Personal & NNRT North Nibley Romania Team

We have a new government,

2012-02-09T21:17:00.002+02:00

from today with a new prime minister Mihai Razvan Ungureanu. The coalition parties backing the new government are the same ones as before.

The whole government of Romania has resigned,

2012-02-08T17:44:00.001+02:00

and now a new government is getting ready. From tomorrow...

- 26 C today

2012-01-31T08:54:00.002+02:00

was measured in Ghimbav this morning, near Brasov. This is the coldest day so far in this winter.

Very cold

2012-01-28T11:14:00.001+02:00

The snowing is now over, but we had - 20 C this morning in Brasov. Surely very cold.

NNRT meeting

2012-01-27T17:10:00.002+02:00

and AGM is scheduled for tomorrow 28 January 2012, in UK.

Otopeni closed

2012-01-26T13:04:00.000+02:00

The airport is closed, flights cancelled - but more than that roads are closed due to heavy snowfall, there are places where the snow is over 1m high and people stuck in car, others managed to abandon their cars, is still snowing, roads are all blocked as we would go south from Brasov.

L.E. Finally, towards the evening blockage was over, cars can move on slowly.

Romania under snow

2012-01-26T12:22:00.002+02:00

112? This is the police calling...

UPDATE:

DN1 main road between Brasov and Bucharest is blocked, waiting for the army to come and help, there are poeple who abandoned their cars on the road.

Over 1000 people from Brasov

2012-01-24T13:52:00.001+02:00

are requesting the reimbursing part of pollution tax (including myself) according to the new law.
Just hope that it will happen...

People are protesting,

2012-01-18T21:35:00.000+02:00

in all major cities of the country against the existing government and obviously against president Basescu. And the protests are continuing...

One day...maybe

2012-01-17T15:34:00.000+02:00

Link Romania shoeboxes

2012-01-17T12:58:00.002+02:00

I have sent photos of the Christmas shoeboxes distribution in Mina 1 Mai to the Link Romania, UK. I have been asked specifically this year, to give such boxes to the poor and very poor. So I found them in Mina 1 Mai: the poor families, some with many children, others with no income or others with very sick family members. The distribution went on well.
Lisa Hector, the General Manager of Link Romania said that she is very happy for we found the right people and the photos are very good.
To have an idea, below is a photo for you:

This morning

2012-01-17T12:32:00.002+02:00

I have been at the ministry of finances, Brasov and asked for the difference of money back what we paid last July as car pollution tax. I did in writing and photocopied receipts were attached.
They due to respond in 45 days from today.
According to my calculations we could get back around 470 Lei (£90).
See what happens.

A new pollution tax

2012-01-16T11:42:00.002+02:00

or car tax is valid from today. We may get some money back as the new tax is smaller than last year. Allthough we have to wait another 45 days for this to happen.

Here we go...

2012-01-10T13:27:00.003+02:00

winter time...

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T09:52:00.001+02:00

Happy new year for all, 2012!

Amadea discharged from hospital

2011-12-28T09:07:00.001+02:00

Amadea was discharged from hospital, feeling better now. Praise God for that.

A joke for the end of the year:

An American meets a Romanian, they talk a bit and the American says proudly: Well, now in America we have Obama...and Stevie Wonder, Bob Hope, Johnny Cash...
The Romanian fellow replies: Now in Romania we have president Basescu... no wonder, no hope, no cash!

Amadea at hospital

2011-12-24T18:11:00.001+02:00

was admitted today at Christmas Eve. Not feeling well, vomiting and diarrea and a high fever next to it.
Just hope and pray for her to get better.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:03:00.002+02:00

Merry Christmas everyone and a happy new year!
God bless!

The day before Christmas Eve

2011-12-23T17:24:00.002+02:00

We have been out in the village with my family. We have distributed the Christmas cards in the hospital - the cards which we have reveived from UK - and also been at the kindergarten and given out some shoeboxes from Link Romania for the children.
I have some photos below taken today.

And is snowing ...again,

2011-12-21T13:20:00.001+02:00

Amadea in Kindergarten

2011-12-21T13:14:00.001+02:00

Christmas celebration

Christmas cards arrived

2011-12-16T11:23:00.002+02:00

safely today morning. They shall be distributed next week.

