PRIVATE SALE

Price: €300,000 including furniture

Ref: AJ0513

Living Space: 74 m²

Location: Fayence, Var, Provence, South of France

9 years old, 1 owner from new, this lovely 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom freehold villa is situated on a delightful 10 hectare gated development and benefits from the use of a beautiful pool, spa and tennis courts.

The property is in Fayence, Var department, Provence 40 minutes from Nice airport and within easy reach of the beaches and resorts of the Côte d’Azur.

• A large covered porch area, 28m² leads to the front door which opens onto a bright open-plan living room, dining area and fitted kitchen which has ceramic hob, oven, microwave, fridge freezer and dishwasher

• The sitting room area has french doors with electric security shutters which open onto a sunny south facing terrace and planted garden

• 3 double bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms and heated towel rails

• Large upstairs balcony with access from landing and one of the bedrooms

• Reversible air conditioning with individual thermostats in all rooms

• Double glazing

• All windows have wooden shutters

• TV and internet access

• Terracotta tiling throughout

• South facing terrace: 15m²

• Parking place

The price of €300,000 includes furniture, (as seen in photographs).

The property has good holiday rental potential should anyone wish to use it as a holiday/second home and rent it too. Current owners get €1,750 per week during high season and have a wonderful housekeeper who looks after the rentals and themselves and would be very happy to continue should it be desired.

More photos and information of this beautiful property are available on request.  Please submit your details on the contact form below and we will get straight back to you.

Consommation conventionnelle : 130 kWhEP/m².an (C)

Estimation des émissions : 5 kgCO2/m².an (A)

[contact-form]

Idefix – 6 Year Old Male Dachshund/Poodle Cross

“Idefix has a real sense of humour, and loves to be naughty.  He loves people and is fine with children.  He adores being cuddled and gets on well with other dogs. He tolerates the cats inside the house, and will sleep with them, but will chase them if they run outside the house; he’s also fine with poultry once he gets to know them.

He’d be equally happy to be the only dog, so long as he could go everywhere with you. He will not get into the car, but loves it once he’s in!

He was very, very thin when he arrived, and quite neglected, so you need to watch him because he will steal food if the opportunity arises.  He does have some joint problems, probably due to long term malnutrition.  You will know if this happens, because he will limp, or in the worst case hold a leg at a very odd angle.  If that happens he’ll need to have no walks for a couple of days, and four days of 5ml of Metacam on his food.  He loves short walks though, and is fine on the lead.  His recall is good, unless he finds a very interesting smell to investigate.  He responds well to “clicker” training.  Idefix is chipped, vaccinated and neutered.”

Chipie – 3 Year Old Female Terrier/Yorkie

“Chipie is a small terrier cross yorkie, probably, and nearly 3.  She is chipped, vaccinated and neutered.  She had been treated as a football by the people with whom she lived: she had also, despite her age, had at least one set of puppies.

She is still quite frightened of men, and terrified of loud sudden noises, like if I drop something in the kitchen.  She also can be frightened of the dark, and going downstairs, although both of those are improving now. She probably, therefore, needs a quietish household

Cuddles are welcome, and she loves being groomed, and the “furminator” seems the best tool to use, but there are plenty of others to choose.  She will also play with/chew to death, soft toys, which she loved throwing around the garden. You can also expect to have only one of any pair of gardening gloves, because if you leave them for a short while one, but one only, will disappear!  She does not enjoy going in the car, and is usually sick.

She gets on well with other small dogs, but whilst she tolerates the cats, she will snap at them if they try and play with her.  She is fine with poultry.”

If you, or anyone you know are able to provide one or both of them with a loving home, please contact Jennifer on jennifer.bines@orange.fr or telephone 0553 351126.

Please come along for an enjoyable morning on Friday 21st June – there will be stalls for bric-a-brac, books, cakes, nearly-new clothes, gifts, and of course, coffee!

All proceeds will go towards the animals in need at Phoenix Association.

Donations of quality items are very welcome please.

The event is being held at: The Salle des Fêtes, 24610 Saint Méard de Gurçon

On Friday 21st June 2013 from 9:30 to 13:30

All enquiries please to Kate on:

Tel: 05 53 81 66 83 or email michael.grime@orange.fr

Thank you.  The Phoenix Team

Monday 1st April is Closing Date for Donations to the Phoenix Spring Auction!

The Phoenix Spring Facebook Auction is well underway. The closing date for all donations to the auction is Monday 1st April, so please send your photo and description of any items or services that you wish to donate to Jackie on rice.arthur@orange.fr right away!

