It only seems like yesterday that I was writing my first introduction letter, and here I am again- how time flies.

It is, with regret, that Bob Mann has had to resign his trustee post. We wish him all the best for the future, and thank him for all his active and supportive involvement within the Charity. He will still remain our President.

Our new website has been up and running, this is with enormous thanks to Paul Warburton, whom, over the Christmas and New Year, put in many long hours and lots of hard work to give us a very eye catching, impressive site. For those of you who have not viewed it please find the time to browse and maybe become involved yourself. I would like to welcome those new supporters who have found our site and have joined up. Again. may I say, this is your Society, any ideas or anything you wish us to look at on your behalf please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help in all aspects of bird keeping, we want to educate tin he welfare of birds to those new to aviculture, and we want to be involved with conservation helping projects that are fighting for those species on the critically endangered list.

From my appeal previously asking for helpers, I am pleased to say two dedicated bird ladies have come forward to assist. Louise Warburton has volunteered to be our new conservation project co-ordinator and also an area co-ordinator for the Oxfordshire area. She has great knowledge on conservation, has worked out in the field- hands on, and also has experience at keeping pet parrots. We value her involvement. Secondly welcome Helen Mortimer, who will become an area co-ordinator for the Midlands, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and surrounding areas. Again Helen has been quietly fundraising and supporting the Charity for many years. Those who have attended the recent AGM’s will be aware of her gorgeous, yummy cakes! Helen has also great knowledge and experience in keeping both aviary and pet birds of various sizes and species. We sincerely appreciate them both coming forward to help. Which brings me on to ask for more volunteers please? Can you spare some time to help? We still need more area co-ordinators and more people to help fundraise. Without this support how can we be a recognised Charity there to help birds? Our priority is caring for those birds that need it.

Since the last newsletter, I can report that more birds from the sadly closed sanctuary have been successfully re-homed, and have settled in very well despite the awful weather conditions and changes some have had to make. Two very lucky Umbrella Cockatoo’s have followed Beryl to live in the warmth of southern France, and I have had the pleasure of hearing them singing down the phone as they enjoyed a hose bath, whilst here we were all experiencing freezing conditions. How I wished to swap places with Bubbles and Ollie.

The odd couple as they became known, Albert, double yellow-headed Amazon and his pal Pat the Patagonian Conure have also found a new home despite Albert needing special care. Also successful homes have been found for two Amazons, Gwen- a Mealy, and Ollie- a Blue Front, and a pair of Galahs, Sparky and wife. But regretfully at present we still have 8 Cockatoos being cared for at the sanctuary by Maddy and Andy Key. These are special needs birds and we are processing future homes for them. I always knew it would be a group of Cockatoo’s that would be the challenge of re-homing the sanctuary birds. But I believe the right homes must be found in the first instance, as these birds cannot be subjected to further stress and insecurity. They deserve the best care and affection as do all the birds that are handed over to us as the Charity.

Again all the birds previously re-homed are reported to be doing well and I thank those carers for updating me on the birds in their care. For us to continue helping, and be there for birds needing new homes, I am appealing for safe homes. We sadly have only one or two people who are able to help us temporarily home birds. We need more, either temporary or permanent home facilities, and I ask if you please can help? Birds are still coming into us.

This Charity I believe with your help and support can grow and develop to be seen and known as one of the outstanding Charities that truly cares for our feathered friends, but we can only achieve this with more helpers and on going support from you, your family and friends.

Carol Venables