In a bold move designed to raise more funds to support vulnerable animals, the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch is stepping up its events programme.
The local, independent charity is holding 3 new events this year and is hoping that they will become much-loved landmarks in the Island’s busy calendar.
Frist up is The Great Isle of Wight Dog Walk will be held on Sunday, 27th April from 10:00. The RSPCA Isle of Wight teamed up with the Steam Railway at Havenstreet who have kindly offered their amazing venue to walkers and their dogs and Friends of the Animals who are organising a Fun Dog Show.
The morning walk will involve a ride on a vintage steam train from Havenstreet to the start of a dog-friendly 3k walking route back to the station. The afternoon hike will be a circular 5k from Havenstreet on a beautiful, relatively easy route along gravel tracks to Great Briddlesford Farm.
Havenstreet Station will be the hub of the event with dog related stalls, food and drink and doggy – related fun and games, including a Family Dog Show organised by the Friends of the Animals. This will take place over the lunch period – so walkers can take part. Enter one of the classes on the day for just £3 per dog per class.
Says Branch Director Steve Backhouse:
“We are a small, independent and local charity with a big job to do in supporting vulnerable Island animals. We must fundraise for everything we spend here at the Branch and are always looking for new, fresh ideas to raise money.
Article continues below this advertisement “We hope that these new additions will appeal to people who can help us whilst having a lot of fun with their pets, families and friends.”
Tickets for the train particularly are selling fast and numbers are limited so walkers are being encouraged to buy their tickets soon to avoid disappointment.
The Charity is offering a collectable commemorative dog tag to mark the event which can be engraved with your dogs’ details.
Two other events planned for later in the year are one for equestrians – The RSPCA Spider Ride – on June 14th and Red Squirrel Cycle Ride on September 20th. More details on these will be released soon.
In the meantime, here is the link for tickets to the dog walk: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rspca-isle-of-wight-105247604951
