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 12 March 2010

10 C First Phase! How are they all doing?

Here is a very quick update on the progress of the projects for you all. I am promising you lots more photographs and I am giving you an itinerary of when we will be visiting each group so that you can look out for big features and photographs for each group.


Charlie 1

Wow we are really impressed with Charlie One here at field base. They are storming away with their project. I understand that there has been some fairly intensive digging action and the pit for the pooh has already has been dug. This was by no means a small feat and the pit is an impressive 12 foot deep. A bio gas expert visited them yesterday to ensure that the pit was the correct shape and to streamline the project. On top of this amazing progress the group have already built a cow shed and I understand that the roof is going on today.

The group are taking a well earned rest tomorrow and they are visiting Muttimoola which is the location of a previous Raleigh expedition where previous Raleigh venturers built schools and toilets. I know that there are a lot of Raleigh veterans that follow the blog so I will be able to let you know how all the hard work that you have invested in the village has impacted on their local life.

We are due to visit Charlie One next Tuesday and will return to field base with photographs and stories for you by next Thursday. Watch this blog!

Charlie 3

I have given you the low down on Charlie 3 recently. So only a few words to let you know that they are continuing to make good progress and high spirits are being maintained at Charlie 3. They have begun their second trench and a trip to the local village of Saguur is planned for today’s activity.

Echo 4

The first stages of this project are to protect the village and lands from elephant encroachment and then to support the communities in self help initiatives to develop and sustain livelihood activities so that the long term impact of humans on the forests can be reduced. This project aims to install solar powered electric fencing to cover the main entry points of elephants into the village and agricultural land. Echo 4 had to trek into the village as it is so remote. I understand that the camp is built and the bashas are up. They have been clearing the land and the route for the panelling has been mapped out. I am visiting Echo 4 over the weekend so I can spill the beans on their adventures in detail and with photographs after this weekend.

Echo 5

Echo 5 have seen Elephants! Enough said! They are very much living the dream out there and their voices practically sing every time we speak to them over the radio. I am heading there today so I will come back armed with lots of stories and photographs. I cannot promise an elephant photograph but I will definitely be trying my hardest. So after this weekend I promise to deliver hilarious stories and pictures of progress on Echo 5. Watch this blog!

Tango 6

The group are 5 days into their 19-day adventure phase in Kerala. So how far have they covered? The route began in Kerala, in Silent Valley in the Erivikulam National Park and they have completed the first stage of arduous trekking at altitudes of up to 2,600m. They have climbed into the Western Ghats, summiting India’s second highest peak outside the Himalayas. This has been followed by trekking through beautiful tea plantations. Our photographer Claire joined them for this amazing journey; she is due back shortly with lots of photographs which I can share and I also have been in regular contact with the group who have been providing me with numerous hilarious anecdotes. So this update is very much a sneak preview with lots more to come on Tango 6. Watch this blog!

Tango 7

The planned route takes the group on a 200km journey through some of the most spectacular jungle scenery in India. It follows the Western Ghats mountain range westwards for 12 days between the border of Kerala and Karnataka States and then heads north to the highest mountain in the region of Coorg. The Pushpagiri peak at 1713m, is submitted on the penultimate day before dropping down to Subramanian and then the trek will be finished on the beach. So how far have they come on the route? I understand that today the group is having a well earned rest day today. The group is in high spirits but they have been working hard. Mountain ropes have been out and the trek is tough. I am due to join the trekking group for the last week and spend the last week with them so you will have to wait for the photographs but I can promise more stories of this group along the way and a big feature on the blog for this group at the end of phase one. They will have earned it.

37 comments:

  1. Hey lieve Lotte

    Fijn om te horen dat alles goed met jou,en de groep,gaat.
    Je zult wel de meest fantastische dingen meemaken en zien.
    Zijn erg benieuwd naar de foto,s,hopelijk heb je je niet weer verstopt!
    Hou je goed.
    Post is onderweg naar jou.

    Heeeel veeeel liefs xxxxx pap en mam

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  2. News for Harry Swinton.

    It's quite surreal posting news from home when all we really want is news from you. Just about got the hang of the blog following concept good shot of you at the party and would be interested in your role in the the "flanders chicken murdering" sketch. Info on the bird life - ornithalogical of course - would be welcome, together with details of the standard of local restaurants and quality of the linen in your hotel. Mummy of course worried about the laundry facilities and she hopes personal hygene is holding up.

    News from here ? Marko is getting married - Kati is orf to the polo in Devon this weekend - work is busy busy - it's really cold and we'll be sending letters ready for your return from the pooh project on the 25th.

    Any message from you would be good - keep digging. Lots of love from us all. MD and the home teamxxxx

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  3. Hey Kate (McKeon)!

