Open Day 2018

We always worry that it will rain for our annual Open Day but little did we know that we would be sweltering in one of the hottest summers on record. I'm sure we'd all love some rain now!

It was good to welcome 200 visitors to our Rescue Centre. Every stall was crowded with people buying the good things on offer, all of which are donated. The refreshments and plants stalls always attract queues, and thanks go to Team Helen and all the cake makers. Carole did an amazing job growing plants for her stall and keeping them alive during these past weeks! The popular Black Cat tombola sold out of prizes. Books, soft toy tombola, toys and puzzles all sold well as did Doreen's popular stall of gifts and good bric-à-brac. Lyn's stall of cards and calendars, along with an assortment of catmobilia was also very successful. A big thank you, also, to those who donated raffle prizes.

Under the big oak tree, our Memorial Garden was a fitting place to sit in the shade and enjoy a cup of tea, a choice of delicious home made cakes, and a chat with friends.

Our thanks go to the off-duty staff who came in, and were able to talk to people about the cats in our care, a number of which were reserved, subject to home checks. An event like this takes hours of preparation before and on the day, so a big thank you to all who volunteered to help.

The Trustees and I enjoyed talking to our sponsors and members and it's always good to hear how happy "our" cats are in their new homes. And it was great to welcome supporters of Paws & Claws, not just from the local area, but from Middlesex, Dorset and Portugal!

Our Pavilion cats always attract attention and there was a queue all afternoon to go in there and see them. The number of older residents is lower at the moment, but doubtless that will change in due time. Macavity and Marmite, both aged 20, had a very busy and enjoyable afternoon greeting their guests and getting lots of attention!

As we checked all the cats and locked up for the night, Macavity obviously had the right idea. It had been a very busy day!

Lyn Basset
CHAIRMAN