A Blood Moon

What a privilege it is to be able to spend time here in Zambia. I haven't seen a single cloud since I arrived almost two weeks ago.

Clear skies and a moon that rises very quickly in the sky are ideal conditions to observe a lunar eclipse. Yesterday Raymond joined me for supper and we then went into the garden to observe the eclipse. I don't think that it was possible to have a better view. We watched as the moon was covered by the earth's shadow and became a small red ball – a Blood Moon. A beautiful sight, which photos cannot fully describe.

It puts our efforts in perspective when God plays games with the stars and planets!

I continue to work with Mrs Sianga to make PIZZ the dream we have for all the children attending the school. We need more supporters, please consider joining us – you can find out more at Transforamtion Through Education .

In the UK one of my recreations is playing pool. Here it is a great delight to play against the local people. A few years back a small pool room was opened in Monze with four tables. On Saturday I put my head through the curtain and asked if I could have a game. The practice here is that the winner stays at the table and plays the next in the queue. I waited my turn.

Usually I am regarded with interest and a little confusion. Who is this elderly white man wanting to play pool with Zambian men. Does he know which way to hold the cue?

My first shot was not impressive – the ball bounced on the cloth and flew off the table. No doubt confirming the view that I didn't know what I was doing! I blame it on the different size of cues!! Anyway things got better and I stayed on the table, finally losing my fourth game. So at my first outing this year, 3-1 to me. I don't expect to keep up this record, but at least I think I established myself as a worthy opponent.

The wonderful thing about pool in Zambia is that the differences – culture, history, lifestyle etc. - mean nothing. On the pool table we play as equals.

Best wishes,

Chris

Safely back in Monze

It is wonderful to be back in Monze, Zambia again.

I was blessed by a good journey – 3 seats to stretch out on from London to Nairobi, plus a large gin and tonic and bottle of wine ( I actually returned a second bottle, which was a first for me). I was able to avoid waiting at Lusaka intercity bus station because I was picked up from a nearby petrol station instead. As a result I arrived in Monze at 15.30 – another record!!

Everything is very familiar and little has changed in the past 20 years. Ladies still carry goods on their heads, lads transport goods on wheelbarrows and the rear of pick-up trucks are filled with church groups en route to a Christian camp or other gathering. I feel very comfortable in this environment, but it's a pity more progress hasn't been made.

I have a lot to sort out this year to ensure the ongoing success of PIZZ School and the students that attend. However I must still find time for my friends.

A number have popped around for a chat and a drink, or supper. Raymond, Diven, Brian and Mr. and Mrs Musika have visited and Mrs and Mr Sianga have met to start our discussions. Others have greeted me along the main road, which I meet at the end of my drive.

Yesterday I attended church at Our Lady of the Wayside and enjoyed the lively service with plenty of singing, some dancing and applause. A number of parishioners that I know greeted me and we will catch up over the coming days.

I was amazed to find power without interruption. So when it vanished on Sunday night I was caught out a little and even more so yesterday when there was no power in the morning when I woke and it only returned at 16.55 – just in time for me to cook supper!!

It is quiet in my bungalow – apart from the cockerel who keeps his brood of chickens outside my entrance. The past couple of years it has vibrated to the sound of a night club less than 100 metres away. I am told that new tenants will move in – hopefully not as loud!

I have started cooking, but for lunch I have some sandwiches. Marmalade or peanut butter sandwiches were boring me, so I went for my favourites – banana or cornflake and mayonnaise sandwiches. If you haven't tried them you haven't lived!!

Best wishes,

Chris

Heading back to Zambia

Once more I am preparing to set off for Zambia. I will be in Monze next week.

22 years after my first trip I will meet up with people I met on that visit. Diven and Raymond have become friends over the years. I will probably bump into Captain who was in charge of the concrete blocks I helped to make for building the ICU at Monze Mission Hospital. I usually see Mike who worked at the guest house Nampeyo – now Moonlite.- where we lodged in 2003 and sometimes I see
Christopher.

Mrs. Sianga took me to meet her patients when I first went to Monze. That visit made me realise there was a lot more to Zambia than you could see from the main road .I have tried to learn more ever since. I am now heavily involved in her wonderful project giving hope to some of the most disadvantaged children in Monze.

Of course these people will be joined by the many friends that I have made in the years in between.

I am almost packed! This year I will take the bird book that arrived a couple of days after I left last year. I will swap my garden with robins and blue tits for the one at Truckers with the beautiful violet breasted rollers and blue eared starlings.

You can follow my trip here and meet some of my friends.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

Elephants, the end of my treatment - Shirt 20

 

One of the first things I did when I received my Prostate Cancer diagnosis was to book a visit to Monze. I wasn't sure what effect the treatment would have and wanted to check out the situation particularly in relation to PIZZ School. While there, I came acrross this material displaying elephants.There is a lot that is wonderful about elephants. They are animals that look after each other. They are gentle giants and are my favourite animals.

It was therefore fitting to finish my radiotherapy wearing this shirt.

