I sit here tonight absolutely exhausted but elated after a crazily busy 2 day change over. The groups all arrived in on Friday full of stories from their first phase which all were desperate to share. 
After the buses were unloaded, tents repitched, kit returned and trips to Mysore complete the first on our group agenda was the highly anticipated skits. The groups did not disappoint and there was an eclestic mixture of themes, genres and styles with each group strutting their stuff in an effort to secure the prize of an English fry up and access to hot showers.
It was a tough decision for our judges who debated vigoursly before awarding the prize to Charlie 3.
Charlie 3enjoys there prize
We were joined by 8 new venturers, Tass, Hannah, Rachel, Rachel, Alice, Euen, James and Lara who have all settled in with ease. Sadly for us we said goodbye to some brilliant young people, Chris, Jo, Hugo and Jack, who are returning home or travelling on. They will be missed!!!
On Saturday there was time for some football, clothes washing, letter writing and general catch up before our new project allocations.
A treat for our hard working PM team, breakfast on the roof terrace
As usual the team led by Kev and Dr Tom came up with a fun way for everyone to discover their new group. PM's were padlocked together and venturers were given clues to find which group and which PM they belonged to. General chaos ensured of course but I am happy to report that everyone eventually found the right people!
First is our brand new project Charlie 2 led by Sophie Cragg ( our finance wizard, who is now turning her hand to become a Project Manager) Rita and Kripa.
This project group will work in partnership with the Centre for Tribal and Rural Development Trust in the mountainous Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu. They will live alongside and work with the 40 inhabitants of the Kudimery hamlet, a remote forest community belonging to the Paniya indigenous tribal group to refurbish the simple homes for the 12 families. Living conditions are very basic and their substandard housing is the cause of much hardship and contributes to poor health. The group will repair roofing, plaster and create new pits for disused toilets. This work will facilitate a healthier standard of living whilst enabling them to retain their tribal customs and cultural identity.
Charlie 2
Sophie Cragg
Rita Cripps
Kripa Shah
Liselotte van Westerveld
Katie Radford
Rahul Prasad
Rony
Louise Carter
Hannah Mendoza
Lauren Pegg
Kate McKeon
Lucianna Stefanou
Matthew Hairsnape
Layla Testi
George Mills
Jack Bell
Owen White
George Wills
We also have a new Charlie 4. This project group is at Madapura, a hamlet, which is part of Kallambalu Panchayat Panchayat in H.D.Kote Taluk. The village is situated 20 kms away from the Taluk headquarters and 65kms from Mysore. On the road to Gaddige, 1 km outside the village lies the Morarji Desai Boarding School.This is a Government residential school that is actively supported by MYKAPS as it provides middle school education for children from scheduled tribes from over 40 villages in the H D Kote Taluk.
The school currently has only two classrooms for 180 pupils and 15 teachers and they have to share the use of four toilets. The project group will complete an additional single storey classroom and a smaller computer training room. Also the group will build 6 new toilets (3 boys / 3 girls) and renovate two further toilets. On completion the school will have an improved basic infra-structure to be better able to accommodate and teach the 180 students.
Charlie 4
Julia Robinson
Dave Rendle
Sammy Radstone
Theo Boyce
Richard Miranda
Satheesh Mohan
Paula Brocki
Pien van der Heijden
Cat Cameron
Guy Newton
Sophie Hatcher
Josef Burgess
Prajith
Laura Pye
Alice Mathews
Katharine Thomas
Philip Hudd
Sarah Wilson
The Echo groups are continuing the amazing work that has been carried out in the first phase.
Sam Dash continues where he left off last phase at Echo 4 but this time takes Priya Shah and Clive Harrison with him. The group will complete the journey to this remote paradise in two legs, first by bus before they are dropped to trek the last 9km. In addition to continuing work on the Elephant Proof Trench, they will also focus on desilting adams on the edge of the forest. This is one of a limited number of water sources for local wildlife and increasing its capacity is essential.
Echo 4
Sam Dash
Priya ShahClive Harrison
Merel Loonstra
Tom Saville
John Campbell
Duncan Sanders
David Smith
Hattie Parker
Joe
Justin
Christina Sales
Julie Egdell
Rachel Hard
Rach Tate
Louise Kinniburgh
Echo 5 will be led by Kevin Walker, Tom Blincoe and Rosie Edwards. Kev spent the first phase helping out here at field base and our loss at field base is definitely Echo 5's gain! The Scottish, Ginger Menace (his mother's words not ours) is a drummer in a band, has a degree in Applied Sports Sciences and is a constant source of fun and entertainment. Dr Tom is also heading out after a memorable time in fieldbase where he kept us all enthralled with his ridiculous knowledge levels about everything and entertained with his multi talents including the production of our very own Bond film.
Tom Blincoe
Kevin Williams
Rosie Edwards
Geoff Wells
Eleanor Hayward
Chiara Raine
Jake Hanson
Sasi Kumar
Lara Montijn
Tassilo von Hirsch
Joyce Lau
Catriona Rizzuto
Neelima Unnithan
Ruth de Sainte Croix
Alistair Muir
Dave Mahoney
And finally the trekkers! They are both going to God's own country, Kerala. New "survival" days have been incorporated when the groups will build jungle baschas as well as put their new 'chicken' skills to the test. Joing the group is Jo our comms officer who stayed up to write this blog and ensure you were all kept in the loop. She will be back mid phase with photos and tales to tell. We will of course do our best to fill her shoes and keep you up to date as the phase unfolds.
