Archive for the Charity Category

Networking Neighs with Theodora F. Izzard – TFI Reiki

On March 30, 2022 / Blog, Charity, Commercial Photography, East Sussex, Horse Photography, Networking / Leave a comment

Ahh, it was great to be out in the sunshine, surrounded by the countryside, in the field with horses munching on grass and networking with such nice people in a super relaxed atmosphere.

I was very surprised when I realised that there were so many creatives there on the day. Photography is definitely not just one size fits all. Adas (AdasGold Photography) specialises in branding, lifestyle and food/commercial photography, which is getting increasingly important with clients finding companies online.

I was interested to learn more about Carsten Birkebaek (Flying Pix) and his aerial drone photography & filming business. Just stunning! Here Carsten is connecting with Dainty, who is a bit hesitant about men at the moment. I think they got on really well, don’t you?

Sadly I didn’t get to chat much with Alex Durham (Alex Durham Freelance) your VA-Va-Voom Videographer based in Canterbury (in the middle of the picture). She specialises in engaging videos for people and businesses. She is currently offering short video sessions for your LinkedIn Profile Video promotions.

Theo’s talk was very captivating and honest and I am sure it helps being with a group of non judgemental people. During these down to earth networking events the best connections are made.

It is always a pleasure to see Anwen (Get Fruitful Marketing). Anwen is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to all your marketing needs. I was very interested to listen to her ideas for the future.

Lucy, in her role of bookkeeping, told us about the upcoming changes in 2024 for sole traders, not everyone is aware of the changes but we would all do well to prepare ourselves for the change in MTD (make tax digital) for freelancer / sole traders with a yearly income of over £10k.

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

For our first Networking Neighs of 2022 there was a theme of the participants that attended – filming and photography! Over half the participants were involved with a camera in some way, allowing beautiful connections and some great synergies as they enjoyed their one to one conversations in the field.

Networking Neighs is perfect for encouraging collaboration. Horses must work as a herd to survive. Different specialisms within the herd result in the greatest chance of success for all. Domain experts mean that different horses at different times will take the leadership role as the seek the tastiest food, shelter or water as their needs dictate.

Following the horse’s lead, we too have the potential to collaborate and work together, enjoying the benefits of companionship, strength in numbers and expertise of others.

This is just one of the way the horses continue to have a profound impact on the way we do business.

Becci Godfrey

Personal and Professional Development Coach

The next Networking Neighs on Friday 17th June 2022 continues with the theme of film with Brandon Croft of Brandon Screen Creations taking the guest speaker slot. You can sign up here: www.horsesenseuk.com/service-page/networking-neighs.

All proceeds continue to go to our Thank You NHS campaign.

Cats Protection calendar 2020

On December 1, 2019 / Cat Photography, Charity, Gifts / Leave a comment

The Cats Protection calendar for 2020 is out

I love taking pictures of cats, they are truly unpredictable! The Cats Protection Charity commissioned me to take portraits of cats who were re-homed via their re-homing places for inclusion in their beautiful presented calendar. Their owners took part in a Facebook competition and where chosen to be included in the forthcoming calendars.

The images I was commissioned for are featured in the months of February and May.

The calendar is out for sale on the cats protection dedicated shop window. They make a great gift and they support a worthy cause. Feel free to browse their other wares.

White Horse Stables – Horse Rescue

On September 5, 2019 / Charity, East Sussex, Equine, Horse Photography, Horse related / Leave a comment

I recently took photos at White Horse Stables – Horse Rescue, based in Staplecross, East Sussex. They became a registered charity in 1995 although its founders starting rescuing horses some years prior to that.

Among many others, I had the pleasure of taking some images of Ranger, who was stabled there for over 20 years. About 6 month ago he was diagnosed with Cancer and given one month to live. Sadly he passed away at the end of August. When I met him he was grazing in a big field and when he saw me he came running up, eager to say hello! What a Star! Rest in peace!

