Charity celebrate grand opening

Horses and ponies at the Blue Cross equine rehabilitation centre on Dovecliff Road, Rolleston-on-Dove, were joined by a host of guests today to celebrate the grand opening of the new centre.

Mrs Brenda Luke and Mrs Susan Brown, great nieces of Robert Archer who bequeathed the land to The Blue Cross in memory of his late wife Hilda, cut the ribbon to officially open the site and spoke about their family’s love of animals and delight at seeing the centre helping so many needy horses and ponies.

Guests were also present at a riding display where Blue Cross grooms demonstrated how a balance of empathy and training had helped the horses overcome past problems and given them a second chance of a worthwhile, fulfilling future.

Kath Urwin, manager of the centre, said: “This centre will have huge benefit to the charity’s work; enabling The Blue Cross to provide a safe future for even more horses and ponies that need help.”

Anyone who feels they can provide an experienced, long term home for a horse or pony in the charity’s care can contact the Rolleston equine centre on 0845 260 5505, email equine@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk. For further information on The Blue Cross’s Sponsor-A-Pony scheme, visit the website or telephone Callie Rose 01993 825564, email callie.rose@bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact: Sam Roberts
Direct line: 0207 932 4065
Mobile: 07917 132 698

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.