CHARLIE 4's LAUNCH PARTY
The official opening party for Charlie 4’s hard work was jam packed with thanks to everyone who was involved with opening the impressive additional classroom. In just one phase the group dug four five foot deep cesspits and two additional toilet/shower blocks as well as building a classroom. They all have a lot to be proud of.
Here we have Paula in traditional Indian dress being thanked by one of the school teachers with a rose and a lemon. ( A note to our readers that although Paula looks a bit pastey she is actually a lovely brown / golden colour in real life!)
Kat makes use of her flower as a beautiful hair accessory
The children help Sophie adjust her sahri so that it fits just right.
Even though school is out for the summer, twenty diligent children stayed on to work with the group and improve their English. In the launch party the children treated us to some very well executed traditional dances and recited the numerous English lessons that Charlie 4 has taught them in their time in India.
The group painted murals on the walls so that the children would always be able to remember their foreign friends.
It was with heavy hearts but with fond memories that the group left the school but they parted by leaving the children with gifts of skipping ropes, colouring pencils and tennis balls. It was truly delightful to watch the children playing with their new toys and their big smiling faces and twinkling eyes will be with me forever!
Finally it was lovely to be reminded that you are never to old to skip. In fact skipping might even be the key to staying youthful - go and buy yourself a skipping rope.
We have Claire to thank for all these wonderful photographs so here is one for Claire's family just to prove she is in India as she is normally on the other side of the lens.
Message for Paula Brocki(Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetheart,
Wow i love the photos and the sari is beautiful i really want one lol.
It is lovely to see all the work that is being done and a big well done to everyone and the children look as though they are enjoying themselves also. Received your email today and good to hear how things are progressing, still no letter though lol i will probably receive once you are back in Blighty. You still look pasty however the blog does say you are a tanned lol so i believe them. Just a short message as i am going back to work now as i nipped home at Lunchtime. Cant wait to see what the next adventure is and cant believe the time has gone so quickly and you will be home but oh what an amazing time you have had and cant wait to see you.
Take Care love you always.
Mummybear
xxx
…Christina sales…
ReplyDeleteHi B, Congratulation on completing phase two. I bet you wanna come home now? yes so do i want you to, but its not long now, Cant wait! How are you keeping? Hope it all went well for you despite the changes made half way throughout the project. What is raleigh on!? Did you get my letters? Theses last couple of weeks felt like it was taking forever. It would be lovely to hear from you So give me a shout if you can. Stay strong b. Mis ya xX
Shahed x X x
James Hutchinson Tango 7
ReplyDeleteHi James great to speak to you today, hope the bites are not too painful . Congraulation to you all on the trek have a fab night, looking forward to hearing where you are going next love tou Mum, Dad, Heather, Will, Delphine and Millie and The Hedgerow crew x x x x
to Alice Mathews charlie4
ReplyDeleteWas really great to talk to you today alice, is there any way you can manage to sort the camera issue? think you should definately buy one if you have to (mayb some1 could pick one up from a shop for you if you didnt make it to one)what happened to your leg? is it ok? hope you're looking forward to all the amazing things you will be seeing on the trek and what a wonderful job you all seem to have done at the school, it is really nice to see you teaching the children an i know that they will remember you always forever! i think its a really amazing thing to have done. send us a message soon and tell us what it is like in kerala lots an lots an lots of love an big hug mum xxxxxxx
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteHope you are well - everyone fine here! Hopefully you will get some letters this weekend! Can't believe you are moving on to the last phase already - it has gone so quickly!
The volcanic cloud is still causing loads of problems here. All flights in and out of England have been stopped and will not start again til at least 1.00a.m. tomorrow morning. They keep giving times and then pushing them back again. Gregory and Amelia are supposed to be flying back on Monday so we will have to wait and see if they can. I am thinking of phoning work and telling them that I am stuck somewhere lol!
Have a lovely weekend and relax before going off treking!
