SPRING 2012
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Since our Autumn newsletter, things have really picked up. Suddenly, lots of lovely new owners came forward and all the cats for homing from then have been chosen except for Suzy and Tilly. We have had a fantastic few months. Jackie and Jess, with us for over a year, are now living happily in Wellesbourne, Missy and Jade aged 16 and 15 have moved on to Wolverhampton. Sausage, aged 12, a lovely old grey deaf cat has been adopted and doing well in Stratford. Toffee and Ebony, after a long wait, now live in Snowshill. Ellie, originally chosen from us in 1996 and now 17, was found in her unconscious owner’s house in December. Happily, she was taken on a few weeks later by such a kind lady and is now sitting on laps, purring non-stop and enjoying the warmth of the radiators.
Amy, found wandering in the streets with 4 kittens, is now being thoroughly spoilt by her new owner in Welford.
We are just about keeping up with the waiting list which means we have been able to help more cats needing spaces. Some people, sadly, have had to part with their pets due to house re-possession, bankruptcy, divorce, etc. At least we are able to let them know that their cats have found new homes. We have e-mails from all over the place, most recently Ireland, where a lady has 13 rescued cats she needs help with.
At the moment we have a cat found wandering in Welford whose microchip is registered to a Derbyshire address. As yet, we have not been able to contact the owner.
We had a lovely Christmas with several volunteers coming in on Christmas Day itself; a lady cooked the cats a turkey in memory of her mother and we received so many gifts of food, blankets, toys and kitchen rolls etc. as well as cards and donations. It was really heart-warming. Of course, the weather helped as well but this year we were well equipped with the new heaters.
All the Christmas fund-raising events went amazingly well and we are very grateful to all the helpers and customers. Our stall in Stratford market raised a brilliant £818. We couldn’t believe how lucky we were with the weather at every event.
Meanwhile, our challenge is to find a home for Suzy and Tilly who have waited nearly 2 years to be chosen. They are lovely cats and so love a warm lap. They just don’t show off for visitors! (See cats for homing)
We hope to see you all at one of our next events. Thanks to everyone. Rosemary Spicer
Miss Goode’s Retirement
Margaret Goode has now retired from Avon Cat Rescue although she still comes regularly. After over 40 years of tireless work she certainly deserves a rest and will be greatly missed.
For the first time for a long while the number of cats we have homed exceeds those we have taken in. This is really good news. Cats in 139. Cats homed 145.
Avon Cat Rescue, The Barn House, Chapel Street, Welford-on-Avon, CV36 8PX
01789 750235 email enquiries@avoncatrescue.org
CATS FOR HOMING
Suzie and Tilly
A lovely mother and daughter now 9 and 10 who have been waiting here since march
2010. They both love a fuss or a lap but Tilly the torty just needs time to get to
know you. We really hope they will find a home this year. Spayed and vaccinated.
Chas
and Dave
Brothers 9 yrs old. Chas is tabby and quite a character, Dave is a fluffy black
- more quiet but very sweet. Neutered, vaccinated and chipped.
Sheldon
A bruiser of a ginger tom with very few teeth who will eat for England. He is quite
strong but lovely really. About 9 years old. Neutered and chipped.
Sea
A 9 year old black female and not very pushy but loves to play and eats anything.
Gloria
An old tabby female found in Alcester. She has had a thyroid op. and is making a great recovery. Still loves her food.
Miffy
A fluffy black male who is 3 years old. Solid and independent with no tail. He loves
to go out and about and has a reputation for biting unexpectedly but has never done
so here. Vaccinated and neutered.
Tiger and Fizz
A tabby male 14 yrs and Bl/ wh female 12 yrs. Recent arrivals who would love to be back in a home as soon as possible. Neutered and vaccinated.
From Helen Hall 24, Hanson Avenue, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4HL email enquiries@avoncatrescue.org
A Happy New Year to everyone and a big, big thank you to you all for helping us make 2011 a good year.
One really good piece of news is that 3 of our 4 Golden Oldies have found homes and I am so thrilled for them – many thanks to the new owners. As Rosemary said, we still have Suzy and Tilly waiting for their chance and I do hope, that by the next newsletter, they will have been lucky.
