Open Day at the Sanctuary
Rachel Holtom enjoys the Vegan Fayre and previews the return of Barby Keel’s amazing Open Day
A treat for animal lovers, vegans and anyone wondering how an animal rescue centre for all shapes and sizes works, the Vegan Fayre held at Barby Keel in Sidley on Sunday 24 July was a delight.
The sun shone, there was delicious food, stalls selling handmade cards, vegan soap and food, books and bric-a-brac as well as the chance to make vegan cosmetics and your own badges. Plus plenty of cats and horses to stroke.
Founder and owner Barby Keel started her Animal Sanctuary in 1974. She has a philosophy that saving animals can do as much for humans as it does for the animals: she believes that the process of bringing an animal back to health and happiness can also help to heal us.
The sanctuary has 100 cats, eight dogs, 250 chickens and geese, eight goats, eight horses, six pigs, 60 rabbits, 30 sheep and 20 guinea pigs. Although it seeks permanent homes for the animals – especially the cats and dogs – many of them, the cats in particular, have their permanent homes at the Sanctuary and become much loved, long-term residents. All animals have a monthly vet check and veterinary and food bills amount to several £1000s a month.
The last four years have been incredibly hard for them. The combination of a temporary road closure and Covid, meant their annual Open Day (which brings in an astonishing £10-15,000 and attracts 100s of visitors) was unable to take place. But almost all of the 40+ staff are incredibly dedicated volunteers and kept things going. Of course more volunteers are always needed.
Many readers of HIP will remember Rhian Thomas who lived and worked at Barby Keel, as well as being part of the Trinity Wholefood Co-operative. Rhian sadly died a few years ago but her memory lives on, and her partner Dan is the incredibly hard working manager at Barby Keel.
Following on from the success of their Vegan Fayre, next month will see the resumption of the very popular Open Day. Most of the Sanctuary will be open to the public, there will be appetising food and drink and many stalls, from the much loved china smash, to the 50p and £1 bric-a-brac. There will be collectables and furniture for sale as well as games for children and the mammoth raffle.
• Come along on Sunday 14 August between 12 and 5pm, have a great time out with the family and help this wonderful charity continue their great work.
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