Firstly, an apology
There I was adding daily extracts from my trek diary to my blog when I managed to mislay (and now seemingly permanently lose) my flash drive containing the only source document I had of the report. Therefore I have so far been unable to update further...I'm working on it.
Secondly, some good news
I'm off again!
Having returned to the UK after completing my first Charity Event - The Footsteps of the Maasai Trek across the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania supporting ActionAid, I am now gearing up for my next event - The Midsummer Challenge in the Lake District in June.
To find out out more about the event and to sponsor me please click on the sponsorship link to the right.
More information on fundraising events will follow in due course, along with (hopefully) more from the diary.
Regards
Andrew
Monday, February 04, 2008
Monday, December 03, 2007
Journal Diary - Day 5
Thursday 11th October
A late start this morning as we had a circular walk in store up through the village and onto Kitumbeine mountain. After preparing ourselves and our packs and taking extra care to ensure we had enough water and provisions (no support vehicles to follow us), we set off with a few sore feet and without 2 of our party (both suffering illness). We passed through the village greeting the herdsmen taking out their cattle and goats for pasturing and waved enthusiastically at the children at the local nursery school.
Trekking in the vast plains
After about 1km it became apparent that my diligent preparations had failed and I had neglected to pack my camera for the trip, instead I made do with admiring the view and watching for wildlife – the first of which I did not spot. A sand snake was apparently spied on the side of the road but despite some desperate peering it remained elusive to mine and many others’ eyes. As we climbed more steeply before reaching plateau it became apparent that our circular work was more of a walk up a hill and down again (albeit a distance of some 10km in rising temperatures). We reached a clearing where being at the front I was first to spot a giraffe grazing nearby that posed dutifully before clearing off. It was here that we turned round and began our descent back to camp for lunch. We reached our temporary village to find our weary travellers feeling much recovered and enjoyed a meal of spaghetti Bolognese – a meal that proved one effort too much for Mike – he collapsing asleep at the table and slumbering all afternoon.
After a brief rest we set off for (another) school in the village that has been well established. This was not an ActionAid project but had received funding over several years meaning that the facilities provided and resources available were superior to those we had visited in Kenya. Many people felt depressed and upset at the sight of dormitories where children slept 8 to a 2-bed bunk – some even comparing it to a concentration camp.
To my mind, the accommodation was clean, it was enclosed and the school was clearly better off than others. The children too were different – more used to seeing white tourists (as the visitors book testified) and cheeky with it.
They were still marvellously entertaining though, particularly when Brian conducted a group of them to sing “Row, row your boat” with little prompting. As well as the dormitories the school had well stock classrooms, kitchen and dining hall, staff house, gardens and playing fields.
After eventually tearing ourselves away from the children we waved goodbye and returned the 2.5km to the camp, a few of us detouring on the way for a quick visit to the village centre itself where we bumped into the headmaster of the school we had just visited, back home and building a new house!
Dinner was pumpkin soup followed by beef stew with rice after which we discussed the events of the day around the camp fire before turning in for the night.
A late start this morning as we had a circular walk in store up through the village and onto Kitumbeine mountain. After preparing ourselves and our packs and taking extra care to ensure we had enough water and provisions (no support vehicles to follow us), we set off with a few sore feet and without 2 of our party (both suffering illness). We passed through the village greeting the herdsmen taking out their cattle and goats for pasturing and waved enthusiastically at the children at the local nursery school.
Trekking in the vast plains
After about 1km it became apparent that my diligent preparations had failed and I had neglected to pack my camera for the trip, instead I made do with admiring the view and watching for wildlife – the first of which I did not spot. A sand snake was apparently spied on the side of the road but despite some desperate peering it remained elusive to mine and many others’ eyes. As we climbed more steeply before reaching plateau it became apparent that our circular work was more of a walk up a hill and down again (albeit a distance of some 10km in rising temperatures). We reached a clearing where being at the front I was first to spot a giraffe grazing nearby that posed dutifully before clearing off. It was here that we turned round and began our descent back to camp for lunch. We reached our temporary village to find our weary travellers feeling much recovered and enjoyed a meal of spaghetti Bolognese – a meal that proved one effort too much for Mike – he collapsing asleep at the table and slumbering all afternoon.
After a brief rest we set off for (another) school in the village that has been well established. This was not an ActionAid project but had received funding over several years meaning that the facilities provided and resources available were superior to those we had visited in Kenya. Many people felt depressed and upset at the sight of dormitories where children slept 8 to a 2-bed bunk – some even comparing it to a concentration camp.
To my mind, the accommodation was clean, it was enclosed and the school was clearly better off than others. The children too were different – more used to seeing white tourists (as the visitors book testified) and cheeky with it.
They were still marvellously entertaining though, particularly when Brian conducted a group of them to sing “Row, row your boat” with little prompting. As well as the dormitories the school had well stock classrooms, kitchen and dining hall, staff house, gardens and playing fields.
