94 Autumn 2016 Price £2 (free to members) animalwa ch PUTTING ANIMALS ON THE AGENDA OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

THE UNSEEN LIVES OF MOLES

CIWF’S GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION

FOLLY WILDLIFE RESCUE

ASWA.ORG.UK | 1 IN THIS ISSUE

A WARM WELCOME 3

ASWA AGM 3 5

THE UNSEEN LIVES OF MOLES 5

ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICE 7 CIWF’S GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION 8 7 FOLLY WILDLIFE RESCUE 10 BOOK REVIEWS 11 10

Saturday 15 October Saturday 22nd October DORIS’ DIARY Animal blessing and thanksgiving Interfaith Celebration of service for pets, St Martin’s Animals & AGM, Golders Green Hello! My name is Doris, and I Church, Mortimer Road, Kensal Unitarians, 31 Hoop Lane, am a Border Leicester ewe with Green, London, NW10 5SN, London,NW11 8BS 2pm. Led by the Revd Graham AGM at 2pm, Celebration at very large ears! I was rescued by Noyce. All well-behaved pets 3pm. Speaker the Revd Prof ASWA secretary Sam Chandler, as welcome. For further details of the Martin Henig. I had outlived my usefulness as a service, please email: breeding ewe. [email protected] or Sunday 13 November telephone 07958-950137. ASWA Remembrance Service at Below are some great events ewe the Animals’ War Memorial, Park may enjoy! Sunday 18 October Lane, London, 3pm. Animal Service, St Mary’s, Sunday 2 October Childwick, AL3 6JJ, 11.30am. This for further details of events, Animal Welfare Sunday short act of worship (30 minutes) please visit the website: www. has been especially shaped to aswa.org.uk ASWA Annual Service, St Cross thank God for creation and to Church, Winchester, 9.30am. The pray for animal welfare. Pets preacher will be the welcome to come for a blessing. Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS, ASWA For more information, please visit President and former bishop of www.stmichaels-parishchurch.org. Monmouth. uk/home.asp.

Annual pet service, Great Malvern Priory, 3pm. For more details contact [email protected].

Suday 9 October Animal blessing service, St John Vianney Church, Wantage, OX12 8ER, 3pm. Speaker: Revd Hedley Feast. Refreshments for humans and animals provided after the service. For more information, email labcott@ googlemail.com.

2 | ASWA.ORG.UK HELLO AND WELCOME TO ANIMALWATCH

Welcome to Animalwatch. In this issue, we look at different forms of advocacy for animals, from taking an interest in creatures often dismissed as ‘pests’ to reports on a rally against live exports, and a talk given by ASWA patron Tony Campolo. Also in this issue you will find a report on this year’s prisons wildlife award. We hope that you enjoy keeping up-to-date with news and information on our website. Do check regularly for resources and information about upcoming events. Please do make a note of the dates in Doris’ Diary – especially the annual service in October and the Remembrance service in November. We hope to see you at both of those events. Please send any items for consideration for Animalwatch to Revd Jennifer Brown, Editor, PO Box 7193, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8GT. Email is even better – [email protected]. Please note that, owing to space restrictions, it may not be possible to print all contributions, and that letters and other contributions may be edited for length. Jennifer Brown, Editor The deadline for the Spring magazine is Monday 23rd January 2017. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016 The ASWA committee, members Chandler was re-elected as Secretary which included many ASWA members and supporters met once again in and George Ochola, Sarah Dunning and said that prayer support was St Michael’s Church, Chester Square, and Keith Cottrell were all re-elected vital for the continued success of the London. as Committee Members. society. During her annual report, the Chair, The Chair said that this had been, There were a couple of theological the Revd Helen Hall, thanked the “An important and significant year questions from the floor and a vote committee and the President, the for ASWA.” ASWA had submitted a was taken regarding an increase in the Rt Revd Dominic Walker, together with report on domestic pets to the EFRA annual subscription rate to £20. The the Vice President, the Revd Dr Martin Committee (Environmental, Food meeting was unanimously in favour of Henig, for their continued support and Rural Affairs). She reported on the increase from 1st January 2017. and guidance. She also thanked Keith the progress of the Animal Friendly Concessions for OAPs and those on Plumridge for his tireless support in Church initiative and encouraged benefits will remain. the role of Membership Secretary ASWA members to speak to their own The guest speaker was Dr Brett and in particular for the excellent churches about applying. ASWA is Cochrane from the Dr Hadwen Trust email service he runs to keep ASWA now also a member of the All Party [See the summer issue for a summary members up to date with current Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) of Dr Chochrane’s talk]. issues and events. If you are on email and an ASWA representative attends and would like to be included in this their meetings at the House of list, please contact the Secretary. Commons. There had been no need for a The Chair also commented on the postal ballot for the election of great importance of prayer both for committee members as the number of the society and for animal welfare candidates did not exceed the vacant issues in general. She praised the posts available. Therefore, Samantha prayer group run by Sarah Dunning

