Small animal lovers from near and far flocked to Bentley Pavilion on Saturday November 19th for Cavy Corner’s Guinea Pig Fun Day.

The annual Winter Fun Day event was just one of many fundraisers held by the sanctuary this year. The day’s objective was to raise money for Cavy Corner, so that they can continue to care for the guinea pigs they have rescued.

The volunteers and friends of Cavy Corner made the day truly special and showed just how committed they are to their furry friends. Guinea pigs of all shapes and sizes were brought along to enjoy the day, and some of them were reunited with their family members, after being re-homed by the sanctuary.

The event kicked off at midday, but it was a much earlier start for those who travelled from far flung destinations such as Essex and Sussex to join in with the fun. It was an early start too, for the volunteers who turned out in force to transform Bentley Pavilion into guinea pig heaven! The sanctuary is completely run by volunteers and relies on charity events such as this one, so that they can continue to change the lives of guinea pigs for the better.

It was wonderful for everyone involved with Cavy Corner when people started flooding to the event. Many visitors commented on the eye-catching tombola and raffle displays as soon as they walked into the room. As well as the raffle and tombola, there were various other stalls which were jam packed with guinea pig gifts. They sold everything from beds and armchairs for the piggies, to mugs and Christmas cards for their owners.

After everyone had settled in and had a cup of coffee, the competitions began. The guinea pigs, and other furry friends which had been brought along by their owners, were entered into such competitions as, “Beautiful Bunny”, “Pet most like their owner” (which proved to be quite simply, hilarious!) and “Guinea the judge would most like to take home”. The final award, which took the judges some time to decide upon, was the “Best in Show”. This was won by Kayleigh’s beautiful rabbit, Miffy. The volunteers also entered their pets into their own competition. The main prize for the volunteers was won by Mark Harrison with Dindy Pig.

When they weren’t battling it out to be named as the perfect pet, the guinea pigs were taken by their owners to get free mini health checks, which were conducted by the volunteers. Those who didn’t have a pet of their own could go to the far end of the hall, where they would find Cuddle Corner. Here, they had the chance to cuddle one of Cavy Corner’s guineas. There was also a children’s art competition and a poetry competition for visitors to get involved with.

A great day was had by all; one visitor said that it was, “a beautiful and very well-organised day.” All money raised will go directly to the sanctuary, who will put it towards the guinea-pigs’ food, shavings and housing, vets fees etc. The charity is known for its love for guinea-pigs and enthusiasm to help them and give them a good home. After what has been an action-packed year for the sanctuary and all its helpers, we were thrilled that so many people came to make it such a special day. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it possible.

 

Euan Parsons

Cavy Corner volunteer reporter.

 

Competition Winners

Beautiful Bunny:

· Volunteer- Beth with Bonnie

· Bethany Snow with Mary

Happy Hamster:

· Naomi Winstanley with Fluffy

Very Important Piggy:

· Mark Bainbridge and Louise Barker with Marble

Gorgeous Guinea:

· Volunteer- Savannah with Hector

· Marie Butterfield with Fonz

X Factor Piggie:

· Volunteer- Mark Harrison with Dindy Pig

· Eddy Hanks with Rhona

Fabulous Fur:

· Volunteer- Sarah with Paddington

· Ebony with Barry

Perfect Pet:

· Volunteer-Katie with Charlie

· Checkers

Beautiful Baby

· Volunteer- Ellie with Phabian

· Lucy with CeCe

Healthy Pet

· Volunteer- Sarah with Buttercup

· Kayleigh with Miffy

Cutest Couple

· Volunteer- Sarah with Splodge and Beaker

· Eddy Hanks with Misty and Daisy

Pet Most like their Owner

· Volunteer- Sarah with Buttercup

· Eddy Hanks with Juma

Fastest Eater

· Volunteer- Ellie with Phabian

· Bethany Snow with Chubbs

Guinea the judge would most like to take home

· Volunteer- Savannah with Smokey

· Mark Bainbridge and Louise Barker with Marble

Best in Show

· Volunteer RESERVE – Savannah with Hector

· Volunteer- Mark Harrison with Dindy Pig

· RESERVE – Eddy Hanks with Juma

· Kayleigh with Miffy

Children’s Colourful Cavies and Bright Bunnies Competition

· 1st Prize – Lola

· 2nd Prize – Kelsey

Piggie Poem competition and Guess the weight of the cake:

Both won by Lucy, aged 8.

Volunteer Piggie Poem won by Louise

 

The stunning Rosettes were beautifully crafted by

Rosettes@ymail.com

01386 48376 between 09:30-19-30 Mon-Fri 11:00-15:00 Sat-Sun

We would like to say a huge Thank You to

Rosettes@ymail.com

Wagg Foods

Bentley Pavilion

Brough Bakers/Anne's Pantry

Back to Nature Environmentally Friendly Bedding

Sue and Stephen Gilliat

The Printing Team at Doncaster Prison

All the lovely, hardworking, loyal Volunteers & Helpers who generously gave their time to make the

day a great success and help the Cavy Corner Piggies

Everyone who attended and all the beautiful animals that came along.

The event was SO good we will be holding another one in the spring.