with me in charge (I like to think), then Anne (have I got that the right way round?), Martha next and Maggie last but in no way least. She’s the one who will brave the fl oor to gaze lovingly at me while Martha prefers the comfort of her duvet bed. Not that Martha isn’t affectionate. She’s the one at the foot of the stairs whining for me at six every morning, or is it breakfast she’s after? She’s the one pushing to the front of the queue to greet me when I arrive home from work in the evening, or is it the collar and lead she’s after? Whatever the reason, it is lovely to see her as part of the family. She’s a very happy old girl and proof of one of the many clichés we have at the kennels: “all they need is love”.

Spring is well and truly here as I write and although it may be a little late for your hounds when you read this I thought I’d pass on one or two of Martha’s Gardening Tips:

1) Turning over the top soil: at this time of year it’s always a good idea to dig a little in the fl ower beds. Not too deep, just enough to dislodge a bulb or two. You may be lucky and fi nd one that is good enough to eat, if not, just leave it lying on the patio or any other place it can’t grow. If you’re not fortunate enough to fi nd bulbs - just eat the earth. Try not to leave telltale traces around your mouth and nose!

2) Try a few fresh, green shoots. I recommend a hydrangea for this. It may be the wrong time of year in some people’s opinion for pruning but the tender, newly opened leaves make for excellent eating. Snapping new growth stems also whiles away those idle moments.

3) Enjoy your garden! Remember - fl owerbeds are made to be walked through, not around.

Well, that’s it from me for this issue. Hoping to see you and your four-legged friends at the open days and walks throughout the year.

Clive

Seth Part 3 (Finally!)It seems I have a fan club as I have had a request to continue my story.

So here goes…………Just behind where I live there is a wood where I go for walks. In the wood are small furry things with large tails that run around in the trees. The pesky varmints just will not come down and play with me even though I have a special side to side dance to show when I see them. They have, however, caused me some pain as I used to walk through the wood looking upwards all the time. After a few weeks of bumping my nose on trees, falling down holes, tripping over logs and walking through huge stinging nettles plus getting a stiff neck, I decided to give up and look for rabbits instead.

The other day we were walking quite peacefully around our neighbourhood when I spotted two lions…yes, two lions! They sat outside a house and stared at me. Now I am not silly, I know lions roar and bite, so I took my manservant, David, onto the other side of the road to protect him. They couldn’t get at us there. We have been by a number of times since and each time I bravely save all our lives by leading everybody well out of their way. I can’t imagine why they just sit and stare all their lives it must be very boring!

You might remember me talking about my butler, David, well that arrangement is still in place but I now have a maid as well. In my house there is a brindle bitch called Abi. David says she is a bitch but I think she is lovely. When I lie on my sofa with my head hanging off looking forlorn (I pretend!) she comes and washes out my ears for me. Recently she came over washed my feet then climbed onto my sofa beside me, so we cuddled up together. I think I am now in love. Sometimes David tries to sit next to Abi when she is on my sofa so I have to get on as well and push him off. He has to know his place in the family doesn’t he!!

That’s all until next time. Lots of licks and kisses to my fan club.

Seth

OPEN DAY AND GREYHOUND SHOWSunday 21st June 2009 From 11am

At the kennels, off A140 at Hainford

1. MOST HANDSOME DOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12PM

2. MOST BEAUTIFUL BITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.30PM

3. BEST LOOKING VETERAN (9 AND OVER) . . . . . . 1PM

4. MOST CUDDLY PUPPY (3 AND UNDER) . . . . . . . 1.30PM

5. BEST YOUNG HANDLER (14 and under) . . . . . . . 2PM

6. BEST IN SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30PM

1ST PRIZE TROPHY AND ROSETTE

2ND PRIZE ROSETTE

3RD PRIZE ROSETTE

£1 ENTRY FEE FOR EACH CLASS (PAY AT ENTRY)

As usual we will have merchandise for sale, including coats, dog food, collars and t-shirts.Plus tombola, raffl e and refreshments.

We will also have a photographer on site to capture those special moments!

Please come along and help us to celebrate 10 years of

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders.

