This is a busy time of year in Elstead, in June there are a number of events that mark village life as special. You will find details of many events in the diary, but a couple of special items are:
Elstead Marathon on Friday 2nd of June starting from the Green at 7pm.
The Paper Boat Race on Saturday 3rd of July at the Moat, starting at 3pm.
Hope to see you there.
Dear Friends,
The news has been dominated by graphic, and disturbing, pictures from (or purporting to be from) Iraqi prisons. What do we make of them ?
For better or for worse, our forces are heavily engaged in Iraq, and will be for the foreseeable future. While they are there, these `revelations` about brutality can only make the situation worse, yet it is one of the ironies of life in an open society such as ours that the very freedoms that we enjoy can sometimes imperil others - all our `rights` are balanced by the `rights` of others, and sometimes they conflict. In this case, the freedom of the Press to publish what , to some, is inflammatory material is still an essential freedom. One could argue that they have a duty of care which they are not exercising properly, but their freedom is essential.
We, as a nation, having got embroiled in the current situation in Iraq, have taken upon ourselves a `duty of care` for all the people there, and some of our personnel are clearly not exercising this duty in a proper manner. This needs to be recognised and addressed openly and fully. We cannot get out of it, any more than we can get out Northern Ireland (much as I would love to see our troops leave both places), but we can - and must - perform the tasks that fall to us in a civilised and even-handed way, and those who believe in `cutting corners` (or however they might explain their brutality) must be rooted out and punished however junior or senior they may turn out to be.
If we cannot recover ourselves by ensuring that justice is done - and seen to be done - even in an awkward and dangerous situation like Iraq (and again, there are real parallels much closer to home, in Northern Ireland), then we need to ask ourselves what on earth we are there for. We started this war, for better or worse, in order to bring freedom and democracy to an oppressed people; we cannot, and must not, be seen to acquiesce in descending to Saddam Hussein’s tactics in doing so.
The other irony, of course, that is ever present in the global fight against terrorism that we are inextricably caught up in, is that our opponents can - and do - use the very freedoms which they would deny to everyone (given the opportunity) in the propaganda battle they wage, both in the press and in the courts, against western governments (and against a significant number of governments in Muslim countries too, I should add).
The New Testament talks about “the principalities and powers (of evil)” against which God’s people are ranged, and which Christ conquered by his death. So he did, but the earthly battle is still far from over, and every time we descend to the enemies’ tactics we hand that enemy (whether human or spiritual) a minor victory. Let us pray that none of these lapses are allowed - by an amoral Press or an amoral government, or by our incomprehension or indifference - to turn into major victories for what is (make no mistake about it) a terrible adversary. I, for one, have no wish to see the world descend into another `dark age`, but certain Muslim fundamentalists have us heading that way.
William Lang.
A couple of weeks ago now, the morning service at Beacon Hill centered around the story of Jesus meeting with two of his followers on the road to Emmaus. The scene was just after Jesus resurrection when all the visitors who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover were making their way home. The amazing truth of this story is that even though these two particular followers of Jesus knew him very well, they failed to recognise the risen Christ who accompanied them for part of their journey.
To try and help particularly the children understand how easy it is to not recognise someone even when they are well-known, I persuaded one of the “mums” to come in disguise.
I must say Lou was really good – even I was temporarily taken in and I knew it was happening.
For a start she came dressed as a man. Substantial padding beneath her jacket changed her shape. Her face was coloured to resemble pre-shaving growth. Her striking ginger hair was hidden beneath a flat cap and she wore glasses. The disguise worked amazingly well – even her own family didn’t recognise her and several members of the congregation came to tell me – in somewhat excited fashion – that we had a visitor that morning.
But, as so often happens when the Holy Spirit is working, lessons were learnt that took us all by surprise. One member of the congregation had realised that this was a woman dressed as a man but admitted after the service his shame at his reaction of “I’m not quite sure we want this kind of person in our Church”. We all have prejudices hidden deep inside us of which we may be completely unaware.
