I usually travel to Crufts by train, the reason being that the train station is in my village and it goes direct to the NEC. Short of actually staying at the NEC hotel or very close BB how on earth do other visitors who wish to see the whole of the breed judging get there in time and when it is over get home?

For example, this year my breed is in the ring by 8:30am and my train won't arrive at the NEC until 8:35am assuming it is on time! So byt he time I have got into the show and found the rings I will have missed the first class or like last year first two classes.

I ask because when gundog day is on a Sunday there are very limited services on either the train or the coaches. I have taken this up with the railways and the coaches and they say there is not enough interest to warrant putting on extra trains/carriages or coaches. Also for the coach services they need to have drivers available to do a return journey.

Last time I stayed for Best in Show I was told I had missed the last coach and the last train for the day! Luckily a friend who had gone by car was able to give me a lift home. I know almost everyone travels there by car these days, but I rather like going by train as it is easy and I am not stressed out when I get there, plus it is supposedly environmentally friendly! I am sure many overseas visitors must find theis a problem as well.