GSPCA 135th AGM a night of celebrations and launch of the New Designs for a New Wildlife Hospital

Members and supporters started to arrive for the 135^th GSPCA AGM just after 7pm at the Animal Shelter in St Andrews.

After some refreshments John Knight GSPCA President and local Vet opened the meeting and welcomed everyone for coming along, which was followed by a number of apologies from those wanting to attend but unable due to a variety of reasons.

Then a number of reports were given and some of the highlights included.

John Knight GSPCA President who made a huge number of thanks and here are some of the comments made “Thank you to all of the GSPCA Committee.”

John introduced the Committee and explained their skills and involvement.

John continued “Thank you to Sam Le Tissier and Phil Soulsby who stepped down in recent years but both did a huge amount for the GSPCA and welcome to the new committee members Alex and Louise who bring excellent skills.”

“I’d also like to welcomed Colin Langlois from Best Books who has really helped with the accounts as has Louise Gambrell our new Treasurer.”

“Congratulations to Steve Byrne the GSPCA Manager and his 10 year anniversary who does so much for us and Lorna Chadwick the Welfare Manager for her 15 year anniversary and we are so grateful for all she does.”

John highlighted the high numbers of wildlife and the work that is carried out and launched the new plans of the Wildlife Hospital with thanks to DLM Architects. The plans have been adjusted due to recent challenges with covid and costs but we are now moving forward with the building and excited about the future.

John highlighted the new flooring for the new small animal area we are planning to get achieved in the coming months and other work going on around the GSPCA.

John thanked all of the GSPCA team for all they have done during these difficult times and all done for the animals and thanked Michelle Champion for the new Charity Shop which has been doing very well.

This was followed by the GSPCA Manager giving his report. Steve Byrne said “What a challenging few years we have had at the GSPCA.”

“We couldn’t achieve so much without our incredible team who have worked so hard through such difficulties.”

“We have 149 years history but in recent years we have seen record breaking numbers of wildlife especially with seals, birds, rabbits and hedgehogs, in fact over 2700 wild animals last year the highest ever number.”

“We continue investigating cruelty reports, in fact over a thousand a year but many can be resolved easily or with some advice but sadly we still have those occasions where we have to work with the authorities.”

“For 149 years we have helped animals around the clock and for over 40 years we have ensured we run a 24/7 ambulance service which we couldn’t do without our amazing volunteer ambulance wardens and the rest of the team at the GSPCA.”

“Sadly due to covid we had to reduce volunteer numbers on site but we are slowly building this back up, although we have to be cautious.”

“Boarding numbers have been incredibly low due to covid and really affected our income, as well as a lack of fund raising events, but we have all worked really hard and so grateful to so many for all of the financial support and other support in so many ways.”

“Despite covid and challenges across the British Isles and world we still managed each year to put on our Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday where we celebrate with thousands of islanders and last year we celebrated our 10^th event.”

Steve then launched the New Wildlife Hospital designs “We are pleased to launch the new designs for the much needed New Wildlife Hospital which would be the only purpose built Wildlife Hospital in the Channel Islands.”

“A huge thanks to DLM Architects who are here tonight and have helped with the designs and the video and pictures on show tonight.”

“Sadly due to the challenges in the world and increased costs the £2,000,000 build we were looking at before covid looks slightly different and we are looking at future phases and additions, but what we have designed is incredibly exciting and will replace 6 really old buildings and gives us more facilities than we currently have to help the year on year increase in wildlife numbers.”

“It includes a variety of facilities to help the wild animals we see here in Guernsey and would mean the layout of the facility gives the animals we help what they need for their care.”

“We have raised an amazing £300,000 towards the facility so far and if anyone knows anyone who can help sponsor or with the facility in any way from Buying an engraved Brick to sponsoring a room, helping with supplies or support please speak to those you know and please do put them in touch.”

To make a direct donation to the Wildlife Hospital please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

To see the new designs from the 135^th AGM for the Wildlife Hospital please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/GSPCA%20Wildlife%20Hosptial%20135th%20AGM.pdf

Louise Gambrell introduced herself and gave the Treasurers Report which included all the work involved with preparing the last 3 years of accounts.

Louise discussed the costs of running the GSPCA and how costs have increased due to increased animal numbers and the work involved.

Louise highlighted the GSPCA Coronavirus Crisis Appeal, Social Investment Fund donation and States Covid Support meant despite the challenges we got through 2020 well, but we are needing to monitor things now with the increased costs of living.

Louise reported our new cloud based systems which is helping with way we work and we are looking at our investments.  We now have a new book keeper Colin Langlois from Best Books and thanks to him and Helen Holmes who did so much but recently left and we are currently replacing.

Louise explained some of the future challenges such as GST which would cause lots of challenges and potential issues, the new Pension law and all the challenges with increased costs there are challenges ahead, but we are in a healthy position.

Following Louise’s report the Accounts for 2018, 2019 and 2020 were accepted and approved and it was agreed the Auditors for 2021/22 would continue to be Moore Stephens who sadly couldn’t attend, but have supported the GSPCA for many years and provide an excellent service.

John Knight said that Membership is a hugely important part of the GSPCA and it was agreed that Membership Rates would continue at just £10 per year and this is something you can do as a one off payment or part of a number of monthly giving schemes.