After eventually tearing ourselves away from the children we waved goodbye and returned the 2.5km to the camp, a few of us detouring on the way for a quick visit to the village centre itself where we bumped into the headmaster of the school we had just visited, back home and building a new house!
Dinner was pumpkin soup followed by beef stew with rice after which we discussed the events of the day around the camp fire before turning in for the night.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Diary - Day 4
Wednesday 10th October
Up early, left late. The first night of bush camping was mixed for all with some apparently hardly sleeping at all. Myself and John had been treated to a further hour of guitar by Rogarty before turning in and we were all a little tired but ready to get trekking. After a breakfast of porridge and sausages (not together), we set off in the buses to drive half of the 50kms to Kitumbeine. Having stopped at our first sighting of giraffe we eventually stopped and began our trekking on sand and dust tracks. The journey was gentle and uneventful until we chance upon a herd of 8 or 10 giraffe that we watched for a considerable time. We then continued before reaching our lunch stop where we enjoyed freshly prepared salad and fruit. The morning walking had been tame so far but as the heat intensified the group became strung out along the path and stragglers were picked off. Two required the assistance of support buses but the rest were able to continue with brief but regular stops as we crossed the Rift valley floor where we were met with a short burst of rain that provided relief for some but gave increased humidity for the final 2km through the village and on to the campsite where we were greeted with a cold drink and flannel to sooth any aches and pains. There was a mixture of joy and relief and reaching our destination some 23km away – some suffering more than others.
Many trekkers took the opportunity of a shower before a dinner of chicken and vegetables. We sat briefly around the campfire with drinks before heading to bed and a restful if somewhat warm sleep.
Up early, left late. The first night of bush camping was mixed for all with some apparently hardly sleeping at all. Myself and John had been treated to a further hour of guitar by Rogarty before turning in and we were all a little tired but ready to get trekking. After a breakfast of porridge and sausages (not together), we set off in the buses to drive half of the 50kms to Kitumbeine. Having stopped at our first sighting of giraffe we eventually stopped and began our trekking on sand and dust tracks. The journey was gentle and uneventful until we chance upon a herd of 8 or 10 giraffe that we watched for a considerable time. We then continued before reaching our lunch stop where we enjoyed freshly prepared salad and fruit. The morning walking had been tame so far but as the heat intensified the group became strung out along the path and stragglers were picked off. Two required the assistance of support buses but the rest were able to continue with brief but regular stops as we crossed the Rift valley floor where we were met with a short burst of rain that provided relief for some but gave increased humidity for the final 2km through the village and on to the campsite where we were greeted with a cold drink and flannel to sooth any aches and pains. There was a mixture of joy and relief and reaching our destination some 23km away – some suffering more than others.
Many trekkers took the opportunity of a shower before a dinner of chicken and vegetables. We sat briefly around the campfire with drinks before heading to bed and a restful if somewhat warm sleep.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Journal - Day 3
Tuesday 9th October
Breakfast this morning in the Safari hotel in Nairobi was freshly prepared omelette with peppers, onions and chillies, followed by fruit platter. After our vehicles arrived we loaded and finally made our torturous exit from the smog of the city and the journey to the border passed without incident until...my water bottle. Belting down the highway we hit a bump, the door swinging open sending the poor aluminium Sigg bottle out and onto the ground, it was retrieved, some serious injuries had been sustained but integrity remained intact and the bottle lives on.
We reached the border at Nwange after a short pit stop and proceeded through border controls with little fuss. After reaching Longido Township we received news that our transport was unable to make the final 4.5km and we would proceed on foot. This caused some concern to our tour leader but everyone was happy to be out of the busses and took to the path without complaint. In fact the 4.5km turned into less than 2km and we were greeted by a cool flannel, glass of mango juice and a fully struck camp.
Lunch of breaded fish with potato and vegetables was served and gratefully consumed after which we received our camp talk and met our staff for the next 5 days.
We then finally set off on our first trekking of the trip – to a Maasai ‘boma’, where we were welcomed by the residents and spent some time inside the ‘manyattas’ and chatting with the children who were all very friendly if a little pushy when it came to photographs.
We finally wrenched ourselves away, stopping at the improvised market place to make several purchases of jewellery and goods – all beautifully made.
We returned to camp learning about the local area on the way from our guide Samuel – a very well educated Maasai elder.
After washing and pre-dinner drinks we sat down to a meal of mushroom soup followed by beef stew with rice. This was capped off by drinks around the fire with Rogarty on the guitar giving us a rendition of local Swahili songs and Bob Marley classics...only in Africa.
Breakfast this morning in the Safari hotel in Nairobi was freshly prepared omelette with peppers, onions and chillies, followed by fruit platter. After our vehicles arrived we loaded and finally made our torturous exit from the smog of the city and the journey to the border passed without incident until...my water bottle. Belting down the highway we hit a bump, the door swinging open sending the poor aluminium Sigg bottle out and onto the ground, it was retrieved, some serious injuries had been sustained but integrity remained intact and the bottle lives on.
