Saturday 12th of August saw Newton Aycliffe town centre buzzing with people of all ages keen to see the array of animals gathered in our shopping precinct. From goats to rabbits, animals and arachnids were on display across the town. Larger animals such as sheep and goats alongside rabbits and guinea pigs were happily grazing on the green area between the Leisure Centre and the Thames Centre where children took it in turns to help groom them, courtesy of Animals About Town. Meanwhile, in the old Peacocks shop, Animal Story’s smaller animals and reptiles were on show with helpful staff keen to give advice and knowledge on the different species. The pygmy hedgehog was a big hit with young and old. Also on the premises was a lovely face painter from Happy Faces busily putting happy faces on local children. Wonderful home-made products from our W.I ladies and several tombola’s making a little money for local groups including our Mayor and Mayoress, Carl and Carol Robinson, raising money for the Mayor’s chosen charity ‘All Disabilities Matter’.
Outside of the shop we were entertained by not only Aycliffe Radio but also our fantastic Shine Choir and the Greyhound Trust. A balloon modeller wandered around the crowds making his creations and ACORN favourites Spotty Dog and Syd the Squirrell posed for pictures with revellers. Although the weather threatened all day, we were lucky that the sun shone and there was a carnival atmosphere. It was lovely to meet friends old and new as the town centre came alive with scenes reminiscent of the old and missed market days.
Many thanks to GAMP for funding the event through our County Councillors budget and many thanks to everyone involved for attending and making the day a huge success.