Gift distribution at hospital

2011-12-14T18:46:00.001+02:00

This afternoon went out to distribute the NNRT Christmas gifts for the patients. My family helped me doing this, and than the nurses joined and together we distributed all the gifts for the patients. Each patient has received a pair of warm socks, one orange juice and one pack of snacks.
The patients were very thankful for the gifts!
The Christmas cards did not arrived yet, but hopefully they will arrive in the next few days and than I go and distribute those too.
Weather was fine, but it was very foggy, so had to drive slowly. Also noticed that the tent which we erected now is dismanteled for the winter time and it will be put back in the spring. See the below photos taken just a bit earlier today:

Shopping for gifts

2011-12-13T08:49:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I did the shopping with my family, of the gifts we shall distribute in the hospital.
This year we bought 150 bottle of orange juice and 150 pieces of 85g snacks from the Metro and also bought 150 pairs of winter socks 100% cotton good quality from the local market. The socks were especially requested by the hospital. All these funded by the NNRT.
We are ready to distribute these, but... the Christmas cards haven't arrived yet. As soon as they will arrive we are going out. See some photos below.

that is what each patient will get, plus the Christmas Card.

Mina visit - 23 November

2011-11-23T12:35:00.001+02:00

Very cold day. It is rather winter than autumn. Visited the hospital, the dentist and the kindergarten.
Took some photos while there. John is doing the walls insulation downstairs. And already is much warmer there than as it used to be.
The head nurse recommanded to get some socks for gifts if possible in December.

Started with yesterday the kitchen and the storage of the hospital stoped functioning. Now is official: the new catering company brings the food there 3 times a day. The staff still hopes that this is just temporarily measure and the old cooking way will come back, but the chances are quite small for that. At least now...

Sunday

2011-11-20T14:20:00.001+02:00

Romania covered by fog, and many road accidents. Some airports closed. Very cold as well.

Road tax vignette,

2011-11-14T10:19:00.001+02:00

the old one expired on 10 November.
I bought a new one which is valid for another year.

Visiting Mina and Codlea

2011-11-10T15:03:00.000+02:00

Just arrived home from Mina 1 Mai and Codlea.

Did the following today:

- being at kindergarten, given some second hand clothes for poor children in Mina 1 Mai

- at hospital, delivered the dental items to the dental surgery, as I did yesterday the shopping according to her list

- made a list of the objects (tools) we have lended to the carpenter

- met the head nurse and the doctor in Mina 1 Mai

- being at Rafael foundation in Codlea and had a chat there.

The box with clothes for children

The dental items for the dental surgery

The Rafael Foundation in Codlea

The car needs

2011-11-02T14:44:00.005+02:00

a new induction coil and a new set of spark plugs, after been checked in the garage.

L.E: this has been taken care of, now is repaired and runs OK.

Some headlines in national newspapers,

2011-10-29T13:53:00.003+03:00

caught my attention today. One it would be the possibility for Great Britain to say NO for the EU, and the country to leave the European Union. The other is even more interesting. As Prince Charles declared recently that he is a descendant of Dracula, there are people over here, who actually see Prince Charles, the future king of... Romania!
But all these are part of the future.

List of names

2011-10-28T09:41:00.003+03:00

In the past years we used to give each patient from the Hospital a Christmas card at Christmas, and an Easter card at Easter, all these cards personalised to the name of each patient. For doing this, we always need the updated list of patients names. We wish to do the same this Christmas too, and for that reason we are waiting for the new list of patients' names. I was told that it will be ready by today. I am looking forward to get it.

Codlea Hospital

2011-10-24T18:48:00.004+03:00

The Codlea Hospital was finally oficially opened today morning. It operates as a Hospital.

The Census

2011-10-21T15:28:00.002+03:00

started in Romania yesterday, which will last till the end of October. Answering them is compulsory, even there are many questions which shouldn't be asked.

Amadea's 5th birthday

2011-10-21T15:24:00.002+03:00

is today, 21 October 2011. We shall celebrate it tomorrow. May God bless her.