THANK YOU to all who have donated and bid so far. Some incredible items are currently being ‘fought’ over, including weekends away, a wine tour, massages, wedding accessories, horse saddles, lawn-mowers, home accessories and much more!

ALL proceeds will go towards saving animals in desperate need.

If you’d like to join in the fun as the action hots up towards the auction close on 14th April, then please join the group on:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/PhoenixAssociationFunds/

THANK YOU

The Phoenix Team.

Bidding starts Monday 18th March 2013 and will close on Sunday 14th April 2013!

We are still seeking items for the Phoenix Spring Auction.  This is in order to sustain our work in rescuing, sterilising and re-homing the animals.

Items donated so far include:

- books and DVDs

- accessories (jewellery, gloves, hats, etc)

- 2 night gite stay and camping

- 2 night dog boarding

- wine tour / tasting / wine crate

- arts & crafts

- a table tennis set

- advertising your French property for sale on All French Services until sold   

and even a western saddle worth €1,000, (very excited to ‘watch’ this one!)

If you would like to join in the generous donating, then ALL you need to do is to take a photo of your item or service and email it to Jackie on rice.arthur@orange.fr

We will do the rest!  You’ll be updated and thanked after the auction closes on 14th April 2013.

If you would like to join in the bidding, then please click on:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/PhoenixAssociationFunds/ (you will need a Facebook account and request to join the group).

All donated items are listed under the album “Phoenix Spring Facebook Auction (18th March 2013 – 14th April 2013″

THANK YOU to all who have donated so far, and to those who will be taking part in the bidding which starts tomorrow!  HAPPY BIDDING!

Best Wishes,

The Phoenix Team

Jane Hunt

Phoenix PR Coordinator

Email: publicrelations.phoenix@gmail.com

Website: www.phoenixasso.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Tel: 05 53 90 56 09

Mobile: 07 86 25 08 43

If so, you might be interested in joining the SillyBillyS team. 

Maybe you own or manage a gite or prestige property and would like to offer a professional childcare service to your guests?

SillyBillyS is a family run business, specialising in mobile creches, temporary childcare and the provision of nannies and babysitters for holidaymakers in South West France.

Established in the UK in 2004, they have experienced and professional Nannies and Babysitters available to meet all your childcare needs, even at short notice.

SillyBillyS nannies all have lots of extensive experience with children of all ages from newborn through to school ages. They are all 17 years of age or older and have positive references taken from three reliable sources.  They also interview each individual nanny or babysitter, check their identification and assess their suitability to join the SillyBillyS team.

SillyBillyS is based on the belief that their customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. The entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of their business is from repeat customers and referrals.

Website: www.sillybillysmobilecreche.com

Email: sillybillynancy@gmail.com

There is a reason for me looking so sad …..

At 2 months old I was found abandoned one night and turned up at someone’s door.

A family adopted me … but they say they can’t keep me anymore!

I am only 11 months old but they say I have grown too bulky and cumbersome for them …..

I long to go outside and play but nobody has any time or inclination to walk me.

I adore being with people and children. Other dogs and cats are my friends.

Please adopt me! I want to bounce and play and be happy again!

For the meantime, I am living in the Gers Department (32) near Valence-sur-Baîse.

My microchip number is 250269802097679

Please contact : Isabelle 0611896365 or Sabine 0677380507 

UPDATE

26th February 2013

Lovely Haddock is still looking for a loving home.  He is being sterilised next Tuesday, (5th March 2013) thanks to Phoenix Association and his current owner.  Below are some current photos of Haddock

SUNDAY 17TH MARCH 2013 – 12PM

Tracey and Peter Robshaw invite you to their St. Patrick’s Day 6 course Lunch at Harveys Restaurant and Bar with live music entertainment.

Cocktail Maison

Amuse Bouche

Veloute de Poireaux et Pomme de Terre

Oeuf Irlandaise

Roti de Jambon, Choux et Pomme Puree

Fromage et Salade Vert

Dessert

30€ per personne

Reservations 0553 579424 or email: bookings@harveys.fr

Book now to avoid disappointment!

UPDATE 31ST DECEMBER 2012

Sam, the injured Shepherd is doing well – see this video below.  He is good with cats and dogs and shows no aggression at all, despite his troubles.  He’s in need of a home and will make someone an amazing pet.

http://www.youtu.be/zuVaFnHYB20

This adorable, 3 year old young male shepherd was rescued after spending nearly 3 days tangled in wire, without food or water.  The vet who saved him was forced to amputate a piece of his hind leg, but otherwise he’s fine and is gaining strength.

He weighs about 18KG, and is rather sad at the moment, but is going ‘home’ to recuperate with the vet and his wife on 29th December 2012, where they will see how he gets on with their own 7 cats and 2 dogs!

