During the two days the venturers have been here, we did our best to destroy them with vast amounts of knowledge and entertainment, but they have been holding up like aces. All the training sessions we have been covering in one week time (see this blog post), they got served in only two days: GPS-tracking, map reading, voice procedures including learning the phonetic alphabet (and it is still “U” for “unicorn”!), situational/incident/trip/medical reporting, casualty evacuation procedure, (gasp… are you still with me?) hygiene and medkits, medical emergencies, basic life support, and trauma. They also got a presentation of what we (and they) will be up to in Phase I, during which our PMs tried to lure them into their respective projects, promising elephant-dung reading, excrements-into-energy-transformations, and toilet humour.
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| Some recovery positioning |
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| Some casevacing |
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| The Manchester City stadium should be right here then... |
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| I said "uniCORN"! |
For all these efforts they received the special treat, which we never got (just like blog comments, my dear friends and family of PMs!): World famous Shyam brought snakes, style, and knowledge to our Fieldbase. Looking like an Indian Ringo Starr, Shyam is a snake rescuer and rehabilitator, wildlife conservationist, public educator, and all in all the first person to call if you find a snake in your house. If you want to see him in action, you can check out the BBC’s “Caroline Quentin - A Passage Through India” (Episode 3). Bringing his vast collection of non-venomous and venomous snakes into Fieldbase, he triggered a spectrum of emotions, from plain “I have to run”-fear (hissing cobras are not very popular) to adventurous “I have to open this box”-curiosity (truly excellent idea, if a Russell’s viper is in it). But more importantly: He shared his experiences with regard to snake identification, removal, and bites, as well as general wildlife safety measures with us, so we know what to watch out for and how to react.
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| Shyam the man |
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| Not everybody's cup of tea |
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| Do not pet; it's cute but venomous. |
After a long day of brain-challenges, we got all athletic, as our Greek gods of war Izia, Mattos, and Rhysos staged Raleigh Olympics. The Deltas entered into a fierce competition over wheelbarrow racing, Indian style water bearing, and other proper Olympic disciplines. I have no idea who won, as things got seriously out of hand and we suddenly found ourselves in the middle of “Water Wars - The Venturer Strikes Back”.
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| Indian-style water bearing - Level 1 |
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| Indian-style water bearing - Level 2 |
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| How to start a water fight |
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| How to end a water fight |
On Monday (Teams 1, 3, and 5) and Tuesday (Teams 2, 4, and 6), our Deltas got their walking boots on early in the morning and left for a 15 km trek, including swimming, overnight camping, and loads of impressions of rural India. As I had to hold the Fieldbase-fort and stand ready for Charlie-Oscar-Mike-Mike-Sierra, the trek section will be covered through guest blogging by outrageously talented venturers. It may be your friend’s firsthand experience, so keep watching this space.
P.S.: A big THANK YOU to all the people that commented; it made the day of our venturers. Keep it coming!
Message for Shaquille Smith in Delta 5
ReplyDeleteJust want to send a BIG hug along with a Happy Valentine's to my prince. I hope you're doing fantastic and you're enjoying your time there...seeing snakes must've been fun, maybe.
I love you, stay safe and God bless you. MHWUAH!
Kelly
Glad to see pictures and stories!!!! Regards from Annelies to Beatrice Delta 2!
ReplyDeleteHello suresh, how are you? this is super siva from madurai, expedition epdi poikitu iruku. Un P.M.s epdi enjoy pannu, ethavathu problem na thejuku inform pannu, puriyalaina kelu, santhosama iru. ellorodum nalla palagu, unaku neraiya message pannuren. enjoy the expedition. good luck.
ReplyDeleteHello Mandhya boys, Senagithera? how is going on your expedition, you Enjoy? Your water fight is very nice. I miss you my dears. we will meet very soon. good luck.
ReplyDeleteHello Suraj,
ReplyDeletehow are you? this is super siva from madurai, your birthday punch is very very heavy pain in 2 days. Why this kola very Suraj? Nobody's punch me, any angry with me my dear? anyway i am really enjoy this birthday, I am not forget my 27th birthday in my life. Thank you guys, say thanks raleigh also.
