Thank you so very, very much everyone. You have been truly magnificent with your support - financially and with your messages and good wishes.
Including Gift Aid we have crossed the £4,000 threshhold, and climbing .. who knows where?
And with very little effort on my part, apart from just asking you lovely people to put your hands in your collective pockets to help strangers in another continent survive another hungry season. Thank you.
I hope you have read the previous blog describing the need - and then take the time to follow this link to TREE Aid's beautiful Annual Review, showing just what can be done with even a relatively small amount of money.
Thanks again - and see you in 12 days!! I'm off tomorrow morning.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Thursday, 23 February 2012
A reminder
Another guest blog - this time from TREE AID's website - just so you know your money is really making a difference, and is needed. This isn't about planting a few trees - it's about saving lives.
"A second food crisis is unfolding in Africa, in the Sahel, that should start hitting the headlines in spring next year.
Why spring 2012? The answer lies in the remarkably predictable onset of food crisis, starting with an event such as drought or pest infestation, then a poor harvest leading to a grain shortfall. After this, remaining food stocks are run-down, and people turn to short-term coping strategies. For those in rural areas, this includes selling-off weakened livestock; as poor quality animals flood the market, their price plummets whilst the cost of food continues to rise, shifting the terms of trade against the rural poor. At this point, people migrate to cities in search of food or employment, depressing wages and competing for food in urban areas too. The crisis peaks when food stocks are fully depleted and all there is to do is wait for the next harvest or hope for assistance. In the Sahel, this ‘hunger gap’ usually runs from April to August. Right now, countries in the region are facing significant grain shortfalls following poor harvests due to erratic rains and pest attacks*.
These are the early warning signs of a disaster. The TREE AID West Africa staff are already reporting devastating effects to crop yields. And famine is fast becoming a very real threat to those just out of TREE AID’s reach. But the situation can be avoided – if we act now.
Ongoing problems of food insecurity and climate change require long-term solutions. Trees enable people to both meet their immediate food needs – and store tree foods for use when food becomes scarce. Today trees are providing a safety net for those families that are working with us.
This year, despite low rainfall, the villagers in our project areas have avoided the crisis seen in other parts of the region. There’s now a huge demand for TREE AID experience and expertise.
We desperately need your help to extend our programmes and help another 10,000 people by the end of 2012."
*To read the full article highlighting the crisis by Rob Bailey, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Development Programme click here
"A second food crisis is unfolding in Africa, in the Sahel, that should start hitting the headlines in spring next year.
Why spring 2012? The answer lies in the remarkably predictable onset of food crisis, starting with an event such as drought or pest infestation, then a poor harvest leading to a grain shortfall. After this, remaining food stocks are run-down, and people turn to short-term coping strategies. For those in rural areas, this includes selling-off weakened livestock; as poor quality animals flood the market, their price plummets whilst the cost of food continues to rise, shifting the terms of trade against the rural poor. At this point, people migrate to cities in search of food or employment, depressing wages and competing for food in urban areas too. The crisis peaks when food stocks are fully depleted and all there is to do is wait for the next harvest or hope for assistance. In the Sahel, this ‘hunger gap’ usually runs from April to August. Right now, countries in the region are facing significant grain shortfalls following poor harvests due to erratic rains and pest attacks*.
These are the early warning signs of a disaster. The TREE AID West Africa staff are already reporting devastating effects to crop yields. And famine is fast becoming a very real threat to those just out of TREE AID’s reach. But the situation can be avoided – if we act now.
Ongoing problems of food insecurity and climate change require long-term solutions. Trees enable people to both meet their immediate food needs – and store tree foods for use when food becomes scarce. Today trees are providing a safety net for those families that are working with us.
This year, despite low rainfall, the villagers in our project areas have avoided the crisis seen in other parts of the region. There’s now a huge demand for TREE AID experience and expertise.
We desperately need your help to extend our programmes and help another 10,000 people by the end of 2012."
 |
| We really can help people avoid famine - it's so easy Please donate what you can today |
Monday, 6 February 2012
Ramblings
I know - enough already!
But this is different. I have become an official Rambler.
The New year, and serious training was required. It was time to bite the bullet and join the Bristol Ramblers on their crack of dawn adventures in the surrounding beauty spots. It has meant setting my alarm for 6.00 on a Sunday morning (I couldn't think of going out without a substantial breakfast) but, as Lawrence of Arabia said, 'the secret is in not minding the pain'. Well he did in the film, which I watched last night - training in true grit (which I watched last week - the new Coen Brothers version).
