The Final Countdown

Trip Start Oct 04, 2008

Trip End Nov 04, 2008

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Flag of United Kingdom Weymouth, United Kingdom
Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Christ ! 2 days until we leave. Barely 48 hours and I know I'm going to be rushing around like a headless chicken. I've got a work shift to fit in tomorrow, out for a meal with Jo in the evening, then on Thursday I'm collecting some signs from Portland, collecting money in town for 4 hours, having a birthday party for Lucas and then off to the leaving party. I've also got to pack at some point, help Bill finish the mechanics, fill the fuel tank, slap some signs on the bus, go to the bank, collect Harvey the Hound, scavenge some engine oil and other fluids, buy a battery charger and collect some money in. The bus also needs tidying, the new canvas awning for the beer terrace needs putting up and we need to get to Bookers to stock up on food and cider. So much to do, so little time.
I was interviewed on tape today by Marina, the press officer. She's going to put out an article to 8 different radio and TV companies as well as other local media. Scary stuff, but hopefully it will generate a bit more interest and hence a few more donations. I think I may have had my stupidly optomistic head on when I gave the figure of �10,000 several months back. The 2 dropping out didn't help and our costs have been significantly higher than I was expecting. For a start I wasn't envisaging the carnet costing �600 and insurance �400 plus what we will have to pay on the way. Bus parts are not cheap either.
John organised a skittles night at the Lugger last night. Not a huge turnout, but still an extra �56. It was further boosted by the landlord, John, throwing in some money he had collected previously. I was a bit gobsmacked when he produced �390. It certainly made the skittles evening worthwhile.
Bill finally came up trumps too, texting me in the early hours to say he had 2 advertising spaces sold. How the hell he expects us to get them printed in 2 days, I don't know.
Eileen is still harassing his banking chums it seems. I keep on getting e-mails about donations going on from people I don't know. long may it continue. He's also wangled �300 out of his former employers for some advertising, so he's certainly well clear of the �500 target I set.
So, the Devon 4 should be up in 36 hours, The London 1 should be down by mid afternoon and the others should be congregating at 8pm down the Black Dog. Let's hope Ian has a band sorted out by then and they all turn up. Bill texted me last night asking why Ian was having a do on Thursday if we were leaving on Wednesday. I put him straight and I'll text him before we leave to remind him.