73rd Charter Celebrations

President Iain addressing the Club 

The Rotary Club of St Ives held its annual Charter Night on the 31^st October and 40 members and guests attended this excellent occasion. President Iain expressed his thanks to all the members and “Friends of Rotary” for their contribution in making the Club such a success. He highlighted value of Rotary in the community and the projects which it undertakes. 

Iain then introduced the speaker, Andy Johnson of Johnsons Farm and Zoo, Old Hurst who gave an extremely interesting and enthusiastic talk regarding how the zoo came into being and the role which conservation now plays as a big part of the zoo’s operation. 

Rather than install an expensive incinerator, Andy decided to go Eco Friendly and introduce Crocodiles to dispose of waste meat matter and animal by-products.

He then expanded the facility by bringing other creatures onto the site including birds such as ostrich and exotic reptiles.

Andy applied for a zoo license and was originally turned down.  Eventually the farm was granted a license to set up a zoo. This gave Andy the opportunity to increase the zoo size by introducing sloth bears and other livestock.

However, Andy’s wife Tracy did draw the line when Andy suggested introducing lions and tigers. It took months of gentle persuasion before Tracy finally agreed to let Andy bring in the big cats!

Since then, thousands of people and families with children from all over the country, have visited Old Hurst Farm and Zoo and enjoyed the facility which the farm has to offer.

The Old Hurst Farm and Zoo also communicates with other Zoos throughout Europe sharing ideas regarding conservation. 

Andy continued his talk by giving anecdotes such as when he slipped and a crocodile opened its jaws but did not attack him. Andy has also swam with his crocodiles!

An ardent conservationist, Andy has a very philosophical attitude to life. He spoke about his views on creation and evolution which was enlightening.

At the end of his superb address, during which the audience were held spellbound, Andy was thanked by President Iain and given a rousing applause. 

The evening finished with the Rotary Toast and a very enjoyable Charter celebration sadly came to an end.