Bare feet for Burma

FCO mark 20th Anniversary

2008-08-12T14:30:00.004+01:00

During the meeting I attended at the foreign and commonwealth office last Tuesday I was told that there were plans to mark the anniversary of the 08/08/88 massacre - but not until later in the week. This, I was told, was not due to an unwillingness to sound a discordant note on the opening day of China's big party. Rather it was a strategic move aimed at securing at least some press coverage - something that would have been unlikely on the 8th.

I've been looking out for the FCO statement and have just found it. It can be read here.

Has anyone found anything about it in our national papers?

I’m still finding post walk life a little hard to get my head around but I’m getting there. I’m wondering how best to use the blog now that there is no longer a need for posting daily updates. Several people have sent photos that are yet to go up, the Human Rights TV videos will soon be embedded, and I will continue to post links to other sources of information about the human rights situation in Burma. I've just added a gadget that allows you to subscribe to the blog. This done you'll receive a message whenever there's something new to look at. Please do keep visiting.

Perhaps the most encouraging thing that I heard at the FCO was that the government appreciates the role of civil society (campaign groups, Burmese in exile, and individuals) in keeping the situation visible. On some other issues these groups may be considered a pest but on this one our contribution is valued. As we are all aware our own media is unlikely to return to Burma unless there is another major event. This makes it all the more important that we utilize other sources of information and that we keep the people of Burma in our hearts and minds.

Watch this space

All the best,
Ewen

Freedom Flag flies in Downing St

2008-08-06T13:49:00.007+01:00

Lillian, (now official photographer for Barefeet for Burma!), has sent us these. Enjoy them - you deserve it.

Richard and Katy

The BIG City

2008-08-04T20:47:00.004+01:00

I'm sitting here wondering what I might say that could capture all the feelings I have about my arrival in London. It's not going to be possible without spending a good deal of time and taking up a lot of space. This will have to wait for "bare feet for Burma" the book. To cut a long story short - I've arrived, I've delivered the petition, I've given a couple of interviews and I'm more than a little confused about how I feel about it all.

Obviously I am pleased to have achieved what I set out to do and I am relieved that everything worked out. In fact, to say that "it worked out" is to do it an injustice since the whole thing has exceeded all expectations. The journey has been incredibly enjoyable, energising and enriching. It is for this reason that my arrival in London is the source of a little sadness as well as being cause for celebration.

Sunday was my final day of walking and it started with a hearty breakfast provided by Ian and Julie Smith. I started shortly after ten-o-clock and was soon joined by Dan - a new friend whose company I've been enjoying regularly ever since I met him by the canal a couple of nights ago. At Hammersmith bridge we met up with Mindy and Andy and stopped for the first pint of the day. We kept it to only one drink as I have plenty of experience of what can happen while drinking in this company. Nearer the end of the day we were joined by more good friends in the form of Kevin and Caitlin. We walked across the grass towards Westminster just as Big Ben announced that it was six-o-clock. Outside the Cathedral we were met by Jenny and Blade.

So I'd arrived, I was in at the end of my journey and I was in the company of good friends but I had not a clue what to do. The feeling that I had was neither good nor bad, it was simply strange. I was glad that we'd arrived on time to catch the evening service at the Abbey because I knew it would provide the time and space in which to reflect and get to grips with being here. After too short a time with everyone Mindy and I parted company with the rest and headed into Westminster Abbey.

The service was a special one, dedicated to peace, and specifically remembering the victims of the Hiroshima bomb - the anniversary of that most terrible demonstration of the destructive capacity of human beings is on the 6th of August. I must admit that despite the appropriate nature of the service I was still left feeling that there was something missing. Perhaps it was simply that I no longer had a goal?

This feeling was rapidly and totally dispelled soon after the service finished when the Reverend Canon Nicholas Sagovsky introduced Mindy and I to two people who's total commitment to promoting Human Rights means that the vast majority of their time and energy is spent developing "Human Rights TV" - a platform that gives voice to those who have suffered and whose story is seldom told. We were then given a guided tour of the Abbey including a visit to the tomb of Saint King Edward the Confessor, an important destination for pilgrims in England since the 13th century. Reverend Sagovsky said a beautiful prayer, somehow managing to weave his words between the organ blasts that filled the whole space and added considerably to the atmosphere. I felt that he perfectly captured the spirit in which my journey has been made and found the experience incredibly moving.

We spent a couple of very enjoyable hours with Nic, Jack and Akane before leaving the Abbey and heading to a Thai restaurant where Mindy treated me to a very fine curry. It was after one in the morning before I retired after what had been an amazing day.

The story of how I got to Downing St the next morning is one of absurdity and stress and I do not have the energy just now. I'll say only that in the end I arrived only just on time, at a run and lashing sweat. Thank you to Lilian, Steve, Gavin Strang (MP) and Ko Aung who were there to meet me. Ko Aung presented me with a flag showing the fighting peacock - the symbol of the democracy movement in Burma. My petition was delivered to number 11 as the PMs residence is surrounded by scaffolding and resembles a building site at the present time. It was received by an official and the exchange took all of 20 seconds. Job done!

Lilian and Steve kept me company until 4pm when I went into the BBC building at Millbank to give an interview for Radio Scotland. I was looking forward to it as I've enjoyed the interviews I've done in the past but I'd not considered that the fact the program was going out from Glasgow would mean that I'd be in a studio on my own. I sat there with a set of headphones on and a microphone in front of me listening to the sound of my own breathing. Then I heard a voice telling me that I'd be on after the headlines which were now audible in the background. This was the first news I'd heard for over a month and it was the usual diet of scare stories about under aged drinking and knife crime. I then had a minute and a half to tell the story of ten months in bare feet and the biggest adventure of my life. Afterwards the sounds of the studio disappeared and once again I heard only my own breathing.

Outside the studio and free from having something to do for the first time, I relaxed in the sunshine outside Westminster. A strange feeling began to settle on me. There I was surrounded by more people than at any other time for the past forty days and I had no way of connecting with them. My rucksack was back at Mindy's flat and bare feet is not enough to prompt a question from a Londoner - there are plenty stranger things to see in London. Of course I knew that if I could make contact with any of these people I'd most likely find a kind, caring and warm human being just as I have all the way down the country, but without a mission I felt like I'd lost my power to connect. Surrounded by seven million people I felt lonely for the first time since I set out and the thought that I wanted to go home flashed through my head.

Thankfully I had arranged the night before to visit Jack and Akane at their home (also the base of Human Rights TV) where I was to be treated to a home cooked Japanese meal. After journeying across London on the underground where nobody talks to each other it was a great relief to see Jack and to be able to talk again with someone who understood. And talk we did! Jack's enthusiasm for his work with Human Rights TV is remarkable. He showed me how everything has been set up and how the hundreds of testimonies that he and Akane have recorded have been archived and made available on the Internet. He is determined that editorial control remains with the contributor and insists that sound bites are not what he's after - essentially each voice has as long as is necessary to tell their story.

After fantastic food, drink and conversation Jack and I recorded an hour long interview. The contrast between this and the interview I'd done earlier could not have been greater. We were still blethering at 2am. I'll post details of how to view the recorded bit of our conversation in the near future.

I'll also aim to share some of the details of this morning's meeting at the foreign office but this too will have to wait. I'm knackered!