    I have just read that you've seen elephants, that's amazing!!! I hope that you've settled in well now and are having a great time.

    I wonder if you've had some post yet?? I hope you gave me the right address lol

    It's really cold here, and not very much going on. Work is pretty boring lol. Hope you've got used to the heat/sun now!

    Take care, I'll write again soon! xxxx

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  4. wow-it all sounds wonderful,love mumxx

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  5. Message to George Mills
    Hi George! So you have seen Elephants in the wild! Wow.
    Look forward to seeing some pics!
    FYI - Spurs drew 0:0 with Fulham in the FA Cup 1/4s and assuming they win the replay, they then play Pompei in the Semi-final. So have avoided Aston Villa and Chelsea in the other semi. Fingers crossed!
    lost of love
    Mum (birthday today!), dad and Hugo.

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  6. RESPONSE NEEDED FROM AMY BROUGHTON,

    Hi Amy, you now have offers from Nottingham and York.
    If you decide on York they will need electronic response via your email.If nottingham I can send in on your behalf. York implied once accepted and deposit paid you are committed, Nottingham say you will only lose deposit if you change your mind.
    Hope this all makes sense and that you remain well and are still enjoying yourself despite the hard work. Usual routine here, running 5 km now and getting fitter.
    Love you lots Mum Xxxx

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  7. Michelle Mcdonald12 March 2010 at 22:45

    Lauren Mcdonald Echo 5 - OMG i cant believe that you have seen the elephants that is brill, hope the scenery by the lake is as beautiful as it looks. I cant wait to see the photos on here and you all seem to be doing a brill job out there. Keep it up girl and I hope you may of been able to get some photos of those elephants now they will look good on the newly painted bedroom wall lol. Love you lots we are all thinking of you everyone says hi and sends lots of love.

    p.s freddie in skins died and danielle was gutted you werent there to be sad with her lol all your girls send there love, they are keeping in touch with me and Chantelle came to see me today and gave me a big hug for you and one for me lol, she said i might be missing out on my hugs while your away bless her, and mia and danielle came to see me on monday with ella.

    Anyway take care darling and I am excited that some pics are coming on here, love you lots and so proud of you we all are keep strong, keep safe and i will talk to you when you touch base. Mum xxxxxxxxx

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  8. message to kate mckeon, echo 5!

    you've seen elephants that's amazing! I sponsored one when I was about 6. I was that cool before you met me! hope you're doing good and didn't freak out at the thought of getting trampled. Not too much to report from here, ive been having better luck with jobs, I have a really cool interview coming up on tuesday and have been getting loads of calls! so hopefully ill be employed by the time you get back. I'm going to post you a letter very very soon! watch the post space! lots of love! niclllaaaaaaa xxxxxxxxxx

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  9. Hi Catriona,
    This all looks very interesting. My term ended yesterday, no more lectures (good news) exams approaching (bad news). I'm going down to London to play tennis against Queens club tomorrow so that should be good fun. I got a scholarship from Gray's Inn which is awesome. Stef was up last week which was pretty funny, he made himself at home.
    Michele

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  10. For Paula Brocki,

    Happy Birthday, 29 years old, who would have thought? il toast you with some jameson later! hope you are having a good Birthday,

    Your faithful fathead xx

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  11. Message for Harry Swinton,

    Sounds like the digging is going well and interested to here your role in the "Flanders chicken murdering incident". Party looks good though make-up a little unusual. Mummy keen for any news about standard of service in your hotel especially quality of the linen and whether you have a bidet in your suite. I'm more interested in any intel on the bird life - ornithalogical of course - and whether you have seen anything really dangerous.

    News from home can't match your stories. Marko is getting married, Kati coming home next week before starting new job, Mothers Day tomorrow. Scotland go into bat against the Auld Enemey this afternoon - I'll keep you posted.

    Remember to change for dinner and use the right cutlery. All love from M&D and the home team.xxxx

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  12. For Hattie P

    hey sweetie :)

    How were the "beautiful tea plantations"? Hope you left some and didn't drink it all :P :) hehe

    How was the summit of the peak you climbed, bet the views were incredible :) cant wait to see the pics of you guys and hear your stories :)

    Lots and lots and lots of love :)

    Matt xxxx

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  13. Hey Paula Poo face (Tango 7):)

    Looks amazing out there we missed you on your birthday you old fart. Bump is 14 weeks now and the scan was amazing iv kept you a scan picture. Please be careful i cannot handle the pressure of being the only daughter in the country the parentals keep phoning me and driving me mad lol never heard from them both so much tooo much pressure. Well im waffling now so i love you mucho lots and take care poo face xxxxx Amanda Panda

