So here we are again, on the eve of Changeover two eagerly awaiting the return of the venturers back at Field base. This time we have them here for two days before packing them off for the final phase of their Raleigh India 10K expedition.
As always, Field base has been working hard in anticipation and preparation of the Venturers return: Myself and Polly B have been pulling together the expedition magazine, a long hard slog but hopefully well worth it for a great memento of everyone's time out here. Doug over in logistics has been his usual calmly organised self, everything raring to go with enough tins of tuna, porridge and noodles ready to fuel the venturers in Phase Three. Christina has done a brilliant job organising the loop shop (always a welcome sight for the sugar and e-number starved venturers) and creating the Raleigh India 10K t-shirt. Phil's been the reassuring voice on the end of the phone for all medical queries and entertained himself by writing, directing and editing our 'comedy' skit video ready for the venturers return. Whilst Anna has been masterminding the operation and Del has been a hive of organisation both ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Out on phase they've been telling us what an amazing time they've been having. The projects are really taking shape and each group are able to tangibly see the difference they are making out here, both on site and to themselves.
Charlie One have now completed all brick work on the five houses, two roofs are up and they've finished plastering on one. Tonight is a closing ceremony with the village, no doubt a joyous but emotional affair.
Charlie Two completed all 12 eco-sanitation toilets. Today they had a sports day with the community and a leaving celebration tonight.
Echo Three have worked tiresly on the trench and made fantastic progress. They had a leaving ceremony yesterday where they enjoyed a big feast.
Echo Four have had a a slightly challenging phase due to weather conditions but have been resourceful finding other ways they can support the community and certainly made the most of their time out there.
Tango Five are jubilant after completing the trek yesterday! They're now making their weary way back to Field base on the day and a half journey up from Kerala.
We can't wait for them all to descend and tell us all their stories ...
Jack Phillips Tango 5
ReplyDeleteHi Jack, hope your day and a half journey back to base went ok,at least it gives you time to rest your feet. I'm sure your looking forward to your last phase, looks like some of your co venturers have received letters from home,could you let us know the address or are we too late now. Looking forward to seeing what you'll be upto next. Dad had a lovely birthday and loved your card and yes he did cry ha ha. We just can't wait to see you and are especially looking forward to christmas dinner with you. Mike Sue and Jessica will also be at our house for dinner.
Lots of love
Mom and Dad
Kirsten Elliot Tango 5. Well done on completing your trek. Not long till your birthday and I hope you have a good day. It's going to snow here a little bit so they say. Enjoy the last phase. Love Dad.XX
ReplyDeleteI hope this reaches you in time for changeover so you can read some love from Louise!! so it is nearly December and Sheffield is pretty gloomy! my course is 3/4 in now and my essay workload is increasing! you only have 1 phase left and then Jamie joins you in India. We have so much to catch up on... where do we begin. So much has happened but also so little. I hope my letter reached you. Best of luck for your final phase, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteLots of love, Louisexxxx
Aimee Welch - Tango Five
ReplyDeleteSo proud that you've finished the trek - what an amazing experience.
Not sure any news from Durham Road can match that! A couple of first aid related things to mention. Last week a small piece of food got stuck, and Daddy had to perform the Heimlich (spelling?) manoeuvre on me. Pretty scary, it seemed like so long before I could draw breathe. Also, Max was home for a couple of days and when he went out for a drink in the East End, he ended up dealing with a friend who had drunk himself into a stupor and needed his airway clearing etc etc..... No-one else knew what to do. Hope your first aid skills have not been needed recently!!
Apart from that, we're expecting snow in a couple of days - bet you can't imagine that. Trust the parcel I sent has arrived.
Grandma Welch was so excited when your letter arrived and has written back. Pippa was also pleased with your pre-birthday greeting. Can't believe she's going to be 17!!!
Daddy has had an awful cold for the last 2 weeks, but Poppy and Ginger are fine.
