2008 PLYMOUTH HALF MARATHON
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Sunday 25th May 2008 was the day of Plymouth's "Half Marathon/Fun Run''. The day started at 10 am. Chinchilla Chat Line [C.C.L] had three runners in the main event and five in the "Fun Run". The weather was kind and the entertainment level was exceptional and all our runners were great representatives and indeed made us proud. Dean Allen [who incidentally improved on his last year's time], Mark Smith and Brenda Smith [no relation to Mark, an experienced marathon runner], did well in the "Half Marathon".
The "Fun Run" had Jamie Denny [a regular runner in this event], Sheila Wright, Liam Wright [Sheila's grandson], Kerry and late entrant Leanne. All did well, Jamie and Liam had an extra medal [donated by Founder Roger Whear and presented by one of our advisers, Liz Smith] Leanne had a calculator [again donated by Roger Whear]. Liz Smith and family, as each year, travelled from Wolverhampton for the event and stayed with Roger's aunt. John Seamons [C.C.L.'s photographer] and his wife Betty were in attendance as were further friends of C.C.L and not forgetting 'Chiz-Whiz', Roger's new pet dachshund dog who behaved excellently through the event. The day culminated with a party at Sheila Wright's lovely garden flat. Photos of the event can be viewed below.
| Photo Gallery |
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Review of ‘Caring For Your Chinchilla’
A guide produced by the Pet Care Trust and provided by the Ark Pet Shop.I feel reassured by the fact that the Ark Pet Shop is providing useful information when they sell chinchillas. I do not know if it is still the case, but when I last bought a chin from them they provided me with a free copy of one of Roger Whear’s book on chinchilla care. However, this is a review of their leaflet. Incidentally, I was also comforted by the fact that they would only sell chins accompanied with a suitable size of cage.
In the section on choosing a chin, I feel it should be stated that chins should never be bought at an age of less than 12 weeks. Other statements, in this section are entirely appropriate.
Looking at housing, I disagree with the leaflet in the choice of suitable caging. It is not appropriate for chins to be standing on wire mesh in their cage as it is possible to damage their limbs in the gaps. All wire mesh floors should be covered in pine for chinchilla safety.
The ‘Feeding and Water’ section is all good advice. The ‘Handling’ and ‘General Care’ sections are also appropriate although I’m not really sure of the necessity for grooming as chins are pretty good at this themselves.
All in all, this is a good guide. I feel though, if you own a chin, it would be good to buy a book such as ‘How to Care for Your Chinchilla’ by Roger Wear for a more comprehensive source of information.
Prepared by John Knights
ooOoo
Review of ‘An Essential Guide to Owning a Chinchilla’
by Maria PoliAlthough this chinchilla book appears comprehensive, it is let down by some inaccuracies. What I find most worrying, is where it states that generally two chinchillas of the same sex do not live well together. If they are introduced in the right way there should be no problem with them getting on, not as stated in the book.
The book states that, ‘if you are buying two chinchillas aim to pick different colours, this will help prevent any future complications.’ This is breeding advice could stop people breeding two greys together which is a totally safe combination genetically. Also, on the topic of breeding, is it really necessary to measure the females pelvic size to see if she is big enough to breed?
Moving on, on page 89 in the section on weaning, I’m totally confused as to why the book states: ‘If the chin-dad is in the same cage then both male and female kits at 8 weeks (no sooner or later) to prevent in-breeding between the parents and offspring.’ This seems both wrong and totally misleading.
With reference to cages, it says that if you can’t let your chin out in the evening, you will need a bigger cage. I would suggest that whatever the size of the cage, it will be no substitute for time spent out of the cage. The book mentions exercise balls. I think it would be better just to give your chin time to run around.
The section ‘Introducing Chinchillas’ is good. However, I would recommend that anyone wishing a slightly more comprehensive guide should consult the website www.chinchat.net section on Transitional Introduction.