Lou’s body language throughout gave off a powerful message of “keep away”. Mainly because she didn’t want to blow her cover, she sat in a corner fairly near the back of the Church with her head firmly buried in a bible. People didn’t like to approach her – feeling somewhat uncertain that they might be invading her space or they just didn’t know what to say.
How we behave is important. Jesus teaches us to love each other and I’m sure most of us do our best to welcome any strangers in our midst. However, the other side of that coin is we need to allow to people to love us.
Maybe you are “busy”. Maybe you are self-contained”. Just be careful that you don’t give off the message “keep away”. We all need to be loved – we all need to give love. Don’t deprive others of their wish to love you.
Rosemary
The Council has agreed that the Village Green may be used again for the start
of the Elstead Marathon but as the event has grown even larger we must be certain
that the organisers ensure that Health and Safety precautions are observed.
As expected, the Council decided not to go ahead with a Parish Plan as we have already implemented the activities which usually result from a Plan and in any case the Countryside Agency have just announced the cessation of central funding for them. Also there did not seem to be much enthusiasm within the village to take on the inevitable voluntary work involved.
Some parents came to the Parish Council Meeting to press for more involvement in the design and selection of the next stage of completion of the Thursley Road Recreation Ground play area. Two parents were co-opted on to the PC Sub-Committee which is charged with deciding what to do with the existing equipment and choosing suitable new items. We also need more money to carry out the fencing.
The new activity frame seems to be a great success judging by the regular numbers of youngsters enjoying themselves on it.
The new list of dates of Parish Council Meetings is now on the Notice Board so do come along and if you wish ask any questions at 8.00 pm.
Denis Holmes Chairman
May we be there with Our Lady & the apostles in the Upper Room waiting in
joyful expectation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit .
Holy Spirit come into our lives.
Open our ears -to hear what you are saying to us
- in the things that happen to us
- in the people we meet
Open our eyes - to see the needs of people round usOpen our hands - to do our work well
-to help when help is neededOpen our lips - to tell others the good news of Jesus
And bring comfort, happiness & laughterOpen our minds - to discover new truth
About you & the world.Open our hearts - to love you & our fellow beings
As you have loved us in Jesus
To you, with the Son, one God; all honour & praise shall be given
Now & for ever.Holy Spirit, I offer myself to your work of healing, peace &
reconciliation. In my busy world bless my silent moments. In the
stillness of my heart may I find peace within myself, peace with others &
peace with you.
Monsignor Michael Buckley
Reminder:
At the home of Derek & Mary Pinks 8 Staceys Meadow
Mass at 8 p m Wed 2nd June
There are now many awards that schools can work towards and which enhance the education of children: for example, Artsmark, Sportsmark, and Parent Partnership awards. They all feature a different aspect in the life of a school. St James has already achieved the Investor in People Award which acknowledges the importance of staff, governors and parents working together; the High Sheriff of Surrey’s Youth Award for our work on road safety and a School Achievement Award for improving results over the past three years. We have recently started to work on the Healthy Schools Award. This programme covers all aspects of what makes a healthy school and it usually takes three years to achieve. There are nine areas for which we have to provide evidence: nutrition, safety and the environment, sex and relationship education, drug education, health and well-being physical activity, equal opportunities, partnerships, emotional and managing and evaluating the whole programme.
We chose this award because we believe it is vital for children to develop an understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Parents and health professionals are also involved in the programme. The School Council, which is elected by children in each junior year group, will also take a leading role in developing action plans in the projects. We will have a grand launch in May to make the children and parents aware of what we shall be working on in the future. This year we are focusing on safety and the environment, sex education and nutrition.
