COMMUNITY STARS Cat welfare trust nominated for award

The Worthing Cat Welfare Trust has been nominated in the Animal Magic category for its care and fund-raising to help cats who have been abandoned or abused.

The trust was formed in 1995 by Iris Green and Sandra Collins as a breakaway from a national charity and was officially made a charity a year later.

Now, 17 years later, it has between 200 to 300 members and currently has 40 adult cats and 20 kittens in foster care.

It is run by hard-working volunteers who re-home and foster thousands of cats of all ages.

Iris Green, chairman and co-founder, reacted to the news of the nomination.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted. At last we are being recognised for what we do. “

The charity’s long-term aim is to provide a sanctuary for 
cats who cannot be re-homed due to age, illness or severe trauma.

Due to popular demand, the charity opened a new shop inJuly this year, in South Street, Tarring, after having to close the previous shop in Steyning many years ago.

The official opening was performed by the charity’s patron freelance broadcaster and journalist John Radford , pictured above.

The charity raises thousands of pounds every year through donations, events and cash collection points. The majority of the money raised comes in at the weekends, when the charity holds popular tombola and gazebo sales tables.

The money goes towards caring for the cats by paying bills for microchipping, spraying, neutering, organising veterinary treatment and fostering.

Sue Wilson, 71, of Pelham Road, Worthing, nominated the charity for a Community Stars Award.

Sue, who has taken in two cats from the trust, said: “They are a marvellous charity, very worthwhile.

“They really love their cats. When they hand the cats over they’re in very good health.”

When asked about her cats she took in from the charity ,she said: “At present I have Melanie who was dumped at six months old in Palatine Park. She is a bundle of mischief and a delightful little girl. My previous cat, Poppy, was a darling little cat.”

However, despite the hard work of all the team the charity is still struggling.

Jackie Riddles, welfare and re-homing officer, said: “Sometimes people need to think before they get a cat. I’ve been here three and a half years and this year has been the worst. We all do our best but this is the first year I have had to have a waiting list for the cats.”

Jackie added: “I think we all work well together. We come up against problems but its about helping them as much as we can. It’s hard work but I love it.”

The awards

The Herald & Gazette’s Community Stars Awards ceremony celebrates all the best things about our local communities.

The event is now in its fourth year and features 15 categories in which you, our readers, can nominate people, teams and charities for a Community Stars Award.

The coverage runs across all editions of our papers – Worthing, Shoreham, Littlehampton, Lancing and Steyning – and nominations for people from across these areas are welcome.

The nominations have now closed.

In the November 8 edition of the papers, we will publish the full list of everyone nominated and readers will be able to cast their votes for their favourites.

The glittering awards event will be held on Sunday, December 9, at Worthing’s Dome Cinema, hosted by television personality Fred Dinenage.