WASHINGTON PHOTOS - Summer 2011

Possible T E Lawrence link Akaba

Today, Saturday 31st December 2011, I was contacted by a lady called Betty of Weaverham, Northwich. Her uncle, a Mr Gerald Preston served with the Royal Signal Corp in Arabia, or Mesopotamia, or possibly Aquaba itself, during WWI. Mr Preston named his house in Greenbank, Northwich, 'Akaba'. I went to see 'Akaba' today (see photo). I hope to meet with Betty later this week to learn more about Mr Preston, his war service and his possible connection to Lawrence. It may even be possible that there is a Lawrentian head dress in her family. But however it may now be lost to posterity. Will see.

JOHN CARTER - A QUOTE:

"Do not go anywhere unless you know where you are going". Not sure who originated this quote, but it was delivered to the RWWH's Leader's Conference, in Cambridge December 2011 by John Carter of 'Wish You Were Here' and 'The Holiday Programe' fame.

A very good tale

Ramblers WW Holidays - odd snaps

My room at Robinson College, Cambridge. Leaders conference, December 2011.

My room at Robinson College, Cambridge.





Ramblers WW Hoildays Leader conference. Lecture hall.

Group of RWWH guests having lunch on 24th December 2011. A finer bunch, I have not met.

SONS OF THE DESERT - Tent 26

Yesterday, Wednesday 28th December 2011, on my way home from Buttermere in the Lake District I stopped off to visit the Laurel & Hardy Museum in the town of Ulverston. It was marvellous to see and I whole heartedly recommend a visit if you find the chance.

The last ever photo of Laurel & Hardy together. A treasure.

Andrew Wright with the statue of Laurel & Hardy in Ulverston, Cumbria.

WISDOM

'Wisdom hath builded her worthy house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars', The Bible.

A Thought from "Great Thoughts"

"You can not dream yourself into character: you must hammer and forge yourself one", said J.A.Froude. Wishful thinking will not take us far on the way to self-mastery. Determination to build definate characteristics into life is needed. And this must be followed up with persistent striving.

Published: Northwich Guardian, Friday, Jan 5th 1934, page 6

PROGRESS ON EQUATOR EXPEDITION

On 15th January 2012 I will be setting off on a long trip called 'Across the Equator to Zanzibar'. It will be a journey using different modes of transport and travel ranging from bus, train, foot and principally bicycle. It will involve upto 1,000 miles of cycling. The ultimate objective is to reach the fabled island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania. The trip will hopefully raise donations for the 'African Support & Assistance Project'.

The aim of ASAP is to raise £50,000 to finance the building of a new school in the remote land-locked African kingdom of Lesotho. ASAP is based at Mid-Cheshire College. There is approximately £42,000 in the bank already and prospects are good of gaining the remaining funds. Many enterprizes are taking place to raise funds. If you would like to donate to ASAP in can be done by texting ASAP11 to 70070 or by sending a cheque made out to 'The African Support & Assistance Project' to:

John Reilly (ASAP),

Mid-Cheshire College,

Chester Road,

Northwich,

Cheshire.

CW8 1LJ

TeL: 01606 720515