CURLY TAILS PIG SANCTUARY - aka THE PORCINE SAVOY

Jane Scott, owner of Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary

Last Sunday I made my way to Newton Longville near Bletchley Park to visit the "Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary", a registered charity set up by Jane Scott, a renowned tv set designer that worked her magic on many Reeves and Mortimer productions.

With Bob Mortimer's input, Wordynumnum created an exclusive pig design, Lumpy Mudgod, with all profits going to her sanctuary and I'm chuffed to say the prints all sold out and the donation quite literally brought her to tears. The money went towards a new water supply and loan for a trailer.

A big shout out everyone that bought a print and those that tried!

When I caught up with Jane, one of her many open day events she uses to fundraise, I met one of the loveliest women you could ever hope to meet. Her passion and commitment to her pigs is immeasurable and infectious. The centre itself is impressive and you can tell that these animals know they are safe and cared for. It's like a piggy oasis of love and contentment!

So why pigs, what are these creatures really like?

Jane said she's always had a soft spot for these beauties, they are incredibly tactile, love having their bellies rubbed and can even be trained to sit or roll over just like a dog. They are super sociable and love attention. In fact, research has proven that they have the intelligence of a 3-year-old child, that they dream, have memories and emotions.

They are so bright that when asked why her pens have no locked gates, she answered, "there's no point, they've figured out how to open them already".

Each has its own personality, likes and dislikes, in fact Jane knows which pig likes apples, which doesn't and prepares their feeding buckets accordingly. Now that's love!

Initially starting out with ten pigs, they soon became 34 and her plot of land became a rehoming centre. A seven day a week commitment, rain or shine. Some arrive abused and suffering from malnutrition like Boris who is blind due to being locked up in a shed for three years. Many so traumatised that it takes a while for them to settle in but from what I saw, these animals couldn't ask for more! They are beyond lucky.

With at least two requests a week for rehoming, she has to turn most away.

She may have room to accommodate 100 pigs but needs the resources to build this charity further. One pig costs £1000 a year for food, vaccinations and bedding so this is no mean feat. Besides her open days, she conducts private tours of Curly Tails, works with the RSPCA Wood Green, vets, local schools, you name it.

She even has an "Adopt-a-Pig" scheme where for £4 a month ( feel free to dig a bit deeper...) you receive a certificate of sponsorship and a photo of your porcine friend followed up by quarterly letters.

What she really needs is a patron, a regular financial sponsor so if someone out there feels they can help please contact Curly Tails.

But however you can help, please do because she has created a paradise for pigs and she's the bee's knees!

If you would like to visit Curly Tails and meet Jane and her pigs, or if you would like to donate to the sanctuary, visit the website curlytails.org

March 13, 2021
CURLY TAILS PIG SANCTUARY - aka THE PORCINE SAVOY
By Roma Koisar

Jane Scott, owner of Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary

Last Sunday I made my way to Newton Longville near Bletchley Park to visit the "Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary", a registered charity set up by Jane Scott, a renowned tv set designer that worked her magic on many Reeves and Mortimer productions.

With Bob Mortimer's input, Wordynumnum created an exclusive pig design, Lumpy Mudgod, with all profits going to her sanctuary and I'm chuffed to say the prints all sold out and the donation quite literally brought her to tears. The money went towards a new water supply and loan for a trailer.

A big shout out everyone that bought a print and those that tried!

When I caught up with Jane, one of her many open day events she uses to fundraise, I met one of the loveliest women you could ever hope to meet. Her passion and commitment to her pigs is immeasurable and infectious. The centre itself is impressive and you can tell that these animals know they are safe and cared for. It's like a piggy oasis of love and contentment!

So why pigs, what are these creatures really like?

Jane said she's always had a soft spot for these beauties, they are incredibly tactile, love having their bellies rubbed and can even be trained to sit or roll over just like a dog. They are super sociable and love attention. In fact, research has proven that they have the intelligence of a 3-year-old child, that they dream, have memories and emotions.

They are so bright that when asked why her pens have no locked gates, she answered, "there's no point, they've figured out how to open them already".

Each has its own personality, likes and dislikes, in fact Jane knows which pig likes apples, which doesn't and prepares their feeding buckets accordingly. Now that's love!

Initially starting out with ten pigs, they soon became 34 and her plot of land became a rehoming centre. A seven day a week commitment, rain or shine. Some arrive abused and suffering from malnutrition like Boris who is blind due to being locked up in a shed for three years. Many so traumatised that it takes a while for them to settle in but from what I saw, these animals couldn't ask for more! They are beyond lucky.

With at least two requests a week for rehoming, she has to turn most away.

She may have room to accommodate 100 pigs but needs the resources to build this charity further. One pig costs £1000 a year for food, vaccinations and bedding so this is no mean feat. Besides her open days, she conducts private tours of Curly Tails, works with the RSPCA Wood Green, vets, local schools, you name it.

She even has an "Adopt-a-Pig" scheme where for £4 a month ( feel free to dig a bit deeper...) you receive a certificate of sponsorship and a photo of your porcine friend followed up by quarterly letters.

What she really needs is a patron, a regular financial sponsor so if someone out there feels they can help please contact Curly Tails.

But however you can help, please do because she has created a paradise for pigs and she's the bee's knees!

If you would like to visit Curly Tails and meet Jane and her pigs, or if you would like to donate to the sanctuary, visit the website curlytails.org

Comments on this post (2 comments)
- Wendy says...
  
  Please can you advise where you are and opening times
  
  August 16, 2018
- Karen Phillips says...
  
  Roma, what lovely words and oh so perfect! Curly Tails is indeed a sanctuary and beyond. The kindness and love from Jane is immeasurable, she has become a best friend and I support her and the sanctuary more every day. So lovely to have met you too, hope the dress nibble ended well 😊🐷😊
  
  July 06, 2018

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CURLY TAILS PIG SANCTUARY - aka THE PORCINE SAVOY

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