Latest News from Bulgaria - 7 Articles

23 Dec Update

31 Dec Update

January Update

February Update

Update final part of May and very early June 2010

June Update followed by July Update

Phoenix Inspire

(The Chef and Restaurant School, Novo Selo, Bulgaria)
Update November 2009

 

Dear Friends,

If October was an interesting and challenging month, November was a tale of mixed emotions, high and low. 

Training venue development
The application for funding to redevelop the old restaurant:  The plan is now complete.  I met with Mitko on November 26th to finalise details.  Donated equipment has been added to the plan.  The plan is now with the Mayor to add the narrative and reasoning before being sent to Sofia.  I understand that we will be seeking somewhere in the region of 500.000 Euros to redevelop the building and install all the equipment.  The documents should be on their way to Sofia early December.  Hopefully we should hear something from the Pay Agency in March!  Yes, March, this is how long it takes.  At a recent meeting with the architects, Valentin and Albena the Deputy Mayor I stressed that I wanted the training venue to be up and running in September 2010. Монже!? Maybe?!  Wish me luck.

Our application for training status:
Our application form will be submitted very soon with the following excellent additional information:-

  • I am pleased to say that Dick Palmer, the Principal of City College Norwich has sent a letter, addressed to National Agency for Vocation, Education and Training (NAVET), confirming that the college will recognise qualifications offered at the Chef and Restaurant School and that the college will, where possible, support the development of students and staff employed by Phoenix Inspire through exchanges, curriculum development and mentoring
  • Furthermore, I am just waiting for an official letter from Grimsby Institute to state the same
  • Additionally, I have a French college that is also willing to participate in support and exchanges
  • Having listened to a presentation and visited the site of the proposed Chef and Restaurant School, the new Director of Vidin College has confirmed that they wish to be partners.  After the tour of the proposed site the Director said “the Chef and Restaurant School will be a great and much needed facility for the region, guests will travel from Vidin to use the restaurant, no problem”. The Director of Vidin College will also allow me to participate and contribute to a number of classes from January.  This will be good for me as it will test my Bulgarian and allow me to see the standards to which they currently teach. 

All the above add weight, history and value to application for training venue status.  Genko is coordinating our application form with this additional information.  We are just waiting for the final few documents.

Help for the children of the region
The lorry is almost full of donations and equipment.  You would not believe how much people have donated, it is amazing.  I will be travelling back to Bulgaria with winter boots, 100% waterproof coats, 69 individually wrapped boxes of presents, calendars, tins of chocolates, blankets, bedding, lots of warm clothing, a Christmas tree, Xmas decorations, bikes, toys, cuddly toys, educational games, puzzles, a couple of small TVs, a combi TV, books, painting kits, colouring crayons, Walt Disney videos, 2 kayaks, freezers, demonstration bench, stainless steel tables, 2 hi-fis, cosmetics and much, much more.  It is staggering to see how much has been donated.  I just hope the lorry is not over weight when I set off through Dover on Sunday 13th December.

We plan to give the Christmas presents to all 69 children on 22nd December.  This is because Bulgaria has introduced a new law which decrees (in simple terms) ‘that any family that has a child in a Children’s Home, and who wishes to maintain parental status with that child, must spend time with their child during festive periods.  If this does not happen, the child will be taken away from the parents’.  As a result it is expected that about 10 children will be taken out of the Children’s Home on December 23rd.  If allowed, I will take as many pictures as possible on the 22nd December and distribute via email and add to the web site.

I hope to arrive on 16th December.  On 17th December we will be sorting all the donations ready for distribution to other ‘People in Need’.  In reality there is too much for the children of the Children’s Home.  So I plan to distribute remaining donations to a wider and needy group.  This will involve the support of Latinka from the local Social Services as she will know where the need is.  The priority will be the children of the Children’s Home, those living in poverty in Novo Selo and Vruv and then others.

Any spectacles will be distributed by Tony as before.  I took a hand full of spectacles back with me when I flew back to Bulgaria two weeks ago.  I can report with pleasure, that these spectacles are already making a significant impact upon the quality of life for some people.  If you have more please let me know.

In November I learnt about the true meaning of poverty.  I hope that you read about Ralitsa, the 22 year old young lady who finds herself in difficult circumstances through no fault of her own.  As a result of my recent emails, a number of people have come forward to offer their financial support.  This is humanity working at its best.  I know it will make a significant difference to Ralitsa’s life.  Thank you.

I find it amazing that people can be put in such circumstances.  However, there have been significant cuts in budgets in order to balance Bulgaria’s books.  The impact is real and damaging.  People who live in rural villages like Novo Selo find themselves worse off as many of them do not have jobs or prospects of jobs.  Here is a true stories; a single parent pays 37 lev a month to the municipality for rent but only gets 40 lev a month to live on!  How does she survive?  You don’t want to know.  Whilst I am not in a position to help financially, we will be giving the family clothes, bedding and other goodies from the many donated.  Whilst I did not set out to get involved in helping people in such circumstance it is difficult not to.  As Latinka said, “it is vital that the Chef and Restaurant School is established to prevent such situations happening again”.  Hearing and seeing such circumstances is heartbreaking and emotionally draining.  However, it is vital that we succeed.

