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Journalists’ Charity’s annual greyhound night marks 40th year

Gerry ArmesThe Journalists’ Charity’s annual greyhound night is marking its 40th year with a change of venue.

The charity has hosted the event in Birmingham since 1978, when it was set up by former Birmingham Post and Mail chief sports photographer Gerry Armes.

For the first time the event will not be held at the city’s Hall Green Stadium, which is closing next month after 90 years of greyhound racing, and will instead take place at Perry Barr stadium.

The charity raises fund to help journalists who have fallen on hard times, and Gerry has ben supporting it since the 1950s – raising nearly £500,000 since.

He said: “I never thought when we started the greyhound nights all that time ago that we would be celebrating our 40th year.

“It has been an extremely successful event over the years and we have had magnificent support from our sponsors. I am hoping they will rally round once again on this special occasion.”

The charity’s current Midlands district chairman Derek Inman said: “At one time it looked as if we would have to abandon the event, but we are looking forward to our new partnership with the greyhound Racing Association at Perry Barr.

“The greyhound night is one of the oldest charity events in the Midlands and I am delighted we are going to be able to carry on again this year.”

Tickets are £37 each to include a three course meal in the Grandstand Restaurant, and rables are available for groups of eight people.

Individual race sponsorship packages cost £350. For bookings contact Val Deeley at [email protected].