100 Club December winner

The December winner of the 100 Club draw is Peter West with number 37. Congratulations Peter - the cheque will be with you very soon.

Visitors and volunteers!

Jenny McCombe is going to Jacob's on 8th December for a month to open the new Yuveraj Centre and hopefully get things underway there. Jenny has been to Jacob's twice before, so she knows the ropes and will be enormously helpful. She will follow her month in India with two months in Sri Lanka - good being retired isn't it??

Anna Robertson will also be in the area for a while in January, and I know the residents of Jacob's are looking forward to welcoming her again. Hopefully she too will be able to spend some time at Jacob's and at the Yuveraj Centre. We'll keep you posted!

Masala Project meals for homeless

Unfortunately it looks as though the regular donations from Masala Masala for meals for the homeless are not after all going to materialise. This means that we are going to have to cut down a bit on our usual outreach trips, and drop a couple of the sites we presently visit with food for the homeless.

With the new Yuveraj Centre opening very soon we have to direct our finances in that direction at the moment - however hopefully as time goes on we will again be able to go back to the present level of food distribution for those who live on the street. We will however continue to visit these sites from time to time to meet and talk to people, and to pick up anyone who needs our help.

November 100 Club winner

Congratulations Angie Clarke, number 9 is the winner of the £100 in the November 100 Club Draw.

Happy Hour for the Jacob's oldies

The children from Global Pathways School spent some time with the Jacob's oldies last week. All of them love this interaction - the connection with the school is a real success and benefit for both sides.

L&T donate a water purifier to Jacob's

The staff of Larsen and Toubro (L&T) who have a large high-tec manufacturing centre near Chettipalayam, have donated a water purifier to Jacob's. It is really encouraging to have local people contributing towards the welfare of the Home, and Jacob's held a thank you function for the occasion.

100 Club draw October 2009

October winner for the 100 Club Draw is number 45 which belongs to Harry Barnes - congratulations Harry, your cheque is on the way!

The Yuveraj Centre

The Yuveraj Centre,

Chettipalayam,

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

A specialist centre where those who have suffered serious accidents can be treated and cared for on discharge from hospital: where they can be fitted with prosthetic limbs if appropriate and receive rehabilitation, vocational training and support to live as independently as possible.

There are no welfare benefits for such patients, so it is vital for them to be able to provide financially for themselves for the future. Vocational training and job placement is therefore a very important part of the work to be done by the Yuveraj Centre.

The Centre is set up to cater for the destitute, or those who otherwise would be unable to afford, or access, help and therapy. It is non-denominational and accepts both men and women of any age providing they meet the criteria.

The aim of the Centre is to provide high quality physical care and rehabilitation as well as a means whereby the patient can become as independent as possible, both physically and financially, so that they are able to support themselves and contribute towards the support of their family.

Where this is not possible due to the degree of disability, the paramount aim of the Yuveraj Centre will be to enable the patient to enjoy the optimum quality of life possible. This may include providing a permanent home and care.

The Yuveraj Centre is a project of Jacob's Hospice Homes, UK charity no. 1114704

We would really appreciate your help with funding for the Yuveraj Centre, either on an ongoing sponsorship basis, or by way of a donation.

Funds are urgently needed for:

Wheelchairs, Beds and furniture, Specialist medical and physiotherapy equipment, Specialist nurse and physiotherapist wages and Vocational training projects

So many items are necessary in order that we can run the Yuveraj Centre as a comfortable home rather than an institution. Therefore all donations, both small and large, will make a real meaningful difference to the future and the wellbeing of the patients. Ongoing support by way of a regular sponsorship amount can cover everyday expenses such as food or medical expenses, or more costly items such as wages for a nurse or physiotherapist. Even a small amount which might cover such things as a daily newspaper will make a real difference.

As an example:

A daily newspaper will cost approximately £3 per month, to feed one patient for a month costs approximately £15, or to pay a physio for a month costs approximately £200

Please enquire if you would like to sponsor a particular piece of equipment of regular expense.

