My fault seen a message did not check the date, birthday today xxx years old

OK ... here we go ...

Happy Birthday to Neil ... etc., .etc.

But ... Sagittarius? Oh dear.

I wouldn't have thought you would be the type to pay any attention to horoscopes Geoff?

Mate, I accept (or at least, look for) help from wherever it may be hiding.

Even from the the ju-ju man, if and when he's available!

But don't tell me ... you're Sagittarius as well!

Latest news coming over the wire from Karachi ...

Container still in Customs. Stop.

No sign of any "give". Stop.

Some talk of "offending" equipment to be removed from container. Stop.

Our Man staying cool. Stop.

Cooling his heels, in fact. Stop.

Impasse!

What to do, Mr. Geoff? (search me)

You did,nt send El Tel Horton,s ( Terrence of Arabia ) tape
" 3 hrs of the best of prayertime " as well didya Mate ??

I expect they would be more interested in tapes of another kind, Mate.

But (in these days of satellite dishes and all the rest), all that stuff is in the past now, I reckon.

Meanwhile, it's starting to look like someone may need to go out there and jolly things along, as it were. Someone capable of taking charge of the situation. A job for a Man of the World, you could say.

Or better yet, two heads being deemed better than one (sometimes, anyway ... but certainly "safety in numbers" might be wise), how about a team of two such fine fellows?

Terry and Tony, for example.

(you do still have your kurta pyjamas, don't you?)

The Good News from Karachi is that the container was released from Customs, and has now successfully completed the two and a half day journey "up the road" to Azad Kashmir.

See here for more information.

I have known of Time Beacon of Med-Aid for quite a while, and was able to assist by "spreading the word" in a modest way, but today had the great pleasure of meeting Tim in person.

The website really speaks for itself, but the only thing I would add here is that those of us who like to assist by offering tech support to Tim and similar groups are always looking not only for donated equipment per se but also manuals, parts, test equipment and the like. The bottom line here is this:- "please don't bin your kit"!

The other thought that occurs is if any tech would like to consider donating time in fixing and preparing equipment prior to shipment ... or even field trips overseas (typically Africa) to repair kit, train local techs ... and generally lend a hand, let's hear from you! Be clear that I'm talking about voluntary work here ... it's very good for the soul, you know.

I am pleased to report that we (I ... whomever) have received some nice responses to the above post(s), and I'm very grateful to all concerned.

However ... the need is always greater than the well of donations, if you see what I mean.

In England, spring is now in the air (I hope), and soon the volunteer truck and van drivers will no doubt be ready yet again to "do the rounds". So as to make best use of the transport that comes our way, please feel free to get in touch if you have anything, large quantities or simply one-off's, that you wish to donate. Who knows, one of the vans might be passing right by your door!