SIDETRACK TO GUILDFORD ON WAY HOME TO PORTSMOUTH

As the ambulance arrived back in Portsmouth, the Lord Mayor. Cllr Paula Riches, asked for a special stop. She is always keen on fundraising for African causes as she was born in Nairobi. She met with Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, and her sister Caroline Johnston, who is director of the charity Village Africa. Naturally, Oscar was there too!

Before this the team sidetracked to Guildofr to visit Ravenscote Junior School, where Andrea runs drama classes and were invited to conduct an assembly to tell the school about their journey and the cause.

A couple of students helped Oscar check out the ambulance to make sure it was safe for the final leg of the journey. The ambulance arrives back in Portsmouth today after nearly 2000 miles and some 20 stops. Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page, will be there with other dignitaries to welcome the team back after their adventures.

A final total of funds raised will be announced soon. It's not too late to help - go to http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ to donate or visit the group's page on Facebook.

BROMLEY STOP

On the final stop before heading back to Portsmouth, The Village Africa ambulance car stopped in Bromley. Principal, Helen Walls, and her drama students dressed up in African clothes and had lots of colourful bits and pieces when they welcomed the crew including, as always, Oscar the dog. That animal is everywhere! There was even a chance for a tiger to take the wheel! http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/

AMBULANCE STOPS 7 & 8

At Leamington Spa, the ambulance met with Thare Machi, a Village Africa Partner. Thare Machi sends health DVDs to Village Africa and the charity sends them Kiswahili translations.



L to R in picture - Tina Freeman, a past volunteer and 'knitting queen' of Yamba, Caroline Johnston, Liz Collyer, Bev Pettle from Thare Machi.


Stop 8 was a visit to the Helen O'Grady branch in West Midlands. Principal, Jane Evans, arranged an African themed lessons with her class. We love the rabbits ears!

http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/

VYAADAHIKANA - it is possible

Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, is playing a big part in organising an ambulance drive around the UK to raise funds for The Village Africa Appeal. http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ Andrea is seen above signing the Portsmouth Football Club bus! The Pompeys are supporting the appeal.

Village Africa is a small but very active, UK based registered charity set up by Andrea's sister, Caroline Johnston, four years ago in the remote area of Yamba in Tanzania. It's aim is to alleviate poverty through health, education and building projects.

The ambulance route, which starts and finishes in Portsmouth, will visit dozens of the UK's Drama Academies, covering over 1000 miles in total. The drive takes place between 11th and 27th June 2010.

RIGHT NOW THE CHARITY IS STILL LOOKING FOR AN AMBULANCE! Having contacted PCTs, St. Johns and the Red Cross, Andrea and Caroline are still looking for their ambulance! If any of our readers can help, please contact portsmouth@helenogrady.co.uk or info@villageafrica.org.uk

Check back here for pictures of the trip over the next couple of months and, if you would like to become involved, contact Andrea or Caroline on the emails addresses above.