Before I finish this post however I'd like to thank again all those people who have been a part of this journey in whatever way. It was my legs and my feet that covered the distance but it was your kindness, generosity and support that kept them going. Whatever success I can claim is yours every bit as much as it is mine. I hope that I have not concerned anyone by sharing the lows as well as the highs of my arrival in London. I have always believed that it is the quality of the contact between people rather than the quantity of people contacted that is of importance. I feel like I have walked from one magical encounter to another and I will be forever grateful to all those who have contributed a little bit of magic.

Much Love and Gratitude,

Ewen

FINAL STAGE NEWS

2008-07-31T20:06:00.003+01:00

Ewen is passing Watford this evening (Thursday), and looking for somewhere to sling his hammock for the night. Tomorrow he aims to do the same, somewhere near Denham. On Saturday he has a longer walk from there to Brentford, where Ian, a friend he met further up the canal will be his host. (Thanks Ian.)

On Sunday he's agreed to set off along the path beside the Thames, from Brentford, at 10.00am.
This should bring him to Westminster Bridge by about 5.00pm. After that he'd like to attend Evensong at Westminster Abbey. This would mean he has travelled from the Scottish Parliament, to Holy Isle - Harnham Buddhist Monatery - York Minster - Westmister Abbey, and then to the Houses of Parliament and Downing St.

He will present his petition to Number 10 at noon on Monday 4th August.
So, if you haven't done so already, add your name to his petition, by clicking on “Comments” at the end of it, and simply adding your name (at Name/URL) and address in the comments box.

Join him along the river, or at the gates of Downing St. if you can.

If you're reading this -there's a fair chance that you're one of the people who has made this journey the success that it is. Prestige landmarks are important - but what has really mattered is the care, support, and hospitality of friends and total strangers. Your support to him has also been an expression of support for the Burmese people - and we know, from the comments on the blog and elsewhere, that it reaches all the way to Burma.

Heartfelt thanks for this,

Peace and Love,

Richard and Katy

Nearly There

2008-07-29T22:47:00.002+01:00

Well I am glad to report that I have continued to enjoy my journey immensely over the past few days. I was joined briefly by my uncle on Friday and then we met up again on Saturday afternoon for the walk into Milton Keynes. The last bit of track has been "improved" using concrete and gravel and while this may indeed be an improvement for cyclists it was not great for me. I guess they did not have barefoot walkers in mind when they were working on it.

It was really amazing to catch up with Lillian on Saturday having not seen her for seventeen years. This trip has been mostly about making new friends and it was great to have the opportunity re-connect with an old friend. Hari and I were very well looked after.

On Sunday morning I met up with another very good friend and we walked together all day. As Jim observed, having someone with me changes the dynamic somewhat and makes it less likely that I connect with people along the way. It was none-the-less enjoyable to spend the day in his company and it was in many ways a relief to spend some time in a different "mode". After Jim left I had a couple of good encounters with people on the canal but I had a strong sense that I should spend the night under canvas.

The field I opted for had a good place to pitch the hammock and a great pile of well seasoned firewood. I finished the evening, staring into the heart of a good fire and enjoying a miniature bottle of Glenmorangie that was given to me several days ago in Twyford. As promised I drank to your good health John - thanks.

After an interesting encounter with the cows in the morning I made my way through Leighton Buzzard and on to Marsworth. I was assisted by Steve and Maggie Parkins who have been neck and neck with me for a couple of days as they pilot their narrow boat towards London. I overtake them at the locks and then they pass me again on the canal. I was lucky to catch them filling up with water and they offered me breakfast. Later I met Shannan, Maureen, Christine and Paddy who were starting their holiday on the canal and who were quick to offer a coffee and a sandwich.

That got me another couple of miles along the canal to "The Red Lion" where I again met up with Steve and Maggie and where the reception was fantastic. I had a pint of beer in my hand within a minute of arriving.

I was joined again by Jim and I have had a rest day at his place in Tring today. I resume again tomorrow for the final fifty miles into London.

Love to all,

Ewen

Family and friends

2008-07-27T21:52:00.000+01:00

Ewen made it to Milton Keynes on Saturday. His uncle had met up with him near Northampton, and walked along the canal with him. Meanwhile, Richard and Katy had got in touch with Lillian, who (many moons ago) had been his babysitter. (Yes, even Ewen was that young once!) Lillian met up with Ewen, and his uncle Hari, in Milton Keynes - and spirited them away to Houghton Conquest for the evening. There the chat went on till the small hours, and Lill observed that he looked well - but skinny. (But then she always thought that about us - she's never thought the Hardies eat enough.)
Back to the same spot on the canal in Milton Keynes, Sunday morning, where Ewen met up with Big Jim - a friend from Tring, who is walking the whole day with him - and will be his host on Monday night.

We're beginning to wind up for the arrival in London - watch this space!

Thanks to you all, for all the love and care you show our boy,

Richard and Katy

Down by the canal

2008-07-24T13:52:00.000+01:00

When I wrote my last post I was feeling really clever having walked 26 miles in one day. As it turns out this was not so clever after all. It was really hard going the next day as my feet were sore, it was hot and the traffic was hellish. The B road I was following is used by anyone with a sports vehicle as a race track and was constantly having to step into the verge to get out of the way. It was impossible to find a rhythm.

I was rescued in Twyford by a chap called John who made me a cup of real coffee. This made the next stage of the journey much easier, as did the fact that I could cut across the fields to Tilton on the Hill. I decided to rest there a while until the heat was out of the day and walk the rest of the way to the canal (no matter how long it took) so as to get out of the traffic once and for all. As it happened it took me until 2 am and that was despite the fact that for the final five miles of the day my bag was on the back seat of a police car that I was walking in front of. I had an escort all the way to the canal - blue lights and all!

I was pitched by 3.15 but was rudely awakened an hour later by a smack on the head from the tree that was supposed to be holding up the hammock. I found myself lying in a bramble bush. I'm not going to go into the details of of how rubbish all this was but I'm sure you can guess. I did eventually get back to sleep in the field behind my original pitch.

Next day my feet were very unhappy with me for subjecting them to a 26 mile day immediately followed by a 23 miler. The canal tow path was a cinder track and every step was agony. It took me four hours to do the two miles into Foxton locks and when I arrived I found that there was not a single person among the many diners who felt like offering to feed or water me. I felt very dejected as I headed on along the tow path (now mercifully grassy), still tired and still hungry.

Salvation came only a little further on in the form of Magnatron and friends who all live in boats on the canal. I spent the afternoon, evening and most of the next morning with them and left feeling altogether better about everything.

Yesterday was hot and my feet were still a little sore so I did not cover much ground. It was however a fantastic day. Life on the canal moves at a different pace from everywhere else and it is a pace that makes it possible for everyone you meet to find time for a chat and usually a cup of tea. I suspect my main challenge over the next few days might be resisting the temptation to sit on the tow path drinking tea with everyone I meet. I hitched a lift through the first of several huge tunnels on the canal (I hope this does not disappoint anyone) as I had been advised that this was an experience not to be missed. Indeed it was not and I ended up with a meal into the bargain. Thanks to Barry Waldock and family for their hospitality.

I stopped early last night and was in my hammock by 8.30. I made an early start today so as to get some miles behind me before the day got too hot. I'm now in Crick, in the home of Josie and Jackob Bounds where I've been fed, watered and showered. To say that things have been going well over the past couple of days would be a major understatement.

