In Support of HOTPEC ORPHANAGE, BUEA, CAMEROON

The BARK FOUNDATION (Registered Charity Number:1129762) In support of HOTPEC ORPHANAGE, BUEA, CAMEROON President: Reverend Edward Sakwe

January 2010 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends

WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are delighted to report that, thanks to the wonderful support that we have received from all of you, the total raised to date is the amazing sum of £21,736! The building is progressing well. The photo shows the supports in place ready for construction of the roof as it will overhang the pathway to form a ‘verandah’, giving shade from the sun and protection from the rain.

Our agent, Hans Njoh, contacted us recently to say that he had examined the original specification and would prefer the builder to use a better quality of roofing materials. This will add £2000 to the cost, but we did ask Hans to oversee the project on our behalf and ensure that we had value for money and a quality end product. We have approved the extra cost. Completion of the roof will cost a further £6,500 (to put this in perspective, the roof area is approximately 310 square metres, so clearly material costs are substantial). The money we sent during the summer has been spent on preparation and materials as shown in the photo. We have been provided with a detailed list of how that money has been spent. We are greatly indebted to Hans for his diligence on our behalf. We have sent the £5,000 that we had in hand so that they can continue working and must now work hard to raise the remainder. We still need to raise around £10,000 to complete the project so if any of you have ideas for fund raising please contact us. We hope to have the facility ready for use by the end of June 2010 – it is urgently needed to relieve overcrowding of the current inadequate accommodation. We can then move on to support other needs of the children. Please support the following events if you can: Friday 5 th and Saturday 6 th February ‘Raclette’ Evening at 48 Queensgate Drive, Birstall 7.30 pm Maximum 24 persons per evening. Saturday 13 February COFFEE SHOP at Birstall Methodist Church 10.00 am – 12 noon Stalls: Tombola, Jewellery, Home Made Sweets etc. Saturday 27 February Chinese New Year Celebration – at Birstall Methodist Church 2.30-4.30 pm Demonstration of Chinese Fan Dance and a Tai Chi Demonstration/take part and learn. The Chinese tutor, Sue Hon, student of Gentle exercise to help joints to remain supple. Suitable for all ages. a Chinese ‘Grand Master’ in Hong Kong, has kindly offered this event. Places limited so book early to avoid disappointment!

Friday 16 th April Concert at Birstall Methodist Church 7.30 pm Presented by music students and friends of David Bark To book your place, or for further details of the above events please contact us: Tel. 0116.2677576. E-mail: [email protected]

Support from schools – young people of our region thinking of those less fortunate than themselves: We are grateful for the support already received from the staff and pupils of Riverside Community Primary School, Birstall, and Thistly Meadow Primary School, Blaby. Staff and pupils of Kibworth High School, Leicestershire, are holding a non-uniform day on Friday 21st May, in support of our work. We hope that other schools will also want to help.

Thank you all again for your support. Please look at our website: www.thebarkfoundation.org Joy, David, Charles and Edward