'DISCOVER DOGS' - LONDON - 12th. and 13th. November 2005 |
'Discover Dogs 2005' celebrated its tenth anniversary The show was packed with fun and entertaining displays and activities for all the family to enjoy - from Metropolitan Police Dog displays to teams of rescue dogs trying their paws at agility - as well as training tips, dog demonstrations by young people and their dogs, and information and advice for prospective and existing dog owners. Visitors were able to meet 180 different breeds of pedigree dogs. Sharon Hardwicke, along with her parents, Brenda and Tony Barge, has organised the Norwich Terrier booth at 'Discover dogs' in London since the event first began (except the very first one ). Sharon went along to that first event with Beverley Watkins, who was then Secretary of the Norfolk Terrier Club. Beverley had not been able to recruit anyone to help for either the Norfolk or Norwich booths. Sharon and her parents have now got the organisation to a fine art. At first, they had only plain walls in the booth, just a few pictures and the Kennel Club handouts. Taking careful note on how other breeds were dealing with their booths, our team set about designing a more attractive booth. |
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Lately, the Norwich booth has been allocated a corner spot. In the picture on the left Sharon (left) and her mother, Brenda, are starting work. You can see the equipment and wall coverings they take with them to Earls Court. Brenda is seen placing their latest piece of equipment - which is covered, and used to display breed information in a highly visible position. |
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People do not generally realise the amount of preparation and work which is involved in 'Discover Dogs'. Our team go to London on the Friday afternoon before the event and spend about five hours in setting -up. They enjoy doing this, and feel almost part of a 'family' at Earls Court, where they have got to know many others from nearby breeds ( almost always the same people year after year!). Even the Security Force has changed so little that they are known individually by name. When all is ready they return home. The next morning, Saturday, they are back again bright and early to meet the non-showing public who are interested in Norwich Terriers, and field the many questions which are asked. After a long day it is back home for them. On Sunday morning they are back once more to face another day, but Sharon and her parents enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The dogs, too, adore all the attention and fuss they receive and show off their lovely temperaments. At the end of the day it's time to take down all the displays, pack everything away, and transport it all back home. We know our team enjoy the weekend but many, many thanks are due to Sharon and her parents for all the hard work and dedication they have put into this event over the years. Without that the Norwich booth would not be the success it undoubtedly is. Thank you Sharon, Brenda and Tony.
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