Christmas has come and gone and the Christmas cards and calendars sold well. Thanks are due to Tom and Tansy Thomas for ring binding them and to Gina Kearsey for creating the card. We sold 170 calendars which is near to the limit of what I can make.
We must now look forward to the 2013 calendar – do you have any photos of ex ACR cats that we can use? Please send any (I need a choice) you think might be suitable either by email as a .jpeg or proper photos. If requested, all actual photos will be returned. To accompany the picture I will need a story, preferably from the cat(s) of no more than 220 words. Latest submission date is the end of March 2012
I have been heartened by the offers of help at the Rescue – thank you to you all. It has certainly made my life easier.
Autumn Bazaar
This is an amazing event. Although it takes all morning to set up and a while afterwards getting stuff back to the Rescue, the event lasts for about one and a half hours and during that time it is non-stop action and raised the goodly sum of £1,835.48. It never fails to amaze and hearten me.
Most of our events leading up Christmas have made slightly more than last year apart from the Stratford market which nearly doubled last year’s amount! As most of the events take place outside it was lucky that the weather was kind (dry!) and this may have been a contributory factor to our increasing in takings.
Small change
Another very big thank you to everyone who collected their small change throughout the year. In 2010 the total was £881.84 and in 2011 the total was £1,041.61. Your efforts are outstanding so many thanks indeed. Please keep saving for us as I am sure the 2011 total will be difficult to beat. So far this year I have received £44.44 so keeeeeeeep saving!
LEGACIES
We are extremely grateful for the following legacies received in 2011:
Miss Olive Fullard of Bledlington
Mr Thomas Leafe of Nottingham
Rita Taylor of Stratford-upon-Avon
Mrs Dulcie Josephine Lee
Mrs P McCleary of Shipston-on-Stour
Donations in memory of the following have been gratefully received:
Mrs C Stone of Radford Semele
Mrs Joan Bates of Wellesbourne
Mrs Kay King of Earlsdon, Coventry
Mr Roger Alford
Ms Erica Ann Goff of Shipston-on-Stour
Mrs Alice Wiggett of Alcester
Mrs Peggy Warrilow of Stratfordupon-Avon
Our Finances
We are all aware how costs have risen over the last 12 months, especially for vet bills. However, with everyone’s help we are keeping our heads above water. A brief comparison of costs is as follows:
In 2010 our income was £39,165.79 Expenditure was £50,833.88
The shortfall in 2010 was covered by legacies.
In 2011 our income was £50,149.42 (a rise of £11,000!) Expenditure was £60,256.42
Once again we have been very lucky to cover this shortfall by legacies we have received.
We are indebted to these people. Please if you can, remember us in your will as these legacies are invaluable to the Rescue’s funds.
A very big thank you goes out to everyone who gave donations throughout the year and at Christmas – in fact, to all supporters, sponsors and those who buy at our fund-raising events. Avon Cat Rescue and the cats really appreciate your support.
Sponsorship/supporters
In the 3 months up to December 31st we lost 11 supporters and 22 sponsorships which equals £484 of lost income (hopefully, some of these may be an oversight and may still come in … it is never too late!). However, new in the same 3 months we gained 3 supporters and 29 sponsorships which equals £546 and therefore keeping just ahead.
Due to rising costs it has been decided to increase sponsorship fees from £18 to £20. All sponsorships already taken out will remain the same at £18.
If you are not a sponsor and can help us by becoming one, please get in touch. Send your name, address, name of cat to sponsor and cheque (payable to Avon Cat Rescue) to Helen at her home address.
Cats for sponsoring
Toby (tabby male) Muffin (white & black female) Tyler (tabby & white male)
Bobby (black/white male) Milo (black male) Tara (tabby female)
Georgie (tabby female) Thumper (black/white female) Tina (fluffy black and white female)
Help needed at:
Jumble Sale on Saturday February 18th from 10 am – 5 pm (Memorial Hall)
Spring Bazaar on Saturday April 14th from 10 am – 5pm (at the Rescue)
We are always in need of jam jars with lids, unwanted gifts, knitting wool, kitchen rolls, black sacks and cat food (pouches and tins please).