Hai vishnu?
ReplyDeletehow are you? how is your P.M.s and your HCV's? Your water fight is very very nice. Enjoy this expedition.
Hello Anna,
ReplyDeletehow are you? this is super siva from madurai. I miss you? I am coming on 18th february but that time you on the phase, anyway good luck for you.
hello Sammy,
ReplyDeletehow are you? Do you remember me, I am really very happy to speak with you, and teach to you in some tamil words and kannada words, (Nalla irukingala(how are you-in Tamil), Senagithera(How are you-in Kannada)
To Aashna (Delta 5) Wow Aashna, looks like you have got really busy, and there's lots of activities happening there. Enjoy every minute honey, make the most of it.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom and Dad
To the Raleigh Blogger: Thanks for all the updates, it really makes my day and helps me feel connected to my daughter.
Thanks to the authors of this - very entertaining, informative and comical. I look forward to reading future posts! You guys are doing an awesome job!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo Venetia - Delta 6
ReplyDeleteHi, Great to see all the photos - water bearing running races look fun! Glad I wasn't around to see the snakes - remember Kenya & the mystery snake in our tent??? Looks like you are having a great time. Not much news here - Jamie had his knee op today - all gone fine, but pretty sore now. Smokey & Smartie fighting over sleeping places, but nothing new there. Hope you are enjoying your "mini trek" and have a great time on phase 1. Looking forward to following it all. Lots of love Mum, Dad, Jamie & co.
Martha delta 5...looks like you are having so much fun! Love you loads xxxxx
ReplyDeleteFor Jonny Cronk Delta 6
ReplyDeleteHope you flew the Cronk flag and won the wheel barrow race! Was it your legs in the blue and white checked shorts?
sounds good fun out there especially the water fight- will practice here for when you get home- does turning the shower on count?
everyone missing you but even more envious now we are reading the blog.
here is Chessie....
are you now officialy scared of snakes-i am now i have seen that picture! Did you cuddle one? Have you been a good boy and started a water fight just for me? :)
I miss you! see you in 4-5 months!
Hi Ursula (Delta 5)
ReplyDeleteHope you got on with the snakes! There are not many of them here in Scotland! Mum doesn't like the look of them.
Looks like you are learning about all the essentials - have you found out how to wash your clothes without a washing machine yet??
Love Dadxx
for Dominic Delta 6.
ReplyDeleteHi Dom, this is Mum and Dad calling. Looks like you're having fun already which is great. When does the work start? We will keep you up to date with football. The big news for those/that (?) Manchester City supporter is that Dad just got tickets for Wembley. Jealous? So am I!Since you ask Istanbul was fantastic-so much to see and do-and we got sun! Take care and stay safe.Love Mum and Dad
For Ursula Fairlie - Delta 5; Hi! Glad to hear you have arrived safely and you have been overwhelmed with training. Oh and also, Happy Valentines Day! Now that i can't call you to talk about my latest drama, mum is getting all the gossip - she loves it...! sounds swell lulu, missing you lots, hope you're having a blast, love hatti xxxx
ReplyDeleteVictoria - Delta 4
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read the new blog post today but I'm not sure what you will have made of the snakes! How are things on the creepy crawly front I wonder? By the sound of it you will have been trekking and camping - Matt is camping too but I think you will be warmer than him!
I've just opened your card which was very sweet and thoughtful of you. I hope you ARE having a FAB time! I will keep the chocolate as an emergency ration!
V much looking forward to the next update and a big thank you to the blogger(s) for doing such a great job - keep up the good work! Much love, Mum xxxxxx;)
Dear Marjolein (Delta 4) how was your first overnight camp?Made a lot of friends yet?And do you like snakes already, haha?Pictures on the blog look SUPER!We follow it constantly!Enjoy this very special experience.We love you very much!Hugs and kisses Dad, Mum and Bengel!