Lots and lots of love Mum, Dad and VEG xxxxxxxxx
Hi Paula (Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteLove the photos!! I bet it was so difficult leaving those children - they look absolutely delightful. Bet they don't throw tantrums the way they do over here! Do you get to bring the sari home with you? Got your email and will put some sweeties in post on Monday - just hope you get them before you leave.
I am on the mend and feeling loads better today - your dad says he is taking credit for that because he told me I needed to rest! he will be calling in on his way to footie today so we will have a good gossip about you! Weather here is beautiful now but there are still loads of problems at airports - most of them are still closed until further notice!
Take care of yourself - miss you. Unc D getting more Ben & Jerry's!
Auntie Ren
For Sophie Hatcher
ReplyDeleteHi Sophie,
You look great in your sari. Its a beautiful blue. I hope its coming home with you.
We have had a drastic cut back in the garden so you will be surprised on your return. Alan has finished Daddy's study but the books are still on the floor..
Hope you enjoy the trek.
Much love,
M and D and Tiger
For Kevvy W, Echo 5
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message. Glad all's well. Sent you an email with an attachment about Team Thomson. Check it out... bet I'll be in trouble for telling!
Enjoy the changeover session, will look out for blogs.
Take care,
Lots of love Mum xxxxxxx
Paula Poo (charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteWell i think somebody has gone 1 shade darker without turning red and peeling that makes me so proud lol. On a serious note the work you have all done for those children is absolutely amazing i am so proud of you and what you have accomplished. The sari is beautiful the colour is stunning brings out your Tan ;).
So i have had 4 days off work to get some rest coz this lil baby is still doing flips and keeping me awake at night but i feel alot better after some time off. Joseph has been studying, well trying to i have pestered him a lil with various pregnant demands (It can work in yout favour). I am off to the Cinema tonight to see "Dear John" i think it might be a tear jerker but thats ok i can use that to blackmail a ben and jerrys milkshake out of joseph.
The spring has started and its warming up a bit in sunny essex so there all breaking out there white stilettos and sandals to go with there white denim shorts and orange bottle tans lol.
I was really pleased to get your message the other day looking forward to seeing you soon
much loves manda panda and gymnastic bump xxx
Message For Paula Brocki
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetheart,
The sun is shining today and have been sat in the garden enjoying a little, watching grandad paint the fence ha ha. I have been working honestly cleaning house and baking,i made a cheese and onion quiche for tea and some scones with jam and clotted cream. Poor grandad needed something to keep him going especially as your nan was doing her usual nagging sat in the sun watching him paint and telling him every two seconds you have missed a bit bless him i suppose he has put up with it for 52yrs and only listens when he chooses to.
Look forward to seeing you for the weekend in May when Amanda Joe and bump are here and hope Eoin will come to and we can have a barby if the weather is nice.
Well i think i had better go and save grandad as i can hear nan nagging him again not sure what for this time. Anyway will blog again soon so take care, love you always.
Mummybear
xxxx
TO THEO BOYCE Well done Charlie 4 and good luck in final project. Theo hope all well and you enjoy elephant fence building. Really wish you had taken a phone as know how difficult it is to speak but has been weeks now. Keep close eye on Thailand . Really quiet here with no planes and set to be that way for another few days as all airports closed - really spooky and loads of people stranded. Hannah Kraus and Imogen are both stuck as were due home today (Hannah has been really ill in hospital in South America).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sunny afternoon here so loving the peace and the view. all love as always mum
Hi Louise C,
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to speak to you today. We liked St Andrews better than Durham but think you would like any of the three. We think Cardiff has the edge because of two years in Bordeaux. We won't commit you until the last moment that we can leave it to. We think it would be good to stay on a little if you can-what is the exact date you wish us to book your flight from, presumably from Mumbai? Hope you enjoy doing your environmental project-don't forget to take lots of photos. We've had a good time visiting Grand-dad and Grand-ma and the rest of the country-we drove over 1200 miles.