We are seeking an emergency foster or permanent family for him.  If you are interested in helping out this lovely boy, please email Phoenix’s Richard and Sheelagh on sheerik@wanadoo.fr, or please enquire directly to the vet, M. José Banquart on 06 61 44 32 68 or banquart@orange.fr

Thank you

www.phoenixasso.com

www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Un film du Comité Départemental du Tourisme de Lot-et-Garonne avec le soutien du Conseil Général de Lot-et-Garonne.

Réalisation : Jean-Herbert WZGARDA / Jean-Sylvain WZGARDA
Directrice de production : Hélène SORESSI
Directeur de la photo : Jean-Herbert WZGARDA
Musique : Patrick Neil DOYLE
Opérateurs caméra : Thomas KOENIG / Julian LARA-CID
Régie : Louise MAURICE
Montage : Thomas KOENIG
Machinerie : Florent DUCASSE / Matthieu LAUMET
Drone : Benjamin LAVAYSSIERE
Pilote avion : Mickael BRAGEOT
Assistantes de production : Pauline BRUNET / Coralie ROY

Maquilleuse : Tania DUFAURE
Promeneuse 1 : Elodie SANZ
Promeneuse 2 vélo : Clémence THILL
Sirène : Candice PASCAL
Petite fille : Angelina SORESSI
Petit garçon : Matthieu FARROW
Rugbyman 1 : Jean MONRIBOT
Rugbyman 2 : Lisiate FAAOSO
Production : AELEMENTWORKS
Post Production : AELEMENTWORKS

Remerciements :
Mairie d’AGEN
Mairie d’ALLEMANS-DU-DROPT
Mairie de BARBASTE
Mairie de CASTILLONNES
Mairie de CLAIRAC
Mairie de DAMAZAN
Mairie de DURAS
Mairie de LAPARADE
Mairie de LUSIGNAN-GRAND
Mairie de MARMANDE
Mairie de MEZIN
Mairie de MONFLANQUIN
Mairie de NERAC
Mairie de PENNE-D’AGENAIS
Mairie de PRAYSSAS
Mairie de PUJOLS
Mairie de PUYMIROL
Mairie de SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-LUSIGNAN
Mairie de SAINT-SARDOS
Mairie de VIANNE
Mairie de VILLENEUVE-SUR-LOT
Mairie de VILLEREAL

Aérodrome de Rogé VILLENEUVE-SUR-LOT
Association ALLEMANS-DU-DROPT
Association Armédia Spectacle
Association Avenir Pétanque LAVARDAC
Association Samba Résille – Batucadas
Bains de CASTELJALOUX
Bureau d’Accueil de Tournages 47
Caves de BUZET
Château de BONAGUIL
Chocolaterie Guinguet – DURAS
Centre Equestre de SAINT-SARDOS
Confiserie Boisson – AGEN
Golf de BARBASTE
Restaurant L’Aubergade – PUYMIROL
Hôtel Restaurant des Ducs – DURAS
Latour-Marliac – LE TEMPLE-SUR-LOT
Ludopark — NERAC
Musée du Foie Gras – FRESPECH
Musée du Pruneau / Labyrinthe de Maïs — GRANGES-SUR-LOT
Parc Walibi — ROQUEFORT
Restaurant La Table des Sens — VILLENEUVE-SUR-LOT
Société Aquitaine Navigation — BUZET
Société Babou Marine — SAINT-SYLVESTRE-SUR-LOT
Société Locaboat — AGEN
Société Happening Production
SUA Rugby — AGEN

M. Thierry AURICES — Agriculteur
M. Didier BENEDETTI — Directeur CDT47
Mme Chloé BALAVOINE
Mlle Manon BOISSIERE
M. Jean-Sébastien CANAUX
M. Jean-François CHAUVEL — Agriculteur
M. Alain COULE — Agriculteur
M. André DUCOS — Agriculteur
Mme Anne FERNANDEZ — CDT47
M. Uelini FONO — SUA Rugby
M. Michel FONVIELHE — Montgolfière
M. Francis HUSTER — Troupe de France
M. Serge JORAT — Agriculteur
M. Christian MARRETE — Troupe des Chevaliers Gentilhommes
M. Jean-Louis MARTINET — Agriculteur
M. Gérard MUNOZ — Troupe des Hospitaliers
M. Jean-Luc PERIE — Magasin Jouets Monflanquin
M. Jean-Luc POLI — Agriculteur
Mme Gisèle POMMERAIS — Crêperie Clairac
M. Fabrice RAINA — Société Virada

© 2012 COMITE DEPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DE LOT-ET-GARONNE

