Fundraising NEDDC dog wardens take the mad woman challenge

13th July 2006

Two NEDDC Dog Wardens are to take up the mad woman challenge and are abseiling down Robin Hood's Quarry to raise money for needy animals.
Betsy Damerell & Karen Bradbury are to abseil 1808 ft (9 descents each) at Robin Hood's Quarry, Whatstandwell (approx 110 ft) to the height of the Mad Woman's Stones in Derbyshire.

The event will take place on Saturday 26th August 2006 and all money raised is in aid of the RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch and Sheffield Dog Rescue.

We are asking the general public to sponsor this important event and guess how long it will take Betsy and Karen to complete the abseil, minimum donation is £1.00 per guess - higher donation kindly accepted.

The Chesterfield RSPCA have placed sponsor forms at the animal centre, in the town centre charity shops and at Peak Veterinary on church Street, Matlock.

The prizes include a half day abseil for FOUR people (worth £100), a £50 gift voucher for Hassop Hall, Bakewell and a £20 gift voucher for Highfield House Farm Shop, Darley Dale, Stonedge.

This event is supervised by INTREPID MOUTAINEERING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
TELEPHONE: 01773 744747

Striding out for needy animals

30th April 2006

Caring youngsters put their best foot forward to collect £81 for needy animals.

Three schoolchildren, who have all attended St Anne's School, Baslow, organised a sponsored walk through Chatsworth Park to raise the cash.

They handed over the money the Richard Woodwards, manager of Chesterfield RSPCA, before being given a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter.

Mr Woodwards said: "It's a perfect example of young children showing an interest in animal welfare and trying to make a difference to animal welfare in their area.

He said the centre was grateful to the youngsters for their fund-raising efforts.

The trio are now planning another fundraiser on April 27th when they will set up bric-a-brac and tombola stalls to bring in even more cash.

Pictured (from left): Jack Fox (11) from Matlcok, Zena Dingley (13) from Bakewell, Rischard Woodwards, centre manager and Alice Houghton (10) from Holymoorside.

John put charity in focus

30th April 2006

It has been lights, camera, and action at Chesterfield RSPCA after a media production company offered to produce a free promotional DVD.

Chesterfield-based John Baynham Productions decided to make the generous gesture to help promote the self-funded animal charity and encourage others to lend their support.

The DVD shows what happens to a dog from when it first comes into the centre on Spital Lane to when it finds a new owner and also includes interviews with a dog warden and RSPCA staff.

It will be played on a constant spool in the centre's reception area and will also be taken around local schools for use during educational talks.

Richard woodwards, centre manager said: "The DVD is something different to doing a sponsored walk or a collection and it will make a massive difference in promoting the centre.

"It was very kind of John for thinking of us and I would like to thank him very much.

"It is a perfect example of how local business can help a local charity."

John Baynham said: "We thoroughly working with Richard and all the staff at the animal centre. We would like to encourage other small businesses who could help and support such a worthwhile cause to do the same."

A clip of the DVD is also available for viewing on business directory website www.totallypeak.com to further highlight the RSPCA's need for sponsorship.

New charity shop works its animal magic

30th April 2006

Needy animals can now get bags of help from shoppers following the offical opening of the RSPCA's very own charity store.

The shop, which took over £200 during its first hour of trading, will rasie money for the animal charity's rehoming centre at Spital.

Fund-raisers have run an indoor market stall for the past 12 months and its sucess inspired the branch to invest in the new shop, which it will run in conjunction with the stall.

Shop manager Julia Norbury, who previously worked for Help the Aged in Kent, said: "We are very pleased and it's been so busy with lots of people coming into the store. Everyone has been really supportive."

The store sells quality used items, including clothes and toys, which can be donated to the shop or the Spital Lane centre.

Steve Ford, RSPCA chief inspector for North Derbyshire , and Julie Peacock, sales manager for pet food manufacturer James Wellbeloved, the main sponsor of Chesterfield's RSPCA chelter, offically opened the new store, which is opposite Chesterfield's main post office.

The store will open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Anyone interested in volunterring for the new shop should call the RSPCA on 0870 770 5071.

Puppy love wanted for Littlefoot

20th August 2006

A puppy born with a deformed foot is hoping to find a loving new home after being passed by would-be pet owners.

Named "Littlefoot" by RSPCA staff, the boxer cross collie was brought into the Spital Lane centre to be re-homed by his owner, along with his brothers and sister.

But, although the other three have found new homes, no-one has so far offered to give Little Foot a home.

Rebecca Kennel, full-time animal care assistant, said: "His brothers and sister got homes more or less straight away, but no-one wants him. He's born with this deformity. He only has one toe and one claw on his right foot and leans on the leg sideways. We are 99 per cent sure he will have to have the leg removed, but when he does it won't cause him any problems."

Ten week old Littlefoot, named after a tiny dinosaur in animated film 'Land Before Time', is described as a 'lovely puppy, with a nice temperament, who loves fuss'.

He is looking for an owner with previous dog experience and can be re-homed with children over seven years old.

Potential owners may have to have the amputation operation carried out themselves.

**Since this article was published Littlefoot has found a new and loving home**