Peace be with you all,

Love,

Ewen

Another Interesting Article

2008-07-21T20:12:00.000+01:00

On the BBC website - thanks Julie!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7517655.stm

Heading for the Grand Union Canal

2008-07-21T09:58:00.000+01:00

Well yesterday was a big one. I set off from Newark at just after 9-o-clock after a good nights kip in a room above a very loud disco in the Broadway pub - walking all day is the best cure for insomnia. Thirteen and a half hours and 26 miles later I arrived in The Sugar Loaf in AB Kettleby where I met Sam, Matt and Alex. I've been enjoying their company and hospitality ever since and am about to set off to Melton and then, hopefully on to the Grand Union Canal by the end of the day. I'm carrying a very fine packed lunch so with luck I'll make good progress.

All the best,

Love Ewen

Interesting Links

2008-07-20T23:12:00.000+01:00

A couple of interesting articles on Burma in the Guardian - follow the links!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2008/jul/17/burma.military.regime

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/oct/07/burma.peterbeaumont

Thanks to Colin Wood for these!

Ewen's Route To London

2008-07-19T15:48:00.000+01:00

Saturday 19th - Newark on Trent

Sunday 20th - following minor road from Newark through Hawton, Cotham, Staunton in the Vale, Normanton, East Thorpe turning right before Red Mile onto Grantham Canal. Follow canal to Hose heading for Scalford, destination Melton Mowbray (pies!)

Monday 21st - Following B6047 to Foxton

Tuesday 22nd - Following Grand Union Canal all the way to London!

At present he is well fed and watered.

Petition

2008-07-19T11:17:00.000+01:00

I have copied the petition to this page so people can see and sign it, hope it works! Just click on 'comments' at the bottom of the post.

Petition to the UK Government
We the undersigned believe that the anniversary of the 1988 massacre that ended the uprising in Burma that year should not go unmarked by the British government.Twenty years ago the people of Burma, led primarily by students, demonstrated peacefully against their military rulers asking for freedom and democracy. Their struggle continues to this day and conditions within the country are arguably worse than ever. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy remains under house arrest where she has been for over thirteen years.We are concerned that the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, which occurs on the anniversary of the massacre, should not be allowed to completely overshadow this important day. It is being marked with unanimous cross-party support at Edinburgh City Chambers by a gala performance of “The Burma Play” supported by Burma Educational Scholarship Trust, Amnesty Scotland, Unison and the Cooperative Bank.Gordon Brown has, on several occasions, expressed admiration for Aung San Suu Kyi and support for the aims of her party, the National League for Democracy.We believe that the Prime Minister should officially mark the massacre that took place on the 8th of August 1988, and outline how his government is fulfilling its stated commitment to the democracy process in Burma, in a statement released on the anniversary date.
Posted by Ewen at 03:05
Labels: 08/08/08, 08/08/88, Burma, Democracy, Petition

14 comments:
Andrew Jones said...
North Queensferry Fife
25 June 2008 04:04
Anonymous said...
James Potter-Irwin - Tring, Hertfordshire
25 June 2008 04:16
Anonymous said...
Linda Keys, Edinburgh
27 June 2008 11:09
Anonymous said...
Katy Hardie, Carnoustie, Angus
29 June 2008 02:28
Richard Hardie said...
Richard Hardie, Carnoustie, Angus
29 June 2008 07:28
Anonymous said...
Fiona Smith, Southwater, West Sussex
29 June 2008 12:15
Anonymous said...
Andy Smith, Southwater, West Sussex
29 June 2008 12:16
Katharine whheler said...
Katharine Wheeler25 Belmont StGlasgow
03 July 2008 08:37
Sheena said...
Sheena Hardie, Carnoustie
09 July 2008 03:47
Craig said...
Craig Stephen, Dundee
09 July 2008 03:47
Kath said...
Kath Bell, Carnoustie
09 July 2008 03:48
Jim and Julie Maxon said...
Jim and Julie Maxon, Harewood, Leeds
14 July 2008 08:43
graham said...
Graham Hardie, Linlithgow, West Lothian
18 July 2008 04:00
Ewen said...
Eleanor MorrisonLeith, Edinburgh
19 July 2008 03:16
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Thanks for visiting my blog. Please remember to visit the older posts especially the link to the justgiving page where you can sponsor me and support the Burma Education Scholarship Trust and the petition which you can sign by adding your name as a comment.You can contact me using the e-mail address provided in my profile (top of the page).Do visit again soon to follow the progress of my adventure to London.Peace be with you, Ewen

Bravery

_

Just Giving, just reminding!

2008-07-19T11:08:00.000+01:00

Remember you can sponsor Ewen and donate money to BEST (Burma Education Scholarship Trust):

www.justgiving.com/barefeetforburma

Child Soldiers in Burma

2008-07-18T11:07:00.000+01:00

Please please follow the link below and watch the Reuters film about Child Soldiers in Burma (please be patient with the skateboarding clip beforehand!?):

http://uk.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=69872

This link is to the Human Rights Watch website and has more information on child soldiers all over the world.

http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/crp/burma/index.htm

This subject is particularly close to my heart as I have directed a play with my Salmagundi Theatre Company (WLYT) that explores these issues:

MONSTERS

It’s 2022…civil war divides us…there’s no place for innocence…

Monsters is set in Livingston in 2022, in the kind of future that we hope will never happen in Scotland, but which is reality for far too many children and young people all over the world.

Stephan’s gang has been hiding out in a disused hall while, up in the Bathgate Hills a civil war rages between the Monster’s Militia and the British Government Army. The war has been fought over the past four years but Stephan and his gang don’t really know anything about why or how it started. Then Roxy finds them with her gang of escaped child soldiers. Roxy (16) has been fighting since she was twelve years old and has finally found her chance to escape. She can’t afford to let Stephan and his gang of innocents get in her way. But the fighting is getting closer and the Monster Army want their soldiers back …

The show Monsters (by Clare Duffy) will be on during the first week of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival:

Main Stage at the Roxy Arthouse
Monday 4th - Saturday 9th August
1.25pm (75mins)
It is being supported by Amnesty International and we hope to have a post show discussion.

It is also on at:
Aberdeen International Youth Festival
Arbroath Webster Theatre, Arbroath
Wednesday 30 July 2008
7.30pm

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Thursday 31 July 2008
7pm
Friday 1 August 2008
3pm
For more information and to book tickets please contact Aberdeen box office on 01224 641122 or online http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/

Please do come and support it!

More York Pics (Manu)

2008-07-18T10:13:00.001+01:00

Eleanor, Helen, Monty, Ewen, Pierre, Mark

The path to York

Eleanor tries out Ewen's Hammock

Giant strawberry stop!

Yes! Halfway.

Safe and Sound

2008-07-17T21:40:00.000+01:00

Once again, thank you to Eleanor for all her work in keeping the blog up to date and to everyone who has been visiting and posting comments. It is always a source of encouragement when I get the chance to have a look and I see so much support being expressed.

There was so much energy around my walk into York that I found it very difficult to pick up the journey again after the weekend was over. From Durham to York I’d been very well looked after and it was a real treat to have a whole party to walk into York with. Then there was the meeting with the Dean and the service that followed where so many members of the congregation wanted to talk with me about the journey and to sign the petition. It was great to know that I’d completed half the journey and these things all came together to make it feel as though the whole thing had been about getting here.

