This morning Sandwell Council informed me that the Dog shows are the only event that has not been cancelled during the mourning period. Not only in Sandwell but also the surrounding councils.
They are expecting negative backlash and press coverage due to this decision. I have had to give them my contact number, email address and also Peter’s FB so they can pass onto the press.
I am expecting a tremendous amount of work to be generated by this action. I will need everyone’s support and maybe help during the show. If anyone of the general public makes negative comments please direct them to me DO NOT engage in an aggressive response.
THE SHOW WILL BE GOING ON
I intend to have a minutes silence at 9.00am followed by the playing of the National Anthem on both days. Please let us have a load of applause following this. If the Press or public are there they will see that we are being respectful.
JUDGING WILL BE DELAYED TILL 9.20 to give competitors in the running order time to prepare their dogs.
On Monday 19th September, the day of the funeral, there will be no training of dogs on the event field between the hours of 10am – 2pm. Again showing a mark of respect.
YOUR CO-OPERATION IS REQUIRED AND APPRECIATED ( we do not want any negative response).
To the Press I will be emphasising the fact that the Queen was an animal lover, especially a dog lover, and I do not think she would want events such as ours cancelling. If anyone thinks there is any other positive comments to be made I welcome all suggestions. Other animal sports on private grounds have taken place.
On a lighter note due to the very dry summer the Council have now put in a new regulation – NO BARBEQUES OR OPEN FIRES ON THE SITE. Please adjust your shopping lists to accommodate this new rule.
Hoping we have an enjoyable and trouble free show.
Kathy Hood