ReplyDeleteUrsula delta 5 - enjoying reading the blog and hoping you don't meet any snakes! The Forbesfield road gang x
ReplyDeleteBarney,
ReplyDeleteWow! So glad that Shyam and his snakes paid you a visit, so now you can hopefully talk Snakese if you need to.
Have a great time on your trek, can't tell you how thrilled I am!
Speak to you in March.
Stay safe and have fun,
Mum xx
hi Natalie (PM Turtles) got your e-mail we all wish you and you team a great time, also thanks for the parcel from Delhi, have used it already!
ReplyDeletelv buster et al
Another message for Beatrice delta 2, we would like to know how you are???
ReplyDeleteIt is hugely important that Barney's MCFC shirt appears in all future diary entries.
ReplyDeleteNunks
Hi Patrick (Delta 4)
ReplyDeleteGlad that you now know which snakes to avoid but will you remember in the heat of the moment I wonder! Let's hope you don't have to put your new found identification skills to the test too often. Walked with Nicola this morning comparing our Raleigh stories. George off to Nicaragua for his first phase.
Love Mum xx
roosmarijn groen, delta 6
ReplyDeleteHallo Roos, Lekker weer bij jullie? hier is het maar koud. Ik hoor dat je zelf geslachte kip hebt gegeten. was ie lekker, of had ie al veel vlieguren gehad?
veel plezier bij het eerste project
groetjes Papa
Hi Jonny (Delta 6)
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know that I am enjoying the blog (did you enjoy the snakes and practicing your parseltongue ?) Hope you and James H (!!) are having a great time ? Miss you loads Mumxx
Aunty Abigail (Dalta 1)
ReplyDeleteI saw your picture with the snake. Me caitlyn and tia are missing you. I am going to the seaside with mummy daddy and caitlyn tomorrow. Mummy is going to help me write to you again. We are at grandma Glenns caitlyn is playing hungry hippos.I hope you are missing me like we are missing you. I love you, enjoy being in India see you later allagator
Love Chole xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Ollie, lovely to see you on the blogs. Glad you enjoyed the overnight trek. Good luck with the community phase- take care.
ReplyDeleteLots of love Mum & Dad
Jules Cornelissen, Delta 1.
ReplyDeleteHoi Jules hier een berichtje van opa Jan en oma Jeanneke. We hebben op de foto gezien, dat je goed bent aangekomen. Wat zijn we trots op je jongen, dat je dit zo doet. We moeten veel aan je denken ! En zijn erg benieuwd naar hoe het je vergaat en wat je zoal bezig houdt. Hoe bevalt het eten ? Hebben ze daar ook pizza's. En slaap je in een hangmat of zit dat nou ? Hopelijk krijgen we een berichtje van je terug. Heel veel groetjes, liefs en knuffels van ons.
We houden kontakt en . . . We houden je in de gaten, ha,ha,ha. doeoeoeoeoeoei !!!!!
Hoi Jules,
DeleteHoe gaat het met je? heel veel groetjes vanuit Moergestel.
Fam. van Dal
FOR TOM MITCHELL Delta 6. D's bday yesterday, got your card, loved the correction! Out at the Kings Head last night to celebrate with schitchs/chloe etc. Feeling a little delicate this am! Hope you enjoyed the trek - lucky you did that valley running?! We are still LOSTING ... though I admit to possibly losing the vibe! Curried eggs for breakfast yet? You'll love them. Loads of love, M x
ReplyDeleteKatherine A - Delta 3. Wow! It's hard to believe you're all the way over there and have been gone for nearly a week now. I hope all is ok and that it's living up to expectations. I'd love to know what you're getting up to and about all the crazy experiences. All is well here, of course we miss you loads. Dad xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteFor Harriet Upton (Echo 3 - Turtles)
ReplyDeleteHey Hari - not sure how this will get to you but I just wanted to wish you luck. Hope the journey goes well, the turtles behave themselves and you get back safe and sound.
Missing you an awful lot right now.
Love
Hamish xxx
Laura Mac - Delta 4.
ReplyDeleteHello Mushy, looks like your having an amazing time, and I bet that 15km trek was a walk in the park....! We all enjoy and love the updates and photos of the trip so far,looking forward to the next bunch of photos already.
