Countess of Wessex visits Remus

We were delighted on 10th July to receive a visit from the Countess of Wessex. It was without question a day to remember.

With staff, volunteers and members who had all made a big difference to the Sanctuary over the years there were about 100 of us on site, The Countess arrived just after 11am and personally met everyone on site also many of the horses, ponies and donkeys. Also in attendance was Lord Petre, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex.

Among the many animals that the Countess met were Guinness, our Shire and Spencer the donkey. When Rosie, Shetland pony took particular interest in the Countess’s bag, the only way to convince Rosie that it was not concealing a stash of carrots was to open her bag and show her that it absolutely did not have carrots in it.

The Countess also met Mischief and Pippa, Pippa, a lovely Thoroughbred mare is nearly completely blind and Mischief acts as her eyes.

Whilst standing in the donkey paddock Spencer donkey was concerned he might get overlooked, so he strolled right up behind the Countess to ensure that he was introduced!

The Countess was particularly interested in the holistic work that we do at the Sanctuary and met Dena Schwartz, well know zoopharmacognocist who explained about self medication through self selective herb feeding and Caroline Thomas discussed reiki with the Countess.

The Countess then met some of our valued members and unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit and signed a Visitors book before taking her leave.

The whole event was catered for by Ab Fab Catering, who did an absolutely superb job.

The day was absolutely perfect and just could not have gone any better. The Countess was genuinely interested in the animals and how they came to be at Remus.

A day in the history of Remus that will always be warmly remembered.