We reached the border at Nwange after a short pit stop and proceeded through border controls with little fuss. After reaching Longido Township we received news that our transport was unable to make the final 4.5km and we would proceed on foot. This caused some concern to our tour leader but everyone was happy to be out of the busses and took to the path without complaint. In fact the 4.5km turned into less than 2km and we were greeted by a cool flannel, glass of mango juice and a fully struck camp.
Lunch of breaded fish with potato and vegetables was served and gratefully consumed after which we received our camp talk and met our staff for the next 5 days.
We then finally set off on our first trekking of the trip – to a Maasai ‘boma’, where we were welcomed by the residents and spent some time inside the ‘manyattas’ and chatting with the children who were all very friendly if a little pushy when it came to photographs.
We finally wrenched ourselves away, stopping at the improvised market place to make several purchases of jewellery and goods – all beautifully made.
We returned to camp learning about the local area on the way from our guide Samuel – a very well educated Maasai elder.
After washing and pre-dinner drinks we sat down to a meal of mushroom soup followed by beef stew with rice. This was capped off by drinks around the fire with Rogarty on the guitar giving us a rendition of local Swahili songs and Bob Marley classics...only in Africa.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Journal - Part 2
Monday 8th October
Somehow, I am sitting in suite number 918 of the Safari Club Hotel – Nairobi’s only all-suite hotel…it feels very uncomfortable.
The contrasts today have been stark and have now been made all the more apparent by us rolling into the forecourt of the hotel at 9pm to be greeted by bellboys, concierge and a restaurant serving ostrich steak and crocodile medallions.
We began this morning with a breakfast of traditional simple African fare before setting off for our first project visit of the day – the Community Water Project in Ntuka where a pipeline covering some 42 kilometres has been established to transport water into the Maasai communities.
The people we spoke with were very warm and welcoming although the children were naturally very nervous of 20+ white people wielding cameras and asking questions. We gained their trust and they soon became relaxed – laughing and joking while we explored a traditional homestead or ‘boma’, only a few metres from the new water kiosk – the women no longer having to walk up to 20km a day for water. This in turn meant the children were now able to attend school and gain an education.
On reaching the school we were greeted by song and dance from the children – all kitted out in very smart uniforms from the youngest of about 4 up to 16 and 17 year olds. We toured the classrooms – both old and new and looked through school books where the children were learning subjects such as astronomy, nutrition, crop rotation, diseases and vaccinations and many others.
After this we were treated to a special dance by several members of the school which involved participation from several of our party. We distributed t-shirts that had been designed by children in the UK and then subjected the school to a rendition of ‘head, shoulders knees and toes’, they were not overly impressed.
After lunch on the move, we travelled to the final stop of our visit – the Intake and irrigation furrows that have provided the water for these communities and many others. The simple system merely channels the little water there is into a furrow for irrigation then into the pipeline that stretches across the plains and serves over 5,000 people and 18,000 animals – without the use of pumps. Something very basic and simple, but of such importance to the community, which has now taken over control of maintaining it.
We then set off for our trip back to Nairobi via Narok – a journey of some 6 hours the first parts of which afforded us glimpses of much wildlife – zebra, wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, impala, dik-dik, ostrich, secretary birds and baboons as well as many beautiful birds such as bee eaters and kites.
We eventually rolled into Nairobi and the palatial surroundings we now find ourselves in and sat straight down to a dinner of goat stew (the most basic and traditional thing I could find on the menu) whilst waiting for the second bus which it seems had turned up at a different safari hotel on the other side of town.
Despite the best efforts of the hotel staff to persuade us otherwise – a few ventured to a bar around the corner for a couple of drinks before retiring for the night.
Somehow, I am sitting in suite number 918 of the Safari Club Hotel – Nairobi’s only all-suite hotel…it feels very uncomfortable.
The contrasts today have been stark and have now been made all the more apparent by us rolling into the forecourt of the hotel at 9pm to be greeted by bellboys, concierge and a restaurant serving ostrich steak and crocodile medallions.
We began this morning with a breakfast of traditional simple African fare before setting off for our first project visit of the day – the Community Water Project in Ntuka where a pipeline covering some 42 kilometres has been established to transport water into the Maasai communities.
The people we spoke with were very warm and welcoming although the children were naturally very nervous of 20+ white people wielding cameras and asking questions. We gained their trust and they soon became relaxed – laughing and joking while we explored a traditional homestead or ‘boma’, only a few metres from the new water kiosk – the women no longer having to walk up to 20km a day for water. This in turn meant the children were now able to attend school and gain an education.
On reaching the school we were greeted by song and dance from the children – all kitted out in very smart uniforms from the youngest of about 4 up to 16 and 17 year olds. We toured the classrooms – both old and new and looked through school books where the children were learning subjects such as astronomy, nutrition, crop rotation, diseases and vaccinations and many others.