The Election of GSPCA Committee Members took place and uncontested -

President - John Knight

Vice President & Secretary – Adele Malpas

Vice President – Thomas Le Pelley

 Treasurer – Louise Gambrell

Committee Members – Stephen Ford, Karen Girdlestone and Alex Wickens

Then one of the real highlights of the night took place which are the Certificates of Appreciation. These were awarded to the following -

Lorna Chadwick - 15 years service and for services to the GSPCA & Animal Welfare in Guernsey

Bailiwick Express for fantastic support in promoting our work and stories

Mat Hill-Smith and Jen Bradshaw for 10 outstanding service as GSPCA Animal Ambulance Wardens & services to the GSPCA & Animal Welfare in Guernsey

Helen Holmes for outstanding service to the GSPCA

Louise Gambrell for outstanding and invaluable service as treasurer

Colin Langlois for outstanding service to the GSPCA

Corinne and Paul Connolly for 10 amazing years fund raising and support through Sidneys Sponsored Events

Michelle Champion for outstanding service setting up the GSPCA Charity Shop in Smith Street

Karen Acheson for her fantastic support at the GSPCA Charity Shop

Sam Le Tissier for her help outstanding support to the GSPCA

Investec for all their incredible support and donations

Steve Byrne said a long piece about each person and the reasons for each award and here are some of the highlights “Lorna has been an incredible support to both me and all at the GSPCA as the Welfare Manager and does so much more.”

“She heads up the Dog Training to investigating cruelty and is a fantastic member of the team.”

“We are hugely grateful to all of the media and their support but this year wanted to highlight the incredible support from the Bailiwick Express who highlight so much of our work which is shared with thousands of islanders and is so appreciated by us all at the GSPCA.”

“Matt and Jen are our longest serving Animal Ambulance Wardens and have recently celebrated 10 years helping two nights every week volunteering picking up the ambulance at 6pm until 8am the following morning.”

“Just last night they brought a stray dog when I was on duty and like all of the wardens are truly amazing and really appreciated.”

“We celebrated Helen, Louise and Colin together, Helen with over 15 years amazing support to the GSPCA, Louise as our new Treasurer and has worked incredibly hard since she joined our team as a volunteer committee member and put in incredible hours and Colin from Best Books who we are so thankful for all of his support.”

“Corrine and Paul sadly could be with us tonight but this time 10 years ago they launched Sidney’s Sponsored Events and in that time organised many fabulous events and raised tens of thousands of pounds for the GSPCA and so much more for other amazing charities and have even set a date for an event in aid of the GSPCA later this year with details to follow."

"They are truly amazing and helped us in so many ways and we are so thankful to them and those that support their events.”

“Michelle has helped in many ways for many years but this year proposed the idea of a new Charity Shop for the GSPCA in Smith Street which opened in September and this has been a fantastic success and we wanted to thank her and also thank Karen who does work at the Shelter on the weekends but gives up many hours to help Michelle at the GSPCA Charity Shop which we wanted to recognise and give her a special thanks.”

“We also gave an award to Investec who have been incredibly supportive over the last three years from helping purchase a new electric ambulance to volunteering, helping purchase a lifesaving AED to helping set up the new Charity Shop, we cannot thank them enough.”

“We also gave a special thanks and award to Sam Le Tissier who has done so much for the GSPCA and continues to support our work.”

“We couldn’t give everyone a certificate sadly and wanted to highlight a few that do so much for the GSPCA and animals in Guernsey.”

“We have to thank all that support our work and what we do as we couldn’t do so much without all and everyone involved in making the GSPCA such a special place and organisation helping the community in so many ways and thousands of animals, working with hundreds of organisations and educating about animal welfare and sharing important messages to islanders to care for their pets.”

The night ended with a real buzz with those attending chatting and sharing ideas for the future for the GSPCA.

To see a list of GSPCA Committee Members please visit - http://gspca.org.gg/about/gspca-committee

To see our membership page, rules and accounts please visit - http://gspca.org.gg/about/gspca-membership

Without you we couldn’t achieve so much.  We are blessed each year from those that remember us as a gift in their will and to find how you could leave a lasting legacy to help animals in Guernsey please visit - http://gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding

Steve continued “There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.”

“With over 100 hedgehogs, 6 seal pups, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, fish, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”

“If you would like to support our Amazon Wish List and see lists of items that we use every day and things that we are appealing for.”

“If would like to help with wish list items you can call us on 01481 25721 or email [email protected] or the easy way to see many items we are in need  is by going to our Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList .”

“We do promote buying items locally but shopping online can help raise funds at the same time as if you select the GSPCA through easy fund raising part of the amount through 1000’s of online retailers comes back to the GSPCA and it has raised over £2500.”

“To sign up to do this please visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/guernseyspca/?u=1CHID8 .”

“Sadly Amazon Smile doesn’t allow Guernsey charities to sign up but you can go through easy fund raising to achieve the same donation.”

“As mentioned you can always chose to donate via local stores and the Amazon Wish List is a shop front showing some of the items we need but there are many others and we have published these on our Wish List page http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“A gift of a tiny bowl costing less than a £1 to a £600 intensive care unit, every donation is hugely appreciated and really makes the team smile that there are those that care and want to support our work.”

“Another amazing way to support our work is by just a couple of pounds each month can make a massive difference in helping the animals in our care and to find out more please go to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”

“To make a donation you can go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”  

“Something for your diaries in 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/2023-autism-guernsey-and-gspca-will-bring-puffin-parade-guernsey-%E2%80%93-could-you-sponsor-and-paint- “

“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Puffin Patrol

In 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/2023-autism-guernsey-and-gspca-will-bring-puffin-parade-guernsey-%E2%80%93-could-you-sponsor-and-paint-

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus

With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Below are our usual opening times but with the current challenges due to covid these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261