Diana Alvardo has had published a second book giving the story of the cat Brenda and her 4 kittens who arrived at her place of work and whom Diana, with help, has been looking after ever since. The book will cost £17 of which £2 goes to the Rescue. She also had postcards made from some of the photos and these are available at our events for 50p each. A thank you to her for this support.
A big thank you to:
All who have donated postage stamps over the year. Last year we were given 455 saving the Rescue £163.80 so if you have any left over from Christmas or can spare any during the year, we would love to receive them. Especially now I hear today that 2nd class stamps will go from 36p to 55p in April!
Everyone who receives the newsletter by email – 120 go out in this way saving us £165.60. (Is anyone else in a position to receive the newsletter by email? If so, please let Helen know your email address.)
All those who have set up or who continue to give us a Standing Order.
All who collect Tesco savings stamps for the Rescue.
All who have given us money or cat food etc. this Christmas.
Jane Brogan and staff of Zig Zag in Alcester for their support.
Tescos for allowing us to have a food collection bin in their store and to all who contribute to this.
‘Cat’ Cycling Sunday July 15th 2012
No, not literally, but we are seeking those of you interested in cycling to carry on the good work that Lester Staite started last summer when he raised £580 for the Rescue.
Another of our supporters (and keen fellow cyclist) Gary Gristwood, has suggested that we endeavour to hold a sponsored team cycle ride in an effort to raise even more much needed funds.
Gary’s proposal is that we have a 50 mile event starting from the rescue centre at around 10.30 am on Sunday July 15th and finishing up at the same place later that afternoon.
I must state that it would not be a race and the aim would be for the group to ride together throughout the journey and to enjoy a refreshment stop at about the 25 mile stage.
If you are interested in taking part, could you please contact Gary on 01789-842495/07710-992496 or, alternatively, email him on gary_gristwood@ferndalefoods.co.uk
Once we know the numbers/level of interest, I will then publish confirmed details in our next newsletter in late May.
CAT STORIES
Lulu (formerly Bluey) 8 months old
Well, hello there! I am a beautiful torti white female. I now reside in Shipston on Stour with Jim (another ACR cat) with whom I get on very well – not soulmates you understand, but he is a lovely boy. We have great bundles but he kindly stops when I tell him he’s getting too rough. We chase all over the gardens and just love tearing up and downstairs inside. At first I knocked everything off or over but have got that sorted now. Jim and I are allowed to sleep on the beds and I quite often sleep with him. The boss says we look pretty cute – of course!
My first family and I did not gel so I had to go to ACR but had no difficulty in attracting the right sort of slave and was whisked off. Unfortunately (and no one knew) I was very ill for the first four days and cost everyone a lot of money but I’m well now. How lucky is that?
The menu here is to my liking and I eat well. My health has visibly improved, I have put on weight and everyone who sees me thinks I am a little stunner. I just love all the attention and tlc and what lucky puss I am to have a lovely home and such willing staff.
Thank you ACR for helping my first people and me.
Bella – 2 year old short haired fluffy tabby
Bella has settled down very well with us and is a delight to have around!! We are so pleased at the ease with which she has settled in and become loved by us all including our 6 year old ginger cat, Boris – to whom she seems to have given a new lease of life!! Initially Bella was frightened of Boris -who is at least 2 times bigger than her- and hissed and growled at him on the few occasions that she saw him. Boris, however, behaved with his typical equanimity and gave her the space and time to get used to him and they are now close friends or rather, partners in crime bringing in a constant supply of leaves, leaves and more leaves with the odd worm and mouse in between.
They often play leapfrog in the garden and Boris has taken Bella to show her his usual haunts and taught her how to climb over the fence into the dog-free garden next door (he was very careful to do this early on!!) and it’s lovely to see them both bond so freely and easily.
Thank you to everyone at Avon Cat Rescue Centre for letting us adopt Bella – she really is a treasure and we will continue to support you in any way that we can.
Star and Galaxy – mother and daughter (tabby and white)
Star and Galaxy are now known as Martha (Mum) and Tilly (daughter). They took over – sorry, settled in instantly. They were quite a handful whilst confined to barracks but now they are chipped and vaccinated, they flip and flop to their heart’s content.
