ACTRESS Susan George was the special guest for the annual Charity Gala at Ferne Animal Sanctuary this year.

Best known for starring alongside Dustin Hoffman in the 1971 film Straw Dogs and Peter Fonda in Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry, Susan was joined by 90 guests for the gala at The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster.

Susan George held a Q&A session during the gala speaking about her acting career and her new book.
Susan George held a Q&A session during the gala speaking about her acting career and her new book. (PHOTO: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Gala Dinner)

Guests enjoyed a two-course meal accompanied by live music from local singer Nelle Curtis, and an online silent auction, with a host of fantastic prizes including a champagne afternoon tea for two at The Ritz.

During a Q&A session, Susan George spoke about her career in acting, her love of horses, the charity she set up in legacy of her late husband and her new book, SMILE.

90 guests joined the Blackdown Hill charity for their annual Gala Dinner raising vital funds.
90 guests joined the Blackdown Hill charity for their annual Gala Dinner raising vital funds. (PHOTO: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Gala Dinner)

The evening also featured a talk from a member of the Medical Detection Dogs team, offering a fascinating insight into the life-changing work of these remarkable dogs. Ferne’s charity of the year parter Branston Ltd were in attendance - when they asked their staff to nominate a charity close to their hearts, Ferne Animal Sanctuary received the most votes.

The charity on the Blackdown Hills relies on fundraising for the ongoing care of hundreds of animals.
The charity on the Blackdown Hills relies on fundraising for the ongoing care of hundreds of animals. (PHOTO: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Gala Dinner)

£7000 was raised on the night which will help provide food, shelter, veterinary treatment and ongoing care for hundreds of animals.

Trustee at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Richard Fuller, said: “The event is hugely important for Ferne, and it was a great success once again, making for a truly memorable evening.

During a Q&A session, Susan George spoke about her acting career and her love of horses.
During a Q&A session, Susan George spoke about her acting career and her love of horses. (PHOTO: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Gala Dinner)

“Our Animal Care Manager, Nikki, gave a heartfelt and emotional talk that really demonstrated why we have such a loyal and dedicated group of supporters.

“Having Susan George on board is a real boost for us. She is clearly passionate about supporting Ferne and has some fantastic ideas about how she can help us further.

The charity hosted a silent auction with prizes including a champagne afternoon tea for two at The Ritz.
The charity hosted a silent auction with prizes including a champagne afternoon tea for two at The Ritz. (PHOTO: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Gala Dinner)

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making the evening such a success.”