" Only through struggle can we reach the top and see the lush valley below "

The last few weeks have been a struggle - however I have been inspired by people's generosity, words and deeds. It is indeed a humbling experience to receive from one for the benefit of many.

While individually we all share common fortunes and misfortunes of life, collectively we are contributing to a greater good - collectively we are strong - collectively we make the world a better place.

To contribute please go to www.justgiving.com/mervyncooke and donate on -line.



Thank you

Mervyn

PS May Fayre 5 May 12- 4 down the Rye - fun for all the family.

RNID Do it Now, Right Now It's Done

' Somebody should tell us right at the start of our lives that we are dying. Then we might live life to the full, every minute of the day. Do it! I say, Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.'

This quote was by Michael Landon, the TV star Little Joe in the 60's series 'Bonanza'. Maybe we should use it for this campaign - 'do it now - right, now it's done'

For those who have pledged money and wish to pay , go to the JUST GIVING link on the right and make your contribution on-line.

Contributions to date (pledges/donations) amount to over £1,100.00

Thank you
Bao zhong (Chinese for take care).

Down Desborough Way

The folks down Desborough way are giving the RNID - China Trek a helping hand.

The new owners of the Wendover Arms, having completely refurbished the interior and cleaned up the exterior, now welcome you for an evening's entertainment.

Conveniently located half way down Desborough Avenue, you are sure to find a warm welcome.

Facilities include, pool table, extensive dining area, dance floor, and children's garden area.

As well a range of classic ales, including the locally brewed Marlow ales. Something to suit everyone.

Thank you to all the staff for displaying the RNID posters, book marks, ear plugs and the all important CHARITY Box for your donations.

Forthcoming Events: 3-4 May Skool Daze (Karaoke & Disco) TEL: 07785 535636

Qian - One Thousand

仟 qiān thousand

Look at the Chinese symbol for one thousand - it 's like two people standing side by side, one being supported by the other.

Your support has helped me raise the target to just in sight of £1,000. For all those who have contributed a big thank you.

For those who still want to help the campaign, please send donations (cheques made payable to RNID)

See you around.
May Fayre Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 11 - 4 pm , The Rye, High Wycombe

Vintage Ska - Northern Soul, Funk R&B
Saturday 10 May 8 - 2 am The Paradise Bar - 19 Octagon Parade, H. Wycombe

China Cups

£500 and rising

Easter Tuesday - car broke down this morning, just before I made it onto the motorway so I turned around and went back home. Took the train to London instead.

Still, you dont want to hear that..... people of Wycombe I salute you, pledges and donations now exceed £500 and I wanted to thank those who have helped me achieve the first difficult step.

Getting started, you know when you commit to something, you have doubts and fears?

Well I have had them but not now. People have been really generous - from the guys at work, family, neighbours, an ex-Serviceman from Northern Ireland to complete strangers.

That's 20 % of the total (£2,500) and for those who have pledged money, can I ask you to make the cheques payable to RNID and post them to me.

Hopefully I'll see or hear from you soon - help make someone's life better. Donate NOW.

Mervyn

PS May 5 - May Fayre on the Rye

China Plates

China Trek - Great Wall of China Walk

4 -12 October 2008

Have you ever seen one of these? They used to fascinate me as a child , eating out of them when I stayed at my uncle's farm in Ireland many years ago.

What sort of people live there?
How big are they?

I always imagined they were small to live in such tiny houses.


China? Who wants to go to China?

I do, as a matter of fact.

Ever since returning from South America over 20 years ago, after a five-year stint, some slumbering thoughts have surfaced again.

It was not coincidental that a year ago (March 2007) I started learning Chinese. You may have seen me stuck to an iPod talking to myself. You got it. Chinese.

The China Trek is in aid of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People
http://www.rnid.org.uk/

You can help to raise funds in several ways.

1. Write a cheque out to RNID today and send it to RNID London address. If you are a tax payer, please include your address, as the Charity will be able to claim an extra 28p in every £1 as Gift Aid.

2. If you see me at football, church, karate, in the street, or wherever, stuff some money in an envelope and give it to me.

3. Do you have your own company or business?

I can bring your product or service to millions, nay, billions of Chinese consumers. A T-shirt (medium size) with your company logo, or website should do the trick. Photos of me wearing your T-shirt will be taken on the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

4. Are you a member of a community group, e.g. church, school, association, club and have a quarterly publication, website you could give me a plug? (Photo and copy provided)

5. You probably have some better ideas to raise, I 'd be willing to hear from you.

Help me to help other people less fortunate, and fulfill my dream of visiting China.


Thank you for your time.
Regards
Mervyn
PS Monday 5 May at the Rye - the May Day Fayre - maybe see you there?

Communication Bites II

Have you ever sat in a tube train in the middle of a tunnel during one of those interminable delays, wondering what's happening. Then a rare warm voice crackles into life over the intercom.

He's tells you about the delay. How he's as pissed off as you are. How he too, wants to get home to his missus. He even cracks a joke. Then what happens?

Suddenly the people in the carriage, previously anonymous, light up, smiles soften their faces. The glow of communication courses through the the carriage, like lights flickering on in an Andean landscape after a powercut.

And then anonymity returns. For a brief moment in time we become close, sharing a common communication. Someone put it more eloquently.

"I-thou encounters can be awesome when one is reminded that for a given instant two persons journeying through time at a given moment become close, sharing common communication systems".