Location: Lamourache Nord, 47120 Levignac-De-Guyenne, Lot-et-Garonne, SW France

Telephone: 0553 849521

Email: nostalgair1940@aol.co.uk

Restaurant & Bar, 24230 Montcaret, Dordogne, SW France

Tel: 05 53 57 67 73           email: bookings@harveys.fr

site: http://www.harveys.fr

Menu Gourmande de Noël

Décembre 2012

29€50

Kir Royale

Velouté de Potiron

Parfait de Foie Gras Maison avec Gelé Sauvignon et Toast Brioche

Rouget à la Provençale

Magret de Canard Sauce Fruits Rouges

Assiette de Fromage

Dessert

From 15th December to 23rd December 2012 Gladys Rochas Ceramique will open their studio showroom doors in 47120 Duras, SW France for a Ceramic Christmas Sale.  Open from 10am to midday and 2pm to 7pm.  They look forward to welcoming you with a glass of mulled wine!

A partir de Samedi 15 dec l’atelier-boutique fête Noël! Les portes vous seront chaudement ouvertes jusqu’au 23 dec.  Au plaisir de trinquer un vin chaud ensemble!

Website: http://www.gladysrochas.com

Address: Quartier Maynot, 47120 Duras

Telephone: 06 10 58 41 63

Since its inception, Phoenix Association has been working with the Bergerac SPA, (Sauvegarde et Protection des Animaux).  This link has strengthened even further since the arrival of SPA newcomer, Aurélie Letellier, who joined the organisation in July 2012.

The SPA of Bergerac has been in existence since 1966 and its role is two- fold:

Firstly, it acts as a ‘pound’ service for around 300 Mairies within the surrounding areas, where, in return for an annual fee, it will take in lost, unidentified animals and try and trace the owner, whilst caring for the animal in the meantime.

Secondly, the SPA has a shelter/ re-homing section for animals that are voluntarily abandoned and for some animals from the pound that have become available for adoption.  It also houses abuse cases whilst legal investigations are underway. Sadly, the latter is a more and more frequent occurrence, and the SPA’s human and financial resources struggle to meet the rising demand for its services.

Phoenix has been established, in it’s official capacity, since 2001, but its founders, Richard and Sheelagh Johnson, have worked with the SPA over the last 21 years. In 2004, Richard, who is Président of Phoenix, joined the Conseil d’Administration of Bergerac SPA, at the invitation of Président Christian Carrard, and has played a significant role on the Conseil ever since, most notably, advocating the need for sterilisation of animals.

Phoenix rescues and re-homes abused and abandoned animals, and takes many directly from the SPA and places them into Phoenix foster care, while it seeks forever homes for them.  Phoenix also acts as an intermediary between the English-speaking expatriate community and the SPA.

In this interview with Richard Johnson and Aurélie Letellier we discover how this union is having an impact on animal welfare in the Dordogne:

Tell us more about the recent developments in the relationship between the two organisations?

Richard: This summer, Aurélie Letellier joined the SPA in Bergerac on a 6 months contract, with the remit of optimisation and re-organisation of the Bergerac SPA.  Whilst our relationship with the SPA has always been great, this addition of Aurélie has completely opened up the channels of communication between Phoenix and its Members and the SPA.

Aurélie, it seems that your arrival has made quite an impact.  Can you tell us more about your background and how you came to work for the SPA in Bergerac?

Aurélie: My long-term career plan has always been to get involved in animal welfare.  I am French, and gained a degree in Business and Foreign Languages at the Universities of Bordeaux and Texas.  I followed this with a Master’s in International Business.  I spent some time working in South Africa, where I became heavily involved with The Lucky Lucy Foundation, who help severely neglected and abused animals in Cape Town, eventually becoming Head of Adoptions.  Since my involvement there, the numbers of adopted animals per week rose from one to two, to six to seven.  However, I really wanted to return to France, to see what could be done here, so I contacted Président Carrard, from the Bergerac SPA, and here I am.

So, what specific tasks have you completed since your work at the SPA began, Aurélie?

Aurélie: Well firstly, I have been supporting Phoenix in their campaign, if you will, for sterilisation.  It was evident from my experiences in Africa that this is one of the ways that we can really control animal suffering.  It’s something that Phoenix has been advocating for years, and so we have a meeting of minds as far as this is concerned.  The SPA is starting to realise the advantages and is introducing a sterilisation plan, little by little.  I have also re-vamped the SPA Bergerac website, created a Facebook page and so we now have very up-to-date photos and information on the animals who are awaiting adoption.  We have also added a ‘lost’ and ‘found’ section to the website, in a bid to re-unite owners with lost animals more quickly.  I’ve also been establishing contact with the local press, in order to increase awareness and to raise the profile of the SPA.  And lastly, but not least, I have been getting to know the people at Phoenix.