Patients are invited to mark the end of their treatment by ringing the bell. It was also an opportunity to thank the radiotherapy staff for looking after me and halting the progress of the cancer.

We have so much to be thankful for here in the UK. I have lost many friends in Zambia over the years – some might be still be with us if some of the facilities that we enjoy were available there.

Many children in Zambia die because of poverty. Undernourished children are probably the norm. These are not the children displayed in some of charity adverts who are close to starvation. They look healthy at first glance, but they are underweight and their diet lacks the nourishment needed. They are susceptible to disease and lack the resistence when disease strikes. For many getting to a hospital or clinic is difficult or impossible and they cannot afford to pay for medicine or treatment.

At PIZZ School the children receive a meal each day and if they become ill the project tries to ensure they they can receive treatment. This is only possible because of the funding provided by Transformation Through Education. Please consider sponsoring a child at PIZZ School or giving a donation.

My radiotherapy treatment finished at the end of August, since when my PSA results – initially 83.4 - have recorded two readings <0.1. I am very grateful for the treatment I have received. I am sure that if I had delayed, even for a short time, the outcome could have been very different.

I will continue to use my energy to help the children of Monze escape from the depths of poverty, but there is a long way to go.

With love and prayers,

Chris

Being Brave - shirt 19

 

 

I am grateful to my granddaughter Amy for putting together the photos and videos of my shirts. This one mentions being brave. I wouldn't say I am brave, unless it is brave to wear bright African shirts on the streets of Cheltenham. I'll admit that having a diagnosis of cancer focusses the mind. I feel that I have been very fortunate. It appears that the treatment has worked to arrest the disease. However I have inevitably been reminded of my mortality. I am 75 years old and it is a huge task to ensure that the children at PIZZ School have a good future, which I see as my key task at the moment. My job is to ensure that the charity is on a secure footing in the time that I have left.

I am given courage by the support that I have. Everyone that joins us on this mission makes the task a bit easier – if you want to join us, or just find out a little more, please use this link Transformation Through Education .

With love and prayers,

Chris

 

Zambia and UK, how do they compare? Shirt 18

 

 

How do we compare two such different environments?

Poverty, lack of facilities and support infrastructure lead many to leave Zambia for an easier life. However if you like a climate where the maximum daily temperature is invariably mid twenties to low thirties, where the sun shines virtually every day throughout the year - 7 – 8 hours of sunshine represents a dull day! Maybe Zambia is for you.

I love the fresh fruit and vegetables which explode with vibrant scent as soon as you cut into them. As for the mangoes!! Well you have never lived until you've eaten a fresh mango just plucked off the tree. As for wildlife – the birds are bright, beautiful and plentiful. You have to head towards a National Park to see the giraffes, zebra, antelopes, lions, hippos etc. Although you might have to wait a while in Livingstone to allow the elephants cross the road! By the way the National Parks have no fences, but the animals are given some protection.

Personally I don't think that anyone would want to leave Zambia if it wasn't such an economically poor country.

PIZZ aims to help children and their families enjoy the life available in Zambia without having to worry that once again they will go to bed hungry. If you would like to help us achieve this aim please check out this link Transformation Through Education .

 

Best wishes,

Chris

Chickens, Eggs - shirt 17

 

 

This shirt is covered with chickens and eggs! Chickens are amusing animals, always bobbing and running around! My daughter Helen enjoys having them around, as well as having benefitting from lovely free range eggs. In Zambia I have become involved in numerous small chicken projects – sometimes for egg production and sometimes for rearing chickens. Some of these prove more profitable than others. Often profit is confused with income!!

I have enjoyed many walks in the bush over the years. Sometimes I hear a russle in the undergrowth and hope to see a monkey or other interesting animal – invariably it is a chicken scratching at the soil! Chickens in Zambia can be very free-range, wandering considerable distances from their homes.

At the moment PIZZ doesn't keep chickens – it has a couple of fish ponds where talapia are grown to supplement the children's diet and for sale.

Please use this link to find out more about Transformation Through Education which provides funding for PIZZ School.

Thank you,

Chris

 

Radiotherapy Shirt 16 of 20

 

 

Over the past 20 years I believe that I have gained a better understanding of the lifes of ordinary Zambians in and around Monze. I have also come to realise how little I understand. It is however very clear that most lives are very difficult and the families face huge challenges.

Through the PIZZ project supported by Transformation Through Education we plan to make some of those lives much easier. The school is beginning a transition to become a primary and secondary school and there are plans to bring in additional resources to support the children after they leave PIZZ School.

Please check out the website, we would love you to join us on this journey.

Chris

Radiotherapy Shirt 15 - Zambian Independence

 

 

Zambia gained independence on 24^th October 1964. I was in Zambia in October 2023 on Independence Day and my tailor Ireen presented me with this shirt celebrating Zambian Independence. Like many of my shirts, you get a better view from behind!!

Traditionally the start of the rainy season is meant to be 24^th October. This year the rains arrived at about this time, though they have been a bit erratic. Overall the signs are better for a decent crop this year.