Tango 6
Joanna Ryan
Dave Liddiard
Harriet Jones
Lauren Mcdonald
Sam Downes
Anna Jeffery
Euan Edwards
Rosie Mellor
Alan Smithies
Henry Britton
Claire Traylor
Richard
Euan Miller
Kat Mammone
Amy Broughton
Dhwani Soni
Tango 7
Benn Hitchen
Luct Travis
Alice Maclennan
Lowenna Carlson
Harriet Way
James Hutchinson
Girish Kumar
Bella Plumptre
Sathish Kumar
Annie Raff
Harry Swinton
Neven Guberina
James Brown
Charles Salmon
Juliet Cameron-Wilson
Nick Finegan
Our fieldbase team has also changed. Helen has stepped into fieldbase medic and has already made many many plans on other tasks she will set her mind to and no doubt achieve, there is no stopping this woman! James also comes into to help us out on Logs following a very successful stint on Charlie 1.
I have just completed our comms for the evening and every group has checked in. Again I am amazed by these guys, who despite being absolutely exhausted after long journeys and intense days were as upbeat as ever.
I can't tell you how priveledged I feel to be part of something so amazing. As Mark said in his farewell speech last night, it is hard to believe that just 4 short weeks ago we were strangers, now we definetly feel like a family and one that I am very happy to be part of.
I love this job!
Anna
To James Brown Tango 7
ReplyDeletefrom Ally!!! mahoyoooyoy
AHOY james i donno if you will get this message i hope you do i sent a letter off like last week the post man said 7-10 working days not sure how long it will take tho i have writen soo much its like a book so i better get to india lol! and writing a another letter this one has big news i need to tell u asap lol its good news tho!!!
saw u a few times in the photos mahoy getting your P! :P
india looks great fun and yeah u do indeed have a tan not sure about this "beard" tho haha need a close up of it mabey?
hope the song book comes in handy!
cya later have fun xxx
All the best to you all in your new projects. We hope you had a good night with catching up and doing your skits.The photos look as though it was a good night for all. I just managed to make those legs out David! Can't wait to find out how Tango 7 fares after Echo 5? Please look after yourselves and well done in all the good work you are doing.
ReplyDeletePlease change previous entry
ReplyDeleteSorry it should be Tango 6 not Tango 7!!!
Message for Lauren McDonald Tango 6. Good Luck with the trek hun and the pictures on here are great you look sooo brown. Will be looking out for progress reports. I actually dished out 5 dinners at home tonight lol, so you can see i am always thinking of you lol, anyway it did not go to waste layla was very thankful lol. Take care sending you lots of love, keep safe and stay strong mum xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi David(Smith) Echo 4
ReplyDeleteGood Luck with the project. It looks like there will be lots of digging. (Blisters on your hands this time?) Have a great time.
Much love
Ma xxxx
Hi Julie
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you yesterday. Hope you enjoyed the break at fieldbase.
Well done Charlie 3 on winning the skits. Looks like you really enjoyed the prizes.
Wishing you luck on your next project with Echo 4 (forgot to ask you if your o.k. with frogs). Hope it all goes well and you make lots of new friends. Have a wonderful time!
We have had a lovely day at Mindrum. Took Bonny for a walk up and down the lane. Now back home having found her dentastix she now wants to play!!
With lots of love from us all
Mam xxx
Message for Chiara Raine Echo 5
ReplyDeleteHi Kiki,
Just checking in to let you know we arrived home safely. It's great to see you in so many photos - and at least we know you're still alive! I'm sure you really enjoyed your English fry-up. Well done Charlie 3! Have you received any of my letters and the 2 parcels yet? I'll write once more at the new address and it will hopefully arrive before you go on the Trekking phase. No further news from A but assume he will be out of contact for some time now as there are no phones at LG.
Back to work tomorrow but thankfully only a 3 day week as we move into the Easter break.
I gather you're off on the Environmental phase now, and looking back on previous blogs & photos, it looks just as challenging as the last one. I'm sure it will be great fun too as you all seem very good at mixing hard work and pleasure. Hope you're not getting too many mozzie bites! Love, MxD xxxx
For Duncan Sanders;
ReplyDeleteHey you (: I got your letter on friday, thank you for it. It made me smile quite alot (: And i'll pass on your message to JD tomorrow! I like the picture i can see of you on here, makes me smile and feel all cushty seeing you. Also i like the rugged little beard..it suits you (: And i like that bunny tee shirt..is it new? I havent seen it before!
