Acorn News
Autumn/Winter 2024
Welcome to our Autumn/Winter Newsletter 2024!
A definite year of adjustment for everyone here at Oak Tree with key staff changes, the most notable of which was the resignation of our CEO, Caroline Johnson.
Caroline had spent over 8 years in charge, transforming and growing the charity, ensuring that not only were the onsite animals given the best possible care, but help and support was extended to the wider community with a view to keeping animals in loving homes.
The demand for our services shows no sign of abating and, as with many of our fellow charities, we are continually operating at capacity. Sadly, we are often the last port of call after numerous things have gone wrong. We urge everyone to seek help earlier rather than later. Our team are always on hand to help with any questions relating to companion animal care. If we don’t know the answers, we should be able to signpost you to someone who does.
We hope you enjoy reading about our work and a big thank you to all our new advertisers who have contributed to the production of your Acorn News. Thank you to you all for your support in helping us to help so many people and animals across our region.
Caroline Yon & Matthew Notter
Violet Never Forgotten
This summer we said a sad goodbye to our beloved Violet.
The first record we have of Violet is from 2010, which means she has been a part of Oak Tree for longer than most of our current staff! While her exact age is unknown, we know she was at least 16 years old and has lived an incredible life on site.
As a free roaming outdoor cat, she has lived the feline dream on Oak Tree Farm; lots of mice to chase, warm stables to snuggle up in, and a stream of visitors to tickle her tummy as she sprawled in the sunshine.
She was always supplied with food, water, attention and so much love, it’s no wonder that with all the freedom she had, she never strayed too far from home.
Our little three-legged friend never wanted for much, and we want to say a huge thank you to her sponsors over the years. Your contributions helped us to pay for a microchip activated cat flap so she could access her very own cattery pen on the colder nights, helped with the cost of underfloor heating for her, and of course, her vet bills to keep her going as long as she did.
She will be sadly missed by all of us at Oak Tree
Thank you
Thomas
Many of you will remember our fundraising campaign to fund medical treatment for Thomas - he has had femoral head excisions on both hips to combat dysplasia and we’re very pleased to say he’s made a remarkable recovery.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our fundraising campaign for Thomas , Paragon Veterinary Group - Pets and Thomas’ foster carers , Angie & Stevewho have now become his forever family, officially adopting Thomas on 12th July !
DylanA big thank you to everyone who contributed to the Campaign to fund Dylan's New Boots! Dylan has Cushings and is recovering from a bout of laminitis - your kindness in funding the purchase of his boots has made a real difference.
"Dylan is moving so well in his new boots. It has given him much more freedom to get out and about with the other ponies going for walks etc. They have given him the cushioning and support he needs for his flat feet, and we are all super pleased with the result."
Your donations really do make a difference
Chip & Chat with Oak Tree’s Community Team
Since the start of 2023, our community team have provided affordable microchipping clinics in Carlisle’s various community centres. Over this period, we have microchipped 6 dogs and an amazing 82 cats!
It is a legal requirement that all owned cats and dogs are microchipped; before 8 weeks of age for dogs and 20 weeks for cats. We only ask for £5 per pet and thanks to everyone who has attended so far, we have raised £515 for the charity.
A special thank you to Paragon Veterinary Group for assisting us so brilliantly every time and providing our clients with the best treatment.
Keep an eye on our social media and website for any upcoming Chip & Chat dates!
Pet Guardianship
Our Pet Guardianship Support Program allows pet owners within a 40-mile radius of Oak Tree Farm to ensure their dogs or cats are cared for in the unfortunate event of their passing. Once accepted into the program, owners can establish a plan to transfer ownership of their pets to Oak Tree through their wills. This proactive step helps prevent potential delays and complications regarding legal ownership among next of kin.
Upon notification of an owner's death, Oak Tree will collect the pets, offering them veterinary and behavioral support while we search for a new, loving forever home where they can receive the care and affection they deserve.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg
‘The
Feral Sisters’
Daisy, Bounty and Wispa were all successfully trained to be riding ponies and have been exploring the local village and Highstand woods.
