Nicky Merrifield from Cheltenham Animal Shelter visits the GSPCA
The GSPCA was delighted to welcome Nicky Merrifield, Operations Manager at Cheltenham Animal Shelter, and her husband for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the charity on 26th May while they were enjoying a holiday in Guernsey.
On a glorious sunny day, GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne guided Nicky and her husband around the shelter, providing an insight into the charity's work and showing them the progress being made as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, including the construction of the new Wildlife Hospital.
During the visit, Nicky was able to meet members of the GSPCA team and discuss the wide variety of animal welfare services carried out by the charity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The tour also provided an opportunity to share experiences, ideas and best practice from across the animal welfare sector.
Steve and Nicky have known each other for many years through their involvement with the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH), where both organisations are members. They regularly meet at conferences, open meetings and online forums, helping to strengthen links between animal welfare charities across the British Isles.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"It was lovely to welcome Nicky and her husband to the GSPCA whilst they were enjoying their holiday in Guernsey. Nicky and I have known each other for many years through the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, and it is always great to catch up and share experiences from our respective charities.
"We were delighted to show them behind the scenes of the GSPCA, introduce them to the team and, in particular, share the exciting progress being made through our #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal. The new Wildlife Hospital is really starting to take shape and it was fantastic to be able to show Nicky first-hand how the project is developing.
"We are incredibly proud of the work our staff and volunteers carry out 24/7 to help animals in need, and visits like these are a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate the importance of animal welfare organisations working together."
The GSPCA would like to thank Nicky and her husband for taking the time to visit and wishes them many happy memories of their holiday in Guernsey.
For more information about the GSPCA and the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, visit www.gspca.org.gg.
To visit the Cheltenham Animal Rescue website please go to https://gawa.org.uk/
To visit the ADCH website please go to https://adch.org.uk/
To find out about Special Tours please go to https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/birthday-or-special-guided-tours-gspca
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
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- 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
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.”
Post new comment