You can see the irony, can’t you? We do a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show, based on a Moroccan Courtyard, win a silver medal, then build the Chelsea garden back in our centre in Marrakech.
A bit weird really. But all part of our cunning plan to entice some of the thousands of visitors to Marrakech (with frankly, not very much to see or do there) to come and visit us and see the work first hand.
I felt that people on holiday – even if they were concerned about animals – might not want to go and see an animal hospital. Visions of suffering and misery and all that. But actually it’s not at all like that. The centre in Marrakech is an oasis of green and tranquillity in the middle of the chaotic, noisy, bustling city – giving an atmosphere of hope and optimism. The new ‘Chelsea Garden’ merely compliments it, and the animals in their stalls and kennels seem to appreciate that atmosphere.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Marrakech garden
Monday, 2 August 2010
Animals and children with special needs
Latest craze everywhere seems to be ‘Handicapped Riding’ or Therapeutic Riding For Children With Special Needs, as it is called nowadays.
We’ve had a little centre in Mali for years – it was great to be able to do something for the severely damaged little mites there – the tragedy is, we can help so few.
It’s also a good argument against the “How can you worry about animals when there are so many suffering children?” Well, this brings both children and animals together. It is politically very acceptable, and, let’s face it, makes wonderful PR.
So, as long as we don’t have to fund it, SPANA is very supportive – and thank goodness, it’s not that difficult to find funding.
In Aleppo we are helping a special needs school set up the first riding project. It doesn’t hurt that the President’s wife is very keen.