The thing is, once you're up, it doesn't really matter what time it is, and I have to say that it has become easier to get up since I know it will be worth it.
I launched straight into the A team (there is a B team, which sets out an hour later, and is apparently a little more leisurely about the whole thing) - largely by accident, I have to say. But I survived week 1 - 13.3 miles of Cotswold scenery, and since they were offering an introductory hill walk in the Brecon Beacons the following week - I really didn't want to miss out.
And I'm so glad I didn't. We climbed Fan y Big (seriously). the whole walk was 12 miles, with an ascent of 2,500 feet, but boy was it worth it. We climbed above the snow line (see evidence below), and walked along the ridge as it then descended back into the valley - with the ground falling away majestically on either side. It was like being on top of the world - especially when the weather closed in and powdery snow inveigled its way into every nook and cranny of my jacket. And also my backpack while I was eating my sandwiches - experienced hikers, I noticed later, do up their pack while eating. There's still a lot to learn!
So - here is the proof - my big adventure in Fan y Big, photos courtesy of the Bristol ramblers website - thanks folks.
See what I mean?
And you couldn't spend a Sunday with a nicer bunch of folk, I reckon.
After that I notched up about 30 more miles, out on my own or with another group in my week's holiday. And yesterday we did another Cotswold adventure - 14 miles this time, with an awful lot of ups and downs, but still great, taking in a couple of charming little villages - real Laurie Lee (if a little more well-heeled).
All this has been great for my fitness of course, but more so for my confidence I think. Having pushed myself, I've achieved more than I thought possible - and enjoyed it! What does make it all so much easier, which I hadn't really taken on board, was the inspiration provided by the scenery, and the support of one's fellow trekkers.
Bring on those sand dunes!
But this is different. I have become an official Rambler.
The New year, and serious training was required. It was time to bite the bullet and join the Bristol Ramblers on their crack of dawn adventures in the surrounding beauty spots. It has meant setting my alarm for 6.00 on a Sunday morning (I couldn't think of going out without a substantial breakfast) but, as Lawrence of Arabia said, 'the secret is in not minding the pain'. Well he did in the film, which I watched last night - training in true grit (which I watched last week - the new Coen Brothers version).
The thing is, once you're up, it doesn't really matter what time it is, and I have to say that it has become easier to get up since I know it will be worth it.
I launched straight into the A team (there is a B team, which sets out an hour later, and is apparently a little more leisurely about the whole thing) - largely by accident, I have to say. But I survived week 1 - 13.3 miles of Cotswold scenery, and since they were offering an introductory hill walk in the Brecon Beacons the following week - I really didn't want to miss out.
And I'm so glad I didn't. We climbed Fan y Big (seriously). the whole walk was 12 miles, with an ascent of 2,500 feet, but boy was it worth it. We climbed above the snow line (see evidence below), and walked along the ridge as it then descended back into the valley - with the ground falling away majestically on either side. It was like being on top of the world - especially when the weather closed in and powdery snow inveigled its way into every nook and cranny of my jacket. And also my backpack while I was eating my sandwiches - experienced hikers, I noticed later, do up their pack while eating. There's still a lot to learn!
So - here is the proof - my big adventure in Fan y Big, photos courtesy of the Bristol ramblers website - thanks folks.
 |
| OK so far - I can still breathe |
 | |||||||
| You want me to go where? |
 | |||||||
| ...and along the edge. Seriously? |
 |
| I made it - the top of the world!! |
And you couldn't spend a Sunday with a nicer bunch of folk, I reckon.
After that I notched up about 30 more miles, out on my own or with another group in my week's holiday. And yesterday we did another Cotswold adventure - 14 miles this time, with an awful lot of ups and downs, but still great, taking in a couple of charming little villages - real Laurie Lee (if a little more well-heeled).
All this has been great for my fitness of course, but more so for my confidence I think. Having pushed myself, I've achieved more than I thought possible - and enjoyed it! What does make it all so much easier, which I hadn't really taken on board, was the inspiration provided by the scenery, and the support of one's fellow trekkers.
Bring on those sand dunes!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Little Known Dangers of Cycling #8
Well, I suppose it had to happen.
Indicating right halfway up pigsty hill, my extended finger made contact with the nose of an overtaking cyclist. We were fine on this occasion, but I can't help thinking that a slightly slimmer finger or a slightly wider nostril and we could have been in serious trouble. There is danger everywhere - if only you know how to look!