Little up date on my life, i'll explain more in my next letter. I went to the bristol UWE open day, it was so nice and really well organised..but im going to put DMU as my first choice i think. The day before i went to stay with my friend who i met in stoupa and havent seen for 4 years..it was so nice seeing her! She's thinking of coming back to greece next year so hopefully you'll get to meet her. Talking about stoupa with her made me SO excited for our holiday..its going to be so so good (: Also i've got some more gossip for you, i'll explain in my letter aha (:
I hope you get my letters soon babe, i've sent 4 now and i'll send another one on friday. Oh yeah you almost got my address right but my post code is SN77RY..might help it get to me abit quicker (: Im not ox12 my love aha (: Anyway, i really do miss you..i just want to see you again. I cant wait until 6 weeks from now when i can hold you again. I really hope you get to go on skype, let me know when though as im in italy from the 6th of april to the 10th. I really want to be able to chat to you! I'll look out for your blogs! Good luck building the elephant fence darling. I really am so proud of you and what you've achieved. I'll write to you soon. I miss you.
I love you so much,
Your stompy xxxxxx
Hi Kate, been checking all weekend to see where you are going. Just got home from the Roisin Dubh and the site has been updated. Good luck on Charlie 2! Nice to see photos of you but you do not look very brown! You are either and English rose or an Irish colleen! Lots and Lots of love Mum, Dad and VEG xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteFrom Catriona Rizzuto
ReplyDeleteHi Chaps!
Sorry phone call was so rushed but lovely to hear your voices. Fantastic about Ireland- say 'hi' to Grannie, tried to phone on her birthday. Can't wait for the wedding now!
Must be lovely being home together. Stef that sounds great - you'll have a lot of fun skiing and I would love to go and see any country with you,
Unfortunelely this must be short but will be great if you could let me know about flights. Could you please see about cost of changing arriving one? Flying out of Delhi on 28th. My flight reference is LVHPRD.
Sorry about all the jobs but thank you. Love and miss you all.
Catriona xxx
I will send you another package soon, so just let me know if you have run out of anything.
ReplyDeletelots of love
Becks
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Christina Sales
ReplyDeleteIts great to see you look so very happy. Good luck with the next project. I do hope you have the packages very soon if you need anything else just let me know. I will be posting letter to you today(monday the 29).Love you lots and hope to hear from you soon. Take care and big huge from Mum,Nan,Martin and Shanel. xxxxxxxxxxx
…Christina sales…(Echo 4)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, hope your new project is going well and your settling with your new group, i know you were nervous about it, but i also know that you're a strong, you can handle this B. so don't let anything get in your way..
when the days feel like they are not passing and you feel all alone just remember that you're always thought of so you're never alone... Everything you're going through right now will prepare you for life…What don't kill you make you stronger!
….It was lovely being able to talk to you and hearing your voice again until the phone cut off.. :-( Missing you more now! I'l keep the letters coming your way. look after yourself….
BORO hugs and miyas XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Shahed x X x
Hi Dhwani,
ReplyDeleteok wellington has no problem with you starting 11th of May , their only concern was that by end of June their Junior program will start and divid said that their will be about 40 kids running around and thought you might find that annoying! also he has no problem in you breaking off for t in the park!!!! says he went for it too !! more about this when i see you
raleigh money has been paid .
and i miss you and love you
enjoy your time in india
love you
i'll be back in bombay by the 10th or so, so if you need anything from home and can send me a message or blog i'll bring it with me
or else will use my judgement
mum
Lieve Liselotte
ReplyDeleteWas fijn om weer even je stem te horen!Fijn dat het allemaal goed gaat.Vandaag gaat er weer een brief,naar jou, de deur uit.Ik hoop dat deze wel aankomt.We wensen jou heel veel succes en plezier met het nieuwe project.Zorg goed voor jezelf!
Lots of love lieve Lot xxxxxxxxxxx pap en mam
Dearest Christina Sales, just seen the photos and it was great,to see you so happy and envoled with everyone,you all look like you are relaxing for a change,you all must need it as well.The place seems as if they do try to give you some fun.The main thing is that you are keeping healthy,and your hair lookes great without your oil.Well darling you have a lovely colour and we envey you very much,in being their and all what you are doing.You have all our surport from the bottom of our hearts,keep going.You have all our love and praise and all our admeration to keep you going.Love you lots .All our love and big hugs and kisses darling.XXXXXXXXX.Mum,Martin,Shanel,Nan.And one big one from ShanelX.
ReplyDeletekate mckeon!!!!
ReplyDeletehellooooo, good to speak to you briefly the other day. Also great to see some pics of you, but your mums right...where is your tan>!? i want you to look moroccan when youre back ya hear?! kate i am very bored without you. i miss our chats! everyone else i know is working so its just me on my lonesome! hope you get more of the blogs where you are now! your new place looks like hard work!! muchos respect! hope you got my letter and liked all the information.. haha. i shall write again soon! love xxxxxxxxx
Hi Annie
ReplyDeleteM&D here sitting in the business centre at the David Incntl TA. Arrived yesterday after managing not to strangle a man in the que at the ELAl check in!
Been to see G&G today and they sent love. We are off to Jel tonight for the seder and then seeing Ian emma et al tomorrow. Had lovely walk along the front today although its not hot its warmer than home. #Loved the phots from your prize winning breakfast - you look so well and we loved talking to you over the weekend. Hope the trek goes well we will log in regularly and i will show Gaby and Hadas how to blog tonight Love Mum xxxxx
Have been sitting out on Tel Aviv beach and walked through excellent market to trendy gifty stalls off Allenby then on to Schenken-Sam really needs your advive on trendy sunglasses
Sam is veering towards C S but will let you know when he's decided.
