What A Weekend!

Friday 15th June saw Derrick and myself, all spruced up in Suits and ties and off to the Hilton hotel. Why I hear you cry. We were to be presented a cheque supporting our little walk from the Gwent Police Sports Association. little did we know however that we were top table material, sitting with the dignitaries who included Gwent Police own Chief Constable, Mike Tonge, who presented us with the cheque. We were looked after in fine style and would like to thank Gwent Police for their generosity. When Derrick and I are having a down day on the trek I'm sure that it will be the thought of all the money that has been given in support of us that will keep us going. We really do not want to let anyone down.

Saturday both us were at it again, this time we were baking all day for the Open Garden we were helping with in Tutshill, Chepstow. A friend of ours, Angie, who has the most special garden was opening it to the public, with the proceeded going to our charity cause Cancer Research Wales. The kitchen looked like a bomb had hit it by the time we had finished, but, we still managed to produce some goodies for the Sunday. Exhausted by my efforts, I persuaded Jackie, my wife, to go for a curry along with Mr "V" whom we introduced earlier in the blog series. The Indian Empire at Parkwall, near St Pierre was the venue. Half way through our meal the next table of four ladies were settling their bill. "Would you like to donate £1 to support the Trans Pyrenees Expedition who are raising funds for Cancer research Wales He stated." Looking slightly bemused the waiter then nodded my direction and said, "That's one of them over there". The Indian Empire has pictures of us both on every single table of the restaurant, with a small piece about the trek. The four ladies could hardly believe it and questioned wether or not it was me in the photograph. The next minute £15 was slipped into my hand by one of them. A very gracious gesture, just one of many I have now witnessed, which is helping our total grow. I must admit I did feel I was being watched for the rest of my meal, as other customers scrutinised the photograph on their own table. Maybe I'm just paranoid, I don't think we are quite that famous.

Anyway, Sunday dawned and Derrick and I, shorts and hats on, with our expedition t shirts, set out for Chepstow and actually crossed the border. This would be a raiding party of the finest order. For those who don't know, Chepstow is the border between Wales and England. Although not patrolled by border guards we definitely felt it was a little clandestine to be collecting money for a Welsh charity in England.

At Angies house we were warmly welcomed and amazed at all the buns and cakes on offer. Chocolate brownies, macadamia nut flapjacks and fruity drizzle cake, were rubbing shoulders with passion fruit cheesecake, Dundee cake and sausage rolls with sun dried tomatoes on her dining table. All home made, everything, including Derricks first ever attempt at baking!

At the end of the afternoon Angie went around her neighbours harranging them to come and buy the last of our goodies. The weather had hels, not a drop of rain until we were collecting our tables and chairs at about 6pm. I don't know about walking in the Pyrenees but I was shattered after an afternoon of serving buns and Assam tea! This was a brilliant day and our thanks must go to Angie and Andy who raise £150 from the venture. Thanks to everyone who came.

All in all this has been the busiest weekend of all for fundraising so far. It's nor long now, only 4 weeks to go.