Safety and the environment – We use the school grounds and the local environment to support curriculum subjects and always assess the safety risks involved with the activities we plan. During one assessment last year our old adventure equipment was condemned. Thanks, however, to our active and generous PTA we now have a wonderful set of new outdoor equipment which the children, through the School Council, helped to choose. The School Council will also be developing the ideas which the children gave us in a recent survey on developing the school grounds.
Sex and Relationship Education - We have a new policy which was sent to parents for their views. The policy shows what we will teach, and at which age, so children are introduced to sex and relationship education in a relevant and progressive way. For example in their first year children will talk about families and life cycles; in Year 4 they will learn about personal hygiene; and in Year 6 they will explore the changing relationships between boys and girls.
Nutrition – the School Council will soon meet with our wonderful school cook, Mrs Monica Lawson and a representative from the school meals service. They will work together to produce and promote a healthy menu that children will enjoy. We will also look at what could be in a healthy lunch box for those children who bring in packed lunches. The Garden Club have started to grow fruit and vegetables to be served with school meals and for the new salad bar.
A major event this term is our Summer Fair. This year it will be held on Saturday
19th June in the school grounds starting at 12 noon. The PTA are busy organising
different activities with a sports theme. Everyone is welcome and I hope to
see you there.
The third Guildford Diocesan `Summer School` will take place at several venues this year from 1st to 18th July. Its theme, in this Olympic year, will be 'Going for Gold', and Sessions have been arranged under the sub-themes of `Body`, `Mind` and `Spirit`.
This year we have included a number of practical sessions. For example: a basic prayer workshop, a beginners dance, drama and mime workshop and, due to its popularity last year, one on exploring your creativity through woodwork.
There will also be a greater number of study days, in addition to the single morning, afternoon and evening sessions that make up most of the programme. For example, there are study days on The Big Picture (overview of the Bible), on Christian meditation, on Living with Type (for Myers-Briggs enthusiasts) and on Bible translations (in English!). There are Saturday schools on Communication, on Christian Zionism and on Band-led worship.
In addition, on the musical front, there is to be a Summer School adult choir, which will meet for rehearsals on two evenings of the second week in preparation for singing at Choral Vespers on Sunday 18th July at 6.30. We are grateful to David Davies, Cathedral Sub-Organist, who has agreed to take on the musical direction of this group and hope that many will welcome the opportunity to sing in the Cathedral. You can book in to join the Choir through the Summer School programme. David proposes a good range of music, from ancient to up-to-the minute.
Contemporary issues:- genetics and GM, older people and mental health, Isalm, Christians at work, gender and human sexuality.
Mission, outreach and the Church:- world church, the African church, getting into mission, the business of the church, restoring hope in the church.
Theology:- Christology, the Holy Spirit, theology of preaching.
Worship and Prayer:- journeying into God, Feasts of Jesus' time, (and workshops on prayer and band-led worship, as mentioned earlier).
An opening lecture will be given in the Cathedral at 8 pm on 1st July. Reverend Professor Keith Ward will speak on 'Speaking truth about God now'. This will be the only event that does not have to be pre-booked. Tickets (£2) will be available on the door - but also through the summer school booking form, as you are hopefully going to be booking several other things too!
We look forward to seeing you in July.
Elstead Garden Club had a fascinating evening in April, when Ron Watts took us through the four seasons of the year at Wisley- a good preparation for our visit on June 5th
As usual with Mr Watts, a wealth of anecdote and information accompanied an enormous range of slides. We saw the various sections of the gardens ,the Alpine House - a good place for winter visits, the Patio Gardens- a recognition of the fact that many people nowadays do not have much space-Battlesdown Hill, much denuded of trees since the great gales of 1987 and 1990, the beautiful RHS headquarters building, home to all the scientific departments, and of course, the many trial beds, with the judging of which our speaker is heavily involved.
