Ferne Needs You!

Jul 17, 2015

Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Wambrook, Chard, Somerset is seeking local support and volunteers for their biggest event of the year, the hugely popular annual Family Fun Day. Taking place on Wednesday 5th August 2015, this event always attracts an enormous crowd and is a fabulous day out for the whole family.

This time the event has a 1940’s theme to celebrate Ferne’s remarkable 75th Anniversary year.

Organiser Sarah Jackson from Ferne said: “This year everyone at Ferne is really excited as we have more attractions than ever! They include Sharandy’s Birds of Prey, Punch and Judy, arena displays, vintage vehicles, a History of Ferne presentation, bouncy castle and rides, face painting, a miniature railway and more.

“There will also be family games from the era and competitions for the Best Dressed 1940’s Lady, Gent, Boy and Girl, which will be great fun. In addition there will be a Tug of War and of course, our Annual Mascot Race, which is hilarious!

“Amongst numerous stallholders, we’ll have traditional sweets and a Dig for Victory (plants and home produce) stall. There’ll also be traditional wood turning and wool spinning, a raffle and tombola.”

A “Dogs at War” Photographic Exhibition is being very kindly provided by Chard Museum and Heritage Centre.

Sarah continued: “And of course, everyone will be able to meet Ferne’s wonderful animals and visit Pets Corner. There will be a children’s story teller on site too.”

Over £7,000 was raised in 2014 at this event. Ferne need help to make this year’s Family Fun Day the biggest and best ever to celebrate their special anniversary year.

“As well as welcoming new volunteers to help with all sorts of areas on the day, we need donations of books, soft toys (with CE label) and raffle prizes. Donated items can be dropped off at the Sanctuary near Chard, or at one of Ferne’s charity shops in Chard, Langport or Bridport, making sure staff know that any items are for the event,” Sarah concludes.

Refreshments will be available all day. The event is open from 11am until 4pm. Price is £5 per car. A free Ferne shuttle bus service is being provided from Crowshute car park in Chard. There will be a discount off the entry fee for groups arriving by the Ferne shuttle bus (£4 per family of up to 5 people and £1 for every extra person). The last bus leaves the Sanctuary at 4.30pm.