AMBULANCE AT THE FINISH LINE!

On Friday, the ambulance finally drove across the finish line at Mill Rythe Junior School to be welcomed by the whole shcool with their teachers and Deputy Head, Mr Marshall. Also at the welcome reception were Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page and Martin Ebbage from Cartridge World, sho sponsored the drive.

Portsmouth Principal. Andrea Ward, who helped arrange the events, said: "This has been a great team effort. People have pulled together all around the country and as well the donations - now in excess of £10,000 - we feel we have very much raised awareness of the work Village Africa does." Helen O'Grady National Director, Nigel Le Page, has been following the progress daily as the ambulance visited branches of the Academy around the country. He said: "This is the busiest time of the year for UK Helen O'Grady Principals. They are all in the final stages of their year end shows, with some of them missing rehearsals to support Andrea and Caroline and Village Africa. I congratulate them all for their support. For Andrea to make this massive committment when she too is working with her drama classes on productions is highly commendable. I am very proud the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy could help in some way."

In this picture a pupil from Mill Rythe school presents the results of their fundraising to Village Africa Director, Caroline Johnston, - and, of course, Oscar the dog!

Thousands of drama students around the UK now know a little more about a remote part of Africa and what is needed to improve conditions there. Caroline will be heading back there later this week and has the final message for everyone who has supported the fundraising effort: "On behalf of Andrea and myself - and, more importantly, the villagers of Yamba 'asanteni sana!' (Thank you very much)".

If you would like to read more about the trip and make a dontaion, go now to http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/

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/

ON TO LONDON

First stop in London was organised by Christina Holden at Holy Trinity School, East Finchley. Christina is a past volunteer with Village Africa. Teacher, Francesca White, is seen here with organiser and Portsmouth Helen O'Grady Principal, Andrea Ward.

On to Helen O'Grady, South East London and Principal, Judy Adams, had a special headgear class to welcome the ambulance! Hats off to Judy and her students!

Finally on to Croydon where Principal, Ian Brown, was rehearsing his end of year play, 'Paradesia.' The tropical sunshine certainly added to the atmosphere!

The ambulance is now on the home straight back to Portsmouth where it arrives to huge reception on Friday. There is still time to donate. Visit www.villageafrica.org.uk for more details.

AMBULANCE IN STOCKPORT - BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

On Monday 21st June the ambulance finally made its stop in Stockport to make up for the missed visit the previous week when the ambulance broke down. Principal, Kalini Kent, and her class finally had the opportunity to welcome the fundraisers in style!

Oscar the dog was tickled to death by the experience! You can access more information and donate to the cause at http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/

AMBULANCE STOPS IN SCOTLAND - EVENTUALLY!

Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, whose sister, Caroline Johnston is Director of the Village Africa project, drove to Manchester on Friday night to meet up with the ambulance for the next leg of the journey. Sadly, after a couple of days of 'mechanical faults' the ambulance broke down on the motorway and had to be taken in for repair. But, not a team to be beaten, the girls managed to acquire an ambulance car to use while mechanics were trying to locate a part for their own vehicle.

After an overnight drive to Scotland, as well as visiting classes with Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, she and Andrea managed to scale a climbing wall under the watchful eye of Oscar the dog - who seems to be in on everything!

Oscar then met up with Barbara's students and told them all about Village Africa's work in Tanzania.

Next stop was Fettes College (above) in Edinburgh, which is the school Tony Blair attended - and also the inpsiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Fettes is already very involved in fundraising for Village Africa and last year sent an expedition of teachers to Yamba.

Don't forget to check back here later to learn of the fate of the 'real' ambulance and details of the next stop. Visit http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ to donate.

AMBULANCE STOP 9

The ambulance stop in Manchester saw a friendly ambush by students of the Academy. Principal, Gill Hollis, had no chance to drive the vehicle as it seems to have been taken over by Oscar the dog!

So far over £3000 has been raised on the journey and still the fun continues!

You can donate at www.villageafrica.org and you can follow progress of the charity's group on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos back to normal size today after a little hiccup with yesterdays pics!