About Khandel LightKhandel light was established in June 2000 to support, through a community partnership, a rural

community in and around Khandel, Rajasthan – one of the poorest areas of India. Managed by a

committee of ten volunteers, Khandel light’s fundraising is channelled through a local Non Governmental

Organisation (NGO), Nirman Sanstha, Khandel, under the directorship of Rameshwar Lal Verma.

Khandel light supports projects relating to health and quality of life, access to clean water and sanitation,

education and improving the status of women. These projects are aimed at achieving long-term change

through self-help. The funds are thus carefully targeted and accounted for; supporters know how their

money is spent. The charity also aims to increase awareness of the plight of Khandel at home, through our

presentations and literature.

Registered Charity Number 1083200 Visit: www.khandel-light.co.ukCommittee: Dr Peter Gough (Chairman), Yvonne McPartland (Vice Chair) Theresa Bland, Richard Bland, NatalieCarrick, Bridget Gough, Michelle Marriott, David Marriott, Theresa Mudie, James Setchell.

Contact Address: The Surgery, High Street, Barley, Royston, Herts, SG8 8HY

The Committee would like to thank Black Dog Design and Production for their support in printing thisnewsletter and Storm for the design and layout

Facebook You’ve got a friend…Khandel light needs more friends on Facebook. Don’t

forget to post your comments and stay in touch with your

local charity! Tell us about your fundraising endeavours

and forthcoming events.

Schools Young perpective...Khandel light greatly values the support of schools, and in

particular the engagement of young people in its work.

Do enjoy the poster forming part of this newsletter.

It was created by a pupil of Ralph Sadleir School in

Puckeridge, and includes very powerful images.

Yvonne McPartland 01763 848837 www.khandel-light.co.uk www.writecharliesname.comFACEBOOK – BECOME A FAN

Khandel light values every one of its supporters, and all of your donations, large and small. Make a difference to a life today!

Thank you for all of your support

N E W S L E T T E R J U L Y 2 0 1 1

in what were very difficult unseasonal conditions. Even

the spectators were wilting in the heat! Thanks to the

generosity of all sponsors, the gallant participants have

collectively raised over £10,000; an amazing and

welcome result, especially in the current economic

climate.

Old-fashioned pleasures Barkway Street Market, Barley and Chrishall Shows

These village events always have a lovely old-fashioned

feel that provides the idea ambience in which to catch up

with local (and not so local!) supporters. Thanks for

coming to see the stall, chatting to trustees, and for

bagging the many bargains that were on offer from an

assortment of brand new electrical goods that were

generously donated to Khandel light.

Future Event -Early warning!The Barley Christmas Market will take place in the

Townhouse on Sunday 4th December this year from

11.30am to 3.30 pm. The hard work of the organisers

has produced a really special event where original gifts

and treats can be purchased. Lunch and refreshments

are available, making it a very relaxed experience. Do

come and see the Khandel light stall, and consider the

Charity’s Gift Vouchers as particularly meaningful

presents –

at any time of year.

News from KhandelEconomic pressure bites....The rural poor in India are, somewhat perversely,

adversely and disproportionately affected by economic

growth at home. This is because in an expanding

economy, increased demand for basic commodities

pushes up prices. The poor have to pay these higher

prices while enjoying none of the benefits of the “boom”.

Other economic factors compound this; at the current

exchange rate, a pound buys far fewer rupees than it used

to. Consequently a given amount of sterling buys less in

Khandel than in the past. Added to that, low interest rates

in the UK have reduced the interest income of Khandel

light on the funds that the Charity holds in reserve.

The collective effect of these three factors is reduced

purchasing power of the funds that Khandel light raises.

For example, a Water House for safe and secure storage

of drinking water, or a latrine, which used to cost round

£30 each, now cost over £80 each. And of course, given

the current austerity in the UK, it isn’t realistic to imagine

that the Charity can plug the gap by increasing the amount

of money that is generated each year.

If all that sounds pessimistic, there is good news too!

While Khandel light may not be increasing the amount it

raises at present, fundraising is nonetheless remaining

reasonably stable. This is an important achievement, given

both the pressure on so many to cut spending and the

struggle that other charities are experiencing as people

continue to tighten their belts. Part of the explanation

seems to be that as people are forced to spend more

selectively, they continue to support Khandel light because

they know exactly where their money is going, that almost

none goes in administration, and that they know how the

money is spent. As a result, the current budget is being

maintained, even if it is buying less.

