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Location: Sheffield, UK
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 623
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Stealing Michelle's list....
Travel – Check the travel report for roadworks etc. Thursday and Friday the traffic will be horrible with the usual commuter traffic going through Birmingham and allow at least an extra hour over and above the time suggested by whatever method you use to work this out. Also allow time to queue to get into car parks and to unpack the car and to walk/bus into the place. Make sure you’ve got refreshments for yourself and water for the dogs (if your taking them obviously) there was a year where people got stuck in the car park trying to get out for about 4 hours!
Parking – write down which car park your in – trust me this saves time and embarrassment when trying to get back to the car.
the halls - If your just visiting then work out what you want to see and get times off the time table. From experience discover dogs gets very busy between 11 am and 2 pm – to the point of not being able to move on the Saturday and Sunday. As much as moving about is difficult make sure your not standing on any small dogs – they do actually have a right to be there (yep, cos one year we overheard the person in front of us declaiming that crufts would just be so much better without all these dogs about)
The breed – In my case German Spitz on Thursday possibly back on Saturday for watching vallhunds. However, what ever breed you admire I hope you get to enjoy watching some judging, wondering around the benches and talking to the exhibitors.
the activites – again, plan what you want to watch and go enjoy!
the food & drink – is stupidly expensive – take your own. Whilst the queues for the loo might be long make sure you drink enough – it’s extremely hot in the NEC and you will dehydrate faster than you realize – there is nothing worse that being tired and extremely dehydrated – possibly with the associated headache – trying to drive home.
the crowds – go with the flow of traffic! comfy shoes are a must
the stands – lots of cheap offers, talk to stall holders – there maybe freebies if you smile nicely
leaving – dogs are allowed out at 4 pm – from experience there is little point trying to leave at that point. Pack enough food for tea, sit and watch the groups on the big screen then try to get out. The queue for the bus isn’t worth the wait – the walk in the fresh air is very good to wake you up before driving. There are toilets in some of the car parks if you forget to go when you leave the halls!
Drive safely everyone and have a fun day!