The equine team have also been working with some yearlings that were abandoned earlier this year. Juniper, Nutmeg and Saffron have all been introduced to the horsebox to build up confidence for loading and travelling which will enable them to be safely moved to different locations including, hopefully, their new homes
Ponies Out and About
So far in 2024 we have rehomed six ponies
2 ridden ponies
2 companions 2 yearlings
n est. p p
Basil, attended to help promote rescued equines and improve equine welfare. They even joined in the evening parade and were awarded a rosette for
Where possible, as part of their training, the team will take some of the ponies to local shows and events to expose them to new environments prior to rehoming. Both Wispa and Basil attended a few in hand shows and got lovely comments from the judges on their behaviour and condition. Daisy, a 4-year-old mare, had a fun trip out to a farm ride where she was ridden in open spaces over varying terrain and even jumped over a few logs! She is now ready to be rehomed.
Become
a Sponsor, Corporate Partner or a Commercial Participator
Let’s work together to really make a difference.
Becoming a Sponsor, Corporate Partner or Commercial Participator with Oak Tree Animals’ Charity can offer your business a unique opportunity to enhance your brand's visibility while contributing to a meaningful cause.
When you partner with us, you not only demonstrate your commitment to social impact but also create a powerful connection with consumers who prioritise ethical business practices.
This collaboration allows your business to engage in cause-related marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience, driving customer loyalty and elevating your brand's appeal. Additionally, you can leverage our charity's network (we have a digital mmunications ‘reach’ in excess of 1 million people) d resources to access new markets, increase your stomer base, and boost employee morale through ared values and community involvement.
Together, we can make a lasting difference while achieving your business goals.
Thanks, as ever, to all our Sponsors, Commercial Participators and Corporate Partners for your continued support – we are immensely grateful.
Please contact our Fundraising Team if you would like to learn more about partnering with Oak Tree Animals' Charity. Email fundraising@oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
Happy Endings!
ROCKET
“Just wanted to let you know how glad we were to have been chosen to adopt Rocket. She has settled in so well, and is a perfect mix of affectionate and playful. She has fitted in with us like she has always been here, and seeing her lovely orange eyes when we get up in the mornings just makes us so happy. She loves to sit between us on the sofa or get on the windowsill to check whats going on outside. " Please get in touch via communications@oaktreeanimals.org.uk with your updates
We love to hear about our Oak Tree ‘Family’
PEANUT
“ Peanut is doing so well. He has become such an affectionate boy, he loves his sofa cuddles! Peanut enjoys going out in the car, visiting new places for walks. We are getting ready to head off on our first cottage holiday together in the Lake District and hoping to try new things with Peanut such as going on a train and a boat as well as lots and lots of walks. "
Happy Endings!
PRINCESS CLEO
“She's settled in so well, she's a very good girl (but still a stubborn Princess!) and she's very happy with us! Our cat Sigge is still warming up to her and still learning her language and how to play with her, but they share the same bed every night... Her favourite things are destroying her toys, running around at full speed in the fields at the Ridge and cuddles with her daddy!"
We love to hear about our Oak Tree ‘Family’
Please get in touch via eanimals.org.uk with your updates
GRACIE
"On 30th October 2021 my parents adopted Gracie and she helped their hearts heal after the passing of their previous cat. Here is the most recent photo I took of Gracie adoring life in her garden here in the Lakes!
Thank you again."
at Oak Tree Training
Our Behaviour & Training Lead - Lucy
Lucy has worked with dogs for the past 25 years and is passionate about dog welfare and understanding canine behaviour through the use of positive reinforcement methods for training. Lucy has studied extensively and continues to do so, to ensure her advice is always evidence-based and up to date.
It’s 'all systems go' in our Training Department. With regular Puppy Classes, Next Steps, the Oak Tre Dog Club and 1-2-1s, our Training & Behaviour department gives owners different options to suit the needs of their canine friends..and their owner.
