Cats Protection Berkshire to host open day to mark 60th anniversary

A cat charity is hosting an open day to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Cats Protection Berkshire is inviting cat owners to visit its Curridge centre on Sunday (June 22) to mark the occasion.

Professional ice skater and cat fosterer Frankie Seaman will open the event, which will feature children’s games, facepainting and cat-themed stalls from 1pm to 4pm.

Newbury singer Beth Greenham will deliver the entertainment while visitors try their luck at a raffle or tombola.

Volunteers will also be on hand to talk to anyone interested in rehoming a cat.

The centre opened in 1965 when Irene Earnshaw and her friend Joyce Northover started the Newbury & District branch.

In 1994, Cats Protection provided the branch with a purpose built 42 pen facility.

It opened its first Homing & Information unit at Pets at Home in Newbury a decade later.

Caroline Cummings, from Newbury, is the centre’s longest running volunteer, clocking up 29 years.

She adopted her first cat, named Tigger, in 1977.

Her roles have been varied and have included dressing as an elf at the centre’s annual Christmas bazaar.

She said: “Playing even a small part in cats finding their forever homes is so gratifying.

“I must have helped so many cats in 25 years. It gives me such a warm feeling every day.”