June 2019 is a very special milestone for Oak Tree Animals’ Charity as they mark their 110th Birthday. Founded on June 9th 1909 by a young draughtsman Francis Cox, supported by authors Jack London and Jerome K Jerome, and politicians Keir Hardie, Lord Henry Cavendish-Bendick and Winston Churchill, the Charity have helped hundreds of thousands of animals throughout the past century and been instrumental in national animal welfare policy change.
This work continues today from their site at Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, where the Charity not only rehome dogs, cats and horses but also work extensively in the local area to keep pets and owners together; they are still an advocate, both locally and nationally, for improved animal welfare.
Wetheral has been their home since 1979 and they are extremely proud of their heritage. The Charity are celebrating their milestone birthday with a week of celebrations and would love the Community to come along and be part of it.
1st June – The week will start with a burst of music! Oak Tree are offering people the opportunity to ‘Sing For A Day’ at Oak Tree Farm, under the guidance of experienced community choir leader Ellen Mawhinney, assisted by local musicians. The basic requirement to take part is that you enjoy singing – you don’t need to be able to read music or have choir experience!
2nd June – Do you ever wish that your dog was great off-leash, with a reliable recall, focus on you and a regular check-in? If so, this is the workshop for you. Taught by Oak Tree’s team of Certified Pro-Dog Trainers, you and your dog will get the chance to train together in a fun and positive way using games-based training techniques to get great results while developing a fantastic relationship. Limited to 10 places, 9am – 4pm, £80 per place.
3rd June – This four-hour workshop allows you and your dog to develop calmness. Taught by Oak Tree’s team of Certified Pro-Dog Trainers you and your dog will train using games-based techniques to help you both improve your calmness and develop a great relationship. 10am – 2pm, £40 per place.
5th June – ‘Canine Residents’ Reunion’, is a fantastic opportunity for previous canine residents (and their new families!) to get together and share stories! There will be plenty of dog-focussed games and activities and our Small Animal Team will be hosting this fun event.
6th June – Is Oak Tree’s Ceilidh Birthday Bash at Oak Tree Farm, 6pm – 10pm. Join them for a wonderful evening of music, dance and celebration. £5 ticket in advance (£6 on the door) food and drink available all evening.
7th June – Oak Tree’s Equine Team will be showcasing their training work with their horses between 11 and 2pm at Oak Tree Farm. Go along and see the Charity’s fabulous equines in action.
8th June – Summer Fair! Join Oak Tree for a fantastic day of summer fun at Oak Tree Farm! Meet some of the dogs and ponies, enjoy games, stalls, a bouncy castle, cake and live music. A day out to be enjoyed by all the family. Pop along between 11.00am and 4.00pm for a lovely day to support local animals in need.
9th June – Oak Tree are delighted to be joining with Eden Churches on their actual birthday for ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ – to celebrate animals and pet ownership with a pet blessing. Picnic from 1.30pm in Holy Trinity Churchyard (bring your own picnic), blessing at 2.30pm and birthday cake cutting at 3pm. If your pet would be more comfortable at home than at the event, Oak Tree suggest you take along a photo of them so they can be part of the day.
For more information about their celebrations and events please visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk, call 01228 560082 or email events@oaktreeanimals.org.uk
