Page 36 - link magazine

36 swindonlink.com • September 2009
In tune with Africa. Brian’s lectures strike a chord

Mark Mallet meets globe-trotting Peatmoor resident Brian Barber who is making a name for himself on the local lecture circuit with a series
of illustrated talks based on his experiences as an engineer and charity coordinator in Africa.
Brian has spent the last decade the devastation thing. He also has dio station, all you need is a laptop,
working on aid projects across and misery, my a distinguished a receiver, transmitter and aerial and
the continent - from Liberia in the message is about track record as a you’re pretty much ready to go.
west to Rwanda in central Africa hope. broadcaster. Some “The local radio station is vital
and Sudan in the east. There is a “ We s t e r n e r s will remember his in many African countries - it’s
common denominator to most of have so many mis- programmes on the hub of the community, broad-
the countries he has worked in. conceptions about BBC Wiltshire casting regional, national and
Civil war. Africans: that Sound and GWR international news that people can
Brian says, “I don’t choose they’re lazy, stupid in the 1980s, fo- trust - and in a language they can
to go where the wars are, but to and wasteful. My cusing on moral, understand.”
where there is a need for better experience of them social and ethical “The other key service radio
infrastructure, sanitation and com- is quite the oppo- issues. He also provides is education - especially
munications. Sadly, however, war site. They want to worked as a late- through home-grown soap operas.
and poverty usually co-exist. learn, to build their night radio ‘shock Just like EastEnders in Britain, soaps
“I don’t pull any punches in my communities and jock’, alongside DJ in Africa are a very effective way
lectures. There are pictures of child to take charge of Dave Barratt. “I of putting across social and health
soldiers forced into drug addiction their own destiny said some outra- issues - such as HIV Aids, rape and
so they will kill and maim without - just like we do. geous things,” he trauma.”
conscience; stories of women raped I’ve made so many says. “But it got Brian’s involvement in local
and villages torn apart. But for all good friends there.” people thinking.” communities extends far beyond
Brian’s skills Brian’s recent work in Africa his contractual obligations. He
are much in de- is the culmination of a lifelong has helped fi nance and build an
mand in devel- commitment to lending a helping orphanage in Liberia, and has been
oping nations. hand to those in need. It comes as involved in a host of other projects
As an engineer no surprise to learn that in 1967 he - from solar lighting to water puri-
and electronics co-founded the Swindon branch of fi cation systems - designed to help
expert he can The Samaritans. people take control of their lives.
build pretty While in Liberia , in just two years, “Africa is my home from home,”
much any- Brian coordinated funding for and he says. “I can’t get enough of the
Brian with wind- built 26 community radio stations place.”
up radio, above. throughout the country. He also When Brian is in the UK he is
Below, taking a trained local people in every aspect pleased to present one of his
break in southern of running them - from maintaining not-for-profi t talks to community
Sudan with local the kit to broadcast journalism. groups and schools. Contact him
technicians Brian says, “to equip a modern ra- via: [email protected]

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PRICES IN 2009 Volunteering offers insight
into what you can offer

2009 is turning out a diffi cult one for many graduates. Jobs and the
yellow brick road to paying off that student debt are thin on the ground
and the bank of mum and dad is being stress tested. Maybe more than
ever taking a gap year could have long term benefi t, not least because
it demonstrates to employers that there is something special about you
worth considering against dozens of other applicants.
See the carpet or fl oor Amy Martin, from Moredon, pursued her interest in archaeology on
covering of your choice, a working holiday in Peru after she graduated in 2008.
where it will be enjoyed, next After qualify- The project also
to your other furnishings. ing in Classics involved com-
and Egyptology, munity work,
Home Choose Carpets - the Amy set her heart i n c l u d i n g
family run business with over on volunteering painting school
30 year’s experience of serving on the Inca Proj- children’s teeth
customers in the Swindon area. ect, organised by with fluoride
Free estimates. Luxury underlay, Projects Abroad. to help prevent
all accessories and installation She is full of further decay.
included in the price! praise for the or- Her stay was
ganisation and
rounded off
No hidden extras; no plans to join their with a week in
obligation - just great service work in Cambo- the Peruvian
Appointments to suit you: dia next year. jungle doing
day, evening or weekend “It’s an ex- conservation
perience you’re work close to
Call Trevor Salter on not going to get Amy Martin, in touch with wildlife on the Amazon.
her gap year
01793 812995 elsewhere; it’s Amy has no
or 07860 882588 unique, especially the work I did,” doubt about the benefi ts of a gap
year. “We did lots of sight-seeing
she said.
or email: Living and working on a moun- but it didn’t compare to just being
[email protected] tain in the Andes, she spent two there and getting to know people
www.carpetsswindon.co.uk months maintaining a ruined in their community.”
700 year old farm settlement. www.projects-abroad.co.uk

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