Welcome to the official blog for Raleigh India 12I | July - August 2012



Welcome to the Official Blog for Raleigh India 12J September - December 2012.



Friday 13 February 2009

And they're off and... trekking

(above: the Raleigh India 09C cohort learns building skills from resident PM and qualified builder Joey)

As dawn cracked this morning, the 53 Venturers who now call the Raleigh India Feildbase home were already up and packing their rucksacks in preparation for today's trek training.

(left: Tom M and Mubarak during communications training) The group has been split into preliminary Alpha groups to undergo communications training, gear training, cultural awareness training and of course the ever-popular get-to-know you games. They will be allocated their official Alpha groups, with whom they will spend the first 19-day phase on project with, tomorrow.

(left: Jo D, Hannah, Tilly, Holly and Rebecca M during communications training)


Last night Alpha 1 emerged victorious from Jules and Neil's Thursday Night Quiz, which saw all the Alpha groups using a myriad of musical instruments as "buzzers."

Emma W impressed everyone by knowing the hometown of Brian from Monty Python and Chris A finally found a use for all his Star Wars general knowledge by reeling off the names of the six films without hesitation.

Our host country venturers Akhil, Parthi, Samith, Sreejith, Mukesh, Mani, Guna and Mubarak proved popular by helping out with the India section, particular when it came to cricket details. They were also stars on the vollyball court when an impromptu game started up during a break between rucksack packing and phonetic alphabet training. (picture: the HCVs arrived a day ahead of the main cohort and were greeted by their PMs and Fieldbase staff.)

For everyone else, the past two days have been a little overwhelming as they get to know each other whilst undergoing everything from building instruction to swimming tests.

(Right: Ricardo D with Raleigh driver Girish - back - and good friend of Raleigh India, Ravi.)

Tonight the Venturers will camp at the base of Chamundi Hill, just like the staff group did last week, and tomorrow will summit the hill before coming down the other side and practising a casualty evacuation. Some of the group will be building bashas to sleep in and talk about the best construction methods is already underway.












(picture: Mountain leaders Peter and Ivan detail what is - and is not - essential to take when trekking.)


The Fieldbase staff have a few tricks up their sleeve for Valentine's Day tomorrow before everyone is deployed on Monday, and the Raleigh India 09C programme starts in earnest.



To everyone who has commented on the previous blog: THANKYOU! All the comments have been posted, printed off and pinned to the Venturer notice board so have been seen by everyone. We have a blog reponse book as well so expect some notes back before deployment. It's been a big relief for the Venturers to know that everyone at home knows they have arrived safe and sound.

Standby for more news from the sub-continent!

59 comments:

  1. To Alpha 3
    Have a great time Monday, this is a practice run for BCFC Stadium. Lots of love Mum & Dad Matt

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  2. JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
    it is i, Dimple:D
    Lillian just told me yesterday that you left!we didn't get to talk!:(im so sad. you didn't even tell me if you can stay at the end!
    hope you're having lots of fun...looks like seriously hard work!all my loooov is wid you i'm sure you know.
    check your facebook if you can,i put my contact details and some general info there.n let me know if you want me to mail you a local sim card so you can call around pls!
    i saw your photo btw! you were looking the wrong way of course*classic*:D
    take care of yourself n let me know if you need anything,i'll post again as soon as i can.
    miss you a ridiculous amount!tc!xxx

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  3. Lieve Eveline, met een vergrootglas zoeken we je op elke foto. leuk om te lezen wat je allemaal moet doen: zwemtest (in je badpak:)) en slaapplaats bouwen.... (met je touw?) Hier sneeuwt het! xx Tanja en Anne

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  4. hi ricci, glad u reached safe n sound..u lucky ole bean..lmao

    hope u n hackney crew are settling good. so u r off trekkin now are ya..well im still washing clothes..lmao...dont forget to send card to your son,...ASAP.
    saw pictures on site and they look great..
    we are proud of you and look forward to hearing from uyou soon by card..dont FORGET me ASHTRAY...lmao


    love MUM N DAD

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  5. 09C Crew !! Glad to see everyone is enjoying the first few days in Sunny Mysore - Hope the mini trek goes well and that everyone is looking forward to phase one! I'm sure you will be glad to hear its still cold and grey here in the UK!
    Also - great work on these blogs fieldbase team - loads of positive feedback and we all look forward to seeing/hearing more soon...

