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Friday 1 July 2011
News
MPs unite against circus animals A Horsham-based charity is celebrating a major victory in its fight against traditional circuses. The Born Free Foundation said it was delighted by the decision of MPs to support a ban on wild animals in circuses, a suggestion which was approved even without a formal vote. MPs displayed what the foundation described as “an astonishing show of unity” in defiance of the government’s proposal to introduce a licensing and regulation system instead. The work of the Born Free Foundation was highlighted several times in the debate.
I am astounded ‘and delighted by the strength of feeling ’
Virginia McKenna, the foundation’s co-founder and trustee, said she was overwhelmed by the “heart-stopping” togetherness of MPs in wanting to end the “archaic” practice of keeping wild animals in circuses. She said: “Everyone saw past the glitter of the Big Top. I warmly thank all the MPs who, by their real understanding of the issue, have spoken up on behalf of the animals, the public and all of us who have campaigned on this matter for years.” A motion in support of a ban, tabled by Mark Pritchard (Conservative), Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) and Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat), was initially opposed by the government. But during the debate a free vote was announced, allowing MPs to vote
independently rather than following party positions. Several MPs expressed their amazement at the apparent direct involvement of 10 Downing Street in trying to prevent or amend the motion under debate. Mr Pritchard told the House of Commons: “I was offered incentive and reward on Monday, and then it was ratcheted, until last night, when I was threatened. “I had a call from the Prime Minister’s office directly. I was told that the Prime Minister himself had said that unless I withdrew this motion, he would look upon it very dimly indeed.” Chris Draper, Born Free’s senior scientific researcher, told The Resident: “I am astounded and delighted by the strength of feeling among MPs on this issue. “Something that came through very strongly is that MPs took notice of the letters and emails received from their constituents. The public and Parliament have now spoken – let’s hope the government are listening.” The decision by MPs is not binding on the government, but minister James Paice indicated it would consider its position in the light of the debate. When the Great British Circus performed in Dial Post last month, show owner Martin Lacey told The Resident: “We set ourselves a very high standard in all aspects of the show. “We have consistently won awards for the level of our performance, our facilities and, most of all, for the care and welfare of our wonderful animals. We want to go on getting better and better.
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News in Brief Penk’s paddle power An outdoor activity instructor for Southwater Watersports will paddle 700 miles in a canoe. David Penk said: “Last year I decided I would undertake a canoe journey in support of a charity. As a friend of the family is in the Army and is due to head to Afghanistan this year, we decided to fundraise in support of Help for Heroes. “On July 9 I will be starting a 700mile canoe trip which should take about six weeks. On average I need to paddle 20 miles a day, with Sundays off for a break and to re-stock supplies. “My wife will be joining me for a week and I already have support from canoe clubs along the way if required. “One of the biggest obstacles will be the locks, which I am not allowed to enter with a canoe. Each one will have to be portaged. On the Huddersfield narrow canal alone, on a six-mile section there are 42 locks.” For more information or to sponsor Mr Penk, see www.canoeandcamp.co.uk or email him at h4h@ canoeandcamp.co.uk
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Sandwich challenge Have you got what it takes to eat a 3fthigh sandwich, with six fillings, in less than half an hour? That’s the challenge set by Le Brunch, Swan Walk, in a July 31 event to raise money for a new Thinking Garden at Holbrook Primary School. Year 4 pupils came up with the idea of the garden as a tribute to Abigail Hargreaves, who died of cancer aged eight, and as a quiet place for other people to reflect. Peter Erotokritos, co-owner of Le Brunch, is asking people to pay £20 for a giant sandwich and a milkshake. Anyone who finishes inside 30 minutes of the 2.30pm start will be added to a roll of honour board in the shop. A horse-riding theme at the planned garden includes horseshoeshaped flower beds, a horse trough wildlife pond, fences that look like showjumping poles and a horse woven out of willow, made with the help of boys at The Forest School. Some of the flowers planted will be in Abigail’s favourite colours of purple and turquoise. The plans also include paving, gates, steps, seats, bird feeders and boxes, wind chimes and a covered blackboard on which children can write their reflections. To apply to take part in the sandwich-eating bonanza, phone Mr Erotokritos on 07931 415858. To help sponsor or fund the Thinking Garden, phone head teacher Deborah Moss on 01403 272500 or email office@holbrook.w-sussex.sch.uk