Founded June 1999

www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk/homefi nders.htm

0845 458 3797

If you have a story or photograph you’d like to include in our next newsletter, please email Lynda: lynda_eden@hotmail.com

Recently Homed DogsClaudia

I am Claudia sleek and blackWith an impressive record on the trackNow I’m happy to have run my last raceAnd I can let others take up the chaseWritten by Dorothy

Brucie and his new friend Molly

She is the boss but he so wants to play all the time. He is like the Big Friendly Giant with big paws!!! Bren

Ted

Ted is a lovely boy who is now living the life of riley! He loves to stretch out in the sunshine on his duvet and he sticks to his owner as if he has been grafted to him!

EllieEllie has settled well but still has a hatred of cats! She is a much-loved member of the family and is popular with everyone. She is very affectionate and usually well behaved!

Stephen

Excerpts from a letter we received from Chevy (clever chap has learned how to write!)

I thought you lot at the kennels loved me? So how come you put me with these extreme nutters? Funny thing is I have settled in really well with this quirky bunch and they seem to love my good looks and personality.

They also say to tell you they now know why you were all laughing as I was driven away from the kennels. No one told them of my anti-social behaviour…. I can clear a room in two seconds fl at! (Think that’s a greyhound thing Chevy!… Lynda.)

I have also found a lovely rabbit slipper and took it to my bed but boy was it heavy! It really made my nose turn (even more than usual!). They thought it was very comical and told me that it was a doorstop fi lled with concrete, whatever that is! Mind you it pulled their fi nger out and got them to give me loads of my own toys, including a rabbit – but I still like the doorstop best!

Although I miss you all, if you don’t mind, I’ll stay put. I’ve been good and not let your good reputation down. Well, except for when I thought my water stand was a tree and relieved myself. Doesn’t wee spread far on carpet tiles?

Must go now as writing has tired me and it’s time to look at the inside of my eye lids for a bit of shut-eye.

Love you, Moors Chevy

P.S. Ooops! Although we have been out for my morning walk I couldn’t wee but then once home the front room wall looked too inviting and I found my leg had a mind of it’s own and lifted up! I was really surprised how high up I could pee! “George” wasn’t best pleased but as I told her, they haven’t fi nished decorating and the carpet’s coming up anyway. She melted under my crooked grin.

Co-ordinator’s Bit.At last we held a Greyhound Walk in fi ne weather. The walk at Bacton Woods proved to be one of our sunniest. It was great to see so many people there and even better to see the 45+ lovely greyhounds. Let’s hope for similar weather for the rest of our events this year.

The sun has certainly been shining on the kennels lately with homing going extremely well. Already, this year, 35 dogs (at time of writing) have found lovely homes and many have been back to the kennels to see us and show how happy they are. The fi rst few weeks for a greyhound in its new home certainly create many amusing stories and we love to hear them. For example, and I quote “Her bed looks like a teenagers bedroom”, “His fi rst act was to pinch the bird’s peanuts and scatter them in our bath”, “I think I’ll have to hang all our food from the ceiling”, “She’s having a wonderful time eating all the fl ower heads”, “We bought him lots of toys and he still only plays with our door stop”, and fi nally “I think I’ll call him glue as he just sticks to my leg”. So if you are passing the kennels on a Saturday and have your dog in the back of the car do drop in to see us and tell us some more stories. We are always delighted to see you.

We are now well into our summer events having already been to Itteringham Fete, Fakenham Races and Henham “Wings and Wheels” all of which were successful in raising awareness of our lovely dogs. Please look out for us at our other events (see last issue) and come and say hello or stand on the stall for a while if you are at any of them.

I look forward to seeing lots of you at the next Open Day on June 21st when we are holding our fi rst Greyhound Show. As usual it is all in fun and probably fairly chaotic but, hopefully, enjoyable. There will be stalls, refreshments, dog walks, other activities and, of course loads of greyhounds to meet, cuddle, stroke, talk about and compare stories about.

Our next “Walk” is at Winterton on Sunday 12th July and we are meeting at 11am at the Beach Café Car Park. We will be walking on the sand and dunes, which will make a change from the woods we usually walk in. As ever, you walk only as far as you want to and join us for a picnic if you wish. Nothing is formal, just fun and lots of greyhound chat.

It is lovely to report that Molly, a young lady of 15 years, who has been a volunteer walker for two years now, has fi nally convinced her parents that a greyhound would grace their home. She has chosen a big fawn boy to be her best friend and he is very lucky to have such a caring owner.