Finances: Unfortunately, as I type all funds donated and collected are now exhausted.  I have summarised the income and expenses of Phoenix Inspire.  As you can see the vast majority of donated funds have been used to transport equipment to Bulgaria.  However, without transporting the equipment, we would not be where we are.  If we had used containers this figure would be well over £12.000

Income                                              Expenditure
£14,328.32                              £1,000                         spent in Bulgaria
                                                £9862             transportation of equipment inc purchase of lorry
                                                £562                Travel expenses
                                                £15                  stationery
                                                £2759             inc setting up Phoenix Inspire and architects fees
                                                £14,198           excluding travel back to Bulgaria

            Funds for the winter boots and waterproof clothing are not included as they are being paid directly

We have a reference number from the Charity Commission.  As soon we know the outcome of our application, I will let you know.  Once established, money can be donated directly or via ‘Gift-aid’.

Other: Unfortunately, there will be a desperate need for money in the New Year.  I intend coming back in January to pick up more equipment for the Chef and Restaurant School and goodies for ‘People in Need’.  A couple of fund raising events are in the pipeline, one in France, one in Scarborough and one yet to be finalised.  We will need money for the NAVET application, two or three more trips to the UK to collect equipment and goodies and support local people where we can.  Hopefully, we will have our charitable status in the UK soon.

I don’t think that I will ever be able to convey or explain how much benefit your support and help is doing.  Bulgarians are amazed. It is difficult to state how many people we are helping, however, using the domino principle, I estimate that we will positively affect over 350 people this coming Christmas.

On behalf of the less fortunate of this region, thank you all once more for all your support. Have a wonderful Christmas.  The children in Novo Selo and Vruv certainly will.
Best wishes

Mick Cooper

www.phoenix-inspire.org

Update:- 23 / 12 / 2009

Hello all

Today we gave out the remaining Christmas boxes to the 61 children in Novo Selo. We had to wait a little while whilst the local TV company from Vidin arrived. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the children. The newly refurbished dining room at the Children’s Home was packed with locals, friends and families, all wishing to see something that has never happened before, a Christmas celebration.  We were told that the TV company had never come near to the Children’s Home, first time today.

The children had organised a special presentation of Bulgarian culture including traditional folk songs, poems and verse. Nearly all children in the Children’s Home had a part to play, even the very young ones. Whilst we did not understand all of what was being said, it was entertaining and heart warming. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the day.

After a presentation we gave out the presents donated by you our friends in the UK. Nick as Santa Claus was once again on top form. After a few minor hiccups we got the photo shoot bit sorted out. Some of the children dashed in and received their present before the photographer could get his act together, for this I am sorry.

Christine said that she had never seen so many well behaved children, they were so polite. Kevin B, your letter was read to one of the children and it brought tears to the eyes of the person who read it out. CC, I spoke of your happiness after a difficult year and I thanked all of you for contributing towards a remarkable day.

Kate asked Latinka what impact all this has had on the children?. Latinka explained that she has seen a change in behaviour over recent months. The children are more interested in school and less troublesome. This was put down to a number of reasons:
1. the children now understand and believe that people do care about them (including the social workers and staff at the Children’s Home) and are willing to help them achieve.
2. one young boy(who I will not name) did not attend school and was disruptive realised how important it is to go to school and study hard after hearing from Latinka about the entry criteria for the Chef and Restaurant School.
3. recent investment in the Children’s Home has also improved their lives greatly
4. as a result of donated clothes, footwear and other goods, the children are well dressed as other children and therefore find it easier to mix socially with other children.  I did not realise how important, on a humanitarian basis, social cohesion is to a young person.

Latinka went on to stress how much pride ‘our’ efforts have brought to the Children’s Home. The children have smiles and are extremely happy with their current situation. We, as a group, should be very proud of our efforts and the impact this has made. In my little speech I thanked the Mayor for his support and stressed the importance of next year and the need to get the Chef and Restaurant School up and running for the benefit of the local people.

I was amazed to see all the children wearing their new boots, they looked very comfortable and they each have their names on which stop confusion as many of them are similar sizes and styles. Tomorrow I will be back to the Children’s Home to take a group picture of the children wearing their new coats and boots.

I hope that David will soon transfer the pictures of today to our website so that you can all look at the joy that you have brought to a little village in the very north west of Bulgaria.

We still have much to do. Baby clothes are being donated to a special care unit in Vidin and the rest of the toys and other goods will be divided between other Children’s Homes in the region.

Some warm bedding and clothing were given to an elderly lady who has no electricity or running water in her home. When the water pipe in the centre of the village froze she had to go to Nick’s to get water. Whilst in Vidin I witnessed people taking out cardboard from the rubbish bins for their fires.

Whilst there are many needs in the area, all I can stress is that Phoenix Inspire is positively affecting a lot of people and will continue to do so.

On behalf of the people of Novo Selo thank you so much for all your help, support, generosity and kindness

Update:- New Years Eve. 31/12/09

Dear friends

I would like to say thank you for all your support, motivation, encouragement and generosity during 2009.  As a result of ‘our’ efforts we have put smiles on the faces of many people in this region.

