St Peter’s Church, Hayton, located approximately 3½ miles from Retford, is a charming 12th-century building. Each year, the church hosts a special service to give thanks for all animals, including wild, farmed, abused, neglected, and domestic pets.
Everyone is invited to bring their pets to the church. In past years, a diverse range of animals has attended, including horses, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, tortoises, birds, hives of bees, as well as many dogs and cats. The animals are generally very well-behaved, and any sounds such as woofs or miaows during the service are greatly enjoyed.
The service is informal, moving, and enjoyable, making it especially popular with children and their families. Each animal is individually blessed during the service – possibly making exception for individual bees!
Following the service, the congregation can enjoy homemade cakes and hot or cold drinks. Many people then visit the Churchyard, which is decorated with bunting and features stalls from animal charities and local craftspeople, who are happy to discuss their work and sell small items.
The service will be held at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th September. All are welcome to take their pets and families along to St Peter’s.
For more information, call 01777 706623.