Cats, coffee and cake at education session in Solihull ...
21 July 2016
Cats Protection Education Officer for Wales and Central England, Kelly Matthews, drove over to Starbucks in Solihull on the 21st July to meet up with new North Birmingham 'talk' volunteers - and enjoy some cake!
Photos from the education session at Redhill Comprehensive in Stourbridge, and the 'talk' volunteers meeting in Starbucks - l to r Sian Wade, Kelly Matthews, Kayleigh Logue, Sheila Pennell and Pam Woods.
And what a nice surprise it was to be served by Starbuck’s Kayleigh Logue who, once she knew the group was ‘cats protection’ told all about her family’s love of cats, and that they’d had five from CP. Enthused Kayleigh, who has just completed her degree in politics and international relations: “Mum always wanted to take in and adopt those that lingered the longest without a home. And just now we have 18-year old Jasper, 15 year-old Leo, and 12 year-old Felix.”
Education Officer Kelly had met Pam prior when they covered a full day of education sessions together at Redhill comprehensive school in Stourbridge. Says Kelly: “That event was early in July for the school’s ‘enrichment day’ which included the work of other animal charities besides our own. The sessions we put on focused on the work of our charity – Cats Protection – and included a variety of activities to encourage deep learning.
“Pam came up with some great ideas and ‘kitten cut outs’ to drive home the neutering message, and we’d love more volunteers to come forward to offer workshops and talks to schools, brownies and guides, and groups like the WI too. The Charity will cover expenses and support in every way we can. Educating about cat care is so vital so that the next generation treat cats with kindness and an understanding of their needs.”
And on the meeting-up in Starbucks, Kelly added: “We had a great meeting and Sheila, Sian and Pam are now armed with more info and materials to deliver their talks. Sheila even arrived bearing a cheque from a Birmingham primary school where the pupils had - after a talk – completed a sponsored walk and raised almost £300 for the North Birmingham Branch – imagine that – education and fund-raising combined!”
** Anyone interested in volunteering to join the ‘speakers list’ can contact Kelly on 07791 457 729 or email Kelly.Matthews@cats.org.uk Any group, school or organisation wanting to discuss or book a talk can call the local branch on 0345 260 1503 and a volunteer will get in touch.