    Have a great weekend from Adam and all at Raleigh London HQ

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  6. Hi Jo'
    I have abandoned your room till your return. Good luck with your trecking. Grrrrr miauu

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  7. hi Ricci
    Glad it all going well, have a good trek,,,,,,
    Dad

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  8. Hi Seb,

    Looks great out there, wish it were us. Its nice and quiet here - no guitar.
    PS Chelsea new manager is Guus Hiddink only till end of season.
    PPS Car has dented wheel !?!

    love Dad and Mum

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  9. hi holly,
    how are you? wt have you been up to?
    when are u coming back?

    can you get me lots of henna as a souvenir, please, thank you.

    ive got a cold, i hope i havent given it to you.

    i think isaw Izzy Clegg at school on wednesday- (because there was a talent show). but icant remember who ur friends are???

    madame steel says hi.

    sorry i couldnt send you a rose this year. i tried to send one to fletch but i dont think she got it.

    hope to see/speak to you soon.

    bye bye.

    xoxo

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  10. Hi Zoe, Saw you in one of the pictures in the blog - hope you are now well versed in basha building etc.
    We will have moved out of White Gable completely by tomorrow (Saturday). Long story why so quick and mum and I utterly knackered. For a condsideration, we'll remind you of the address!!!!!!!
    Love Mum and Dad xxxxxxxxxxx

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  11. Hi Charlie,
    Glad to see you've arrived safely - hope you are having lots of fun. Alex wants a picture of you with your new haircut! Miss you lots - Mum, Dad and Emily xxx

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  12. Hi Jo
    All well here. Hope the rucksack doesn't give you too much grief! Sounds like you are all very busy and having an incredible adventure!
    Much love
    Mum, Dad, Pete and Soph xx

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  13. Lieve Claire,

    Op de groepsfoto heb ik je gespot! Heerlijk om alles te lezen, het ziet er fantastisch uit. Hele dikke kus klavertje Mamma

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  14. Lieve Edmée, wat ongelooflijk cool dat je met olifanten gaat werken, eerlijk gezegd heb ik geen idee wat ik me daarbij moet voorstellen, maar dat zal ik wel gaan zien op de blog. Ook al zit jij daar zo ver, zo diep in de jungle, moeten we niet vergeten welke dag het vandaag is, en daarom wil ik jou vragen of jij, zelfs vanuit India, mijn valentijn wil zijn..?
    Heel veel liefs en heel veel plezier, en doe voorzichtig met die olifanten.
    Dikke kus,
    Boris

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  15. Hi Emc,
    Good to see you in the photos. Do stay in the centre of the picture so we can see you. Hope the trip is going well and you are enjoying yourself. The cold weather continues and we had a further brief covering of snow. The Nations came to supper last night and send their best wishes. Hope you get this... as you know I rely on you for IT help and have struggled with this for an hour or so. I may have to send it from Anonymous just to get past the password hurdle which keeps rejecting me! Love Daddy and all at Frogs X X X X

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  16. He Edmée!
    Ik ben hard aan het proberen een comment te schrijven maar het wilt maar niet op de blog verschijnen!
    Wat ontzettend leuk dat je iets met olifanten gaat doen! Ik ben jaloers! Ik kan niet wachten om wat foto's daarvan te zien. Zorg er maar voor dat je vaak in beeld komt ;)! Heel erg veel plezier!
    Liefs,
    Boris

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  17. Hi Em
    Great to see you in the photos.Have a great time ,we will follow your news.We've had snow again but not enough for alex to miss school!Its half term for him now.Hes going to see Arsenal play sunderland next saturday with graham. Missing you! Love M and D

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  18. Hello Holly
    Have wonderful time- the pictures look great.

    Madeleine and boys, xx

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  19. Hi Hannah, Just home from a trip and Mum showed me you in the recent photo's. Looks like you are having a great time! Good luck on the trek - Finch would love to walk with you!
    Kilo is loving the car and Mum is less 'on edge'. Flora has no role model and is lost to the fairies! Tom is just Tom.
    Make most of your time, it will pass so quickly. Just wish I had the opportunity when I was young.
    Miss you lots, Love Dad xxx

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  20. Keep smiling Holly - we know you can do it! We're really proud of you and what you're doing out there.

    Love you loads, Mum and Dad xoxox

    PS. Did you really think I wasn't going to find the cigarettes in your room?!!!
    PPS. I'm going to be meeting up with Imogen's mum soon - did you ever tell her about the alternative use for her vacuum wine pump?!!!

