As always, says Alexandra Bastedo, actress and custodian of the ABC Animal Sanctuary, there are plenty of animals seeking a new home.
Life at the Sanctuary has been particularly busy. We have never known so many unwanted cats and kittens coming in from all directions. Fortunately, after a quiet summer with so many people on holiday, our rehoming day at the end of September proved very successful.
George, our young grey Welsh pony, unexpectedly came back to us but although the people who had him on loan could no longer keep him, he was well broken in in his absence so we are hoping he will go on to a lovely new home with another pony for company. It is hard for all the volunteers who get attached to the animals to see them go and it was particularly touching that after so many months away, his old pals Nutmeg and Misty were thrilled to see him and vice versa. We are privileged to witness the relationships the animals forge with each other and their emotions are not to be underestimated. Thelma and Louise, two older donkeys, are recent arrivals and are happily living with five mini Shetlands. It is said that when a donkey dies its companion often dies of grief within two months but none of our donkeys are geriatric so hopefully we will not have that problem for a while.
We are fundraising at present for new roofing for our ageing catteries as the leaks have enabled dry rot and damp rot to creep in. Fortunately some of our male volunteers are good carpenters but they do tend to be overworked! We are still in need of capable volunteers and in particular people who can help with maintenance and some of the heavier work.
For cats please go to our rehoming page on the website www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk. As fast as they go out others take their places and all need warmth and comfort over the winter months. Please call Di on 07920255045 if you can help.
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Tea with June Whitfield
Our Tea with June Whitfield in August at the beautiful Wiston House near Steyning was an opportunity to find out more about her remarkable life and the afternoon (along with a delicious tea) was much enjoyed by all.
Future events
This year the Sanctuary has been serving the community with a large number of students doing work experience with our large variety of animals: donkeys, ponies, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and cats. Students wishing to become vets learn a lot with practical, hands-on experience and are taught by our volunteer supervisors, most of whom have been with us for a long time. A number of students came on a visit from Seaford College and we are hoping to develop a closer relationship with them in the future. We have also had disabled people visiting, who very much enjoyed getting close to our animals.
In the winter months our fundraising events have to be indoors. We will be doing a Sussex Christmas with well-known actors early in December, having our Christmas Fair at the West Chiltington Village Hall and will be enjoying more evenings with celebrities at the warm and welcoming Golden Willow Restaurant in Storrington.
For further information visit our website www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk ABC Friends and Animal Champions receive regular notification of our events.