Tilly is still very juvenile and enquires into everything, loves rearranging shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe and climbing the chimney in the bedroom at 3 a.m.
Martha is a lot quieter but still likes the odd mad hour and a wrestle with Tilly.
They are gorgeous, affectionate, fussy and lively cats who both seek out human company.
Perfect companions.
Sausage – grey female aged 13
The first day we brought Sausage home she carried out a thorough inspection of the house and decided to stay.
Despite an operation to remove most of her teeth, she soon tucked into her bowl of food and found a comfy place to sleep. She seemed a very ladylike cat so we soon decided to change her name to Rose. Apart from a few toilet troubles she has settled in really well, is very affectionate and seems to have found a new lease of life. As Rose is starting to get on a bit she has found it hard to get in and out of the cat flap and is reluctant to go outside for any length of time but is slowly starting to get used to the great outdoors, especially when it is sunny. Despite being deaf, she’s never too shy to speak up when she wants some attention and is growing in confidence every day. She seems to be very happy having 3 laps to choose from and we’re very happy to have her – she’s definitely part of the family now and we love her a lot.
Holsey – Marble Bengal male
Holsey settled into his new home very well. He knows how to train people. He eats well and is quietly sociable. He is quite a character. After he had been with me for a week, he had his first outside venture. I was a bit apprehensive as he had been kept inside for many years. He set off for 3 hours and had his first encounter with other cats. This he repeated for the next two days and by then had firmly established his territory. After this he spent a lot of time outdoors.
By week 3 he had mastered the cat flap and does not lick plastic bags so much now.
From the desk of Evita Parnell
Hello Good people of Avon Cat Rescue and thanks for looking after me in my time of need. I’d like to say I’m missing you but, hey, I’ve got a fab new life!
I’ve got two new sisters and a big brov who love me and a Mom who is still in training but doing really well. I’ve trained all of them to understand my spot is in the middle of the settee in front of the heater and as my sisters have decided they are too grown up to play, I get my Mom to chase me around of a morning (the exercise will do her good).
It’s not all super, my Mom keeps telling me all about Local Government and I meow at what I hope are the right times during Question Time and do my best to look interested.
The food is great here and I’m a very comfy, happy girlie. My favourite hobbies are eating, sleeping and watching that great commercial with all the bird tables for Peckish bird food – that just makes me sit bolt upright and think ‘wowser’.
I love classical music and watching violins, it’s like ping-pong for the cultured cat. My fave opera is currently The Magic Flute and I bop along happily to the music.
Anyway, don’t fret about me – I’m having a ball and my family all love me.
Yours purrily. Vita X
PS I’m looking forward to my Christmas treats and you wouldn’t believe how many fairy lights I can beat up here!
Simba
We have had Simba for about 1 year now and he turns to be an amazing cat. When he first came to our house he was so scared of every noise and move we made but everyday he got more sure of everything and soon made good friends with Sase our cat that was here before him.
I would say that Simba is easy and calm with meeting and getting used to new things. He is very good at hunting and catching things and is very brave. Whenever he comes back from outside then he does a very big “MEAW” to let us know that he is back.
He always goes to sleep near us and if he’s told to sleep somewhere then he will even if he doesn’t like it. He loves his food but sometimes doesn’t want it but we always try to make sure he does eat. Right now he weighs 4.8kilograms. Simba seems very happy here and loves Sase. They sometimes even sleep really close together. They are really good friends and love to chase each other up and down the stairs which is really annoying for us but there is no way to stop them when they go mental!
Sase always has to be master of the house and will not let Simba do anything if she doesn’t want to do it or if she doesn’t like it or if she’s not in the mood for it. He is gorgeous and we can’t imagine life without him now.
Domino – female shorthair with white and tabby markings.
Domino has settled in really well, she is a very loving cat except when visiting the vet for a check up and then her dark side really came through. She can be quite feisty and certainly knows what she wants and when. She has had a small problem on the left side of her neck pulling out fur and breaking the skin. She is pest free and it was put down to stress and treated with sudocrem which has done the trick as she hasn’t scratched it for a couple of days now.
