Many of you may remember your surprise when I announced my impending "gap year" (I was 30) to Tanzania (I'm not a friend of the sun) to teach English to primary school children (me? kids?!) in 2005.  Despite any reservations I need have no concerns about the charity I would be working for as no-one else Sue and I met when travelling in Africa had been involved with such a beneficial and well thought through project as us.  This was undoubtedly due to the tireless, energetic and persevering efforts of Katy Allen and Dilly Mtui in running this amazing charity.

VEPK not only works with bricks and mortar by building and renovating schools but also focusses on people by improving teaching methods to encourage pupils to think and participate and instilling confidence in local teachers.  I hope you'll look at the project's website www.kiliproject.org for a better idea of the work it is involved with and for comfort that any kind donation you make will be well spent and not lost in a pit of administration costs.

Hopefully Katy and Dilly will be able to join us from tanzania for our big day and will no doubt be happy to chat with you about VEPK's future aims.  You'll find them with me at the bar no doubt!