Newsletter: The “Pig” Issue 1

Issue 1, June 2023

A Word From our Founder, Nicola Vernon

Welcome to The Pig Issue. The name is not to deny the other species on the farm, who will definitely be featured regularly!

We have tried to start a newsletter before but it is only now, with a management team finally in place, that we have the time and space to do what is one of our favourite missions – communicate with our donors, friends, visitors and volunteers. Thank you for all you do or have done for us, we love you and appreciate you every day. And for those who are new to our work, welcome to Greyton Farm Animal Sanctuary. We hope our newsletters will engage you in the wonderful world of farm animal rescue and care.

So let’s introduce you to the team who are making it all possible. First up is our new Fundraising and Communications Manager Badyn Holesgrove who has introduced himself in this issue. Then we have our part-time merchandising and branding consultant and, now, editor of this newsletter, Dominque Lynott. Badyn and Dom bring youthful, fresh energy to the somewhat older team of Director and Trustees.

Our first manager, Ever Bwailia, joined us over four years ago as Animal Care Manager and he continues to be the incredibly intuitive, sensitive animal whisperer that this sanctuary is so privileged to have on the team.

We look forward to sending you this and future issues! Look out for a new addition to our merchandise – a t-shirt featuring a QR code which you can scan every month for the latest version of this newsletter.

“Pigs to Plants” Project

We are used to seeing photos of distressed cats and dogs, but the animals, mainly pigs, being raised for meat in backyards and smallholdings, are hidden from view and it is in these places that some of the worst animal cruelty is inflicted. Humans are affected too, especially children, who grow up brutalised by the exposure. This is why we have Pigs to Plants, to help the animals, their humans and the wider community by supporting the farmer to transition from farming animals to growing plants. Once a farmer agrees to surrender his pigs to the sanctuary, we help him set up an income generating market garden. To date we have assisted four farmers and saved 33 animals under
the scheme.

Sanctuary News

Earlier this year we welcomed Tonny Kalawa as assistant to Ever, our Animal Care Manager. He joins the team of five residential and seven local staff who are all dedicated to the care of our animals. Looking after the needs of 220 animals is demanding, with so many needing constant attention due to the circumstances of their prerescue life. It is always a joy to see the animals thrive and develop their own cheeky and often challenging personalities – this means that they feel loved and confident enough to express their feelings – and do they ever let us know! Mealtimes are certainly great opportunities for self expression with over 100 pigs ‘singing’ for their breakfast! Ever, Nicky and trustee Gabby are about to attend a Wildlife First Responders’ Course. See next issue for our report back!

Fundraising

BADYN HOLESGROVE

I have thoroughly enjoyed moving out to the Sanctuary and learning exactly what and how things are done, and seeing the potential of what we can do here, and in the surrounding communities.

There is a continued need for new individual sponsors, as the number of residents on the farm has steadily increased.

Our 3 other major focus points this year are:

• Expanding our Humane Education programme to more schools and teachers.
• Bringing our Pigs to Plants initiative to more animal agriculturists to transform their land from animals to plant agriculture.
• Finishing our multi purpose barn at the Sanctuary. This space will become a resource for the above with a learning and teaching area,information & education resources, office, demonstration kitchen and volunteer accommodation. It will house our most vulnerable animals, medical facilities, feed prep and stores.

Two other projects that will affect the above are:

• Expanding our internet infrastructure on the Sanctuary for greater coverage. Being connected can be the difference in saving a distressed animal.
• Stabilizing our access road. This road becomes difficult to navigate after rains, this can affect response times to rescues or medical emergencies.

If you are keen to support the above in any way, be it financially, or with any building materials, time, expertise, referrals, or you’d like some more detailed information on the projects, please get in touch with me, on 0783916325 or badyn@greytonfarmsanctuary.org.

Mana Muti Vegan Recipes

SMASHED AVOCADO FLATBREAD WITH TAHINI LEMON DRESSING

Ingredients:
2 flatbreads of choice. Gluten free, a pita bread or home made. (See next month’s issue for home made flatbread recipe)
2 ripe avocados
2 spring onions, chopped
2T olive oil
1/2 -1 garlic clove, finely grated
1T tahini
3T water
1/2 lemon freshly juiced
1T lemon juice reserved
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a small bowl, add tahini and water. Whisk well, then add lemon juice and season. Whisk well until slightly thickened.

In a second bowl, add ripe avo, grated garlic, reserved lemon juice and season to taste. Combine gently, leaving the avo somewhat chunky.

Heat your flatbread in a pan. Once nearly golden brown, add the olive oil to both sides of the flatbread while flipping the flatbread in the pan. Optional addition of grated garlic and salt. Remove from the pan onto a plate. Dollup the smashed avo, drizzle over the tahini dressing to your liking, and sprinkle with spring onion.

STRAWBERRY BASIL SLUSHY

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen strawberry
3g basil fresh (small handful)
1/2 c water

Instructions:
Blend in a high powered blender for 1-2 minutes.
Drink while ice cold.