Function Barn....to be known as 'The Meadow Barn'

Many people may be wondering what is happening with our barn and some of you will remember the old barn, where we held many a fund raising event (who can forget the barn dances where the dancers inevitably ended up in a pile on top of the band, thanks to the rather dramatic slope of the floor!). The new one will be better in every way (not least having a level floor) !

OUR LONG AWAITED BARN - We are in the privileged position of being able to replace the old barn with a purpose built new one,
due to the kind legacy of one of our supporters. We are very excited about this project and work has already started on the footings and we hope that by this time next year it will be fully functional. We propose to use the barn for fund raising events, dog training, seminars and for educational purposes. (Photos of the work in progress)

 

New Cattery Building....

This building is dedicated to the care and welfare of cats and will eventually replace existing overstretched quarters at the Centre. The project is in three phases, the first being almost complete. This includes a reception, admittance hospital, examination and drugs room, food preparation and sluice area. This initial phase has all windows and doors fitted (doors have extra width to enable easier access for the disabled), floor tiles laid, kitchen equipped. Work has now started on laying the oversite concrete of Phase 11. Twenty six pens will be built, divided into four sections and all made of polypropylene, chosen for its durability and cleanliness. Fully insulated, raised sleeping cabins will be included and two sections will be designed as family units.

We have been lucky enough to have had substantial contributions from both individuals and Trust funds and we would like to thank them all for their generosity and support. If you would like to raise funds for, or sponsor, one of these pens it would be greatly appreciated. Each pen will cost approximately £2,000 and we still need to raise a further £100,000 to complete Phase Two of this project. It is a pretty tall order but we know that, with your help, we can achieve this. Sadly the number of calls that we take involving desperately needy cats increases daily. We need this building to be fully operational to help them.

It would be wonderful to complete this phase by the end of the year, so that we can make a start on Phase Three in 2006, which will be landscaping and planting a memorial garden around the Cattery. We hope to raise further funds by putting The Meadow Barn into use for a variety of events but as this is in the process of being built as well, this may take some time! Meanwhile if you would like to organize a fund raising event or are a local business that would lend your support to help raise fund for the Cattery Appeal please contact the Centre - we would love to hear from you.

Timber's view on the 'New Cattery'

Just for a change I thought you might like to know the insider's view of the new battery. I came to this place many moons ago. I am large, fluffy and people say "AHD" when they see me. Little do they know that I am Timber, a cat with street-cred, attitude and one eye that never misses a single trick! In fact, when I arrived, I was supposed to be feral but actually I was checking them out, taking my time, planning my moves.

I have my freedom and live life on my terms. The food is good, quarters comfy and the sun spots are great. Now we are located in an exclusive 'cat only' territory. We have all be greatly amused watching the humans pouring in the base concrete late into the night. Most of us have tried to sign this with our paws (I succeeded in a small way!). Now large pens are being fitted in which, of course, me and my pals have given the once-over. I have to say that if you were a feline brother in need of a helping hand and a new chance, this place is fine and dandy. Plenty of leg-room, great views of the fields, light and airy - everything on tap. Queens and kits will be looked after in style and I will, of course, rule the whole operation - in time!

Yeah..it's a long haul..takes heaps of dough and graft but hey! they're doin' their human best and boy does it look good! Main thing is.....we sure is worth it!

A huge thank you to everyone for you support and generosity.