It was organised chaos at the launch party celebrations last Sunday (20th March).  The sun shone and the kennels, having benefitted from a spring clean and some niftily arranged pot plants, looked in good order.

The Owner’s room, not quite completely refurbished, was nevertheless opened up, providing a central meeting, eating and greeting area.

Various kennel and club owners, accompanied by friends and family were on hand to join in the celebrations.

Norah took all in her stride; meeting and greeting current and new members and owners, whilst managing her team and keeping an eye on all the wellbeing of the dogs. Gemma, Tim and Mary did wonders to keep their cool with the mayhem all around them.

Though Mary did ‘jump the gun’ with a marriage proposal to a ‘speechless’ member kind enough to help with the washing up.  Apparently Mary thought he’d make a fine husband given his demonstrable level of obedience training.

Most took time out to take their dogs for a walk in the wonderful weather before returning for some affordable ‘champagne’ – apparently sparkling Reisling – and various cakes and nibbles.

Floyd and Debbie began nibbling each other, which was fair enough, given the excitement of the occasion whilst most others found the food sufficiently nourishing.

Henry, and his partner Lin, travelled up from the Isle of Wight – ostensibly to meet the other owners and see his dogs but the perceived wisdom was he just wanted his certificate.

There was much meeting and greeting and making new friends whilst the dogs, and Gary, begged for attention. The dogs were given plenty of fuss and cuddles – Gary wasn’t.

Several accompanying friends, carried away with the party fever, found themselves impulse purchasing membership – thanks for bringing your cheque books.

Whilst formal only in name, Norah fomerly issued certificates to paid up members in attendance. Given that he was the first to actually hand anything over, now over a month ago, the member known simply as Sam was given the honour of being photographed receiving his certificate. And betting is odds-on that this moment will go down in the annals (yes annals) of greyhound history. Sam was accompanied by his beloved pride and joy…  Robbie.  His wife, Helen, was invited along too.

Events wound down by 1.00pm and the good news for the kennel team was that there were still several bottles of booze left over.  Apparently we have a generally sober bunch of members. Though, to be fair,  many couldn’t drink and drive.

Certainly a satisfactory first social – and here’s to many more.

Check out the pics on the image gallery.