I was bound to experience a bit of a come down after all that excitement and for the past couple of days I’ve passed through some pretty empty areas. When I have met people I’ve encountered a few blank expressions and while folks have been great at wishing me luck, they’ve been less forthcoming with actual help. Things hit a bit of a low last night when I found myself without a pitch or a meal at gone 10-o-clock.

However, a couple of hours later I was fed and watered in the Take a Gander pub in Burringham and they offered me a space on the garage floor. It was not luxurious but it was dry and I was glad of it.

Today has been an altogether different story. The walking has been easy as I’ve been following the river and the bank is grassy and thistle free. I also had a great encounter with the staff at the Ferryhouse Inn where I was treated to a coffee and a cheese roll. When I was walking along the river bank a little later on I wondered if it was the food or the meeting that had re-energised me and decided that the latter was more important. I had gone without a proper meal until very late on the day before but the truth is I have never been really hungry at any point along the way. The thing that I’d been missing was the chance to share the story with an appreciative audience.

I got the chance again only a few miles later on and I am now enjoying the hospitality of Julie and Paul in Gainsborough.

Thank you to everyone who displayed so much concern after Eleanor posted the news of my low spirits but I assure you I am not yet in need of emergency aid. Like all journeys this one will have its ups and downs. Just now I am warm, safe, well fed and watered and looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

Tomorrow I head along the river to Newark on Trent.

Peace be with you all,

Ewen

A burst bubble? Let's hope not!

2008-07-17T12:55:00.000+01:00

Got a call from Ewen last night who was in an unknown town a couple of miles from Scunthorpe. He had nowhere to put up his hammock and was really hungry - his supplies are almost out and no one was offering anything - he doesnt think it is within 'the rules' to ask. I had a text this morning to say he slept in a garage - not sure what the full story is there. He has been advised to avaoid the A15 and so is heading towards Gainsborough at the moment.

I think spirits are fairly down so if you or you know anyone who could maybe offer him some food, walk a little while or give him just a smile that would be cool. Please note that he has not asked me to do this - i can just tell he needs some love!

He will probably call me tonight so do leave a message via phone or email and I can pass it on.

Love

Eleanor x

York Minster Photos (taken by Ollie)

2008-07-15T14:11:00.000+01:00

Click on the link below to read about Ewen's meeting with The Dean Keith Jones.

http://www.yorkminster.org/news/story240/barefoot-for-burma-walker-visits-york-minster.html

Last Known Whereabouts

2008-07-14T22:35:00.000+01:00

Ewen is camped up in Heron Wood 8 miles south of York and about 7 miles away from Selby. He hopes to be in Selby by 11 ish tommorrow morning. He will be following the east bank of the river following the Trans Penine Way to Boothsferry where he will cross the river at Boothsferry Bridge. Ewen will then follow the A614 to Goole and will camp up in a place a bit beyond Goole in Swinesfleet. The next few days destinations look like this:

Tuesday 15th - Swinesfleet

Wednesday 16th - Scawby (just beyond Scunthorpe on Roman Road camping in New Forst Plantation

Thursday 17th - Lincoln (following the A15 Roman Road)

Friday 18th - Ancaster (on The Viking Way)

Any help/ support / advice gratefully received. Ewen is in particular need of OS maps for the areas as he has directions written down but these can be unreliable. if you can meet him with a map for the area and a stamped addressed envelope, he can post it back to you when he's walked off it!

Thanks

Eleanor

Photos of the weekend (Julie and Jim)

2008-07-14T18:55:00.001+01:00

(from left) Mark, Manu, Pierre, Ewen and Jim

Ewen and Julie (carrying the rucksack!)

On the move. A rare and welcome bit of soft grass, bliss!

"can't we have rest?" The slave driver and the weary

Team York arriving at the City Walls

Eyes on the prize, well earned trophies

The Weekend and what a weekend it was!

2008-07-14T17:50:00.000+01:00

Manu and I arrived in Oulston (Ewen's destination on Friday) in the rain, it was starting to get dark and no sign of Ewen . . . I'm sure its a lovely place but some of the locals had not even heard of it! No phone signal, no way of contacting the wanderer. We hitched a lift to the next village of Coxwold - at least this had a pub where we could shelter and think of a plan. The pub was / is called The Fauconburg Arms and is one the the nicest and most friendly pubs I've been in (i've been in a few). The landlord Simon offered us a place to camp in the garden, breakfast the next day and a bottle of vino and one of the regulars 'Mr H' took us out searching for Ewen who we found in a damp car park. We got him back to the pub where he was fed and 'watered'. If you are ever in this area of Yorkshire, go to that pub - the biggest chips I've encountered (and I've had a few chips).

Ewen, Manu and I were then scooped up by the Reverend Ian Kitchen and taken to Crayke to stay with him, his lovely wife Helen and the handsome Monty dog. We had food and beds and more food. It was a real pleasure to meet them and want to thank them for disregarding our lack of contact and treating us so well. The next morning our friends Mark and Pierre met us in Crayke as a great surprise. So we were a grand party of 7 setting out on Saturday morning as Helen and Monty joined us for the first few miles.

The first half of the day was a combination of country lanes and footpaths but we then had to hit a B road which was very busy. We couldnt tell if the cars were beeping in support or road rage at having to slow down. Half way through the walk we met up with Jim and Julie Moxon who had travelled from Leeds to walk with Ewen. It was brilliant to have such a physical display of support - they even carried Ewen's rucksack to York and spurred us on with the thought of that first pint! Ahhh.

Arriving in Yorkwas really exciting as it marked the half way point. The John Smith's Race Meet had just finished and thus the city was awash with lads and lasses dressed in their best dresses and ridiculous hats. We manouvred our way through the drunken crowds and eventually found a pub or two that would let the bare feet in. Pints and pub grub courtesy of the Moxons and then that post dinner quiet wilting set in. We said our goodbyes to Julie and Jim who had already missed several trains back and to Mark and Pierre who set off to find a camping spot. Ewen, Manu and I were accommodated in the comfort, peace and tranquility of The Bar Convent - highly recommended (http://www.bar-convent.org.uk/)!

After a lovely breakfast in the Convent's stunning atrium we headed for York Minster and a meeting with Keith Jones, The Dean of the Minster. After a chat and photo call, The Dean took Ewen off for a private prayer and blessing which touched him deeply -I'm sure Ewen will write about this when he can. Manu had to leave for her train back to Edinburgh and Ewen and I stayed for the Sung Eucharist service which was hugely powerful in many ways. During the sharing of Communion a lady came and blessed the feet and this coupled with the choir and the surroundings was enough to set us both off in tears. We had coffee in The Chapter House after where many members of the congregation stayed to talk and sign the petition. Ewen also received a personal letter of support from the Archbishop himself John Sentamu.

By lunchtime, the rest of the day was ours to have a holiday from Bare Feet For Burma and enjoy our anniversary. I left Ewen at York train station at lunchtime today where his plan was to head for the library and plan the journey to London - posted here soon!

Ewen wants me to re-post the link to the donations page:

www.justgiving.com/barefeetforburma

Thanks to everybody who made this weekend so special and well supported!

