Exciting times at RSPCA Mount Noddy

Lex, a silky-haired saluki, and Pixi, a white-haired Scotty, have both found sanctuary at the animal centre in Blackmill Lane, Eartham, after a difficult time.

The centre, which takes in hundreds of unwanted and abandoned cats, dogs and rabbits every year and finds them new homes with loving owners, is about to start an exciting new chapter in its 50-year-history, thanks to an intake of new blood.

The kennels and catteries have been repaired and repainted, a state-of-the-art barn with comfortable sofas has been fitted out so prospective owners can get to know the animals in a simulated domestic environment, new ventures to raise money have been set up and longer opening hours are now in place.

Go-ahead new manager Clare Palmer, who changed career from retail management, is now running the centre as well as overseeing the charity shops at 2 The Arcade, Bognor Regis, and 35 East Street, Horsham.

These shops are starting to deliver a considerable income stream to help the rescued animals, which are often in poor health when they arrive and require expensive veterinary treatment. The y rely purely on donated items such as clothing, bric-a-brac and books to make money to help the Noddy animals.

Now, Clare has put out an appeal for volunteers with special skills to serve on a new executive committee.

“We are looking for people with skills in finance, animal welfare and fundraising but most importantly they must love animals and see their rescue and re-homing as a real vocation,” said Clare.

“Local businesses and charities have greeted us with a wonderful response.”

Clare especially wants to thank helpers from Community Payback.

“Most weekends we have had a team of ten chaps here mending benches, painting the woodwork and fences and generally tidying the place up so that now there is a real sense of a new beginning.

“They have all really put their back into the work and enjoyed helping something worthwhile.”

Sixties icon Twiggy opened Mount Noddy’s three-acre meadow, used for exercising dogs, back in 1995. It was purchased with £15,000 raised by public subscription and Twiggy cut the ribbon to name it The Field of Dreams.

Clare said: “We hope soon to re-start the monthly car boot sales in the field which were very popular, made a lot of money and brought people to the centre. We also hope to restart the popular dog shows in the summer, so everything is looking good.”

Supporters have welcomed the news after a difficult year which saw RSPCA headquarters at Horsham take over the running of the centre following problems with adminstration of running and rescue operations.

“We have always found Chichester people to be very giving and generous and I am sure they will get behind us again,” said Clare.

She has discovered a special joy in her new job, having fallen in love with seven-year-old Pixie when she arrived at Mount Noddy last May and adopted her. The pair now travel everywhere togehter and Pixie is a one of Mount Noddy’s most loveable personalities.

“My next goal is to find a good home for Lex,” said Clare. “He’s been in kennels for a year now which breaks my heart because he is so loving and friendly. He would make a wonderful family member and is good with children over six.”

Contact Mount Noddy by calling 01243 773359 or email mountnoddy@btconnect.com

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