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6月4日 Mission accomplishedOur final part of the homeward journey was completed without any hitches and James, Dorothy and I are now trying to get our body clocks back into sync after a very rewarding trip
It was only made possible through the practical and prayerful support of our families and many friends to whom we are truly grateful
Regards and thank you
Tom
Ps - apologies for the occasional spelling mistake which I gather I made in preparing the Blog. There were two reasons for this, firstly I was so excited about what I was writing that I got a bit carried away and secondly, I'm not very good at spelling anyway! ReflectionsAfter an overnight flight from Accra we are at Amsterdam Airport from where we will soon make the last leg of our journey home, Dororthy to Leeds and James and I to Dublin and then back to Lisburn
It seems a long time since we overlooked the Lake at breakfast time yesterday and watched local childeren walk past in the blue and yellow school uniforms we remember so well from last year
Our last day at devotions was led by Dorothy and there was a full turnout of Clinic personnel to say farewell
I don't think we can fully understand the apreciation felt by the Staff at the Clinic for the contribution Seymour Street and friends have made by extending the Clinc and this was evident when James presented a laptop computer to the Pharmacy department kindly donated by Melanie Dowden
Goodbyes on these occasions are filled with mixed emotions, however one thing is certain and that is this trip was meant to be
looking back, we didn't get see the Bishop, yet the Hospital has been dedicated and is in use and another one of those babies - a little girl - arrived on Tuesday night
It has been a privilege for James, Dorothy and I on behalf of the 2008 Ghana Team to have been part of the next stage of the development of the work of the Methodist Clinic at Lake Bosumtwe and I don't think any of us will ever realise the impact of this facility on the local area
I'll confirm our final update when we get home and look forward to bringing everyone up to date soon
Regards
Tom
6月2日 Last full day at the LakeToday was hands on all the way...from the sun first appeared over the hill this morning until it set in a beautiful red ball in front of us tonight 6月1日 Girls lead the wayOn the first day the new Clinic was open two healthy baby girls were safely delivered 5月31日 Surprise visitorWe wakened today again to a clear blue sky and a wonderful sight over the Lake
5月30日 New arrival
5月29日 Back at the LakeHaving arrived on Wednesday evening to 30º it hasn’t got any cooler yet….in fact we have already experienced up to 35º Yesterday morning we considered our options for travelling to Kumasi and for a variety of reasons decided to travel by road It sounded and seemed a good idea at the time and despite an enthusiastic if sometime impatient driver, a late start, extensive road works and a lot of traffic the journey took 6½ hours What a delight to be met by Sammy and Charles – two friendly faces from the Clinic whom we know well from last year I was a bit concerned when I saw they we in an ambulance and was quickly reassured when they said it was the vehicle with most room We had dinner in Kumasi before making our way to the Lake and for the benefit of the Ghana Team I had ‘spring rolls’ On arrival at the Lake we couldn’t resist – despite the late hour and the darkness – the temptation to have a look round the Clinic and we were really impressed We are staying in the home used by the Jernigan’s and it enjoys a beautiful location with extensive views of the Lake This morning we joined the Staff for devotions led by another friend Ebenezer who along with the others gave us a right royal welcome The staff were really keen to give us a tour of the new building and we didn’t tell them we’d already had a sneak preview We made our way to Kumasi for necessary supplies e.g. food and to change some money and undertook this journey by boat firstly to a village called Abona – next to where we stayed last year and then by local buses – I don’t think I’ve ever been in as many vehicles in one day as I was on that return trip today
Back at the Clinic we met Dr Richard Tweneboah – the General Manager of the Methodist Health Services Kumasi Diocese and Dr Kwabena Ayim, the Doctor who is taking up Post at the clinic on Monday of next week It was a very positive meeting during which Mr. Tweneboah expressed deep appreciation for what had been achieved with our help and assured us the facility at Amakom would contribute significantly to the provision of Health Care in the area Dr Ayim confined his commitment to the project and in an on going discussion highlighted the range of equipment which will be required This is a challenge for us and one no doubt will be explored on our return Sorry to go on so much but I thought you’d want to be kept up to speed Regards Tom PS – Sheila – this piece is for ‘your eyes only’ – I love you to bits and really miss you xoxoxo PPS - as I was posting this blog we had the greatest thunderstorm you've ever seen 5月27日 First stage of the journey completed safelyBreakfast in Dublin, lunch in Amsterdam - joined by Dorothy - dinner in the air and supper in Accra - well it's not as grand as it sounds - breakfast was a muffin, lunch a piece of Pizza but the on board dinner of beef wasn't bad
It was an early start all round and with public transport and flights on time we had a straightforward journey. Getting through Customs took a little while tonight but the journey to the Baptist Guest House where we're having bed and breakfast only took a few minutes by taxi
We are now installed and relaxing and planning the programme for tomorrow as we make our way to the Lake and I hope to give a futher update soon
Tom
5月24日 Ghana 2008 Team Members to go back to Lake BosumtweOn Wednesday of this week (27th May) three Members of the Ghana 2008 Team - including myself - are travelling back to Lake Bosumtwe. The others are Dorothy Parish and James Dumigan
Originally the date was arranged to coincide with the Official Opening of the extended Clinic, however that has been postponed indefinitely so we've decided to proceed with the trip to get an update at first hand
We are really excited about the prospect of meeting up again with many of the folk with whom we worked last July and to bringing back the latest pictures of the completed building - only 3 more sleeps before we set off!!