I would like to thank everyone who has sent blankets, tins of food, treats and other items for the dogs. We are very grateful as it all helps very much and is certainly appreciated by all the dogs in the kennels.

Give your dog a big hug from me.

David

Hartley, sharing a sofa with Becks, is enjoying his retirement. He loves his walks and runs on the beach and is also a bit of a gardener! He likes to help with the digging of the vegetable plot!

Laddie, seen here at the Bacton Woods walk, enjoys a fuss from Joanne. Recently he has acquired a lovely new greyhound girlfriend Lark.

Dotty, pictured her with her favourite toys has recently helped the party go with a swing when she helped her owner to celebrate her birthday. She enjoyed all of the fuss and the extra walks from the visitors!

Tony going off to his new home on a cold and frosty morning!

Max (Previously known as Shamoyne) happy to be going off to his new home with Linda.

Chevy leaving the kennels after being there for 18 months! It’s obvious from his letter earlier in this newsletter that he’s very happy in his new home!

Tay, about to start his new life with his tiny friends.

Carly and Andy were able to stay together and are now happily homed near Southwold.

The happy band at Itteringham Fete, Lynda, David and Clive with Jake, Seth, Martha and Maggie.

Clive with Martha, taking a well-earned break!

The hard working Homefi nder dogs, Seth and Jake.

Here’s another tasty recipe for you to try for your dogs. Hopefully with the right weights this time!

Tuna Brownies:

2 cans of drained tuna200g plain or wholemeal fl our2 eggs2 cloves of crushed garlic (optional)

Heat oven to 150 cMix all ingredients together and spread mixture onto an oiled baking tray.Bake for 20-30 minutes.Allow to cool and then cut in to squares.

Store in an airtight container.

I hope that your dog enjoys these treats as much as mine do!

Designed and Typeset by Michele of www.px2co.netDesign for print and web

Update on our sponsor dogs: Shelley, as reported in the last newsletter, is living life to the full with her greyhound and lurcher friends. Rosie is now living happily with her greyhound friend Bosun as a permanent foster dog. She is very happy and content in her home being looked after by John.

Chevy, as reported earlier, is also very happily homed after spending 18 months in our kennels.

That now only leaves Meaty (also known as Pete!). At present he is our only sponsor dog. If any of our sponsors of Shelley, Rosie or Chevy would like a photo of Meaty/Pete please write to me or send me an email.

lynda_eden@hotmail.com

Bearded greyhound racing kennel hand, Graham Anderton, agreed to have the beard, he has had for at least twenty years, shaved off, so he could take his place in the East Norfolk Operatic Societies, Fiftieth Anniversary Year Show, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado, provided people sponsored him in aid of Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders.

With £770 pounds pledged at the start of Saturday’s Bank Holiday greyhound race meeting at Yarmouth Stadium, there was no way out for Graham and after race eight, Philip Jones from PJ’s Hairdressers in Deneside, Great Yarmouth, carried out his most public shave ever, witnessed directly by the crowd on the Bookmaker Terraces and broadcast throughout the Stadium on the TV screens. Further monies were donated on the night taking the donations to £930. However, the fi nal total has risen to an incredible £1000!

The cheque was presented to Homefi nders on Saturday 23rd May at the stadium.

Thank you so much Graham and all of his sponsors.

To sponsor Pete please send a cheque for £12 (minimum donation) payable to Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders to: Mrs Lynda Eden, 20, Bernard Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9AW.

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Date of Birth: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (so that we can send you a birthday card)

And Finally.. Our thanks go out to all of our helpers and volunteers who have supported us with gifts, donations, collections and help at the kennels, stadium and events. Thank you to West Caister Kennels for their continued support and to Advision of Great Yarmouth for the printing of this newsletter. Everyone’s support is very much appreciated by all of us at Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders.

It’s been lovely to see so many of our homed dogs at the walks and calling in at the kennels during our opening time on a Saturday. We now have two “shops” open between 11am – 2.30pm. One selling our usual merchandise, dog coats and food, plus dog bowls, treats, brushes, toys etc. The other selling good quality second-hand goods, including books, children’s toys, handbags, pictures etc. Please call in and feel free to browse! Microchipping is also available at the kennels. Please contact David on 0845 458 3797to arrange an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.

Until next time, Lynda.