Posted by Mark S on October 20, 2009, 2:24 pm
217.42.154.196

The south-east's opening meeting of the point-to-point season on January 31st may have to be abandoned due to lack of funding. Although offering some of the best racing of the year, with large fields on usually ideal ground, the meeting fails to attract the paying public and has made a loss for the past two years. Now the West Street Tickham Hunt, in whose name the meeting is held, is struggling to finance this fixture and may just concentrate on its more favourable Kent Grand National Meeting in March. Sara Sansom, point-to-point secretary for the threatened event, said: "The hunt's decision means that potential losses will not be underwritten - and last year the loss was £3,500. We have major outgoings in the form of tentage and paramedics which can't be avoided. We can trim our costs in every other way, but even then the outlay is more than £10,000 and the income, from entries and gate money, could be less than £7,000. "The bookmakers have offered to support three of the races, some people have agreed to waive their charges for the day, and there are others who have indicated that they can help us in small ways. This meeting is of tremendous importance to racing folk in the South East and is always well supported by them and by owners and trainers from other areas. But the public in Kent, Surrey and Sussex don't seem to want to venture out on a winter's day for some fresh air and fun. We simply can't go ahead without backing."

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Posted by Nick Howe on October 20, 2009, 5:22 pm, in reply to "OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
62.3.229.182

I`m from East Anglia and was dissapointed to miss the fixture last season as it clashed with an East Anglian meeting, i certainly (and also many others from East Anglia) would of attended had there not been an East Anglian meeting on the same day, which isn`t the case in 2010.

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Posted by MB on October 20, 2009, 10:11 pm, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
217.42.175.31

Why does not someone from the area as a collective "WE" sell the area to sponsor's and public ! Secretaries are not paying doing enough for the meetings ! I understand that they don't get paid or do they ? If they don't want the Job give it to someone who will and will give it the support it needs ! Detling PTP has been the highlight of this area for many years ! Someone needs to do more.

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Posted by Kingsley Sansom on October 21, 2009, 7:25 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
81.134.2.206

MB, whoever you are, your comment is grossly offensive of all the hard working point to point secretaries who do not get paid. It is interesting that whenever a comment is made about things needing to be done it is always couched in terms of "someone" having to do it, never about what the writer can do to help. Here's a thought - why don't those of us who claim to be enthusiasts underwrite the meeting? I'll start the ball rolling with £100 - I suggest that you email Nicky Featherstone with offers. Don't hang about because work needs to start next week if the meeting is to go ahead.

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Posted by robert killen on October 21, 2009, 8:09 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
217.43.181.47

As a past Chairman of PPSA I think MB's comments are grossly unfair. The majority of all secretaries are volunteers - they may get some expenses - but the time and effort put into running a point to point is enormous. Point to points would not happen without the secretaries and the voluntary help. I know how hard the Deting secretary, Sara Sansum, has worked to keep everything going sometimes with little support and in difficult circumstances. I do not think comments like this help at all. The non clash with EA will help and it is great that Detling run early to give horses a run.

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Posted by Howard Jarvis on October 21, 2009, 9:24 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
86.169.162.164

As Chairman of the South East Area Secretaries Conference I deplore the remarks posted by MB regarding our secretaries. All the P2P secretaries work tirelessly throughout the year, endeavouring to obtain sponsorship and support for all the meetings so tht this sport can continue. The costs of putting on a P2P do not vary significantly throughout the season and the early meetings with their lack of public support do struggle to make ends meet. Your criticism of the secretaries is not only deeply offensive but totally unfounded.

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Posted by MB on October 21, 2009, 10:02 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
82.132.139.10

If my remarks have offended anyone I am very sorry. It is only my opinion. The board is about opinions right or wrong

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Posted by Full English on October 21, 2009, 7:42 pm, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
90.200.47.181

I will give £100 to the fund also if someone names and shames MB?

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Posted by rosey on October 22, 2009, 10:39 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
212.32.116.49

I have beeen attending points since since the mid 1950`s, ok I admit it,I moisturise and it is only in the last few years that I have learnt the amount of time and dedication that unpaid volunteers give so that the participants and spectators can enjoy a splendid afternoons sport.A profitable meeting often relies on a sunny dry day with hundreds if not thousands of families bringing a picnic, unfortunately most horses prefer a bit of give in the ground, not ideal for laying a blanket on the ground for the picnic. The die hard supporters are more interested in the racing rather than the eating and drinking despite its obvious pleasures. I agree with MB that public awareness of some meetings can be sketchy trying to wxplain how to get to penshurst course is not easy and the very nature of courses being on farmland in the middle of nowhere. Of course that adds to the charm of pointing. So rather then pillory MB for his ignorance let us accept that there are supporters out there that believe we yes WE can improve the sports profile in the south east I can`t offer moneytary support but I HAVE CERTAIN TALENTS, RIDING REGRETTABLY NOT ONE OF THEM, i AM THUS open to assist in any way I can. lets be positive and I CAN`T WAIT TO SEE DIJONS FACE WHEN HE LEARNS THAT ONE OF THE INTERMEDIATES has been changed to a NOVICE RIDERS RACE.

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Posted by Dave Dixon on October 23, 2009, 9:57 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
195.93.21.70

There is a thread about this on Jumping For Fun website. I do agree with a comment there that perhaps advertising the meeting could be improved. Detling is by the very busy A249 so what about large signs preferably with the words 'Horse Racing' which the average motorist would understand. Advertise free on Jumping For Fun. Small things maybe, but every little helps. Good luck in getting this meeting on. Dave Dixon.

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Posted by mg on October 27, 2009, 9:49 am, in reply to "Re: OPENING MEETING UNDER THREAT"
193.178.217.17

I've emailed Nicky. Hope it's still going ahead - any news?

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