Eleanor x

Northern Echo

2008-07-11T12:56:00.000+01:00

There is an article about the walk in today's Northern Echo - thanks to Robert Cooper for passing that on. I was going to post the article up here but not sure about legalities of that? Copyright and all . . . anyone know?

Ele

A quick update from Ewen

2008-07-10T19:17:00.000+01:00

I've just been looking at the blog and I want to thank Eleanor for all her efforts to keep it up to date. Thanks also to eveyone who has sent photos and written comments of support. It was also amazing to learn that we have two nights accommodation in York and that I have a meeting with the Arch Bishop.

I'm looking forward to spending a few nights in a real bed and things are looking up in this respect. Janie in Durham put me in touch with Robert and Philipa in Thorpe Thewles and they have sorted out a place for Eleanor, Manu and I on Friday night.

Robert walked with me this morning and left me about 2 miles short of Yarm at around 2-o-clock. It took me ages to get through Yarm as there were many interested people to speak with. I was walking through as the schools were coming out and I met with a woman and three kids on their way to their Grans. They were so into the story that I was presented with 5 sausage rolls. I ate a couple and stashed the others in my bag. They caught up with me a little later on and the two boys were walking bare foot!

I then walked on to the Crown Hotel in Kirklevington (about another mile). I went in to use the loo and was offered a pint when I came out. I've just enjoyed a great meal here and am so full that I'm going to struggle to move on. I've actually just turned down a desert and another pint! I'm going to struggle to get to Osmotherly tonight but I will certainly not need any food before bed so I can walk till late on. Many thanks to Barry and Alison and everyone else who gave me a warm welcome here at the Crown.

I'm going to hit the road again.
All the best,
Ewen

Pictures from Robert Cooper in Thorpe Thewles

2008-07-10T17:09:00.000+01:00

Thanks for both these pics and your hospitality!

This Sunday

2008-07-10T11:50:00.001+01:00

Ewen will be meeting with the Dean of York Minster, the Very Revd Keith Jones in The Minster at 9am this Sunday (13th). He hopes to go to the service afterwards. There should be press and photographers there by arrangement of Jenny Caunce, PA to the Dean. Catch him there!

Manu and I will be meeting Ewen in Oulston on Friday night to walk with him to York on Saturday. The lovely people at The Bar Convent are putting us up for the night. Sunday is a rest day so we should be around York for most of the day - I'll have my phone on me (07984772818) so call if you want to meet up.

On Sunday night I have booked is into The Royal York Hotel as it is our anniversary (10 years! eek!)

Love Eleanor x

Letter from Councillor Ewen Aitken

2008-07-10T11:46:00.000+01:00

Ewen Hardie
Drummond Community High School
41 Bellevue Place
Edinburgh
EH7 4BS

Dear Ewen,

I would like to express my support, as well as that of the Labour Group, for your continuing efforts to highlight the plight of the people of Burma and to raise money for their cause.

I was aware of your walking barefoot for nine months, and considered that laudable, but walking barefoot to London, relying on the hospitality of strangers, can only be described as inspirational.

With very best wishes

Yours sincerely

Councillor Ewen Aitken
Labour Group Leader

Last Known Whereabouts

2008-07-09T11:19:00.000+01:00

Just had a call from Ewen who is heading for Thorpe Thewlesley tonight and hoping to be in Coxhoe arounf lunchtime. He has commented on how sleeping in a real bed makes such a difference to energy levels in the morning. Thanks to Janie and her family in Durham for looking after him!

Pictures from Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery, Harnham

2008-07-09T11:06:00.000+01:00

Ewen and Ajahn Munindo with "the Boss" in background!

Sunday 6th July 08

Last Weekend (5th and 6th July 08)

2008-07-09T10:12:00.000+01:00

I met Ewen in Morpeth on Saturday and we had a very soggy walk on a combination of roads and footpaths. Saturday night we spent camped at a beautiful spot next to Bolam Lake. On Sunday we made our way to the Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery in Harnham where we were provided with a lovely and much needed (particularly for Ewen) vegetarian lunch. Despite in the midst of a Silent Retreat for Lay people, Ewen was invited to take tea with the Abbot Ajahn Munindo while I was given a tour of the place and wowed by the meditation hall. It really is the most fantastic place and I would urge anyone to visit – I would like thank everyone there who showed such warm hospitality and made us feel so welcome. Ewen was given a beautiful necklace (pictured above) from a Burmese Monastery by Munindo and says he could have talked with the Abbot all afternoon, but we had to press on to Prudhoe. More wet walking on some really tough terrain for the old bare feet fuelled by chocolate brownies from the Monastery. I got my train from Prudhoe back to Edinburgh and Ewen continued to the Adam and Eve pub to fill up his water bottle before slinging up the hammock. The landlord invited him back the next morning for a bath and slap up breakfast! The walk continues to be a real mixture of highs and lows but Ewen is spurred on by everyone he meets.

Sorry for the random layout - I'm having serious issues with this blogging malarky!

More Photos!

2008-07-09T09:48:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 1st July - Holy Isle of Lindisfarne

Thanks Marysia!

Photos from new friends along the way . . .

2008-07-07T22:08:00.000+01:00

Thursday 3rd July

Taken by Colin and Aline in Amble

Photos taken by new friends along the way

2008-07-07T21:58:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 2nd July

Taken by Andrew, Helen and Elizabeth near Dunstanburgh Castle

Last known whereabouts . . .

2008-07-04T13:44:00.000+01:00

Amble in Northumberland at 12pm today. Heading for Morpeth - I will meet him there tommorrow.

Eleanor x

Last Known Whereabouts . . .

2008-07-01T21:22:00.000+01:00

Just had a call for Ewen who has rested up on the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne and has spent a great day chilling out and going to Evensong. He hopes to get his journal up to date this evening which I will type up here after I have seen him at the weekend.

This is what his journey looks like for the next week or so:

02/07 Embleton
03/07 Amble
04/07 Morpeth
05/07 Harnham Budhist Monastary
06/07 Harlow Hill
07/07 Consett
08/07 Durham
09/07 Thorpe Thewles
10/07 Osmotherly (North York Moors)
11/07 Oulston
12/07 York
13/07 Selby

I'm sure he'd like to see some friendly faces at any point!

If you need to contact him quickly you could try calling me on 07984772818 or email me eleanor_morrison@hotmail.com

Cheers

Eleanor

Last Known Location

2008-06-30T19:37:00.000+01:00

I had a call from Ewen this morning and he was just south of Eyemouth and heading for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne tonight. He will take a rest day tommorrow and is hopefully enjoying the kind hospitality of Marygate House retreat centre for the next two nights. On Wednesday Ewen hopes to set off for Embleton.

Eleanor x

Day 4 on The Big Burma Trek . . .