The lesson with the nuts

2011-10-21T15:22:00.002+03:00

There is a lesson to be learned with the nuts: alloy wheels need specific nuts and steel wheels need a different type of nuts. At first look they are similar, but they are still different and can not be used on different type of wheels.
We have first fitted the steel winter wheels with the alloy nuts, took some photos but in a few moments later bought new nuts for steel wheels. And there is a difference which can be seen from the photos, not mentioning the safety.
The new nuts:

The steel wheels with the alloy nuts:

And the steel wheels with the steel nuts:

New wheels needed

2011-10-18T18:48:00.001+03:00

Unfortunately needed 4 new steel wheels for the car because the previous ones were not made for Ford. The good news is that the tire is exactly what we needed, and those wheels I got in fact for free, did not paid them, so we did not lost any money.
Yesterday and today had to look at several places, until I found some in Sacele.
I bought these second hand ones today for 350 lei (all 4).
The black ones are the ones I bought today, the grey ones are the painted ones from last time.
I have cleansed the new ones as well, and put the anti rust liquid on them. I will paint them too.

And after cleaning them:

The painting is finished at morgue

2011-10-18T18:32:00.001+03:00

See the photos below:

Big accident at Timisu de Sus

2011-10-16T16:32:00.000+03:00

Today at noon a famous Romanian TV show presenter had an accident at Timisu de Sus, near Brasov.
There is an inquiry but the facts are: 2 people died, and a few injured. One persone severly injured.
The cause of the accident: illegal overtaking of the TV presenter, going on the other side of the road, and frontally hitting a Dacia Logan. It was cold, raining and snowing in the area. The accident took place next to the Timisu Hospital.
This raises a big issue: the roads of Romania are bad, there is an urgent need for motorways, as too many people die on the Romanian roads. Also a bad habbit of Romanian drivers: overtaking in places with no visibility, which is illegal, extremely dangerous.

Painting in the morgue

2011-10-14T19:22:00.001+03:00

Autumn in the village

2011-10-07T15:09:00.003+03:00

The photos below were taken today.

Winter tires

2011-10-04T14:22:00.001+03:00

Yesterday I got 4 winter tires and got them with the wheels as well. For a very good price. These are all second hand ones, brought from Germany.
Than I used a wire brush to clean them and than an anti-rust liquid. Than a silver spray for the outside of the wheels and a red oxide for the inside of the wheels. I continued the work today, just finished and wait for the paint to dry.

With a new WD 40

2011-09-26T12:33:00.001+03:00

cleansed all the hindges and car locks.

In the garage,

2011-09-24T19:25:00.000+03:00

replaced the car's coolant antifreeze with new ones and also changed some lightbulbs from the dashboard.
The next job is to identify some good second hand winter tires, which are compulsory from November 1st.

TOP GEAR Romania - Transfagarasan, we've been there!

2011-09-21T14:48:00.003+03:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mZK08AgaYys

Condolences

2011-09-15T21:14:00.001+03:00

Our deepest simpathy and our condolences to the Hughes family.
We will surely miss Allan.
May God rest him in peace.

The Szakal family,
Brasov, Romania

From Jenny Hughes:

2011-09-15T21:11:00.004+03:00

"It's with loads of sadness that I have to let you know that Allan died at
lunchtime today. He was here at home, was calm and peaceful and I was with
him as was our Doctor who had called in to see how we were doing."
xxJenny

Some photos

2011-09-13T20:50:00.000+03:00

The new door fitted today

2011-09-13T14:08:00.001+03:00

Several jobs done today. Been in Vulcan and Mina 1 Mai.
1 Met the PVC door company guys and the new door was fitted succesfully at the morgue. Also in the past days John A. repaired the wall where the window was fitted, and I asked him to do the same with the door, to repair the wall around and than is ready for the painting. I will paint it when the reparations are done.
2. I have discussed with a few staff about the charity from Codlea, what they know about the situation.
3. Checked the flat, was OK, removed the fuse which we forgot to do in August, but done now OK.
4. Been at the kindergarten visited Garofita, discussed about her husband's condition, and took some clothes there for the children. (used but good clothing from our children)
5. Been in Vulcan, met the dentist, gave her some money.

Garofita's husband is better now, soon he will be very well but still on medical leave. He had a very serious accident in Austria, when the big lorry started on the road without the driver, he was running after it to stop it and could not stop it but fall under it and the big wheels went across him. His son was there who stoped it eventually and called the ambulance. Had several surgeries in Austria, many weeks in the hospital there. Now... he is home doing much better, and he will be just fine in a few weeks time. So Garofita is happy that his husband is much better now.
Today was the second day of the school / kindergarten, there were some very young kids and crying after their mum, as they are not used to be in the kindergarten. garofita has a difficult job to make them quiet.
The head nurse is now on holiday. The door fitting went on very well, no problems.
The sewing ladies asked for a new lock on their door as the door handle was in their hands and the lock was no good. These fellows took the handle to arrange for a new door lock, they will tell me how much it cost, but it won't be too expensive.
Photos will follow.