The 2023/2024 season was disastrous. Very few crops survived in the Southern Region of Zambia - of which Monze is a part. The rain was so poor that throughout most of 2024 electricity has been rationed. In June/July I experienced 6 hours of power followed by 12 hours without, throughout my stay. Apart from the inconvenience caused, this creates chaos for business and can be disasastrous. At my accommodation and at PIZZ School the water pumps both burned out – possibly because the boreholes ran dry.

As always any challenges hit the poorest the most. Food prices have risen and local grown crops are virtually non-existent. PIZZ has tried to provide larger portions for the school meals because the children have been even hungrier than usual.

The money you give to Transformation Through Education is used to support the children at PIZZ school – including free daily school meals.

Best wishes,

Chris Barrell

Prostate Cancer, Transformation Through Education and Radiotherapy Shirt 14

 

I took a PSA test in January last year. The result indicated that I might have prostate cancer. Further tests including scans and a biopsy confirmed the suspicions.

It seems that I have been lucky and caught the disease just in time. If by sharing my experience someone else takes a test and doesn't develop a life limiting disease, it will be well worthwhile.

As I prepared for my radiotherapy treatment I thought that by wearing my shirts I could turn a difficult time into a positive opportunity to publicise Prostate Cancer and the PSA test. It was also a chance to tell people about Transformation Through Education – the charity I established recently to bring hope to some very disadvantaged children in Zambia.

My grandaughter Amy set up Facebook and Instagram accounts for the charity and took photos and videos to post online. I am now posting these on my blog in order to reach another audience. You can use the following links to see the Facebook and Instagram posts.

Facebook - Transformation Through Education

Instagram - Transformation Through Education

Chris

Shirt 13 - Tea

 

As previously mentioned, I usually choose the material for my shirts myself. Some years it takes me a while to decide what to choose, but sometimes I see something which just has to become my next shirt! This shirt reflects my favourite pastime - drinking tea!!

 I have been addicted to tea for a long time. As a student I always had a pot of tea brewed. Friends knew they could always pop around for a cuppa. This tradition has travelled to Monze and again friends know they can call around for a chat and a cuppa - though most opt for coffee rather than tea.

 Over the years I have come to know many people in Monze and this has mainly by chatting over a drink and sometimes a meal. I am happy to share information about my life and listen to what they wish to share. It is a great privilege to get to know people who have a very different life to the one I have the luck to enjoy.

 Our charity Transformation Through Education wants to enable the children of PIZZ School to have the chance to enjoy some of the things we take for granted such as a cup of tea (or coffee) whenever they want one!

Cheers,

 

Chris

Radiotherapy shirts 10 -12 Typical Zambian Chitenge Material

The following shirts are fairly typical of my collection. They are made of typical African chitenge material which is bright, unless it is a traditional black and white pattern.

The shirt I eventually decided on as number 11 was given to me by Mrs Sianga who founded and manages PIZZ School. Together we are developing the project to provide the best possible future for the children who attend the school. All the funds raised by Transformation Through Education are used for this purpose. Please check out the website.

This shirt demonstrates the bright colours you see in Zambia - and in Cheltenham when I choose to wear it. I must admit that I rarely wear a shirt like this without comments – all positive!

 

The final shirt of this trio is a typical black and white African design. It reminds me of the zebras which are common in the nature reserves. The zebra's patterns are unique – a bit like fingerprints. The children from PIZZ School love to visit a nature reserve where they see animals they have never seen before. We try to fund a trip each year for the children taking grade 9 exams. We don't see wild animals around Monze, other than lizards and the occasional snake. There was a leopard at the convent some years back, but that's another story!

With love and prayers,

Chris

Shirt 9

 

As we move into 2025 I recall some of the challenges of 2024. Personally I have tried to turn my cancer treatment into an excuse to publicise Transformation Through Education - the charity that I established during 2023.

This chitenge in this video is one of those that Ireen told me was suitable to turn into a shirt. However, to be honest I cannot remember her telling me of one that wasn't suitable – even if I presented her with two, three or possibly more. Hence I have a lot of shirts!! Chitenge material is used for a number of purposes. The ladies wrap it around them to protect their dresses. It is also used uncut to form a sling for a baby - this is beautiful. The baby is kept warm, close to the mother's body and it can easily be swung around to enable easy feeding. And of course they can be made into shirts.

Moving forward we have great ambitions for the charity. Our eventual aim is to support every child who enters PIZZ school until they have the education and training they need to put them in the best place to obtain employment. The challenges for many of these children are enormous, we want to give them hope that they can achieve a future where they and their families can escape the cycle of poverty. Some have achieved this over the past 20 years of PIZZ school's existence – we want all current and future students to be able to follow their footsteps.

We have a long way to go, but 2025 will be the year that we hope to make great stides towards this ambition.

If you want to join us you can find out more and donate on our website Transformation Through Education

Hoping that you had a Blessed Christmas and wishing you all the best for 2025.

Chris