ARK ROYAL!!

 

The sun came out, the bunting fluttered and the cats and dogs were on their best behaviour as we welcomed a very special visitor to The Ark on Friday 6th May. HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex toured The Ark meeting many four-legged friends as well as staff, volunteers and supporters.

 

“We were thrilled to be able to welcome Prince Edward to our Rescue and Re-homing Centre and explain more about the important work that we do”, explains Centre Manager, Barbara Robson.”

On his tour the Royal visitor looked at the spacious pens, isolation and recovery areas, a maternity unit for expectant and nursing cats, a cat socialising area and secure garden. He then moved on to the dog wing where he viewed kennels, quiet room, and exercise paddocks.

Our charity relies on volunteers who attend the centre regularly to help with fundraising, to look after and socialise the cats and to give the dogs regular exercise. Many of them turned out to welcome the Prince.

A highlight of the visit was an inspection of the current development project. “This is the most ambitious improvement project since The Ark opened, involving two extensions to the building,” explains Peter. “We are pleased to be in a position to make some significant changes that will not only help us to cater for even more dogs and cats at any one time,  but make important enhancements to the quality of their care whilst they are with us.”

 

The extension has been made possible by the continuous fundraising activities and a number of key supporters who were  invited to join the celebrations. As an independent charity we receive no government or lottery help, so are entirely dependent on fundraising efforts, the generosity of the public and support from some charitable trusts. “We were thrilled to be able to say a big Thank You to just a few of these people by inviting them to join us on this special day.”

 

 

Prior to departing, His Royal Highness signed The Ark’s Visitors Book and The Ark Chairman Peter Smith  presented him with a commemorative framed montage of re-homed cats and dogs.

Quotes from some of the guests:

 

Over the past two years Alex Clark has donated nearly £10,000 from sales of her Christmas cards worldwide. She explained why she has chosen to continue to support The Ark. “Ashbourne Animal Welfare were very supportive of me when I started out; now I am pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile charity. I am passionate about animals and The Ark is very professional, but with a really personal touch.”

 

The Midlands Co-operative Society’s Community Dividend Fund has also made a significant contribution to the charity. “We are very supportive of community charities, many of our customers are involved with The Ark, and we feel their work embodies our values and principles,” said Stephen Beresford, Head of Corporate Affairs. “We are pleased to continue to support Ashbourne Animal Welfare.”

 

Alan Curry, Ambassador for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, drove for over two hours to be part of the special day. “I see many rescue and re-homing centres and there is nowhere quite like The Ark, they have created a wonderful atmosphere and we are delighted to have been able to support the kennel improvements.”

 

Pets at Home Charitable Trust - “Support Adoption for Pets” were unable to attend but continue to be major supporters of The Ark.