Philip Guyott, Chard, Somerset A Warm Welcome St James’s Church, Piccadilly, London to our new members. Mary Hall, Bideford, Devon Christ Church with St Philip, We look forward to hearing Sheila Hargreaves, Alresford, Worcester Park, Surrey from you. Hampshire

Carolina Bowie, Anstey, Nicola Peters, Gilwern, To all our new members we Hertfordshire Abergavenny extend a warm welcome and, along with our existing Philip Mark Bullock, South Shields, Julie Pleass, Marlow, members, we would ask that Tyne and Wear Buckinghamshire you encourage others who Brenda Forrester, Chester-le-Street, Valerie Reisenman, Leasowe, share your concern for animal Durham Moreton, Merseyside welfare to join. Introductory Rev Dr Jan Goodair,Huntington, Barbara Robson, Stape Pickering, leaflets are available from the York Yorkshire Secretary.

ASWA.ORG.UK | 3 GOOD NEWS

Important US marine reserve extended At the end of August, President Obama extended the Papahãnaumokuãkea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii. This is an area of vital marine habitat, and the extension of the National Monument will provide protection not only for coral reefs, but also for whales, sea turtles and other species. President Obama’s action means that this protected area now covers more than half-a-million square miles of ocean and is the largest marine reserve in the world.

NEWS & NOTICES Don’t forget, you Animals in War Service of ASWA is always keen to support the can follow ASWA on Remembrance formation of new groups. If you are Twitter – aswanews interested in starting a group in your The annual Remembrance Service area, please contact the Secretary. at the Animals’ War Memorial, Park You can also keep up Lane, London, will be on Sunday 13th with what’s new via our website – November 2016 at 3pm. This service www.aswa.org.uk. has been growing year on year, and TALKING POINT Animal-friendly Church awards provides an opportunity to remember What happens to our rubbish? animals who have given their lives in If you live in the UK, you will Is your church animal friendly? Last war and those who continue to serve undoubtedly have heard recent news year, ASWA launched the Animal- in our armed services and police reports about plans to ban the use of friendly Church awards. Churches forces. can apply at any time and those plastic microbeads in cosmetics and meeting the necessary criteria will ASWA Membership Fees other products. The USA already has such a ban in place. Why have these be awarded animal-friendly church From 1st January 2017, the microbeads become a problem? status. Information is available on the annual subscription rate for ASWA Because they are used in cosmetics website or from the Secretary. membership will increase to £20. This and cleaning products, microbeads increase was agreed by unanimous end up in water systems and, vote at the 2016 AGM. eventually, in the oceans. There, they ASWA Local groups are consumed by marine animals. Not only do fish fill up on these tiny Don’t forget that there are ASWA local beads instead of real food, the beads groups in different areas. also collect toxins, causing them to • The Watford group meets become concentrated, potentially monthly. Members come from harming the animals that consume as far as Tring, Milton Keynes them. There is concern that as these and Chesham to this group. The toxins work their way up the food contact for this group is Sarah chain, they are eventually consumed Dunning (01923-467502). by humans, with unknown but Animal Welfare Sunday potentially harmful effects. Even if the • There is an Ecumenical group, the ban comes into force, there will still Animal Welfare Sunday is Sunday Three Counties Animal Welfare be a huge problem with plastic waste 2nd October 2016. Resource packs Prayer Group, who meet for a in our oceans. How much effort do are available to download from the service at Gloucester Cathedral we put into recycling our plastics? ASWA website, or in hardcopy from at 12.15 on the first Saturday of Do we know where they go when the Secretary. each month. The contact for the the recycling is collected? Should ecumenical group is the Revd ASWA Annual Service we, as consumers, start demanding Helen Hall (01633-677775 or alternatives to plastics in our products This year’s annual service will be held [email protected]). at St Cross Church, Winchester on and as packaging? Public demand is Sunday 2nd October, 9.30am. The • The Revd David Austin has credited for the move to end the use preacher will be ASWA President, the recently started an ASWA prayer of microbeads. Can we make even Rt Revd Dominic Walker. group in the Norwich area. If more of a difference? anyone is interested in joining, David’s contact details are 01603 469112 or dsj.austin@hotmail. com.

