Bulldog Run 10th Anniversary
Ten years ago Tina Hall of the Midhurst Detours SC decided she wanted to find a way to help the local Bulldog Rescue in Midhurst, run by Dizzy and Tania Holmes. The brilliant work they do with sick and unwanted Bulldogs is amazing, and so the annual ‘Bulldog Run’ began.
Originally people would donate bags of dog food, enough to keep the kennels going for a whole year. Over the years, this would grow into other essentials for the kennels, and now in money donations towards the upkeep and vet bills for the centre. During the run, people were able to come and meet the volunteers at the centre, the dogs themselves and enjoy a cuppa. Then it was over to the pub to listen to DJs and live acoustic musicians. The car park at the Greyhound Pub was just the right size to accommodate all the scooters and put on reasonably priced burgers and drinks.
After several years Tina decided to ask Area 51 to take over, which we were happy
to do. When taking over an established event it is always tempting to change things, but why change something that isn’t broken?
The main meeting place was McDonald’s in Chichester Many arrived early and got themselves breakfast/burgers as the time was getting on. Some had travelled from Portsmouth/Gosport area, while others were from Worthing, West Sussex. Many of the people attending had been coming to all 10 Bulldogs, including Tina herself. As I walked around to sell patches, Pete Davies did the same with his Bulldog stickers, all our proceeds going towards the Bulldog Rescue.
Tony Sivyer and myself then took the lead and left Chichester, with Area 51 marshalling (Adrian, Stuart, Alan, Wayne). The ride was wonderful through the Midhurst countryside, passing Goodwood, Weald and Downland. I would definitely recommend a ride around this area. We carried on through the town and up to Carron Lane where the Bulldog Rescue and rehoming is situated. Already there were scooters from A5, Lost Souls and others from north of the Downs. Members of Area 51 started serving teas, coffees and their wonderful cakes made by Carina, Jen, Chris, Lou and Fiona, while loads of donations were coming in. The bulldogs were on form, making a cute impression on all who walked through to see them. Some even took adoption forms.
Soon it was time to move on to the Greyhound pub for sounds by Rob Skelt from Pier Pressure, with burgers and pulled pork on sale outside and a bar and a roast dinner available indoors.
As the day came to an end, we made an amazing £1,691.58 for the Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming Centre. There were brill photos taken by Ali Richards and Pete Davies, and too many clubs to mention who deserve a massive thank you. After 10 years it has been a brilliant experience. Fingers crossed for the next 10 years.