The Isle of Wight’s cat rehoming centre is marking 65 years of helping homeless and unwanted cats with a special open day in Ryde later this month.
Cats Protection Isle of Wight Cat Centre, on Marlborough Road, will open its doors to the public on Saturday 13 June from 11am until 3pm for a day of celebrations, activities and a look back at its history.
The centre first began caring for cats in February 1961 and organisers are planning a number of 1960s-themed attractions to mark the milestone.
Deputy Manager Jo Morrison said:
“We’ll be playing 60s music, manager Mel and I will be dressing up in 60s fashion and there will be a display of history and facts about 1961.
“We will reflect on the centre’s development as it grew from its early days as little more than sheds.
“It began life known as the Isle of Wight Memorial Home, then became the Isle of Wight Branch in the 70s, before it became Ryde Shelter in the late 80s, then the Isle of Wight Shelter, the Isle of Wight Adoption Centre and now the cat centre that it is today. So much has changed and we’re very proud to be celebrating.”
Visitors can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities including games, a raffle, bottle tombola, face painting, children’s entertainment, tea and cakes, and cat-themed awards.
There will also be opportunities to tour the centre and meet some of the cats currently in care.
Several Island animal charities will be taking part in the celebrations, including RSPCA Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Monkey Haven, Ability Dogs 4 Young People and Friends of the Animals.
The open day will also see the winners announced in the centre’s Dream Cat Competition, which is open to school-age children until 10 June.
All entries will be displayed during the event, with the overall winner receiving a family ticket to Tapnell Farm.
“This is going to be a brilliant day with fun for all ages, plenty of cat-themed activities and of course the chance to look around the cattery.
“We can’t wait to see our supporters from over the years and hear tales of how cats we’ve homed have gone on to live wonderful lives.”
For more information, contact the Isle of Wight Cat Centre on 03000 120 251 or visit the Cats Protection Isle of Wight website.
