From the Chair:

It’s good to think from now on, we the committee will be able to pass on happenings etc, at Wimbledon to our owners through the WIMGO NEWS more so than in the past.

I am looking forward to never having to say that word ‘apathy’ as I have done for many years, directed at Wimbledon Owners, as now there is now no need, as we have come to an agreement with the Management, with Owners able to meet and discuss matters of racing with the Racing Manager and a member of the WGOA committee, once a month in the ‘Greyhound Pub’ on WGOA memento nights between 7.30 to 8.30pm.  (No more reasons for meetings around the bookmakers stands).

The first meeting was held on Friday 27 January and feedback was positive, although we could have had more owners participating.   Join the Owners Association Bookmakers take your money, we invest it wisely!

Monthly sub-committee meetings with stadium management have been taking place and both sides have come up with many new ideas to make Wimbledon a success, including discussions regarding prize money. BRGF prize money for 2005 is unaltered for 2006, but due to the loss of BAGS meetings there is more money for Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Therefore we have agreed with management that on one evening a month BGRF monies will be doubled on graded races only.

Our association with Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare is still thriving and our Silent Auction in December 2005 resulted in excess of £4000 being presented to them. A big thank you to Bob and Paula Boswell and Bryan and Nicola Bagwell and family for all the hard work they put into making the evening a success.

Talking about good work I would like to specially mention Sandra and Bill Fiehn who work so hard to keep the Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare successful in all areas on a voluntary basis.

May you all have a successful year will your dogs.

 

Enclosed is a questionnaire regarding BGRB prize money review 2005, please complete and return to the BGRB. Full copies of the report can be found on the website or obtained from committee members.

Jim Boothby (Chairman of WGOA) 

                                                                 

 

Silent Auction

 

W.G.O.A raises £4527.00 for Wimbledon Retired Greyhounds

As mentioned in ‘ from the Chair’ the Association embarked on alternative fund raising iniatives in 2005, and to this end a ‘Silent Auction’ was held in the Greyhound Pub on 3^rd December.  Some 40 items were auctioned on the night ranging from a turkey (donated by Mick Hardy & GRA) a Greyhound Puppy (donated by Seamus Cahill ) to a pledge to walk Greyhounds at Hersham for two weeks (pledged anonymously)

All the items were open for bidding between 6.30 pm and 10.00 pm, with the final bid on the individual bidding sheets at 10.00 pm, taking the item. There were a number of bargains to be had, where else could you have got a Turkey, two bottles of spirits and a fully stocked Christmas hamper for £50.00, one lucky person sorted their Christmas in three and a half hours.

We will be looking to hold another event at about the same time next year, possibly with a slightly changed format, whatever we will be looking as always for donations of items, or pledges, which can be made to any committee member at any time.

If you cannot donate or pledge then turn up on the night, it will be advertised in future editions of WIMGO news, and on posters prior to the date.  

 

Bob Boswell

 

Wimbledon Owners 2005 Awards Dinner & Dance

This years Dinner & Dance Awards evening will be held again at the Reigate Manor Hotel on Sunday 30^th April. Tickets are on sale now at  £35.00, overnight accommodation is available (£55 per double room).

Awards to be presented include:

Dog of the Year (joint award):- Druids Mickey Joe (trained by S.Cahill) and Sizzlers Bossman (trained by N.McEllistrum).

Bitch of the Year:- Hollyoak Thin (trained by T.Taylor).

Puppy of the Year:- Droopys Becker (trained by B.Doyle).

Special award (joint award):- Get on Blackie (S.Cahill) and Limited Blue (B.Doyle)

Veterans (joint award):- Elmstead Prince (trained by T.Taylor) and Orior Hawk (trained by R.Peacock).

Tickets as ever will be in high demand for this really enjoyable evening, so ensure you get yours early from Joyce Blackman (020 8393 6194) or (07900 278155 mobile) or through any Committee member.

All Owners and Trainers are welcome