4 | ASWA.ORG.UK THE UNSEEN LIVES OF MOLES leaf litter looking for somewhere to tunnel, until it reaches one of live, and many die of dehydration many pre-dug, vertical shafts. In or starvation, or are picked up by pushing soil up one of these shafts predators. Nearly two-thirds of and onto the surface, thus forming them won’t live to their first birthday. molehills, a mole lifts around Of the survivors, a lucky few might two kilograms – 20 times its own stumble on the abandoned tunnels bodyweight. The strongest human of a dead neighbour, or even can only bench-press twice their usurp a resident. The rest have to own bodyweight. find somewhere to build their own Moles are solitary, and aggressive “What’s that!?” Martin braked the homes, somewhere where there is towards their neighbours except Skoda to a halt, making us to put enough food and where the soil when mating. In March and April, out our hands to brace ourselves. is strong enough to hold a tunnel males are lustily travelling across but not so firm or stony as to be “On the side of the road – quick, the countryside in shallow runs, difficult to dig. let’s look!” hoping to encounter receptive We stepped onto the tarmac. I The tunnels of a mole spread over mates. The females, which are spotted the small, dark animal an area of some 1,500 square usually just as territorial as the moving rapidly through the metres, and the total length of males, briefly let down their guard. sheep-cropped grass at the verge. tunnel in such a territory is more The babies, usually around four, Standing around the mole, we than a kilometre. About 2,000 are born in late spring, in cosy, watched its velvet coat shimmering kilograms of soil has to be dug out, underground nests of dried grass. and this by an animal that weighs between black and silver. Every Moles’ digging brings nutrients to on average 100 grams. A young movement was rapid, the naked the surface, their tunnels aerate mole scratching out the first few snout probing and sniffing. Its and drain the soil, and their centimetres of its new home has a short tail was club-like, and held molehills germinate rare herbs. thousand hours of digging ahead upright, and the front feet were They were once deliberately of it. But digging and finding food broad, spade-like hands held introduced to control cockchafer place such a strain on a mole that close to the body. The ends of the beetles. But today moles are seen it only digs for four and half hours dirty pink fingers were armed with as an agricultural pest, and in our a day, and so its tunnel system will thick long nails, and when the gardens they are almost universally take 220 days to complete. mole moved forwards it rocked disliked. Their reputation as a slightly from side to side, unable A mole’s tunnels are not only its serious farmland pest is not borne to press the palms of its hands home, but are a trap and larder out by scientific study, and in simultaneously to the ground for its food. Soil invertebrates Germany moles are protected by beneath it. accidentally enter the tunnels, law. But moles are still killed in vast “What was it doing above ground?” and wander for a while before numbers in Britain. Their molehills asked Martin as we got back into burrowing their way out. may be unsightly, but they are also the Skoda. Having completed the Earthworms are especially a flag that the soil is healthy, and first year of my scientific research favoured, and the mole eats them remind us that an industrious, on, of all things, moles, I knew the head first, pulling them through its fascinating little animal is going answer. nails to squeeze out the gritty gut unseen about its business. Instead contents like toothpaste. of being infuriated by molehills, “It’s young, and it’s leaving home. should we not smile and rake The mole’s physiology is adapted After they’re born the youngsters them over? live in their mother’s tunnels and to the low oxygen and high after two months have grown carbon dioxide levels that occur Rob Atkinson almost as big as she is. The food underground, and its body is runs out and either the kids leave supremely designed for digging, willingly or they’re thrown out by with immensely strong shoulders mum – we don’t know.” and forelegs. The mole digs with one hand at a time, alternating As we drove home I explained how them as it rasps soil from the tough life is for young moles. They tunnel’s end. Then it turns and travel above ground and beneath pushes the dirt back down the