Tell us, what are the advantages of the two organisations (Bergerac SPA and Phoenix) working together?

Richard: We all want the same thing, that is to re-home animals and to improve their welfare.  Each organisation has its own networks and resources, and by combining these, we are stronger.  For example, until now, we have had to accompany most of our English adopters to the SPA, and have acted as a go-between for people looking to adopt a particular type of animal.  Now, thanks to Aurélie, who is bi-lingual, we can pass most of the enquiries for animals at the SPA directly to her, and we know that her fluent English and approachable manner is really helping people to find their perfect pet, while we can concentrate more on the animals in Phoenix’s direct care.  It’s just as though we have a Phoenix representative permanently at the SPA.

Aurélie: Thanks to their huge network and reputation, Phoenix provides us with a large number of adopting families.  Additionally, through their foster homes, Phoenix helps us re-home those animals that we might otherwise struggle to find homes for, that is the older animals, or those with special needs or behavioural issues that require time and patience, that are much better suited to a ‘normal’ family environment or a foster home.  Phoenix also challenges ideas that are well-rooted here in France, for example, they have been campaigning for sterilisation for many years.  They also carry out education programmes in animal welfare.  It’s fantastically refreshing for us to work with like-minded people.

Have there been any measurable impacts of the new-found relationship?

Aurélie: It’s early days yet, but preliminary figures show that adoptions for August and September 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, are up by 70% for dogs and 19% for cats.  Also, thanks to the website, in October 2012, dogs claimed back by their owners increased by 33% compared with October 2011, and cats by a staggering 200%!

Richard: We’re really thrilled with this – this is remarkable progress.  We have recently taken Aurélie’s photos and write-ups for some of the dogs awaiting homes at the SPA, and added them to our own website and Facebook page – and the response was huge.  There is no reason why our own Members and followers shouldn’t be looking at the animals available for adoption at our partner, the SPA, as well as those in our own foster homes.  We all have the same aim, that is, to see as many animals happily re-homed as possible.

Take Sally the dog, as a nice example of how our relationship works; Aurélie delivered her from the SPA to one of our book sales, where she was to be taken home by one of our Foster Carers.  However, one of the Phoenix catering team saw Sally, and decided to adopt her!

For all Contact Details: 

Aurelie Letellier, Bergerac SPA

SPA de BERGERAC

Aurélie Letellier: Telephone: 06 88 94 40 25

Email: contact@spa24bergerac.org

Website: http://www.spa24bergerac.org

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/spa24bergerac

Richard Johnson, Phoenix Association

PHOENIX ASSOCIATION

Richard Johnson: Telephone 05 53 54 94 81

Website: http://www.phoenixasso.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Foster Carers Needed Urgently!

Phoenix Association, SW France deals with several calls every week from people who have found abandoned cats and kittens.  It is heartbreaking to have to turn so many away.  To counteract this, Phoenix are recruiting cat/kitten Foster Carers.  Are you interested?

If so, please email publicrelations.phoenix@gmail.com for further information.

Thank You!

Website: www.phoenixasso.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Jill Richards  6, 7, 8 December 2012- Issigeac Chateau, 24560 Issigeac, Dordorgne, SW France

Tickets €10 – 6th and 7th December at 8pm.  €12 – 8th December (including Canapes 7.30pm before the Play at 8pm)

(€2 reduction for Members)

Living Together is the second play of Ayckbourn’s renowned The Norman Conquests trilogy.

This Play is compelling to watch as it explores the relationships within a typical British family. However this is one dysfunctional family you wouldn’t want to live with.

If we have a winter half as bad as 2011 you will want to come and have a good laugh and chase away the blues. Book early as these tickets do go quickly.

MADS Website

Everyone is welcome to our latest exhibition. All works are for sale, from  €10 to €100, by local and international artists. Mulled wine and mince pies at the preview on Friday 30th November at 7pm.

Open every afternoon from 1st to 22nd December 2012 – Gallerie Padi, Au bourg, 47120 Caubon St. Sauveur, Lot-et-Garonne, SW France.

Tel: 05 53 64 08 44

Email: galleriepadi@gmail.com

Lizzie is looking for a home, can you help?

Just a puppy still, (born January 2012), Lizzie has been waiting for a home of her own for a while.  She turned up earlier this year as a stray in the garden of Rita Hoener, who kindly took her in and contacted Phoenix.

Rita decided to keep Lizzie, but due to family circumstances, Rita now has to travel frequently to Germany, and it’s just not fair on Lizzie, so we’ve put her up for adoption.

