GSPCA AGM Celebrates Major Achievements, Dedicated Volunteers and Exciting Future Plans
The GSPCA held its Annual General Meeting last night with 25 members and supporters in attendance, including the full committee, staff and volunteers, to reflect on another extraordinary year for Guernsey's oldest animal welfare charity.
The AGM saw GSPCA President John Knight present his annual report, highlighting a year of unprecedented activity which included thousands of animal rescues, major wildlife emergencies, the success of the Dolphin Discovery Trail with Autism Guernsey, continued progress on the charity's ambitious #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, and the dedication of the charity's staff, volunteers and supporters who make the work possible.
During the meeting, members heard from outgoing Treasurer Louise Gambrell, who presented the annual accounts, which are available to members via the GSPCA website.
The AGM also recognised the contributions of three committee members who have joined the committee over the last year:
- Matt Godfrey – Treasurer
- Alli Brouard – Secretary
- Paul Buckle – Committee Member
Their professional skills, experience and enthusiasm have already proved invaluable to the charity.
A Busy and Challenging Year
In his report, President John Knight reflected on the incredible challenges and successes experienced by the charity over the past year.
These included responding to large numbers of wildlife casualties, seal rescues, animal welfare concerns, hot weather pressures, storm-related incidents and the ongoing impact of disease outbreaks affecting wildlife, including myxomatosis in wild rabbits.
He also praised the team's response to major welfare cases, community engagement events, educational work, growing partnerships and the ongoing construction of the new Wildlife Hospital as part of the Biggest Build Appeal.
John Knight said:
"The GSPCA continues to punch well above its weight thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, committee members, supporters and donors. The last year has brought many challenges but also many achievements. From our ongoing rescue work to the Dolphin Discovery Trail and the progress being made with the Biggest Build Appeal, there is much to be proud of. I say a special thanks to our outgoing treasurer Louise who has been amazing and we welcome Matt onto the committee in that role and also Paul and Alli move from being co-opted to full committee members having being voted on. I would also like to thank Steve for his incredible efforts for the GSPCA and celebrates 15 years with us next month and has achieved so much. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank everyone who supports the charity in so many different ways."
Treasurer Thanks Members
Outgoing Treasurer Louise Gambrell reflected on the financial challenges faced by charities while highlighting the support received from members, donors, grant providers, corporate partners and fundraisers.
Louise Gambrell said:
"I have been incredibly proud to serve as Treasurer over the last five years. The GSPCA is fortunate to have an amazing team and supporters who continually step forward to help. Anyone can review the accounts on our website and thank everyone who contributes financially towards the work of the charity."
AGM Awards Celebrate Outstanding Contributions
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of special awards recognising individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond in supporting animal welfare announced by GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.
Long Service Awards
Yvonne Chauvel – 30 Years Service
Yvonne was recognised for three decades of dedication to the GSPCA and for recently winning the prestigious ADCH & Petplan Employee of the Year Award. Over thirty years Yvonne has helped thousands of animals and continues to be a cornerstone of the organisation.
Seb Goman – 10 Years Service
Seb was recognised for ten years of outstanding service supporting dogs, animal welfare work and the many projects she is involved with, including leading the GSPCA's popular scarecrow competition entry.
Outstanding Commitment to Small Animal Welfare
Alex Soulsby and Ollie Bourgaize
Recognised for their incredible work managing the GSPCA's busy small animal section, including caring for large numbers of rabbits and responding to major welfare cases such as the recent rescue of 13 rabbits from one address.
Outstanding Commitment to Boarding Cats
Helen Sharman
Awarded for her dedication to boarding cats and their owners and for ensuring the GSPCA remains fully compliant with new boarding licence requirements and annual inspections.
Outstanding Service Through Customer Service
Nicola Baker
Recognised for her kindness, professionalism and welcoming approach to everyone visiting or contacting the GSPCA.
Outstanding Service to Animal Ambulance Rescue Work
Luke Roussell
Awarded for the enormous contribution he makes helping ensure the GSPCA Animal Ambulance service remains available day and night throughout the year.
Outstanding Service to Marine Mammal Rescue
Geoff George
Recognised for dedicated marine mammal rescue work, helping return 53 seal pups back to the wild in the last 14 years locally and providing invaluable support with turtle and marine wildlife rescues.
Outstanding Service as Committee Member and Treasurer
Louise Gambrell
Awarded in recognition of five years of exceptional service as Treasurer and committee member.
Outstanding Service to the Cremation Service
Sharna Leaman
Recognised for the dedication and compassion shown in helping develop and improve the GSPCA's pet cremation administration processes.
Outstanding Service to Community Work and Employment Support
Tim Pellett
Awarded for leading the highly successful Work 2 Benefit placement programme and supporting numerous community initiatives, volunteer placements, events and projects.
Outstanding Service Behind the Scenes
Libby Lucas
Recognised for the countless hours devoted to financial administration and vital behind-the-scenes work that supports the charity every day.
Media Support Award
BBC Guernsey
Recognised for its continued support in helping raise awareness of animal welfare issues and GSPCA activities.
Outstanding CSR Support
Artex
Awarded for exceptional corporate support over the past year, particularly through assistance with the Dolphin Discovery Trail.
Outstanding Joint Charity Relationship
Autism Guernsey
Presented to Autism Guernsey following the outstanding partnership developed through both the Puffin Parade and Dolphin Discovery Trail projects, which have now raised more than £220,000 for the two charities.
Representatives from Autism Guernsey attended the AGM to receive the award.
Looking to the Future
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne thanked everyone involved with the charity and outlined plans for the future.
Steve Byrne said:
"Whilst we have been incredibly busy responding to animal rescues, welfare concerns and wildlife emergencies, we have also been progressing the Biggest Build Appeal, reviewing our strategy and planning for the future of animal welfare in Guernsey. We are hugely grateful to our staff, volunteers, committee members, members, donors, grant providers, businesses and everyone who supports us. Together we are building facilities that will serve the Bailiwick for decades to come while continuing to provide rescue, rehabilitation and education every single day."
The GSPCA is encouraging islanders to become members of the charity. Membership starts from just £10 per year and helps support the vital work carried out across the Bailiwick.
For membership information visit www.gspca.org.gg or call 01481 257261.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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