Dear Louise, all our love and best wishes. Daddy, Mummy, Anna and Natasha XXXX
ps will send NIno by email.
Message for Chiara Raine - Trekking!
ReplyDeleteHello Sweetheart!
How lovely to hear your voice - it's just made my day. I've logged on so many times today in the hope of seeing some photos - the Raleigh Team had said more photos were coming of the Echo phase - and each time disappointed. However, knew you would all be very busy and no doubt there's a very big q for the internet. Sorry I had to tell you such sad news. Auntie Nan was always asking after you and she was fascinated by the stories I told her when you were on the Community phase. "Goodness me!" every few seconds. She was very proud of you, saying she knew you would achieve great things and kept saying how lucky you were and how brave to go so far from home. Her passing was so sudden she would not have known much about it.
I hope you manage to get your flights sorted; we will stand by to help where we can but I think you will definitely have to make contact from there to make any changes. I logged on using your ref but there was no option to make a change.
Good luck on the Trek - I will be logging on with my usual OCD to see how you're getting on.
Love you lots and big hugs & more kisses than you would probably let me give you if you were here! Mxxxxx
For Richard Miranda
ReplyDeleteThese last three weeks have flown by, and by the time you read this you will be on the last phase. I have been on three weeks Easter vacation, and for the first time in many years have stayed home (sort of). First week flew up to Edinburgh, in order to watch Vanessa compete in the University regionals - only to arrive to snow! With few airplanes having departed from Edinburgh airport that day, there was no where to park our plane and being over a mile from the terminal, had to wait for buses to transport passengers and crew. By the time the buses arrived the buildup of snow was nearly a foot high and for saftey reasons we were not allowed off, and had to wait for the snowplows. We ended up being on the tarmac longer than we were in the air! Needless to say, the regionals are rescheduled for June! Vanessa then flew home for the second week and we went to Birmingham for the International Open Showjumping, which ended up more of a shopping spree for gifts from me to her for her 21st! Did you receive my package? It would be nice to know if you did as I am about to send another. Are you keeping healthy, let me know what your plans are for the weeks between leaving Raleigh and flying to Thailand. No news from Dad! apart from a two sentance e-mail saying that Haiti is the most diffcult job he has ever had to do and he is unsure if he can last the four months contract. Vanessa, back in Edinburgh, spends most days in the labs revising for the May exams and completing her last essay of the year, a mini dissatation, (wish you were here to read it through!) - Keep well, miss you - Love Mum
Hello Louise Carter,
ReplyDeleteI have just looked on BA for flight changes etc- I have found your booking but obviously cannot change anything until we know what you wish us to change it to so don't forget to let us know. At the moment your return flight is from Bangalore on 9.5.2010.We will also need to extend your insurance. I would encourage you to travel for a time as you are already out there and you don't know when you might get the opportunity to again once you are at university, so make a good plan, remember you don't have any immediate plans on your return so make the most of it. We will really look forward to seeing you when you get back!
I am just about to send the other information you asked for via Adam but I don't expect him to be in his office until tomorrow.
Remember to think carefully about where you want to go to uni- You can't really go wrong as they are all excellent offers- you just need to do what YOU really want to- it will be you doing the course- Just please let us know by next weekend they are asking for your reply on ucas now, though the deadline is not until 4th.
I was great to chat to you, I'd love to hear more of what you are up to in India, it sounds as if you are having a fantastic time.
Did you hear that Anna dropped her new ipod down the toilet!! We think it is all dried out now.
We are all missing you - it is very strange to be down to just 4 of us again now that Jonny has gone back too. We enjoyed Jessica's visit- She seems like a really lovely girl.
A&N are back to school tomorrow- We have beautiful weather here at the moment- Still no planes are flying in or out of UK due to volcanic ash- so lets hope it has all cleared away by the time you are coming home.
Lots of love, hugs and best wishes with very many sloppy kisses,
Mum, Dad, Anna and Natasha.