I'm not sure if an internet connection is available at present, if so, I will try to keep everyone up to date through this Blog - as before the site is
We are really grateful for the opportunity to go back to Ghana and appreciate all the support we've enjoyed
Regards
Tom
11月30日 Ghana revistedThe weekend of 29th & 30th November was one of celebrations for the Seymour Street Ghana 2008 Team. Edenmore Golf Club was the venue for a re-union dinner on Saturday evening and this was a wonderful opportunity for Team Members and immediate family members to share and relive the many experiences of Lake Bosumtwe
After a delicious dinner a PowerPoint presentation of the activites of the trip created an opportunity for comments and smart remarks on some of the pictures
Sunday saw the Team out in full force to lead the morning Service - well actually there was one person missing, Clem Gilbert and his wife Margaret - who has just had a special birthday - were away for the weekend
The Service which was led by Paul Good was geared to give a flavour of the Team's work in Ghana and the Order of Service allowed for the participation of all Team Members
During the Service presentations were made to Eric & Jane Dawson and Harold & Joan Baird for their help and support in organisng the find raising events and maintaining the financial records and to Brian Anderson for his inspiration in getting the concept of a trip to become a reality
A packed Church, great singing, interesting stories from Ghana all contributed to the warm sense of worship and fellowship 11月23日 More surprises!
Sheila and I got back from Prague late on Thursday evening and after getting our family and domestic bits and pieces cleared were getting organised to go off on Saturday morning with friends to Portstewart to stay overnight With Prague still vivid in my mind and the thought of writing something more meaningful about it I got a call from our Portstewart host to say it had to be postponed this weekend Later in the day we had a call from Jeanette – wife of my business partner – to say that a couple they we to go out with that evening had cried off and invited us to join them for a casual dinner, which of course we accepted readily However when we were collected there was a very plausible story as to why we should go back to the home of one of their daughters, where, very quickly the plot was revealed – it was a surprise post retirement family party for Wilson and I and I then realised the conspiracy that had been going on to get us there.....two major surprises in one week and I hadn’t an inkling about either, that of course made everyone’s day As I write this update I’m still in a state of shock mixed with delight and gratitude for the thoughtfulness which prompted these two special events and to Sheila for keeping all this to herself – in fact she's told so many lies over the past couple of weeks that she went to confession this morning! Thinking back to Prague, we arrived in time for a welcome dinner in a restaurant close to the apartment and on Tuesday had a full day which included a stroll through the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle where we saw the changing of the guard, an interesting if not as formal a spectacle as we are used to in the British tradition A highlight in the afternoon was to attend a recital in the Church of St Martin in the Wall close to Old Town Square It was a Chamber Ensemble which played a lovely selection of classical music pieces most of which were known to us Dinner at a Czech restaurant gave us a chance to reflect and prepare our thinking for the next day
This exciting adventure took us on an old Russian style train to Karlstejn to see one of the most visited and beautiful Castles in the Czech Republic. The walk through the local village was interesting although we were surprised that it was rather quiet......perhaps this was because the Castle was closed!. Undeterred we continued and from the grounds got a flavour of this 14th century building The Argentinean restaurant we used that evening was an excellent base in which to discuss what we had seen – and hadn’t seen – during the day It was an interesting establishment and the live music and dancing combined with the noise from a packed house and excellent food contributed to the warm and relaxing atmosphere
After two action packed days we were ready for a more low key approach to Thursday and we enjoyed some retail therapy - Czech style I of course thought that was the end of my surprises but as you can see there was more to come All Tosh & Millar family members were there to meet us at the surprise party and I think the great moment for everyone was when they saw the looks of amazement which Wilson and I were displaying
It was a great evening of fun and chat and Sheila had produced our office ‘two Ronnie’s’ farewell speech which the families hadn’t heard before and we did it for the audience who I must say were less respectful than the previous one – it was family of course Children, parents, in laws, special friends, champagne and retirement cake were all the ingredients of a memorable occasion Thanks for the memories! 11月19日 Surprise surpriseSome time ago Sheila asked me to keep a few days free this week as she wanted to take me on a post retirement trip, so on Monday 17th November - having been told what to pack - we set of for Aldergrove Airport and I hadn't a clue where I was going.......two most unusual feelings!
