Why not try something different in 2024...

AND PHOTOS BY PHILL GEE

Mortimer Alpacas is a family-run business set in the beautiful village of Mortimer, Berkshire.

George, Zippy, Bungle, Cappuccino, Rupert, Finley, Henry, Hugo, Pip, and Truffle are their adorable young boys, who each have different personalities and bring something unique to the experience.

Sam told us: “People can come to us to walk and picnic with them, or we do picnic-only sessions, which are fun for the whole family.”

Time is spent with the alpacas by the family and as a result, they have the right temperament for socialising with humans, and they are able to come for hand-feeding. This is a truly unique experience because you can spend time petting the alpacas in their natural environment, and you can really get to know these beauties, capturing those quirky selfies!

Sam explained that they welcome private groups, including children and adults with special needs. Not only that, but they also provide corporate visits; you can go to them, or they can come to you.

Sam told us that they frequently visit nurseries and care homes and attend weddings in and around the Wokingham Borough. Chuckling, Sam recounted how the alpacas have in the lent auction, gift stalls and games, as well as children’s craft activities and live entertainment. past been in residents’ bedrooms and even travelled between floors in lifts with the alpacas.

There are opportunities for volunteers aged over 16 who have a genuine interest in animals.

For more information on visiting the farm or to have them visit you, see their website: www.mortimer-alpacas. co.uk.

Sue Ryder ‘branches’ out into Christmas tree recycling

Sue Ryder is branching out and encouraging local residents across the Thames Valley area to recycle their real trees through their Christmas Treecycling service. In return for a donation, they’ll collect your real Christmas trees for recycling, to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder. This green scheme will raise vital funds so Sue Ryder can continue of- fering its compassionate palliative care and bereavement support, helping Sue Ryder teams be there when it matters.

For a suggested donation, they will collect real Christmas trees direct from your front garden or driveway and recycle them.

Real Christmas trees are 100 per cent recyclable and can be turned into compost or wood chippings for local parks, gardens or landscaping projects, so residents who choose to ‘Treecycle’ will not only be supporting Sue Ryder, but will also be helping reduce landfill.

Sue Ryder does not make any money from processing the trees, so your donations help us be there when it matters.