WALLY THE WORM VISITS HORSE SANCTUARY

Ingatestone, Essex – Children’s book author, Chris Parmenter, and illustrator, Colin Wyatt will be hosting a ‘Wally The Worm’ workshop at Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary on Sunday 7 June, open from 1pm to 5pm. The children’s workshop will include: storytime, colouring, dressing up, music, and puppets from the story.

Wally the Worm began as a poem about worms and slugs, which Chris Parmenter wrote for her then 6-year old nephew who was being bullied and made to feel worthless and miserable. She says, “I wanted to show him that no matter how small or unimportant we may feel, everyone is special and has a right to be valued just for being themselves”. Although just a worm, Wally becomes the hero of the story and the musical play was first performed at Sheringham Little Theatre in 2004.

From the play, Chris Parmenter was asked if there was a book, and set to work with her friend Colin Wyatt and the storybook was illustrated and self-published in 2007. Colin also provided the illustrations for the Poddington Pea books, which was also a cartoon series on television.

Chris and Colin donate their time freely to support Remus Horse Sanctuary along with 100 per cent of all proceeds from the book and CD sales.

Chris is a lifelong supporter of Remus Horse Sanctuary and first became involved with founder, Sue Burton, in 1983 when many horses were left to die on Rainham Marshes in Essex, before moving to Norfolk in 2001.

Says Chris, “I love going to Remus and giving what I can to help them. What they do there is truly amazing.The love, dedication and incredibly hard work is never ending and I like that they also have a vigorous programme of education; so important so that animals are respected, loved and cared for properly. There is no excuse for ignorance where animal welfare is concerned. Here’s to a great day on June 7th at the Sanctuary.”

For further information on Wally, visit www.wallytheworm.co.uk. For further information on the Sanctuary, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.