Fun for all the family at animal sanctuary event

As usual the main attraction was the Shetland ponies races, where, much to everyone’s delight, Eddie the Shetland was a runaway winner – literally!

Attractions at the open days on June 6 and 7 also included, pony grooming, goat petting, children’s egg and spoon races, craft stalls, a BBQ, bric-a-brac, candy floss, face painting, plant sales, lucky dip, raffle, tombola, musical entertainment, tea, cakes and much more.

With a family fete feeling people sat in the sunshine, watching the animals, listening to the wonderful musicians and enjoying some home-made refreshments.

People came from far and wide to see the animals at the sanctuary with Jack Sparrow and Xena Warrior Princess doing a cracking job entertaining everyone as well as the extremely funny compare Craig Henderson.

The animals all seem to know when it is time to entertain and they greeted everyone enjoying the fuss people made of them, especially the cats. Many of the cats were lucky enough to find good homes during the weekend.

On the Sunday the animal blessing was conducted by Rev’d Stephen Turrell with readings and poems from Craig and Sue Jameson. The animals stood with some of the volunteers while Rev’d Turrell passed along the line blessing them. During the hymn “All things bright and beautiful” Louise the Donkey joined in braying for the second year running!

Steve Brockwell of Dorking wrote to say “how much we enjoyed Sunday. The weather was kind, all the animals were looking really good and as always happy. We come every year and always have a really nice time. Congratulations, Alexandra would be very proud of you all”.

ABC President Sue Jameson said :“Everyone at the sanctuary misses Alexandra, especially the animals. Although she died over a year ago now, I still half-expect her to come out of her door looking as glamorous as ever, and start telling everyone what to do next!. But her wonderful work carries on with all our brilliant helpers, and the sanctuary continues to provide security and care for the animals we rescue - very much in keeping with Alex’s wishes”.

For more information about the sanctuary, it’s work, rehoming or sponsoring an animal please visit abcanimalsanctuaryco.uk

Report and pictures contributed by the ABC Animal Sanctuary.