For more information about our Dog Behaviour and Training Classes, please visit our website!
Hespin Wood and Distington MRF are two of the main waste recycling centres in Cumbria and are a haven for feral cats! Both sites have feral cat colonies - which do an amazing job in rodent control!however needed to be neutered to stop the populations expanding and to improve the health and welfare of the colony.
The colony at Hespin Wood was estimated to be about 15 cats, however some had been neutered by Oak Tree 5 years earlier so only the new additions needed to be trapped. This was where ear tipping really proved to be helpful in identifying previously neutered cats. The colony at Distington was estimated to be 6 cats with an additional tom cat passing through.
The cats are well cared for by the site staff who love having the cats around and are eager to ensure that the cats’ welfare is as good as possible. Over a period of 4 days, 13 cats were trapped, neutered by Paragon Veterinary Group and Craig Robinson Vets, then returned and released to their carers at the sites.
Did You Know....
We have our very own Community Education Team?
Nicky also does all of our wonderful Children’s Trails here at Oak Tree!
Halloween: 26th October-3rd November
Christmas: 21st December-5th January
February half term: 15th-23rd February
Easter: 5th-22nd April
May half term: 24th May-1st June
Nicky Community EducationOfficer
You can order your Christmas Cards from our online shop, just scan the QR Code or visit our website!
Order Form...
Please complete this order form and return it to... Autumn/Winter Catalogue 2024 Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA
All cards come in packs of 10 and are £2.99 each.
P&P:£3.50forallordersupto£10.00or £5.50forallordersover£10.00.
Weaimtodeliveryourcardswithin1-2 weeks,dependingonavailability.Please orderyourcardsby09/12/24toreceiveyour cardsbeforeChristmas.
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Events 2024
27th Oct
Halloween Fayre & Hobby Horse Eventing
Come and take part in Cumbria's NLY Hobby Horse 'multi-discipline' dressage, x county and show-jumping) vent! Entries for all ages! rizes for best Halloween Fancy Dress!
26th Oct3rd Nov
Granny Haggard returns once more! She needs your help to find the ingredients for her spe b i h ki h d f m Oak Tree Farm for good. a treat. Sheets are £2 per wellies!
23rd Nov
Christmas Fair & Craft Market
Join us from 10.00am3.00pm for a day of festive fun for all the family! Craft stalls, Orchard Yard Sale, tombola, fun and games, and of course Santa’s Grotto!
Find out more about our upcoming events here!
Events 2024
30th Nov
Santa Paws
We hope to see you and your four-legged friend at Caledonia Park.
Christmas Carols by Candlelight
1st Dec
Celebrate the start of advent and remember your fur and feathered loved ones with a memorial candle. 5.00pm-7.00pm. Free entry, mulled wine and mince pies.
And More!
14th Dec
rand Draw
11th October to 14th December
Take part in our fantastic Grand Draw, just £1 per ticket! All prizes kindly donated by local businesses.
Dates for your Diary 2025
January
Monday 27th January
Visit the Tearoom for a special treat on NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY!
February
Friday 14th February
VALENTINES DAY at Oak Tree Farm
Saturday 22nd February
National Walking the Dog Day March
Thursday 20th March
International Day of Happiness
Sunday 23rd March
National Puppy Day
Saturday 29th March
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity Spring Fair rch
April
Friday 4th April
International Carrot Day
Friday 18th - Sunday 20th April
Easter Weekend Celebrations at Oak Tree Farm
May
Charity Shops
All
Help local pet owners in need!
Donate
Wearealwayslookingforgood qualitydonationstosellinour shops-alloftheprofitssupport vulnerableanimalsinneed!
IfyouGiftAidyourgoodsdonations, wecanget£2.50extraforevery£10 worthofgoodswesell-signupon ourwebsiteorinstore.
Donate unopened pet food to our donation bins in store and we will deliver it to local foodbanks to ensure it gets to where it is needed most!