ASWA.ORG.UK | 5 NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA the food hungrily. After contacting the Eggs school’s authorities, we began feeding Good news for One of Denmark´s largest food Thomasina and her kittens regularly in a greyhounds corporations has decided to stop selling sheltered place in the school grounds. So eggs from caged/confined hens. By The good news is that greyhound racing will began our on-going involvement with feral 2017 they say those battery eggs will be be banned in New South Wales from July cats, both at the school and elsewhere. gone. The animal rights movement has 2017. There have been several exposés Thomasina’s kittens grew and flourished; successfully convinced Co-op, Willys, on national TV of the cruelty these lovely all 3 cats were eventually spayed by Hemköp, Lidl and Pris Extra to move dogs suffer and the miserable lives they the local SPCA. The “school cats” were toward less painful animal treatment. lead. As a result, the NSW Government set noticed by some of the students and staff New statistics from the National Board of up a Commission to look into the industry. members, who voluntarily donated cat Agriculture show that Swedes consume 2% This revealed the large numbers of dogs food for “their cats.” One of the teachers less meat than previously, the consumption that were killed because they couldn’t put a “kitty bottle” in her classroom for the of eggs, however, has increased by 6%. run fast enough, (called “wastage” in the donation of spare coins for the cats’ food. industry) and the widespread use of live Horses The school secretary regularly phoned baiting, using small animals, such as me to collect the full “kitty bottle” and I Legally, all horses had to be registered at possums and rabbits. You can imagine the collected it, counted the contents, and the National Board of Agriculture by 1st community anger these images caused. wrote a thank-you note to the children, July 2016. An international database will The conclusion was that there seemed from the school cats. The notes were keep track of all horses. Horses staying in no possibility that the industry could be displayed on the class notice-board. The Sweden for more than 90 days are legally cleaned up, as it has ignored repeated children’s response was amazing. required to be registered. Horse passports calls for improved standards over many must at all times be available and valid years, and the Premier of NSW, Mr The school also arranged a special when ridden, competing, transported, Mike Baird, announced that greyhound morning assembly to which we were stabled or out to graze. racing would come to an end next year. invited; and a lovely message of gratitude In addition, under the greyhound racing was given to us because we were caring We need to continue to help our animals ban, it will not be permitted to send dogs for and feeding the school cats. We were in every way we can. It is hard at times inter-state within Australia to train or race also presented with a bundle of hand- as their suffering is so great and it can or to send them overseas. made thank-you cards by the children who be overwhelming. For each little life we had carefully made them. A heartwarming can save or help it means the world of As was to be expected, the industry is gesture indeed. difference. Thanks to ASWA and other fighting back, and it is acknowledged societies and organisations we gain that several hundred people will lose Thomasina and her feline family have strength and hope for the future. their livelihood. The Government has touched many lives in a totally unexpected, proposed an assistance package for those wonderful way, The message of kindness Sandra Kinley who work in the industry. One has also and compassion has reached beyond the to acknowledge that there will be some school’s boundaries. Sadly Thomasina excellent owners who treat their dogs well, had to be put to sleep on 29th of July this USA but from all evidence, these are very much year, because of kidney failure which had a minority. The challenge is to find homes caused multiple problems for her. She Good things for people and animals for hundreds of greyhounds, and I notice was a quiet little feral cat whose influence The last of the Waterville People and there are quite a few out for walkies these lingers on. Animals Together (P.A.T.) free wellness days. What a wonderful change for the Anne Hemmings clinics was held on 10th September. dogs, from life in cages and running for This was a very successful clinic, with 53 their lives, to being a family pet. animals seen. Although there will be no more wellness clinics this year, we continue On 29th August there were rallies in SWEDEN major cities in Australia against live to offer other services, such as affordable Success at last! exports as part of a global effort to focus spaying and neutering. on this hideous trade. I attended the one Support for animal welfare The Humane Society will be having our in Sydney. first “Pet-a-Palooza” fundraiser on 2nd The Animal Rights movement has yet October. Among the fun things we have On 2nd October there will be a service again taken a firm stand against the planned are a pet parade (with or without for animals in the Cathedral here in horrendous transport of livestock. They costumes), an Animal Wellness Clinic, Newcastle. Always a joyful occasion. I have taken part in the International agility course for dogs, pumpkin carving, hope some greyhounds will come! “Stop the trucks” campaign that strives and a “Dunk the next President”. Clinton for improving the conditions for animal Olga Parkes and Trump are too busy to attend, so transport. The Swedish Animal Rights we’re getting some lookalikes to take their movement presented results from a survey place. There will be lots of food, lots of showing that 86% of all Swedes support SOUTH AFRICA music and a lot of fun. the campaign and want an improvement Thomasina for animals and 61% support putting a We’ve had a longer “kitten season” this permanent stop to livestock transports year because of our warmer than usual About 14 years ago, my husband and I from Sweden to other countries. The winter and spring. Fortunately, we have were walking past the nearby primary animal rights survey also shows that in wonderful foster families who help us with school when we noticed a young grey 2015, 68% of all Swedes were totally not only the cats and kittens, but the bunny feral cat suckling 2 tiny kittens in the against the use of wild animals such as moms and newborns as well. school garden near the pavement. We elephants and sea lions in circuses. Today immediately went home and fetched some Joann Brizendine 76% of all Swedes are against it. cat biscuits for the very thin cat, who ate

