In a new initiative for the Branch, we are delighted that Kirstie Blakeley has joined us as our paid Branch Manager, working four days a week. Kirstie brings many skills and will enable us to increase our activities in support of animals and owners across the Branch area.
She is well-known in the RSPCA, having previously worked initially for the Rochdale and Bury Branch and then, for more than eight years, for Solent Branch. While at Solent, Kirstie began as an Animal Care Assistant but worked her way up to be the Animal Centre Manager. Here she is, with her dog, Lucy.
Kirstie already has a lot on her plate. She has played a big part in helping to organise the Fun Dog Show that we hold every two years, as part of the Haslemere Festival.
But her key focus is on developing the branch to guarantee its long term viability and growth. First up, is dragging us into the twenty-first century so far as social media is concerned. Working with Trustee Chris Houghton, Kirstie is setting up a new website for the Branch and also establishing a Facebook page.
Another key activity is going to be building on our rehoming arrangement with the Basingstoke Branch to expand the coverage of re-homing support that we can offer.
Finally, but most importantly, Kirstie will seek to build on these developments to help us recruit new Trustees who will be able to design and implement a long-term strategy and path for the Branch. Sadly, none of the existing trustees are getting any younger and it will soon be time to hand over to the next team. The Branch is fortunate in being financially healthy and we want to see those funds put to use to build an exciting future for the RSPCA locally. Kirstie can be emailed at manager@rspcaaltonhaslemere.org.uk.