White Horse currently has 26 rescue horses in its care of those 15 are over the age of 20 and 5 are under 5 years old. Rehoming elderly horses, small ponies and those which cannot be ridden is difficult, most enquiries to rehome come from people who want a horse they can ride. Although in theory we have horses which can be rehomed it can be difficult, a number of the horses require special care either because of age or behavioural issues.

When someone wants to rehome a horse we vet the home on offer to ensure that they have suitable experience and can accommodate the horse in question. We remain touch with the rehomer to make sure things are going well, even so we still get horses returned to us after a year or more has gone by.

White Horse is a charity and relies on donations and sponsorship to keep going. We have a sponsorship scheme where someone will give a fixed amount for the year which contributes to the care of the horse or pony they have chosen to support. We also have a working livery scheme where people can loan a horse which remains at the centre and a cuddle livery scheme where a non riding horse is loaned to them. The cost of working and cuddle livery varies but is an important income for the charity.

Experienced volunteers are always in need and a few hours a week particularly in the winter months can make a difference. Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre is the charity’s biggest supporter and they provide training opportunities for apprentices wishing to train for a career in the equestrian world. There are also opportunities for volunteers aged 24 years + to gain fully funded training towards a recognised horse care qualification.

Facebook links:

White Horse Stables – Horse Rescue

Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre

The Cats Protection calendar for 2019 is out

On September 15, 2018 / Cat Photography, Charity / Leave a comment

The image of Nyx was taken earlier this year and is proudly presenting the month October.

The calendar is out for sale on the cats protection dedicated shop window. Feel free to browse their other wares.

Networking Neighs with John Handley of The Bridge Trust

On April 29, 2018 / Charity, Equine, Horse Photography, Networking / Leave a comment

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

I gave up a long time ago worrying about who would attend a Neighs event and started to trust that exactly the people that needed to be there, would be there.

Today’s Networking Neighs might have been a smaller group than usual, but no less diverse and all the more rich for it.

The guest speaker this around was John Handley, CEO of local Homeless Charity, The Bridge Trust.

In his guest speaker slot, John shared that through life experience he had come to realise that “Life doesn’t always go to plan”, but if he had three pieces of wisdom to impart it would be:

1) Have a plan, so you make the most of your life

2) Appreciate what you have, you have no idea how quickly it could be taken away from you

3) Do something you love.

Through his insightful and at points heartbreaking story, we all were called to recognise in our self where there was room to get more out of the opportunities available to us.

As for the horses, they were their usual gregarious selves. Fresh off a corporate training experience, the morning provided a bit of light relief and a chance to show the world how much they love interacting with humans and being the centre of attention.

The guest speaker next month around is Jane Alton, a Consultant Numerologist. We’ll be diving into the number vibration of the name Networking Neighs, and welcoming Neighs founder, Emma Taylor of The Leadership Whisperers. You can get your tickets here: www.networkingneighs.eventbrite.co.uk.

In the meantime, if you would like to join us in making a donation to The Bridge Trust to support their excellent work, you can do so here: www.thebridgetrust.org.uk

Cats Protection Calendar 2016

On November 23, 2015 / Cat Photography, Charity / Leave a comment

For a second year running the Cats Protection Charity commissioned me to take portraits of cats who were re-homed via their re-homing places for inclusion in their beautiful presented calendar. Their owners took part in a Facebook competition and where chosen to be included in the forthcoming calendars.

I met two lovely cat owners and their beautiful cats, one of which is featured on the front cover. The image of Sheba was taken last year and is proudly presenting the month April.

The calendar is out for sale on the cats protection dedicated Christmas shop window. Feel free to browse their other wares.

Cat Protection Charity Christmas Catalogue

Charity Fundraiser Raffle – Sevenoaks Veterinary Surgery

On February 28, 2015 / Charity, Gifts, Specials / Leave a comment

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Frankie, one of the nurses at the Sevenoaks Veterinary Surgery (http://sevenoaksvets.co.uk/).