Met Ollie before-he really is a mini Ian-super scmoozer but then we just have to remember hin crapping his nappy in order not to take him too seriously
This area of Tel Aviv is so much more interesting-went to a well trendy restaurant last night that reminded me of Palermo Vieccho
Missing you but delighted you're having such a great experience .Enjoy the stroll
Love
Dadxx
To Dhwani Soni (Tango 6)
ReplyDeleteHey :) Hoping that this actually gets through to you! Wanted to wish you good luck on your epic trek. I think we can safely say that you're now on DoE Diamond...but think of all those glorious tan lines you're going to get haha.
Dub-town is unusually quiet, especially without you here. We went to moe yesterday for some intense retail therapy and then watched the world's worst movie ever (The Green Zone) Had to leave half way through as I had a mild form of food poisoning from dodgy sushi. FUN TIMES!
Other than that I've been tanning a lot in an attempt to look wonderfully brown for the start of term/field trip to Wales. Dreading exams BUT I have the excitement of you being a 40 minute train ride away then. Oh, and Katie 5 pound return train ride away from you as well as Oxford is so close. Happiness :)
Anyhoo, if you don't get this before you go on your trek hope you enjoyed it loads! Can't wait to hear all your stories. Miss you lots.
Love, your Captain forever, A-Bel.
Hi Nev,
ReplyDeleteSo you're off trekking in Kerala sonuds great. I hope you have all the kit you need and not too much as you will have to carry it with you. I know how much you like trekking so enjoy.
All is good with me although it goes without saying that I miss you
Love ang hugs Mum x
Hi Annie
ReplyDeleteHadas here. Have a lovely time , enjoy yourself.
I am on holiday from school for 3
weeks Hurray! At the start of the holiday I spent 3 days at my new secondary school where I will go in Sept on a programme for a new stream at the school for able children. we did English maths hebrew science logic and tests. It was fun but some of the other kids were geeks, like REAL geeks. I need to wait to hear if i am in this group and then I decide if i want to join.
Lots of love and hugs
Hadas :) xxxx
Message for Paula Brocki (Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteHi Paula,
Good to see what you are doing next and am sure you will enjoy very much. Hope you are ok and having a great time. Take Care, Love you always.
Mummybear
xxx
For Ellie Hayward
ReplyDeleteHi Eelanee, hope you're getting on well. I haven't got your letter yet but I will be sending you one in the next couple of days so be patient and it will get to you! I hope the book is coming in useful and you enjoyed the jungle on your trek - can't wait to hear your stories :) Someone has tidied your room up so it looks nice but Abigail has taken over the attic so it probably won't last! Hope you're having a whale of a time, I've bought you a retro bag btw for when you return :) Miss you all the time, all my love Olivia xxxxxx
To Lauren Pegg (Charlie 2)
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren, good to see you looking so well - and tanned - in the photos. You look so happy too. What a wonderful time you are having. I hope you have as much fun with Charlie 2 as you did in Echo 5. Lots and lots of love, Mother Duck xxxx
Hi Amy(Broughton)
ReplyDeleteWe have just seen your latest photos. Love the pigtails, Josie might fancy trying them too, despite all those years of rebellion at St Anselms. I am on holiday now but doing my own bit of community work feeding some locals in the shape of your siblings. We finally got the house tidy for a total duration of a week after your departure but it looks like a disaster zone again now R&J are home. Thankfully A'level Geography and History are well out of my league so my duties are all in the catering and general domestic domains. The other main diversion of course is driving practice. Rest assured the Clio is bearing up fine but sends her love as does Lady Gaga (obligatory soundtrack for cruisin'). It was great to hear your voice the other night-even at 4am. Say a big thank you to your friend with the phone. We owe them a favour.
Enough drivel for the moment, posted two(small) parcels this weekend to the new Base address. Have a great Easter, we will be thinking of you even more as we tuck into the eggs.
Love you to quintillions of bits
Dad
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
Lidwine van der Heijden Charlie 4
ReplyDeleteHa die lieve Pien! Zagen net de nieuwe projecten-indeling, mooi werk ga je doen! Ook handig als we zelf een extra w.c.willen hebben.
Heb je al een keer post van ons gekregen? Vandaag is er een lange brief van Sanne aan jou op de post gegaan.Ik ga ook snel weer schrijven.
Dag lieverd, xxxx pap en mam
To Jo Ryan, First the important news that Rachel and Guy have had a little girl at 4.35 this morning (Monday) weighting 5.15oz and have called her Daisy. Mother and baby doing well considering that Rachel didn't finish work until last Friday.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, trekking! We can't wait to hear all about it. Sorry we missed your phone call on Friday. We had a good weekend with R&E.
Love, Mum and Dad.
Hi Nev,
ReplyDeleteLove the blog its so nice to see photos of you all and to see your smiling face - you look brown. So trekking next wow. Have you got everything you need? Oh welll to late if you haven't! Hopefully this will be a real adventure and you will get to see and connect to something out of this world.