After we had given toys, presents, clothes and lots of other goods to the children of the Children’s Home in Novo Selo, the Kinder Garten in Vruv and the one in Novo Selo we delivered a number of items to the Children’s Home in Vidin a couple of days ago.  It was a very emotional visit.  We took clothes and soft toys which are suitable for very young children.  There are 75 children in the Children’s Home with the youngest being born on December 1st.  The eldest is 7 years old.  We all had tears in our eyes.  I couldn’t get the question ‘what do they have to look forward to when they are 16 years old?’ out of my mind.  I am pleased to report that the Children’s Home is warm, well decorated and colourful with kind staff working to support the children.

I can, with confidence, state that we have made a significant difference for the better.  According to Genko and Valentin we have done more than donate physical items to over 300 people.  Both of them agree that ‘we have given local people hope and belief’.  Our motto ‘Creating Opportunities, Inspiring Success’ is apt.

I have attached three pictures for your attention, one of the children waving after they were given their new waterproof coats, one of wall within the Children’s Home in Vidin and a third with staff at the Children’s Home after receiving goods from Phoenix Inspire.

Whilst the chapter of 2009 is soon to close, I hope that 2010 proves to be just as successful.  I would like to believe that next year I will be writing a similar email to you from one of the computers in the Chef and Restaurant School whilst preparing, with students, a very special New Years Eve Dinner.  I would also like to believe that some of you could be diners that night too.

On that note of hope, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful New Year.

Best wishes

Mick


Update January 2010 

Dear Friends, 

As the residents of the Children’s Home in Novo Selo moved into 2010 our memories reflect upon December with some wonderful images.  January proved to be a harsh month with temperatures reaching

-18˚C, extremely cold nights, over 2 feet of snow, frozen water pipes and ice packed roads.  The boots and waterproof coats arrived just at the right time.  The many donations of warm clothing and bedding proved to be very welcome as well. 

Your help has reached many people within the region.  One such case was Tosko and his mum.  Tosko lost his job as the village grave digger after he voted Democratic at the last election.  He and his mum are living in severe poverty.  Claire and Lou (our friends from Vruv) had spotted Tosko’s mum walking to the village shop in the snow, in her son’s shoes with no laces, with only a little shawl to protect her from the driving cold.  They asked if we could give them some warm clothing.  We did this with remarkable results.  Tosko is a proud man.  However, when Claire and Lou arrived with a large black dustbin bag of warm clothing, shoes and blankets, he could not hold his emotions.  Reactions such as this make you realise the difference your support has made. 

After we had donated clothing to the most needy, we arranged with the Mayor’s office, to donate the remaining clothing to more families in the Novo Selo region.  Families were informed by the Mayor’s office to come to the restaurant to receive clothing.  When we arrived at the restaurant there was already a crowd gathering!  A member of staff from the Mayor’s office called out names in batches of 5’s to enter the restaurant and look through the clothing to identify anything that would be suitable.  After the first set of 5 went through we cut the time down to 5 minutes as the first batch took nearly 20 mins!  Having started at 1.30pm we eventually finished at about 3.30pm.  Even after we had given out bundles of clothing and toys we still had some left!  Valentin will be taking the remaining clothes to Social Services in Vidin for distribution to a wider group of needy people. 

In order to give you an indication of the desperation that some people feel, I thought I would share this sad story with you.  New Year’s Eve, as normal, sees the village band playing in the square at the stroke of midnight.  The band is a mixture of local residents including Daphin from the Children’s Home.  Each member of the band was paid 10 lev for their efforts.  The Drummer, a 41 year old man, was attacked and killed by his cousin for the 10 lev; about £4.75.  Apparently, the cousin had no money and wanted the drummer’s.  I share this story with you as it shocked a number of locals, but particularly me.  I did not realise just how desperate some people become in times of hardship.  Unfortunately the story does not end there as the drummer looked after his disabled mum.  As a consequence, his mum has to leave the village after 90 years of living there and move to another country to live with her daughter.  The irony is that the lady was one of the families living in poverty that we helped with warm bedding and clothes. 

The two brand new cycles that were purchased by friends in the Peterborough area are being used to encourage residents of the Children’s Home to do well at school.  A target has been designed to motivate one youngster and one elder resident; the winners will be the ones who make the most progress between the New Year and the end of school through a variety of activities including behaviour.  I hope you approve.  Our dilemma was that we had a small number of bikes for a lot of people. 

Future developments regarding training and support for Phoenix Inspire in Bulgaria – the good

Thanks to the efforts and persistence of Peter Russum, Valentin and I met with the Chairman of the Rotary Club of Vidin.  Our first meeting took place in the early days of January.  Our meeting with Tadov Vankov was extremely positive.  Valentin explained at length about what we hope to achieve in Novo Selo, where we are with our developments and what we had achieved to date.  Todov was suitably impressed. So much so that he asked me to prepare a presentation that he could present to member of his Rotary Club in Vidin.  Furthermore, he liked the idea of developing a partnership with a number of Rotary Clubs in the UK to support our efforts.  When asked “what do we need from them” I asked for funds to enable me to inspire our first group of students because I consider our first hurdle (of possibly many) will be to inspire the youngsters to believe in the opportunities that are being presented to them.  The presentation in both Bulgarian and English is available on our website www.phoenix-inspire.org 

Genko has been working and planning beneficial links in Sofia on our behalf.  One such plan is for me to hold a series of training weekends, possibly in March, in Sofia for practicing chefs at the Grand Hotel.  The idea is to raise the profile of Phoenix Inspire amongst chefs, generating necessary funds and recognition for the Chef and Restaurant School.  As developments progress I will keep you informed. 