After this we were treated to a special dance by several members of the school which involved participation from several of our party. We distributed t-shirts that had been designed by children in the UK and then subjected the school to a rendition of ‘head, shoulders knees and toes’, they were not overly impressed.
After lunch on the move, we travelled to the final stop of our visit – the Intake and irrigation furrows that have provided the water for these communities and many others. The simple system merely channels the little water there is into a furrow for irrigation then into the pipeline that stretches across the plains and serves over 5,000 people and 18,000 animals – without the use of pumps. Something very basic and simple, but of such importance to the community, which has now taken over control of maintaining it.
We then set off for our trip back to Nairobi via Narok – a journey of some 6 hours the first parts of which afforded us glimpses of much wildlife – zebra, wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, impala, dik-dik, ostrich, secretary birds and baboons as well as many beautiful birds such as bee eaters and kites.
We eventually rolled into Nairobi and the palatial surroundings we now find ourselves in and sat straight down to a dinner of goat stew (the most basic and traditional thing I could find on the menu) whilst waiting for the second bus which it seems had turned up at a different safari hotel on the other side of town.
Despite the best efforts of the hotel staff to persuade us otherwise – a few ventured to a bar around the corner for a couple of drinks before retiring for the night.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Journal of a Trekker - Part 1
Well it's taken a while...but here is the first installment of my Africa Trek Journal. The rest will be published (with more photos) over the coming days.
Footsteps of the Maasai Trek, 7-16 October 2007
“Join Maasai tribesmen and seek out your nomadic origins as you take on this majestic bush trek through Africa’s most beautiful region – the Rift Valley. Trek through a landscape of acacia trees, savannah grasslands and volcanoes, passing antelopes, zebras, giraffes and traditional Maasai villages – this is the cradle of mankind”
So said the blurb before we left and what a bush trek it was.
Thanks to your support, my total raised at the end of October stood at £3,293.15. By the end of our trek, the group of 23 as a whole had raised an astonishing £92,000 between us for ActionAid – thankyou.
Sunday 7th October
We are now just over 1 hour from landing in Nairobi to start our ‘challenge of a lifetime’ – events so far having been non-eventful (no traffic on the M25, very quick check in, emotional good byes to the girls, successful meet and greet with fellow passengers and about 2 hours sleep (disturbed). Soon reality will kick in as we are whisked straight from the airport to Narok some 2 hours away and a project visit this afternoon.
An entertaining drive from Nairobi threw up the usual standard of African roads with deviations aplenty and the opportunity to choose which side of the road to drive with regular occurrence. Passing through several villages threw up the hoped for collection of entertaining shop names – of note the Destiny Hotel, butcherys aplenty and what appeared to be the Kenyan equivalent of Weatherspoons – chain of ‘Honey Pot’ pubs – worth a visit? Having left Nairobi in drizzle and mist it was a delight when our route took us past a vantage point giving us views stretching for miles across the Rift Valley – so impressive in fact that astute budding businessmen had set up stalls with goods for sale while you took in the beauty of the ‘3rd World View’…we didn’t stop.
After a brief snooze we headed out to our project visit – Oloontoto Dining Hall at a boarding school some 20kms outside of Narok that serves approximately 500 children (200 of whom are boarders). ActionAid money has helped build a large new kitchen and dining area that now serves as a meeting hall for the whole community as well as a place for the children to eat together indoors. We were shown around the school by the obviously proud head teacher then treated to some wonderful singing and dancing in the hall from groups of both boys and girls. Afterwards as we made our way through the grounds we each received our mob of children who were intent on getting into every photo – 1 or 2 taking particular interest in my hat and sunglasses, another obtaining my ActionAid ID badges and now answering to name of Andrew. We visited their classrooms – brick buildings with desks and blackboards as usual, where I showed them some postcards of London I had brought with me – gone within 5 seconds flat.
Eventually we climbed aboard our buses, waved goodbyes and drove off in a cloud of dust much to the children’s obvious disappointment. We headed back to the hotel stopping briefly for the zebra (and gazelle) crossing.
The children at Oloontoto School
After a quick change of clothes and a drink in the hotel bar, 3 of us took a wander into downtown Narok to see the locals. We found the best policy to be to walk in the middle of the road to avoid cars and trucks using the supposed pavement. The many “Jambos” on the way were followed by inevitable requests for money or pens – not aggressive or pleading – and we found a polite “Habana” (No) would suffice. We ventured into Harry’s bar – a seemingly small cosy tavern from the outside that turned out to be more a German beer hall arrangement without the waitresses but with the hanging meat. We had a quick beer for which we decided on the price then returned to our hotel for ice-breaking games followed by dinner then a drink in the bar before bed – it was gone 9pm after all.
Footsteps of the Maasai Trek, 7-16 October 2007
“Join Maasai tribesmen and seek out your nomadic origins as you take on this majestic bush trek through Africa’s most beautiful region – the Rift Valley. Trek through a landscape of acacia trees, savannah grasslands and volcanoes, passing antelopes, zebras, giraffes and traditional Maasai villages – this is the cradle of mankind”
So said the blurb before we left and what a bush trek it was.
