The St. Marks building was originally a hall for St. Marks church. In 1920 it was purchased for the use of the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid and Lincoln branch by Mrs. Bergne Copeland, who was the chairman of the branch at the time. On her death Mrs. Copeland's son took over as chairman and the church hall was frequently used for animal services.

The hall is now used as a meeting place for RSPCA trustees, & a charity shop to raise money for the caring & rehoming of animals from the local area.

What do local branches do?

All the local RSPCA branches are separately registered charities with their own registered charity numbers. We are responsible for our management and finances, having to support our own work through a range of fundraising events. We receive advice and support from the regional staff. This branch covers the area of Lincolnshire including Lincoln, Gainsborough, Market Rasen, Horncastle, Woodhall Spa and all surrounding villages. Anyone over the age of 17 is eligible for adult membership of the RSPCA. Junior membership is open to young people from 7 to 17. A branch contribution is sent each year to regional HQ, as part payment of operational costs. All other money raised is spent locally on boarding fees at the kennels, helping deserving cases with vet bills and the admin costs of running a humane and efficient service for animals and birds.

We support the work of the RSPCA Inspectorate operating in the Lincolnshire Mid and Lincoln area through liaison with inspectors, animal collection officers and the staff at the society's regional headquarters in Peterborough. This involves taking in and caring for animals rescued by inspectors or which are removed by voluntary arrangement with owners who are unable to guarantee an acceptable level of care or quality of life. Additionally, we fund the temporary placement of these and other animals in kennels and foster homes whilst their rehoming is sought from within the community. We fund and oversee veterinary treatment for animals in our care, run animal neutering programmes and provide home visitors to check on compatibilty of animal and potential adopter in our branch area for our animals and those from any other RSPCA branch.

The RSPCA's vision is to work for a world in which all humans respect and live in harmony with all other members of the animal kingdom.

Our mission statement
The RSPCA as a charity will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of animals.

The RSPCA intends to achieve its mission by:

· effecting strong branch, regional, national and international organisations dedicated to providing a public service, delivering effective relief of animal suffering and enforcing the law

· working tirelessly to reduce the harmful impact of human activities on animals through education, campaigning and the application of ethics, science and law

· striving for the highest levels of efficiency, effectiveness and integrity

· urging that, save where the public benefit requires, humankind should not intentionally cause suffering to any animal when it is not for its own benefit, or cause suffering by neglect. This applies whatever the animal, or the situation in which it finds itself.

Every 25 seconds someone somewhere in England and Wales dials 0300 1234 999 - the RSPCA's national cruelty and advice line - for help.

The RSPCA's inspectors and animal collection officers (ACOs) are the frontline men and women working around the clock to champion animal welfare. Investigations of suspected cruelty form a significant part of an inspector's workload.

The Society also has a Special Operations Unit(SOU) with a team of undercover inspectors investigating a variety of illegal acts of animal cruelty including organised dog-fighting, hunting, live transport issues, badger baiting, wild bird trapping and puppy farming.