The Rose Garden should be a splendid sight for our visit in June, although roses are not trialled at Wisley, and our appetites were also whetted by magnificent beds of pelargoniums and cannas. This is a special year, as it marks the centenary of the RHS move to Wisley from Chiswick, to land donated by the Hanbury family. The RHS was actually founded some time earlier in Hatchards Bookshop, in Picadilly, and Hatchards have had a stand at the Chelsea Show every year since it began in 1913. We marvelled at the huge number of different varieties of fruit grown in the trial beds- 137 varieties of rhubarb , for example. Beefsteak tomatoes were judged in a recent trial, and having been awarded marks for merit, had the winning ones placed on a table for the public to sample, and they were provided with paper to write their own comments on each. Very few comments were written down. but the tomato samples disappeared in double quick time, from which it was assumed that they must be alright!
Various new ideas are tried out at Wisley, such as the growing of french marigolds to clear contaminated soil. Fruit trees can now be planted much closer together than in former years because of modern technological developments. There are 36 students from all over the world, constantly in training at Wisley on a two year course, which covers all departments of the gardens.
Our next meeting, on May 10th , sees Brian Deaville, our Chairman, talking on Herbaceous Plants, the outing to Wisley on June 5th has already been mentioned. and on June 14th , Geoff Peach will be talking on "Moving the Garden" at 7.45 p.m. in the URC Hall. If you are interested in joining the trip to Wisley, please contact Miss D Eade, 01252-703057 to check the availability of seats. We hope to see you soon.
Gillian Drew.
Here's one for you! How do you know the cricket season has started? Because the early Spring sunshine turns to heavy showers. It is an eternal truth that the Heavens open just as the pitch has been beautifully mown and rolled. Amongst the most depressing times in a cricketer's life are the countless hours spent hanging around in the pavilion waiting for the rain to stop and for the pitch to dry. These hours hang heavy and the early weeks of the 2004 season have provided more than a few of these.
As I write the 2nd X1 have yet to play a game and will not do so until at least the third week of May. The 1st X1, though, has got started, and how! An early trip to Fernhurst provided an excellent opening win. The home side were hustled out by a fine spell of pace bowling from Mark Wycherley whose 6 for 47 gave the lie to the notion that the only way to prepare for the cricket season is a few sessions in the indoor nets. Mark simply played from memory and, along with a typical dogged batting effort from Rupert Keith, won the match. That and an absolutely fabulous catch from 13 year old Chris Mude, diving to his left at cover point and scooping up the ball an inch from the ground.
A home win, 10 points, followed against Kingsley. The star this time was A. Ahmed whose scintillating, chanceless 95 was a joy to behold according to all who saw it. After a couple of rain affected false starts Elstead has also reached the third round of the Village Knock-out Cup. Straightforward wins over Tongham and Shamley Green, the latter featuring a lovely cameo from Sam Egan, whose 3 for 3 in the middle of the innings proved the value of spin bowling in a limited overs run-fest.
The juniors have started too. The Under 11s were first and narrowly lost to Grayshott in the last over. That is a commendable performance and, although it's always nice to win, there is a deal of satisfaction to be had from playing in a closely fought contest. The Under 13s went one better, though, by defeating Frensham in the Barrington Cup. Scores of 30 from Art Simmons and Simon Harvey contributed to a solid total of 104. Frensham managed just 69 and were beaten by a good team spiit and a fantastic catch from Robbie Oswell behind the stumps.
They say catches win matches. Well already we've had two compelling examples. If nothing else such pieces of individual flair, unexpected and out of nothing, can lift the whole team. The effect can be electrifying and worth more than a single wicket.
Gordon Wycherley
Instead of being entertained by a speaker at the May meeting of Elstead Afternoon
W.l., the assembled company joined in a lively discussion on the annual Resolutions.
The three subjects presented for further consideration were "Trafficking
of Women and Children", Opposing the growing of GM crops in the UK"
and "Making substantial funds available for the Air Ambulance Service".
The subsequent results of the voting will be reported at the Annual General
Meeting of the National Federation of Women's Institutes held in Sheffield in
June.
