Celebrities open Minety pets day (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Celebrities open Minety pets day

THE appearance of Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson and the surprise showing of a well known star of television and cinema all helped make the first ever Minety Pets and Petals Day a great success.

Between 150 and 200 people are estimated to have joined the event, which was staged at the village hall and adjoining field last Saturday afternoon (Sept 10).

The concept for the day was to combine a pet and flower show for adults and children, while a drawing competition also thrown in to further attract younger participants.

The day was organised by the Minety branch of the North Wiltshire Conservative Association to help raise funds for the village hall.

Mr Anderson, who lives in North Wiltshire opened the event. He was joined by his future son-in-law, actor Andrew Lincoln, whose many credits include the Channel 4 series Teachers and the film Love Actually.

The actor even turned out with his own puppy, Wasabi.

About 60 dogs were entered into the competition, together with numerous rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and even some hens and a cockerel.

The winner of the Minety Dog of the Year and Pet of the Year was Paddy, a cross breed owned by Oaksey resident Camilla Williams who claimed the Adah Tiffany Memorial Trophy.

Frances Ring, who organised the event, hailed it a great success.

She said: "We had people come from London to see Ian Anderson, which amazed me, and there must have been somewhere between 150 and 200 people turn up. It was colossal.

"I don't know how much money we have made, but we are looking forward to giving a fairly substantial donation to the village hall."

Another Pets and Petals Day has already been pencilled in for September 9 next year.