Red Cross Coffee and Cake Morning: 650 Euros!

Many thanks and congratulations to Bob and Ev Wright for once again organizing a highly successful coffee and cake morning in aid of the Red Cross—Rethymnon Branch. Thanks also to Laina and Daniella for being such genial hosts at the Acropolis, to those who made cakes and to everyone else who supported the event. In just two hours 650 euros was raised. This money will be used to help the neediest local families at Easter.

It was a great morning, with really beautiful weather—only two days after the ‘great snowfall’ many of us were sitting outside basking in the sun. As one would expect it was a lively and jolly event and a good time was had by all!

Due partly to Bob’s persuasive sales tactics raffle tickets sold well. The first prize, a digital camera was won by Dinny, neighbour to Bob and Ev. This is a camera that keeps on giving, as it was won by Bob and Ev in the CIC Christmas Charity Bazaar raffle. The second prize was a lot of wine. This was won by Kate and Luc of the Bugle (and very nice wine it was, too!) and the third prize—a flower arrangement, was won by Sofia, who is a nurse for Red Cross. Remember, the local Red Cross always welcome donations of clean serviceable clothes, so turn out those wardrobes! The local branch office is at IG Melhissidek 6, Rethymnon. Open 10-12, weekdays.

Friends of Animals Rethymno — RSPCA Visit!

Thanks to Christina Stylianides of FAR for providing us with this report:
‘Before joining WSPA (World Society of the Protection of Animals) in November 2007, Kerenza Vlastou from Chrysalis Greece had been working with the education departments of the Rethymno area, to include projects and lessons on animal welfare. At the beginning of 2007 she had approached the RSPCA UK to ask if a workshop for teachers could be organized, based on similar workshops given in Thessaloniki and Athens. Confirmation from the RSPCA was received after Kerenza joined WSPA, so FAR was asked to follow this up. We were able to set up a meeting with Kleioniko Stavroulakis, head of the environmental education department for primary schools. The meeting, held February 19th, was very successful with the agreement of a workshop for teachers, mid October 2008. FAR was also able to set up a meeting for David Bowles from RSPCA with the heads of department in Heraklion for environmental and cultural education for both primary and secondary levels. We will learn of the outcome of this meeting at a later date.’

Home needed for ‘Pelegrino’

A very friendly donkey of around 20 years of age badly needs a home. The vet will be visiting him to tell us what the swelling on his face is and to check him over. Please get in touch if you can give this wonderful animal a place to live. Phone Clodagh 4517022669.

Friends of Animals Rethymno are now sending out their own newsletter and re-homing lists via email. If you would like to receive these, or would like to volunteer please email christinastylianides75@hotmail.com or phone FAR on 6975720313. You can find out more about the work of the organisation on the www.animals.rethymnon.org website.

Circular Walk: Preveli, 9th March

Sunday 9th March 2008 with Jorunn Solheim & Hans Saetrevik
The walk takes a circular route from Moni Preveli Kato area to the south coast by Preveli beach, goes east along the coast towards Ag Fotini, then bends north towards Kerames and back again through olive groves. In winter time this part of Crete is quiet and peaceful. There are good views of the coastline and the mountains.
Meeting Point: 09.30 a.m. in Armeni on the Rethymnon-Spili road just before entering the village - about 5 km from the national road above Rethymnon. We will be driving south via the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
Distance / Time: About 14 km, about 4 hours walking + lunch time, and total 380 m ascent/descent
Grade: The first section to the south coast (about one hour) is mostly terrain walking, the last downhill stretch from the ridge above Preveli beach to the sea can be a little difficult in some places. Sturdy walking shoes and sticks are recommended. For the rest of the walk we will be using “agrotiki” roads which are easy but there is an ascent of about 260m. from the coast towards Kerames.
Cost: €2 euro per person which will be used to help an animal charity in Rethymnon.
Picnic: bring your own food. After the walk we can stop for drink or something to eat in Armeni on our way home.
Booking: Jorunn Solheim / Hans Saetrevik 6936484156 or 28310 32088, or e-mail: jorunn.solheim@gmail.com, by 18.00 Friday 7th March. Please leave a contact number so we can let you know of any change in arrangements.