To my great surprise and delight I was met by Clive & Heather Irwin - two great friends of ours - and we set off for Prague where they have an apartment
We've spent two excellent days of fun and sightseeing and this evening will be going out for dinner, which, with Clive and Heather is a special experience
I am so impressed Sheila kept this secret so well - its a special trip, more later
Tom
10月18日 Time to goHere we are all packed and waiting for our transport to the airport with wonderful memories of an excellent trip
On our last full day yesterday a lot of time was spent by the pool although I pulled myself away in the afternoon to go horse riding. It was brilliant......I had a few aches afterwards but everthing is ok this morning
The final of the holiday scrabble competion will take place on the plane and already the tide has turned
We are now looking forard to being home to see the family and friends
10月16日 In the desertWe moved out of town today and after a 60 minute drive arrived at a desert resort. What a change not to have the lovely sea breeze we had on the beach, its really hot here
After some orientation we found the camels and didn't take much persuasion to go for a ride. That was really interesting, especially the getting up a down bit...the camels that is!
It was back to the pool and scrabble and the end result was no change in the score
The sunset tonight was spectactular and I hope my pictures do it justice
Must go and make some plans for tomorow 10月15日 Moving onOur time in Dubai has been special and its been great to see life here. The hotel is excellent and the staff attentive to our every need
We have made friends with a few people especially a youing couple form Birmingham who are in our Villa area. They have two samll children and we've lots to chat about when we meet for a pre dinner reception each evening
The beach is a major attraction and seems to take most of our day time hours although I tore myself away yesterday afternoon for a spa treatment which was well worth the effort
Today is our last full day here so it's off to the beach now for the final roasting
Tomorrow we move to a desert resort for two days before returning home on Saturday with lots of pictures and great memories
Sheila is now one game up in the holiday scrabble competition 10月12日 Old dog.......new tricksAfter a few days on the beach, sunbathing, swimmimg, walking, playing scrabble, reading and sleeping we decided it was time for some action so this morning we headed for the desert and joined the Sand Riders
These are little automatic two seater buggies which we drove accross a fully fledged expanse of sand dunes.
It was an exhilarating adventure in the buggy which has a full suspension system, four point saftety harness and roll cage
We got a chance to take pictures of camels close up as well as admiring the breath taking scenery
Complete with helmets, gloves and goggles we enjoyed the experience along with three other couples and one gentleman and would you believe we were all from Ireland...what a coincidence!
The only problem with it was that it didn't last long enough, so who know what action packed activity wil be next
Just for information Sheila is three games up in the holiday Scrabble competition........but I think I'm better at the buggy driving!
10月9日 New experienceSheila and I have just moved on after a full 4 days in Bangkok where we experienced our first ever taste of Eastern culture. The thing that struck me most was the size of the city and I don't think I'd realised its population was well in excess of the Island of Ireland
With limited time to explore, choices had to be made, so with the help of our local tour guide we set about the task
A trip to the Royal Palace. the Temples of the reclining and emerald Buddas, the floating market, a cultural dancing show, River City and the Paragon Plaze all got on to the Agenda
Each had their own charm and points of interest and helped us appreciate the environmnet
Our base for the trip was the Oriental Hotel on the Chao Phrya river and it was a unique experience and I don't think I have ever experienced a level of (discreeet) service like it and there was a level of attention to detail which was exceptional
The standard of cuisine was in a class of its own and offered a wide range of dishes focusing of course on local fare
At the hotel we met a guy called Michael Hunter who I know from the Rotary Club of Belfast West and we has dinner one evening with his wife and he - small world!
We got quie a surprise on the way to the airport to hear that there had been serious rioting the previous day and this was confirmed by the local press. THis was news to us and we were totally unaware of what was happening - quite reminiscent of the bad old days at home
Our present location is Dubai where we are settled by the beach and plan to enjoy a relaxing time
10月2日 End of an eraAfter 45 years at Asdon, today was my first day totally away from the Company. My final day was Tuesday and yesterday I was there for a meeting to finalise things and clear my personal belongings from my office
In addition I received my first ever P45 form although I haven't quite worked out what I'm supposed to do with it
I have been overwhelmed by the cards, emails, texts and good wishes I've received over the past few days and they have certainly eased the transition for me
This should be helped even more over the next two weeks as Sheila and I are setting off on holiday tomorrow for 2 weeks and we're both looking forward to the break
After that a whole new world and set of disciplines will open up for me and I'm really looking forward to that
8月26日 Birthday celebrationsLast week saw two specific celebrations for Sheila's birthday. On Saturday evening we had a family dinner at home when eveyone braved the floods and had a great time at Hillcrest where we enjoyed good food and 'craic'
On Tuesday Sheila and I set off for Paris and spent two most enjoyable days visiting the sights and soaking up the culture of that magical city.....birthdays aren't really that bad!
7月31日 ReflectionsSince that wonderful reception at Aldergrove on Sunday morning when we were reunited with those we'd missed so much I've had many flash back memories of the Ghana experience - its hard to believe that the trip is over and we're back home
As I've looked at the pictures and talked through the different aspects of the programme I think I'm appreciating the experence even more as the days go by - in fact I don't think I shall ever forget it and consider it an enormous privilege to have been part of the Team
My life has been enriched as a result of the fellowship of the group and those we met and I'm grateful to all who contributed to that
Regards
Tom
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