Thanks to your support, my total raised at the end of October stood at £3,293.15. By the end of our trek, the group of 23 as a whole had raised an astonishing £92,000 between us for ActionAid – thankyou.
Sunday 7th October
We are now just over 1 hour from landing in Nairobi to start our ‘challenge of a lifetime’ – events so far having been non-eventful (no traffic on the M25, very quick check in, emotional good byes to the girls, successful meet and greet with fellow passengers and about 2 hours sleep (disturbed). Soon reality will kick in as we are whisked straight from the airport to Narok some 2 hours away and a project visit this afternoon.
An entertaining drive from Nairobi threw up the usual standard of African roads with deviations aplenty and the opportunity to choose which side of the road to drive with regular occurrence. Passing through several villages threw up the hoped for collection of entertaining shop names – of note the Destiny Hotel, butcherys aplenty and what appeared to be the Kenyan equivalent of Weatherspoons – chain of ‘Honey Pot’ pubs – worth a visit? Having left Nairobi in drizzle and mist it was a delight when our route took us past a vantage point giving us views stretching for miles across the Rift Valley – so impressive in fact that astute budding businessmen had set up stalls with goods for sale while you took in the beauty of the ‘3rd World View’…we didn’t stop.
After a brief snooze we headed out to our project visit – Oloontoto Dining Hall at a boarding school some 20kms outside of Narok that serves approximately 500 children (200 of whom are boarders). ActionAid money has helped build a large new kitchen and dining area that now serves as a meeting hall for the whole community as well as a place for the children to eat together indoors. We were shown around the school by the obviously proud head teacher then treated to some wonderful singing and dancing in the hall from groups of both boys and girls. Afterwards as we made our way through the grounds we each received our mob of children who were intent on getting into every photo – 1 or 2 taking particular interest in my hat and sunglasses, another obtaining my ActionAid ID badges and now answering to name of Andrew. We visited their classrooms – brick buildings with desks and blackboards as usual, where I showed them some postcards of London I had brought with me – gone within 5 seconds flat.
Eventually we climbed aboard our buses, waved goodbyes and drove off in a cloud of dust much to the children’s obvious disappointment. We headed back to the hotel stopping briefly for the zebra (and gazelle) crossing.
The children at Oloontoto School
After a quick change of clothes and a drink in the hotel bar, 3 of us took a wander into downtown Narok to see the locals. We found the best policy to be to walk in the middle of the road to avoid cars and trucks using the supposed pavement. The many “Jambos” on the way were followed by inevitable requests for money or pens – not aggressive or pleading – and we found a polite “Habana” (No) would suffice. We ventured into Harry’s bar – a seemingly small cosy tavern from the outside that turned out to be more a German beer hall arrangement without the waitresses but with the hanging meat. We had a quick beer for which we decided on the price then returned to our hotel for ice-breaking games followed by dinner then a drink in the bar before bed – it was gone 9pm after all.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
I'm Back!
I have returned!
I am happy to report that our group of 25 successfully completed the trek covering a distance of some 90km and so far raising an amazing £92,000 for ActionAid projects around the world.
Over the coming days I shall be posting photos and reports on an amazing experience, in the meantime, the fundraising continues in order to add to the growing total.
Andrew
I am happy to report that our group of 25 successfully completed the trek covering a distance of some 90km and so far raising an amazing £92,000 for ActionAid projects around the world.
Over the coming days I shall be posting photos and reports on an amazing experience, in the meantime, the fundraising continues in order to add to the growing total.
Andrew
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
In Nairobi
Greetings from Kenya.
I am housed inside the business centre of the Safari Club hotel in Nairobi after a short stop on our way to Tanzania.
We have spent the last 2 days visiting ActionAid sponsored projects such as schools and community water projects around the town of Narok - actually seeing the money you have donated in action. It has proved a very rewarding part of the trip giving a real insight into the work of ActionAid on the ground and the reception we have received everywhere has been warm and welcoming.
Today we leave for the bus ride to the border then on into Tanzania and our first camp stop - this afternoon we have a short trek to acclimitise then begin our journeying in earnest tomorrow from the town of Longido.
Best wishes
Andrew
I am housed inside the business centre of the Safari Club hotel in Nairobi after a short stop on our way to Tanzania.
We have spent the last 2 days visiting ActionAid sponsored projects such as schools and community water projects around the town of Narok - actually seeing the money you have donated in action. It has proved a very rewarding part of the trip giving a real insight into the work of ActionAid on the ground and the reception we have received everywhere has been warm and welcoming.
Today we leave for the bus ride to the border then on into Tanzania and our first camp stop - this afternoon we have a short trek to acclimitise then begin our journeying in earnest tomorrow from the town of Longido.
Best wishes
Andrew
Thursday, October 04, 2007
2 Days To Go!
This will be the final post before I leave for Africa in only 2 days time!
