Page 30 - link magazine

30 swindonlink.com • June 2009
Retirement can be more than `I wish I could'
My Journey of Discovery says: `yes you can'
Retirement arrives at different times for different people, it's like the number 13 bus - you know it's coming, but when?
Suddenly the retirement bus ar- I will ...' and so many in life as well as trav-
rives and you get taken on a familiar ti mes I was drawn elling."
route - to get your bus pass, sort to the threshold of Bruce's first expedi-
out the garden, do the jobs around adventure and chal- tion is a three week
the house, and for many, look after lenges only to turn adventure to Nicara-
grandchildren and make yourself away. Once I had gone gua and Guatemala in
useful. beyond the familiar, October. Travellers will
Eventually, after a few busy became like a thread in have good accommo-
weeks you alight at a crossroads to a tapestry of colourful dation, excellent food
contemplate a vista of a third age and vibrant experi- and amazing adven-
of thirty or more years of... what ences and I discovered tures and volunteering
exactly? unique opportunities experiences. Crucially
For Bruce Clarke taking early for personal growth. the journey will pro-
retirement from Swindon Council "You cannot remain 8nice, amongst Tzutujil people in Coofmnalo vide opportunity for
at sixty was an opportunity to un- unchanged when you travellers to reflect on
dertake a journey of discovery - and find yourself working alongsidehe' him, arrive at times in their careers ' where next' in their lives.
to set up a business to give others roic people who have fought against or lives when they need to reflect on Bruce added, "these trips are
the chance to do the same. brutal oppression, or when you what the next stage of life's journey aimed at the 'I wish I could' market
He has spent the last six months get involved in the life of a proud will be about. Now he's planning to and accommodates the needs of
backpacking around Central Amer- community that aspires collectively offer similar experiences to others people new to travelling, but of
ica, living in a community of Tzu- to make their communities better by setting up his enterprise: My course experienced travellers are
tujil Indians, journeying to remote places to live, or when you travel Journey of Discovery. welcome as well."
villages, working as a volunteer and through stunning environments." He said, "1 want to provide a dif- To discover how you can, mail
just a few moments hanging-out on Bruce spoke of learning so much, ferent sort of trip to the number 13 Bruce: b.clarke22(wbtinternet.com
blissful sun drenched beaches. humility and the meaning of a local bus; one that assists people to Read about his big trip at:
"I guess like so may others I lived fulfilling life and it was clear that take a journey of discovery where http://bruce22.livejournal.com
in the familiar world of 'some day there are many people who, like it's as much about your moment www. myjourneyofdiscovery.org

Smashing marathon for pink fairy

A giant pink fairy has worked some magic for Smash raising over £3,900 for the charity which provides mentoring to vulnerable youngsters.
Standing 6'5" tall and weigh- worries of wearing women's charity doing great things with experience and ultimately there
ing over 17 stone, Norman Butler clothing, to raise money to help vulnerable young people looking is less demand on the police and
stood out from the crowds as he the charity continue its valuable for help and support; it needs a lot court system."
completed the London Marathon work. "Smash is a very small local more recognition and support. Mentors complete a short train-
wearingapinktutu,fairywingsand "Volunteer mentors make so ing course and agree to meet a
fakeboobs. Throughout the day, he = much difference, not only to the young person once a week for 12
attracted high fives, encouragement future of the young people but months. The next course begins
and a few marriage proposals. to the whole community. There is on 12 September.
Norman, who used to smoke 40 • s, r less disruption in the classroom so For an application form: www.
a day, never imagined he would • +'v that education becomes a positive smash-youth-project.co.uk
run a marathon but caught th '
bug after taking part in Swindon's
" ° Bombay Lounge curry cashback evening
2008 Mad March Hare. He followed
that with the Hastings marathon to aid women for women charity
in November and the Bath half Carol Hearn, Rachel Gibson and Vanessa Lawson will be joining Professor
marathon. But after the Londo Robert Winston for the ninth women only cycle ride in the Jordan desert
race, he's declared his marathon ... . }°l^ in October in aid of groundbreaking medical research work at London's
running days over. IY W ^ O Wolfson and Weston Research Centre for family health.
A volunteer mentor with Smash, Book a table at the Bombay Lounge for an all-you-can-eat buffet for £12,
Norman decided to overcome his or order a takeaway on Monday 8 June. Profits will be donated to Women
dislike of running and cast aside 0 for Women research. Call the restaurant at Peatmoor on 887799.

i rr r
Reiki with Chakra Balancing
Thai Foot Massage Reiki is a Japanese word meaning
Thai Foot Massage is a Universal Life (Rei) Energy (Ki).
massage of the lower legs It is a spiritual healing discipline
and feet that involves hands and has its roots in ancient Buddhist
teachings, the process of Reiki
on stretching and massage
to "open" Sen (energy) Lines. involves 'laying on hands' as a pose
This encourages general to massage.
health and well-being and Reiki is beneficial for any ailment that
stimulates the internal effects the body, emotions or spirit and works in conjunction
organs, giving the receiver with all other medical or theraputic treatments to relieve
a holistic treatment, side effects and promote recovery.
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