The Animals' Refuge

      Joan helping two resident during

           her time with the refuge

The start of the year has brought about many changes at the refuge; we have recently welcomed new staff and are busy planning events for the up and coming centenary year.

In April Finance Assistant Val Reynolds retired after 14 years at the Refuge. Val was followed into a well earned retirement by Office manager Joan Mate, after 44 years of sterling service. Both Joan and Val are much missed. We are very grateful for all they have done for the Refuge over the years, and wish them well.

The new Office Manager is Nadia Kerr Smith. Nadia's background is in events organisation, a skill we will be putting to good use during our centenary celebrations next year. Other recruits to the Office Team are Confidential Assistant Bridget Liddle, Finance Assistant Sarah Musgrave, Administration Assistant Caroline Gemmell and Sarah McDermott, Receptionist Nicola Diebel.

We would like to congratulate Senior Animal Welfare Worker Sue Wright, who recently organised and completed a Staff Sponsored Walk in the Lake District, setting off from Grange, heading up Castle Cragg through Brathwaite and back along the river. Joining Sue were, Caroline Graham,  Sarah Musgrave, Jackie Ruddick, Nadia Kerr Smith along with Refuge supporters Kaine Hardie and Ryan Hill. Together they successfully raised £256.50 and are already planning another walk for next year!

How Not to do Dog Agility !

Fundraising events are very important in helping to raise the money needed to help animals in need. Mary and Dorothy's Easter Shop, the Spring Fair, Summer Fair and the Autumn Fair were all very successful not only generating income, but also bringing people out to the refuge to find out more about our work. In February, Fieldmouse Rosettes organised and ran a photographic pet show and donated all proceeds to the Refuge. In April, Cliff and Pat Lewis staged a quiz night in Brampton which was very successful and great fun. Refuge staff put together a team for this event "The Lost Dogs" who stunned everyone by coming second (and yes, there were more than two teams!). These are just two examples of kindness of people who have taken the time to organise events for the benefit of the animals in our care. There have been many others and sadly space does not allow their contributions to be detailed, However, we are very grateful for their efforts on our behalf.