News

New Support Group Tops £1000 for Freshfields

Wednesday April 22nd 2009

Members of our newly-formed Southport Support Group are celebrating as the amount they’ve raised for Freshfields has now topped £1,000.

A “Treasure Hunt” at the Freshfields Christmas Fair in Formby in December started them off. Their recent Fashion Show at Emmanuel Church in Southport made a profit of over £780 and now a bucket collection at Southport FC’s recent home game against Telford (it was one-all) has raised over £230 – with only four collectors.

The Group are now looking forward to their next events: “Hotpop” (a traditional hotpot supper with live music – details elsewhere on the website) on May 22nd and participation in the Southport Charities Fair on June 27th.

They’ve even got a date booked for their Southport Christmas Fair (this will be in addition to the Formby Fair !) – Saturday 21st November, again at Emmanuel Church.

The Group hold regular monthly meetings in the lounge of Southport FC, Haig Avenue and new members will be made very welcome. For further details telephone Group Secretary Chris Lean on 07986 107047.

Freshfields 1st YAC

Wednesday April 22nd 2009

Freshfields 1st officially qualifed Young Animal Caretaker visited the Liverpool site recently.

Liam McNabb, age 10 from Litherland initially raised £17 for the centre by carrying out a sponsored silence. On the day of his visit to the centre Liam brought along a second donation after a further successful 'sponsored silence'. Trustee Marge Albert showed him around on the day and Liam had a great time getting to know some of the rescue cats.

Freshfields is dedicated to providing the education in animal care and welfare that will set children on the right path for a compasionate future. Making a contribution via the YAC scheme is a great way to help the children see how they can personally make a difference. It also helps them to understand the benefits that come from taking responsibility and working towards a goal.

If you have a child in your family who you think would make a great 'Young Animal Caretaker' contact George Kearton on 01704 875599 or email george.kearton@freshfieldsrescue.org.uk

Freshfields Founder Receives Award From Jain Community

Wednesday April 22nd 2009

Freshfields founder Lesley Tarleton attended the prestigious awards for the Jain community in Manchester last weekend where she was presented with an award for dedicating more than 30 years of her life to the welfare of animals. The Jain community wished to recognise that contribution.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions that originated in India. Jains believe that every soul is divine and has the potential to achieve enlightenment or Moksha. Any soul which has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state of supreme being is called jina (Conqueror or Victor). Jainism is the path to achieve this state.

Compassion for all life, both human and non-human, is central to Jainism. Human life is valued as a unique, rare opportunity to reach enlightenment. To kill any person, no matter their crime, is considered unimaginably abhorrent. It is the only religion that requires monks and laity, from all its sects and traditions, to be vegetarian.

History suggests that various strains of Hinduism became vegetarian due to strong Jain influences. Jains run animal shelters all over India. For example, Delhi has a bird hospital run by Jains. Every city and town in Bundelkhand has animal shelters run by Jains where all manner of animals are sheltered, even though the shelter is generally known as a Gaushala ("sacred cow").

Jainism's stance on nonviolence goes far beyond vegetarianism. Jains refuse food obtained with unnecessary cruelty. Many practice a lifestyle similar to veganism, due to the violence of modern dairy farms, and others exclude root vegetables from their diets to preserve the lives of these plants. Potatoes, garlic and onions in particular are avoided by Jains. Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset, and prefer to drink water that is boiled and then cooled to room temperature.

Murder Most Foul - first preview a roaring success!

Wednesday April 22nd 2009

In true theatrical tradition, Freshfields new “Murder Most Foul/Jack the Ripper Tour” held its first preview on Sunday 19th April.  The tour left Exchange Flags at 2pm ably guided by Dr Pikestaff and his assistant Fredward (apprentice hangman at Walton Goal).  Preview tours will run every Sunday at 2pm until the official launch on May 11th.

The pleasant sunshine contrasted sharply with the sinister tales which were told along the way.  Dr Pikestaff related the grim story of James Maybrick who is purported to be the real Jack the Ripper.  Maybrick’s story came to light when a diary was discovered in 1992 claiming he was Jack the Ripper.  More recently, a pocket watch was discovered which laid further claim to the Ripper theory.

The Tour takes in the old City and a Victorian pub with a long history of notable villains who visited it (including Adolph Hitler).  Victorian Britain is easily visualised as Dr Pikestaff paints an accurate picture of life in the 19th century.

The final dramatic scene takes place in the courtroom of St George’s Hall which is exactly the same as it was in Victorian times. We hear how Florence Maybrick was found guilty of poisoning James Maybrick and was sentenced to hang by the neck until dead….

The Maybrick story is truly fascinating with its twists and turns and innuendoes, and is definitely worth £8.00 of anyone’s money.  All profits go to Freshfields Animal Rescue.

BOOK TODAY at www.ghostwalks.org or phone 07983 160479 and ask for Jan