John Gregory, retired teacher, 62 years old. residing in Chesire

 Since retiring from teaching some years ago I have travelled extensively in many parts of the world. I first visited Nepal in 1968 and went there again in 1997.It was wonderful to return again to the country in Sept/Oct 2006 and to go trekking again, this time around Annapurna.

 

Arthur Benbow  and I were members of a group that cycled the long, hard road from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Before going to Tibet Arthur introduced me to Basudev  (Founder of Splendid Valley School)  and I had the pleasure of spending a day with him and his family.

I am pleased to have become a trustee of the charitable trust which the other trustees have established to support the Splendid Valley School. I have a real affection for Nepal and its friendly and hospitable people, but I am aware of the many problems which they face.It is vitally important for Nepalese children to get a good education. I know that the children at Splendid Valley School value education very highly and work with enthusiasm and determination, depite the limited facilities and resources. I hope that my involvement with the Friends of Splendid Valley School will contibute to their betterment.

Arthur Benbow is known locally as the Globe Trotting Pensioner and over the past 10 years has traveled much of the world. much of it on a bicycle see. (www.arthursmemoirs.co.uk)

Since becoming a widower in 1993 Arthur has supported and raised funds for many UK Charities including the British Heart Foundation, Ty Hafan Childrens Hospice, and the NSPCC. 

It was his 2003 visit to Nepal one of the World's smallest and poorest countries which made him aware of the urgent need to provide an adequate education to the younger generation of this depressed but friendly country.  Arthur along with three very good friends have now decided to create (as joint trustees) under the auspices of the UK Charity Commission the 'Friends of Splendid Valley School"  thank you for taking an interest in this worthy project.