Over £1,000 was raised at a coffee afternoon in Hitchin earlier this month in aid of North Herts Cats Protection (NHCP). 

Around 30 people attended the annual Christmas afternoon tea held at St Mary's Church House, and enjoyed sandwiches, homemade cakes and tea and coffee. Local baker Rachel Tutton regularly makes cakes for the NHCP monthly coffee mornings but baked much more for the special event including scones, biscuits, and cupcakes, and buttered her fingers off preparing over 100 triangle sandwiches! 

The afternoon tea raised around £500 and a raffle also raised around £500 with the majority of prizes donated by local businesses. 

Paula, Adoption Team Leader, said: "It was a lovely event which helped kick off the festive season. We are so grateful for the support from local people, and a big thanks also go to our volunteers and in particular Rachel, our resident baker extraordinaire!"

Around an additional £200 was made on the day from sales of mainly cat themed new goods, handmade craft items and bric-a-brac. All money raised will be used to help the cats and kittens in the branches care, including vet bills. 

The next coffee morning is on Saturday 10 January, 9.30am-12.30pm, and every second Saturday of the month thereafter. 

The branch, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, is looking for more fundraising volunteers to help at such events as well as fosterers who look after cats on a temporary basis. 

Paula continued: "We are a relatively small team and are always looking for others to help at fundraising events as well as fosterers to help look after the cats and kittens in our care on a short-term basis. Please get in touch if you are interested."

If you are looking to adopt a cat or kitten please note the branch is closed from 15 December until 5 January as homing cats at this busy time of year can be even more stressful and overwhelming for a new furry member of the family.

For more information check out the NHCP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/catsprotectionnorthherts/

Or contact the team on [email protected] / 01438 228877