Hayestack

We thought we’d send our Christmas letter early this year just to make sure you received one in time. The days and weeks are flying by and it will be December 25th before you know it. In the 1950’s & 60’s the days/weeks/years lasted twice as long. Now they are gone in a flash. What shall we blame, the EU, global warming or the ravages of old age?

The last, no doubt. Well, before we became too old, Georgina and I thought we’d do some “VSO” (Voluntary Service Overseas). It’s either that or sinking into premature retirement, flopping into an armchair, watching day-time TV and dribbling down your front. Well, come to think of it…….. No, we’ve decided to go to Namibia for two years. You know it, that desert country comprising one big sand dune to the north left of South Africa. Britain is getting too crowded. We’re giving our space up to give you a bit more room and we’re going to the world’s second most sparsely country after Mongolia.

The capital of Namibia is Windhoek (pronounced Windhoek). We shall be in Rundu on the northern border with Angola. The country is free from malaria apart from one area which happens to be on the northern border with Angola. VSO finds it difficult to place 2 volunteers together, so the usual thing is for one person to be placed and their accompanying partner to find something when they get there. Georgina will be “Co-ordinator for Inclusive Education” dealing mainly with sensory impairments. Accommodation is provided but we shall be sharing a house with other volunteers. I suppose taking up the bagpipes might be a good idea at this time.

We are letting out house in Theydon Bois so are trying to use this as a good excuse for clearing out thirty-six years of accumulated clutter. If all goes well we will moving out at the end of August.

Georgina says,

VSO is an international development charity that uses the skills of professional people to tackle poverty in 40 of the world’s poorest countries. It is currently supporting 1,700 volunteers. I am trying to raise money for VSO by doing a sponsored head shave. It would be great if you could sponsor me by sending a donation or looking at www.justgiving.com/georginahayes. Hoping to keep in touch with you all by email (georgina_hayes@hotmail.com) or you can follow our progress at www.hayestacks.co.uk or on Facebook.

Please donate now.
Oh, and by the way, Happy Christmas.

Love from Georgina and Nigel. xx