This year’s Carnival takes place on Saturday 16th June and we’re hoping for a repeat of last year’s weather which was glorious and helped contribute to a record number of people attending.

For a flavour of what to expect, take a look at these photos and this video (kindly made by Ewen, one of the friends of the Carnival)…

Map of procession route.

Golden Carnival commemorative plaque

You may remember the the ‘Doggy Stop’ at this year’s Carnival where we provided refreshments for our doggy visitors and invited their humans to make a donation to Birmingham Dogs Home.

We are delighted to say that, thanks to your generosity, we raised over £100, so on Saturday 11th November three members of the committee took a trip to the dogs home to see how the money would be used.

Birmingham Dogs Home was founded in 1892 in New Canal Street and moved to Bartholomew Street in 1987, which had been purpose-built to provide shelter and protection for over 150 abandoned dogs.

In recent years the charity recognised that the facilities offered there were falling behind the expected standard of a modern animal welfare establishment, so with very little room to expand the existing home a new location was found at Catherine De Barnes, Solihull, which would enhance the service provided by the charity for many years to come.

The new home opened in 2015 and comprises 128 large kennels with under floor heating, veterinary suite, education / community centre and superb staff facilities. The 12.45 acre site gives plenty of room for volunteers and supporters looking to find their new companion to walk dogs in open countryside.

Needless to say our committee dog lovers Becky, Linda and Mandi saw some very deserving causes there and were tempted to bring home an extra pooch passenger or two, but just about managed to resist!

The home is a charity which can only survive through the generosity and support of the general public and benefactors from the local community so, if you would like to make a donation, or could provide a loving home for one of these unfortunate dogs, please visit their website or call 0121 643 5211 to find out how.