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  21. Ricardo said in response to anonymous (Anonymous posted as MUM N DAD, 13.2.09 at 18.25:

    "Hi mum and dad, how you both doing? I am loving it out here. i miss you both so much, thinking of you both. Nice and hot. I won't forget to sent Thairell postcard. xxx See you when I get back."

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Johanna' D.- Hope you had a good trekking day and a nice Valentine's. Everything is fine in London. Did you find your glasses? Let me know. Chandler is very well. Love xxx MUM

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  23. Hi Roo
    Hope you are having fun and enjoy your trek.
    My valentine's party last night was good fun.
    Hope you are not missing me too much.
    love Harry xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  24. hey jo:D
    i'm gonna try and post SLIGHTLY regularly:) hope you are doing well! im guessing you're really tired...all that hard work...!not like your usual habits at all :P But i'm really proud of you! I know you'll learn a lot,n you never know the experience might turn you into a civilised human:P hee hee just kidding!NOTHING could make you a civilised human!:P:P you take care of yourself okay sweetie! im gonna send you some letters but i don't know if you'll get them any time soon or what(?), the sim card thing won't work probly btw i checked and you have to have an unlocked mob first like you can get done in the shifty streets of east london:P but i'll send you my no and anytime you pass any village or whatever just dash into the nearest PCO/STD stall and call me cos i miss youuuuuuuuuuuu! altho thats been happening for ages but it feels extra sad knowing you're just nearby...but still unreachable!*u beast*
    okok i won't go on. take good care of yourself poohead!and reply sometimes if you can drag your aching body off the floor or whatnot:Plots of looov!*cuddles*xx

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  25. Hi Frankie, looks like you are having a great time. This blog is brilliant. Hope you have a great time on the trek (we are very Jealous). We all miss you very much (even the cats) but so pleased that you you are having such a good time. Have fun. Much love mum and dad xxxx

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  26. Hi Reem
    It is brilliant reading this blog and keep up to date. We also heard from Jess that you are having a great time - not that we ever doubted you would - and are going to the elephant reserve. Sounds really exciting and 'authentic'.
    Opa and oma are also avidly following this blog and we keep nana regularly up to date by phone.
    We are all fine. Kim and Kasia got back at 6 this morning. I expect they went clubbing in 1001.
    By the way we are suffering from text deprivation!
    Lots of love
    Mama and Chris

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  27. Hi Emma W,seen your pics of you all,hope the trek over chamundi hill went ok.Had a good time at the party last night,Adam and your bruv had one too many!!!Vic sends her love,thinking of you,looking forward to more pics, with love,mum,dad,Ed and 'koko' xxxxxx

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  28. Hi Allie
    Am sure you are having a wonderful time and to make you feel even better its -2c here and snowing most days. Mr J is coming back from Crans this evening where he has been skiing in fresh powder almost everyday.We lost the Rugby against Wales yesterday 23-15 but played better.Mummy gets home tomorrow.

    Much love Daddy

    PS As this is my first ever attempt at blogging excuse any faux pas

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  29. Hi Roo
    Sunday lunch for 12 just isn't the same without your help!!!
    love
    M xxxxxx

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  30. xxx Tanja Elly, Hanneke en Tasja

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  31. Lieve Nadine,
    Jij in de hitte en ik in een dik pak sneeuw in Montdore. We hebben het veel over je gehad en wensen je veel sterkte met het bouwen van sanitair. Ook veel groeten van Claudia xxx Mats

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  32. Lieve Pino,
    heel veel plezier met Alpha 3 en het bouwen van huizen. Hopelijk komen je werkhandschoenen van pas. We volgen je via google earth en vinden alles leuk om te lezen, horen en zien. Succes de komende 19dagen....(en wat kan een douche, emmer met koud water, lekker zijn he...) Liefs T en H

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  33. Hi Becks,
    I left you a facebook but I am informed that this blogging business is the best way to get hold of you...I havent got a clue what I'm doing but hopefully you'll get this. Just had a lovely (and boozy!) weekend with Jacko and co so time to knuckle down this week for some hard work.
    Will be in touch lots and lots.
    Love you
    Han xxxx

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  34. Hi Seb
    Good to get your text. We are all envious. Look forward to hear more about it. Enjoy! Love from us allx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Ricci glad u remembered card for baby great....wheres ours...lmao

    glad u r having fun what projecect u doing...wot alpha team r u in.