Needless to say misssssss ya
Take care not to get blisters when your trekking,
Love mum xxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Louise (Carter)!
ReplyDeleteHope you loved the trek. Just saw that you're going down to help CTRD. Make sure you sit on the roof of the centre as the sun sets, it's an amazing experience!
Life here is just rain, rain and more rain... though Matt did come over for the weekend which was great!
Have a fab time in Charlie 2- sure you will do!
Love Amy
PS What's up with the uni decisions?
To Lauren Pegg aka The Lady
ReplyDeleteGood to see the new photos on this blog of the skits and the new project teams. Looks like you will be going native with Charlie 2 in the boonies ( the back of beyond).
Your mother has got worse since I last blogged. Her disability pension has been all used up in her quest for Gin so she has taken to quaffing lighter fuel.
All I can say is I hope she does not pass wind near a naked flame!
The dog has attacked several people recently and we had to hide one of the bodies in the cellar for fear that they might take him away.
Rebecca is holding up under the circs. She calls everyone "darling" and wears sunglasses even when it is dark.
Bertie has been an absolute god send, walking about saying "What ho"! and coming up with plans to avoid marrying any of the gels that Aunt Agatha is trying to foist on him.
All I can say is thank goodness for Jeeves.
Stilton Cheesewright and Tuppy Glossop are up to their old tricks and Gussie Finknottle has been at his newts again.
My job is coming along slowly and surely as I find my feet again in the world of finance.
Spring is in full swing here as the Daffs come out and lots of buds appear on everything in the garden.
I am planning another assault on the Great British Beer Festival ( first week of August) so I will get you a ticket unless you tell me otherwise.
I will speak to Erin Mc and through her, Hannah and Jack to see if they fancy it too.
I am sure Rebs will be up for it.
Cannot move in the bathroom for toilet rolls as you are not here using them.
Sounds as though you are not using them there either.
Sort the village out and keep that smile going. Where you are that is the best infection to catch. It will go around very quickly.
Still not missing you and neither is your mother.
She thinks you are at the library.
Spoke to Raja in the Purbani on saturday night and he and his brother wanted to hi and good luck.
They are missing you and your custom.
Take care Tinker.
Lots of love.
Pa, G & Mac (woof)
Message for Merel Loonstra
ReplyDeleteHa die lieve Meer,
Lekker feest gevierd en je warme douche gescored?? Mooi project ga je doen,toch weer een beetje de bosjes in! Lijkt allemaal fantastisch. Je bent inderdaad 'aangekomen', staat goed, houen zo!En wat ben je bruin, of toch die douche gemist..? Genieten nog steeds van je lange mail, en de foto's op de blogs. Heel veel plezier met het project,en heel veel groetjes van ons drienxxxxxx Pap,mam,Floor
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM SAVILLE!? Hope you're having a great time out in the middle of the jungle! Take care amigo! We're all thinking of you back here...
ReplyDeleteGuy
Right Pegg, lets get down to it.
ReplyDelete1) I hear you have been speaking to people and lettering away. NOT ME! I bought you a present for easter but upon reading such horrific and upsetting news I ate it myself. Then I bought some more. But I might not send it. I might not! That time you thought my mum was your mum in the supermarket basically makes us sisters so frankly, I think I should be the first one you call when you've finished being a lady all over some tramp.
2) I saw your tilda/Damon Albarn dusty feet and I know it must be painful to remember the good times, but don't worry, soon I'll come and rescue you and you wont have to worry about being the dustiest girl in Hyde Park anymore. I watched No Distance left to run the other day and it was amazing and Alex James was the biggest fitty alive. But you know what, I SHOULD HAVE BEEN WATCHING IT WITH YOU!
3) Well done on getting a fine array of chum in your groups so far, I'm impressed but if you leave me for one of them I will never make collapsing cupcakes with you again.
4) Your hair looks lush and I'm jealous of your tan but still no sari, piercings or corn rows. Its not on.
Now a general news round up; Tommy's episode of Snog Marry Avoid is on this thursday, I'm so excited. Lady Gaga shows her (the Hannah word) in her new video. MPL are number 27 in the Austrian charts and they have apparently been arrested a couple of times on their 'european' tour. Ricky Martin has come out as gay. I swear I made none of that up. It's genuinely all true. Well my dissertation is due in tomorrow and I still have 1000 words to write. I think I'm just going to put this in it and see if they notice.
May or may not send you a letter and something nice over the next couple of days. Don't you DARE find another Beyonce.
Average sized love. Churros. xx
message for lauren mcdonald, hiya well im going to try again to write on this blog and hopefully it works, lol. thinking of you and so jealous of you right now. my dad and your mum are on the case of booking flights for our holiday whoop cant wait. take care babe, cant wait to see you when you get back. love ya lots sam xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi to Dhwani's mum - first let me say thank you on behalf of the whole expedition for supporting her decision to stay - we are loving having her here. Rest assured I have passed on messages to her (out on trek) but thought best not to publish bank details - hope that is ok.
ReplyDeleteShe is as happy as ever and today with the rest of Tango 6 successfully climbed Misapulimala!