Genko held a confectionary demonstration, with the support of Social Services to inspire the homeless people in Sofia and raise funds for them.  Genko’s work in Sofia is particularly important as it is raising our profile and awareness in the capital.  Both of these activities contribute to establishing a history of support and training here in Bulgaria. 

As we will not have the Chef and Restaurant School up and running until the latter part of the year, Valentin has come up with an idea to establish a small, simple restaurant in the village.  This way the equipment donated will be working, we can start to train at least two residents from the Children’s Home and start to impact upon the local community.  The proposed venue is an empty shop which is close to the village polyclinic.  The plan is to set up a 24 seat restaurant, a kitchen and preparation area.  We could have one trainee in the kitchen and one in the restaurant.  Valentin is currently researching how much it would cost to set up such a venture.  Once I know I will let you all know by email, through Facebook and our web page. When the Chef and Restaurant School is established the small restaurant would convert to an enterprise incubator where youngsters can practice and develop potential business models with support. 

Phoenix Inspire – the not so good news

I was supposed to return to the UK with the lorry in January.  However, for two reasons, this did not happen.  The first was the weather.  Weather forecasts for Germany, Austria and parts of Hungary were terrible with blizzards and freezing temperatures being predicted.  I did not want to risk damage to the lorry or being stuck in Germany.  The second reason was money.  Our funds at the moment are exhausted and I did not have sufficient money to fund the trip.  However, in February I will be in a position to do so and plan to return to the UK with the lorry to collect equipment and goods from a number of venues.  I need to do this as I cannot expect people to store items for too long without losing patience with me.  I would like to thank those supporters who are currently planning to hold fund raising events for the benefit of Phoenix Inspire.  All I can say is that this money is desperately needed, particularly if we do go ahead and develop the small restaurant – which looks likely. 

Phoenix Inspire – UK based charity

I am pleased to let you know that developments regarding the setting up of a charity in the UK took a positive step forward in January.  We received feedback from the Charity Commission indicating that a new name ‘Friends of Phoenix Inspire’ would be approved and that our objects (aims) as follows, likewise

  1. To advance the education of young people, in the Novo Selo region of Bulgaria in the subject of hospitality by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities and resources for them to study that subject in Bulgaria or elsewhere as the trustees shall think fit.
  2. The relief of poverty by the provision of such grants and donations for young people as the trustees shall think fit.

 

A revised application for charitable status was signed and posted on 29th January 2010. Once this has happened we will then approach Just Giving to enable supporters to contribute on-line. 

As Chris Paul, from the Norwich area, is coming to visit us in Novo Selo in February I hope he will be able to compile February’s update thereby giving a different perspective of our work and its importance. 

Thank you for your help, encouragement and continued support for what we hope to achieve - Mick, Christine, Valentin and the many helpers in Novo Selo

Update February 2010

Dear Friends,

Friends of Phoenix Inspire - firstly, it is with great pleasure that I tell you that we have our very own charity in the UK.  Friends of Phoenix Inspire, registration no 1134651, was approved by the Charity Commission towards the end of the month.  However, when you look on the Charity Commission’s website it does state first registered March 4th, a minor detail.  The great news is that the trustees can set up a bank account and register with Justgiving so that friends, supporters and other interested parties can donate online.  At this point I would like to introduce you to the trustees; Christine (Chair) and John Bradford, Jackie Pollitt (Accounts), Chris Paul and Nigel Whiteley.  Friends of Phoenix Inspire has two objectives (objects in Charity Commission speak):

  • To advance the education of young people in the Novo Selo region of Bulgaria in the subject of Hospitality by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities and resources for them to study that subject in Bulgaria or elsewhere as the trustees shall think fit.
  • The relief of poverty by the provision of such grants and donations for young people as the trustees shall think fit.

 

Object (a) will allow, if approved by the trustees, for a graduate of the Chef and Restaurant School to continue their education in the UK or elsewhere and be supported by the charity.
Object (b) was included at the recommendation of the Charity Commission after they had read about other donations and the support we were offering to Ralitsa.  This is a good clause as it means that the trustees could, if approved, support other youngsters in other ways.

Ralitsa:- I understand that Ralitsa has now managed to find a job working in a kitchen of a children’s home – more news next month. 

Small restaurant/bistro - In January’s update I mentioned the proposal of setting up a small restaurant here in the village of Novo Selo.  After I returned in mid February, I went to see Philipov, the architect, with Valentin and Chris P in the Mayor’s offices.  Apparently, if we want to set up a restaurant we would have to jump through enormous hoops.  So in order to keep this simple and avoid unnecessary issues we will be developing a 28 seat Bistro!  Luckily Chris was with me as I was told that toilets had to have separate hand wash areas – both of us in almost tandem said, this is not true.  Philipov took our word and said ‘ok’.  Later we met Albena the Deputy Mayor who was full of praise for what we are trying to do.