Meanwhile, shaken but not put off, I finally made it into the swimming pool. Well my hair did need a wash. On the advice of Marian at work, I'm trying to develop a more positive approach to swimming.
Lesson 1: Don't always immediately follow the word swimming with "I really hate swimming"
Lesson 2: Try to say the word swimming without pulling an unpleasant face
Lesson 3: Think of all the worse things that I could be doing instead, like dying for example
I'm not confident that it's going to make a long-term change, but I'll try until March anyway.
Walking's fine though. Did a 10 miler on Saturday, along the canal from Bath to Bradford on Avon, and 5 miles the week before, slithering around in the mud on the Bristol downs.
But the good news is that I've made contact with some of the other people who are gong on the trek. There will be 22 of us altogether apparently, and a couple of people have raised their head above the parapet with an email. The really good news is that there is a group of 5 people from Bournemouth, whose ages range from 48 to 58. It's not that I have a problem with 'Yoof', some of my good friends are positively child-like, but it'll be good to have company at the back of the walk (I've made some assumptions there, I know). Mostly though, it's the sense of humour. So many of my jokes fall on stony ground with the young ones in the office - and they're not all that bad. I think it's the cultural references.
Only last month, one of them asked "so what was so great about the Beatles then?"
What can you say?
Well quite a lot actually. I think the response lasted for 20 minutes. They'll never need (or want) to ask that again.
So there we are.
Indicating right halfway up pigsty hill, my extended finger made contact with the nose of an overtaking cyclist. We were fine on this occasion, but I can't help thinking that a slightly slimmer finger or a slightly wider nostril and we could have been in serious trouble. There is danger everywhere - if only you know how to look!
Meanwhile, shaken but not put off, I finally made it into the swimming pool. Well my hair did need a wash. On the advice of Marian at work, I'm trying to develop a more positive approach to swimming.
Lesson 1: Don't always immediately follow the word swimming with "I really hate swimming"
Lesson 2: Try to say the word swimming without pulling an unpleasant face
Lesson 3: Think of all the worse things that I could be doing instead, like dying for example
I'm not confident that it's going to make a long-term change, but I'll try until March anyway.
Walking's fine though. Did a 10 miler on Saturday, along the canal from Bath to Bradford on Avon, and 5 miles the week before, slithering around in the mud on the Bristol downs.
But the good news is that I've made contact with some of the other people who are gong on the trek. There will be 22 of us altogether apparently, and a couple of people have raised their head above the parapet with an email. The really good news is that there is a group of 5 people from Bournemouth, whose ages range from 48 to 58. It's not that I have a problem with 'Yoof', some of my good friends are positively child-like, but it'll be good to have company at the back of the walk (I've made some assumptions there, I know). Mostly though, it's the sense of humour. So many of my jokes fall on stony ground with the young ones in the office - and they're not all that bad. I think it's the cultural references.
Only last month, one of them asked "so what was so great about the Beatles then?"
What can you say?
Well quite a lot actually. I think the response lasted for 20 minutes. They'll never need (or want) to ask that again.
So there we are.
Friday, 30 December 2011
The Final Countdown
Wow, it's only 61 days till I actually set off. On the 2nd March I'll be boarding that outbound plane to Casablanca.
Feels like things are becoming a little serious now. Have to get my passport renewed, insurance sorted, and make sure I've got all the final bits of kit - sun-block, blister pads, wet- wipes etc. Suddenly wondering if I have enough super-socks.
I do have a pair of wrap-around sunglasses - although I haven't used them much so far, as they require a small sarcophagus to carry them around in, and, frankly, there hasn't been enough space in my handbag.
And of course the training. Suddenly I don't have all the time in the world any more.
So, here's the plan:
I'll have to read through the instructions from those nice people at Discover Adventure any day now, and see what they suggest. I did have a little peep a while back, but I frightened myself, and so hid the info for a while.
Time now to be brave.
Wish me luck!
Feels like things are becoming a little serious now. Have to get my passport renewed, insurance sorted, and make sure I've got all the final bits of kit - sun-block, blister pads, wet- wipes etc. Suddenly wondering if I have enough super-socks.
I do have a pair of wrap-around sunglasses - although I haven't used them much so far, as they require a small sarcophagus to carry them around in, and, frankly, there hasn't been enough space in my handbag.
And of course the training. Suddenly I don't have all the time in the world any more.