New door

2011-08-14T11:53:00.002+03:00

As you seen the new window is fitted now.
Vanessa just authorized that we can go ahead and get a new door as well, from Wendy's money.
I will order it and make sure it will be fitted properly.
Also I will make sure that the necessary reparations will be made soon.

Some photos of the week

2011-08-14T11:40:00.000+03:00

NNRT visit

2011-08-13T15:22:00.000+03:00

Laura, Simon, Shaun and Dominic arrived Tuesday afternoon to Bucharest Baneasa, drove with them to Brasov, and eventualy to Mina 1 Mai. Wednesday was raining all day, but Karina, my daughter joined them on Wednesday and on Thursday too. We did together a lot of occupational therapy for patients, playing with balls, painting, drawing, playdough, and using other stuff, and on a daily basis delivered juices and biscuits for the patients.
We visited Bran and Rasnov, than Brasov, cable car, our home, our neighbouring playground, and Codlea. Had a very good time together.
In the meantime the new PVC windows arrived and was well fitted. It look nice now, we would also need a new door there.
Today went to Brasov, helped them hiring a car, a Renault Symbol Diesel and at this moment they are on their way to the seaside, Neptun.
If all goes well we just might meet them again on Tuesday afternoon as we also plan to go there for 3 days to Eforie Nord.
Hope the weather shall be fine this time.
Photos will follow.

Grandidges's arrived

2011-08-10T08:27:00.000+03:00

safely yesterday afternoon in Bucharest where is was very warm, but in Brasov was raining.
Had an evening meal at the Ceasul rau restaurant which was full. Than went to Mina, arrived there around 10 pm safely.
You can read more about their visit in Romania at http://simongrand.blogspot.com/

Today

2011-08-08T17:57:00.002+03:00

been in Mina, did some shopping for the coming visit, been in the flat and prepared the team's visit.
Tomorrow going to the airport, the Grandidge's coming for the summer trip.
Looking forward to it.

New window

2011-08-03T17:49:00.002+03:00

Made the contract for the new window for the morgue, and paid and advance payment today. It will be installed next week, when I'll pay the rest of the money as well.

The Hospital from Codlea will be opened again

2011-08-03T17:47:00.001+03:00

the Court have reached the verdict and the decision is that the Hospital in Codlea should be opened, even the ministry of health decided to close it down.
The director of the hospital seemed optimistic and hoping this will happen real soon.

Visit in the village

2011-07-28T15:48:00.000+03:00

This place needs refurbishing

And the washing lines are full...

Having the new number plates on,

2011-07-18T12:37:00.000+03:00

and the car now is fully registered.

Waiting for the new number plates

2011-07-14T12:56:00.000+03:00

As for the new Ford, registration process has been completed today.
We are now waiting for the new number plates, which I will get tomorrow.

Good bye Dacia!

2011-07-14T12:54:00.002+03:00

The Dacia car has been sold today morning. Regarding us, part of paperwork done today, the rest will be completed tomorrow. And than it will continue with the new owner...

Just paid the big tax,

2011-07-12T18:35:00.000+03:00

the tax for pollution or first registration tax was 2016 Lei, paid today, which is 428 Pounds.
Tomorrow, going to police for the final registration. I hope it will be final...

Continuing the registration process

2011-07-11T13:59:00.001+03:00

Friday finished with the RAR, I obtained the vehicle's ID card, the certificate of authenticity and a valid MOT for 2 years. Than I went to the finances office, documentation left there and Tuesday afternoon they will tell how much exactly we have to pay for the pollution or first registration tax.
Today I have been at the local mayor's office, paid the tax for the new car for 2011, paid the local registration tax and also paid the tax for issuing a small ID vehicle card.

Still have to pay: the first registration tax, the number plates tax, the RCA insurance for 6 months and the road tax.

In the meantime put the Dacia for sale.

In the photo the certificate of authenticity for the Ford.

The decision of EU Justice Department,

2011-07-07T14:20:00.000+03:00

is that the first registration tax in Romania is illegal. Used to be called first registration tax, than changed the name into polution tax, basically is the same: each car bought from abroad and registered in Romania must pay this tax in order to be registered.
In our case we talk about the amount of 475 Euros.
The Romanian government promised the reducing of this tax with 30% but this has not been applied yet, and it seems that is will not be applied before the autumn.
But if the tax is illegal, they should give it back 100% not just the 30% of it.

