Royal Melbourne Show 2008

The weeks of preparation finally came to fruition on Wednesday September 24^th 2008.

Dana talked to ABC breakfast radio presenter about our attendance at the show and what great
pet’s rats are.

During the day more journalists came to do interviews. One from the Age and another from the Herald Sun. 
Glenys did an interview for Radio National which was played on Friday Sept 26 at 11am.

 All this attention is fantastic!!

A large number of members arrived early and for a while there was total confusion as we all began unpacking
boxes, setting up trestle tables and started putting pictures on the back wall.

 Our new and rather spectacular banner (no we haven’t retired our smaller banner) was hung high and wow did
it draw people to us. We will be very visible at all shows and expos from now on thanks to Glenys and her
vision to have us seen throughout the known universe.

It was so encouraging top see so many new members who were more than willing to help where they
could and to see their enthusiasm and willingness to talk to the public about our wonderful little furries.

The new merchandise then came out. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Julie, Wendy and Glenys designed, printed and made
the most gorgeous greeting cards, key rings, bookmarks, fridge magnets and badges all with rattie pictures
of course. Then the mugs and jigsaw puzzles were laid out on the table, also with rattie photos. Julie sourced
local manufacturers with affordable prices. There are a number of designs to select from and all proved to be
popular with the public.

Rebecca had sourced some rattie charms and made them into ear rings, some cute little novelties to go
in the Information bags as well as to sell.  These were very popular with the children.  She also made the
tassels to go with the bookmarks.

The photographs were, again, extremely popular and I must say our junior members were great in this
department. Writing names on the photo folders and sticking the photos in too. There were many hands
to help out with the sales, so everything went very smoothly.

Thank you to all who came along. We had very exciting day. Exhausting but exciting. Our club is going
from strength to strength thanks to dedicated committee and members who are enthusiastic and always
asking “What can I do?” Ratties are always turned out looking wonderful. Cages are always clean
and well presented with hammocks, clean food bowls and water bottles. It is fantastic to see such
dedication and caring for your animals. You are all wonderful people.

 BUT: most of all thanks to our ratties who are dragged out of their nice warm beds at the crack of
dawn and deprived of any sleep during the day. No wonder we don’t see them for the following couple
of days. They all behaved impeccably and should all be given a little medal.