19th August 2025
Celebrating over 50 years of fundraising for local animals in need
Aberconwy RSPCA (covering Conwy, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay) celebrated the fundraising efforts of Mrs Joan Critchett on Tuesday as one of the founding members of this long established local animal welfare charity.
Donna Hutton, Chair, said,
“We are so pleased to be able to show Joan our new shop who herself setabout raising funds to allow our branch to open our first shop in 1985. Five short years later, the shop had been so successful, the branch was able to open the doors of its first animal welfare clinic at 6 Broad Street, Llandudno Junction where it continues to this day to see more than 2,000 animals a year.
The efforts of those founding members of our charity, including Joan, Mrs Gladys Thorpe, Jon and Sheila Francis, laid the foundation of support for local animals throughout Conwy and beyond. Since then, our branch has continued to grow, opening a second shop on St David’s Day in 2024 in Rhos on Sea followed by our newest shop on Mostyn Street, Llandudno last December.
Every pound raised at our three charity shops helps us support more local pets, homeless animals and wildlife, which we do through our welfare clinic and mobile clinic, providing veterinary expertise throughout North Wales including Llandudno.
Donna continued, “We know that the effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis have made it increasingly difficult for a lot of people to pay vet bills. As a result we are constantly working to make our services more accessible to those who need it most. The only way we can do this is by raising more funds and by relying on the amazing work our teams of volunteers do every day. Without them, we simply could not help the thousands of animals that rely on us each and every year.”
“Joan’s commitment, dedication and passion for animals so closely mirrors the multitude of people who share a passion for the animals we share this beautiful part of the world with and who have no voice of their own. By increasing the reach of the services we offer, we hope that the example set by Joan and others will inspire everyone to get involved as either a volunteer, by donating items we can sell in our shops or sponsoring our work! “
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in the shops or clinics, please drop in to one of our shops or call 03300 888 201 and select option 4. In the meantime, thank you Joan for the years of service you gave the branch and the multitude of animals your dedication helped.
Contacts
Donna Hutton, Chair 07710636267 donna.hutton@rspca-aberconwy.org.uk
Carl Lloyd, Branch Operations Manager carl.lloyd@rspca-aberconwy.org.uk
RSPCA Aberconwy Branch Animal Welfare Clinic,
6 Broad Street, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9HG
