cat tourism By sandy robins of cats love

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Jock VI, the current feline as they were when Sir Winston was resident, lives in the top-floor in residence, with pictures, books, al trust/robert Morris n al n atio c ourtesy for the flat at Chartwell with Katherine and personal mementos evoking the Barnett, the house and collections career and wide-ranging interests manager. He took office in March of a great statesman, writer, painter, 2014, when his predecessor, Jock and family man. Embrace V, retired from public life and “Also, Churchill was very fond went to live with a former house of all animals, and, along with his al trust/iai n c arter n al Natio Courtesy Winston E i n siedel and collections manager in the request for a marmalade cat to be Scottish countryside. in residence, we also have many by the gift shop, where there are Churchill’s “It’s a modern day rags-to- other animals that are a part of his shortbread biscuits, fudge, and, of riches story,” Barnett said of the animal-loving legacy, including two course, marmalade with Jock’s face Cat Love at current Jock, who was adopted black swans on our lake and his on the packaging. from a local animal rescue. “Jock golden orfe in the pond.” You can also find a range of the Chartwell VI has had a difficult start to his This year has been a very busy jewelry, including a necklace, Estate life. He was found trying to get one for Jock VI, as it marks the cuff links, and a key ring that are n al T rust/ An dreas vo n Courtesy Natio into a shed to escape the cold 50th anniversary of Sir Winston’s unique to Chartwell, as they fea- winter weather. But as the saying death. Lots of special exhibitions ture Jock’s face and are made from goes, ‘A cat will always land on its showcase Sir Winston’s “finest wood from the estate. ir Winston Churchill was feet.’ I’m delighted with Jock; he’s hours,” and the marmalade tabby “New for this year is a lovely prime minister of the a very caring, loving cat, and vis- is proving to be a fabulous feline mug and coaster featuring Jock SUnited Kingdom twice. itors get lots of enjoyment from ambassador and docent. and Churchill, and to commem- Hailed as one of the greatest war- seeing him.” Apart from an inherent skill at orate the 50th anniversary of time leaders of the 20th century, With free rein within the home being able to spot a good suntrap, Churchill’s death, Royal Crown he was also an acclaimed artist, (well, a couple of state rooms are he’s also skilled in media relations, Derby have created a limited edi- historian, winner of the Nobel off-limits in case he gets over- and has turned out to be a real tion statue of Jock,” Barnett said. Prize in literature, and the first enthusiastic about the treasured pro when it comes to posing for With only 750 statues pro- person to be made an honor- furnishings), he loves mingling with dozens of photographs on a daily duced, they are the ultimate col- al trust/he jarvis n ry n al n atio c ourtesy ary citizen of the United States. visitors, especially the cat lovers basis. In between, he loves to lector’s treasure. Here’s a lesser-known fact about Jock I was an 88th birthday when Sir Winston passed away who come specially to visit him. snooze in the office under the pre- this truly great man, which, in my present given to Sir Winston by in 1965. The following year, Some of Jock’s favorite plac- text of ensuring that all his social opinion, unequivocally endorses Sir John “Jock” Colville, one of his Chartwell was given to the es to hang out for tummy rubs media accounts are kept up-to- For more information on the accolade that he was “the private secretaries. Sir Winston National Trust, a conservation are by the ponds on the 80-acre date. Check out his Facebook page Jock VI and Chartwell, visit greatest Briton of all time”: Sir was so attached to the cat that charity that protects historic estate. He loves “giving tours” of at /chartwellnt. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell. Winston loved cats. the feline often attended import- places and green areas in the U.K. the garden (aka being followed) For visitors to Chartwell, no Address: Mapleton Road, Westerham, ant meetings and even accompa- The original Jock lived until 1974, and is often found on the croquet tour is complete without stopping Kent, TN16 1PS In fact, his family requested that a nied Sir Winston on road trips to when he was laid to rest in the lawn chasing butterflies or stroll- marmalade-colored cat named Jock, London, cuddling into him in the pet cemetery on the estate. ing across the driveway in front of with four white socks and a white back seat of the car. And, rumor The Trust continues to honor the house. Ziggy (pictured) and Fudge “work” as feline muses for Sandy Robins, an award-winning bib, always reside at Chartwell, his has it, meals in the Churchill the feline request, and the home “He gives visitors a glimpse into multimedia pet lifestyle expert and pet industry personality. They have helped “write” home in Kent, England, now a pop- household did not start until Jock even has a green cat door for the the private life behind the public three books, including The Original Cat Bible (I-5 Press, 2014). When he is not lying ular tourist attraction and visited by was present at the table. feline that has the approval of the statesman,” Barnett said. “The on her desk blocking the computer screen, Ziggy likes to play fetch with his wand toys and direct food operations in the kitchen to ensure the kibble is always topped cat fans from around the world. Jock I was only 2 years old historic buildings inspector. rooms at Chartwell remain much up. Learn more about Sandy at sandyrobinsonline.com.

54 catster July/August 2015 55 catster.com