The president Venetia Pearce welcomed back Betty Talbot after a long absence along with two new members, Patricia Lowton and Inngard Baber, and two visitors.
This serious business was followed by a light hearted pen and paper quiz conducted over tea, which was provided by Jean Briant, Joan Dalton and Lindsay Sellars. A 'Bring and Buy' sale raised over £30 for our W.l. funds. A Cream Tea will be provided at the next meeting which will be held at 1 Moorside Cottages, Thursley Road on 3rd June.
Submitted by Mrs. C. Welland 01252 703233.
At the meeting held on 4 May, the President, May Deaville began by giving out notices of forthcoming events, which included an exhibition of paintings by local artist Marjorie Noble, in the URC Hall on 15 May. This will be followed at 7 pm by an entertainment, with songs from the shows in 'Show Stoppers'. Entry is £4 and all are welcome. There was also an invitation to join Cranleigh WI in several excursions during the next few months, to Winchester and Mottisfont Abbey, to Tunbridge Wells and Penshurst Place, to Greenwich and also to Salisbury and Wilton House.
The main event of the evening was to discuss and vote on the 3 Resolutions.
Elstead Evening WI's representative at the national meeting will be from Grayshott
WI.
1. Trafficking of women and children.
'In view of the constantly increasing trafficking of human beings, particularly
women and children, for sexual exploitation and forced labour, this meeting
urges HM Government to put into place legislation to combat trafficking and
support victims, and urges all WI members to raise public awareness of this
issue.' There was much discussion, but finally it was felt that there was not
enough factual evidence, or any idea of what kind of legislation was needed
or intended. The meeting therefore decided to give their representative discretion
in voting.
2. The growing of GM crops in the UK.
'In the light of growing evidence that the current generation of GM crops are
beneficial for neither people nor planet, this meeting strongly opposes the
growing of GM crops in the UK and calls on HM Government to prohibit their cultivation.'
At the end of the five-year moratorium in 2003, it seems that evidence gathered
so far indicates that growing such crops are harmful to the environment and
possibly to humans. Voting for the Resolution was unanimous.
3. Air Ambulances.
'This meeting calls upon HM Government to make substantial funds available annually
to the Air Ambulance Service.' The Foundation itself thinks a public/private
partnership is best, with Government providing just medical staff and hospital
facilities. Existing services are apparently all successfully run, funded primarily
by charitable donations and thus remain independent of Government policies.
Substantial funding from Government sources would remove this independence,
and so voting went against the Resolution.
After confirming next month's arrangements, May acted as question master, with a quiz involving crossword clues for Countries. This was great fun, and the meeting closed at 10 pm.
Susan Holmes, Secretary
At our March meeting we had a very interesting and amusing talk
by Terry Bunce on his War Time experiences. He took us back in time and gave
us a lot of interesting information about his regiment especially as he was
stationed in Elstead.
The monthly competition was a bookmark, as there was only one entry for this,
so maximum points were awarded to Mrs Betty Burton.
At our April meeting we were shown Barge painting by Mrs Marshall, she brought
a lot of her pieces along and demonstrated how she does the work we were all
given leaflets of how it is done so we could all go home and give it a try!
The monthly competition was a simnel cake only one entry for this, so maximum
points were awarded to Mrs Mary Royal.
We will be holding a Skittles Evening on Thursday 17th June 7 for 7-30 start the cost will be £2.50 to include supper if you would like to play please let us know.
Two dates for your diary:-
Thursday 19th August we hope to have an outing, this will depend on the amount
of interest shown so please let me know if you like me to arrange something.
Thursday 20th January 2005 our usual trip to the Pantomine at the New Victoria
Theatre in Woking. It is Snow White with Linda Lusardt and Sam Kane, the cost
will be £ 15.00 for EVERYONE plus the cost of the coach fare which is
usually around £5.50.
So we hope to see you all at the Skittles evening on the 17th June.