It is said in the book to ‘never to sell a chinchilla…to someone who is not prepared to give it potentially 10 years of company’. It should be noted that they can live much longer than this. Also, the book considers when it is appropriate for a child to own a chinchilla. I would suggest that this is only appropriate where the parents are willing to give some supervision to care and possibly take over if the kid loses interest over what could be many years.
This book is very comprehensive and provides more information than any other chinchilla book I’ve seen. However, it does worry me that it could put some good owners off owning a chin and some of the inaccuracies are very unfortunate.
As a last point, I consider it an oversight that no acknowledgement is given for the medical conditions of chinchillas.
Measure size of pelvic size prior to breeding? Pg74
No sand baths +/- 10 days of birth Pg77
Don’t castrate males less than 8 months Pg92
Remove male kits if dad not in cage at 8 weeks to stop in-breeding with mum Pg89
Is a chinchilla a good pet for under & year old?
Prepared by John Knights
Plymouth Half Marathon
At this year's Plymouth Half Marathon 2007, Chinchilla Chat Line [C.C.L.] had three representative runners:- Asst. Photographer, John Stewart [his third time representing us], Dean Allen [ Friend of C.C.L.] and Gary Dyson [Friend of C.C.L.]. The race started at 10 a.m., weather ideal for running, slight breeze and dry, nearly 6,000 entries. Our runners were sporting the official C.C.L. 't-shirts'[ with the photo of famous 'Chiz-Whiz' his last remembrance before his death] wearing them proudly, they completed the course in excellent times. Liz Smith [Senior Advisor- Midlands area] was in attendance along with her son Jamie who entered the 'Fun Run' he also did very well. Lots of photos were taken by Liz and Annmarie [friend of John Stewart and of C.C.L.], collective/group ones before the race, some of the event.
Commencing at 5 p.m. was our annual party at John Stewart's house, where presentations of a gift to all the runners [kindly donated by our Founder/Senior Advisor Roger Whear]by C.C.L's Liz Smith. Adult runners a crystal decanter and a cup/ornament to Jamie. There was a raffle [over 20 prizes] monies taken donated to C.C.L. John [our photographer] and Betty Seamons took photos and assisted in the raffle, a great event enjoyed by all in attendance.
Finally may we thank all for their received donations and remind those who have yet to forward theirs to do so a.s.a.p.
Roger Whear. Founder/Advisor, C.C.L.
Open Day at Plymouth Veterinary Hospital Group
| Plymouth Herald Article: Part One & Part Two |
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The weather conjured up a most magical day,for animals/people attending, must have been in access of 500 people. Veterinary Hospital Group in conjunction with the R.S.P.C.A, made the event a successful one. Along with stalls[animal welfare organisations to include C.C.L.],a dog show,small animals, predatory birds [owls,eagles and falcons], refreshments and live music. Local radio [RadioDevon] was represented by Monica Ellis, all in attendance had a superb day. The yearly event seems to have nature on it's side when it comes to weather conditions. Chinchilla Chat Line has been represented 8 times now proving each time more and more popular. Finally congratulations to our patron John Bower who has recently retired from the VHG, no doubt he will continue to be busy with the welfare of animals ... Roger Whear. Founder/Advisor, C.C.L.
ooOoo
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This is Jamie getting a practice run for Plymouth's Half Marathon & Fun Run on 27th May 2007.
Jamie is the son of our advisor Liz Smith [Midlands and areas] who will also be attending the event.
Our runners for the main event will be John Stewart [Asst. Photographer],
Gary Dyson
[Friend of C.C.L.] and Dean Allen [Friend of C.C.L.].
We have sponsor
forms available
on
request to Liz Arnold-Smith,
CCL Administrator
and Roger Whear, Founder and Senior Advisor.
This year's event will have donations
shared with 'Scoot-A-Long', do give generously.
| Download A Sponsor Form | Team Photos: One & Two |
Copyright
© 1998 - 2007 Chinchilla Chat Line
Updated:
7 July, 2008