This proposal took on even greater importance whilst Chris Paul and I were travelling to the UK in the lorry at the end of the month.  We stopped on the second night in a lovely family run B&B called l’Epicurie (www.lepicurie.be) just outside of Brussels.  After answering, ‘Why are you travelling to the UK in a lorry?’ the owner explained that he had recently seen a documentary on Belgium national TV about prostitution on a particular street in Brussels.  Apparently 80% of the prostitutes are sourced from Bulgaria by the ‘mob’ with the most coming from Children’s Homes.  Chris P and I agreed that the Bistro is a priority.  The Bistro could be set up and operating by June with up to 6 youngsters (over 6 days) beginning the start of a new and potentially safer life with earnings as well.   Once the Chef and Restaurant School is up and running, the Bistro would become an enterprise incubator to develop business skills and commercial acumen.  In terms of equipment I have 90% of what is required already here in Novo Selo.  The down side to this potentially great story is money.  I think I will need between £15,000 and £20,000 to make good the roof, install new electrics and water, dig a soak away, tile throughout, double glaze, making secure and installing a server area for the dining room.  Much of the work will be carried out by local people, thereby giving them an income, hopefully a community spirit and something to look forward to.

Once redeveloped, the Bistro would train youngsters in a commercial environment, serving simple food to locals and passersby.  One very kind supporter also offered to find sponsors for the youngsters so that the Bistro could provide at least one decent meal a week for the very poor people of Novo Selo and Vruv.  The story of the old lady being picked up by Lou and Claire was obviously still in our friend’s mind.  I know I have said this before, but I am staggered by the support, generosity and belief of people, it is so humbling.  The challenge, if I can call it, is to raise £20,000 as soon as possible.  With the help of Valentin, we will try to raise funds here too.  I hope David is able to create some form of symbol on the website which indicates how we are doing.

You can visit the Pheonix Inspire web site to get more info and photos of progress so far. Click Here.

Meet the team - as a way of connecting you to names, one idea is to create ‘meet the team’ as separate page on our web site.  This will be populated by a picture and a brief biography of the 7 trustees over here, our web man David and hopefully the trustees in the UK.

Chris Paul’s visit to Novo Selo – I hope you have read Chris’s interesting, humorous tales and reflections of his visit to Novo Selo.  A number have responded suggesting that he give up his job and take up travel writing.  Seeing the deprivation and squalor first hand really reinforced Chris’s belief that we are doing is the right thing and how desperate the needs are here. Please read Chris’s thoughts by login on to www.phoenix-inspire.org and click the tab daily thoughts.  Please spread the word.

Local recognition – Whilst I was working in the UK Christine received an invitation for me to be guest of honour at the local football team’s annual dinner.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend so Christine, Kate, Len and Alma all went to represent Phoenix Inspire.  We were mentioned in speeches several times and we were thanked for all the support from ‘our English friends’.  Bulgarians are very traditional and celebrate many Special Days including Ladies Day (similar to the UK’s Mothers Day) which is in early March.  Unfortunately I was still in transit in the lorry so Christine and the other members of Phoenix Inspire went along to the celebrations and were presented with a certificate thanking us for the computers and monitors which we donated to the village library.  Martinitsa Day is also celebrated by giving small bunches of flowers to people.  Christine was invited to the Kindergarten to help the children.  They were singing and reciting nursery rhymes and none of them more than 4 years old.  From this day forward, we all wear small red and white bracelets which are not removed until we see the first stork.  Then the bracelet is tied to a fruit tree to encourage a good harvest. We are really beginning to feel part of this village and our efforts are being appreciated and valued. 

Forthcoming Events – a number of friends plan to organise events for Phoenix Inspire. The following are known with dates; May 15th a Ceroc evening in the Norwich area organised by Litza Balme and friends at the Hotel School.  May 19th a fund raising dinner at Yorkshire Coast College, Scarborough.  The driving force behind this dinner is Mandy Dixon.  Stephen Carter, Head Chef of Boodles of London and ex student of YCC will be leading a team of students in the kitchen.  An event planned by David Potter and his students in France has been postponed to June 7th.

I believe that we have a focus which will drive us forward over the forthcoming months – the establishment of the Bistro here in Novo Selo.  If you are able to support this worthy cause in any way please let me know.  Taking a line from a great film, this is a time ‘to get busy living’.  I do need help.

Please visit YouTube and paste ‘Christmas 2009 at the Children's Home, Novo Selo, Bulgaria’ and enjoy.

Thank you for your help, encouragement and continued support for what we hope to achieve - Mick, Christine, Valentin, Genko and the many helpers in Novo Selo

Update final part of May and very early June 2010

Dear Friends,

There are two occasions when Bulgaria is at its most beautiful; the early part of winter when the land and trees are covered with snow and unspoilt; and the early part of summer when the gardens are full of growing vegetables and flowers and the fields are plentiful.  On a sunny day, such as today, when you walk around the outskirts of Novo Selo you can see Bee Eaters and wild flowers whilst listening to Wood Peckers, Nightingales, Golden Oriels and Cuckoos in the distance.  Later in the summer as the weather gets hot and dry, the grass and verges become scorched, losing their lush green colour.  Furthermore, recent legislation in Bulgaria has contributed to improving the natural environment; fly tipping is now illegal, houses have been given rubbish bins and even more remarkable, they are actually collected and emptied appropriately.  For those of you who have visited this rural area you may be impressed.  However, as the natural environment gradually improves there are still ample signs of poverty and decay in villages including Novo Selo.

