Goats being readied for trail

They are the centre piece of Autism Guernsey and the Guernsey Adult Literacy Project’s Golden Guernsey Goat Trail from next month until September.

It was due to take place last year, but was postponed due to Covid-19.

The 52 fibreglass and clay goats have been sponsored by local businesses, individuals and groups and are being painted by talented locals.

Mandy Rowlinson, fundraising manager at Autism Guernsey, said the charity could not be more grateful to all of the businesses and individuals who have sponsored a goat or donated their time to help fulfil this venture.

A private drinks reception will be held at Government House later this month to thank the sponsors, suppliers and artists. Autism Guernsey’s painted goat will also be revealed at the event.

Working hard on their Guiding-sponsored goat were some of the users of the Adult Disability Service.

Senior day centre officer Lucy Slimm took the goat home to get started on the designs when lockdown was imposed.

‘There are 47 service users so we’ve been enjoying having some of them come in and work on the painting when they’re here,’ she said.

They are using the colours associated with Guides and are covering the goat in colourful blue flowers.

‘For me, I’m really enjoying being part of a community project,’ said 21-year-old Sam Bailey.

The goats will be auctioned at St. James on 16 September and tickets will be available to purchase at £10 each nearer the date.

Nick Bachmann, fundraising director for Autism Guernsey, hoped a substantial amount would be raised for both charities.

‘As we do not receive any statutory funding, it is events such as this that ensure we are able to continue to provide services to the community. Hopefully the public will engage in this Guernsey-wide initiative and generously bid for their preferred Guernsey golden goat,’ he said.

A raffle is also being held to win Autism Guernsey’s goat, together with a beautiful painting by Ryan Dawe, and will be on sale to the public for £5 each.

Tickets will be available from various locations around the island including Autism Guernsey, Savills estate agents, La Villette Garage, Pony Inn, Mawson Collins, Athene Sholl Jewellery, La Barbarie Hotel and various other businesses.

Two competitions will run alongside the trail, one using an app, which can be downloaded in Ma,y and the other as a paper-form quiz. Sure has donated an iPad as a prize.

Competitions cost £2 each and anybody can enter either or both as they will each be slightly different.