Lizzie is a little star – very affectionate, listens well, intelligent, good recall and very lively and fun – she loves to spring and run around.

She is great with other dogs although a little vocal when she first meets one and she is getting accustomed to Rita’s cat, after being boisterous initially.

Lizzie would suit an active person or family, and as she’s a curious and bouncy little tinker, a secure, fenced garden is a must.  She’d love another dog for company too.

We’re not sure why she hasn’t been adopted yet, as she’s also beautiful so please, if you are thinking about it, contact Rita on 05 55 78 13 93 or email on rite.hoener@web.de

See more photos of Lizzie on the Phoenix Facebook page.

Lizzie is looking for a home, can you help?

Please come along and support them – there will be books, ornaments, clothes, linen, furniture and much more.

Please see poster below for more details.

For any further information, please email Miranda

Email: Mirandaneame@gmail.com

Saturday 6th October 2012 – Evening

MENU

Vegetable Pakoras and Samosas

***

Poppadoms, pickles and chutneys

***

Choice of Beef Rogan Josh, Chicken or Prawn Madras or Korma served with Saag Aloo and Rice

***

Vegetarian option – Vegetable Biryani

***

Choice of Orange and Saffron Syrup Cake or Coconut Caramel

18 euros per head with glass of wine, beer, tea or coffee

Limited space – taking bookings now

Telephone: 0553 932433 or 06 04 19 13 57

She is 8 years old, but don’t let her age fool you!  This cheeky monkey has plenty of energy, affection and character and is cute as a button!  Please help her find a home:

Contact Caroline on 0555 141243 or

Email: micrograph@hotmail.co.uk

UPDATE 21ST SEPTEMBER 2012: GREAT NEWS BOTH TILLYS HAVE FOUND A NEW HOME!  :)

Big Tilly, a beautiful Shepherd X Griffon puppy at only 9 months old, is a loveable girl, if you like them with moustaches, of course!  She too is great with people and dogs, but not great with chickens, and the jury’s out on cats until we test her further.

Please contact Sharon on 0553 607311 or

Email: sharonleechappell@hotmail.co.uk

See their photos, and details of more animal awaiting homes on the Phoenix Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Thank you.

The Phoenix Team

Jack responds better to males, he’s a man’s man, and would most suit somebody who will challenge him actively.  He loves to go out for runs and cycles, where he will happily trot on a lead by your side.

Jack is, however, food possessive, so would need to be the only dog in the pack, and for this reason, will suit a child-free home and an experienced owner.  We just know the right person is out there to offer Jack the chance that he really deserves. Jack’s foster carer is waiting for your call.  In the first instance, please contact:

Email: juliahunt4hope@gmail.com or telephone 06 24 07 69 33

Thank you, from Phoenix Association & Hope Association, both rescuing and re-homing animals in need.

FINAL REMINDER – Phoenix Campsegret Book sale – 27^th October 2012.

There are now less than two weeks to go until the Phoenix Book Sale in Campsegret.  This is one of the biggest Anglo-French fundraising events in South West France.   We hope that you are able to come along and support us, and of course to stock up on your ONE EURO books for the winter.  ALL proceeds go towards animals in need.

As usual, there will be over 15,000 well-sorted books, CDs and DVDs, an array of drinks and tasty food, a tombola stall, and plenty of the Phoenix team to meet and chat to.

The sale starts at 10am and closes at 3pm.  It takes place in 24140 Campsegret on the RN21 between Perigueux and Bergerac.

Any donations of tombola prizes (unwanted presents, bottle wine, etc) and sweet or savoury bakes, would be very welcome donations.

We look forward to seeing you there.

PRESS RELEASE – PHOENIX ASSOCIATION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27TH 2012:

THE PHOENIX BOOK SALE IS ON AGAIN!

SALLE MUNICIPALE, 24140 CAMPSEGRET FROM 10AM

It’s soon time to stoke the autumn fires, so why not stock up on some good reads to curl up with, or even some early Christmas presents?  With over 15,000 books, CDs and DVDs to choose from – for only a euro each, you will be spoilt for choice.

You’ll find it all, and more, at the famous Phoenix Euro Book Sale on October 27th. This day, the Salle Municipale in Dordogne’s Campsegret once again will open its doors at 10am for the biggest Anglo-French charity event in the South West of France.  You’ll be more than welcome to fill your basket to the brim and enjoy a slice of home made cake with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.  It’ll be money well spent too; all of it will be used by Phoenix Association to rescue, foster and re-home dogs, cats, horses and in fact practically all animals in dire need.

