YYYYYaaaaaaa

Ya

YYYa

Ya

Ya

YYYa

YYa

YYYa

Ya

Ya

YYYa

YYa

Yrrrrrmmmm

ooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuttttttthhhh GGGGrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeererrrerererrrerrer yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyhhhhhhhhhhhhh

oooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuunnnndddd

HomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefindersHomefinders

NewsletterPublisher: Michele Perry Issue Number: 32 Date: Spring 2015

Note from the editorHello 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.

Blue, my elderly greyhound enjoyed his fi rst “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 featurein 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 to them

starting to dig. Our back garden used to resembile a mine fi eld 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.

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

www.yarmouth-greyhound-homefi nders.co.uk Telephone: 0845 458 3797

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

Kennels situated at 51 Cromer Road, Hainford, NR10 3AU (on A140) and are Open from 10am until 2pm every day.

Dear friends, I have kindly been asked to share my thoughts on my fi rst two months as the Retired Greyhound Trust’s Chief Executive.

The time has really fl own by and the fi rst couple of months in this role have been fantastic. The RGT benefi ts 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-TomkinsMichele

Elly having a dig!

CO-ORDINATOR’S BITThis 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 fl oat 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 andthe organisers would allow us to come along pleaselet us know.

We continue to collect at the turnstiles and organise a raffl e 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 fi nish 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 Homefi nders 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.

CorinneDogs homed since last NewsletterMonty (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 BridgeBonnie (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).

Homefi nders needs you!Sponsor Our KennelsWe have now set up a standing order form for anyonewho wishes to donate a monthly amount (from only £1)to Homefi nders. Simply complete the form and send it to:Lisa Pimble, 77 St Benets Road, Stalham, Norwich,Norfolk, NR12 9DW.

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Spring Open Day - March 15th

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.

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

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 Offi ce

Thank You

(Please Note we are not able benefi t from used Stamps)

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders Veterans RaceBoxing 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 fi eld, the close race was wonby Bettyshill Hi, owned by Dick Sutton and trained by Jane Craske.

The presentation turned out to be all Yarmouth Greyhound Homefi nders personnel. Homefi nding 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 Homefi nders 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 Homefi nders raffl e on the morning, unexpectedly selling out of raffl e 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.

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 Homefi nders 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.

This Natural remedy will save you ££££’ss....

its name is.... Apple Cider Vinegar.

It can be used for digestion, allergies, parasites, muscle fatigue, shiny coat,

cleaning ears and Arthritis. Apple Cider Vinegar keeps the acid/alkaline

balance good in your dogs body. It is particularly good for arthritis as this

is calcium build up that causes the pain and discomfort (I will be trying this

myself on my dog Jason).

You can add Apple cider vinegar to your dogs food (approx. 1tsp - 1tbsp.

depending on the size of your dog). To make up a mix to remove parasites

or bacteria in the ears and also to treat scabbed up cuts and grazes, just

make a 50/50 mix solution. It is also good for the skin in a spray bottle

after a bath OR before a walk to prevent fl eas and ticks.

The apple cider vinegar must have the mother in it...the Organic one

is best.

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

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

Letters to the editorHello 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.

Kathleen Austin

Hi Michele,

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

1

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

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

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

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

2

3 4

Designed and Typeset by Michele of www.px2co.net Design for print and web Printed by www.blackwellprint.co.uk

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 JuneLate Spring Open Day, Inc Greyhound Show

The kennels 11am to 3pm

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 All Day

Sunday 2nd August Taverham Vets Dog ShowCostessey Recreation Ground

Afternoon

Sat/Sun 8-9th August Starting Handle Club Show Marsham

Sunday 16th AugustSummer Open Day and Agility Fun

The kennels 11am to 3pm

Sun 23/Mon 24th August All About Dogs Norfolk Showground All day

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