One of our readers Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary is situated at Seathwaite Cattery, Rhodes Minnis, near Canterbury, Kent. Marc Henrie the well-known Animal Photographer is one of the Club’s patron’s, along with TV star, Liz Smith. In July, Marc visited the Sanctuary’s Open Day and sent OUR CATS his report on this year’s fundraising event.

“It all began in 1970 with a lady called Veronica Huthwaite and 14 cats. The Sanctuary has gone from strength to strength over the past 35 years and has a fine reputation for helping feral, stray and unwanted cats. Veronica’s vet, Tony Barnes helped Veronica from the onset and he continues that help today, along with his wife, Ann. Tony sends one of his nurses to visit the Sanctuary every week to perform routine health checks, completely free of charge.

In 1971 the Sanctuary became a Registered Charity and it has a board of Trustees, headed by Christopher Russell. As with any animal charity, running costs are high as vet bills, staff wages, food and litter all need to be paid for.

The conditions provided for the cats are excellent. There is spacious housing and some communal areas where the cats can socialise. Everything is spotless and much thought is given to the cats’ comfort and well-being.

Throughout the year, fundraising events take place to ensure that the important work can continue. The biggest event however, is the Open Day. There are stalls a plenty with home made cakes, jam, bric-a-brac, books, plants and home wares of every description.

The raffle is always amazing; stores and shops in Dover and the surrounding areas donate many wonderful prizes. Many visitors came to see the cats and to browse the stalls and when the raffle was drawn, shouts of glee accompanied the wins!

Several adoptions were arranged on the day and I saw a number of cats departing with their delighted new families.

To accommodate all the visitors, a local farmer, whose two fields adjoin the Sanctuary, allows free car parking and brings along her eggs and manure to sell, helping to swell the funds. A great character, dressed in black, called ‘The Highwayman’ - directed the traffic and parking.

At the end of the day, the news was good… over £3,800 had been raised by this fun day out. If you are in the area, next year, please find time to visit Rhodes Minnis and the lovely cats.”