Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex visits Raystede projects old and new

The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman, recently visited Peaceways Pet Crematorium.

In his capacity as the charity’s Patron-in-Chief, Mr Blackman toured the peaceful chapel, grounds and rose garden of remembrance at Peaceways, which has been providing a caring and compassionate service for pets and their bereaved owners for nearly 60 years. Peaceways was established by Raystede’s Founder, Miss Raymonde-Hawkins in 1964 and many generations of pets are fondly remembered there.

The Lord-Lieutenant first visited Raystede in May 2022 to celebrate Her late Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the charity’s own 70^th anniversary.

During his first visit, he planted an English Oak tree as part of the celebrations and of the Queen’s Green Canopy – a scheme to plant a million trees in a living and lasting legacy to Her Majesty. During this most recent visit, The Lord-Lieutenant took the opportunity to view the tree, which is under the care of Sue Goddard from the our Estates Team.

"We are very proud that the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex is our Patron-in-Chief"

says Stephanie Smith, Raystede’s CEO, "and it was such a pleasure to show him more of our important animal welfare work.”

The Lord-Lieutenant says, “The continued work that Raystede do for animal welfare is of vital importance to countless animals in need of sanctuary and care. I’m delighted to be their Patron-in-Chief and to support their ever-important projects which aim to give animals a better life.”