A county chief executive was forced to confront his worst nightmare following a light-hearted wager made in the office.
Richard Sheehan of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce visited Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom at Telford where he was obliged to handle a Burmese Python, even though he is known for having a lifelong fear of snakes.
Chamber membership advisor Ruth Ross had mentioned in the office that she was in discussions with Hoo Farm about joining the chamber and Mr Sheehan – hastily it would now seem – wagered that he would get to grips with a reptile of her choice if she succeeded in signing the venue up.
Mr Sheehan commented: “William Dorrell and his team at Hoo Farm could obviously see the benefits of chamber membership anyway, so Ruth was onto a winner from the start.
“I’ve had an inherent anxiety about snakes for over five decades but had to face my fears and complete the task as I had given my word.
“However, when William first brought out the snake I went totally white and was shaking. I expected it to be wet and slippery, when in fact is was soft, smooth and warm to the touch.
“It was about ten feet long and weighed over 30 kilos with a menacing look in its eyes, but I overcame my fears as it wrapped itself around me and I stood my ground and completed the task.”
William Dorrell, of Hoo farm said: “We are delighted to become new members of the chamber and look forward to working with the varied businesses throughout the county and even though we work with reptiles and animals all the time ourselves, it was impressive to see Richard overcome his own worst nightmare, although we have had Bonnie for some years and she is completely harmless.”
After regaining his composure, Richard added: “Hoo Farm had over 40,000 visitors last year and is a perfect example of the importance of the tourist industry to the county, not only in attracting so many visitors but in providing jobs and bringing the tourist pound into the Shropshire economy.”
Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom opens on 12th March and has indoor and outdoor play areas, animal experiences, a café and shop and stages world-famous sheep races.
PICTURED: William Dorrell and Richard Sheehan with the Burmese Python.
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