Little ACORNS, the junior section of the ever popular ACORN Residents Association, held a community Petting Zoo at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Friday 11th April which attracted over 350 people.
Many thanks to Great Aycliffe Town Mayor Barbara Clare who performed the cutting of a ribbon ceremony to open the event.
Primary attraction was the Animal Story Petting Zoo who brought along snakes, a rabbit, skunk, ducklings and an owl plus many smaller creatures. The event was supported by the Dogs Trust who held a free dog chipping event in the foyer of the leisure centre which saw 25 dogs chipped. They also had a stall selling items in the main hall.
Several organisations including the NE Autism Centre, livin, Horndale Residents’ Association and Healthwatch were available to give advice and support.
Newly appointed welfare champions Jen Bewley and Phil Clarke were available in the hall to offer help to anyone in need. These volunteers do a magnificent job in signposting assistance available for the hungry and the homeless.
The leisure centre contributed a bouncy castle to add to the fun and with Professor Nincompoop working a little magic with his balloon creations and the ever busy Harry Potty turning children’s faces into cats etc., the room came alive with chattering excited children.
Prowling the hall talking to revellers was Syd the ACORN Squirrel, The Horndale Hound and the new addition Spotty the Dalmation who somehow managed to end up in the middle of the town centre talking to shoppers and children.
Keeping law and order in the room was a contingent from our local beat team who took time to chat with people around the room.
Special VIP’s at the event included Jet and Ben and their handler Claire. These gentle dogs are a great favourite at schools and events around the county.
Vice Chair of ACORN Keith Lovejoy commented that the continued popularity of the event will possibly result in it doubling in size next year with added attractions to entertain.
Ken Robson summed up the event as a fantastic annual entertainment for the whole of Newton Aycliffe at a price people can afford.
ACORN have a full programme of entertainment planned throughout 2014 which is supported by Awards For All and our County Councillors through AAP funding including a family trip to Whitby for £2 per person.
