Owners Association

Present: J. O'Donnell
T. Meynell
R. Pallister - Sunderland
M. Fieldson - Brough Park
A. Carpenter - Brough Park
Apologies: D. Maykels

1. Website - Advance Cards

R. Pallister advised that while there had been considerable improvement at Brough Park, there were still a few occasions recently when the website advance cards were not up to date. Sunderland also appears to have a problem when the office manager is on holiday. DM and TM will take steps to improve the situation.

2. Sponsors

Members advised that they knew of some people who were willing to sponsor races and wanted to know how to go about it. J. O'Donnell advised that all sponsors would be welcome and should contact either D. Maykels or T. Meynell.

3. Brough Park Trials

Following concerns about a recent trial session at Brough Park, D. Maykels has guaranteed that in future, there will be adequate experienced track staff on duty.

4. Brough Park - Racing Surface

Work to improve the surface has commenced, with the removal of the path on the inside of the track, which had been a major cause of the drainage problems in the home straight. Within the next few weeks, a new pin kerb and additional drainage will be installed. After receiving expert advice, the inside rail will be realigned slightly to improve the sweep of the bends.

5. Communications

Several owners, mainly at Brough Park, have complained that they have not received any communication whatsoever regarding the Owners' Association. J. O'Donnell advised that all communications, including minutes, are distributed to all owners whose addresses are on file. The problem at Brough Park has arisen because D. Maykels has been unable to source a full address list. However, Brough Park does advertise that copies of minutes are available from reception.

6. New Dogs

Some potential owners recently contacted Channel 425 claiming that they had difficulty placing dogs with trainers. D. Maykels and T. Meynell will canvass all trainers on the subject and will place adverts in the race card with the names and phone numbers of trainers who have space for new dogs.

7. Lay Off

T. Meynell confirmed that the time a dog can be off the track before it needs to retrial is 14 days at both Sunderland and Brough Park.

8. Trials

Owners asked if trials at Brough Park during the evening BAGS season could take place on a Wednesday afternoon rather than on a Friday. D. Maykels will investigate the possibility with the racing office and report back at the next meeting.

9. F.B.G.O.A.

It was agreed that M. Fieldson would represent owners at meetings of the Federation of British Greyhound Owners' Association and that all expenses would be paid by the tracks.

10. Next Meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place at Sunderland on Wednesday 30th November, commencing at 6.30pm. Any owner with possible agenda items can contact the Owners' Association members on the following numbers:

R. Pallister (Sunderland) 01642 818578
M. Fieldson (Brough Park) 01388 608305
A. Carpenter (Brough Park) 0191 2566280