The Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal was launched in 2013 in Stratford-upon-Avon, to support the work of Guide Dogs. A committed group of Guide Dogs volunteers – Puppy Walkers, Breeding Stock Holders and Boarders – work on a variety of events, and offer presentations to schools, groups and clubs.

The aim of the Appeal is to support businesses, schools, and individuals in raising £5,000 to provide a Guide Dog Puppy which is named after a Shakespeare Character.

So far, thirty Shakespeare Puppies have been named after well-known characters from the Bard’s famous plays: Romeo, Hamlet, Troilus, Titus, Paris, Hector, Eleanor, Orlando, Juliet and Falstaff, etc.

Vale Press were delighted to be able to help such a worthwhile and local cause by sponsoring the printing of a  2017 Calendar which had colour photographs of some of the adorable puppies. The proceeds boosted the Appeal funds.

Vale Managing Director, Tom Stowe says “The Vale Press team have always loved our dogs ever since “Jet” a black Patterdale puppy  became our first “office dog” nearly ten years ago. We were delighted to help the local “Puppies Appeal” – it’s such a worthwhile cause.

“Whilst we may keep dogs as pets because we enjoy their company, some people need a dog to provide essential support in their own lives. Guide Dogs do a great job and we’re only too pleased to support the local volunteers who give their time to train and look after them.”

ECO Work-Shop is based in Clifford Chambers, near Stratford-upon-Avon. It does a fantastic job in supporting adults, from local towns and villages, who have learning disabilities or autism, by providing purposeful, real work activities that develop skills and abilities.

The workshop undertakes packing and light assembly tasks for local businesses. They also recycle and manufacture quality products in-house such as greetings cards and paper confetti cones.

The work activities take place in their workshop; out in the community; in their beautiful walled garden or at the premises of partner organisations.

Vale Press Ltd are delighted to help out with advice and printing requirements for Eco Work-Shop and, above all, with a regular work placement managed by Vale Press Operations Director, Oliver Stowe.

Oliver says “The whole team look forward to Dan coming in every week for his work experience. We make sure Dan has an interesting and varied workload and it’s great to see the smile on his face as he gets on with the task in hand. We hope he feels part of the Vale team.”

Last year Vale Press were very pleased to be asked to help Stratford Town Football Club with the printing of their club programmes. Vale Press’s Sales Manager, Mark Hatton, was delighted to offer the club a special sponsorship package, including discounted prices for printing the deadline-critical match day programmes.

Vale Press are also pleased to have two of the advertising boards at the DCS Stadium in Tiddington.

The Stratford Town FC first team plays in the Southern League Premier Division and in total the club fields an incredible 35 teams across the age ranges – for boys, girls, women and men, starting at grassroots level. The Club has attained FA Charter Club status and is an FA Development Club.

Mark Hatton says “Stratford Town FC is a great community club – forward thinking and ambitious. Those are values shared by Vale Press and we wish all the Stratford Town teams good luck for the rest of the season. Bring home the silverware!”

Why not place your print work locally with Vale Press and see your local community benefit even more? Contact Mark Hatton on 01386 858900 or email: mark@valegroup.co.uk