Rising prices hit charity race night

May 1 2007 By Jon Griffin, Birmingham Mail

ONE of the Midlands' longest-running charity nights is in danger, after 28 years.

The Newspaper Press Fund, now known as the Journalists' Charity, has been holding an annual event through its West Midlands committee at Hall Green Greyhound Stadium, Birmingham, each autumn since 1979.

Now torganiser Gerry Armes, chairman of the West Midlands district, has now been told the stadium is having to raise its catering charges by more than 30 per cent.

"I believe people who have supported us in the past will not be prepared to pay the increased prices," said Mr Armes.

"It would mean a steep rise in the admission charges or race sponsorship, which could prove prohibitive.

"Over the years, the event has received terrific help and support from the Hall Green management and staff and we will be very sorry to see the event finish.

"We are hoping, therefore, that one of our race sponsors might be prepared to sponsor the whole event for at least £1,000 to keep the event alive."

Stadium general manager Steven Rea said: "We have been giving it to the Newspaper Press Fund at a quarter of the price it should have been for a long time.

"We have new owners and they have said 'do not give it away at that price'. I have asked Gerry for an increase of £18 to £20 a head, which is still a fraction of what it should be."

The stadium is now owned by Risk Capital Venture.