Phoenix Inspire at the Coliseum.
Development regarding the Bistro proposal was supposed to be heard at the full Novo Selo Council meeting was to take place on Monday 31st May.  However, due to an administrative area this did not happen until Wednesday 2nd June.  Valentin and I attended the meeting in case there were any issues surrounding the plans to give us the building rent free for the next 10 years.  Our item was agenda item number 8.  This was moved to agenda item number 1.  We were asked by the Chair of the Council if we wished to say anything.  Valentin spoke on our behalf and briefly explained what and how the Bistro will be used.  A full show of hands recommended that the old shop be given over to Phoenix Inspire to be turned into a Bistro for a minimum period of 10 years.  It is not possible for the Council to grant anything longer than 10 years.  As we will be investing in the building through redevelopment work we will pay no rent during this period of time.  Legislation requires us to wait a further 14 days before we get the contract for the building.  It is uncanny but it is almost 2 years since I moved out here to pursue this idea.

Whilst taking into consideration funds raised at Yorkshire Coast College in Scarborough, the Ceroc evening, a donation from Keelby Chapel and the planned fund raising dinner at the Hotel School at City College Norwich it is most likely that we will be short of funds to achieve what I hope to achieve.  There are a couple of options open to us; first, Genko is currently planning to organise a fund raising dinner in Sofia, where and don’t laugh, I will be designing the menu (without smoked haddock on creamy rice) and travelling to the capital to prepare and cook.  The second option is for us to speak to the Rotary Club of Vidin.  We have been unable to develop this link as we had no contract and no building.  Once we have the contract we will then be able to progress with something tangible in our hands.

Other activities
A meeting with a Director at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, Sofia, June 4th.   Thanks to the resourceful efforts of Valentin’s brother Miroslav, we met with Tsonka Kenarova, one of the Directors at the Ministry.  Miroslav had arranged the meeting as there has been so much frustration regarding the establishment of the Chef and Restaurant School.  As Tsonka spoke little English Genko, Valentin and Miroslav explained our history; what we propose to do and the problems that we have encountered to date.  It has recently emerged that the building we hope to establish as the Chef and Restaurant School here in Novo Selo doesn’t actually belong to the village!!!!  Talk about anger, you cannot believe the emotion that I felt when I heard the news.  I am told that the previous Mayor used the building as her deposit towards the formation of a new company based in Sofia.  The Mayor and his solicitor have been to the law courts to get the building back without success.  Apparently the cost to get the building back is 105,000 Lev.  So we have spent the last 15 months working for little success.  It is based upon this situation and the Vruv saga that Miroslav organised the meeting. 
Whilst this information is disappointing the meeting with Tsonka produced a new sense of optimism amongst the four of us.  Tsonka was clearly disappointed with the information (a great deal of which I could understand) that she was given and could not believe that we had been treated so shabbily.  The following action points were agreed; all identified to generate greater success in the future:

  • We are to contact the Mayor of Bregavo, the Governor of Vidin and the Mayor of Vidin and ask which public properties are free and available.  There are a number of empty school buildings which could be appropriate for our use.  By Bulgarian law they must respond within 14 days of our letter.  Genko is to write the letter on our behalf.
  • Tsonka is to identify a suitable BG/EU project which will help us with funds in the long term
  • Two meetings are to be arranged, which will be extremely important to us, one is with the Deputy Minister of Education and one with the Minister of Education.  These two meetings will take place in the coming months.  Someone from the government pointing a finger and asking what is happening will have greater impact on those who we are trying to negotiate with
  • Once the contract for the Bistro is signed, Genko is to make an application for an EU project to develop non rural skills in a rural area
As I said, the above are positive outcomes from a very successful meeting.

A further opportunity emerged during the meeting.  It would appear that the government is looking at the way vocational education is planned and delivered.  A working party is being organised, it is possible that I could be play a part.  This opportunity emerged as a result of my input at the meeting.  I mentioned how catering students develop their skills in the UK, with what equipment and the resources they have access to.  This is very different to the process here in Bulgaria.  I did say that the resources here in Bulgaria are embarrassing, and I did apologise before I did say it.

Ralitsa.  Ralitsa has moved out of the crisis centre and is now living in a flat in Vidin.  Ralitsa has managed to keep her job at the Kindergarten in Vidin.  The funds donated to help Ralitsa are contributing positively to keeping her morale up and giving her a better way of life.  Once again thank you to all those who contributed so swiftly to the request. 

June 10th – Fund raising dinner in Norwich.  Highly acclaimed chef, Cyrus Todiwala OBE and Master Chef of Great Britain is travelling from London to work with students of the Hotel School, City College Norwich.  Steve Thorpe, the Head of the Hotel School, is kindly organising the event on behalf of Phoenix Inspire.  The menu has been designed by Cyrus and transforms some of the best local ingredients into a mouth watering Indian menu.  A number of local suppliers are contributing to the evening.  If you wish to dine in style you can do so by reserving a seat by calling 01603 773227.  Tickets are £30 per person.

June 15th – The two new cycles donated by friends in Peterborough are being presented to two children from the Children’s Home (дом детса).  Representatives of Phoenix Inspire will present the two cycles to the two as yet un-named children at the School.  June 15th happens to be the last day of school here in Bulgaria.  What a fitting end to the academic year for these two youngsters.  I will not be there as I will be in the UK working.  Pictures will be in the next update.

