Birchalls Hosts' Gail and Greg Birchall generously decided to donate all proceeds from our Dinner to the Duduk Atas School at Lobok when has been basically closed for two weeks since being stuck by the two the recent earthquakes. This is an area that Gail and Greg have been involved with for many years and their man on the ground, Mark Hayward filed this report 2 weeks after the recent Earthquakes. Many cracks and fractures are evident, broken tiles, ceilings, windows; but the main classroom blocks and the terracing and retaining walls on which they rest are basically sound. We talk about how to repair the damage so that the building will withstand another earthquake. The recently constructed library, which is in use as a kindergarten room, has not fared so well. The building still stands but deep fractures on the walls show that the building is unsound and unsafe. The risk is that the building would collapse in another big shake. Pak Saifurahman, who teaches Grade 4, arrives. A young man with a bright smile, he tells me about how his house has half-collapsed and how he, like many, is living in a tent with his family. When the shaking eventually stops, some will return to their homes. Many are sleeping outdoors for fear of earthquakes, traumatized by the continual shaking. But many others, like Pak Saifurahman, will not be able to return to their homes. The government has pledged support of Rp50 million (3000 Euro) to rebuild such homes – but how soon will the money arrive? And what if you lived in rented accommodation? And what about when the monsoon rains arrive in September or October? ------------------------------------ Pickles ----------------------------------- Slaters --------------------------------- Sheddens --------------------------------- Amanda's Hello Greg, Rhonda and I shared the slavery in bringing a delicious, nutritious and sumptious meal to our guests: Emily Martin Peter Hough Chris Fryar John Oswald Mani Kutti Jess Nowson Toni Wilson David Mitchell. We didn't talk much Rotary stuff, but shared lots of travel experiences, with Chris gazumping the lot with his journeys of derring do. It's a wonder he survived. John gave us all an update on Interplast and the work and progress they have achieved in making a difference to those children who have suffered burns and born with a cleft palate. All brought Pinot Noir, which happens to be a very nice drop. The cake was gluten free, The canneloni was seriously not. The berries were full of fructose, but then...so was the wine. David packed the dishwasher. Amanda Hough A marvellous evening filled with great conversation, stories of death, President should not be deposed, vicious animals, terrific travel tales, plenty of fines for next week and finally how to get rid of a political body. That's a wrap.....Rhonda ---------------------------------- Navini Island Michael and his Sister Simone Fireside Chat dining Fiji style - No Fire Required.....lol _________________________ |