downsmail.co.uk
Salt back on feet after boar aack
SALT, a three-legged goat, is enjoy- ing the sun and the safety of But- tercups goat sanctuary at Boughton Monchelsea after an attack by a wild boar. The elderly white pigmy goatwas
the sole survivor of the attack in which four others were killed and his back legwas bitten off. Now at the sanctuary near Maid-
stone, he is making friends with the hundred or so inmates and getting to grips with life on three legs. Sanctuary owner Robert Hitch
said: “He was in a very distressed medical and psychological state when we picked him up and we weren’t sure if he would recover or if he would be accepted by the other goats. Fortunately, he is now happy to go out on his own and enjoys the company of others.” Mr Hitch said Salt needed two months of treatment following the attack nearAshford.Hesaid: “As the only registered goat charity in the UK, we are, unfortunately, doing this kind of thing every day, but it is always rewarding when badly in-
Robert Hitch with Salt the goat
jured animals pull through.” The charity, which began life 26
years ago, now cares for 145 goats and is responsible for another 120 with foster families. Mr Hitch said: “We rely entirely
on donations and volunteers.” Mr Hitch and his colleagues will
be taking part in a 5k fun run at Mote Park on September 20 to raise funds. To sponsor the team or offer your help, email enquiries@butter-
cups.org.uk. The sanctuary is open to the pub- lic every Sunday until October.
News Palace date for charity pair
TWO of the founder members of West Farleigh-based charity Dandelion Time were invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Jane Angell-Payne and Carol Bridges are part of the team that started Dandelion Timemore than 12 years ago and have seen it grow to a char- ity working with more than 300 children, parents, carers and profes- sionals each year. Jane said: “Itwas
a special day and a privilege to repre- sent the families, volunteers and staff who make Dandelion Time a haven for vulnera- ble children.We en- joyed walking around the Palace gardens and particularly liked the wooded meadow areas, which despite the grandeur of the Palace had a feel of Dandelion Time about them.Of course the opportunity to see the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and sample the delicious treats was wonderful too.” Carol, from Barming, is the senior therapist at Dandelion Time and has
previously worked as a health visitor, midwife and nurse. Jane is a char- tered accountant and also works with Bedgebury Foundation and is treas- urer of St Peter’s TunbridgeWells, and two other charities in Kent. She lives in Pembury. Dandelion Time is a charity for children and families struggling with
trauma often arising from physical or emotional abuse, neglect and do- mestic violence. Based on a small farm in West Farleigh, the charity pro- vides practical farm-based activities and therapeutic service to help children overcome past suffering, develop in confidence and self-esteem and dis- cover a new and positive path to follow.
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www.elliottlandscapes.com Maidstone South June 2015 27
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