    dad ses hi..orient beat crewe 1-0 arsenal playing tonite...went to kennedy scott was a ball...had fun lmao

    we send u post agen soon darling..

    love ya loads
    mumxoxoxoxoxo dadxxxxxxxxx

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  36. Oi Savage!
    I hope Team Toilet is going well and you're getting your hands dirty...well not too much!
    Just wanted to say 'you go girl' and wish you luck on project TBI '09.
    I will be there in a matter of weeks....although still haven't booked our internal flights.
    Love you chick!
    Debbi
    xxxxxx

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  37. Hi Rebecca,

    Great to speak to you the other evening, Hope the trek was a huge success and not too many snakes! Cant wait to hear from you when you get back. Have asked everyone to write on the blog!! Sorry I didnt do it earlier!

    Lots of love,
    Mummyxxxxxxxxxx

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  38. Mon Allie,
    On est si content de te voir en aventuriere a l'autre bout du monde! Il ne manque que les photos des singes qui font du pouce au bord de la riviere. J'espere que tu t'amuses comme une folle et profitte de cette experience fabuleuse. Comme quoi le camping a Paleo te serre et t'a bien prepare:)
    Mille Bisous,
    ta grande soeur, Laure-Lyne

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Leanne, Michelle here again. Hope everything is going ok. We missed your gravy yesterday :) Love Michelle, mum, dad and all the kids.

    ReplyDelete
  40. To: Nicky G (15.2.09 01.03)
    From: Holly

    "Hello weeners: you can give the cigarettes to Jess - she'll be needing them soon...
    leaving tomorrow (Monday) for environmental for three weeks.
    Edinburgh?!!!
    Also, probs won't be able to send you anything for 50th, you'll have to wait 'til I'm back.
    Lots of love,
    xxx"

    ReplyDelete
  41. Combined response to: Daddy and all at Frogs (posted 14.02.09 at 22.44am) and M and D (posted 14.2.09 at 23.23)
    From: Emily

    "Hi Mum, Dad and Alex,
    It was really good to hear from you! I can't believe there is still snow at home! I got both your messages so thank you! Keep sending them. I have written a letter to you and Carl (ed note: sorry, can't quite read that word) so hopefully you will get them in a few weeks. How's Carl? Have you spoken to him? Tomorrow (Monday) I am off on my first phase which is the environmental phase where we will be sleeping in hammocks and putting up electric fences to stop the elephants coming into the villages. I miss you lots and hope to hear from you soon,
    Lots of love,
    Emily"

    ReplyDelete
  42. To: ChandlerBeans (posted 13.2.09 at 00.28), Alexandra (posted 12.2.09 02.21) and Mum and Chandler (posted 12.2.09 01.16am)

    From: Johanna D

    "Safe! I am alive! India is hot. So far I have climbed a mountain, touched a snake and looked a wild dog in the eyes. And seen monkeys!

    Dimple, I have no Facebook here but a nice surprise is a nice surprise. So please send me the card. I have to pack and climb a mountain four times as big as the first one. So send my love to everyone (Chandler!) and tell Russell I said "hi".

    I will take loads of photos, promise.

    Love Jo xxx"

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  43. To: Louise Morton (posted 14.2.09 at 14.56pm)

    From: Jo M

    "Hi Mum, Dad, Pete and Soph,

    Thanx for your messages. Having an amazing time here in india. The first phase begins tomorrow (Monday) - building 15 eco-sanitation units. See you soon!

    Lots of love,
    Jo. xxx"

    ReplyDelete
  44. To: Michelle (posted 12.2.09)

    From: Leanne

    "Hi Mich and fam, hope you're all ok. Say hello to the kids and Anthony. Sent Mum + Dad letter, write you one soon. Ennoying myself. Start my community phase on the 17th.
    lots of love,
    Leanne"

    ReplyDelete
  45. To: Alistair McLaren (posted 15.2.09 at 01.03am)

    From: Hannah M

    "Hi guys!

    I am having an amazing time out here. It's better than I ever imagined. I'm going on my first project tomorrow (Monday) - building 15 ec-sanitation systems. But I think I can still receive letters. My letter to you is in progress. I love and miss you all very much xxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  46. To: dewilton (posted 14.2.09 at 01.01)

    From: Tom D

    Hey Jonboy, Mum and Ang,

    Thank you for your message, it was lovely hearing from you. I am having an amazing time; fantastic people, hot weather and good food. tomorrow (Monday) we leave for our first phase, building 15 eco-sanitation units, I can't wait.

