Page 7, At Sheringham paper, Norfolk UK

Cats Protection

Every year we have to complete the "Annual Return" for Cats Protection Head Office. This gives information on the number of cats we have re-homed, what treatment they have received, whether or not they have been blood tested/vaccinated and how many we have in care.

It also includes information about our volunteers and the role they have undertaken to help the cats in care. However the most important information is prepared by our Treasurer and outlines the amount of money we have raised and how this has been spent.

Looking at the report I see that over £18000 was spent on veterinary treatment and this does not include neutering costs, over £2500 on cat food (how much would it be without those valuable food parcels from the Sainsbury's cat box and other food donations?) and over £2000 on cat litter. We have certainly come a long way since we started with a £600 grant from Head Office in 2000.

Floosie, Rory and Lucy are all making good progress and Willow has now left us for a loving new home. Already the vet bill for these cats exceeds £1000.

Treatment for Katie, a lovely little girl was returned to our care as she had a lump on her foot. Because of the lump, one of Katie's toes and its pad were removed and sent away for analysis. Katie recovered quickly from the operation with cage rest.

Having been given the all clear by her vet and should have no further problems and has already left for a new home. Fortunately most of our cats are healthy and have been well cared for before joining us. All are checked by a vet before leaving us and as well as being vaccinated (and neutered if not already done), have routine flea and worming treatment while in care.

Three cats recently arrived that had been waiting to come into care for 3 months. Within a week of joining us Lloyd and Barclay had found new homes and their companion Aviva has also left us to having been re-named as her new owner works for the company concerned.

As well as our fund raising, we rely on the donations we receive to continue the work that we do (we do not charge for the cats we re-home). If the person making a donation is a tax payer we can increase this amount by claiming a further 28p in the pound from the government, providing they complete a "Gift Aid" Form. This can make a big difference to the amount of money we raise each year and helps considerably with our bills.

If you are looking for a cat or kitten please call Stephanie on 01692 535858. Alternatively you can visit www.northwalsham.cats.org.uk for a description and photographs of the cats before giving her a call on the above number.

NEW MARKET FOR LOCAL PRODUCERS

Tracey Richards who with Helen Burgess has just started Pat-A-Cake Bakery, the first Cup Cake Bakery in Norwich using locally milled flour and eggs, is one of over a dozen Norfolk producers who have come together to start a new Farmers Market this Easter. Tracey said “We want people to come and be able to taste a little bit of Norfolk in our cakes”

Pat-A-Cake Bakery

The new monthly market, which is a result of a unique collaboration between Norfolk producers and Wroxham Barns, will support Norfolk’s rural economy and provide a great day out for local people and visitors alike. Jane Miller, Director of the Cooperative Produced In Norfolk, who have organised the market said. “ I want people to come and savour the flavour that high standards of welfare and husbandry can make and support their local farmers this Easter. There will be everything on sale for a great Easter feast including fresh Norfolk butter and cream, fresh venison, Norfolk honey, rare breed pork and local eggs plus pies, pates, and plants. With UK tourism expecting to boom this year, this is a great example of a Norfolk attraction working with local people to really make a difference to our farmers and growers.”
Worxham Barns Farmers Market Saturday 11th April 10a.m to 2pm.

PLANT SWAP - PLANT SALE
COFFEE MORNING
At THE OLD RECTORY
(Adjacent to the Church)
BACONSTHORPE
Tuesday 28th APRIL
10am until 12:30 pm
RAFFLE-PLANT SALE
Cakes and PRODUCE

ENTRANCE £2.
In aid of St Mary's Church.

ITTERINGHAM MAY FAYRE

Bank Holiday Monday 4th may
The ITTERINGHAM May Fayre is a well-established part of the Norfolk country scene. ALL proceeds go to the upkeep of Itteringham's medieval church, which will be open on the day with local history information.

This year features all the old favourites: CAR BOOT Sale - this is always a bit special as many of the traders are local families hoping to dispose of their clutter and others represent charities with many opportunities to pick up a bargain. STALLS - the cake stall is legendary and often sells out early on so note the new starting time. In addition there will be books, bric a brac and plants. REFRESHMENTS - from breakfast though coffee and light lunches to the ever-popular teas with many home made goodies. ALL Day, served in the VILLAGE HALL.