June 19th – Valentin has informed me that we have been asked to attend a presentation at the Children’s Home in Novo Selo.  I am not sure why, more news to follow in the next update.

After our meeting yesterday and the Council’s meeting on Wednesday things are beginning to happen and look very promising. It is true that it is taking a lot longer than I expected.  Please continue to support the work of Phoenix Inspire.

Thank you for your help, encouragement and continued support for what we hope to achieve – Mick, Christine, Valentin, Genko and the many helpers here in Novo Selo

Update June 2010

As promised, here is the good news regarding Bistro developments and a couple of other bits too.
Phoenix Inspire at the Coliseum
This morning I attended the Novo Selo Council meeting with our good friend Valentin. Our agenda item was number 8. However, thanks to one of the Council members we were moved to No 1 on the agenda. After a very brief discussion and a speech by Valentin, Members of the Council unanimously voted that the old shop shall be given to Phoenix Inspire free of rent for 10 years in lieu of any developments that we will make to the building. Members of the Council wished us every success. Valentin had a huge broad smile on his face. I sighed with relief. Finally after almost two years of pushing we have a building to train within. The next stage of the whole process is as follows:
a) the papers signed by members of the Council will go to the Governor of Vidin for approval and to check that the proposal is within the law. I am assured that this will be a paper exercise.
b) After 14 days (16th June) we will get the contract signed by the Mayor – then the real work of refurbishment begins!!!!

Whilst we have some funds donated from the Ceroc and Scarborough dinner and hopefully more to come from the fund raising dinner in Norwich on June 10th it is highly likely that we will need more to complete. One plan is to seek help from the Rotary Club of Vidin and English partners. If you have any other ideas please let me know.
If all goes according to plan we could be up and running by early September.

Spectacles for locals
Whilst at the Scarborough Fund raising dinner I was presented with a bag of spectacles collected by Ken and Maggie Short, these spectacles have been given to the local doctor to distribute to the needy in the area.

New bicycles as prizes
The two bicycles donated by friends in the Peterborough area will be presented to two children from the Children’s Home at the end of classes on June 15th. The youngest and eldest child who has made the most progress since Christmas will given their bikes by representatives of Phoenix Inspire.

I hope you are heartened by the good news.

Best wishes, Mick

Update July 2010

Dear Friends,

Developments and progress have continued to move positively. June in particular, proved to be an extraordinary month as a number of important activities took place. As so much has happened since the last update it will be easier for me to walk you through the events which will change lives and create opportunities.

Fund raising dinner at the Hotel School, City College Norwich, June 10th
Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Chef Patron of Cafe Spice Namaste, London, long time friend and supporter of Phoenix Inspire, gave up his valuable time to work with students and staff at the college to prepare and present an authentic Indian dinner using locally sourced produce. Steve Thorpe, the Head of the Hotel School said: ‘We are delighted that Cyrus Todiwala has come to City College Norwich today to cook for our guests, work alongside our students and support the work of Phoenix Inspire. We know that learning vocational skills transforms lives here in the UK and it is great to be able to do something to help provide similar opportunities to some of the poorest people in Bulgaria’. The evening started off with a live Skype conversation with Genko Genkov from Sofia. I am pleased to confirm that the dinner, raffle and auction raised £2,500, a much needed boost to our funds. Guests enjoyed great food and a wonderful evening. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students and staff of the Hotel School, guests for their support, Steve Thorpe and of course Chef Cyrus Todiwala.

Bike presentation at the school
The following is Christine’s review of the bike presentation.

On Tuesday 15th June 2010 the members of Phoenix Inspire attended a presentation at the school in Novo Selo. Unfortunately Mick was in the UK on business but Valentin, Kate, Len, Alma and I arrived at the school with two brand new bikes donated by our friends in Peterborough. After being ushered into the main meeting room, which, thankfully was air conditioned, as it was a very hot day even at 10am, Valentin was informed of the names of the children who had won the bikes. It had been Valentin’s idea many months ago that these brand new bikes should be presented to the two best achievers at the school.

We gathered in the main foyer of the school in front of about a hundred children and teachers. The director of the school gave a short introduction to explain why Phoenix Inspire was here today. I gave a short speech explaining that Mick was working in the UK but that we were all here to continue with the help we have been giving to the village of Novo Selo. Valentin translated for me. Valentin announced that the smaller of the bikes had been won by a girl called Katerina who was about 5 years old. We all looked around to see who she was and then suddenly this tiny little girl made her way through the mass of people holding two small bouquets – one for me and one for Valentin. I could not believe how tiny she was! There were tears in my eyes as I looked at Kate. Katerina gave me a big kiss to say thank you and Len took some photos. Katerina’s brother then came forward to help her with the bike.

Next it was the turn of Simeon who was 13 years old to be presented with the larger bike. He shook hands and told Valentin that he wanted to be a Technician when he left school. More photos. Later that day I saw Katerina with the new bike in pride of place in her garden. Katerina went up to it and stroked the saddle with pride and affection. Well deserved. It is moments like this which make all our efforts worthwhile.