Upon arrival her she made a growling noise each time she saw you earning the nickname of Little Growl. She has since stopped this and the cooing sound with which she greets you now gives her the nickname of Pigeon.
She loves playing with just one toy mouse and a rolled up piece of paper for ages and likes being chased. She sits in the bath (without water), hides under the wooden bath mat and bats you which is great fun for both of us. Her one foray into the garden caused her to beat a hasty retreat after jumping into the pond by mistake. I’m sure she will be more careful next time.
Not having much documentation when I re-homed her made things difficult to sort veterinary records and to change microchip details. Her microchip number helped and I am now just waiting for Petlog to confirm that they have altered Domino’s details.
It has taken Domino a good month to settle in and she is quite wary of the garden and other cats but she has stopped her stress scratching and overall I would definitely say Domino has been a welcome addition to the household.
Sooty and Sweep
Sooty and Sweep are doing very well, Sweep is more adventurous and gets into mischief (stripping the wallpaper) and sits in the bath while I am cleaning my teeth. Sooty likes a quiet life and lets Sweep boss him around but they play together chasing around. They give each other a good workout after breakfast and they are always sat outside my bedroom door first thing in the morning.
I’m really pleased I’ve got them.
Delsa
Delsa joined us at Easter 2010, has settled in very well and is great company. She goes for a little stroll in the garden but mostly likes to be near us. She has many favourite places and is especially playful at tea-time and 10 pm ish. She loves an empty cardboard box or shopping bag. Everyone loves her and finds her ‘baggy trousers’ cute.
Thank you for all the hard work.
Henry and Titch (formerly Mister and Bobo)
Henry and Titch are well settled in now and getting on fine with our dog Mitzi.
Titch has grown quite a bit since we’ve had him. He and Henry still adore each other, they sleep and play together and we’ve been surprised at how playful Henry is becoming, it is quite funny to see, especially when he’s had enough of Titch’s tormenting and ‘kills’ him. It makes Titch squeak but he keeps coming back for more!
Henry is much less nervous and is very affectionate as long as we don’t pick him up too much. We took them both to the vet last week for a check-up and their first jabs. They’re both fine although the vet says Henry’s a bit wheezy, perhaps a leftover from an old bout of cat flu. I think he is going to be pretty much a house cat as he shows no interest in going outside at all. Titch likes to sit in the conservatory and watch the world go by but we are not letting them out until after they’ve had their second jabs. Titch will be neutered in a couple of months and we’ll be all set and only have to visit the vet for their annual check-up.
We love them both to bits and are really glad we adopted them. In another six months we reckon Henry will be as soft and keen for fuss as Titch already is. They do both now come on our bed and it is lovely to see their confidence growing week by week.
Tiddles (Tidds) (we are going to see if he will respond to ‘Harry’)
He would like to be exploring outside but will have to wait until he has met Onion (dog) over Christmas to make sure he is completely settled.
He has a cold so I will take his photo when he looks a bit better (no runny eyes etc.).
He loves cuddles and takes every opportunity to sit on a lap – always with crossed front paws!
I have had a few visitors who, without exception, are dismayed and gutted that he is settling in so well as they all aspire to giving him a home if he likes!
He will be vaccinated and micro-chipped before he is allowed out to play.
Dates for your Diary
SEE OUR DIARY PAGE
SPONSORSHIP/DONATION
SPONSORSHIP/DONATION Please delete as appropriate
AMOUNT ENCLOSED £……………………..
Name of cat chosen ………………………………………………………… (£20 per cat per year)
Name ………………………………………………………………..
Address ................................................................................................
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If the sponsorship is for a gift please give details and date of birth if for a birthday present
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Please make cheques payable to Avon Cat Rescue and send to the
Sponsorship Secretary at 24, Hanson Avenue, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4HL ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Post code ………………………
If the sponsorship is for a gift please give details and date of birth if for a birthday present.
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Please make cheques payable to Avon Cat Rescue and send this form and your cheque to Helen Hall 24, Hanson Avenue, Shipston-on-Stour
