The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary is sad to announce that Miss Margaret Gray our founder and first chair passed away yesterday at the age of 100.
Miss Gray established the Sanctuary in 1967 and dedicated her life to the rescue and care of unwanted and abandoned animals. Without her we would not have our premises here at Stadhampton. She was devoted to the cause of animal protection and only passed on the responsibility as Sanctuary chair when she had to move into a nursing home.
Thanks to Miss Gray over the years we have been able help and care for over 25,000 animals. She will be sorely missed.
Our History
In the very early days of The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary Society, the founding members rescued stray animals and housed them in boarding kennels and catteries.
In 1967, during a very cold Christmas, the Oxford Mail published a picture of Miss Gray feeding hay to the ponies on Port Meadow. That picture was seen by Miss Sybil Morley who asked to meet Miss Gray as she was so moved by what the Society was trying to do for the animals. Miss Sybil Morley made a gift of £1,000 and later she offered a further £5,000 hoping it would buy a place where the Society could have its own Sanctuary.
By good fortune the South Oxfordshire Hunt had put on the market its property at Stadhampton, Miss Morley’s gift enabled the Society to purchase the site. Volunteers helped to turn the stables and hounds quarters into suitable kennels and finally, in July 1970, 35 animals were moved from various boarding establishments around the County to become the first inhabitants of the present Sanctuary.
Since then, thousands of animals have found a refuge at Stadhampton. Some have been with us only a short while before being adopted by a new owner. Others have had to wait much longer, whilst for a few the Sanctuary has been a “home” for the rest of their days.
Over the years, as more and more strays and unwanted pets have been brought to us, the Society has had to increase the kennelling at Stadhampton. Financial problems have plagued us all too frequently, but somehow we have survived. Through the generosity of Sybil Morley and thousands of other friends, we are today caring for more animals than ever before.
How Can You Help?
The best way to support the ongoing cost of The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary in Stadhampton is by donating. Please see our donation page to contribute towards a better future for our animals.