Current locations:
Carlisle, English Street
Carlisle, St Nicholas Street
Brampton
Penrith
Keswick
Cockermouth
Hexham
Ponteland
Blaydon, Tyne and Wear
Durham
Become a Volunteer
Support our shop team and make a real difference to animals in our care and the community!
Opening Times
9.00am to 5.00pm
Volunteer
Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm Sunday
Donate (one-off or a regular donation)
Volunteer with us
Sponsor the kennels, cattery or stables
Set up a fundraiser
Foster an animal
Follow us on social media
Host a collection tin
Shop in our Charity Shops Leave a legacy - find out how to leave a gift in your will Join our team Visit us Take part in our events Shop online
Become a corporate partner
Help us from the comfort of your own home!
Check out our Ebay page and shop
Shop via Amazon Smile
Sign up to Easy Fundraising, Easy
Search and Give As You Live to donate at no extra cost
Donate gifts to our animals through our Amazon Wishlist Find out more here!
Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk
Email: info@oaktreeanimals.org.uk Call: 01228 560082
Each year we must raise Each year we must raise over over £1.97 million £1.97 million to ensure we can continue providing to ensure we can continue providing support for both pets and support for both pets and owners in our community. owners in our community.
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The gift of Joy...
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The gift of Comfort...
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£20
The gift of Hope...
Eachyearthousandsofanimalsneedourhelp,lastyear wehelpedover4,300animals.Wehavemanyanimalslookingforloving homes,youcouldensurethere'salwaysasafeplaceforrescueanimals.
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can update your preferences or opt out anytime by emailing info@oaktreeanimals.org.uk or calling 01228 560082
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The Tearoom
Open 10.00am to 4.00pm daily!
Oak Tree Farm this fes menu with all sorts g vegan, vegetarian election of tasty food and drink, oking out over the Cumbrian Fells. also have homemade festive bakes, t coffees and winter warmers.
Dont forget you can also purchase afternoon tea vouchers for your friends and family which make great Christmas Gifts!
Thank You
Your continued contributions are the difference between us surviving as a Charity or not. Without you, we would not be able to help the vulnerable animals and owners who desperately need our support. All the topics we touch on in this newsletter – from animals finding their perfect ‘Forever Home’ to the vast range of services we provide – would not be possible without your vital support.
Mobile Lottery
Fundraisers
Over £6,500 has been raised by schools, playgroups, colleges, gymnasiums, coffee shops and individual adults and children!
Local Businesses
For their constant support and donations throughout the year!
Partnered Vets
For the year-round work they do with our animals and teams!
Our Volunteers
For giving up over 700 hours of their time since May and raising over £1,500 on fun quizzes!
Nearly £13,000 has been raised by our supporters of our Mobile Lottery
Corporate Volunteer Days
To all the businesses and organisations who have given their time to support animals in need!
Our Regular Givers The Trusts
£12,000 has been raised by regular donors, Lottery players, Animal Sponsors and Club Card members! Who have chosen to award us grants, enabling us to continue helping animals most at need in the community!
Thank you to all of you! Who kindly donate your time, money and items to help animals in need!
Donate by Post, Phone or In-person
Donate via a cheque, please make it payable to 'Oak Tree Animals' Charity'.
Donate over the telephone, please call us on 01228 560082.
Donate in person at one of our Charity Shops or Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA.
Donate via the Bank
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OakTreeAnimals'Charity,OakTreeFarm,WetheralShields,CarlisleCA48JA C/OTheCumberland,CumberlandHouse,CooperWay,Carlisle,CA30JF
AccountNumber:54102146
SortCode:16-52-21
Donate Online
There are also lots of other ways you can donate - just scan the QR code or visit our website, to find out how you can help!
Ifyoudochoosetodonate,pleasenotifyOakTreeofyourkindcontribution,along withyourcontactdetailssothatwecanupdateourrecordsandproperly acknowledgeyourgenerousdonation!
Emailfundraising@oaktreeanimals.org.uk,callorwritetoususingtheabovedetails.
Thank you for your support!