Rehearsals are well underway for the latest production by the villagers of Cheddleton in the Staffordshire Moorlands.   ‘Way Out West’ is an original play written by local businessman Ian Salt.  The production will be performed at the Mitchell Memorial Theatre in Hanley, Stoke on Trent on the 30^th April and the 1^st 2^nd and 3^rd of May, all proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research.

Last year the villagers raised over £12,000 when they staged ‘High School Hop’ at the Queens Theatre in Burslem and they hope to repeat the effort again this year.  The cast and crew has largely stayed the same. ‘When Ian announced that he had written another musical everyone jumped at the chance to take part,’ said cast member Dawn Vaughan.  ‘We had such a great time last year, everyone entered into the spirit of things.’

‘Way Out West’ tells the story of a group of tourists, who travel to small town America and get into a spot of bother in Box Canyon.  It features a mix of well known tunes along with some original songs.  ‘Not one of us has ever done this sort of thing before,’ says Dawn. ‘We were on a very steep learning curve last year, but this time it has been much easier because we sort of know what to expect.’

Tickets can be obtained by calling 01782 551172 or by email at   ian.salt129@btinternet.com

Women all over the world are being asked to act in the name of sisterhood.   Women for Women International, was set up by Zainab Salbi, an Iraqi woman who experience living in a war torn country during the Sadam years.  She has since committed herself to helping women survivors of war.

The organisation aims to help women caught up in armed conflict.  In places as far apart as Bosnia to the Ivory Coast, women have been subjected to ethnic cleansing, rape, violence and rejection.  They are the uncounted casualties of war.

Women for Women recognise the role women play in rebuilding communities following conflict. Often these women have been displaced or disowned and rebuilding their shattered lives is not easy.  

The organisation  works with women who often have no where else to turn, they have lost everything during the conflicts including their children, homes and extended family.    Through a holistic approach these women are encouraged to rebuild their lives.

Emotionally and physically these women have endured great hardships, but with the help of Zainab and her organisation great strides are being taken to transform their lives and foster peace and stability.

Sponsoring a ‘sister’ is simple, you just need to register with Women for Women and your $27 a month( £14) supports one woman who literally has nothing.   So next time your having your fingernails painted or sitting down to that cream cake and coffee, remember Women for Women and the great work there doing for women who have literally nothing.

costs of by war.

Householders in Britain are being warned about a bogus charity company.   Helpmates Ltd is posting leaflets asking for donations of unwanted clothing and household goods to be left outside homes for collection.  

They claim the items will be sent to third world countries and add, ‘God will reward for your good hearts.’In fact Helpmates Ltd are a commercial business, and have a dubious track record.

Throughout England and Scotland there has been outcry wherever they attempt to trade.Somerset District Council urged: ‘Residents should not put items out for collection as we are unsure where they are distributed.’ The story is the same in places as far apart as East Dunbartonshire and Wiltshire.

Staffordshire Moorland resident Mrs Mary Goodwin was shocked when she read the leaflet. “This is obviously very dodgy; some people may be taken in by this. It looks just like a charity flyer but its only when you read the small print that you realise that this is actually a business.”

Helpmates Ltd was referred to as fraudsters in Parliament.  Jim McGovern, MP for West Dundee raised the issue with Jack Straw in February 2007 and was told to refer the matter to the Charity Commission. The Commission however is unable to stop this sort of misrepresentation. “We do not have the jurisdiction to become involved with this organisation,” said Mike Birnie from the Charity Commission Direct Team.

A copy of the leaflet has now been passed to Nigel Cotton at the Trading Standards Office in Stafford.  Mr Cotton has admitted that they have received a number of calls about the misleading nature of the flyer.

When I decided to promote the good deeds of unsung heroes, I didn’t think that I would be writing about footballers and film stars.

The great work being carried out by George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Don Cheadle can’t be ignored.  They have just funded life saving food drops flights into Darfur.

Now you might think, ‘well they can afford it,’ but thats not the point. The fact is they have acted as individuals when nations have not. They are all heroes in my eyes.

A champion and defender of a poor mountain village in Ecuador has emerged from the ranks of English Premiership football.

The determination of Ulises de la Cruz to make a positive difference to his home village could be the template for real change.

The past 10 years has seen an exodus from the villages of the mountainous regions of Northern Ecuador. Many people are leaving their homes in search of a better life in the city, where jobs and a chance of an education seem more likely. Read more…..