WHAT a shame that greyhound racing at Poole has ceased.
I can well remember going to meetings there way back in the 1970s and the place was heaving.
People would travel long distances to attend, local celebrities and pro footballers would often be seen in the bar, and the summer meetings were always popular with students and holidaymakers.
Sid Caplin and Norman Barnes were the chief bookmakers, in an era when having a bet wasn’t frowned upon and people gambled with real money.
If they lost they took it on the chin and would be back and booted up at the next meeting.
People flippantly remark that greyhound racing is no longer popular.
The main reason for that could well be the loss of so many venues right around the country, all flattened to make way for new development, with London bearing the brunt.
Catford, Charlton, Clapton, Dagenham, Hackney, Harringay, Hendon, Southall, Vicarage Road, Walthamstow, Wembley, West Ham, White City and Wimbledon have all been reduced to rubble since 1970.
Little wonder the sport it dying on its feet.
Killed off by ‘progress’.
BOB WOODLAND
Cavan Crescent, Poole
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