WE ARE ALSO INVITING DONATIONS TOWARDS BUYING OUR OWN VEHICLE, AN ESSENTIAL ITEM FOR THE YUVERAJ PROJECT, WHICH WILL COST IN THE REGION OF £6,000

Do you know a medically qualified professional who may like to spend some time as a volunteer at the Centre? Simple accommodation can be provided. To discuss this, or if you can help us in any way please contact:

Jen Risdale, 01473 736201 jenrisdale@btinternet.com

The Elephant and Mysore

Our route down the mountain to Mysore took us through the Muthumalai National Park, where we were very aware of signs telling us not to stop, and not to get out of the vehicle to take photos. However the drive round the hairpin bends coming down the mountain had taken it's toll on the brakes, and there was so much smoke we could hardly see the wildlife that was surely lurking out there waiting to pounce! We came across another vehicle, obviously suffering the same plight, and stopped together on the road. Fortunately there was nothing more dangerous than a stray sparrow, so we lived to tell the tale and after a short rest the brakes were well enough to continue.

We kept a sharp eye out for wildlife on our drive through the Park, and sure enough an elephant lumbered into view through the forest. It was a magical sight, and finished off the morning beautifully.

Our overnight stay in Mysore was at the Green Hotel, and we made the most of the beautiful rooms, afternoon tea and evening meal on the lawn with plenty of wine - a luxury which had been sadly lacking until that point! As it was Independence Day the Palace was lit up at night, so we went and took dozens of pictures of the Palace from every imaginable angle! Mani took the opportunity to do some shopping but it was all a bit 'touristy' after the last two weeks in proper India, so we resisted the temptation to join him.

On to Bangalore the next day, an afternoon of proper shopping, a night in the Leela and a hair-raising trip to the airport early next morning accompanied by monsoon rain. A very fitting end to a fabulous fortnight!

Global Pathways and the Taj Mahal

Jacob's has a link with the Global Pathways School, recently opened in Chettipalayam. While we were there some of the children came to Jacob's to perform a song and dance programme for the residents. What little sweethearts they are! Of course the oldies loved them, the contact with the children really brightens their day.

Janet and Pat were determined to paint a mural on a big blank wall at Jacob's and time was running out fast. However on the last day they set to and accomplished a fantastic picture of the Taj Mahal. They worked so hard - never was such a masterpiece created in such a short time, with so many onlookers and so much advice! See the photo above of the artists and their assistants (anyone who buys Tesco's Finest Assam teabags may find something strangely familiar about the wall!) Good though isn't it?

On the last day too, we finally agreed terms to rent a house for the new Yuveraj Centre. All the necessary items - and people - were hastily gathered together for a 'poojah' in the new house, the successful milk boiling ceremony and the lamp lighting guaranteed that it would be an auspicious home for the new Centre.

Early on Friday morning, the 14th August we set off to drive up through the mountains to Kotagiri where we met Raju who was to be our guide for sightseeing for the day. We walked in the forest, came across centuries old holy places where ancestors were worshipped, visited a tribal village, learned to pick tea, visited a tea factory and finished the day in a beautiful guest house. Mani, our driver, and Raju even went shopping for beer for us so we could finish the day in style!

The Outreach food programme

We went on several of the outreach runs to distribute food to homeless people who live on the streets of the city. Difficult to believe that our cook Ruckmani, with the part time help of her daughter and the Jacob's residents - cook and pack more than 4,000 meals a week! The food is of course important, but as much as anything the outreach runs, which now happen on six days of the week, help us to reach many people. They get to know the Jacob's workers so it is a channel for being able to provide clothes, medical treatment, or whatever is needed.

We met Das on an outreach trip in 2008. He came to Jacob's to meet us this time as he heard we were visiting. He was disabled by polio as a child, and was not therefore able to work. Jacob's provided him with a few supplies to start a simple shop, which he now runs on the settlement where he has a tiny shack. This enables him to feed his family - his wife and daughter, and has allowed him to become independent, so he no longer has to go on to the streets and beg. That's just one example of what can come from providing a meal for a homeless person. There are many many more.

