'Amazing' weekend as Cheddington's 'zoo' gives support to Whipsnade's pandemic plight

Families were invited to come along for a socially-distanced walk around the village on Saturday and Sunday to see garden displays of cuddly animals, art work, pets, and more!

There was also be a cake sale, as well as plenty of collection pots in which ramblers were able to donate money to support Whipsnade Zoo.

Organiser Rachel James, said: “We have had an amazing weekend. I am completely blown away with how it has gone. With over 50 houses taking part, no two enclosures were the same and it was great to see so many different things on offer, we really do have some very talented and creative residents.

“The weekend could only be as good as the efforts put in by everyone who took part, so I am very grateful that so many were involved.

“There was such a buzz around the village with young and old enjoying themselves. It really has helped to lift spirits again. I knew I lived in a lovely village but this weekend has proven what an amazing community spirit we have, I am so very proud especially in these strange and challenging times.”

Natalie Turner designed posters and maps to publicise the event and help people find their way around the displays.

She said: “Back on June 5 when Rachel posted her idea of a ‘zoo’ on the Cheddington Facebook group it immediately grabbed my attention and I was keen to get involved in any way I could. When she asked for help designing a poster, this was my calling!

“Between us we finalised details and soon the posters started appearing around the village, people were excited and there was a real buzz on the Facebook group.

“A map was also designed so that people could see where there were houses taking part at a glance. People had even printed these out for others to take copies from their zoos!

“I eventually got the chance to see everybody’s efforts for myself on Sunday and was really impressed with everybody’s amazing ideas, the wonderful facts people had taken the time to print or write out and the ingenuity of the displays.

“It would be lovely to make this a regular event in Cheddington, it was a huge success and has helped support one of the best local attractions, Whipsnade Zoo”.

Rachel added: “Our zoo weekend was shared far and wide. It was great to see so many visitors from outside the village, we couldn’t believe how far some people had travelled so thank you to everyone who ventured out to support us.

“We even had members of Whipsnade Zoo come and visit us which really was an added bonus and I know meant a lot to those who had taken part.

“This weekend really has shown how much Whipsnade means to us all in the village, many of us have spent many happy hours up their and we are lucky to see the infamous white lion at various points in the village.

“Their plight is far from over. Sir David Attenborough is leading a campaign launched yesterday to save London and Whipsnade as it sadly still is at a risk of having to close.

“They may have been able to reopen but they have lost a considerable income from recent months and now visitor restrictions.

“They are not eligible for a government bailout either. Whipsnade is only permitted to allow 3,000 visitors a day compared to its normal capacity of 12,000.”

See www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cheddingtonzoo to donate to the cause.

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