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteWell the news is Greg and Amelia can't fly home. They are all hoping to come back next Monday _ but if they can't then Gemma and Kurt will give them their seats and stay there until they can get a flight. Lydia is going on the 1st May though! Salvatorian is closed tomorrow (only year 11 in) as there are too many staff stuck abroad. Two of the teachers are in Dubai and they have only been able to book to come back next Friday! Not sure about Sacred Heart and St. Dominic's yet. I know that one of ours in stuck in Australia. I will have to wait and see til the morning but I know our school will not close.
Speak to you soon.
Lots and lots of love Mum, Dad and VEG xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lieve Liselotte
ReplyDeleteWij hebben in Loosdrecht een klein gansje gevonden,we noemen hem Piet Piep,hij piept de hele dag.
Hij is nu met ons in Warmond.
Hoe gaat het met jou?
Veel groetjes van David en Elisa en van Piet Piep.
Lieve Liselotte,
ReplyDeletewe zitten gezellig met zijn allen bij je moeder op haar verjaardag, maar we missen er 1. Volgend jaar ben je er weer bij. Heb net alle foto's van je bekeken en je ziet er erg goed uit. We zijn erg trots op je en hopen je 9 mei weer te zien. Dikke knuffel van oma Francien.
Hallo Lieve Liselotte,
ReplyDeletewe zitten gezellig buiten in het zonnetje je moeders 50e verjaardag te vieren. Er komt geen vliegtuig over vanwege een stofwolk uit IJsland. Rondom het huis staan alle bloembollen prachtig in bloei. Ik hoop dat je het erg naar je zin hebt gehad en misschien vind je het weer heel fijn om naar huis terug te komen en weer uitgebreid in bad te liggen.
Hartelijke groeten van Tante Clara.
For Paula Brocki
ReplyDeleteHello little dude, photo's look great so I have copied them to my PC. It certainly has been an experience for you and I am really pleased that you have grabbed the chance with both hands, what you have been doing is good for your soul. Now about the stuff in your email.. We can talk about that in more detail when you get home but I can't see it being a problem, LOL probably be more so for you than me.
Your time must be flying by, you will turn around twice and you will be home so make the most of the time you have left and cram as much in as you can and enjoy the last few weeks. It only seems like yesterday that we were planning for journey to Heathrow, and soon you will be home.
Oh just remembered.. Its a big week for the Westside massive LOL they get a new leader this week ME!!!.. I get to select the charity for the year so I hope to raise a bundle for a charity called Combat Stress so I will get you fund raising when you get home. Well that’s all for now from ash cloud locked England> TTFN
Take care,
Love a Very proud Dad.
Message for Paula Brocki
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetheart,
I am just wondering what you will be doing for the final phase and i am waiting with eager anticipation.
Just cooked roast dinner for nan and gramps before they have set off home again, and i am pleased i can now turn the volume down on the tv a few decibles and have told gramps to get his hearing checked when he takes nan next week to get her battery's replaced in her hearing aid because he is getting as bad. Saying that i am sure his is selective deafness ha ha. They are both fine and send there love and look forward to you arriving home.
Uncle Mart and Helen are stranded at the villa in spain for another week due to there being no flights at the moment,the earliest flight they have been offered is Friday this week and if they are still having problems then,they will have to drive back in the jeep that is usually kept in Spain at the villa and take it back again in July which isnt a problem they are there quite often, his car is at the airport this side, not that Uncle Martin is complaining another week off work, it is a good job i didnt go which was the original plan.
Anyway i willsign off for now and look forward to your next phase.
Take Care, Love you always.
Mummybear.
xxx
Message for Lauren Pegg,
ReplyDeleteHi Lolly, hope all is okay with you. I guess you must now be at the end of your second project and about to start your trek...hasn't time flown!
