TREE-SIT FOR MOZAMBIQUE

Angela Clarke, Tracey Raetig and Jane Fryer three members of Kirkham & Rural Fylde Ladies Circle (Lancashire) spent 36 hours living in a tree to try and raise funds for the Mozambique Flood Disaster Fund.

The idea came to Tracey one sleepless night, inspired by the people who were clinging onto trees in the floods to save their lives. Rather than having a coffee morning or a sponsored walk she thought the tree idea would grab people's attention, and she was right. By 7am the following morning she had phoned round for volunteers and the planning began. Everything was arranged within a hectic week.

A local school volunteered a tree in their grounds and pleas for sponsorship were made. Local press and radio stations gave us lots of coverage before and during the event.

The intrepid tree-o went up the tree at 8.30am on Sunday March 12th ( having all attended Round Table Ladies Evening the night before!)

The girls spent the day time sitting in the tree, at night the girls slept on a wonderful platform built around the tree by NSS scaffolding, they were tied on for safety.

They were supplied with copious amounts of food, limited drinks (for obvious reasons) and an endless supply of hot water bottles. Other Circlers came along to give moral support and collect from passers by.

The girls came down at 8.30pm on Monday 13th March to be greeted by gin & tonics, more press and a crowd of well-wishers. They were exhausted and in need of a bath but very pleased they'd stuck it out.

The money came rolling in from all directions, many thanks to all who donated. We were especially grateful for a cheque for �5000 from British Aerospace Systems ( Tracey's employer).

Our total to date is over �9 500, hopefully heading for �10K which is amazing!

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