Miss you lots.
Matt xxx
p.s. I hope you are not attracting the mozzies.
Dan Wiseman - Delta 3. Looks like your enjoying yourself! Knowing you, you probably loved the snakes! Unlike me, I would of fainted haha. Everyone is very much looking forward to seeing you when you get back. The house phone broke so I brought a new one just incase you ring! :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy yourself.
Love you xxxx
Delta 3 - James!!
ReplyDeleteFinally found the blog! Hope you are getting on ok! Am laughing thinking of you and snakes in the same vicinity!! Love you xxxxxx
Roosmarijn Groen, delta 6
ReplyDeleteHoi lieve Roos! Jeetje, je bent alweer een week weg! tijd gaat zo snel eigenlijk he?! Ik hoop dat je het naar je zin hebt, maar dat zal vast wel! Ik zal je ook even mijn geweldige nieuws vertellen: Ik heb zowaar mijn tentamen statistiek gehaald! haha. Hoorde van mama al dat je haar gesproken hebt! als je de kans krijgt, wil ik ook wel graag verhalen van je horen hoor;)
Roosje, heeel veel plezier komende tijd! Ik ga je zeker nog wel vaker een berichtje sturen. No worries!
xxxxxx, Dot
Eline de Vries- Delta 5
ReplyDeleteLieve Lien
Leuk om je te zien op de foto's. Het ziet er heel gezellig en actief uit. we wensen je heel veel plezier bij de schildpadden op het strand.Het wordt zeker een mooie ervaring.
Hier is het nu niet meer aan het vriezen. Het is ongeveer 5 graden. We bereiden ons nu voor op Carnaval. We zijn jaloers op de warmte die jij hebt, al vind jij het erg warm
Hoe bevalt het eten. Is het zoals je had gedacht? En het slapen onder de klamboe?
We zijn heel benieuwd naar je verhalen.
Liefs papa, mama en je broertjes
FOR TOM MITCHELL Delta 6. Caps x two arrived in post today, you were right to have faith! Mind you, they seem to have come from Australia! M x
ReplyDeleteFor Ste: ECHO 3
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you - and really pleased you got the turtles! (Unless you are gathering their poo, that is!) Great reading the blog and seeing the photos but snakes - wot? No spiders?! Mum & Cathy bought THE dress yesterday - very happy. All well, here and everyone sends their love. CHAIR xx
Victora- Delta 4
ReplyDeleteI have just had an update from Mum and read the itinary for the next 9 weeks. It looks very interesting and challenging. I hope you have time to keep up your Diary and been able the take good photos. The scenery looks very lush. How is the food? Are you eating things you have never eaten before? Now here is something to test your newly acquired skill.
Lima Oscar Victor Echo from Madeira xxxx
Grandpa says it is U for Uniform and not U for Unicorn
Roosmarijn Groen,delta 6
ReplyDeletehoi Roosie, ik mis je zoooooo erg, het is hier namelijk een heel stuk saaier zonder jou.
heb je het erg naar je zin in India?
ik ben eenorm jalours maar ik gun het je heel erg.
heb je al grachten om de dorpen gemaakt zodat de olifanten er niet in gaan of komt dat later?
ik heb nu bijna vakantie en ik moet stage lopen in Beatrix (super saaaaaaaaaai) haha.
ik gun je alles wat je daar hebt met harte.