The Jacob's residents first of all clean the rice - they have to pick through it carefully and take out small stones and 'poochies' that would spoil the rice if cooked. They help cut and prepare the veg and pack the meals in banana leaf and newpaper, and pack them into bags for distribution. Most of the residents were previously homeless themselves, or taken in to Jacob's from the Government Hospital to avoid them having to live on the street, so they are happy to be able to help others in the same circumstances. It is really heartening to witness the culture of caring and looking out for each other that has developed at Jacob's.

Kerala for the weekend

Beautiful scenery and lots to eat are the memories of our train trip to Kerala. We were going for the weekend of the Nehru Snakeboat Trophy race, but a phone call the day before established that we were going to get nowhere near the scene of the race unless we paid an extortionate amount for a boat, or sat for hours in the boiling sun. Security was going to be tight as Sonia Gandhi was attending. So our host to be suggested we watch the race on TV instead - a very satisfactory option.

Our home for the weekend was Philipkuttys Farm, a beautiful island homestay on the lake. Luckily the taxi journey there from the station took us past a boat yard where they were preparing the winning boat from last year's race - so our driver stopped and introduced us to the owners. We got to have a good look at it, and contribute towards the fund which pays the 100 rowers for the two weeks they must spend away from work preparing for the race. Unfortunately it didn't help them much as another village took the trophy this year, but it was exciting to watch 'our' boat lose! It was also very hot, and we were very glad we hadn't opted for sitting for hours in the stands. the TV room at the farm, with a cool ginger and lemon drink was a much better option!

Such a relaxing weekend, we got a guided tour around the farm, collected nutmegs, betel nut and pepper off the trees and topped it off with a sunset cruise! What a way to spend a weekend.

Les Girls in India

The trip to India was so full and so busy that there wasn't a minute to get to a computer and write the blog. So - a bit delayed but here it is!

Above left is Erica doing her David Bailey impression on a visit to a local temple. Right - a bit of gossip at Jacob's and centre, Baskaran having his daily bath at Jacob's!

Within hours of arriving we were introduced to Mr Govinderaju, a very generous donor who invited us for a meal with his family. What a surprise - we were greeted with garlands and a silk shawl each, and had a wonderful dinner cooked by his daughter-in law. The family were so friendly and welcoming and it was a great start to our trip.

The first few days were spent in a whirl of Outreach trips, investigating new areas where our food distribution for the homeless might be useful, meetings and general socialising with our lovely Jacob's residents. And shopping of course! Saris and silk material were the favourites - Coimbatore city is not a tourist area so in general there are no lovely sparkly 'Indiany' things to buy for presents.

In no time at all it was Friday and time to board the train for Kerala.

Great news - new corporate sponsor for Jacob's!

Jacob's is joining forces with the Masala Masala Project to provide more meals for the homeless on our outreach project. The Masala Masala Project have agreed to fund 45,000 meals every two and a half months. This is going to make a real difference to us, we can expand that part of the Outreach project to cover more sites, more trips, and reach more people.

I had a really nice chat last night with Kathleen who does marketing and publicity and with Priya, the Managing Director. What lovely people they are, and what a brilliant company, I was really impressed. The company gives 5p for every pot of Masala Masala purchased to the Masala Masala Project - the charity arm of their company to help fund NGO projects in India. If only more businesses did that what a lot of problems could be solved.

Such encouraging news to take to our outreach workers when we visit India next week. They do a thankless task week in week out, working with the homeless and the destitute but they are always cheery with a smile for everyone. This will really give them a boost.

I must buy some Masala Masala curry sauce to see if it's as good as it sounds - no Waitrose round here so I'll have to go on a mission to find it!

The Golden Girls go to Jacob's!

Five of us are setting off to visit Jacob's on 3rd August for a fortnight. Jen, Janet, JenH, Pat and Erica are looking forward to the trip and will post photos and news of the trip, so watch this space!

We are hoping to view a suitable property to establish the second Jacob's residential project in Chettipalayam village. This one will be called the Yuveraj Centre and will be for the rehabilitation and recovery of patients from Government Hospital who have had serious accidents resulting in amputation or serious physical injuries. At the moment there is nowhere which provides this service unless you can pay, so many people - often the breadwinner of the family - are left hopeless and helpless, sometimes on the street with no home, and with their lives and the lives of their families, in despair. If all goes well, and things fall in to place like we hope they will, Jacob's can help!