7th October 2011

CHARD: Jamie's day out

A YOUNG man with cerebral palsy was given a very special day at the Southwest Deer Rescue and Study Centre in Wayford last week.

Jamie Dyer who is eight-years-old and attends mainstream Honiton Primary School had met one of the deer when Mike Gage from the centre took it to the school. The not for profit centre run on donations by Mr Gage from Chard and his volunteers, opened to the public this year as an educational where families and groups can meet some of the deer up close and hand feed them in a beautiful 80 acre setting.

Appointments have to be made to visit and Mr Gage refused all other bookings to give Jamie and his family the whole day to take their time and learn all about the five types of deer at the centre.

Jamie, who has to use a wheelchair, was given a special ride around the spacious deer pens so he could enjoy it as much as other children who visit and was the first to meet two new arrivals - Luigi and Mario. The two very young Red Deer stags were brought to Mr Gage recently by North Devon RSPCA and are under his special care until they are strong enough to join the others out in the fields.

Jamie also got to see the work being done by the volunteers to prepare for winter, making shelters for the deer, especially the Axis which tend to breed all year round. There is also a campfire area and rustic visitor refreshment facilities which have to be maintained.

Jamie had a great day and said how much he loved coming to see Mike and his deer friends, and to feed them biscuits.

Mr Gage would like to thank the many people who have donated their spare apples and pears for the deer this autumn. Volunteers to help keep paths clear and spare fruit and vegetables and donations to feed the animals are always welcome. For more details call 01460 64174.

CHARD: Jamie's day out

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