We meet in the Legion Barn on the third Thursday of the month new members are always very welcome.
Sue Taylor Secretary
P.S.
A Thank you to all of you once again for your continued support throughout my
husband Roy’s illness, he is getting stronger now and is slowly getting
back to normal.
There was I understand, a very enthusiastic sub committee meeting held at the home of Betty, for the discussion and arrangements for The .members meeting the afternoon at which ‘Chair' and usual Committee have an afternoon of relaxation, not having to do their normal jobs.
How nice it was Joan was in The Chair, Jean was O.C. Tea Register, Eileen
and Sylvia ran the raffle, Liz was the 'Quiz lady' with all the answers, Betty
and helpers in the kitchen preparing and serving teas, and who very modestly
had been the one who had been O.C. overall and arranged the speakers.
After the business part of the meeting was over - what a surprise ! All the present serving Committee Members were presented with a plant, and 'Chair' received a lovely summer casual bag (top of the present day fashions). This was to say thank you to each one of us, and our gifts were much appreciated, and what a lovely thought.
Joan then welcomed and introduced three ladies, Mrs. Ballard & Jane Balding,
from The Witley Surgery, and our own Blaine Barnes from Springfield Surgery,
who gave us a brief insight into the Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust
The main hospitals are Royal Surrey and, Frimley, there are 249,000 patients,
29 surgeries in the area, with a query 149 G.P.s ! There is a Practise Nurse/s
at the Surgery, and District Nurses who are out and about caring for patients
in their homes. Some surgeries have special clinics and amenities for Physiotherapy
and Chiropody etc. Most surgeries are now closed on a Saturday, to give the
Doctors more time off, and after 7.p.m. the special help line starts, when a
Doctor can either be called or advise given via a central telephone number.
After a short time, there was a question slot when various aspects of the
N.I,". Service was discussed, this covering a wide range.
The ladies were thanked by Joan on behalf of us all, a gift given to each one, and they were invited to join us for tea. Liz handed out the quiz sheets and brains were put to work. A lovely tea was served, the raffle drawn for, after which an enjoyable afternoon was brought to a close, and thanks were extended from us all.
Our June 1 meeting sees the return of the young people from, St. James School. Our members always enjoy their short programme of music and song.
Is there anyone out there who would like to come along and join us at our meetings
once a month ? As you know, we have a very varied programme throughout the year,
and SUBS ARE ONLY £3 per annum. Why not try us ? 2.30pm. 4th Thursday,
of the month at The Village Hall.
St James Ladies Fellowship were very pleased to welcome Peter Beale back to their April meeting. Mr Beale worked as Conservation Officer for the Forestry Commission for many years, and he came to talk about "Giving Nature a Helping Hand".
Old tree trunks are one of the best habitats for birds and insects. Woodpeckers make a different hole for their nests each year, and there are three species in this country. Nuthatches also like holes in tree trunks, and clearing the ground around the trees allows many species of wild flowers to flourish. Bluebells are the major ground cover at the moment in this part of the world, but in East Anglia, the ground is yellow instead of blue, with oxslips. Cowslips grow by the roadside, and oxslips in woodland.
Various animals take advantage of cleared spaces around trees. The yellow collared mouse, and roe deer, which are our native variety, but the muntjac, and Chinese deer may also be found, which are imported species, and much more destructive. The Chinese deer feeds on water vetch, which is the favoured food of swallow tailed butterflies, and has led to a decline in the butterfly numbers. Grey squirrels, as we all know, have largely ousted our native red, and are much more aggressive and destructive.
