Hey Bees!

It has been a little while since tour… but it is still fresh and fond in my mind like the warmth of Barney’s head on Atko’s pillow. The absolutely superb news is that due to the generosity of all you Bs and Bees that we raised a magnificent total of 75 squidlies. This money has now been donated to various charities. As it split nicely into 25s we have donated to three charities that are close to the hearts and mind of the Bees. These were all suggested to me on tour and we have at least one charity saved up to benefit from next year’s tour (where i hope we can break the 100 squid mark!). SO THANK YOU ALL. YOU ARE AMAZING! The three charities we have donated 25 quid each to are below.

1. Raynaud’s and Scleroderma – Raynaud’s is a common condition in which blood is prevented from reaching the extremities of the body, mainly the fingers and toes, on exposure to the cold or any slight change in temperature. A small number of people who have Raynaud’s also develop scleroderma, a disease which affects the connective tissue. Scleroderma means hard skin but the hardness is not limited to the skin – the internal organs and their blood supply may become damaged. Scleroderma can be devastating not only for the person who has the condition but also for the families concerned. We offer a very personal service, always available to answer questions, offer advice, reassurance and support. Further advice can be obtained through the nurse advice lines available to members and funded by the Association.

We are giving to this charity because a friend of Mildert B, Dom Colley, is raising money for the charity at the Great North Run, as his father-in-law dies of the disease. It is a very good cause. To learn more… or donate more… see http://www.justgiving.com/domcolley/ Of our donation Dom said, “Very kind of you and everyone on tour anyway so be sure to say thank you to everyone who donated! Very generous of everyone.”

2. Mvumi School Trust – Friends of Mvumi Secondary School was formed by declaration of charitable trust dated 23 March 1999 and first registered with the Charity Commission on the 15 April 1999. The name of the charity was changed to Mvumi School Trust in 2008. The sole purpose of this charity is to provide funding and support for the teachers and students of DCT Mvumi Secondary School. This school is centered in the rural heartland of the central region of Tanzania. It was established in 1994 by the Anglican Church. The Trust is largely responsible for funding the recent reconstruction of the School. Our sponsorship scheme funds the cost of over 100 student bursaries and we also provide funds for 50 scholarships.

This charity was suggested by Miss Laura Bengough as her mum works very closely with the charity. Of our donation the Trust said, “Thank you for this kind donation.” Another excellent charity, find out more at http://mvumischooltrust.co.uk/home

3. British Beekeepers’ Association – 20% of British Honey Bees died last year. Beekeeping in the UK is not an ‘Industry’ – the majority of beekeepers do not make a living from their bees, and the pollination that their bees provide is by and large provided for free to the local area. Without this source of pollinating insects the rich biodiversity that is the hallmark of the UK countryside would decline. In particular the fruits that we enjoy and the berries that the birds need would be less abundant.

Should be fairly obvious why we have donated to this charity. Without Bees there would be no Mildert B!!! To find out more http://www.britishbee.org.uk/index.php

Thanks again and I look forward to us helping (and beating) the world more next year!