6 | ASWA.ORG.UK NATIONAL ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICE OFFENDER On Sunday 1st May, I returned for point in the service, different coloured a second time to All Saints’ Church candles are brought forward to the MANAGEMENT in Snodland, Kent for their annual chancel steps and lit. Each colour animal blessing service. The service has its own prayer and meaning. SERVICE WILDLIFE was led by the vicar, the Revd Hugh I particularly loved the words for Broadbent. The preacher this year was the Orange candle representing AWARD 2016 the Revd Mandy Young, Curate at All fruitfulness and the prayer, “Bless all For the seventh year, ASWA once again Saints. She gave a bold and inspiring that we do in your name, O Lord, that teamed up with Catholic Concern for sermon, mentioning as an example in our labours we may show forth the Animals (CCA) to sponsor and present St Francis, and explaining that he was fruit of the Spirit, and enable every the Prisons Wildlife Award. This year once considered a madman for his animal whose welfare rests in our it was won by Nicholaston House in humble regard for and affinity with hands, to enjoy a freer, fuller and the beautiful Gower area of Wales. all of God’s creation. Nowadays, I happier existence.” Nicholaston House is a Christian think that most would regard him The highlight of the service is, of Conference Centre which supports the as someone who was far ahead of course, the wonderful animals that Wales Community Payback scheme his time. Ms Young’s sermon is now come to receive a blessing. For the by offering work in their beautiful on the ASWA website for those who second year a beautiful proud black grounds to offenders. would like to read it. feathered cockerel had returned. Last Samantha Chandler, ASWA Secretary The Revd Hugh Broadbent led us into year the cockerel decided to crow at attended the awards ceremony along the act of commitment, a symbolic 6pm at the end of the service which with Chris Fegan from CCA. Chris time of prayerful words and reflection. created the perfect ending to such Fegan spoke on behalf of the joint The prayer contains the words, “The a wonderful animal blessing. All sponsors, CCA and ASWA. rainbow in the bible is a symbol of Saints’ Church always provides such The site was truly beautiful with a God’s covenant, love and commitment a creative and joyful celebration for stunning view of the Gower peninsula. towards all his creation. May it also be Church members, the local community We were treated to a tour of the a sign of our readiness to serve him, and their animals. and be a universal peace.” At this grounds which provided important Janet Murphy habitats and feeding centres for birds, reptiles and invertebrates. There is also a lovely prayer walk with scripture readings on plaques around the gardens and a lovely stone chapel. Prisoners were fully involved with the scheme. We heard from Mike Hurst on behalf of the Nicholaston House Wildlife project and also Simon Morse-Jones on behalf of the Wildlife Project for Wales CRC. Once again, both Chris and I were so pleased that both CCA and ASWA are involved in this very important scheme which benefits both wildlife and also offenders/vulnerable humans. We would also hugely recommend Nicholaston House to anyone looking for a venue for a retreat, either individually or as a small group. They would be very pleased to hear from any ASWA members. Samantha Chandler ASWA SPEAKERS AVAILABLE If you have a group or service that would welcome an ASWA speaker, we would love to hear from you! We often travel a fair distance so please call to discuss it. We usually bring a stall and literature and always liaise with our hosts to ensure the talk is appropriate for their particular audience. Keep the invitations rolling in!