The creation of ponds is also a major way to give nature a helping hand, although this is hedged about with legal restrictions. Extra water gives a home to frogs and toads as well as the damsel fly, with its beautiful transparent wings. Digging out a pond can obviously be a major operation, and the sides should not be too steep, so that flowers and plants can colonise the edges, and creatures like the vole can find a home there. A good population of insects and flowers will also encourage bats, like the little pipistrelle
Birds like the siskin, are winter migrants,' coming south from Scotland for the winter. Birds are regular visitors to our speaker's house in Alice Holt. Some come right into the house for raisins. One particular blackbird brought a beakful of worms, which he left on the breakfast table in return for some raisins, which he fed to his brood outside! Mr Beale didn't feel quite like adding them to his porridge!
We enjoyed the lovely slides, and obvious experience, and affinity with the subject that our speaker showed.
Our May meeting is on the 25th, at 2.30 p.m. in the Common Room at Guardian Court when Brienne Skues will be talking about her visit to the ancient kingdom of Egypt, and on June 22nd at the same time, we have our Bring a Recipe afternoon. when you are invited to bring your favourite recipe and tell us why you like it.
Our Coffee Morning for the Chase Children's Hospice is on Saturday June 12t,'
at the Youth Centre. There will be cakes, books, plants, handicrafts and a raffle,
so please come and support this excellent cause.
Elsewhere in this issue (and the last) you will find details of our Flower Festival weekend - 11th to 13th June - which includes what will be a delightful evening of music, poetry and prose on the Saturday: "The Glory of the Garden".
The Festival is part of the `Friends of St. James`s` fund-raising programme, in which currently we hope to raise enough money to complete the necessary work to the churchyard wall which was begun so well last year. Do come along, and bring your friends.
We shall be needing a lot of flowers for this ! Perhaps you have something
appropriate in your garden ? Or could you help by making a donation towards
the cost of the flowers ? Or would you like to help with the flowers ?
Please contact Pat Pearce if you can help in any way: 703697.
FOUR British rowers are to set out from St John's, Newfoundland this summer to set a new record for rowing across the north Atlantic. Digital Mapping Consultant John Wills (33) from Elstead is part of this team, which includes former Royal Marine Mark Stubbs (40), Times journalist Jonathan Gornall (48) and ex-SAS man Pete Bray (48) hope to break the 55-day record set more than 100 years ago by two Norwegian fishermen.
Their vessel - Pink Lady® (sponsored by Pink Lady Apples) is a 30ft high-tech carbon fibre boat, light and designed for the job in hand: a rapid 2,100 mile unsupported crossing of the North Atlantic in conditions that can range from flat calm to raging seas.
The team's first hurdle will be the treacherous Grand Banks, the fishing grounds that extend for 350 miles off the coast of Newfoundland and were the setting for the film The Perfect Storm. The relatively shallow banks can transform swells moving across from the deeper Atlantic waters into steep waves. Another hazard the men must tackle before they break through to the deeper waters of the Gulf Stream is the Labrador Current, which runs down the eastern seaboard and brings with it fog and icebergs from the frozen north.
The crew must carry with them everything they need for the voyage. The boat is equipped with a desalinator for making seawater drinkable, solar panels and a small generator for electricity and six different types of high-calorie dehydrated expedition food. Pink Lady® carries GPS navigation, satellite communications and two independent satellite tracking and SOS systems.
The official finishing line for the crossing will be the line of longitude running through the Bishop Rock lighthouse, Britain's most south-westerly outpost, just west of the Isles of Scilly. From there the four men, who are also hoping to become the first rowers to complete an Atlantic crossing in Britain, will head directly for Falmouth, Cornwall, where they plan to dock at the National Maritime Museum.
There have been 29 attempts to row across the North Atlantic from west to east. Only ten have been successful, not one has reached mainland Britain and, since 1966, six rowers have died in the attempt. Their names are recorded on a limestone memorial erected by the Ocean Rowing Society on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic at Kilkee in County Clare, Ireland.
Those wanting to follow the journey via the internet can log on to www.gopinklady.com
or www.oceanrow.com.
The rowers expect to arrive in Falmouth, Cornwall, at the beginning of August.
Stacey Wills.