We had a report from one of our members, Gordon Haining M.N.A.T.
Member of the National Association of Toastmasters after the Hootenannie at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park on Saturday 7th November. Gordon kindly donated his time as a Toastmaster to help at the event. Before the report, here is a little bit of information about the Scottish wildcat and the reason for the hootenanny.
THE SCOTTISH WILDCAT
This wildcat is critically endangered with as few as four hundred Scottish wildcats said to exist in the wild. There are fears that the majority have been hybridised with domestic cats with the likelihood that a species on our own doorstep could die out within the next 10 years. This is mainly due to the loss of habitat, harassment and crossbreeding with the domestic cat. These are the only remaining indigenous large cat since the lynx vanished about 1,500 years ago.
The Hootananny featured live music by BuRsT, a champagne reception, buffet, charity auction, raffle and celebrity guests – all in the elegant surroundings of Port Lympne mansion.
The Aspinall foundation is aiming to raise £20,000 for the construction of a new enclosure at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park for Sid and Skye. Head Small Cat Keeper at Port Lympne, Neville Buck, is the studbook holder for Scottish Wildcats and it is hoped that the new surroundings will provide the ideal conditions for breeding these rare cats for release into their native habitat of the Scottish Highlands. The Aspinall Foundation wouldbe happy to receive help in the form of donations.
Gordon said:
“I attach a photograph taken at the Port Lympne Hootenanny in the evening on Saturday 7th November. This is to prove Neville Buck does wear trousers from time to time.
He had a very successful night, raising approximately £5,500.00 toward the Scottish Wild Cat fund. Considering the weather, about 100 people attended, and at one time, even with the aid of a microphone, we were drowned out by the hail thundering on the roof of the garden room during the auction, conducted by James Emson. All bar one item sold, that being an original bronze of a large cat. I believe it is still available if you can meet the reserve price of £2000.00 !!!!
The band “Burst” played for dancing, while the silent auction continued in the Long Room, and there was also a quiz on the Wild Cat which went on through the evening.
The evening ended at 12 midnight, when we all made a dash for the car park in the pouring rain.
Gordon”
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