Mangoes, monkeys and Maggie

Chris and Maggie
in Masindi

Thursday 26 July 2007




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It's not retirement

The last 2 weeks have been very hectic. Patients have been incredible and we have been overwhelmed by cards and donations both to VSO and to take out to Masindi. As we have reached our goal for the VSO appeal my beard will definitely be coming off next week. It is all set for Tuesday, my last day at New Hall. I do not expect to do much work that day but lots of patients are planning to come in just to say goodbye. It will be strange after all these years to finally say farewell.
We had a wonderful party on Friday night with all the surgery staff. Vince had arranged the entertainment and every member of staff did something. There were songs,sketches and even poetry and a large amount of fun! A great time was had by all.We were presented with a digital video camera which was used to record the whole event. We managed to produce DVDs for everyone.
We have had lots of invitations out for "farewell dinners" Thanks go to every one who has asked we really grateful.Every one seems very supportive and interested in what we are planning to do in Masindi.Time is getting short now there seems an awful lot to do and people to see.
We are desperately trying to pack this week. We have thrown out so much accumulated rubbish. It's amazing how much one family can amass over the years. The van is booked and we have decided to store the left overs in Sheffield so it is all systems go.

Sunday 8 July 2007

Another week gone


This week has flown by and I can't believe how quickly time is going now.We are leaving this house mid August and should have spent the week end sorting things out but decided to go to Berwick instead. This was the first time I have seen the Boult but I was not disappointed.We camped out there as we haven't furnished it yet but managed to have a great weekend. It is so relaxing in Berwick. Everything is in walking distance and the people are really friendly.
I spent the week in Birmingham on a VSO course.It was good to meet other people at a similar stage and see how their preparations are going. Everyone seems to be at the same stage of panic.
This week we really must get on with packing!