Khandel light has always taken sustainability of its work

very seriously. Trustees work closely with Nirman Sanstha

Khandel (NSK), the local non-governmental organisation

through which funds are channelled, to establish priorities.

Essentially the situation is that Khandel light still funds the

same programmes, centred on water and health generally,

education, employment and the empowerment of

women, but at a reduced level. This has enabled it to

continue work at a sustainable level in the current

environment. Priorities remain under constant review.

The dramatic results of the water-harvesting initiatives

following last year’s monsoon are a demonstration of the

success of the Charity’s approach; employment

programmes focussed on water harvesting enabled the

maximum benefit from the rains and a good crop

followed. The education programme too means that

increasing numbers of young people are better prepared

for the uncertainties of the future.

Special Thank youBundle and Tony Weston have been stalwart supporters

of Khandel light for many years and in many ways! They

have held numerous art and craft sales at their beautiful

home, Bundles Barn, in Nuthampstead, where they

have been joined over the years by an array of talented

fellow artists. All have been exceptionally generous in

donating 20% of sale proceeds (not profit) to Khandel

light. Where else could you do your Christmas shopping

in such a relaxed environment, surrounded by friends,

with a glass of mulled wine in your hand?

Bundle and Tony have also held many poetry evenings

where the most hardened of “I hate poetry” have been

captivated by the drama with which the poetry has been

presented. They have also been part of the “Famous

Five”, who have put on many wonderful evenings of

Music and Words for the Charity.

The Westons’ fundraising events have all been totally

professional, enjoyable and funny and moving in varying

degrees! They have proved that fundraising can indeed

be great fun, if hard work. Bundle and Tony have

epitomised values that lie at the heart of Khandel light’s

philosophy. They have generously shared their time and

their talents to raise money for the Charity and attracted

others to do the same. All this has been done with great

modesty and love.

Bundle and Tony, the Trustees of Khandel light wish to

thank you both, from the bottom of our hearts, for all

that you have done to make a huge difference to some

of the poorest people on Earth. We shall miss you.

Hot news on health....Emphasising the message above about priorities, NSK has

just held a one day health camp in Khandel. Seven

specialists (Gynaecological, Dental, Orthopaedics,

Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology and Ears Nose

and Throat) managed to see a staggering 242 patients at

the camp.

Women march on history....The success of Khandel light’s London Marathon runners

over the past several years has inspired Rameshwar lal

Verma, the director of NSK. He is planning a Women’s

March, the main objective of which will be to raise the

profile of NSK’s work in Women’s Empowerment, and

there is a lot of media interest surrounding the event.

This is a highly significant endeavour – especially seen

through the lens of Indian culture – and almost certainly a

first in this region.

Women’s Empowerment has been a key feature in social

change across the world, partly because of the crucial role

that women have in the socialisation of future generations.

The date for the march is on hold at the moment,

pending completion of the school exam period and also

awaiting cooler weather. Khandel light hopes that it may

coincide with a planned visit by Chairman Peter Gough

and his wife and fellow trustee Bridget, later this year.

Participants in the event will be sporting Khandel light

livery. There is a lot of excitement around the March in

Khandel and in the UK and a full report will follow.

News from Home So, now we are eleven; sparkling end to tenthanniversary celebrations…

The final event of Khandel light’s tenth anniversary

celebrations was both a fitting finale and a great success.

Music, song, poetry and laughter filled the air, in the very

special surroundings of Geoffrey Wilkerson’s home in

Barley.

There was a second concert at the same venue the

following day. Pupils of Ros had been sponsored by

friends and family to practice for the event, which was also

a great success, so thanks to all!

Khandel light has not achieved its (highly ambitious) goal of

1,000 Water Houses for the tenth anniversary year; this is

not surprising, given the economic pressures discussed

above. Nevertheless, the Charity still has water at the top

of the agenda. Images of water have always been a

potent symbol of the deprivation suffered by Khandel

villagers, especially given the privilege we enjoy in the UK

of ready access to a plentiful supply of safe drinking water.

Without clean water, all other goals are eclipsed. Water is

necessary for good health and indeed for life! We

continue, therefore, with Water House provision.

Events Roundup ReportMarathon team of runners…Big congratulations to the amazing team of runners

supporting Khandel light in this year’s London Marathon.

Bridget Gough, David Atkins, Lauren Worth, Oscar

Yerburgh and Thomas Gough all completed the challenge