Will you be up at the Daybreak!?

It may seem that things have gone quiet ....but the swap continues!

"Lorraine is offering an invitation to tour the Daybreak and Lorraine studios for your fundraising swap!"

Lorraine Kelly

Have you ever wondered how a live tv broadcast is put together?  What happens behind the scenes as the cameras are rolling?


You and a friend are invited to visit the Daybreak and Lorraine studios during a live transmission of the weekday morning shows!  You'll have a chance to meet some of the people you see on the screen every morning including Lorraine Kelly - and if you time it right you might just meet some of her celebrity guests! You'll meet the all important behind the scene crew, visit the gallery (technical area), the Green Room, Makeup and Wardrobe and watch "Lorraine" being broadcast live from the studio floor.

So, what will YOU swap for this opportunity?  Let me know at buggyblanketswap@gmail.com

Swap story so far:
Started with a buggy blanket
Swapped blanket for a digital camera
Swapped camera for an electric guitar
Swapped guitar for tea with Lord Paddy Ashdown
Swapped tea for tour of Daybreak/Lorraine studios and meeting the stars.
Will this be your swap??

This swap has been gifted by Lorraine to help boost the fundraising for Hope and Homes for Children.  Lorraine has kindly agreed for us to sell the House of Lords visit with Lord Paddy Ashdown as a separate fundraising item - more details will follow later.

Tea with the Lord anyone....?

Now there's an offer you don't hear everyday! 

Indeed, it is a once in a lifetime invitation from Lord Paddy Ashdown for you and a companion to join him for a cuppa in the House of Lords.    So, how do you fancy a visit to the House with your very own guide and a chance to chat with the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats?  Maybe you are planning a trip to London to celebrate a special occasion - could this be a lovely surprise to finish off the weekend?

So there we go, swap 3 is complete - Paddy is now the proud owner of an electric guitar (hope he has time to practice!) but you could be living it up with the Lords.....

 ....what will you offer for this opportunity? Let me know at buggyblanketswap@gmail.com

It's electrifying

Kerry "frae Kilmarnock" dropped me a note to say that she was keen to help raise funds for Hope and Homes.  She realised that all the enthusiasm (and time) she once had for playing her electric guitar had wained somewhat and that maybe someone else would be better placed to put it to good use! 

Now, Kerry "forgot" about the swap and so she was a bit surprised but delighted to hear that she is now the proud owner of a brand new digital camera!  Perfect for recording all your holiday and party memories Kerry! 

I am collecting the guitar on Sunday - thanks "wee Bob" xx

but it doesn't stop there......

First swap complete!

As promised.....the photo that shows that the first swap has now been completed!  Thanks Sam for getting the ball rolling....it is beginning to gather moss already!

and then I receive an email.......

Swap gets started .... with a flash!!

I know its been quiet over the past week or so on here, but the wee wheels have been churning away behind the scenes (as well as the pedals on my bike!)

I have completed the first "swap" - a digital camera from Sam in Edinburgh - thanks Sam!  Sam was looking for a "different" gift for her friend who has recently given birth - and the buggy blanket fitted the bill perfectly!  I hope your friends' new baby daughter likes her blanket! 

I will post a photo of the swap soon.....
.....in the meantime......

"The hills, the hills...."

I must have sounded (and probably looked a bit) like the Hunchback as I trundled around the Wiltshire countryside on Saturday!  I managed 48 miles on my first time on the road on my new bike!  Learned so much over the weekend -

- Yes Ged, you are as unfit as you thought
- Do not believe the rumours that there WILL be a water stop at 13 miles  (or not at all)
- Lessons on using gears are rather useful
- Get as many bags and attachments for your bike - that rucksack will weigh a TON after an hour
- Do not look up - you will see the hill and lose the will
- Beware those who think it fun to move or remove the direction arrows - 3 mile detour not fun

and much more! 

Even though I opted out of the second day 30 miler to drive 425 miles home instead, I had a great weekend and I got as much, if not more, out of it than I expected.  Many thanks to Mel and Chris - and of course to all the others who have embarked on some incredible challenges just like me!

Let the 20 week training plan commence....

Training - I can put it off no longer!

OK, so I have been "playing" at training for the past couple of months and I quickly discovered that doing lots of pedalling on a static bike just won't cut it!  After a few false starts that involved removing the shed door by its hinges to get at my bike and having the bike overhauled to revive it from 4 years hibernation, I finally felt the wind in my face as I trundled along the canal path!

Fast forward a few weeks, a new bike and new brake levers (so that my wee hands can reach!), I am now ready to go on the training weekend in Salisbury!  Only 5 months til the big challenge!