Frankie will be running the London Marathon on the 26^th April 2015 for her fundraiser for Arthritis Care. Her fundraising goal is £2000. One way of raising this money, she decided to have charity a raffle at the surgery, where amongst other prizes you may win yourself a Gift Certificate for a Pet Photo Shoot Experience. Frankie also has sponsorship forms in the Sevenoaks, Meopham and Swanscombe practice as well as a Just Giving page (https://www.justgiving.com/Frankie-Beorby1).

I wish her all the best for her fundraiser and am looking forward to hear how well she did as well as meeting the winner of the Pet Portrait session.

Cats Protection Calendar 2015

On November 20, 2014 / Cat Photography, Charity / Leave a comment

Earlier this year I was commissioned to take portraits of cats who were re-homed via Cats Protection. Their owners took part in a Facebook competition and where chosen to be included in the forthcoming calendars.

I met two lovely cat owners and their beautiful cats, one of which is going to be featured in next year’s cat calendar.

The calendar is out for sale on the cats protection dedicated Christmas shop window. Feel free to browse their other wares.

Dog Walking Day with Mountain Warehouse

On April 29, 2014 / Charity, Dog photography, Dog related, Spring / Leave a comment

Last Sunday, Mountain Warehouse organized a Dog Walking Day at Hever Castle in aid of the Dogs Trust.

About 1000 dogs were registered for either a 3 or 5 mile walk through the beautiful bluebells. Over 750 dogs big and small, young and old turned up for the staggered walks.

Surprisingly the weather held despite the all rain weather forecast. Teaming up with portrait, event and wedding photographer Tina Chatfield and her Cabarazzi.biz Photobooth venture, which we made dog friendly for the day, was a huge success too.

Cabarazzi Photobooth – dog friendly for the day!

On request of the many visitors who I chatted to, here are my special offers for the event. A proportion of the session fee will go to the Dogs Trust, so please mention “Mountain Warehouse” when booking.

The following images have been taken on the day in a ,reportage style as opposed to my normal style with an uncluttered background and lead-free. Unfortunately the dogs had to be on kept on their leads at all times. Can you imagine the mayhem it would have caused if all dogs were running free? Mind you one dog did manage to escape onto the golf course!

If you recognize your dog in the images below and are interested in purchasing a logo free fully edited image, please feel free to contact me.

I am still impressed about the huge variety in dog breeds present. Are you?

#DogsInBusiness Lucky Tales Dog Rescue Without Borders, Chatham

On September 30, 2013 / 2013 Dogs In Business, Charity, Dog photography / Leave a comment

This month’s blog takes me to an volunteer group which is based in Chatham.

Marinna the founder of Lucky Tales Dog Rescue Without Borders is very passionate about dogs, but not just any dogs!

Both “Amber” and “Topaz” were rescued from the streets of Italy. Marinna witnessed the mistreatment of dogs whilst living in Italy. So she decided to start this volunteer group in 2009 and is hoping to turn it into a charitable organization soon.

You can also find more information on their Facebook page.

If you think you can open your heart and re-home any of their other rescue dogs please contact julie.bacon@live.co.uk, the secretary of Lucky Tales.

“Amber & Topaz”

2013 Dogs In Business Lucky Tales Dog Rescue without borders Storyboard photo

Archive for the Charity Category

Networking Neighs with Theodora F. Izzard – TFI Reiki

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Cats Protection calendar 2020

The Cats Protection calendar for 2020 is out

The Cats Protection calendar for 2019 is out

Networking Neighs with John Handley of The Bridge Trust

Cats Protection Calendar 2016

Charity Fundraiser Raffle – Sevenoaks Veterinary Surgery

Cats Protection Calendar 2015

#DogsInBusiness Lucky Tales Dog Rescue Without Borders, Chatham

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