A massive thankyou to everyone that has sponsored me to help me reach my target already.
After all the build up and anticipation, the fundraising and emails, I am now all set to make the trip on Saturday afternoon to the queues of Heathrow Airport Terminal 3.
After that is taken care of I will be off and away on my flight to Nairobi. We arrive early Sunday morning. From there we travel to the village of Narok to visit an ActionAid project at work, then into Tanzania to prepare for our trek. We spend about 6 days in the Rift Valley trekking with the Maasai people before finishing at the Ngorongoro Crater with a half day of safari. We then head to Kilimanjaro airport for our flight home via Nairobi.
See you when I get back!
Andrew
A massive thankyou to everyone that has sponsored me to help me reach my target already.
After all the build up and anticipation, the fundraising and emails, I am now all set to make the trip on Saturday afternoon to the queues of Heathrow Airport Terminal 3.
After that is taken care of I will be off and away on my flight to Nairobi. We arrive early Sunday morning. From there we travel to the village of Narok to visit an ActionAid project at work, then into Tanzania to prepare for our trek. We spend about 6 days in the Rift Valley trekking with the Maasai people before finishing at the Ngorongoro Crater with a half day of safari. We then head to Kilimanjaro airport for our flight home via Nairobi.
See you when I get back!
Andrew
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Target up!
Ding, ding, ding, ding
The bell sounds as my fundraising crashes through my £3000 sponsorship target. A big big thankyou to everyone who has helped me raise the funds for my trip - please continue to sponsor me though - the more money I can donate to ActionAid the better.
A special mention goes to Mark, Kate and Ellis who pushed me through the target barrier.
In other news, it is now only 18 days until I leave for Africa and last night I suffered a small scare when I was knocked off my bike by a car which chose not to stop at a junction - no major damage just a few cuts and bruises but a buckled front wheel has curtailed my training for the time being.
Apart from that - all is good and preparations are almost complete.
Thanks again
Andrew
The bell sounds as my fundraising crashes through my £3000 sponsorship target. A big big thankyou to everyone who has helped me raise the funds for my trip - please continue to sponsor me though - the more money I can donate to ActionAid the better.
A special mention goes to Mark, Kate and Ellis who pushed me through the target barrier.
In other news, it is now only 18 days until I leave for Africa and last night I suffered a small scare when I was knocked off my bike by a car which chose not to stop at a junction - no major damage just a few cuts and bruises but a buckled front wheel has curtailed my training for the time being.
Apart from that - all is good and preparations are almost complete.
Thanks again
Andrew
Thursday, September 06, 2007
1 month and counting...yikes!
It is now exactly 30 days until I set off for Africa...now it seems close!
This week I subjected myself to the trauma of vaccination - Typhoid and Yellow Fever (£45 a pop) plus perscriptions for the anti-malarial favourites - hallucination-inducing larium (£25).
This is all proving to be quite expensive!
Anyway - the training is going well, now just need to push along with the last few hundred pounds to my target (click above) and I'll be ready...maybe.
Update next week
Andrew
This week I subjected myself to the trauma of vaccination - Typhoid and Yellow Fever (£45 a pop) plus perscriptions for the anti-malarial favourites - hallucination-inducing larium (£25).
This is all proving to be quite expensive!
Anyway - the training is going well, now just need to push along with the last few hundred pounds to my target (click above) and I'll be ready...maybe.
Update next week
Andrew
Thursday, August 30, 2007
5 weeks to go
And so the date draws nearer.
It is now only 5 weeks on Saturday until I leave these shores, hop on a plane and go trekking across a desert.
I am now on the final push for my fundraising, if you haven't sponsored me so far, please please do add your name to the page by following the link above.
So, logistics wise - I now have my Tanzanian Visa safely implanted into my passport and today realised the need to check up on my immunisation status before I leave.
Training has been stepped up with the purchase of a new road bike enabling me to get some miles under my belt along with regular treks around the park at lunchtime of course!
It now looks increasingly likely that the Charity Auction will take place after my return from Africa as dates and times are running out fast - please watch this space for details.
Again, thanks to all for your support
Bye for now
Andrew
It is now only 5 weeks on Saturday until I leave these shores, hop on a plane and go trekking across a desert.
I am now on the final push for my fundraising, if you haven't sponsored me so far, please please do add your name to the page by following the link above.
So, logistics wise - I now have my Tanzanian Visa safely implanted into my passport and today realised the need to check up on my immunisation status before I leave.
Training has been stepped up with the purchase of a new road bike enabling me to get some miles under my belt along with regular treks around the park at lunchtime of course!
It now looks increasingly likely that the Charity Auction will take place after my return from Africa as dates and times are running out fast - please watch this space for details.
Again, thanks to all for your support
Bye for now
Andrew
Thursday, August 16, 2007
A year on!
One year ago I announced my intention to take part in a Charity Challenge to 'celebrate' the passing of my 30th Birthday. Tomorrow is my 31st birthday and I am happy to report that I am now in the final stages of my fundraising for my trip to Kenya and Tanzania leaving in 50 days time!
