Legacy saved Mount Noddy and funded new facilities at Eartham
Mount Noddy, the animal rescue centre near Chichester that has looked after cats and dogs for half a century, was transformed after receiving a multi‑million pound legacy that has underpinned a complete rebuild and modernisation of its site at Eartham.
The gift, left by a Miss Melvin, came at a critical moment when the long‑running charity was close to running out of money and faced the possibility of closure. The bequest funded improvements costing more than £4 million and allowed Mount Noddy to reopen in 2022 as a substantially upgraded centre offering what staff describe as some of the most innovative facilities of their kind.
Those facilities include a hydrotherapy pool for dogs, designed to aid the rebuilding of muscle after injury, as well as modern kennels and pens. The redevelopment was formally opened in 2022 by veterinarian and author Bruce Fogle.
At a recent return visit, the centre welcomed Gary Shipton — who attended the 2022 opening in his editorial capacity and later visited in his role as High Sheriff of West Sussex — along with former High Sheriff Patrick Burgess and his wife Maggie. During the visit the trustees and staff toured the centre and demonstrated how the new facilities are being used to give animals a better chance of rehoming.
People behind the work
Staff and trustees credited in the visit include operations manager Kirsty Watling, senior behaviourist Sarah Carden and animal care assistant Ethan Williams. Trustees mentioned by the centre are chair Nick Cockram and Paul Marshall. Their combined expertise, the centre says, places emphasis both on physical rehabilitation and behavioural assessment to increase the prospect of successful adoptions.
“About four years ago Mount Noddy as this place was known was just about done for. It was out of money, it was falling to bits, and there was serious consideration for closing it. But it didn't happen because of some extraordinary acts of kindness, expertise and commitment from people.”
The comment above was made by Nick Cockram at the time of the official reopening in 2022 and was quoted again during last weekend’s visit, underlining how the legacy altered the charity’s trajectory.
Facilities and services now available
The centre’s new features are being put to use across a range of cases brought to Mount Noddy, from emergency rescues to animals requiring focused rehabilitation before they can move to new homes. Key facilities and roles highlighted during the visit were:
- Hydrotherapy pool to aid muscle recovery for dogs recovering from injury or surgery;
- State‑of‑the‑art kennels and pens designed for welfare, cleanliness and ease of monitoring;
- Behavioural expertise to help address issues that might otherwise prevent rehoming.
| Role | Named individual |
|---|---|
| Operations Manager | Kirsty Watling |
| Senior Behaviourist | Sarah Carden |
| Animal Care Assistant | Ethan Williams |
| Chair of Trustees | Nick Cockram |
| Trustee | Paul Marshall |
What it means for Chichester and the wider area
For residents of Chichester and surrounding villages, the restoration of Mount Noddy represents more than improved facilities: it preserves a local service that accepts vulnerable animals and prepares many of them for new homes. The combination of clinical rehabilitation and behavioural assessment means animals that might previously have been difficult to place are now more likely to be rehomed successfully.
The story also highlights how a single legacy can alter the future of a long‑standing community charity. Mount Noddy’s experience may be instructive for other local groups facing financial strain, showing that targeted investment in infrastructure and specialist staff can revitalise services and expand capacity.
Looking ahead
Mount Noddy marked the fourth anniversary of its rebirth by showing visitors how the centre’s facilities are being used day to day. Trustees and staff emphasize that while the buildings and equipment are critical, the expertise of the team and continued community support remain essential to sustain operations.
As charities across the country grapple with rising costs and demand, Mount Noddy’s example underlines the continuing need for local engagement and funding to keep vital services operating in and around Chichester.
