Your Business can Make a Sustainable Difference
Does your business want to help create a more sustainable and equitable world?
The ‘Good Thing’ website says that a recent study identified around 1.2 million desks and 1.6 million office chairs end up in landfill each year. The study couldn’t count the amount of IT equipment, branded merchandise, surplus products and other items that also go to landfill, but if it could, we’re pretty sure the number would be staggering!
To work towards a more sustainable world, we all need to work towards a circular economy – both in our personal and in our business lives. We’ve shared lots of ways in the past how you can help Remus with your personal recycling, so we’re excited to bring you this opportunity for your business too!
So we have signed up with ‘A Good Thing’ a not-for-profit organisation matching businesses who care, with amazing local charities – like Remus Horse Sanctuary!
It’s very simple process:
- Business creates an offer
- Offer emailed to local charities
- Charities submit requests
- Business selects a charity
- Details exchanged
- Charity picks up items (though we may need assistance with this)
What can be donated?
Anything from the business can be given to or shared with us, such as IT equipment, furniture, new products, food, meeting rooms… and much more. Please note, however, that the ‘Good Thing’ platform isn’t designed for volunteering or donating money. You can visit their website to find more information on their donated items policy.
Does it cost anything?
The app is completely free for charities to receive donations. It is also free to use for businesses to make small offers. For large offers (such as a complete office clear-out) ‘A Good Thing’ ask businesses for a small fee.
You can see here how the app works and how a business can donate items to a charity.
Who collects the items?
The expectation is that the charity will collect the items, but the business may offer to deliver if more convenient. ‘A Good Thing’ acts as a matchmaking service, they do not collect or deliver the items directly.
What regions does the service operate in?
The initial pilot was run in the Thames Valley area, but the service has now been expanded to the whole of the UK.
If you’re a business, sign up and start helping Remus Horse Sanctuary today!
And finally, don’t forget we’ll be hosting our last Open Day of the season on Sunday 6 October – come and join us and celebrate World Animal Day at the same time!
Join Our Team of Dedicated Volunteers!
Have you ever thought about volunteering? We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our amazing team. Whether you’re interested in working in the office, helping with the animals, assisting with maintenance, or even tackling some cleaning tasks, we’ve got a role for everyone. Your willingness to help, the ability to spare a few hours, and a flexible, team-oriented attitude are all you need to make a big difference here at Remus Horse Sanctuary.
If you’d like to become a volunteer, simply print and complete the forms provided below and return them to the Sanctuary. Once we receive your forms, we’ll notify you about our next Volunteer Induction. This Induction session is designed to introduce you to the Sanctuary, walk you through important Health & Safety information, and give you the opportunity to meet fellow volunteers. After attending the Induction, you can start volunteering as soon as you’re available.
We’ve just updated our list on the website, so please click on the link to view a list of our current volunteering opportunities.
And, if you would like to support the Sanctuary by volunteering, please complete an Application Form as mentioned above and return it to: Remus Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, Nr Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9NZ.
If you would like to learn more or view opportunities for children, please visit the Volunteer section of our website and also our Microvolunteering opportunities.
Our next Open Day celebrating World Animal Day will take place on Sunday 6 October.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Novelty Dog Show & Fun Day Out for all the Family
Remus Horse Sanctuary will be opening its gates on Sunday 1 September from 1-4pm to welcome visitors for its Novelty Dog Show and Family Fun Day. The Dog Show will commence at 2pm with bookings taken from 1.30pm.
Open Days at the Sanctuary at Little Farm, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone, are a lovely way of meeting the rescued animals and learning more about the important work provided by the charity.
The Sanctuary offers free parking on-site, with disabled access, and admission is charged at just £7 for adults and £5 for children. Cream Teas can be booked in advance for £15 per person, including entry. And all dogs are welcome on a lead.