ASWA.ORG.UK | 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor Dear Editor Since going vegan about four years ago, I’ve been learning about the I would like to commend Sarah I have recently joined ASWA, as I run many imaginative ways that human Dunning and the wonderful ASWA a vegan group which meets once a beings torture, exploit and brutally kill Prayer Text Chain she operates. month in a local church hall. None so many other animals, and, if God of us go to church, most of us are My dog, Honey, recently had to have does not weep over this, as I do, then atheists and not much interested in any a big corrective operation after “a he cannot be as compassionate as I theology which seems to teach that bad spay” in Uganda (I brought her am, or as moral. And that simply does animals are there for humans to eat – back with me after working for 6 years not fit with my idea of what God is. God-given for that purpose, even. All with Mukono Diocese). I have listened to Christians justifying vegans find that idea repulsive. None their love of the taste of animal flesh, It is great to know, through the Prayer of us can find Love in it. or cheese, and felt repulsed by what Chain, that we have so much support The vicar of the church where comes across to me as a complete and understanding from other we hire a room for our meetings lack of respect for life. I have been animal-lovers at difficult times, and remarked recently that she would like told that, as Jesus wasn’t vegan, all at the press of some ‘phone keys. to persuade more of those who use there is no need for Christians to be Thank you so much! It’s just great the church halls to actually come to either. How is God glorified in these being a member of ASWA! some services and that the church was attitudes? “working on that”. I am afraid that Mary Mills The God of Love cannot possibly there will be very little chance of this condone what we do, routinely, to the with any ethical vegans who are not least of our brothers and sisters, the already Christians. I even know some other animals who share His earth vegan Christians, from contacts on with us. None of it is done in my Facebook, who are struggling to even name and I do not think that it can remain in the Church, so discouraged be claimed to be done in God’s name are they by the general attitude of either. their fellow Christians towards God’s humbler creatures. Carol Williams Worcester Park

Executive of the Animals Interfaith CIWF’S GLOBAL Alliance (AIA), attended, as did Chris DAY OF ACTION: Fegan, Chief Executive of Catholic Concern for Animals (CCA) and ANIMALS ARE Thomas Bonneville, a trustee of Quaker Concern for Animals (QCA). NOT FREIGHT ASWA, CCA and QCA are all founder- On Monday 29th August, ASWA member groups of AIA. Trustee Sarah Dunning joined the Parliament Square was packed with rally in London’s Parliament Square hundreds of protesters. Speakers for Compassion in World Farming included Philip Lymbery of CIWF, Ian (CIWF)’s Global Day of Action in their Driver, a campaigner against live campaign Animals are not Freight. exports and former Thanet district Events were happening on this day councillor, and Keith Taylor MEP, a across the world, to tell governments Green Party spokesman and animal that carrying live animals on long advocate. journeys as freight, also called ‘live exports’, is inhumane and shameful Sarah Dunning in the 21st century. Other faith groups were also represented: Barbara Gardner, Chief

Photo courtesy of CIWF

8 | ASWA.ORG.UK • If we accept the truth behind ASWA NEWS THE BIBLE AND... this symbolism, that these lowly creatures are better attuned to Visit from ASWA Patron Dr Tony The Nativity God than many humans, what does this say about the value of Campolo As this is the last issue before non-human animals? When we heard that ASWA Patron, Christmas, this Bible study looks at Dr Tony Campolo, was in the UK this the traditional image of the Nativity, • What can we learn from their Summer and he had a free Sunday and the possible meaning of the simplicity and relationship with at the end of August when he could animals that are typically portrayed their creator? speak about animal welfare, we as being present at the birth of Jesus. • Is this symbolism evidence that hurriedly tried to find a suitable We are all familiar with the Christ’s redeeming work is for all venue. The lovely folks at St James’s traditional nativity scene: Joseph creation, not merely humanity? Church, Piccadilly came to the and Mary side-by-side, the baby rescue and said that he could speak Of course, no nativity scene would be Jesus lying in the manger. There are complete without a lamb, either held at their 11.00am Eucharist service. generally shepherds and sometimes Thanks to the efforts of ASWA by or nestled close to a shepherd. the Wise Men have even made an Again, there is no mention in Luke’s member Adolfo Sansolini and ASWA appearance. And usually, maybe in Committee member Sarah Dunning, Gospel that the shepherds brought the background, there will be an ox sheep with them when they went to who both worship at St James’s, we and a donkey. But why do we think enjoyed a wonderful service on 28th see the infant Christ. So again, the these animals were there? Only two presence of a lamb is symbolic. It is August, followed by a vegetarian of the four gospels – Matthew and lunch in the church. a reminder of just who Jesus is: the Luke – record anything about Jesus’ Lamb of God who takes away the The Church was full, not only with the birth. Matthew’s account doesn’t sins of the world (John 1.29 & 1.36). usual congregation, but also ASWA really mention the birth at all, just members from the London area and what happened before (God’s beyond. One of our members had instruction to Joseph to take Mary as come from Northern Ireland to hear his wife) and after (the visit of the Tony Campolo! As always, Tony did Wise Men). In Luke’s version, we are not disappoint. Without any notes, told about the journey to Bethlehem, he spoke about the importance of and that the baby was placed in a animals and how animal welfare manger because there was nowhere should be a Christian issue and not else available. Luke also tells us that one championed mainly by secular shepherds visit the new-born Jesus. organisations. He spoke movingly Nowhere, in either of these accounts, about the importance of companion are the ox and donkey mentioned. animals to the elderly and those who So why do we think they were there? live alone, and also of the suffering Why have artists so often included of farm animals, particularly them in their visual accounts of the chickens. nativity? We are extremely grateful to Tony The most likely reason that the ox for his support for ASWA and for and the donkey are so often pictured being our Patron. We also thank in the nativity scene is because they all the clergy and congregation of serve a symbolic purpose. One St James’s Church, Piccadilly for possible symbolic interpretation making us all feel so welcome. is that the ox and the donkey, so often depicted peering at the infant Samantha Chandler Jesus in an attitude of adoration, demonstrate that even though humans might fail to recognise God incarnate, the rest of creation knows its maker. This draws on a passage from Isaiah (1.3): Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561) “The ox knows its master, and the The Nativity, about 1525 - 1530, Tempera donkey its master’s crib; but Israel colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment does not know, my people do not Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.) understand.” The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