2008-06-29T12:38:00.001+01:00

Hi,
This is Eleanor updating Ewen's Blog with some photos taken by Ewen's Godfather and friend Willie Thomas. I walked with Ewen from Gullane to Binning Wood on Friday where we were camped and were joined for a couple of hours by Alan. We were munched alive by mosquitos but otherwise in good spirits. I then walked with Ewen as far as Dunbar yesterday where we were met by Willie and Christine Thomas who bought us a great lunch. The Thomas' have been really fantastic and so supportive - thank you so much for your care! We then waved goodbye to Ewen as he left Dunbar at about 3pm - on his own again.
E x

How to find me

2008-06-29T10:18:00.000+01:00

If you fancy coming out and meeting me somewhere along the way you'll need to do a bit of detective work. First have a look on this post at my last know whereabouts. There will also be information about where I'm headed for and the places I'm traveling through. So far I've been walking between about ten in the morning and seven thirty at night. I think I'm averaging about 2 miles an hour but my pace varies according to the terrain. The other place where there may be useful information is if there are comments on this post. If you've seen me since this post was last updated please leave a comment that will help others to track me down.

Cheers,

Ewen

Last known whereabouts - The anchorage near Cove

When - leaving at eleven-o-clock on 29/06/08

Headed for - hopefully Eyemouth but today could be a difficult one. I've walked off the end of the John Muir Way and the start of the next part of the North Sea Trail is not until Clodingham. I'm going to walk the first part of the Southern Upland Way but then follow the old road to Coldingham which I imagine will be tough on the feet. So far my soles are doing fine but I've got mosquito bites on the tops of my feet that have caused them to swell up like balloons.

If I make it to Eyemouth tonight I'll be on track to reach Lindisfarne on Monday night. I'll be following the coastal path to Berwick and beyond. Fingers crossed.

Thanks a million to Gary and Pauline whose hospitality at the anchorage was truly first class.

See you on the trail.

Ewen

Petition to the UK Government

2008-06-25T11:05:00.000+01:00

We the undersigned believe that the anniversary of the 1988 massacre that ended the uprising in Burma that year should not go unmarked by the British government.

Twenty years ago the people of Burma, led primarily by students, demonstrated peacefully against their military rulers asking for freedom and democracy. Their struggle continues to this day and conditions within the country are arguably worse than ever. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy remains under house arrest where she has been for over thirteen years.

We are concerned that the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, which occurs on the anniversary of the massacre, should not be allowed to completely overshadow this important day. It is being marked with unanimous cross-party support at Edinburgh City Chambers by a gala performance of “The Burma Play” supported by Burma Educational Scholarship Trust, Amnesty Scotland, Unison and the Cooperative Bank.

Gordon Brown has, on several occasions, expressed admiration for Aung San Suu Kyi and support for the aims of her party, the National League for Democracy.

We believe that the Prime Minister should officially mark the massacre that took place on the 8th of August 1988, and outline how his government is fulfilling its stated commitment to the democracy process in Burma, in a statement released on the anniversary date.

Support for Aung San Suu Kyi from Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy

2008-06-21T08:09:00.000+01:00

On Thursday evening I attended an event, organised by BEST, to mark the birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi. To start the evening BEST trustee, Sarah Boyack MSP, read the following letter:

Open letter to Aung San Suu Kyi from Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy

Dear Aung San Suu Kyi,

We wish to use this opportunity, on the occasion of your birthday, to reaffirm our commitment to your lifelong struggle to achieve democracy and humanity in Burma. You have sacrificed your freedom for the freedom of others. You have shown exceptional courage and dedication to your people.

Your release from house arrest and your freedom to participate in Burma's political future remain essential. We believe the recent referendum lacks credibility as a genuine reflection of the people's will and the new constitution cannot provide a sound basis for Burma's future political development. We call on the Government of Burma to set in motion, without delay, a fully inclusive political process which involves representatives of the full range of civil opposition and ethnic groups.

We welcome your readiness to have a genuine and meaningful dialogue with the military leadership to find a way out of the current stalemate. We are convinced that this voice of humanity and reason will be heard, as people must now realize that bold initiatives and compromises are required and that the present situation is neither satisfactory nor sustainable.

We are very concerned by the humanitarian situation following Cyclone Nargis, and greatly saddened that Burma's people, already deprived of basic human freedoms and economic opportunities, have fallen victim to such a major natural disaster. We were further deeply saddened that offers of international aid were not taken up at a sufficient scale at the outset, but we are pleased that ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretary General were able to initiate a response, and that Ban Ki-Moon has given his personal support to the process. The work of the regional and international aid agencies has been encouraging, however more needs to be done to ensure aid reaches all the people in acute need and to prevent further suffering and loss of life. The UK and France have immediately committed themselves to helping the relief effort and will support the ASEAN mechanism for longer term reconstruction. The success of the international effort will rely on the actions and conditions set by the Government of Burma.

We admire your strength in reconciling the hopes of Burma's many groups and dedication to the country's national integrity. We will not forget you or your people in this struggle.

Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy

Action for Aung San Syy Kyi

2008-06-18T15:40:00.000+01:00

Today I received this email from the Burma Campaign UK. Rather that forward it on (people have been receiving a lot of emails from me of late) I thought I'd post it here. If anyone would like to receive information from BCUK there is a link at the bottom of their email.

Happy writing.

Love Ewen
--------------------------------------------------
This Thursday, Burma's democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, will celebrate her 63rd birthday alone, under house arrest.

She is now in her 13th year of detention yet she has committed no crime. She is imprisoned for peacefully calling for freedom and democracy in Burma. She isn't allowed to see family or friends as all visitors are banned. Her phone line is cut and her post is intercepted.

For the rest of this week we will send you an action a day so you can highlight the plight of Suu Kyi and the repressed people of Burma. Today we are asking you to send a message direct to the regime, asking them to free Aung San Suu Kyi and the other 1,919 political prisoners in Burma. Take action here: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/mtvaction.html

For taking a stand against Burma’s brutal regime, Aung San Suu Kyi is kept under house arrest. But international pressure keeps her safe. Aung San Suu Kyi asks for our support; “Please use your liberty to promote ours”. Today please do that – send the regime an email
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/mtvaction.html

On Thursday solidarity protests will be held worldwide. If you can, please join us at 1pm outside the Burmese Embassy in London (19A, Charles Street, London, W1J 5DX,Nearest tube: Green Park) find out more here: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/demonstrations.html

Thank you

Anna Roberts
The Burma Campaign UK

Was this email forwarded to you by a friend? If you are not already a member of the Burma Campaign UK e-mail network, and would like to receive these updates directly, you can subscribe by sending a blank e-mail to:
burmacampaign-subscribe@lists.burmacampaign.org.uk

Week 1 Edinburgh to the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne

2008-06-10T14:23:00.000+01:00

Planning my route has been a far more difficult process than I’d imagined it would be. For one thing the best maps to use for planning a walk are the OS Explorer maps and there are 6 of them covering the area between here and Newcastle. Then there is the fact that the national network of footpaths does not yet form a continuous route from north to south. I’ve been thinking about which places to visit along the way and trying to get my brain thinking in walking, rather than driving distances. Two places that look very close on the map and might be half an hour’s travel in a car could actually add two days to my journey!

I’ve been out walking for the past two weekends trying to translate the distances on the maps into time and effort and I think I’ve now got a fair idea of what the first week looks like. What follows is not set in stone. As a wise man once said, “plans will develop as events unfold”.

Wed 25/06/08 Day 1

DCHS to Elphinstone (East Lothian)
~12.5 miles
Staying with my Godfather.

Thurs 26/06/08 Day 2

Elphinstone to Gullane Bay via Longniddry on the John Muir Way
~12 miles
Probably camping near remains of St Patricks chapel.