The popular novelty Dog Show includes fun classes such as: Bad Hair Day and Best Sausage Catcher, along with the more meaningful: Dogs with a Disability (such as blind, deaf or with a life-changing illness) and of course, the ever-popular Best in Show. The 1st – 6th winners will each receive a rosette and class entry is £2 per class, payable on the day.
These events at the Sanctuary are always fun and interesting for the whole family, with a children’s entertainer, live music and sing-a-long entertainment, delicious refreshments, lots of stalls, a tombola and a raffle. Mickey Mouse will also be making an appearance as the guest star!
The Open Days are a vital source of fundraising for the charity which, due to its location on greenbelt land, can only open to the public for a limited number of days each year.
Sue Burton, founder of the Sanctuary says, “Our novelty dog shows offer a different dimension to our Open Days and we always look forward to inviting visitors to come and visit the Sanctuary and learn more about what we do here.
“Young and old always have such a great time. They get to meet some of our amazing animals and we give them an insight into the valuable work that we do in a fun and relaxed way.”
To book tickets for the Open Day and Dog Show, visit the charity’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-sanctuary-september.
For anyone wishing to sponsor a dog class at the event, either in memory of a loved one, or a local businesses, please email: fundraising@remussanctuary.org. Further information is available on the website at www.remussanctuary.org and the charity’s Facebook page or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
Keep Their Feet Sweet!
Hoof care is not just for winter. Keep hooves in good shape all year round for a happier and healthier horse…
When you look after as many animals as we do at Remus Horse Sanctuary, you know how important it is that they are cared for from tip to toe – and that means healthy hooves!
While you may think that’s a job for winter when they are hacking through mud and wet bedding, looking after their trotters all year round will make your – and their – lives easier.
One of the worst cases of hoof overgrowth we have seen, was with rescue horse Blax, as you can see from the photos. Thankfully she responded well to treatment and now loves her life at Remus. Click on the link to find out more about Blax and become her sponsor.
Here’s a few things you can do…
- Picking out feet daily not only keeps hooves clear of stones, but gives you a chance to check for any problems such as crack or splits.
- Be mindful when riding on hard ground in summer and watch your speed as this can cause cracks in hooves, and damage joints.
- Watch moisture levels. Changes from wet to dry and back again can weaken hooves. Limit how often you wash them, and research topical hoof products that can retain even moisture levels. You can also provide a dry area for standing and of course, keep the stable clean and dry.
- Find a good farrier who can help to maintain good hoof health.
- And finally, ensure your animal has a good-quality diet – there are also hoof supplements if needed. Your farrier can advise on these.
Find more detailed advice at: www.horseandrideruk.com/expert-advice/articles/6-steps-to-healthy-hooves
Appeal to Help Grace, Our Blind Mare
Gracie, one of our two blind mares has, over the last two years, really started to struggle in the heat, often seen in the shade panting and clearly not comfortable.
We would like to get some fans fitted in her areas and have been quoted £600 by our electrician for the fans, the electrical wiring and the switches etc.
Can you make a donation towards these fans to help us to help dear Grace? Anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated.
If you don’t know about Grace, she was found wandering loose on the roads of Romford. She was terrified, pregnant and blind. She eventually found her way into the local kennels’ grounds which were unfenced. Unfortunately it also had a massive pond in the middle of the premises and we were terrified that she would spook and run into that or the road! It took 12 of us four hours to catch her.
Animal Health Trust Ophthalmology Vets believe that she was deliberately blinded by her owners – that something was actually put into her eyes to blind her. We believe she can see light and maybe some faint shapes, but that is all.
A few months after coming to us she gave birth to Jess, her mule foal. She was unable to produce milk to feed her and so we had to bottle feed Jess around the clock for the first five months.
Grace is still incredibly nervous of people and has to be sedated for veterinary and farrier work as she is simply too strong to handle.
Another way you could help Grace would be to sponsor her for the next 12 months. You can do that by clicking on her sponsorship page.
On behalf of Grace we thank you so much for your support.
