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Well-known member
This weekend saw me & the missus going down to Ramsgate for a non birding weekend. We have a friend there that is going through a bad time at the moment and we felt a bit of support was needed.
Any way, cutting to the chase, whilst over there we were talking about various things and a local Pet Rescue Centre became the topic of conversation. Sally (our friend) was telling us of a mother and daughter that were totally devoted to running this animal sanctuary by using what funds they had together with what money they could raise via donations of money and items of clothing, bric-brac etc which they could sell on further enhancing their coffers. It is a fairly large concern and takes quite a lot of money for the upkeep of the premises and the upkeep and welfare of the animals. They also started to make their own Jam which they sold on the premises which also raised a bit of money.
A few weeks ago a Councillor dropped by and promptly told them that they couldn’t sell things like that without them becoming a business and fairly quickly they were slapped into the business tax category which promptly raised their taxes from £800 per year to £3,500 per year, which they can’t afford. They are now in serious danger of going under.
We dropped over their on our way home on Sunday and these two women have done a fabulous job in making this place a real child friendly area with a nice walk through the animals, which is called the fairytale walk. This walk has garden ornaments of all shapes and sizes ranging from Disney Characters to small cuddly toys dotted around the ground and trees. It really is an enchanting place to take your children to.
I mentioned to these two ladies about becoming a registered charity, as that would help them in all sorts of ways, but they aren’t bookkeeping type people and would hate it if they had to log every item that was brought in to them (which they would have to do if they became registered). Basically they are doing this because they love animals and didn’t foresee the problems that they are experiencing now.
They have been there for a few years and have done a remarkable job in achieving what they have done so far and it would be a shame if all of this were to end because of red tape. The local paper did a free story about them and this has brought in donations of clothes but obviously they need more as this is a long term problem.
I don’t know if anyone can help with donations, or even advice for them. The name of the animal Sanctuary is Marsh Farm Pet Centre and is situated near to Monkton in Kent. It is a few miles outside of Ramsgate but on a lane that is very much out of the way unless you know of its existence.
We have heard, and we don’t know if this is true, that the Councils are looking for land to build villages on and this area would be in a prime spot. If this sanctuary were forced to close the land would possibly become available for building purposes.
It would be great if someone out there has enough knowledge about the law, or whatever, that could advise them on what is the best way forward to protect what they have.
If anyone could help with donations or advice their phone number is 01843 822318 and the mothers name is Mrs Kulszar, or you could PM me with any questions.
TIA for any help or advice that is given on this matter.
Any way, cutting to the chase, whilst over there we were talking about various things and a local Pet Rescue Centre became the topic of conversation. Sally (our friend) was telling us of a mother and daughter that were totally devoted to running this animal sanctuary by using what funds they had together with what money they could raise via donations of money and items of clothing, bric-brac etc which they could sell on further enhancing their coffers. It is a fairly large concern and takes quite a lot of money for the upkeep of the premises and the upkeep and welfare of the animals. They also started to make their own Jam which they sold on the premises which also raised a bit of money.
A few weeks ago a Councillor dropped by and promptly told them that they couldn’t sell things like that without them becoming a business and fairly quickly they were slapped into the business tax category which promptly raised their taxes from £800 per year to £3,500 per year, which they can’t afford. They are now in serious danger of going under.
We dropped over their on our way home on Sunday and these two women have done a fabulous job in making this place a real child friendly area with a nice walk through the animals, which is called the fairytale walk. This walk has garden ornaments of all shapes and sizes ranging from Disney Characters to small cuddly toys dotted around the ground and trees. It really is an enchanting place to take your children to.
I mentioned to these two ladies about becoming a registered charity, as that would help them in all sorts of ways, but they aren’t bookkeeping type people and would hate it if they had to log every item that was brought in to them (which they would have to do if they became registered). Basically they are doing this because they love animals and didn’t foresee the problems that they are experiencing now.
They have been there for a few years and have done a remarkable job in achieving what they have done so far and it would be a shame if all of this were to end because of red tape. The local paper did a free story about them and this has brought in donations of clothes but obviously they need more as this is a long term problem.
I don’t know if anyone can help with donations, or even advice for them. The name of the animal Sanctuary is Marsh Farm Pet Centre and is situated near to Monkton in Kent. It is a few miles outside of Ramsgate but on a lane that is very much out of the way unless you know of its existence.
We have heard, and we don’t know if this is true, that the Councils are looking for land to build villages on and this area would be in a prime spot. If this sanctuary were forced to close the land would possibly become available for building purposes.
It would be great if someone out there has enough knowledge about the law, or whatever, that could advise them on what is the best way forward to protect what they have.
If anyone could help with donations or advice their phone number is 01843 822318 and the mothers name is Mrs Kulszar, or you could PM me with any questions.
TIA for any help or advice that is given on this matter.