So, here's the plan:
- Continue with the cycling, as now, and walk to work (briskly), if the weather goes against cycling (don't think I'd do snow)
- Go on at least one long (10 miles min) walk every week - will probably have to join the early bird Ramblers for this
- Swim one evening per week (groan)
I'll have to read through the instructions from those nice people at Discover Adventure any day now, and see what they suggest. I did have a little peep a while back, but I frightened myself, and so hid the info for a while.
Time now to be brave.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Wonder Woman 2
The other week there was an article on the local news saying that if you do really speedy exercise for 40 seconds a day, that can help prevent diabetes. I mean really speedy, like sprinting, they suggested. And you can do it for 2 lots of 20 seconds.
Well any exercise that is measured in seconds is good to me, so I thought I'd incorporate this into my daily cycle - the uphill bit preferably, as I'd be scared of going too fast downhill in case my brakes gave out.
I casually mentioned this to Rita, my triathlon-eventing friend at work, who seemed to be quite impressed, strangely, and then mentioned it on her Facebook. Then several of her seriously sporty friends 'liked' me/it - which is apparently A Good Thing. So I am now a sporting legend in my lunchtime.
My feeling is that we are not talking about the same thing. I have no idea what Rita and her chums mean, but I meant that I will go as fast as I can, which at times might mean, frankly, not very.
But in the meantime, I am happy to bask in the ill-gotten glory. It's good to be 'liked'.
And as a bonus, not only am I fighting poverty, but I'm now fighting diabetes. Life is good!
Well any exercise that is measured in seconds is good to me, so I thought I'd incorporate this into my daily cycle - the uphill bit preferably, as I'd be scared of going too fast downhill in case my brakes gave out.
I casually mentioned this to Rita, my triathlon-eventing friend at work, who seemed to be quite impressed, strangely, and then mentioned it on her Facebook. Then several of her seriously sporty friends 'liked' me/it - which is apparently A Good Thing. So I am now a sporting legend in my lunchtime.
My feeling is that we are not talking about the same thing. I have no idea what Rita and her chums mean, but I meant that I will go as fast as I can, which at times might mean, frankly, not very.
But in the meantime, I am happy to bask in the ill-gotten glory. It's good to be 'liked'.
And as a bonus, not only am I fighting poverty, but I'm now fighting diabetes. Life is good!
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Oh dear!
November 3rd! What have I been doing?
Well quite a lot of stuff, but obviously not blogging.
I have the choice between short, sweet and a little more regular, or not at all.
While there may be a compelling case for not at all, I'll try with the former for a while. Almost time for New Year Resolutions anyway.
So,
Training:
Did a couple of ten-mile walks back in the beginning of balmy November. Nearly killed me, since I'd obviously peaked too early with the training schedule. Nothing since, but plenty of good intentions - might even swim this weekend (aaargh!)
Cycling still going well though.
Have started the surgical spirit treatment to harden up the feet. Apparently hard feet are a good thing. Watch this space.
Fundraising:
Have now made it to about £3,500 (once Gift Aid is included.)
Thank you so much everyone who has supported me - I am so impressed with the generosity of people who are happy to give a hand up to a complete stranger in trouble.
I have quite a few irons still in the fire too, thanks to friends and family:
That would be fab, becasue it's been a hard summer in the Sahel, and will be a difficult hungry period next year.
Well quite a lot of stuff, but obviously not blogging.
I have the choice between short, sweet and a little more regular, or not at all.
While there may be a compelling case for not at all, I'll try with the former for a while. Almost time for New Year Resolutions anyway.
So,
Training:
Did a couple of ten-mile walks back in the beginning of balmy November. Nearly killed me, since I'd obviously peaked too early with the training schedule. Nothing since, but plenty of good intentions - might even swim this weekend (aaargh!)
Cycling still going well though.
Have started the surgical spirit treatment to harden up the feet. Apparently hard feet are a good thing. Watch this space.
Fundraising:
Have now made it to about £3,500 (once Gift Aid is included.)
Thank you so much everyone who has supported me - I am so impressed with the generosity of people who are happy to give a hand up to a complete stranger in trouble.
I have quite a few irons still in the fire too, thanks to friends and family:
- a beautiful poetry book to sell online
- designer clothes to sell on e-bay
- vintage clothes to sell in trendy shops
- masses of stuff for a car boot
That would be fab, becasue it's been a hard summer in the Sahel, and will be a difficult hungry period next year.
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