Rethymnon Review

Having said in our previous issue that June is generally a quiet month here, it actually ended up being surprisingly eventful. So, on this page we provide you with a couple of snapshots of life here during the last month.

June brought with it a large trade fair that was held in marquees at the marina. This is an annual event, but unfortunately we had not received details by the time we went to press last month so could not publicise this ahead of time. Visiting a trade fair here is a great way to get a more unusual perspective on life on Crete — the types of goods being promoted tell you a lot about the many facets of local culture.

Along with stands promoting up to the minute computer equipment, we saw agricultural equipment, traditional produce and local handicrafts on display. The stand that caught our attention the most, though was the one that had copper raki stills for sale. Not something you would expect to see at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham!

Given the problems there have been with ANEK shipping line and the standard ferry service between Rethymnon and Piraeus (or current lack of one!), we were also somewhat amused to notice that when we visited, the ANEK stand was unstaffed.

---

Summer Solstice Fun

Once again the great annual Midsummer BBQ held at Camping Elizabeth on the 21st June was a resounding success. A highly enjoyable time was had by all, and many thanks go to Anna and Elizabeth and the crew for helping to make the evening so much fun. The food, as ever was very good, as was the wine, (some of us felt distinctly fuzzy round the edges the next day!) and the company convivial. People came from far and wide to be there (from the UK, Athens, Hania), and the party went on in a very relaxed fashion until the small hours. Certainly this really has become one of the social events of the year.

Long may the tradition continue and roll on Summer Solstice 2009!

---

Animal Welfare: Public Meeting

In June a public meeting took place at the Kentro Neon to discuss animal welfare issues — in particular the problem of stray dogs and cats in Rethymnon. The event generated lively discussion about diverse aspects concerning animal rights and the responsibilities of humans. Friends of Animals were very encouraged by the turn out and would like to thank everyone who attended the event. Particular thanks go to the local school children who supplied art work. Friends of Animals Rethymno are now sending out their own newsletter and re-homing lists via email. If you would like to be on the mailing list, or are able to volunteer, email christinastylianides75@hotmail.com or phone FAR on 6975720313. You will also find links on the www.rethymnon.biz website. You can find out more about the work of Friends of Animals on the www.animals.rethymnon.org website.

One of the current FAR campaigns involves raising public awareness to get people to petition the mayor to stop the Circus of Shame’ (Circus which uses wild animals) from coming to town. We ask Bugle readers to support this action in whatever way you can. FAR are now finding it increasingly difficult to re-home older dogs—some as young as 7 months old– so if you can help, please do!

---

Turtle Protection Updates

As we reported last month, during the summer loggerhead sea turtles - caretta caretta - an endangered species - return here to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. Thanks go to Marianne Pryor for bringing the following to our attention: Marianne writes: “Further to your piece Turtle Awareness, your readers may like to view a short video describing what we can do to help protect turtles on http://mcsuk.cachefly.net/turtles_in_trouble_692k.mov (or www.juniperblue.com/travelfoundation/Turtles and Tourists.mov).”

ARCHELON: The Sea Turtle Protection of Greece, carries out a number of conservation initiatives in the Rethymnon area. You can find out more about their work on the www.archelon.gr website. During the summer, Archelon usually have an information stand on the beach road staffed by volunteers. Another organisation working in the same field is MEDASSET (the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles) you can find out more about their work on the www.medasset.org website. We are hoping to provide our readers with a more detailed report about the work of Archelon in the Rethymnon region in our August issue.