Support is still strong and growing for the charity START, busy raising money for the victims of the tsunami in Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Founder, Paul Cowper, is currently over there on a fact-finding visit. Since the school in Tangalle was destroyed by the tidal wave, the children have been going to a school in a neighbouring town. The school is coping as best it can, but is seriously under-resourced. One area Paul is making a start on is getting a supply of musical instruments to replace those that have been lost and damaged beyond repair. Paul has also visited a hospital where he was shocked by the conditions, while over at Yalla Park, a nearby National Wildlife Centre over 1,000 homeless people are camping out. On his return he will report back to the trustees and money will be allocated to various projects. Here in Pembrokeshire, fund-raising events are taking place all over the county. Pisgah Baptist Church have raised £1,000, while Sycamore Ranch, the American style riding school at Llawhaden, have a cheque for START for £730 and the Inner Wheel at Tenby has made £250. Forthcoming events include a talk by Paul Cowper at Rosemarket Church and a 40s evening on Friday, May 6, at the De Valence centre in Tenby, so you should start practising your jitterbugging skills. Before that, on March 22, Tenby and District International Soroptimists are holding a gardening evening, 'How does your garden grow?', at 7.30 pm in New Hedges Village Hall. The organisers look forward to seeing you at any or all of these events, so make a note in your diary.
