THE inaugural Bude Animal Friends Awareness Day took place on Saturday, June 8, on the Triangle.

The weather was looking awful right up to the last minute, however the sun came out at setting up time and the rain stayed away until close.

Bude Animal Friends are a group of volunteers who hosted the day supported by Bude-Stratton Town Council, and chairperson Steph Jones-Giles said the group were delighted with how the first event went and were grateful to Bude-Stratton Town Council for helping get it off the ground.

On the day Born to be Wild, Hilltop Animal Haven, Last Chance Hotel, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Bude Marine Group, Project Prickles Hedgehog Rescue, Animal Free Research UK (Bude Group) and Bude Animal Friends took part.

Steph said: “It was a lovely atmosphere and everyone involved said how much they enjoyed the day, meeting one another and members of the community who came along.

Sue Gear, of Born to be Wild, said: “I met a lot of people that I had only ever spoken to on the phone when giving wildlife advice. It was really nice that they came to speak to me. And chatting to all the other groups there. We have got a lot of lovely people in Bude looking out for our wildlife and environment. Looking forward to it being an annual event.”

This was echoed by British Divers Marine Life Rescue’s Michelle Robinson Clement, who said: “British Divers Marine Life Rescue raised funds and awareness, played games and activities and met other animal organisations doing legendary work.”

Gay Kite from Project Prickles Hedgehog Rescue said: “I talked to a lot of lovely people. Surprisingly, quite a few were delighted to tell me, they have hedgehogs in their gardens. With support feeding and careful management of their environment, we really can make a difference with so many kind hearts out there.”

The drawing competition was the highlight of the day. The judges really did struggle to choose the winners as the standard was high, Steph said: “Well done to everyone who took part.”

She expressed her thanks to Dave and Tina Banford who donated the gift voucher prizes and Moo Free, based in Holsworthy, for the chocolates to accompany the workbook activity.

The groups are already planning next year’s event which will look to involved even more local individuals and groups.