Fri 27/06/08 Day 3

Gullane to Tyninghame via North Berwick & East Linton following the John Muir Way.
~12miles
Probably camping in Binning Wood

Sat 28/06/08 Day 4

Tyninghame to Cockburnspath via Dunbar and Dunglas on the final stretch of the John Muir Way.
~13 miles

* Everything up to here can be seen on OS Explorer map 351

Sun 29/06/08 Day 5

Cockburnspath to Eyemouth following cliff top path
~14 miles

Mon 30/06/08 Day 6

Eyemouth to the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne via Berwick upon Tweed
~21 miles
Staying in Marygate House

Tue 01/07/08 Day 7 Rest day – enjoying the Holy Isle

For info on the John Muir Way visit http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/content/0,1094,1033,00.html
See also http://www.northseatrail.org/

For those who are interested in meeting with me somewhere along the way I will attempt to keep up to date information about my progress on this blog. Whenever possible I will phone home to let people know if I am on, ahead or behind schedule. My training walks have made it very clear that I will be heavily reliant on the charity of people along the way. If you fancy coming out, feeding me a banana and walking a little way with me, I will be very grateful - and I'm sure to have a story to tell in exchange for your gift.

See you on the trail,

Ewen

Justgiving Page goes Live

2008-06-03T12:17:00.000+01:00

I’ve been reading Aung San Suu Kyi’s Letters from Burma. In one she speaks of the joy of a new baby being born into the family. She suggests that thing everyone finds so appealing about new born babies is “the thought of a life stretching out like a shining clean slate on which might one day be written the most beautiful prose and poetry of existence”.

She then goes on to quote the appalling figures for infant mortality, mortality for the under fives and maternal mortality rate in Burma. I’ll quote the final paragraph of her letter in full:

“Some of the best indicators of a country developing along the right lines are healthy mothers giving birth to healthy children who are assured of good health care and a sound education that will enable them to face the challenges of a changing world. Our dreams for the future of the children of Burma have to be woven firmly around a commitment to better health care and better education”.

My justgiving page is now up and running. If you would like to sponser me and support the Burma Educational Scholarship Trust please visit http://www.justgiving.com/barefeetforburma .

Thanks,

Ewen

Barefoot walk to London

2008-05-17T14:21:00.000+01:00

Dear friends,

It is now over seven months since I shaved my head and began walking barefoot in the wake of the brutal suppression of Burma’s saffron revolution.

It has been a truly amazing and enriching experience for me, from the first few months when everybody wanted to know what was happening and I received daily messages from well wishers, to now, when for me and almost everybody else, it has taken on a sense of normality.

As the weather improves walking barefoot is much easier but I have been wondering about the validity of the action. The winter weather drew attention to my bare feet, prompting questions from strangers that often led to amazing conversations, thus achieving my aim of highlighting the situation in Burma. In addition I found that the experience of walking daily on frozen ground connected me to the suffering of the people whose plight had motivated me. This led to many reflections on suffering and became an important part of the journey I was on. Without the cold weather these things are diminished.

Of course, the situation in Burma is more desperate than ever in the wake of cyclone Nargis. The military Junta is once again demonstrating almost total disregard for the wellbeing of the people. By refusing to allow aid organisations to operate within the country a natural disaster is turning into a humanitarian catastrophe.

Once again I find myself struggling for an appropriate response. It seems wrong that as my life is returning to normal the lives of those I’m attempting to stand beside have been thrown into further turmoil. For some time now I have been considering a pilgrimage that will allow me to reflect on the events of the past months and the current situation has strengthened my resolve for this.

It is my intention to walk to London during the school summer holiday. I hope that whatever attention my walk receives will allow me to continue raising awareness of the plight of the Burmese people. Specifically I’d like to draw attention to the conditions endured by the Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Even before the cyclone there were over one million IDPs forced from their homes by the regime’s army. They live without security, with limited food, and little or no access to education or health services. It is possible that cyclone Nargis has displaced a further 1.5 million people.

Partners Relief and Development are one of the many NGOs working within Burma to bring relief to the IDPs. They help to establish temporary camps where the IDPs can access medical care and education. They have a campaign called “5 Alive” that aims to raise money so that a family of five can be provided with the 5 things most crucial to survival as an IDP. These are the five things that I will carry with me as I walk and they are:

Rice and Salt
A cooking pot
A lighter
A machete (which I will substitute for my penknife)
A tarpaulin for making a roof in the jungle

One of the most positive elements of my experience has been the extent to which the vast majority of people I’ve met have appreciated my act of solidarity. It has been warming to encounter so many caring and compassionate individuals especially as I was acting out of despair about the cruelty in the world. It is my hope that my walk will allow me to continue to experience and to highlight the kindness of strangers. I do not intend to carry money on my journey. I am confident that I can survive on what I carry with me but it is my conviction that this will not be necessary.

As I make my way down the country I hope to visit as many religious & spiritual sites & active Burma campaign groups as time and leg power allow, seeking nourishment through learning about the perspectives and actions of others. I hope also to collect signatures on a petition (exact wording still to be decided) that will eventually be delivered to the government on my arrival in London. There will also be an online version in the near future.

At the present time my route is not fixed although I am sure that I will head down the east coast. If anyone has suggestions of places / people that I should visit I’d gladly receive them and this may well help to clarify my route.

Once I’ve begun my journey on the 25th of June there will be a number of ways that you can support me. Should anyone like to join me for a part of the journey I will be glad of the company. Offers of a night’s accommodation or a lunch not based on rice will also be gratefully received.

Alternatively you could make an online donation (I do not wish to handle money) to the Burma Educational Scholarship Trust. I will be starting a Justgiving page shortly and will keep you updated.

I hope to arrive in London around the 8th of August – the twentieth anniversary of the 1988 massacre in Burma that ended the last uprising against the Junta.

Thank you for reading and in anticipation of your support,

Much Love,

Ewen

Reflections of a dreamer

2007-11-03T12:14:00.000Z

“This guy is a disgrace - a very bad example to set to the youngsters.”

“If this is the type of superficial hippie that we have teaching our children its no wonder we are turning out people wholly unequipped to survive in the global economy.”

Both these comments were made in an online forum in response to the Edinburgh Evening News article about my bare foot protest. I’m not going to lose any sleep over them but they are interesting to reflect upon.

The first thing to note is that the negative comments made on the forum, of which there were many, are the first that I have had in the month since I began. The response from the staff and pupils at school, from family, friends and all those who have bothered to ask me why I am walking bare foot in October has been overwhelmingly positive. Of course, I do not know what is being said when I am not present, but I can say with honesty that not a single pupil at Drummond has used it as an opportunity to openly mock or insult me. I was surprised by this myself. I’d anticipated that a proportion of people would do exactly that. The question I had at the beginning was what proportion? Perhaps what this teaches us is that young people are far more capable of understanding this kind of statement than I, and the cynical online readers of the Evening News give them credit for. One of the great and challenging things about working with young people is that they are ready to shout about injustice wherever they encounter it, and they respect others who do the same.

The comment about an education system that is “turning out people wholly unequipped to survive in the global economy” is an interesting one. While I am certainly not willing to accept the blame, I do see evidence that there is some truth in the statement. When the system works well young people leave school capable of accessing information via the newspapers. Their education has not however, equipped them with the tools to process and act on that information. For this reason issues like climate change, environmental destruction, third world poverty, civil war and indeed injustice in Burma and many other countries are either kept at arms length or taken on board to the detriment of the individual’s mental health.

