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February 2008
A fresh start - A new challenge
"This project started in 2004 and four years later we have a fresh start with a new headmaster at Youna, a new team and just me looking after things for the time being.
I have just returned from another amazing trip to The Gambia and you can find my diary for the week in the News Archive. Please also take a look at the updated team and join me on this new journey."
- Tim Mawer
27 January 2008
Master
It is with great sadness that I have to inform our readers of the death of the Youna Headmaster Lamin, known as Master.
In his own words, he was a difficult man to deal with and indeed since 2004, with various people by my side, that has been the case. However, he also had a great sense of humour. I have sat on many occasions with him and enjoyed his conversations. He taught me much about Gambia and how people work different to us.
During 2005 when I was trying to get the shuttles released from the port in Banjul we travelled almost daily during the month of August. It would always cost me lunch but you knew it was worthwhile. He taught me much and was thankful in a different way for all our efforts.
I indeed intend to dedicate something we do in Youna at badminton to his name. His death comes at a time when changes are taking place within this project... new players and new staff at Youna to work with will hopefully bring a fresh start, fun and success.
- Tim Mawer
Lamin - 'Master'
17 January 2008
After time to re-think during the festive season, it is time for a few changes for this worthwhile project so here are some thoughts from me to try and action during 2008.
- Establish a new team of players from Youna School
- Provide rackets for those who do train weekly
- Look at ways of improving the training and monitoring of the training
- Take a team of UK players in the summer to play a return international match
- Contact British High Commission to look at Options to bring two players to the
UK sometime in the future
These plans will be difficult but I still have the will and desire... but much more relaxed these days!!
- Tim Mawer
11 December 2007
The Future
"Following a successful yet difficult summer in the Gambia, we looking at the future to see what developments we can make in the coming year. We are open to suggestions and volunteers!
My best wishes go out to all who have supported the project over the last 12 months, and all the very best for the festive season."
- Tim Mawer
8 December 2007
We have just completed our annual Badminton Marathon and have raised a further £2,000 towards our on-going development of badminton in The Gambia with our players.
The event was alot of fun this year, many players had tired legs but won good prizes. Carlton UK turned up for the day, Macdonalds sponsored us by providing food and Nigel at the local chip shop also chipped in!!
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1 November 2007 - Gail & Nathan smash into Lincoln
October 18th saw Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson visited Lincoln for the second time to help Tim and Leo with their Gambia efforts, after visiting LSST for the first time when over 50 of the students attended.
My highlight, flick serve winner against Gail; Leo's highlight, winning a smash against her, and joint highlight was Leo and myself playing them at doubles... although we still lost!
Next was William Farr where Gail and Nathan spent over two hours on court, entertaining our Lincolnshire youngsters. Matt and Tom from Carlton provided great support all day - we are grateful for their support as the event would not have happened without it. Many thanks to Carlton UK and of course, Gail and Nathan.
Morrisons Bag Pack
20th October we spent bag-packing in Morrisons raising further funds for the on-going development of Badminton in The Gambia. Many thanks to our helpers who raised over £900 on the day. We have applied for further bag-packs next year to aid those who want to attend the summer 2008 trip (subject to planning and commitment).
Training Update
Regular weekly training is still taking place on saturdays at Youna, sponsered by our group funds. Numbers have been low mainly due to the Ramadan season. Players attending having been locals from Youna.
- Tim Mawer