Lots of love from us all xxxxxxxxxx
Hello Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI hope that this finds you well and enjoying your adventure, I keep thinking of you and my kit having the best of times... cant wait to hear some stories,
Your ma's well, I am planning on distracting her from stressing about you this weekend by getting her over to mine for dinner and Srictly...
Sending you lots of love and pleased to see that bin liners are as popular as ever!
See you for christmas drinks ?????
Love Yvette 'The Meercat'
Good luck in the final phase, hope you got my last blog post and that you get my letter in time! Hope you're still having an amazing time despite the challenging last phase! Not much has changed here, I have garbled about what has in my letter, Ha. Looking forward to hearing all of your stories.
ReplyDeleteLots of love, Faye xxxx
Hi Justine Stuart (charlie two)
ReplyDeleteWas great to get a wee gab with you earlier, sounds like you are having a great time. Everyone back at sunny Stopover is asking for you and really proud of you. Keep up the great work your doing and we look forward to seening you soon. :)
LUV N BIG HUGS
Mandy xx :)
Hello Justine :) How are you ? Everyone is missing you !! You have done so well lol. Never thought you would have done it !! Wish I was there ! Looks fun lol , Missing You Lots. Hope to speak soon Lots of love. Ashley & Everyoneee .... Loveee youuuuuuuuu xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteOwen Duffin Ex Tango 6
ReplyDeleteHi Owen, It was great to get your messages posted on your journey back to Field base. We have looked at all the photos and have taken great delight in 'Owen spotting!" Sophie in particular is so proud of you (and a little jealous I think) I expect you are looking forward to resting those feet! And yes, your status was great!! Lots of love, Mum and DadX
Susan Pollock (Charlie Two)
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, Hope all is going well and you're getting to see more fantastic wildlife! Horses are all fine, Colin is looking fabulous - really strutting his stuff at the moment and working hard. He's also figured out which is the treat pocket in my coat so is practicing his 'cute face' whenever he can, altho he has a way to go before it is as effective as Jack's... :o)
Love from Lornaxx
Message for Coen:
ReplyDeleteCoen pls advise urgently: returnflight Goa - Bangalore on Dec 25th ???????
Mam
Ryan Heeley Echo 4
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your treking phase. Hope you get lots of photos. Charlie filled me in on your phone call. Town lost 2 1 against Oxford last night for 2nd defeat at B2Net. Now 2nd in league a point behind port Vale. Its turning a bit chilly here, Craig just rang and its snowing in the toon, its forecast here too! You will look a bit strange with your tan when you get home! Enjoy your last few weeks lots of love mum,dad,Craig and Jord xxx
Tango Five - Aimee Welch
ReplyDeleteDear Aimee
Your letter has finally arrived, so exciting to see the envelope with all the stamps - we've all enjoyed reading it........
Don't worry, there will be presents and mince pies waiting for when you get back!!!
Much love from us all xxxxxxxxx
KANE GRENNAN
ReplyDeletehi kane good luck on your final phase only a few more weeks and you will be back home with everything well into the swing of christmas! dont panick we dont have the tree up yet but not long now!!! everyone here is good havnt heard anything on the blog yet as to what u are doing on your final phase so we are keeping an eye out.hope its something good. looking forward to seeing you soon miss you lots love always mum,matt,birdie,logan,kittyxxxx
Hi Erdinch (Charlie 2) jsut to let you know the insurance is all sorted now.....see you when you get back alls well in London but very very cold here) hope your enjoying it all! love mum, dad and Nej xxx
ReplyDeleteRyan Heely- Echo four
ReplyDeleteHelloooo there Rye :)
Im sat with your letter in my hand and im suprised i haven't worn it away by reading it so many times. Im going to Amys now but im taking it with me to show you off and say yeah my boyfriends off saving the world, then ill quote a bit from you :D Thats cool that you've seen how teas made, each time you put a pot onto mash i want the history of where its come from :) Its been snowing here, it looks so nice and white, i got majorly snowed on yesterday and looked like a snowman (or snowwoman)I went to the hospital yesterday too and i may be able to come off my tablets in a couple of months yay! AND theres a beautiful flat in the centre of Florence with our name on it :D haha :D Hope your enjoying trecking, and you fighting them leeches away. Enjoy your last few weeks matey x CAN NOT WAIT to see your beautiful bearded face :) x i love love love love youuuuuuuuuuu x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Jack Phillips Tango Five
ReplyDeleteHi Jack just to let you know you,ve got an interview at Birmingham 12th Jan. Can you let us know your flight number and where your flying from and we'll be there to pick you up.Hope your ok,it's really cold here and some places have had snow already. Enjoy the next few weeks.