xxxxxxxx je lieve broertje Paultje xxxxxxxx
Max D. Delta 2. good to see you being medical. We are all here grinning at your exploits. Fab you are there and doing. Grandma here with us - very excited to see you in India. - Lynn
ReplyDeleteDear Max, Grandma here. Lovely to see you, thanks for the bed and lots of love. - Grandma
Dear Max Sahib, Guy here. Love the beard! Weather man forecasting that Blighty will look like Siberia soon. My Kenyan chum is now wearing the entire fur of a polar bear! Hope you're getting lots of sun - but remember, try not to go The Only Way is Essex! Looking forward to discussing Federated Insurgency Complexes, deviant globalisation and super-empowerment with you when you get home...wild I know but it'll give you something to talk to the others about. Or not - as Mum says. Nameste! Guy
Dear Max, Pops here...Everyone here assures me you didn't cause any harm to the small chap you were resuscitating in the photo...Have you eaten the snake yet? It looked good to us....Enjoy the trek, hole digging and the food. Read much yet? Love Pa xxx
Natalia and Tom (Delta 6) Great to see you are both in the same team. love the snakes and water carrying! I have shared backpack packing stories with both your Mums. Amelia started her trek celebrating her b'day only 280 km to go. Hopefully no news is good news. Good luck with yours and I look forward to the shared stories around the kit table. Big hugs to you both the CM's
ReplyDeleteHope you will be able to pass the wonderful news on to Barney that City beat Porto 2-1 tonight. Down at half time, City came back strongly with an own goal after Balo pressure and a Kun tap in after hard work by Yaya.
ReplyDeleteNunks
Jonny C - Delta 6.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you lots but hope you are having a good time in Indi- yah!!
Know more about what you are up to than Molly who is in Spain. Keep looking at the photos but can't see you are you sure you are there and not done a bunk to New Zealand?
love Chessie etc
roosmarijn groen delta 6
ReplyDeleteLieve roos,
Ik volg je fanatiek hoor. De foto's zien er geweldig uit. Las op je moeders facebook dat je een kip hebt geslacht. Dat is nog eens iets anders dan sushi haha. Fieke heeft me verteld dat we ook brieven kunnen schrijven. Dus dat ga ik doen.
XXX Sanne
Marjolein-Delta 4
ReplyDeleteHé lieverd, hoe gaat het? Je 1e week zit er al op! Een paar x per dag checken wij de blog voor nieuws uit India. De verhalen en foto's zijn heerlijk om te volgen! Hoe zitten je schoenen en al gewend aan je matje en mummi-bag? Verder lekker engels aan 't praten de hele dag? En nu dan jullie 1e project. Kan niet wachten op niewe foto's en verhalen. Heel veel succes en enjoy!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxx mama
Abz (dalta 1) Well you have been there a week. it feels funny not having you around, we can use the sofa and TV remote. Nathan is over in Belfast he's taken everything but the kitchen sink. Been with Chole today took her shopping just like you. She's bought you something so I'll send it over for you. Back to work on Monday for me. Do you need some money putting on your phone let us know and I'll get some for you. Rung James to see if he had heard from you said you'd made friends and was enjoying yourself. hope you carry on enjoying the experience. How did you enjoy the track?
ReplyDeleteStay safe, enjoy Love and miss you Mum
Hey Will (Delta 4) Can't believe you left a week ago today. Bet it feels much longer and so much you must have already experienced and seen and so many tales probably to tell. Enjoy and have a really fab time. We all miss you but are so glad that you look happy and sound as though you are having a blast. I have tried to blog several times and am hoping I have got this right and this gets to you..Love from as all, Mum, Dad Baba & Joshie xxx
ReplyDeleteHé Roos, misschien had ik mijn eerder geplaatste berichtje op deze pagina moeten posten. Mijn andere berichtje staat op de pagina met de foto waar je in het water staat. Ik wens je hoe dan ook heel veel plezier.
ReplyDeleteVeel liefs, Louise
Dan Wiseman (Delta 3)
ReplyDeleteHi Dan, Hope you are having a great time. You certainly look relaxed in your latest photo. As soon as Jodie and I spotted the bright green hair we guessed it would be you. lol. The twins have been here the last two weekends keeping your room warm. I think Michael is worried we'll find it too quiet without you here. Take Care, Love you. Mum XXx
Caspar Charly 1
ReplyDeleteHi Son !
jetzt will Uwe auch das Higoal in DDorf mit Dir spielen. ich versuche das jetzt zu organisieren.
wir alle denken oft an Dich.
:-) Papi
Shaveh, Hope your well, Glad to see you settling in, how's your journal comming along? Andrew
ReplyDeleteFrances Anderson (Echo 3)
ReplyDeleteHi Frances, The Wakenhuts hope you have a great time with the turtles, toilets and trekking in India. We look forward to hearing all about it when we next see you. What an experience !
