Greenwich Park July 2024 MEET UP

by Melanie Thomas

Normally at 11am, there is lots of parking in Greenwich Park. However when I arrived I was welcomed by a CAR PARK FULL notice and guys stopping us going in. Apparently there was a festival on and they had reduced the amount of parking. But anyway, I hung about for a while and spoke nicely to the 2 guys on the gate and they let me in and guess what there were quite a few places to be found. I met Paul, Neenu and Kush with Mini and Gianna straight away, which was nice, so we could walk together to the cafe. The park was already busy and so many dogs where there. I know we keep going back to Greenwich Park, but its such a lovely park in the middle of London, a ‘real jewel in the crown’.

They had opened a serving hatch outside the cafe, which meant it was easier to get served, you didn’t have to go in que and worry about the dogs. Mind you it’s very expensive, so I only had a coffee and a diet coke! Everybody arrived by 12. It was mostly overcast, so we didn’t have to worry about the sun and the temperature was about 22 degrees. Maria Caridi arrived with Lui, who was such a good boy socializing with the other dogs. Carol & Gary Martin were with Flo and its so nice to see them again, as I wasn’t there last year so missed seeing them. People are so kind asking about my life and losing my mum and retiring, after all these years people have become friends as well as sharing the love of the breed.

I wasn’t sure weather to take Lily as she is 13 and doesn’t like to walk that far, but I’m glad I did as she was in her element with all the petting and the abundance of doggy treats! I also had Harry with me and he met up again with his brother Rory (same parents different litter). Rory was with his owners Laura & Michael Eviston and as I bred Rory, I really like to catch up, see him and how he is doing. However, I have to say that Harry & Rory don’t hit it off that well, so we had to watch them closely. Gianna’s offspring Pegasus was there with owner Dave, so there were a few family re-unions.

It was lovely to see Tessa & Matt Welby with their daughter Molly and a new addition since I last saw them a son Robin. Their little dog is Zetti, he is 10-years old but looks so young. John & Karen Twaites came along with Bella, its quite a way for them, so thanks so much for making the effort. And, I know I can rely on John & Karen for some good pictures, so that helps me a lot. We have had bigger gatherings in London, but to be honest is seams more chilled with less people. We did a raffle, with a main prize won by Paul and runner up prizes meaning that everybody chose something.

We were lucky to find a lovely lady to be our judge. I asked her as her group had lots of dogs with them (Miniature Schnauzers and Poms). Would you believe they were there to meet Schnauzer people for a meet up and she told me she does meet ups for Pomeranians also in Greenwich Park and loads of people turn up.

Prettiest Girl was Bella, Handsomest Boy was Pegasus and Best veteran was Flo. Some people brought lunch with them, so after that was consumed, we wondered off for a little walk, which went well apart from Kush losing his football in the long grass. Although the park was busy its very big and spread out so there is plenty of room for everybody.

Well back home now and Lily & Harry have had their tea and are out for the count, no need to take them for a walk this evening…