Unfortunately for us, in order to register the car we have to pay this tax now, and than wait and see what happens. How much we shall get back and when, nobody knows.

RAR inspection today

2011-07-06T10:56:00.000+03:00

Today morning I have been at the RAR inspection with the Ford Focus. The inspection took about 45 minutes and had the authenticity checked, MOT for 2 years and documents to be made. All was fine, except... they found that a little fog light at the rear of the car is not working. they recommanded to be repaired however this is not a big deal, as we do not have front fog lights at all. I took the car to the garage, but they could not repair it as the bulb is OK but the wiring has no power. The garage told me to...forget it as this is not important.
I was told that they will issue the new documents for me on Friday 10.30 am. After that I shall go to the finances to pay the first registration fee, than to the town hall to pay the tax, than to the police to pay the fees and again to the police to give the documents there and wait until the registration is complete. Than the insurance and road tax. Hope to do this by next week.

We are back from Albena

2011-07-06T10:48:00.000+03:00

Early tomorrow morning,

2011-06-26T15:33:00.002+03:00

we are going to Albena, at the Bulgarian coast. Due to the fact that at the Ford has temporary number plates valid only in Romania, we are travelling with the old Dacia.
We all look forward to it.

Visit of Peter and Vanessa

2011-06-23T17:43:00.000+03:00

Photos of the new Ford Focus

2011-06-23T17:37:00.000+03:00

We have a new car

2011-06-23T12:38:00.000+03:00

The visit of Peter and Vanessa is over now, and we have a new car. That is for sure now. It was a succesful visit we have been at the car market, but we bought the car from Sibiu and now has the temporary number plates valid till 19 July. In this period we have to fully register it.
Photos will follow.

I am very grateful for it. Many thaks for all of those who made it possible. Special thanks for Mike Cheskin for his great contribution and for Paul Smith who made a great contribution as well.
Well maintained this car will serve us a long time.

We live in Romania, so anything is possible!!!!

2011-06-15T21:54:00.001+03:00

Would you imagined that a car for for which you made an advance payment and a contract, a few days later is sold to other people?
That's happened today. I was called and informed that they sold it for 3500 Euros, even we had a contract! This would have never happened in UK.

So we are back to square one. I have already seen 2 more Ford Focus on the net and I will check the market again, so I really hope that this weekend we shall buy one. Probably not from Brasov. I don't know. I am fed up, as you can not trust anyone.
On the other hand, I am sure God will provide!

We have a new car?

2011-06-13T14:44:00.002+03:00

The car which I saw on the market on Saturday we bought it today in Rasnov for the final price of 2930 Euros. I went out to Rasnov with my family and 2 other people. One is familiar with the car mechanics, and the other one is very good in documentations regarding the car and hidden problems and he himself used to bring cars from Germany. Today we paid 300 Lei in advance.
The conclusion today is, that we are very lucky to have this, is almost like a new one.
I expect Peter and Vanessa for the weekend to inspect is again and pay the full price.
Now enought with the words, here are the pictures taken today, 2 hours ago.

At the car market again

2011-06-11T13:58:00.000+03:00

Today even the weather was not so good, I was at the car market. Plenty of cars there. Found Dacia Logan from 2005 for 3100 Euros registered, Opel Astra Caravan from 2001 for 3400 Euros.
As Ford Focus I found there a Ford Focus Diesel 1.8 registered made in 2000 for 3000 euros.

But the better Ford Focus was a 2001 made just recently bought from Germany for 3100 Euros, from aguy from Rasnov (about 30km from Brasov) very nice this one, needs registrating for 375 euros fee. Photos below.