Best wishes
Anna
For Rachel Hard Echo 4
ReplyDeleteI hope you are enjoying your time out at Parasalnattam. I Looked up the village on Google Maps and got nothing; same for Google in general. I guess that is the modern way of knowing that somewhere is really remote! It sounds like an interesting place and looks quite beautiful in its own way. We are all well hear and looking forward to the Easter holidays. The children occasionally ask me to show them on the big map where you are and I point in the general direction of Southern India, and then show them where 'Safrica' is for comparison. Because India is closer I think they do not believe you are that far away. I am waiting to be asked one Sunday if we can drive over and visit you...
Message from Jo Ryan - Congratulations to Rachel and Guy and welcome to Daisy - am absolutely delighted with the news!!! And can't wait to meet her when I get back. I will call as soon as I get back to Field Base.
ReplyDeleteMessage from Field Base - our congratulations as well - I can't believe you worked until Friday! Best wishes from everyone here
Message for Raleigh India
ReplyDelete- would it be possible to pass a message on to Lauren Pegg (Charlie 2) when you're up there next? It's just that Lauren changed her return flight booking on Friday (from 9 May to 25 May) and I'm a bit concerned as there has not been any confirmation from Expedia of this on her googlemail neither have I been debited by Expedia for changing the ticket. I wonder if you could ask her if she was expecting confirmation etc etc, as this may be something she'll have to sort out at the next change over. Hopefully i will have heard from Expedia by then. Sorry to be a pain; I'm sure you have enough to do without all this, but I just want to try to sort this out asap.
Thanks again, Jacqueline Harvey (Lauren Pegg's mum)
Reeenie! I have written and sent you a letter, so look out for it! You look really well in your pics, buff ting-a-ling! Missing your face.
ReplyDeleteLove you lots, Rebs xxxx
Happy Birthday Kripa Shah.
ReplyDeleteHope you're well and having a great time. Expected to see you in more of the blog photos being the shy and retiring type that you are!
Have (even more) fun. Love, Nick.
To Benn ( Tango 7 ) - Great to hear your news over the phone at weekend. Wow this is the life eh !!!. Trip at end all planned. Saw two pics of you - tan coming along as is beard. Hope you have taken many photos for diary. Sounds like some citrus essential oils could be the answer for sweaty jungle.All well back home Rory even doing some work. NZ planned for Xmas/New Year others all for it. Take care enjoy Love M and D.
ReplyDeleteMessage for Paula Brocki(Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteHi Paula Paula Pooh Bott,
Another rainy day in West Yorkshire lol and am positive we will have a wet and cold bank holiday weekend (nothing new there then), not to worry there will be lots of Easter eggs to devour yum yum. I hope you are using plenty of sun tan cream and keeping your hat on.
Had any run ins with rats recently lol?
Well sweetheart hope you are enjoying your new project and hope to hear from you soon.
Keep Safe
Love you always
Mummybear
xxx
Message for Chiara Raine Echo 5:
ReplyDeleteHi Kiki,
Got your letter today. Absolutely distraught that Raleigh have not been passing on our blogs - you said you've only been given 2. I've just gone right through to the beginning and I sent 12, yes, 12, up until end of 1st Phase. I'm so upset that you think we haven't blogged you and can only assume Raleigh have their reasons for not passing them on to you. They are here on the net for all to see. A Tanya has also sent 2 as has Nanna, & A Sandy sent one too. We all want you to know how proud we are of you and what you are achieving. I do hope Raleigh have the good conscience to pass this msg on. If they are worried about how many blogs are being sent they should never have put a msg on saying "To everyone that is leaving messages for their loved ones rest assured that we will be taking them out to people with the food drops. So venturers will get your messages. So keep them coming!" I'm really, really disappointed and upset and just want you to know that we are very, very proud of you. Just in case they cut the msg about Antony, he arrived safely in Afghan & called before we went away. Now somewhere unknown. Love you lots, Kiki. M&Dxxxx (obviously Raleigh have yet to hear of the Rylance Mafia!!)xx
Message for Harriet Trekker-Jones
ReplyDeleteTrekking!!! You can do it ! Posted you a letter today from SA, full of nonsense of course. Enjoyed seeing you in a few of the pics and reading the latest. Great holiday in SA, haven't slept yet, not because I'm having so much fun, but because of the snorers!!!
Love you darling,
Mum xxx
Go Harriet!
Message for Claire Traylor
ReplyDeleteWhat fab photos we've seen of you arriving back at base,your skit performance and enjoying your breakfast!Thank you for your your letter full of so much news.So glad you're enjoying yourself.I sent you another letter yesterday that is the third also I put a short letter in with the parcel we sent hope you will eventually get them!Enjoy the trekking looking forward to hearing all about it.Keep safe love you love Mam and Dad xxxxx
Hi Anna, you are probably right in not publishing them!! just wanted her to have enough money if she needed it !! Thank you very much for letting me know and of course its o k with me. Its you guys that i have to thank for letting her experience be so wonderful .
ReplyDeletenamaste' and best wishes to all at field base
Kavita Soni
To Kat Mammone I expect you have left on your trip by now,but i hope this will catch up with you at some point.The party looked good but it was hard to find you in any of the photos could have done with a close up of you in the sari.
