Sunday at the Sanctuary

This Sunday, 24 August, Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary hosts their annual Open Day. From noon ’til five, writes HOT’s Zelly Restorick, you can visit all the animals and birds who’ve been offered a safe haven by Barby Keel and her hard-working team of mainly volunteers, have some lunch, play the tombola, visit the various stalls and generally support a very worthy local cause.

Horse at Barby Keel Photo by Rhian Thomas

Way back in 1971, the sanctuary was just a single caravan, some fields, a few strays who’d been offered a safe haven and Barby Keel. Now it is a thriving animal sanctuary, where a whole range of species can live their lives out peacefully and with guaranteed care.

“Soon the trickle of homeless animals became a deluge and Barby’s home became an official Sanctuary”, says member of staff, Dan, who – along with other members of staff and the many volunteers – cares for the animals all year round, whatever the weather. She now shares this home and her life with over 500 creatures, which over the years have included cats, dogs, donkeys, horses, ponies, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea-fowl, budgies, cockatiels, pigeons, peacocks, seagulls, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, ferrets, mink and chinchillas!!

Pigs at Barby Keel Photo by Rhian Thomas

“Barby is the driving force behind the project, caring for unwanted, hungry, abandoned and neglected animals, all of which have found their way to the love and comfort of the Sanctuary. Many have sad tales to tell. Here they have their hunger stilled (perhaps for the first time), are given a warm bed and much love. For some, new homes or foster owners are found, but for the old, infirm and unwanted, the Sanctuary is a permanent home.”

Goat at Barby Keel Photo by Rhian Thomas

Over £5,000 is needed monthly just to keep the Sanctuary afloat, collected via donations, legacies, sponsorship (£12 annual minimum), membership (£5 p.a. or £50 for life), the shop on St Leonards Road in Bexhill on Sea and the Annual Open Day.

On Sunday, you can mingle with the animals and meet the new arrivals and peruse the stalls including antiques, plants, bric-a-brac, refreshments, home made produce and ices. Food and drink are on sale also.

Free car park via Watermill Lane, plus free mini-buses [please check with The Sanctuary about running times and locations).

A lovely, gentle day out in the countryside spent amongst cared-for animals and birds and caring people – and you’ll know that your attendance has made a valuable contribution to the perpetuation of the Sanctuary.

Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary

Summer Open Day Sunday 24 August Noon – 5pm

Pipzedene, Freezeland Lane, Sidley, Bexhill on Sea, TN39 5JD

Tel No: 01424 222032

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