Phoenix Association receives no state funding, and its running costs are very high – vet bills alone were €47,000 in 2011.  The Phoenix Book Sale is one of its major sources of income.  Phoenix’s President, Richard Johnson says:

’’We receive about 60 phone calls and emails each day from all over France, asking us for help and guidance.  That’s one call for help every 25 minutes.  We do whatever we can, greatly helped by the fantastic efforts from our volunteers.  But medical help, food and, for instance, sterilisation/castration of stray cats and dogs absorb enormous amounts of money.  Last year alone, we were able to rescue and find new homes for some 172 dogs and 75 cats as well as to foster several horses.  We are only able to rescue and re-home as many animals as our funds allow.”

The books will again be presented in alphabetical order for fiction, in category for the non-fiction, on age for the children’s books and in size for the antiquarian books!

The Phoenix Euro Book Sale will be held at the Salle Municipale in 24140 Campsegret on the N21 Perigueux-Bergerac road.  You’re welcome between 10am and 3pm and don’t worry if you’re a little late; new books arrive all the time and boxes are refilled every minute!

The doors are open for less able-bodied people from 9am.

General Information on the book sale – Christine Korzaan

Email: bommel@orange.fr or Telephone 0553 243808

For all book donations and collections – Anne Avery

Email: anne.avery@wanadoo.fr or Telephone 0553 241373

Phoenix Public Relations – Jane Hunt

Email: publicrelations.phoenix@gmail.com

Website: http://www.phoenixasso.com

29th August UPDATE

Great news, all 3 goats have been given a loving home!

Three little pygmy goats were found abandoned in the woods in July and taken home by a kindly person.  They are currently in the Haute Vienne, 87130.

Phoenix is now helping to look for a home for them, and needless to say, we wouldn’t like to receive any offers of ‘disposal for meat,’ thank you.

They are a mother, approximately 2 years old, her billy, about 5-6 months old and another young female, approximately 6-7 months old.

They are all very sweet and affectionate.

All enquiries please to Vikki on 0555 379726 or

Email: vikkit@live.fr

Gadget

Gadget loves attention, is kind, but is strong-willed, sometimes fearful, and as she is big (about 650kg!), she needs an experienced owner.

As is often the case with our animals who have been sadly starved in the past, they never stop looking for food, and so Gadget prefers to eat her meals alone, otherwise, she can be tempted to stick her nose into her companions’ food!

Gadget’s chip number is 50376604W

Sophie is a 30 year old 14hh mare with a lovely character – quiet, gentle and sweet-natured.  She has problems with her digestion system through years of neglect and is prone to being under weight.  She is an easy horse to keep, no trouble at all.  She cannot be ridden due to her age.

All these horses want is peaceful, horse-loving foster or permanent homes, with other equines, to live out their days in security and happiness.

Sophie’s chip number is 250259806013856

If you can help, please call Lynda Atkins on 0553 813044 or

Email: lapuille@gmail.com

Phoenix website www.phoenixasso.com

INTERVIEW WITH SHEELAGH JOHNSON, PHOENIX ASSOCIATION

Phoenix Association is a Dordogne-based, registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the ever-increasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France.

Phoenix was established by Richard and Sheelagh Johnson, who moved to France from the UK in 1991. They were appalled by the high numbers of stray, abandoned and abused animals in south west France.

Phoenix does not have a ‘rescue centre’ as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over South West France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate.

Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fundraising and donations to cover the very high re-homing and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www.phoenixasso.com.

Elli Downer from Phoenix PR team interviews Sheelagh Johnson, Phoenix co-founder:

Tell us how this all came about?

When my husband, Richard, and I first arrived to live in the Dordogne in 1991, we were quick to notice the number of stray animals. The regional animal shelters, the SPAs, were hopelessly overcrowded and euthanasia was often the only practical solution. So in our own small way, we began to help them re-home cats and dogs, especially those considered ‘un-homeable’, such as the elderly and handicapped.

Tell us how Phoenix came to be officially registered with the French authorities – we have not heard of that happening before with an animal charity in France…?

In 2001, we became officially registered as a charity – an ‘Association Loi 1901.’ This status allows us to be in receipt of essential funding. Beforehand, we had to dive deep into our pockets for every euro.  Phoenix is registered with the DSV, the French equivalent of the UK’s DEFRA.

Phoenix is a non-profit making organisation, run on a voluntary basis. We have no paid staff and rely entirely on the goodwill of our helpers/supporters.

What does the charity do?

Phoenix is a network of foster homes, not a single adoption centre. The animals are fostered and integrated happily into family life before they go on to their permanent homes.

