The condition of hens in factory farms is deplorable. Thankfully, there is a local organisation ‘Champs Libres aux Poules’, dedicated to finding homes for them instead of them going to the abbatoir when their ability to lay eggs diminishes. That’s around 18 months old. Some stats…
- Last week 170 hens were adopted at Pertuis by 20 adopters
- 250 were adopted at Cuge-les-Pins
- Over the past 2 years, 25,000 hens have found new homes, thanks to this group.
The volunteers also give families post-adoption support plus advice on any problems that arise; and they try to publicise the plight of these birds amongst the general public.
‘Champs libres aux poules’ was created by Heidi Carneau in 2020, with the help of the “British Hen Welfare Trust”. Her first success was finding homes for 400 hens in two days. Since then, the operation has gone from strength to strength.
‘Saved’ hens can be featherless and aren’t guaranteed to lay eggs any more, but have lots of time ahead to recuperate. The team examine each carefully and look after hens that are too weak or harmed to offer for adoption.
A charge of 4 euros each helps cover the association’s costs.
Next ‘séances d’adoption’ are at Aix on 24 Sept and Istres 25 Sept.
Details: www.champslibresauxpoules.com
On a personal note, Aixcentric fils has had hens for some years now and it is quite amazing how they become almost like pets. Certainly when they see a car turn into the drive, they stop their foraging and rush over to see who has arrived.
They have an exhibition of the works of Camille Claudel, ( 8 December 1864 – 19 October 1943), a French sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze and marble. Hers is a sad story of a talented woman unable to flourish in the misogyny of late 19th century society
The Anglican church in Marseille (rue de Belloi) will be holding a memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth II this Saturday 17th September at 14:30.
Aix always pulls out all the stops for the heritage weekend, 16-18th September, which is celebrated at towns across Europe. This year, the international theme is ‘Patrimoine Durable’ but Aix has put its own spin on the event and will be celebrating its famous waters, under the heading 
…Starting tomorrow, Sunday 4th September, 
Being in England right now, I can only dream about 
aixcentric 