Friends of Animals Rethymno: Important News

As some of you may already know, FAR has recently put a temporary hold on certain activities—this is mainly due to debts that have accrued over the past six months. On the positive side, this has given FAR breathing space to evaluate the many projects currently already underway. and to reassess the needs of their growing association. FAR believes that aside from dealing with emergencies, there should be long-term strategies in place that seek to address the root of the problem of animal welfare in the region. The focus at the moment is on education, legislation and information, and in making renewed efforts to persuade the local authorities to become more actively involved. As we went to press, talks had begun between FAR and both the Prefecture and the Municipality.

Whilst FAR is balancing the books they will of course continue with ongoing projects and current commitments—to find out more details about these and for information about how you can help the organisation, please see the www.animals.rethymnon.org website. You will also find a link to the FAR website via the www.rethymnon.biz website.

Christina Stylanides from FAR says: ‘We are all very willing to carry on with the huge problem of animal welfare here in the Rethymno Prefecture, but we need time to re-group, reassess and re-energise, and to hopefully get the local authorities to take us seriously at last and begin to ACTIVELY support us. We have heard a lot of words over the last nine years. It is now time for action!’ We will keep you updated on FAR’S progress in future editions of the Bugle

Walk to Bonripari Fortress, 28th September

Organised by Jorunn Solheim and Hans Saetrevik. Bonripari is a ruined Venetian Fortress near the villages of Monopari (the name is derived from the fortress) and Kastellos in the Armeni area south-west of Rethymno. The Fortress was built by Genovese pirate Enrico Pescatore in the 13th Century. The Fortress is built on a hill with steep rocks on 3 sides going down to the Petres river. Towards the north there is a wall with towers. Inside the fortress there are some interesting ruined buildings. The entrance is from the northern side, up a stony and steep path. The view is good over the surrounding countryside, with mountains to the east and west and the sea to the north-west. The walk starts in the Armeni area and goes via Ag. Paraskevi chapel in Kastellos, to Bonripari Fortress, returning via Monopari village and Ag. Paraskevi.

Meeting point: 10.15 am in Armeni on the Rethymno-Spili road just before entering the village - Armeni is about 5 km South of Rethymnon on the National Road. From Armeni we will drive 2 km to the west to start the walk.

Distance/time: Approximately 8 km, about 3½ hours walking plus rest stops, and total of about 330 m ascent/descent

Grade: Medium walk, on paths, and “agrotiki” roads. In some places the paths are stony and overgrown, In other places we will be using cattle tracks. Long trousers, good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended.

Cost: €2 euro per person, which will be used to help an animal charity in Rethymnon.

Picnic with your own food. After the walk we can stop for a drink or something to eat in Armeni on our way home.

Booking: Please contact Jorunn Solheim / Hans Saetrevik on 693 6484156 or 28310 32088, or e-mail: jorunn.solheim@gmail.com, by 18.00 on Friday 26th September.

Cancer Support Group

A Cancer Support Group has been formed for people who have been through or who are undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as for someone who has recently lost someone to cancer. These are the needs of the current group. It is a diverse group for now and different groups can be formed later on an "as needed" basis. This is a support group not a therapy group, and confidentiality is a given. There is no fee. Meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month in Georgioupolis, at the Samaria in the square, from 11 AM - 1 pm. Carpooling available from Rethymnon. Any questions or comments can be directed to Chris - 6977559644 or email cparnassus@hotmail.com