Sara Royal is one of those people you think must somehow have more hours in the day than the rest of us. Or maybe she just does not sleep at all? Crafting, making jams, helping at the sanctuary… And that is just some parts of what she does for us!
First things first: How did you find Hallswood?
- I first found out about Hallswood when I was looking for somewhere to volunteer and saw a post on facebook appealing for shop volunteers. I have always loved animals and crafting so this seemed ideal.
How long have you been volunteering now and what do you help with?
- I have been volunteering since Sep 2019. I first helped out in the shop on Magdalen St then quickly moved to helping out with the recycling scheme, sorting through the huge amount that was being collected all over Norwich, then boxing it up to send off to Terracycle. I also helped out at the jumble sales. Unfortunately when covid hit I was unable to continue with sorting and concentrated on making stuff her at home to raise funds for the sanctuary – crocheted & knitted items, rainbows, aprons, bunting, masks, bags, purple poppies – anything really that we can sell. I help the jammers make jam, marmalade, chutney and pickles. I also have a stall at home in my driveway where I sell handmade items, plants and preserves. However I was missing helping out on a regular basis and since October 2020 I have been assisting Sarah with looking after the hedgehogs at the sanctuary. I help feed, water and clean out three times a week and also help Rachael in the main sanctuary one day a week with feeding and watering the animals and birds and any other jobs that need doing. I also have 7 foster hedgehogs here at home that I am looking after for the winter before they can be released in the spring. During the lockdowns, every day I have fed the many swans in Wroxham that rely on the holiday makers that usually visit the village with food that has kindly been donated to the sanctuary.
What is your favourite part about helping Hallswood?
- My favourite part of helping Hallswood is actually spending hands on time with the many animals and birds of the sanctuary particularly the cats, pigs, swans , ducks, chickens, hedgehogs, rabbits, foxes, squirrels all of them and working with such a kind, welcoming, dedicated and strong team.
And dare I ask what the worst part is?
- The worst part is running out of time!
What would you say to encourage someone to help us by joining our crazy family of volunteers?
- I would say Go for it! Take that plunge and find out if there is something you can help with, however small, you won’t regret it.
Famous last words: what is your favorite saying?
Never go away empty handed!