My current total stands at a fantastic £2693.15 after some much appreciated hard work and effort from friends and family. Thankyou all.
I am now on the final push to my £3000 target (and beyond if possible) so please, if you are still contemplating sponsoring me then follow the link at the top of the page and add your name, quite literally, every pound counts.
I still have plans for the Charity Auction that was postponed from July and I am looking into alternative venues and dates for this to take place in the Autumn. Please watch this space.
In the meantime, thanks again
Kind Regards
Andrew
My current total stands at a fantastic £2693.15 after some much appreciated hard work and effort from friends and family. Thankyou all.
I am now on the final push to my £3000 target (and beyond if possible) so please, if you are still contemplating sponsoring me then follow the link at the top of the page and add your name, quite literally, every pound counts.
I still have plans for the Charity Auction that was postponed from July and I am looking into alternative venues and dates for this to take place in the Autumn. Please watch this space.
In the meantime, thanks again
Kind Regards
Andrew
Friday, July 27, 2007
Money & Visas
Today (Friday 27th July) is a significant date in the build up for my trek.
It is now only 71 days (10 weeks) until I leave for Africa and today saw my first commitment of 80% of my funding (£2400) due to be paid to ActionAid. This has now been completed.
The second was my payment of £38 for my Tanzanian Tourist Visa which I completed today.
Soon, will be vaccination time!
Andrew
It is now only 71 days (10 weeks) until I leave for Africa and today saw my first commitment of 80% of my funding (£2400) due to be paid to ActionAid. This has now been completed.
The second was my payment of £38 for my Tanzanian Tourist Visa which I completed today.
Soon, will be vaccination time!
Andrew
Coffee!
A big belated thankyou to Dennis & Eileen White who (with the help of others) ran a very successful Coffee Morning last Saturday at the Baptist Church in Saffron Walden. They raised a magnificent £146 for my fund....thankyou very much indeed.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Yummy!
Hello
A big thankyou to everyone that baked and prepared cakes for my stall on Saturday - the event was a great success. All items sold and contributed towards a healthy £110 to boost my fund.
Next up is a coffee morning being held this coming Saturday from 10am - 12pm at the Baptist Church in Saffron Walden. There will be more information about my trek for you to view as well - see you there.
Many thanks
Andrew
A big thankyou to everyone that baked and prepared cakes for my stall on Saturday - the event was a great success. All items sold and contributed towards a healthy £110 to boost my fund.
Next up is a coffee morning being held this coming Saturday from 10am - 12pm at the Baptist Church in Saffron Walden. There will be more information about my trek for you to view as well - see you there.
Many thanks
Andrew
Friday, July 13, 2007
Cakes Tomorrow!
Just a reminder that tomorrow (Saturday) I will be holding a cake stall in Saffron Walden Market Square to raise more funds for the cause. I have had several offers of donations for homemade goodies (more welcome) so please do pop along and sample some of the delights on offer.
We shall be open from 10am just outside Boots the Chemist, click here for a map.
In the meantime, I can now report my current total stands at a splendid £2190. Thanks to all.
Andrew
We shall be open from 10am just outside Boots the Chemist, click here for a map.
In the meantime, I can now report my current total stands at a splendid £2190. Thanks to all.
Andrew
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Up Next
Hi everyone,
After the success of the art exhibition and in particular the homemade cakes and biscuits I am now organising my next fundraising event.
I have booked a space for a stall on Saturday 14th July in Saffron Walden Market Square where I will be selling cakes, sweets and other delicious goodies. In addition, I hope to be preparing some special African favourites for sale as well.
If you are able to help out by either providing some cakes or biscuits or sparing an hour to man the stall with me then please do get in touch.
In the meantime I am very happy to announce that recent donations have boosted my current total close to the £2000 mark meaning I am very nearly two-thirds of the way to my target - thankyou to all.
Bye for now
Andrew
After the success of the art exhibition and in particular the homemade cakes and biscuits I am now organising my next fundraising event.
I have booked a space for a stall on Saturday 14th July in Saffron Walden Market Square where I will be selling cakes, sweets and other delicious goodies. In addition, I hope to be preparing some special African favourites for sale as well.
If you are able to help out by either providing some cakes or biscuits or sparing an hour to man the stall with me then please do get in touch.
In the meantime I am very happy to announce that recent donations have boosted my current total close to the £2000 mark meaning I am very nearly two-thirds of the way to my target - thankyou to all.
Bye for now
Andrew
Monday, June 11, 2007
A Great Success
Well,
Thanks to everyone who exhibited, helped and visited us at the Art Exhibtion over Friday and Saturday. Also those that provided some delicious home-made cakes for sale. The total raised on entry fees, refreshments and commissions on sales was approximately £340 along with a number of other separate donations as well.
I hope everyone enjoyed what was a very successful event - look out for the next fundraising activity coming soon!