Special Guest Minnie Mouse to Visit Horse Welfare Charity
Visitors attending the Remus Horse Sanctuary Open Day on Sunday 4 August will be able to meet special guest Minnie Mouse! The horse welfare charity will be open from 1pm to 4pm for visitors to meet Minnie and all of the rescue animals to learn more about the Sanctuary.
The Open Days take place at Little Farm, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone and are always fun and interesting for the whole family, with a children’s entertainer, facepainting, live music and sing-a-long entertainment, delicious refreshments, lots of stalls, a tombola and a raffle.
The Open Days are a vital source of fundraising for the charity which, due to its location on greenbelt land, can only open to the public for a limited number of days each year.
Admission will be charged at just £7 per adult and £5 for children. On-site parking is free, with disabled access. Cream Teas can also be booked in advance for £15 per person, including entry. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
The Sanctuary provides rehabilitation and care for around 200 animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats, and has been doing so since it was founded in 1983.
Founder, Sue Burton, said: “We love opening our gates during the summer months. Sadly we’ve already lost two dates due to bad weather, so fingers crossed for August.
“The Open Days provide a great opportunity for us to share the vital work that we do here in terms of both rescue and rehabilitation.”
To book tickets for the Open Day, including the Cream Teas, visit the charity’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-august.
Further information is available on the website at www.remussanctuary.org and the charity’s Facebook page or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
Adding a Codicil to Your Will: A Simple Guide to Leaving a Gift for Remus Horse Sanctuary
If you have already created a Will and want to make changes or additions, you can do so by adding a codicil. A codicil is a legal document that supplements your Last Will and Testament, allowing you to make adjustments without rewriting the entire Will. By using a codicil, you can leave a gift to Remus Horse Sanctuary, supporting our valuable work with horses in need.
Types of Gifts You Can Leave
There are several types of gifts you can leave to Remus Horse Sanctuary through a codicil:
- A Specific Sum of Money: You can designate a particular amount of money to be given to the Sanctuary.
- Specific Items: If you have valuable items such as jewellery, artwork, or other possessions, you can specify these to be given to the Sanctuary, which we could sell or auction.
- Residuary of Your Estate: This is what remains of your estate after all other costs and specific bequests have been deducted.
How to Add a Codicil
There are two main ways to add a codicil to your Will:
- Using a Solicitor: A solicitor can professionally draft a codicil for you, ensuring all legal requirements are met. Be aware that solicitors will charge a fee for this service.
- DIY Template: You can complete a codicil yourself using a template. This method is cost-effective, but it is crucial to follow legal guidelines meticulously. The essential part is signing the codicil correctly and having it witnessed appropriately. This downloadable template will provide detailed instructions on how to do this.
Important Considerations
When drafting your codicil, whether through a solicitor or using a template, ensure the following:
- Clarity: Clearly state the specifics of the gift you are leaving to Remus Horse Sanctuary.
- Signatures: Your codicil must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your Will or the codicil.
- Witnesses: Ensure your witnesses understand their role and are present during the signing.
Supporting Remus Horse Sanctuary
Leaving a gift to Remus Horse Sanctuary in your Will is a meaningful way to support our mission of providing lifetime care and shelter to horses in need. Your generosity can make a significant impact on the lives of these animals and help the Sanctuary continue its important work.
By following these steps to add a codicil, you can ensure your wishes are honoured and make a lasting contribution to a cause you care about.
For more information or to download the codicil template, visit Wills & Legacies on our website.
By including these elements in your codicil, you can make a positive difference and support a cause that is close to your heart.
Together we can bring an end to horse cruelty and ensure that no animal is born to die.
At Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex, we work tirelessly to care for animals and raise awareness of animal welfare and we can only do it with your generous help and support.
Remus Horse Sanctuary is funded totally by public donations and our own fundraising and event activities.
Thank you for your support.
Save the Date: World Animal Day 2024
As you’ll know, World Animal Day takes place on 4 October, and we like to mark and celebrate the day at our October Open Day – which this year takes place on Sunday 6 October (weather permitting!).
