Have you heard of B?thar? ?It’s an Irish charity that helps impoverished farmers in countries such as Rwanda and Uganda. Coming up to Christmas, they encourage people to buy other people gifts such as a B?thar set of bees or a goat or some chickens, in other words, you can give your brother a set of bees that are given to a family in Rwanda. ?The children in Sunday School all contributed for about a year and sent a goat, I think it was ?300. ?Many Irish farmers donate an in-calf heifer and many have been sent out to Uganda. ?All farmers have to attend a training course before they are allocated any animals. ?The terms include that the first female calf is given to another family. ?Many stories of Bothar’s excellent work can be viewed on their website.
?Image Source: Celtic Tours
Why am I writing this post? B?thar contacted me to ask if I would be interested in going on a sponsored trek across the Cotswolds in November to raise much needed funds. They also asked if I could help them promote it but as I’ve a book coming out, a blog awards to organise and a husband who might divorce me if I headed off for 5 days with other adults for good craic, good conversation and walks across beautiful countryside, I decided to opt for the latter!
The Cotswolds is a beautiful part of the countryside. We lived in Bristol for a year and I did my MA in Bath (when living in Salisbury) so we saw lots of it. It’s a place of Britain I would love to revisit. It has beautiful picture postcard villages, market towns and valleys with the striking Cotswold stone. The names are pure poetry – Stow-on-the-wold has to be one of my favourites.
Image: Celtic Tours
B?thar are going to use funds raised for the build of a creamery in Rwanda. 55 cows were despatched to Rwanda in 2011 and how they are at the next stage of their development which will really help these people to have a secure future.
The dates are 4th – 8th November, the cost is ?950 and you need to be reasonably fit (knew there was another reason I couldn’t go!) . Apart from the fact it is for a wonderful cause, it really does sound a good week. If you don’t have a husband or wife that might divorce you if you suggested heading off, do consider it. If you can manage it, both of you could go. ?50 and an application form will secure your place and places are limited to 40 participants.?For further information on this event, please contact the Fundraising Projects office of B?thar on?071 9120100, email?events@bothar.ie Full details are here. Beautiful countryside, good company, fresh air, good pubs, a beer in the evening …. what could be nicer?
(Just to point out this isn’t a sponsored post – I really like what B?thar are doing and wanted to give them a shoutout)
June (My Food Odyssey)
Both?r is a great charity. I love the idea of teaching people how to grow their own food rather than just hand it out. I buy at least a few chickens every year. Unfortunately I can’t do these dates. Hopefully plenty of people will sign up!
Lorna
They do great work and this would be a great walking holiday for anyone who has the time. I love that they are targetting farmers as it can be such an isolating occupation – so many would really enjoy meeting another 39 like minded souls. And with the romantic side of me – who knows what might happen 🙂 I have marrying farmers on the brain at the moment 🙂
tric
I will pass the information on to my buddies and you never know. Sometimes you just know that life could be great with no husband or children! Wouldn’t a week like that be brilliant.
Lorna
I have plans when I retire to spend a few months at a time in different parts of the UK as well as other parts of the world. I really want to live in various little cottages – from Yorkshire to Scotland to the Lakes to Cornwall and the Cotswolds. My only problem will be dragging husband away from his garden as he’ll want to garden all day and I’ll write and read, ambling out to chat to him occasionally when he’s weeding. I agree, that week would be brilliant but I’m happy to wait till the kids have grown up 🙂
Grannymar
How far do they walk each day?
Lorna
I can’t remember and it’s not on their site! He did mention it when he rang me about it, I remember him saying he wasn’t too arduous although a reasonable level of fitness is required. I’ll find out!
lornagannon
Good luck with the fundraising. My son is working for the Refugee Service in Rwanda/Burundi/DRC. The needs are great.
Lorna
they are – it’s great to see work like this happening where people can enjoy it too
J.D. Gallagher
It sounds like a great and practical charity that really helps people. Hope they raise a lot of money.
Lorna
yep and a good activity too by the sounds of it
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