Zambia; Dancing and Duathlons

Apparently it's the first time in 15 years that I danced with my wife at our fundraising Barndance. The last time was our wedding night. I'm not convinced but I have no proof otherwise. Headbanging at the Salthouse pub in Clevedon doesn't count I'm told. 

Key to the Barndance success was the 'Caller' Rob Zikking. Rob very kindly gave his time for free when we explained about the Bookbus in Zambia. I now understand the value of a professional Caller. You need someone to encourage and cajole us hesitant and reticent Barndancers from our comfort zones! Special thanks also to St Andrews Church Hall committee for letting us use the hall for free. The Raffle was also a great success thanks to all the  companies that provided prizes. They're too numerous to mention here but special thanks should go to Souk, Pieminister, the Roman Baths, Noahs Ark Zoo Farm and on. 

One of the most curious and novel aspects of the night for us was seeing all our different social circles in one place. Teachers mixing with mountain bikers mixing with even more teachers (different age range) mixing with family. Thanks to this group of amazing people our fundraising achieved nearly £700 from this evening.

Talking of mountain biking, I had a days rest after the Barndance then off to Cirencester for the Duathlon. 2m run, 10m ride, 2m run all off-road. Forecast wasn't great but it turned out to be perfect, as long as you didn't finish after me as the freezing rain started on my last lap! I finished 31st out of 155 with a time of 1hr 22m, very pleased with that, and raised £250 from sponsors. Couldn't run up stairs the next day though!

More soon