Andrew
Thanks to everyone who exhibited, helped and visited us at the Art Exhibtion over Friday and Saturday. Also those that provided some delicious home-made cakes for sale. The total raised on entry fees, refreshments and commissions on sales was approximately £340 along with a number of other separate donations as well.
I hope everyone enjoyed what was a very successful event - look out for the next fundraising activity coming soon!
Andrew
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Countdown to the Exhibition
Find Us Here
It's only 1 day till the Art Exhibition so here's a little taster of what you can expect:
Artist List (Updated):
Lizzie Mullin: Lizzie’s photographs were taken in various locations around East Anglia. Last year she decided to share her pictures and produced a 2007 calendar of North Norfolk Sunsets – an instant hit. She now produces greeting cards, and is looking to widen her portfolio with jigsaws, place mats etc as well as a coffee table book of local sights
Rachel Glibbery: Rachel grew up in Essex and studied fine art at college. Her collection was inspired by a painting for her daughter who is deeply into magical fairies and princesses. From that came more princesses, fairies and wizards set in magical fairy tale lands!
She uses acrylic on box canvas with glitter and sequins – and some magic fairy dust!
Rachel lives in Saffron Walden with her husband and three children
Clarissa Cochran: Clarissa has taught painting and drawing for many years in Community Education programmes including at Highpoint Prison. Although now mainly a textile artist she also likes to work in pastels and other media.
She lives in Radwinter and is Secretary of the Essex Craft Society
Veronica Shaw: Veronica paints figurative, abstract and portraits in oil on both canvas and board. Her work is sold through a number provincial galleries as well as in London. She currently teaches art on a one to one basis from her studio on a farm in Hertfordshire
Jane Buch: Jane has had an affinity with drawing for as long as she can remember, having always been drawn to compositions full of vibrant colour. She uses a mixture of pastel watercolour and acrylic to create simplistic yet imposing pieces. Her work is displayed in a number of local galleries. Jane lives in Manuden.
Anne Cardwell: Anne produces mosaics of one off contemporary designs for architectural, community and home settings. She also runs a Mosaic Workshop at her home in Saffron Walden with Gill Howe where participants can produce their own pieces of art.
Gill Howe: Gill has been working with Mosaics since 2002, being formerly a painter. She was drawn to mosaics whilst working on a mural in the Ukraine. Gill is a member of BAMM and along with Anne Cardwell runs Mosaic Workshops in Saffron Walden
Denise SelfDenise studied Art at St Martin’s in London before completing a 3 year foundation course in Textiles at the Hammersmith School of Art. After spending many years abroad she now paints watercolours, her preference being for Portraiture. She lives in Great Chesterford
Tony WhiteTony’s work is informed by natural forms and characteristically comprises spatial arrangements of colour and shape. He has held a number of successful solo exhibitions in the region and in 2006 was the featured artist for the summer exhibition at the Darryl Nantais gallery in Linton. Tony’s work has been commissioned for private collections, books and magazine covers and can be found throughout the world. He will be participating in the Cambridge Open Studios in July and is based in Newport.
Margaret Hammond Margaret produces framed and unframed paintings and cards of flowers, landscapes and still life in a variety of media, attempting to capture some impression of light. She lives in Saffron Walden and is Chairman of the Saffron Walden Art Society
Katy Ellis Katy graduated with an honours degree in Fine Art Painting from Glasgow School of Art in 1996. She then explored and studied during 2 extensive years of travel. Since then Katy has used her source work to create a series of evocative, richly painted, many layered watercolours of a range of subjects. She has shown her work widely throughout England, Ireland, France and America and now lives in Saffron Walden
Elenor PeckEllie studied fashion at Winchester School of Art and worked as a textile designer in London. She has been painting with acrylic on canvas for a few years and likes working with natural forms having been influenced by the time she spent teaching in the Caribbean. This has given her a particular interest in light and shade and the use of tropical subject matter. Ellie now works in Special Needs in a local school
Julie Weston Julie’s work is inspired by nature. She graduated from University having studied a course in illustration. Her interests in textiles and trying out new skills have led to her specialism of collage whilst her strengths are based on textures and colours. Julie has been inspired to exhibit at the Baptist Church as she feels the money raised is going to a good cause…Amen!
Kay Dumps Kay has been painting for a number of years and is self taught through having attended a number of adult education art classes in Dorset. Her work is oil on canvas and she lives both in Saffron Walden and Dorchester
Elizabeth Simmons Liz currently lives in Dorset and is self taught. Her ‘suncatchers’ are designed to reflect light and form and are made from leaded glass that can hang inside or out
In addition, there will be an ActionAid Information Stand displaying details and photos about the charity and the trek I am funding.
We will also be serving teas, coffees and soft drinks as well as homemade cakes and biscuits - all for a small donation.
Finally, a big thankyou to Yvonne and Trevor at Etymon Print & Packaging who are sponsoring the exhibition, you can check out their website here
I look forward to seeing you there.
Andrew
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