Our new home
You will have already have received notification that the David Ferguson Hall, our venue for many years, is no longer available to us. The only alternative at Beau Sejour was the Sir John Loveridge Hall (the sports hall), but the contractual terms were unacceptable and the cost prohibitive. With very few options left, we have been fortunate to secure the Activity Centre at the Guernsey Scouts HQ in Rue Mainguy as our show venue for the foreseeable future. Our first show at the new venue will be the Members' Show on Sunday, 26th February.
Setting up
Setting up of the hall will be restricted to committee members, at least for this show, but help with clearing afterwards would be much appreciated.
Wot? No Chris?!
At the AGM in November, Chris Bligh stood down as Show Manager after many years' much valued service as Mother/Bossy-Boots/She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed. To say that she will be missed in this role is a massive understatement, and she has proved to be not just a hard act to follow but an impossible one - no committee member felt both able and willing to stand for the position. Thankfully, David Turner has come to the club's rescue, bravely volunteering to be Acting Show Manager for the Members' Show.
So . . .
No one would choose to hold a show at a new venue and under a brand new show manager, but this is the situation in which the committee finds itself. In spite of careful planning and preparation there will inevitably be snags and teething problems. The cooperation, support and goodwill of all members will be essential to achieve a smooth-running show. This is an exciting time for the GKC, and an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and friendship that has held the club together for so many years.
In particular, we ask all exhibitors
to come prepared with a good supply of patience and a
flexible attitude as we begin the challenging task of
settling into our new home.
Know our limits
The main building, car parking and dog exercise area as shown on the plan are the only parts of the site to which we have access. Please do not stray into other areas.
Where are we?
Our shows will now take place in the Activity Centre at:
Rue Mainguy
Vale
GY6 8NL
Perry's ref: 8/9 E2.
Follow the GKC signs from the Pleinheaume Road/Les Rouvets end.
Opening time
The hall will be open to exhibitors from 8:00 am on show day.
Car parking
Parking is available immediately outside the hall, and also in the sign-posted field on your right as you drive in.
Entrance
Entrance to the hall for exhibitors and dogs is by the double doors at the rear. Dogs are only permitted in the main hall, not in the foyer.
Dog toilet
A section of field (to the right of the entrance doors as you approach) has been designated as a dog toilet zone, and will be sign-posted. You must you clear up after your dog and use the bins provided.
Fire doors
Clear access to all fire doors must be maintained at all time.
Ringside
The new venue is slightly smaller than we are used to. The rings will be the same size as before and the layout similar, but there is less ringside sitting area - it's going to be cosy! Chairs are available, but not tables.
Refreshments
Refreshments will be available all day on the mezzanine overlooking the show rings. On offer will be a selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, chocolate bars and homemade cakes, plus tea, coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water and soft drinks.
No food or drink (other than water) may be consumed in the main hall
except by designated officials unable to leave their posts.
We are using a sports hall, and under the terms of our contract,
even if you bring your own food it must be eaten on the mezzanine.
Cages
Because we are using a sports hall, care must be taken not to damage the floor. All cages and pens must be placed on a protective mat or towel. The setting up of cages before 8:00 am on show day is no longer permitted.
Sandwich fillings will be any combination of: egg, ham, ham coleslaw, cheese, cheese coleslaw, tuna, tuna cucumber, tuna cheese, chicken, corned beef, pickle - on white or brown bread. As this a new venture, and in order to keep prices and wastage to a minimum, it would be helpful if sandwiches could be pre-ordered .
Litter
Before you leave, please clear all your litter and grooming waste. Place it in the bins provided or take it home with you.
And finally . . .
Please treat our new home with the same care and respect you do
your own home, and ensure that your dog does likewise.
If we lose this venue we have nowhere else to go!
Don't be late!
As an exhibitor, the onus is on you to present yourself and your dog at the collecting ring in time for your class, ie while the previous class is being judged. The number of the class being judged is displayed at the ring entrance, and the collecting stewards will announce the number of the next class, but they will no longer seek out, chase up, nag or chivvy tardy exhibitors.
Exhibitors who are changing dogs will be allowed time to do so, but should ensure their second dog is fully ring-ready before entering the ring with the first one.
If you are not there in time the class will start without you
- you have been warned!