G, J-Y, A and T xxxx
For Sophie Frommrich, Charlie 2
ReplyDeleteHallo Sophie,
ich hoffe Du hast eine tolle Zeit, den Fotos nach zu schliessen sollte es viel spass machen. Wir frieren noch ein bisschen selbst in Marseille und hoffen, dass es bald waermer wird. Louis gehts gut und er freut sich auf die Reise nach Südafrika. Claude ist diese Woche in Sizilien, ganz schön verstreute Familie. Pass auf dich auf, dickes Bussi und hab dich lieb, mama
Jenna Winstanley Echo 4
ReplyDeleteHi Jens,
We thought we would write you with a little bit of news from me & Chris
Hope your project is going well and your not digging too many holes or mixing up too much concrete!
Sleeping out in the open must be an interesting experience hope its comfortable enough for you?
Diana is in London today getting a visa so we can go to Sweden for a long weekend (nice)
David & Carole are coming here at the weekend to finally get the house all cleared
The weather is starting to improve somewhat its almost spring like,
although they are threatening drought conditions for parts of the UK as its been so dry
Expect that doesn’t include Wales which is rain, rain and more rain!!
Miss you loads lots of Love xx
Chris’s bit
Yes rain rain rain here! Typical. At least its a tad warmer though.
Not much to report really.... Car is finally sorted! Off out with the girls on Friday for a ghost hunt at Llancaiach Fawr :s! I highly doubt we are going to see anything!
Todd has booked a trip to Loch Ness for the two of us. Think we'll go sometime in March/April. That will be a nice get away.
Mum is good. Garden is finished and they've bought a new TV! Still nothing from Tom despite them going to his flat twice now. Tinks is sneezing a bit and Sadie is the usual!
Miss you a lot. Hope the project is going well for you. So proud of you. You're doing some great work there!
Love you lots xxx
for Victoria - Charlie 2
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday - have a great day !!!! It's all sounding wonderful -
Much love
Lou x x
Abigail Smith
ReplyDeleteFriday night well I am set here catching up on my work.Dads gone Rhoden, Nathans gone to Dannys 18th, a meal at the three fishes and back to the Black Dog. I am taking the Kids and your Gran up to the van tomorrow. Can not book your accommadtion at liverpool until march. I also need your student number from Liverpool. Don't know if you can Email them back at base camp I need you to write or let me know what to do. They won't talk to me data protection.
Hope you are still enjoying your time over there. Miss you Love Mum x
for charlotte hendriks (echo 4)
ReplyDeleteHi Lot, hope you are getting used to the physical work building a biogas device. We read up on everything on the blog and sent an sms, but we didn't get anything back. Probably your out of battery/reach. We are hoping to get some word of you in the next couple of weeks. Tim just went off skiing, Fiona and I are leaving for Barcelona tomorrow! Love from all. Hanneke
To: Oliver Forster-Constance
ReplyDeleteHey Ollie,
Looks like fun. Seems like a good way to escape an
English winter. Will be watching Liverpool vs Cardiff.
Hope you're enjoying India.
LOve Paul
To Natalia Robinson- charlie 1
ReplyDeleteTALLIEEE!!! How are you?? it looks like you're having an amazing time! We miss you so much over here! The sun has come out so the goggle tans are getting pretty extreme... I hope you got our last message with all the gossip but if not here's another quick update;
harry and mark are still going together, gaby and rob still getting together but theyre keeping it casual, charlies back and hes homeless so he's pissing everyone off, ewan now really likes georgie but shes not interested anymore, ida and xan are a real thing now and the whole harriet group has fallen apart.
Tal me and harry are actually SO excited for our trip! I hope it really happens! Would you want south america or south east asia though? Did you meet jan by the way? He's lovely say hi to him for me!
By the way if you didnt get the other message thank you so much for your letter and bracelets! we really love it, you are just too sweet!
WE LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!
lots of love harry, gaby, mikey, georgie