25th January 2009
Dear supporter of BBF,
I am delighted to be able to inform you that we are planning a very special visit to Uganda over the Easter period in 2010. This may sound like it is a long way off, but it is only just over a year and early commitment helps us to maximise discounts on air fares etc and allows you time to save up!
It is our intention to make this a very special trip and tackle at least two major projects, one in each of the two schools we support. We can only make it happen if people want to join us so this is a personal invitation to you and any of your friends or relatives who would like the holiday experience of a lifetime that is not available from the travel agents!
I have enclosed a sample itinerary with approximate dates; all of the detail is of course very much just a draft at this stage which will be tweaked to adjust to the airline schedules and local hotel availability and conditions nearer the time.
The basic idea is that on day one our party will split into two working groups and both groups go to a different school under the care of one of the trustees to work on a project, then over the Easter weekend we will all come back together to enjoy some sightseeing and the chance to swap stories and have a well earned rest. After the break the groups will swap and change schools to continue the project or start a new one at the second school. This will give both schools the maximum support and allow us all to enjoy the different experience of both locations.
In the past we have never taken the children away from the school and many will not have ever left their local area but following on from an experiment last year, if it is financially possible we would like us to give the children and teachers a surprise and hopefully take some of them to see some of the wonderful sights in Uganda such as the source of the river Nile.
We will all come back together at the end of another week and enjoy a three day Safari together with an option for those who want (at an extra cost) to go and trek the mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Rwanda.
Accurate costing in the present climate is very difficult but our aim is to keep the cost for the standard trip at £2000 inclusive of all travel, food and safari, (Gorilla trekking extra).
BBF does not have any funds to carry out the proposed projects so we will be encouraging everyone who comes on the trip to get involved in fund raising over the next year to allow really meaningful projects. This system has worked well in the past and the achievements are there for everyone to see.
I do hope you decide to join us for what should be a lot of fun and adventure in a beautiful country.
Yours sincerely
Eric Goulding
Chairman of Trustees
Frequently asked questions
Question
When will payment be required?
Answer
A deposit of £250 is required when booking
A further £500 is required by the 1st June 2009
The balance of £1250 is required before the 31st December 2009.
Some people are setting up a standing order and paying monthly straight into the Expedition account this will spread the cost and be a good way of saving.
Question
What is included in the cost?
Answer
Travel costs including airfares, internal transport in Uganda, hotel and guest house accommodation, food, drinking water, Safari and entrance into game reserve.
Question
What is not included in the cost?
Answer
Personal spending money drinks other than water and Gorilla trekking.
Question
What other costs will I face?
Answer
You will need to purchase an entry visa currently at $30
You will need anti malaria tablets and some vaccinations.
You will need travel insurance.
You will need a BBF polo shirt at £15.00
Question
Can I cancel and pull out once I have sent in my deposit?
Answer
Yes, but once the deposit has been paid to British Airways you will lose your deposit and be liable for any other charges incurred on your behalf here or in Uganda.
Question
Am I committed to raising a certain amount of money towards the projects?
Answer
No, you are not committed to raising a fixed amount or in fact anything at all, however we are hoping everyone will get involved in some way and take part in trying to raise enough collectively to make the projects a success. The projects will be your long term contribution to the children of Uganda. In the past we have found as a group great things have been achieved with an average of over £500 per person being raised. This really is achievable.
Question
Where can I get more information?
Answer
Call Eric on 01252 725656 or e mail mandegoulding@lineone.net.
We want you to join us so do not hesitate to call if you have any queries.