Spoke to mummy yesterday, (not sure if she has been able to contact you)....she is fine but they are stuck in Tunisia due to the 'no-fly' restriction in force at the moment. She hopes that they will be able to fly back towards the end of next week...what a palaver eh! But everyone is well and that's the main thing (even the guineas have an extended holiday!)
We are having fab weather at the moment and this weekend has been glorious. Ian and I have been out walking today and we must have done 5/6 miles...with a couple of pit stops at pubs on the way :-) Bet you are missing some home comforts but what an experience you are having. Let me know if there is anything you crave on your return!! (food/drink-wise that is!!!!)
Well bye for now my sweet, lots of love and hugs and kisses JJ & Ian xxxxx
Message for Louise Carter
ReplyDeleteHi Lou,
How are you getting on in India? Hopefully your tan is coming on a bit. I think it's great that you're off travelling- James and Hamish really enjoyed going across on their gap years. I'm busy preparing for my exams (5 weeks away) and the may ball. Are you taking lots of photos and keeping a diary?
I think Cardiff is probably your best bet for Uni with the Bordeaux exchanges to really improve your business french, although St. Andrews is probably quite good as well and is a beautiful location. Anyway, carry on enjoying yourself and send me a message on Facebook when you can. Lots of love, your big brother,
Jonny xxx
18.04.10
ReplyDeleteHi Amy B,due on environmental project,
Great to hear you briefly the other day. Have spoken to Claire's Mum tonight and exchanged details. It would help if you could give me via email, before you leave raleigh, a rough idea of projected spending. Remember never accept first price quoted, you are expected to haggle.
J and I did not find anything in Topshop which we felt confident you would like.Please let me know if you received the clothing parcels you requested as not sure whether to risk any other parcels so near to leaving. Is there anything else I can send from home?
Hope you can access sunscreen etc and remember the mosquito lotion and nets are needed as well as the tablets.
J gone back tonight, dad staying with his cousin and coming home tomorrrow as he is on holiday. I am back to work in the morning. Anniversary Tuesday.R off shooting tonight.
Love you and can't wait to see you soon.
love Mum XXXXXX
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to hear from you before you went on the next project, got your email though. I am sending this blog to let you know we are all thinking of you on the next phase. Glad you enjoyed the treking and good luck on the next project and the curries!!!!Lots of love Mum xx
Dear Christina Sales
ReplyDeleteHope you are ok and you have had some more sleep on the bus.It was great to talk to you on sat and it will be great to see you in 3 weeks time.I have done a letter for you and hope to post it on (mon 19).Shanel was crying today (Sun 18)because i have not sent you the pic she had done just for you.I was reading a story to her and she said that she like it when you read it.(It was green egg and ham book you know the one) I said that it was ok when christina is back she will read it and that made her happy. Take care and love you very much. Mun,Martin,Shanel,Nan.xxxxxxxxxxxx
Paula poo (Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteWell i went to the cinema what an adventure that was. "Dear John" was a tear jerker i mean 10 mins in and everyone was blubbing except joseph who told his 10yr old sister to man up, but it was good. The real fun started when we left Blue water to get back to Bromley. i simply suggested using the sat nav i qoute Joe "No its more fun following the signs and guessing".hmmmmmm well it wasnt funny when he ended up at the dartford crossing going the wrong way and they held up the traffic of 100s cars to turn him around the right way obvioulsy i was supportive and just slid down my seat hiding behind my hand lol Joe didnt see the funny side at all :S.
The weather was lovely today and we had a very chilled morning eating breakfast in the sunshine, steve Joe's dad did me scrambled egg and beans on toast. Joe did manly stuff like go to homebase and buy drill bits with his dad while i continued to bask in the sunshine (for the record Joe does not own a drill so i hope steve does.)