ASWA.ORG.UK | 9 FOLLY WILDLIFE RESCUE in high winds, or are the survivors wildlife and hopefully help reduce the of attack or predation by other wild number of accidents and incidents animals, but by far the vast majority occurring. Additionally, many animals are the victims of human activity. and birds are needlessly and wrongly Road traffic accidents, entanglement persecuted and we work to dispel in netting, fishing line and fish hooks, the many myths and misconceptions nest destruction, poisoning, burning, that can sometimes lead to them immersion in or ingestion of chemicals being harmed. But our main aim is to and attack by domestic cats and dogs promote an interest in, and respect for are just a few of the incidents we deal our wildlife, which is under growing Working as a volunteer at Folly’s with. Although no precise figures are threat and in some cases at great risk Wildlife Hospital is a rewarding and available, it is likely that many millions of extinction. inspiring experience. There is a lot to of wild animals are being killed If you would like to support Folly’s do in keeping the hospital running and injured every year in the UK in work, there are many ways you could smoothly, especially during the busiest accidents that are largely preventable. period, spring and summer. We need help, including becoming a Friend to keep on top of the cleaning, and A large part of our work at Folly or making a donation. You can get some of the smaller animals need involves caring for young animals in touch by post or email, or find out feeding throughout the day. Of the and birds that have been orphaned or more on the web site. hedgehogs that arrive, many are very separated from their parents, usually undernourished and need to gain as a result of human interference. Folly Wildlife Rescue weight for their survival. During my We hand-rear everything from baby badgers, to day-old sparrows and volunteering I have seen a menagerie Fairview Lane, Broadwater Forest, even tiny goldcrests, and at the height of creatures that have been lucky Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LU enough to be rescued by Folly. of the breeding season are caring for hundreds at a time. The vast majority Registered Charity No. 1091857 The work at Folly of these youngsters are successfully http://www.follywildliferescue.org.uk/ Each year some 3500 injured, returned to the wild. index.html orphaned, sick or distressed wild Our education programmes, HELPLINE - 01892 543213 animals and birds are admitted to conducted primarily through leaflets our centre where they receive expert and talks to school children and email [email protected] care and veterinary treatment. Some community groups, aim to raise Janet Murphy (but very few) have fallen from nests awareness of the plight of our

ASWA postcards: 2 designs sold together in a pack of 6. ASWA MERCHANDISE £4 per pack. ASWA 2016 Christmas card ASWA bags: handy cotton shopping bag with the ASWA Once again, this year’s beautiful Christmas card has been logo. £4 each. designed exclusively for ASWA by Thea Olrog. Cards cost ASWA badges: show your support for ASWA by wearing a £5.00 per pack of 6 (including postage). Made from good- lapel badge with the ASWA logo. £1.50 each. quality stiff card with high-quality envelopes, each card is printed with a Bible verse and has ASWA’s details on the ASWA hoodies: available in small, medium, and large. back. Sending an ASWA Christmas card is a great way to £24.95 each. help raise the profile of ASWA and the work that we do. ASWA t-shirts: available in both ladies’ and unisex styles in Cards will be available from 14th October. Please order a range of sizes. £16.95 each. via the website or by sending a cheque payable to ASWA to ASWA, PO Box 7193, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8GT. If ordering by post, please remember to indicate how many packs you wish to purchase and your address.

Also available from the ASWA web site ASWA literature: a range of literature on a variety of animal welfare subjects available. PAWS for Prayer cards: paw shaped cards with a prayer for companion animals printed on one side. £0.35 each (minimum purchase 10) Egg Cards: egg shaped cards with a prayer printed on one side. £0.35 each (minimum purchase 10).