I am not interested in churning out young people equipped only with the skills to take their place as another cog in the machine that is the global economy. I am excited by the possibility that young people might leave school with the passion and skills to change the world for the better. The place to begin is by confronting the issues instead of pretending that they are not there. Learning about something is a “head” activity. Allowing it to effect you on an emotional level is a “heart” activity and recognising that the pain one feels when confronting issues of social and environmental justice is to be embraced and used as a call to action can be thought of as a “hand” activity. The current system of education focuses almost exclusively on the “head” and neglects the other two parts of the trilogy.

I have been open since the beginning about the fact that I was motivated by pain in the form of grief. Since this is so rarely acknowledged it is in itself a powerful statement. Something I have learned over the past month is that by taking action it is possible to hold onto that grief and still feel good about life. The situation in Burma is still desperate and yet by becoming actively involved I am empowered by the possibility of change for the better. This is the personal benefit of action. I have been accused of being a dreamer and perhaps I am. If the alternative is to be a cynic I am certain that I am better off dreaming.

I heard it said recently that a cynic is someone who has given up but not yet shut up. I was searching unsuccessfully online for the originator of the quote and came across the following:

“The cynic is one who never sees a good quality in a man, and never fails to see a bad one. He is a human owl, vigilant in darkness, and blind to light, mousing for vermin, and never seeing noble game.”
Henry Ward Beecher
(Rather mean to owls I think)

“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Oscar Wilde

“A Cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.”
H. L. Mencken

“Cynicism is not realistic and tough. It’s unrealistic and kind of cowardly because it means you don’t have to try.”
Peggy Noonan

“An idealist believes the short run doesn’t count. A cynic believes the long run doesn’t matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run.”

“A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past; he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future”
Sydney J. Harris

“A cynic is just a man who found out when he was about ten that there wasn’t any Santa Claus, and he’s still upset.”
James Gould Cozzens

Back in August I bought a wonderful little book called "Gardening the Soul - a spiritual daybook through the seasons" by Sister Stanislaus Kennedy. I read a page at the beginning of each day and am regularly amazed by how often it speaks exactly to whatever I've got going on. This has been especially true since I began my barefoot protest. It has been a source of encouragement - a kind of reassurance that I'm on the right path whenever I've felt that her wisdom is borne out by what I'm doing. The entry for today - 3rd November - is below:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?”
The reason we cannot find good in others is that we are so blinded by our own faults. If the window in our kitchen is dirty we will see the washing on our neighbour’s line as less than clean. The way to clean our window – clear our vision – is to be aware of the limitations of our vision and simply refuse to pick out the weakness in others but concentrate instead on the good.

For your information:

Alastair McIntosh reflected on the comments (positive as well as negative) made on the forum in Thought for the Day on BBC Radio Scotland.

For a Head, Heart and Hand approach to education see http://www.che.ac.uk/

Dear Friends

2007-10-04T00:18:00.000+01:00

Following the news of the uprising in Burma last week, I along with many Burmese civilians, felt optimistic that the involvement of the monks presented a real possibility for a bloodless transition to democracy.

Photographs of thousands of monks in their saffron robes peacefully marching through the streets filled me with a sense of hope despite the threats that were being issued by the military junta. Something about their shaven heads and calm, resolute expressions made them appear to me the very embodiment of life and bravery. I found the images very beautiful.

It was therefore extremely difficult to learn on Thursday that they had been fired upon and beaten. I simply could not imagine how anyone could fire a gun into a crowd of monks. My heart was filled with grief at the thought that such brutality exists in the world. I also felt deeply frustrated that there was nothing more I could do than to sign a petition appealing to the Chinese to exercise their influence on the country’s leaders.

My radio alarm awoke me on Friday with yet more terrible news. An unknown number of monks and civilians had been murdered. The next news item was about a tailback on the M5, followed by the weather, followed by another cheerful (but not very good) pop song. It struck me that not only do we live in a world with brutality and horror, but it has become so common that we do not even pause to contemplate it. We are so used to hearing of human life needlessly wasted that it can be reported in the same breath as the traffic report without this seeming abnormal. We are numbed to tragedy so that it rarely penetrates deeper than our peripheral awareness.

On Friday I allowed the news and the pain that accompanied it to sink in and go to work on me. I spent most of the morning in tears, unable to talk about it with my flatmates without breaking down again. I realised that the thing I felt most acutely was the injustice that this was all going on and life here wouldn’t even miss a beat. I needed to do something to make sure that for me at least, this would not be the case.

So it was that on Friday afternoon I shaved my head in solidarity with the Burmese people, ending very nearly ten years as a dread head and a period of at least eleven years without a hair cut. I knew that this action would catch the attention of many of the students at Drummond Community High School where I teach. I also hoped that the reasons behind my actions would be widely discussed. It is important to me that the issue is remembered after the initial shock has faded. I therefore decided that I will also walk bare foot wherever possible since this is unlikely ever to loose the capacity to draw attention.

I have been touched by the resoundingly positive response that I have had so far. From a bouncer in a club on Friday night who decided not to ask me to leave, and instead offered fist aid in the event that I should cut my feet, to random people stopping me in the street, to a group of young people who inquired what I was up to in George Square on Saturday evening. I have not yet had a single negative comment.

On Monday the news spread through the school like wildfire and it was quickly followed by my reasons for taking action. I had the most intense, inspiring and emotional days teaching. I have been reminded that there is no issue too complex or difficult to address with young people. The thing that makes the difference is the quality of attention that students bring to a subject. I managed to capture their attention with a bold statement, and then hold it by talking about an issue of great importance. Together we explored this space using our hearts as well as our heads and we pushed back the boundaries to reach places I would not have imagined possible.

I am greatly indebted to my students for the quality of their input to the many amazing conversations that I have had over the past two days. I am also touched by those, staff and students who have come to express their support or who have e-mailed me with encouragement. You give me hope for the future.

I intend to remain shaven headed and bare footed until such time as there is a democratically elected leader in Burma. Given the way that the situation has developed I fear that this may be some time.

By shutting down the Internet connection and blocking mobile phone masts the junta has succeeded in preventing the world from seeing what is happening in Burma. With the lights turned off they have proceeded with the messy and terrible business of crushing the will of the people. As we all know, even with dramatic images to accompany it, a story rarely stays on the front pages for more than a few days. Today’s headlines were about the beginning of the Princess Diana Inquest, Britney Spears losing custody of her children and speculation about whether or not Brown will call an election. It is essential that we do not allow ourselves to be distracted by this trivia. The International community must not turn its attention away from Burma.

In an attempt to dissuade the small number of British companies who trade with Burma to immediately halt, Anne Clywd, chair of the UK parliament’s all-party group on human rights, said “Nobody with any kind of morality should trade with Burma. Continuing trade is unacceptable.” Surely this applies equally to China, Burma’s most important trading partner, and the host to next years Olympic Games. I, for one, cannot see how such an event can take place in a country without “any kind of morality”. China is the only country with sufficient influence over the Burmese generals to bring about the change that is so desperately needed.

If you have not already signed the petition that I mentioned above please follow the link below.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/t.php?cl=21493371

Thank you for reading,

Yours, in love and hope,

Ewen