Happy New Year

Monday 11th January 2010

As 2010 commences we would like to thank all of our supporters for their kind donations towards our work over the last year – without your support we could not continue our work helping horses, ponies and donkeys in need.

2009 has been a busy year, with 59 new arrivals coming through the doors at the Bransby site and a further 40 which found safe refuge at our second rescue centre in Leominster. We have been involved in the collection and safe boarding of numerous animals on behalf of the RSPCA, many having arrived in poor condition and required nursing back to good health by our dedicated team of welfare staff.

The Open Days were a great success, despite the heavy rain which brought the June Open Day to an abrupt end. It was lovely to see so many people come to support our work.

During the year we organised numerous events including a Caring for your Donkey workshop and several training events for the police and associated youth groups. During 2010 there are several courses already organised, for further details please visit our website ‘Upcoming Events’ page.

The Bransby stall attended many of the local Christmas markets. New for this year we launched an appeal, which enabled supporters to donate money to buy carrots for residents of the home. The appeal raised over £300, which was used to buy carrots for the horses over the festive period. We hope to be visiting many of the summer shows and fairs over the warmer months during 2010.

The end of year found the welfare staff struggling through the coldest December locally for over 14 years according to the Met office. With no let up in sight heavy snow and icy conditions are making their work harder than usual, water troughs have to be filled by hand and extra hay has to be distributed to all the animals through this difficult time.

If you didn’t get the chance to visit us in 2009 why not come and see us in 2010. We are open every day of the year from 10am to 4pm. We do not charge for admission or parking. If you fancy a fun filled family day out why not visit us on one of our popular Open Days, this year they are held on Sunday the 6^th June and Sunday 5^th September.

New arrivals Barley Corn and Alfred being led around the parade of rescued animals on our September Open Day. Both were retired from the Animal Defence Centre after many years dedicated service training soldiers to correctly load a pack animal. Such animals are often used overseas to get supplies to areas where vehicles are unable to reach.

Some of the residents tucking into their hay during the cold weather.

Happy New Year to everyone from all the staff and residents at Bransby.