Well guys we are nearly there for this year. We have been home about 16 weeks an so far we have raised the funds for the transport, sorted, washed, packed, labeled and palled 21 pallets ready for Bulgaria on 27th of March - We have had an amazing response from our local community. We have had a few bags of item for Tesco, lots of Christmas stuff from Wilkinson nothing from Next as yet an unfortunately we have lost Gap as a new buyer has taken over and they have changed the way the support charities now they will only support the big one which is great as long as they support a good cause I am happy with that.

We are getting our house ready for renting out now but we have Stilian the director of the Silistra Dimcho and his wife coming to visit on 22 March which is great. I have planned a busy week for us, We pick up on Sat and catch up have dinner here, Sun we go to Stamford then go Kate's for sunday lunch but we meet at the pub to try our British beer. Monday and Tue we are in London sightseeing - booked us into a hotel in Victoria overnight then we go on the london hop on hop off bus with a walking tour and a river trip up the Thames spread over 24 hours. Wed we visit P'boro and the cathedral and lunch on the river bank with our accountant. Thur we go to PC Howards to load the lorry, Stilian can met our sponsors and the local newspaper will be attending for photos as always. Once the loading is done and the lorry is on it's way we than go to meet sponsors Tee Kay Packaging for lunch then we have a family dinner. Friday we chill out (well they do I still have to get the last minute things done for renting out the house) Sat 4.30am our son takes us all to the airport to fly to Sofia at 7am. so busy busy.

When we get to Sofia we carry on our journey and have a 6 hour bus ride to Silistra unless I can talk them into staying over night in Sofia shame not to see some of it at least. Sat evening or sun afternoon arrive in Silsitra - pick up the jeep do some shopping and head out to our villa. Se what delights we might find there floods leaking pipes etc - We always have some kind of repair to do when we get there. The Governor of Silistra asked us to meet with him on the Monday but it will depend on what needs doing in the villa - told him he can come to us for coffee should he wish. The deputy governor will ring to confirm on Monday... They have made arrangements for the media to be there when the truck arrives in Silistra so that should be good publicity for our new project Glavinitiza. Not only that we have new supporters in Bulgaria Bon Marine Shipping the MD has agreed to do a campaign within his company to help with items. He said they are a big company and will expect to fill a truck and deliver it for us - so we wait and see

So there you have it lets keep our fingers crossed it all works out to plan We will be in Bulgaria until after Christmas that is if I can get tv and internet set up. Have problems as our village is too far out. If I can't get set up than I will scarper and be home again in the summer

:Clap:Good luck and we all hope it all goes to plan Hope you have got a photographer to capture all these magic moments

willowsend wrote:

Good luck and we all hope it all goes to plan Hope you have got a photographer to capture all these magic moments

:Thank you:Well if I get stuck I KNOW there is one flying out the day after me Yes don't you know where the Governor is the photographers won't be far behind

Good news and what a fantastic result for this year, I don't know how you do it. :Celebration:

i wish you 2 all the best and look forward in meeting you on my next visit to Bulgaria and lunch is on me.

will send you a pm when I've confirmed my dates.

back on home and I have to say it was shock and horror but that was just the roads turned out I only found what they call a motor way on my last day, recommend it to anybody.

Everyone - will keep you updated. Paddy look forward to hearing from you in due course