Phoenix Inspire at the Coliseum – the Bistro.
Monday 21st June and Tuesday June 22nd - the contract. Two weeks after the Novo Selo Council had granted permission for us to convert the old shop into a Bistro, Valentin and I went to the Mayor’s office on Monday afternoon to collect the contract. It would appear that everyone was prepared for us. Instead of going to see the Mayor we were shown to the office of the buildings manager and to meet the Mayor’s solicitor. This was a formality as we were asked to read the contract and agree its conditions. We collected the contract on the following day from the buildings manager. The foot print of the old shop is relatively small. However, the Mayor has almost tripled its size by including a large piece of land to one side. Whilst we were walking out we met the Mayor so we had a joint photograph taken outside his offices. The contract is for 10 years, the maximum that is permitted. Whilst the contract identifies a rent per month, this is waived in lieu of renovation to the building. It was at this point that I thought ‘now the real work begins’. It is alright having the ideas, now I need to convert them into reality! The contract runs from July 1st 2010 to June 30th 2020.

Having successfully gained the contract I spent the next few days sketching out plans for the Bistro including the dining room, kitchen and preparation room in readiness for my meeting with Valentin, Valeshko and the architects on the evening of Thursday 1st July. A key need is to increase the size of the preparation room which will enable me to develop of the skills of the trainees. After 3 hours on site we all left knowing that Mitko is to draw up scaled drawings ready for me to meet with all of them on my return on Tuesday 20th July. Having re-visited the Bistro it is fair to say that there is a great deal to do. I have attached to the end of this update a document which outlines the scale and requirements to succeed.

A significant piece of information that came out of the blue is that the Chef and Restaurant School is now back on track! Apparently, the Mayor has been working behind the scenes getting the building back under his control. This is magnificent news. No doubt more information will emerge over the coming months. At the moment my focus is on the Bistro.

Our visit to the Children’s Home to see the independent living area – Wednesday 30th June
Some time ago we donated a number of white goods the Children’s Home. These were originally donated by Middlesbrough College. Latinka had kindly invited members of Phoenix Inspire to visit and sample Banitsa (a local sweet pastry dish) cooked by the older children in the Children’s Home and see how they are progressing. I am pleased to say that the Children’s Home continues to improve and the independent living area is wonderful. It is like a university dormitory with a kitchen, sitting room and 8 bedrooms. The youngsters were proud to show off their bedrooms which contained donated bedding, clothes and footwear. The living room included a TV and video player donated by Phoenix Inspire. Each youngster has a role and duties to perform for the group. We listened to how each one had performed at school. Despite their circumstances these youngsters are confident and polite. Latinka told us about four of them who recently had to leave the Children’s Home as they had reached the leaving age of 18. One of them, Daphin, is well known to friends of Phoenix Inspire as the musician. It is not surprising that after only a couple of weeks away from their ‘home’ they were on the way back to Novo Selo from another part of Bulgaria having not been able to settle. The dilemma is that they have no formal skills and there are no jobs for them. I cannot reinforce the importance of the training we will be offering to these youngsters. Before we left we were invited to look around a new dormitory for 4 to 8 year olds. I would be lying if I told you that no one had tears in their eyes. Another TV and video player, videos, bedding, clothes and boots were neatly laid out next to beds. Progress is really taking place in the Children’s Home. Latinka paid tribute to the support Phoenix Inspire has given to the youngsters of the Children’s Home, not just the gifts that we had donated but the way we continue to do so. Your help is vital. After a request from Latinka, Christine and Kate have volunteered to help the children learn English. I know that it is late in the day but if anyone has any text books with basic words and pictures please let me know asap. We all left the Children’s Home with warm hearts full of hope for the future.

The future is extremely encouraging.
The Fusion Dance Festival – ‘Ceroc meets Bulgarian Folk’ is coming together. The planned dates are October 23 to 27. Negotiations with BA have resulted in a £181 return fair. Litza is coordinating names and details in the UK. The Mayor of Novo Selo is very pleased that visitors will bring more life to the village. If you would like more news please let me know, particularly if you wish to come along in October.

I am currently here in the UK collecting equipment in what could be my final trip in the lorry. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, each return visit costs about £1,000 and as the articles of Friends of Phoenix Inspire restrict the use of donated funds it is not possible for me to pay for future trips and secondly, the money raised through the sale of Ivy (the lorry) will help greatly. I plan to leave this Friday night. My hammock in the back of the lorry should provide me with a better night of sleep.

On my return I should have plans for the Bistro and from this I will be able to ascertain how much the redevelopment work will cost. Once this is known, I will be able to go and see Todor at the Vidin Rotary Club and start the process of raising additional funds.

I hope you are encouraged by the latest update. We are making a significant impact upon the people of Novo Selo, particularly those in need.

Thank you for your help, encouragement and continued support for what we hope to achieve – Mick, Christine, Valentin, Genko, Len, Kate, Alma, Tony, Valeshko and the many helpers here in Novo Selo

Christine and Kate are beginning to teach the youngsters English.
Over the past week I have been collecting equipment for the Bistro and the Chef and Restaurant School – yes it is back in the plans and the odd bag of goods for the Children’s Home and a stack of curtains and I mean a stack.
Thank you to Cyrus and the team at Cafe Spice, Steve and his team at City College Norwich, Mark at Reading, Carol in Scunthorpe and Jane et al at Grimsby Institute.
I am awaiting confirmation of our bank details from the Trustees of Friends of Phoenix Inspire. Apparently they are waiting for documents from the bank.
I hope you enjoy the read.
Best wishes
Mick