ReplyDeleteHope Tango6 is as much fun as Charlie1 was, are the boots worn in yet,keep the plasters close at hand & the blisters to a minimum!!
Not so quiet here now Chris & Pat both home for a while chaos reigns again, washing everywhere no peace for the wicked!!!
Shame I didnt get to speak to you must sort that out next time. love & miss you Dad XXXXX
Hi Louise K
ReplyDeleteI see you are now in Echo 4, pictures are very good and give us a rough idea of what it's like out there. I hope the 9km trek isn't too arduous with the backpack, but you should have adjusted a bit to the heat by now.
Love Mum
Happy Birthday Kripa. Looks like your having a good time, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAlan, Ang and Robert.
Hi Paula (Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteI see you have changed groups - this is confusing me! Can you please tell them I am an old person and need to keep things simple!! They don't come much simple than me - well maybe uncle Dave - ha ha. Am feeling a bit better today but still have this really dreadful cough. Can't talk for more than 2 mins without coughing. Riggs finally went back home today - but unc and Mark have called me Cruella for sending him back. Thats rich from the unc who didn't want him here in the first place. Will try and get another letter to you this weekend. Enjoy your building work - remember using your hands is so much better than the tools.
Paula (Charlie 4 - I've written it on a bit of paper!)
ReplyDeleteEaster Sunday - do you want an Easter Egg to look forward to on your return??
Auntie Ren
Message for Chiara Raine
ReplyDeleteHi Kiki. Good to see all the picis! Seems your having fun. Keep up the good work. Got your letter 2 day. Had fun last week in Alpe D'Huez, but not as good as at Tignes - It even rained on day 1 and then had every variety of conditions after that! Still had a good hol, but alas, you will be pleased to hear - no clubbing this time - probably a good thing don't you think!
Looking forward to more news.
The Baldyman x x x
To Lauren Pegg.
ReplyDeleteHello! Exciting times for you it seems, I'm not jealous at all with all my essays, lesson plans and with a bit of luck...I may have a job interview at a real life actual school!
Glad to see you're having fun and I miss you popping in when you're off galavanting around the stow!
I too can confirm all of what hannah said above. What a week! Although she did miss out that Tottenham are still doing well and are playing in the FA Cup semi Final next sunday!
Catch you later pegg!
Wingers xxxx
Hi Kate, Just getting ready for work. Last day today - two and a half weeks off! Enough time to do all the ironing! Shouting at Gabriel to get up as usual - it is his last day too. Verity and Dad finish tomorrow. We are off to see War Horse tomorrow evening. The weather is horrible again - cold and very wet! There is loads of snow in Northern Ireland and Scotland and they said on GMTV that there could be some over the Chilterns! It is supposed to be spring and we have had a couple of nice days. I even painted my toe nails and put my toe ring back on (that is really hurting me now when I have my boots on - I was sure it was back to flip flop time!). I am going to have to go upstairs and get him now - it is 7.30. Is there anything you need? Let me know and I will post it to you. Lots and lots of love Mum, Dad and VEG XXXXXXXXXXX
ReplyDeleteKatie Radford (charlie 2)
ReplyDeleteHi katie thanks for the calls at the weekend it was nice to here your voice, The project your doing now sounds good. it would of helped if you had gone on a few jobs with dad before you left you might have picked up some plastering skills lol.I was hopeing for some nice weather for easter weekend but it dosnt look like thats going to happen,Ive got you an easter egg I'll try and keep it till you get back lol.
hope your enjoying your new project and have made some new friends
take care and be safe love you loads mam
To Hazz-E-Jay Tango 6
ReplyDeleteSo what happened to the Dr Pepper? Tango? Ugh. And I see your red T-shirt is turning pink in the Karnatakoan sun - can't RI supply new ones with a change of colour? - too much dour Northerness with all that dark blue and green. And 'Trekkin' eh? What's that coming over the hill? It's you. Hope the legs, shoulders, hips and blisters are all bearing up and your rucksack has sprouted imaginary wings or has filled with fluffy feathers. All is quiet on the home front with more than our fair share of globe-trotting conspicuous consumers. T's snowboarding back from France on Sunday and M bestrides a snoring ostrich from SA the week after. I've just ventured all the way to darkest OU - I would have stayed in the garden shed but it's far too cold. (We have slow worms in the greenhouse, by the way.) Film night tonight - more intercontinentalness - this time the man from the Butterfly and the Bell Jar is reborn as an evil French capitalist. And tomorrow - well, you know what tomorrow is, don't you? It's another Upside Down Day - like New Year's Eve - but what a shame you'll probably overlook the Old Joker again. However from the blog fotos of your party tricks and dressing up I get the impression that Indian culture is up for it and may have an April Fool or two up its sleeve. What else? I've mentioned this already in M&S Smiley Card No. 2 but like all good stories it's worth repeating: a friend was bitten on the thumb by an adder on Sunday - it (then his hand, then his arm, then...) swelled aux Tom and Jerry afterwards - it was hilarious - we sat in the pub taking fotos of him - he was too macho to go to hospital, although in hindsight I think he wished he had. Not so funny where you are though - watch out for snakes in the grass - although they'll run away given the chance. Oh yes, and the daffodils are in flower. Goodbye my D. D.
