Spring 2017 | Issue 12 Autumn-Winter 2017 | Issue 13 | Page 2

Welcome to our latest newsletter The Friends of West Hatch It has been a busy year so far at West Hatch, both in the animal and wildlife centres, and for the Friends group. This newsletter contains stories that illustrate just what goes on at the centre and the work done by staff and volunteers to help animals in their time of need. We hope you enjoy reading about this work, but ask that you also take the time to appreciate the important role you can play too, as a Friend. This year the Friends group has funded a range of vital items from an ultrasound scanner, new fox pens, a new puppy enclosure and extra rat cages, to steps This year we decided to run an online photo competition for the first time. We had 4 categories: buddies, happy, sleepy and cheeky – and the response was amazing. Each category was voted for by our 2 for the cattery pens that allow cats and kittens space to sit, along with safer access to their outside run. All of these purchases make a difference to the welfare and wellbeing of hundreds of animals a year – such a worthwhile cause. So thanks to all of our members. We rely on your subscriptions, your donations, and your gifts in will to help provide that ‘added value’ to the work at RSPCA West Hatch. Our committee spends all donations carefully to ensure they can help as many animals as possible and those in the greatest need. Photo compet ition winner ! Facebook followers, who then voted again for the overall winner. We think you will agree that Jerry the Chihuahua is a worthy winner! The competition raised £442 and we hope to run it again next year.