Loads of love
Mom and Dad
Jack Phillips Tango Five
ReplyDeleteHi Jack,
Can you check to see if you need to take Malaria
tablets before you make your way to Goa,i think you do,can you sort out to stop me worring.
Thanks Mom x x x
Jack Phillips Tango Five
ReplyDeleteHi Jack,We are very proud of your achievments in India and we are sure the village and the occupants are glad they are now Elephant proof.The photos of your exploits are great and you look very fit and well.Looking forward to seeing you at Christmas after your well deserved holiday in Goa.
Love Nan & Grandad xx.
For Jennifer Rimmer (Charlie 1)
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Jennifer,
Your letters both arrived today (30th November), thank you so much they're lovely. I've sent a parcel out to you last week, and am gonna send out the items you've asked for and cross my fingers that they get to you in time.
The snow is falling beautifully here and everything is very busy. You're quite right, I have every gift wrapped in red and gold and the mincemeat and Christmas cake have been ready since August! Am planning to up my tree and decorations next over the weekend (am working until Sunday evening so it will be after that). I'm in regular contact with Chez Rimmer, especially with the situation with your Grandma. I've emailed you back also, but know you have little access to it.
Loads to catch up on and talk about - hopefully over a homemade mince pie and milk man milk infused hot beverage (obviously I'll be home making the mince pies!)
Missing you loads and looking forward to having you home very soon.
All my love.
Kate x x x x x
To James McIntosh (tango 2 )
ReplyDeleteHi son hope you are making the best of your last few weeks in India as weather back here in Scotland is artic conditions. Right down the east coast has been blocked of from the rest of the country with airports and trains cancelled, roads blocked and the temperature at grannies tonight is -20. Dont let that put you of coming home as we miss you. Firstly you need to get that 10k marathon run as I dont see your name down on the list, which suprises me.
Hope your back is much better and you are well.
Love and miss you
Mum & Gordon
To Justine STUART, - Charlie 2
ReplyDeleteOmg just got you letter was so shocked loved it, was in work and couldnt wait to get home :)lol to funny can see you've not changed :D, you've done so well, am proud of ye, sounds like you are having the time of your life but enough of the sawpy stuff. There is so much goss and hope you have some aswell (i no u will) everyone over here is great and missing you sooo much, my mum and gran have been asking for ye (L) Andrea and Lee have broke up for about 3 month and Ashley and James are just the same & am just me lol you will be loving the hot weather while over it was minus 11 :( you never mentioned on your letter when you are coming home, Could you please hurry weekends have not been the same without you.
Could write on this allday but i will let you get back digging, plastering and that.
PS stay safe
Loveee you hundreds
Your bestest friend Shannon
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
James Mcintosh (Tango 2)
ReplyDeleteHi James thanks for the Birthday message :)Hope you are having a great time still, which im sure you are! I dont have facebook so dont really get updated with what you are doing other than on here but i heard about your back and that you might want to stay on. Have you thought anymore about staying on? Its freezing here, we were supposed to be going to Glasgow on Sat but all of the trains are cancelled at the moment so we had to go shopping to Fundee instead :( Nothing much happening here apart from the snow so no surprises there, see you soon love Amy x