Okies well im off to bed so stay safe love you lots
Manda Panda,Joe and Bump xxx
Hi Paula (Charlie 4)
ReplyDeleteSweeties on their way to you. Starting to the get the house sorted out a bit now - cleaned freezer in garage - it's a wonder we have not had salmonella! Did a bit in the garden on Saturday but struggled to lift some of the tubs. Then the weather changes today and it has been cloudy (not sure if its volcanic ash cloudy!!) and started to rain this afternoon.
Love
Auntie Ren x
Hi David, OB admissions will be contacting you by email so look out for it and return them asap. Look after yourself lots of love Mum xx
ReplyDeleteAnnie
ReplyDeleteReally nice action shot of you in this week's local paper in an article re the tennis club-I forgot what model technique you have.
Great to speak to you at the weekend. The programme sounds like everything you wished for and more.
With much love
Dadxx
Message for Alistair Muir (Echo 5)
ReplyDeleteHave changed your flight back to MONDAY 17th MAY, leaving Bangalore at 0730 (check in at stupid o'clock) - same reservation number as your original one. Does anyone here need to know you won't be back on 10th?
Spurs beat Chelsea, and Manchester City lost. Mum hasn't stopped smiling - or gloating.
I spent most of Saturday mowing the lawn (with a bent flymo) and all of Sunday fixing that and the other lawnmower, so I am furious.
Jenson Button won, Fred lost, Dougie did nearly 10 minutes of revision yesterday and all fish and both guitars are in fine form. Really glad to hear you're enjoying yourself - best news of the week! Lots of love - Dad
message for Alice Maclennan
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Alice! Hope you are having fun and it will be a birthday to remember - certainly it will be different from the previous eighteen! All the things you asked for in your e-mail will be in the post today - except for the card which is now being processed. I guess you are on Charlie ?? now so hope it goes well on this the third phase. How quickly the time is going. Lots of birthday love and hugs from Mum and Dad xx
Message for JULIE EGDELL (with one of the Tango groups).
ReplyDeleteHi Julie
It was lovely to speak to you on Friday. So glad you are keeping o.k. Hope you had a nice break at fieldbase over the weekend. Good luck on the big trek! At least you`ve got your beach bungalow and travelling with Emma to look forward to at the end of it.
All ok here. Latest main news - It`s Chris`s birthday today and we`ve been invited to their house tonight for a little get together. Kev has started on his extension and has knocked the old outhouses down ready for the foundations. The old oak tree at the bottom of our garden has been felled much to the delight of the neighbours who have now got sunny gardens for the first time. Bonny is still keeping o.k. and your dad has some more photos to e.mail you.
Looking forward to an update from fieldbase hopefully with more photos.
Take care. With lots of love from us all.
Mam xx
Hi Paula,
ReplyDeleteUncle Eddie here, hope your well and keeping busy. Thanks for missing my big day, it was not the same without you picking on me as well as your sister! lol
Can you bring back a sari for your Daddy, I know he would love one!
take care
love Eddie, Dale, Stephen! x
Lidwine van der heijden
ReplyDeleteHa lieve Piep,
Wat een geweldige foto's!!!
Liefs,
mam
Well done Sophie and all the crew. Education complete with decent sanitation are among my favourite causes, so I am delighted by what you have done and respect you all enormously.
ReplyDeleteVicky M
Lidwine van der Heijden
ReplyDeleteHa lieverd,
wat zien die foto's er super uit. Die ene dat dat kindje jouw handen vasthoudt, wow! ik kan niet WACHTEN tot je terug bent. Hoop dat je gewoon terug komt als gepland. Ik hoorde dat je onze brieven had ontvangen en dat er 1 onderweg was. Zo benieuwd. Hier is het allemaal goed. Hele dikke zoen, liefs
Hi Paula, (Uncle Eddie again),
ReplyDeleteJust dropped your Dad off at the train station for his big day! He now gets to roll up both trousers legs and have a pencil in each nostirl, i'm sure he will breif you in detail when you get back! lol
Well are you looking forward to being Aunty Paula?
Hope your well, take care.
Love Uncle Dale, Stephen & Eddie x