    Lots of love,
    Tomtom x"

    ReplyDelete
  47. To: Rosa (posted 14 February 2009 00:12)

    From: Petrina M-B

    Hey L + F, I arrived safely - letter is on its way! Starting the community project tomorrow (Monday). Missing you loads!
    Lots of love,
    Petrina

    ReplyDelete
  48. To: Boris (posted 14.2.09 at 19.15pm)

    From: Edmee S

    Editor's note: Hi Boris - I don't speak Dutch so I am typing direct from Edmee's handwriting. If I get it wrong I am very sorry! Edmee left me the most lovely note in the Blog Response Book explaining that I needed to type in dutch... she's been having a brilliant time. Cheers - Peta

    "Lieve Boris,

    Auurlyk ben ik jouw valentijn, jy ook de mijne? Vertrek zo naan Tamil Nadu. Benm benieuwd. Ik mis je!!! Hopenlijk verveel je je met al teveel zonden mij.

    Heel veel liefs,

    Edmee"

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  49. Hi Tilly
    What an adventure, what an experience!! I've seen 2 photos of you looking mighty cool in a big floppy hat. I hope all the team jobs go well and you learn a few useful tricks.

    Have a great time.

    Lots of love, Brenda

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  50. Hi Sarah K,

    Great blog and photos. Looks like your having a fab time. We all miss you and Benjie says hello!

    lots of love

    Dad, mum and Nada

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  51. hi johanna,
    it's karen and william. so happy you're having fun new experiences. we miss you and chandler.
    love ur big sis and will xxx

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  52. Hi Charlaayyyyyyyy. I hope you are having fun, saw the picture of the snakes, bet you loved that. Home is boringly quiet now without m+d shouting at you. GET ME A GOOD BIRTHDAY PRESENT!

    Emily x

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  53. Hi Sarah
    hope you are having a lovely time trekking. You must have seen great scenes
    Benjie is missing you , he is staying in your room most of the time
    can you put some photos on the blog?
    lots of love from mummy daddy and Nada

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  54. Hi Ella D,

    I sent you a message on 20th but am not sure if it got posted. I can't see it. Happy birthday for the 20th. We were all thinking of you and your completion of 3 days treking. How heavy was that rucksack. We are dying to here all about it.
    John and I got back from the Trinidad jungle on Thurs. Alex and Tom here this w/e. Iona in Cornwall. Lots of love from us all and look after those blisters! LOl Dad and Mum, A, T & I xxx. Oh yes, and Dolly sends a woof that she is missing you.

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  55. Hello William,

    Had a good couple of days in Bangalore and did manage to see the Palace in Mysore. Thought of you not being far away. Hope the construction project is going well. How are your Tamil speaking skills or do they speak a different dialect? Nice to be able to keep track of your progress and to see you in the pictures. The apartment is quiet but I'm keeping busy - just did a trip with Daddy to Singapore and I'm off to Brum in March to see Al and G&G. Enjoy yourself. Lots of love, Mummy & Daddy

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  56. Joe Maloney,A2,
    Hi Joe , hope yor getting my messages, I saw our Dee's come up but not mine, Well your sis has gone back to Turkey now and its soooo quiet here without the babs,Tom & Charli got your letter,they were made up, the reds won 2-0 last night,but are still 3rd,(not good).where are you now,I read abot you painting the school white, hahahaha,hows the diet! goin, well Joe i'll keep on posting on here and hope that you get them, take care, luv u , mum.xxxxxxxxxxx

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  57. Joey Maloney, Alpha 2,
    Joe, Our Jo & Ian send their love they are going to join the raleigh blog and write to you, hope your getting the messages ok, love and take care, mum.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  58. Joe Maloney Alpha 2
    Yo, Joe, Really pleased that you enjoyed your 1st phase, it sounds like your with a great bunch of people, spoke to Dee today, all ok there, she told me to tell you go for it Joefish and sends love from her & babs, just to make you feel good its raining as I write this, I will look out for you on the pics that come up, enjoy your next phase slim Joe, lol, take care love from the fambo and big hugs, luv u mum,xxxxxxxxxx

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  59. Hello Roo
    Lovely to hear from you over the weekend and hope the next phase is as much fun as the trek.
    Have been keeping up with Waterloo Road for you and it has been very dramatic!!!!!
    Lots of love
    M xxxxxxxxx

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