We operate on the principle of ‘small is beautiful’, concentrating on only one or two newcomers at a time, so as to give them maximum care and attention before offering them for adoption. Some stay and become permanent members of their foster households!

It’s not just dogs and cats you help is it?

No, we also rescue, rehabilitate and re-home horses, donkeys and ponies as well as some injured wildlife.

We know that you have lots of volunteers helping you to run the charity – can you tell us what the volunteers do and how anyone wishing to get involved can help?

We have no paid staff as we cannot afford them, and so Phoenix relies heavily on the generosity of our many hard working volunteers. They arrange and assist at fundraising events, rescue and transport animals, ensure that we are publicly recognised, act as foster homes, as well as advise and support people wishing to adopt animals.

The charity does other work too, doesn’t it?

Yes, we act as intermediaries between people wishing to adopt from local shelters and the shelters themselves.

We run a service linking people with animals to re-home with people who are offering homes, thus avoiding the unnecessary stress to the animal of being taken into care.

We advise on all aspects of animal care and more particularly, on the French animal welfare system.

We run education programmes in order to help to develop responsible attitudes towards animal welfare.

How do you raise money for Phoenix?

Two large book sales are held at Campsegret, Dordogne, in May and October but throughout the year we have a large number of individually organised events such as the Summer Fayre, sponsored dog walks, back-yard sales, bric-a-brac sales, etc. We are grateful for anyone who sets out to help us in this way.

How many animals were adopted last year?

New homes were found for 172 dogs and 75 cats 

Did you keep pets as a child and if so, what were they?

I was raised in a normal, but animal mad family and we shared our home with stick insects, baby birds, snakes, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice.

When you arrived in France did you bring pets with you?

We arrived with a modified horse box trailer which contained our three dogs, seven cats and lots of mice as well as another horse box for three horses.

What animals do you have now?

We have two horses, four dogs, four tame cats and three cats in the loft plus seven hens, seventeen pigeons and three ducks.

What are the difficulties and challenges of your work?

There are two particularly difficult aspects: administrative and emotional.

Complex French bureaucracy is challenging; when an identified animal is rescued it can be very difficult to identify the owner because of change of address and it’s sometimes difficult to reunite an animal with its owner because the owner has lost the ID card!

The emotional fallout of the work I do can be terrible; every week I have to make life and death decisions because the SPA is overcrowded – Phoenix cannot take them all.  I have many sleepless nights but I am often successful in last minute reprieves.

The work that Phoenix does is just the tip of the iceberg. Very sadly, 100,000 dogs and cats are put down every year in France

Tell us about the rewards?

We’ve been successful in being able to influence attitudes towards animal welfare, for example, some local communes now realise the importance of neutering cats. We have persuaded veterinarians to reduce fees for the sterilisation of animals and have liaised extensively with SPAs, especially the one at Bergerac, where my husband, Richard is on the advisory board.  The Bergerac SPA now neuters cats upon entry to the pound and there has been an improvement in the environment for the animals.

On a personal level, it’s wonderful to see a sick dog or cat recover after care and treatment and go on to a permanent home and to subsequently bump into someone who tells me how pleased they are that they gave an animal from Phoenix a home.

I am very fortunate to be able to devote my life to the rescue and re-homing of abandoned and injured animals. My passion for animals is my raison d’être.

If someone wants to adopt an animal but they’re not in the Dordogne, can you help/advise where they can go?

Phoenix is based in the Dordogne but anyone, anywhere in France can adopt one of our rescued animals or we can give advice about the nearest French pound or Animal Welfare Association.

On our website www.phoenixasso.com there are many links to other animal welfare organisations and associations, as well as our own contact details of course for adoptions, memberships, PR, fundraising and more. We always love volunteers and ideas, and we are constantly on the lookout for reliable Foster Carers.

If you are thinking about adopting a pet, please consider looking at their website.  I moved to SW France in 2007 and one of the first things I did was to contact them to let them know I wanted to adopt a dog.  A year later, I was extremely lucky to adopt Cesc who was then 11 months old.  He had an awful start to his life, but now he is happy and content with life and I am a happy mummy

I rescued Cesc in September 2008 from Phoenix. One of the best things I have done in my life. He is wonderful. All he needed was some TLC. Such a wonderful dog, my baby and I love him to bits

The countdown is now on to one of our biggest fundraising events of the year, the Phoenix Summer Fayre, on 19th August in Verneuil, Charente. This is a not to be missed event, because it’s rather unique!

Phoenix Association is holding a Summer Fayre at the beautiful lake-­side setting of Le Soleil Couchant, at 16310  Verneuil in the Charente, (sailing and kayaks on ­site).
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Activities will commence at 10am and will continue throughout the day.