Local Devonshire fundraisers boost Ferne Animal Sanctuary appeal

Image: Organisers of the Misterton Bingo event - Front from L: Claire Richards; Sammie Booth-Williams from Ferne Animal Sanctuary; R: Joan Sweetman; Rest of picture are family members People in Devon and Somerset are really getting behind Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s “New Digs for Dogs” Appeal. The Sanctuary is a Somerset based refuge for unwanted animals which is currently home to over 300 domestic animals, farm animals and birds. It launched a £1m project for 2014/15 in March of this year to build a new enhanced kennel block, improved grooming and veterinary care room, information hub, social unit, offices, reception and purpose built rehoming centre at their site in Wambrook, near Chard in Somerset. Local companies are pulling out all the stops to help them raise the funds including Andrewshayes Holiday Park in Axminster, Devon, who recently held a dog show, raffle and sold some donated bird boxes in their shop leading to them raising an impressive sum of £550.90, which also included a donation from Coombefield Vets in Axminster. To further support the appeal, Joan Sweetman and Claire Richards (pictured) organised a bingo evening at nearby Misterton Village raising another £400.00. Local guides decided they would run a beetle drive. Mrs Charlotte Rogers from 1st Chard Guides said: “We chose a local animal charity to support as part of the Big Brownie Birthday Challenge - and raised £50!” Restaurant manager Charlotte Wroe at The Forester’s Arms, a pub in Yeovil, held a quiz night and raffle and raised £177. Jenny Wheadon, Head of External Funding said: “Everyone at Ferne is incredibly grateful for all these donations towards our ‘New Digs for Dogs’ project. The generosity shown never ceases to amaze me and just goes to show how people really care about animals. “Everyone who is donating is helping us get closer and closer to our goal, which is so exciting! The new re-homing centre is really taking shape now, so please, do come and visit us to see the progress.” Fundraising packs for the appeal and details of how to donate can be obtained by calling Ferne Animal Sanctuary on 01460 65214 or by visiting Ferne Animal Sanctuary