SARUM U3A

The monthly Coffee Morning of Sarum U3A was held in our usual venue of St Francis Church Hall on Wednesday 20 February.

Our speakers were Phil Groombridge and Richard Solley from “Wildlife Rescue”.  With their work generally well known and their interesting articles in the “Salisbury Journal” they were popular speakers and extra chairs had to be put out to accommodate a full hall of members wishing to hear more about their work with wildlife who need help.

The organisation, supported only by voluntary contributions from the public and time given by volunteers, started 19 years ago as “Pet Search”.  It has since grown both nationwide and worldwide.  They receive about 30 calls a day for their help including rescuing wildlife injured or in need of help (such as a deer wandering on the A36).  Whenever possible they prepare the wildlife to be returned to the wild (41,000 to date) and if this is not possible they are looked after with them and members were able to appreciate their beauty close-up.

Their web site can be seen by clicking HERE

Phil stressed that Wildlife Rescue have a need for volunteers and they are always welcomed.  He talked about the equipment they need to do a good job for the wildlife: antibiotics which are made in the UK but cost 4 times as much as the same product does in the US; mobile phones with cameras to give information to vets and a helicopter (an effective and cheaper way of locating wildlife in difficulties.  Both the equipment and feeding the animals and birds are expensive and they are grateful that Sainsbury’s, for example, donate certain appropriate foods which are past their sell-by date.  Both Sainsbury’s and Waitrose allow them to organise occasional collections at their stores.  After the talk a collection was held which raised £319.  New projects for the future include a newsletter and taking in pets while their owners are on holiday.  It was a heart-warming talk which countered the cruelty which is frequently reported.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 19 March, it will be our AGM.  Any nominations for officers or the committee should reach the Secretary as soon as possible.  Information on the activities of Sarum U3A can be found in the reference section of the Public Library.