Off the Record

Rachel's African Adventure

This year we are supporting Rachel Rigby through Kings Community Church in Hatfield Hertfordshire where David Martin serves as a leader.

About Rachel

Rachel moved to Hatfield in late 2004 to begin a law degree at the university. As a mature student she took an accelerated course, which meant she studied for 24 months continuously. Rachel's intention as she began her degree was to eventually work in banking law, drawing on her work experience in the investment administration sector. However as she continued her studies she developed a keen interest in international law and human rights. She wrote her dissertation on the right of all children to a primary education, and looked at how this is provided for in the developing world.

Clarens - South Africa

Clarens is south of Johannesburg, right on the border with the Kingdom of Lesotho. It is surrounded by the beautiful Maluti and Drakensburg mountain ranges. In Clarens it is conservatively estimated that one in three of the local Basotho population is HIV positive. This devastating illness perpetuates the cycle of poverty, and is leaving a whole generation orphaned. Families are living in one room shacks, with children caring for their invalid elders. There is little education in regards to preventing the spread of HIV to young children, and there remains a huge stigma attached to being HIV positive.

Rachel's Mission

Rachel flew to South Africa on 23rd January 2009 and is staying in Clarens for 2 years. Due to visa restrictions she is unable to earn money in South Africa and must be completely self-funding. She is therefore working as a volunteer for a local church. The Church is the Dihlabeng Christian Church and it is involved in a variety of social action projects including primary education through its own school, visiting and caring for the sick, teaching language skills, feeding orphans, teaching computer skills, and a lunch club for the elderly. Rachel is serving on many of these teams, particularly focussing on working with orphans and visiting the sick.

David's Visit

During February and March of this year David and his wife visited Clarens. As well as supporting the work in Clarens David also visited projects at the sister Church in Maseru, Lesotho.

Click here to view Rachel's latest newsletter

Tom's passion for skiing

Skiing is a passion for Tom – but take his advice at your peril !

I was recently talking to a friend who is about to embark on his first time ski trip – this a restricted version of the advice I shared (the details have been changed to protect the innocent till proved guilty), which I hope might be of use to you if you are daring to embark upon a such a venture :

Good to see you yesterday – Some thoughts on ... that well known French resort :

Always remember it might be cold, you might spend too much, your skiing might be at the level of Bambi, your muscles be screaming at you !
BUT THE ALTERNATIVE IS WORK

Tom's Walking Challenge

The Challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. These are Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon respectively.

• Three mountains, three countries in one day - without a break
• Hiking 26.5 miles
• Climbing through 3,407 metres
• Driving 583 miles between peaks

The " Mad " Team

Pictured above are Tom and Nick who along with Kath and Helen (and driver Alex) undertook the venture - following a “mad” moment and dare by Kath after we completed the " Yorkshire Three Peaks " last year.

Click here to view Tom's latest blog

Life Bridging Works

Our sponsored charity for this year has been Life Bridging Works. This exists to bring life in all its fullness to some of the world's poorest people by bridging the gap between the developed and developing nations. Close friends of mine have been working with them in Uganda bringing support to underprivileged school children. I therefore know that any funds will be wisely used and give direct benefit.