To begin with this week can I say thank you Paul and everyone at Newton News for printing this blog, it’s going a long way to get the message out that we need to help these lovely mammals survive all the challenges they face in the wild.

If anyone should see a hedgehog out, especially at this time of year when they should be hibernating, there will be a reason why and they will need to be rescued, we can’t leave them out there to die.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society can be contacted on 01584 890801. Thank you.

I would like also to wish Viv and Roy congratulations on their Birthdays this week, without them we wouldn’t be able to save another five lovely hedgehogs. Two really lovely people who show continued dedication to our prickly pals.

We would also like to welcome Joan and hubby to this rescue centre, they will be joining Viv and myself. My thanks to all of them, their support and dedication has made it possible for this rescue to thrive!

Joan has also managed to recover a somewhat cold and damp female hedgehog from their garden, too small to survive in the wild in these inhospitable conditions, they have called her Audrey, when she settles I will get a nice photo so you can meet her.

This week I would like to introduce you to Jessica, a very nice couple rescued her last autumn from their garden in the daytime. Lorraine Elliott was also very instrumental in getting her to me, thank you Lorraine! She is a very timid and nervous little lady but food, warmth and love has made it possible for her to show her face for this photo.

We don’t know why she is nervous so bearing that in mind a new release site has been sourced, a very kind gent called Ed is having her for his garden in the spring.

We have so far eleven hungry little hogs to feed and it doesn’t come cheap but they are worth every penny, myself, Viv and Joan will be fundraising at the Easter Fair with Community Spirit on Saturday 12th March and the Neville Parade Church on the 28th March, everyone’s support is always appreciated.

Thank you

Maxine,Viv and Joan

Aycliffe Rescue Centre