Norwich church acknowledged as animal friendly

St Andrew’s Trowse has recently been recognized as an Animal Friendly church by the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals, with their first pet service held on August 25th. The service welcomed several dogs along with photos of other pets, and organiser Sarah Toothill expressed the church’s love for all creatures. The congregation enjoyed the service, and positive feedback from attendees has led to plans for an annual pet service. In partnership with Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, St Andrew’s will be hosting a joint fundraiser featuring a talk on greyhounds in art history by local speaker Mary Alexander.

The fundraiser event, scheduled for Friday, October 25th at 7pm, will delve into the historical representation of greyhounds in artworks and offer attendees the chance to learn more about these iconic animals. Mary Alexander, an accomplished art historian and lecturer, will be presenting the talk at St Andrew’s Trowse, with tickets priced at £5. The evening will also include refreshments, a raffle, and merchandise from Norfolk Greyhound Rescue. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for the non-profit organization’s efforts to rehome Irish greyhounds, including ex-racers and those who never competed on the track.

Mary Alexander’s background in art history, with a focus on the history of art and a wealth of knowledge from her studies and experiences, makes her a fitting speaker for the upcoming event. Since relocating to Norfolk in 2000, Mary has worked as a freelance lecturer, delivering talks on various art-related topics across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Norfolk Greyhound Rescue is a local non-profit dedicated to finding loving homes for greyhounds in need, particularly those hailing from Ireland’s racing industry. The collaboration between St Andrew’s Trowse and NGR highlights the importance of animal welfare and the significance of greyhounds in art and culture.

As a dog-friendly church, St Andrew’s Trowse continues to show its dedication to animals and their welfare through events like the joint fundraiser with Norfolk Greyhound Rescue. The partnership not only raises funds for a noble cause but also educates attendees about the history and significance of greyhounds in art. The upcoming talk by Mary Alexander promises to be an enlightening experience for art enthusiasts and animal lovers alike, offering a unique perspective on the portrayal of greyhounds in artistic masterpieces throughout the ages. By coming together for this event, the church and rescue organization strive to make a positive impact on the lives of greyhounds in need and promote a message of compassion and care for all creatures.