This year’s theme for World Animal Day is: ‘The world is their home too’ which we wholly support. Sadly there are far too many people in the UK and around the world who forget this! At Remus we work tirelessly to care for animals and raise awareness of animal welfare to ensure that no animal is born to die. However, we can only do this with your generous help and support. We would love to see you at our Open Day – you can purchase tickets online now – and there are lots of other ways to get involved. For instance, get creative with the World Animal Day Mug Competition, plan your own event or just share the love on social media. The World Animal Day website has lots of resources on its website to help get you started.
World Animal Day is a day for animal lovers worldwide. It exists to raise the status of animals everywhere and to improve the standards of their welfare around the globe. 4 October is a chance to take action against animal cruelty, neglect and unfair treatment and aims to make the world a better place for all animals.
The idea for World Animal Day came from Heinrich Zimmermann, a writer and publisher of a German magazine called Mensch und Hund (Man and Dog). He organised the first World Animal Day celebration on 24 March 1925 and over 5,000 people. Since then, thousands of passionate animal lovers and advocates have taken part in the World Animal Day celebrations.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 6 October, if not before, when we’ll be marking and celebrating World Animal Day. For other dates when you can visit the Sanctuary over the summer months, please view the Remus Events pages.
People’s Fundraising Platform Launch New Features
The fundraising platform called ‘People’s Fundraising’ has revealed a number of new features to help you plan and host your fundraising activities for Remus Horse Sanctuary. The new tools are all designed to help simplify the fundraising process and to help you achieve your goals.
The Fundraising Hub is your new launch page. It presents the different fundraising options available, the current fundraisers created by yourselves and other supporters, and your contact links.
The website link for you to visit and bookmark is: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/hub/remus-horse-sanctuary.
In addition to People’s Fundraising, Remus Horse Sanctuary utilise a number of different fundraising platforms, so you can choose the one that works best for you, including:
- JustGiving
- Give as you Live
- easyfundraising
- PayPal
- and Enthuse as our main donor partner
Together we can bring an end to horse cruelty and ensure that no animal is born to die.
At Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex, we work tirelessly to care for animals and raise awareness of animal welfare and we can only do it with your generous help and support.
Remus Horse Sanctuary is funded totally by public donations and our own fundraising and event activities.
Thank you for your support.
Say No to 180km of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons
Are you aware of the proposals for power lines and pylons over 180km of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex’s beautiful and historic countryside between Norwich and Tilbury? Find out more at the 38Degrees website.
Here at Remus Horse Sanctuary we are growing increasingly concerned by this proposal as the 50 metre high pylons will sit just the other side of our fence line.
There will be haulage roads put in for a huge amount of lorries and machinery, all coming and going on a daily basis and everything in their way, whether it be trees, hedges, wildlife and animal homes will all be destroyed. Can you imagine the amount of upheaval, noise and destruction in its wake?
It’s even possible that they could force us to move our animals to livery yards whilst this work is carried out.
There is just no way we could move our animals anywhere else – this is their home and, for the most part, the only place that they have ever known where they are safe from harm. The blind girls Holly and Grace cannot be moved, for obvious reasons.
Most livery yards would just not have our specific facilities to meet our unique needs. Let alone the number of different livery yards which would be required to house over 70 horses! Livery space is already like gold dust in the South East as it’s so densely populated, plus presumably other horses would also need to be moved along the route. There’s also all of our other animals to consider.
This will be a huge welfare issue if this is allowed to happen.
Annoyingly It is possible for this to go off-shore but this option is being ignored.
Development of our beautiful countryside continues at such an alarming rate, and now to further destroy it like this is beyond belief. This route will come from Norwich through to Tilbury. National Grid is made up of many shareholders from other countries and foreign interests, who have little or no concern for ripping up and destroying our beautiful English countryside.
Please, if you care, not just about Remus but the beautiful countryside of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, please sign the petition and share with your friends, family and colleagues.
Sign the Petition
Other Appeal