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  14. Tango 7:Lidwine van der Heijden
    Ha lieve Pien, fijn, mooi, zwaar, ellendig, warm, koud, romantisch, killing??? Oh wat zijn we benieuwd! We kijken uit naar:" but I can promise more stories of this group along the way and a big feature on the blog for this group at the end of phase one. They will have earned it."
    Heel veel liefs, mam

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  15. hi dhwani, miss talking to you , had posted a blog earlier but can't find it so am sending you another!! standard stuff mum repeating herself!!
    seems like your group is forging ahead full blast....... hope your well and r enjoying , everyone at home is thrilled that you got to play holi and cardiff came thru..... don't know why you doubted yourself . ? !!!!
    love you sweety .

    mum

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  16. can't wait to see some photo's have been updated by Tom so know Helen is enjoying herself.

    love you loads miss you more.

    Mum & Dad

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  17. JJ Keene, Shells and Gringrin13 March 2010 at 23:43

    For Duncan Sanders:
    Hello I hope you're well (: Shelley wanted me to say hi and miss you and big loves (: Alex says IYA and that he really really misses you..he misses you so much it hurts some times. I'll leave a proper comment on the next blog! Keep safe.
    I love you, JJ xxxxxx

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  18. Can't wait to hear about the elephants!xx

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  19. Katherine Mammone HAPPY BIRTHDAY XXXXXX not sure you will geg this on time its mothers day and we are all meeting in London. Pat is driving down and Chris is coming in by train.

    Sounds like your project is going well,another big hole you've dug.(Dads poor jokes again)
    Hope the gas man approved.

    Grandad T is doing really well no more pain & is going out most days,Mum & Gill go out with him quite often but he didnt want to come today.

    My two are ok as well Dad has given up driving completely now & I sold his car for him so expect calls to go shopping when your back!!!

    Work is still really slow and I think the house move is probably on hold for some little while.

    Will be nice to hear all your news when you have access to E mails again, hope the food is agreeing with you and your not feeding to many mossies.
    Well its time for me to shift now so enjoy. XXXXXXXXX Lots of love Mum & Dad

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  20. Hi Kate, Off to the St. Patrick's Day Parade now. Will send you some pictures next week! Lots of Love Mum,Dad and VEG xxxxxx

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  21. Message to Benn - missed your Mothering Day card and Flowers. But we forgive you as from what i read using mountain ropes it is not a picnic where you are. Good visit to Hertfordshire Uni for Rory yesterday another contender. One to go Oxford Brookes next wednesday. Washed all cars inside and out today including yours ( rust has not gone away ). All well take care love Mum and Dad

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  22. Lidwine van der heijden
    Zo benieuwd naar de beloofde foto's! Lees dat de groep "in high spirits is", fijn!
    Liefs,
    mam

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  23. Michelle Mcdonald15 March 2010 at 04:25

    Lauren Mcdonald Echo 5 - Cant believe yourve seen elephants hope you managed to get some pics will look great on the newly painted bedroom wall. Really looking forward to seeing the pics on here and to see how you are all doing. What a great project to do and also how lucky to be by that beautiful lake. It was nice to see that raleigh left all use mums a happy mothers day message on here today for everyone thats away it was really thoughtful, as all us parents must of missed all of you today. But I bet we are all as proud. Anyway theres another letter in the post with some juicy gossip lol. Love you lots take care hun speak to you when you touch base keep safe and strong love you soooo much. mum xxxxxx

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  24. Michelle Mcdonald15 March 2010 at 04:30

    Lauren McDonald Echo 5 - Hi babe I have posted your latest facebook messages lol as some people are still having problems with the blog love you xxxx mum xxxx

    Dave Ja Vu hey u diomand thinking ov u xxx
    Thu at 4:57am · Comment · LikeUnlike · View Feedback (1)Hide Feedback (1) · See Wall-to-Wall
    Maria Sophia James likes this.
    Chloe Louise Redfern i swear this is going soo slow!! hurryy back Maccersssssss xxxxx
    Thu at 4:41pm · Comment · LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-Wall
    Sam Henn I ♥ you Laureeennnn!!
    Have wriitten on that blog twice & then its dissapeardd!! :S
    Missin youu, i will try to write on there again lol..
    xxxxxxxxxx
    10 hours ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-Wall
    Maria Sophia James mcdonalddd i love u mannn & i miss u loadsssss xxxxx
    8 hours ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-Wall
    Josiee Burdfield : ) hope ur okayyyyy loveee u xxxxxx
    12 minutes ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-Wall