To Lauren Pegg (Charlie 2)
ReplyDeleteHurrah Lolly, Expedia has confirmed change of flights to 25 May so ignore my last blog entry as everything is now back on track and ticketyboo.
Love Mother Ducks xxxxxxx
For Layla
ReplyDeleteCharlie 2
Only one picture of you in the background this time, but its so great to see your happy smile.Still missing you but the time seems to be flying by.Your new project sounds like it will be fun [and of course hard work].Happy Easter my love and if there was chocolate and treats in the village you would be able to gorge yourself now that Lent is over.Never mind I'll save an egg for your return.Love you more than ever from Mom xxxx
Message for Echo 5 Ruth de Sainte Croix.
ReplyDeleteFascinated to hear about your activities. Hope you are looking forward to the frog season which should be staring soon here-if the weather will ever warm up-we have had frozen rain and there has been snow up north. Interested to hear about leach attack thro your boot-you should be able to get a refund from the outdoor gear shop as boots are clearly not fit for purpose!Live here is as normal-we still have guests staying-either their house renovations are taking longer than expected or we are making it too comfortable for them. We will have to try providing them with plain bread and scrape next week -and easy on the scrape! Good luck,D.
Lauren Pegg:
ReplyDeleteI am amazed of all your accomplishments. After reading all the above blogs you have quite a support team. I have been sharing your adventures with my family, friends and co-works here in the US. We are very proud of what you and Raleigh are accomplishing. Enjoy your adventures.
Bye for now.
Karen
CHIARA RAINE in Echo 5
ReplyDeleteChiara ma puce je suis tellement desole que je n'ai pas ecrit sur le/la blog je savais pas comment et pour ca que je l'ai ecrit en francais parce que c'est embarrassant. Je viens de regarder des photoes de toi je crois! T'as change un peu mais je te connais a cause de tes cheveux bien sur.
Nice to see you smiley I am going to continue looking at photos because they make me laugh. I hope you've been getting my letters at least you should have had one of them I sent it a few weeks ago. Now that I've figured this thing out I will update you if ever something interesting happens
bisous, anais shenton
Hi babe!
ReplyDeleteHoe is het met je? Wat zien die foto's er geweldig uit! onder die waterval, zo jaloers! vorig weekend mn brief gepost, benieuwd of ie aankomt! alweer nieuwe verhalen dus ik wacht je brief af, en dan schrijf ik weer één. Ik mis je hier wel zeg! beetje stil zo. Nou lieverd, veel geluk en we keep in touch. Dikke kus san
Message for Harry Swinton,
ReplyDeleteSo, now you're a trekkie. It looks like it will be amazing - keep taking the photos. Happy Easter if you get this in time. Girls coming up from London - Will and the kids are here for the night putting the PS3 through it's paces, I've just been marooned on Colonsay for four days indertaking operation "blithering idiot" in an effort to suprise Granny for her 81st Birthday - all went very well but glad to be home. I will write a detailed letter explaining the various adventures.
Hope you got our letters - any contact would be fantastic. Lots and lots of love from us all. Dxx
To Lauren McDonald, Tango 6
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know that I aam thinking of you and hope you are enjoying your new project. Will definitely be looking out for news and photos. Take care, love you.
Nanny Joanxxx
Sarah Wilson (Charlie 4) - Hello Sarahs, we crossed the river at the end of Silver Strand and made it to the Trespasser's beach, Pete scared the life out of me when we got there as he asked me to marry him, decided to say yes... see you soon, big pink dress headin your way! Love Tara.
ReplyDeleteHi Hens (Tango 6)
ReplyDeleteHave just had a closer loook at the blog and realised that Charlie 3 won the skits competition at the end of phase won. Well done and loved the picture of you in a yellow helmet/hat! Hope the trek is gong as well - it sounds jolly hard work but an amazing place and really hope you are having a great time. All good here in the sun: Joshua won a putting competition and is dong really well with his golf. He has found a friend which is perfect for the rest of us! Daddy and Charlotte are having a go at Scuba diving today. Rather them than me! Tomorrow we are going to swim with dolphins so I think Emma will be jealous.
So good luck with the ongoing trek and hope we can talk when you get back. Lol from us all xxxx
Message for HATTIE Parker Echo 4.
ReplyDeleteHi Hats, Hope the dam eco project is going well, the dancing back at base camp looked fun!
Dunk is hope with four of his friends from the Madagascar phase one trip and they have been laughing at the crazy things they got up to there! I cooked a huge turkey and they ate most of it! Tomorrow they are goin g to climb the Brecon Beacons.I have an event this weekend so not here a lot. The Spring has finally sprung here and the sun is shining Hooray! seeds growing and grass is growing!
We are eating spinach from the polytunnel!
Daffodils are finally out in the drive! Off to London after the event on Sunday (it s a 5KM for Men) and staying with Martine for three days. They have been in France and Dunk is doing his placement with Cicada next week. Martine and I are going to Kempton Park antique market!!!
No letter from you but then perhaps the post is bad? Wonder if you are getting mine?
Love you lots and lotsXXXXXXXXMum