10 | ASWA.ORG.UK distance for such a small animal, for that purpose traps, poisons BOOK REVIEW some 1,000 metres. Indeed it is the (including strychnine) and gas, all of MOLES. THE BRITISH NATURAL mole’s prodigious burrowing activities which inevitably cause suffering. In HISTORY COLLECTION. which distinguish it, as Keats expresses contrast to Germany, where moles VOLUME 3. it in a beautiful metaphor in his Ode are, indeed, protected, they can be By Rob to Sleep, which Atkinson seems to killed with virtual impunity here. In Atkinson. have missed in his otherwise extensive actual fact they cause relatively little Illustrated exploration of literature and myth real damage compared with rabbits, by Belinda concerned with moles: rats and other humans. I exploded into righteous anger when on my Atkinson. Save me from curious conscience, that first and only retreat in a Benedictine still lords, its strength for darkness, monastery I found mole traps being Whittet Books burrowing like a mole. ISBN 978-1- set into the ground: I threw them into 873580-86-8 Like most creatures inhabiting the the hedge! I am afraid that experience 135 pages countryside, moles have a hard time, permanently soured my attitude to Hardcover from lack of food, from the vagaries of that order, for surely it is high time that Price £14.99 the weather (flood and drought),from our species in general and Christians diseases and parasites as well as from in particular began to learn to live in I read Rob Atkinson’s meticulously predation by owls, buzzards, foxes love with the natural world rather than researched study of one of Britain’s and other carnivores, and of course attempting to control it. commonest but least known mammals road casualties. There is an especially I hope that this book and others in with considerable interest. It is a highly high mortality amongst young adult the series will help in that that respect. informative work by an academic moles seeking to find a new home. Even though I cannot remember researcher who has studied moles Few of these animals, indeed, live encountering a wild mole face to face I for 25 years in the fields and woods beyond a year or so, seven years now have a far greater understanding around Oxford where I live (so it has being the longest recorded life-span. of, and respect for, an extraordinary a special local resonance for me). In Scotland and elsewhere the biggest little creature beautifully adapted to its Moreover many of the illustrations, ultimate threat is the New Zealand unique way of life. Atkinson ends his all line drawings, have a particular flatworm which devours the native book on what is really a theological charm. earthworm. It was introduced through note: Although moles can travel human carelessness, with devastating considerable distances above ground effects on local mole populations, There will be no salvation unless we and even swim across streams and and its future impact in Britain is a can identify and cherish the inherent rivers they live for most of their largely continuing worry. worth of the organisms with which we share our world, even if that is solitary lives in darkness underground. Nature is like that and I am no sometimes at a small cost to ourselves. They are active equally in night and sentimentalist, but I have to admit in day in their subterranean realm, having been morally shocked and as Exactly! subsisting on earthworms and other a human ashamed, by the sections of Martin Henig invertebrates. They only make their the book concerned with controlling presence apparent for most of us in and killing moles and the barbaric through the molehills which suddenly cruelties inflicted by superstition in appear above the surface of their past ages. It seems that we have for dark world of long tunnels running centuries been engaged in attempting for each individual animal for a vast to eradicate moles, employing

ANGLICAN SOCIETY FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS

PO Box 7193, Hook, Hampshire Patrons: The Rt Revd John Pritchard RG27 8GT, UK. www.aswa.org.uk (Former Bishop of Oxford) Dr Tony Campolo Correspondance Secretary: The Revd Dr Steven Shakespeare Mrs Samantha Chandler Mr David Coffey MRCVS President: Tel/Fax: 01252 843093 The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell The Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS Email: [email protected] (Bishop of Chelmsford) (Former Bishop of Monmouth) Treasurer: Mrs Jenny White The Rt Revd James Jones Vice President: (Former Bishop of Liverpool) Editor: Revd Jennifer Brown The Revd Dr Martin Henig Email: [email protected] Rt Revd Richard Llewellin Chairman: (Former Bishop at Lambeth) Membership Secretary: The Revd Dr Helen Hall Mr Keith Plumridge Email: [email protected] ASWA.ORG.UK | 11 A Service for Animal Welfare

St Cross Church, Winchester Sunday 2nd October 2016, 9.30am Preacher: the Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS ASWA President and former Bishop of Monmouth All Welcome

For further information contact Samantha Chandler, Secretary Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals Tel: 01252 843093 Email: [email protected] Website: www.aswa.org.uk