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  25. Lauren Pegg ECHO 5. Hi Lauren, how are you doing out there? Hope the weather isn't too hot yet and that you have taken plenty of pics of the scenery and wildlife - can't wait to see your elephant photos, how close were they and were you a teensy bit scared? Nothing much to report from this end, same old same old. Rebecca popped round yesterday and she is really missing you, which is sweet, as are Eleanor and Brehyr. This is a bit of a one-way communication thingy at the moment, which is a bit of a fad but hopefully more info and pics etc will be posted up on this site soon. I posted a letter to you today; wonder how long that will take to arrive! Love you lots and lots and can't wait to hear what you have been up to. Hope your tummy is holding up. Love Mother Ducks xxxx

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  26. Phil Hudd.
    Hi hope yr keeping well. Idid send u a message before but I cant see it on the list probably done something wrong knowing me.
    Everyone here is ok an sends their luv. We all went to Mel,s Sunday her house is coming along lovely, Nan wants to move in. ha ha...
    Hope to hear from u soon or to see some photos.
    Love Mum xxx

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  27. Hi, Juliet C-W.
    Hope all is well with you. Enjoy the 20th. Looking forward to hearing from you. Take care.
    Lots of love.

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  28. Message for Paula Brocki(Tango 7)

    I hope you are still having a fab time.Thanks for the pressie you left me (your cold)lol!!
    My mothers day card was lovely thank you so much and made me cry as always.
    Amanda made me laugh with her blog lol cheeky monkey.I hope you have lots to tell when you get back from your trecking i cant wait.
    Take Care love you always
    Mummybear
    xxx

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  29. Message for Bella in Echo 5
    Great about seeing elephants! I'm sure you're having a fantastic time. Everything fine here except that unfortunately Lion-O is very ill - though the vet is treating him and feels he may last another few months. Sorry - but I know you prefer to hear the bad as well as the good. Hope I've done the right thing in telling you.
    Lots of love,
    Mum and Dad xxx

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  30. Message for Bella, Echo 5
    My earlier message tonight seems to have got lost. Glad you're obviously having a great time. Wow about the elephants! Everything fine here except the vet unfortunately confirms Lion-O is very ill but with treatment he may perk up for another few months.Hope this is not too upsetting but I know you wanted to be kept in the picture.

    Lots of love,
    Mum xxx

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  31. Message for George Wills,Tango 7
    Keeping a watch on your progress and looking forward to seeing some pics. Sounds really hard work but we're sure you're enjoying the challenge. have scoured pics and perhaps identified the back of you playing cards??!!!
    Man U still top but Mum v sad that Beckham is injured and will miss World Cup. Sending letter today hopefully arrive for your return to base camp next week.
    Love you loads and missing you so much!
    Mum & Jack

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  32. Pieennieeee,
    Ik mis je! Ben zo benieuwd hoe je het hebt! Ben benieuwd naar alles. Post komt eraan! xxxxx

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  33. Lidwine van der Heijden Tango 7
    Ha Pien ! Tegen de tijd dat jij na 200km op het strand zit heb ik eindelijk jullie blog onder de knie! Ik zit hongerig naar foto's van jou met je maten te zoeken maar misschien niet altijd bij de juiste expedities ! Ben wel blij dat je daar met een groep bent, klinkt wel zo veilig daar diep in de jungle met enthousiaste olifanten. Ben je tevreden met de spullen die je meenam ? Niet te zwaar ?
    Veel liefs uit la douce F, kl z Wen

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  34. Lidwine van der Heijden

    Allerliefste Pienie!!!
    Hoe gaat het??? Hoe is het daar? Heb je al veel dingen gedaan? Hoe is het weer?Ik heb geen idee wat ik doe en ik hoop dat je dit ontvangt maar ik zie hier berichtje van je moeder bij staan dus moet goedkomen! Ik schaam me echt heel erg dat ik nu pas wat van me heb laten horen, maar was heel druk met toetsweek enzo. Ik weet niet of jij hier op kan reageren en hoe het allemaal gaat, maar ik zal nu vaker een berichtje achterlaten!!
    Liefie, heeel veel plezier nog geniet daar, het is zo weer voorbij!
    Ik mis je! xxxxxxHan

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  35. Message for Neven: 10C, Charlie 1, Bio Gas Project

    Hi Neven, Looks pretty amazing out there. I am very envious stuck here in grey old London. Hope you are keeping well and coping with the all that exotic food. Don't worry, wont be long before you can have some chips. Your Mum has got a bad cold and is sniffing a lot but is going out to Ibiza for some sun. Best wishes, drop me a line. Bob

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  36. To Katherime Mammone Happy birthday XXXXXXX Dad
    Not much news on your project at the moment hopefully more pics and info soon.Have a great day.

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  37. To Hannah Mendoza

    I am sure you're having an incredible experience, we are thinking of you every day... Bet you're missing Pad Thai!! Love you and missing you more than ever....it's been soooo long since January....have a wonderful time. Lots of love mum, dad and mollie xxxxx

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