Photos, taken today of the car

2011-06-07T16:22:00.000+03:00

Car prices

2011-06-05T17:26:00.003+03:00

I assume that the car prices are different in Romania than in UK. It was always like this. If you purchase a car abroad, mainly from Germany, in addition to the price you pay for the car, you have to pay the first registration tax for that vehicle which varies between 200 - 2000 Euros, or even higher in some cases.
I have been at the car market and also checked the internet for cars, also spoke with several people regarding a car for us. One option it would be for us to buy a Dacia Logan, made by Renault in Romania. A car like this which is made between 2004-2007 petrol or diesel costs around 3000 Euros (2600 Pounds) having around 50,000 km-s. Another option it would be to get a Ford Focus estate version from Germany which just have been entered into Romania having almost no mileage run in Romania. A car like this could be purchased for 3000 Euros including registration fee, is around 9 years old in good or excellent condition.
For less money, for around 2000 Pounds (2300 Euros) we could get a Logan with 160,000 kms or more, which was more likely taxi before, or foreign car like Ford Focus made in 1998-1999 having over 250,000km, Opel Astra made 1998-1999 with again over 200,000 kms.
Seeing the situation to buy a suitable car now we would need at least 2600 Pounds (3000 Euros) to get a car which is not too old and not to much mileage on it, and to be able to drive it for next few years. I see no reason to buy an old car now and from next year repairing it constantly.
I understand that already there is some money towards the car from the generosity of Mike Cheskin, and we appreciate it and want to express our gratitude for it.
Pray that the Lord may provide the rest of it too, because we really need one now, especially as the current car is full of rust.

Car market visited

2011-06-04T17:03:00.002+03:00

Looking for available cars, today.

Day in Vulcan - Mina 1 Mai

2011-05-25T15:48:00.001+03:00

Today I have been visiting the village, the hospital as it was a very nice sping day. Had a chat with the head nurse, checked the flat and socialized with locals and patients. Met the dentist there at work. There is some new staff at the hospital from those who originally were working at the Codlea Hospital. The tent is back at its position. Flat was OK.The neighbour seems to build something and you can see all these from the photos.

Pastor ordination in our church

2011-05-25T15:45:00.002+03:00

Sunday we had the ordination service for our new pastor Zsolt Deak. May God bless his ministry in our congregation.

Our pastor preaching

Me, presenting greetings

Prayer at ordination

These days,

2011-05-19T08:38:00.000+03:00

I have paid the full insurance for the car for 3 months only this time, till 13 August.
Been in contact with the hospital, and the head nurse, checked the web sites with cars and asked for opinions of several people in purchasing a newer car. Also been at the car market to see what is available and for what price.
Hopefully next week will go to Mina 1 Mai.
This Sunday will be the ordination of our new young pastor at the church.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T12:31:00.003+03:00

He is Risen!

Wishing you all a happy Easter!

Mina 1 Mai, Vulcan and Codlea

2011-04-14T10:47:00.002+03:00

I have been visiting yesterday these places, it was raining and very cold, comparing as it should be in April. Today morning was snowing!
In Mina visited the kindergarten and school. I have delivered them 2 boxes of children clothes (which were belonging to our kids) to be distributed among those who are in need and it fit them. I think it is fair, as we got clothes from others in return we also to give clothes for others, who actually need them. I am also planing to do this more often.
In the hospital, visited the head nurse and nurses, patients, flat. There is one nurse who used to be in the Codlea Hospital and now is working in Mina. I talked to John A, and asked him to make the fridge empty and also asked him kindly not to use the belongings of the NNRT, especially the fridge, microwave and the kitchen stuff. I think this went OK, at this stage I did not wanted to involve the head nurse, John understood it well and hopefully the job is resolved.
Been in Vulcan also, met the dentist, paid her and all is sorted there too.

In Codlea, it seems that even the big hospital is closed, the local authorities decided to open the emeregency unit of the hospital and some doctors and nurses are working there, but at this stage they are not sure if they will got paid, with how much and who will pay them? The local authorities would like to keep the hospital on a reduced scale, they really try their best. We shall see in the future if they will succeed or not as there is a big pressure from the Ministry of Health to close it down.

The Funerals of ... Codlea Hospital

2011-04-07T17:54:00.003+03:00

Hundreds of people gathered last night in the front of the Codlea Hospital. The brought flowers, reeds and candles. All of it, for a symbolical funeral of the Hospital. People are upset that the Ministry of Health did not considered their opinion and no matter what it is closed down.
They are only a very few people who hope... that one day their hospital will open again...

CONDOLENCES

2011-04-06T08:40:00.000+03:00

Now our heart is very touched by the death of Terry Stevens, our family wishes condolences, our deepest simpathy to Wendy and the family.
We are sorry to hear that he passed away, wishing that the good Lord may comfort the family, and give you all strenght in these moments.
May God rest him in peace.

In the past couple of days

2011-04-05T14:55:00.000+03:00

for the car I have paid the road tax vignette, had an oil change and oil filter change and also today have replaced the winter tires with the normal (summer) tires. Was a long queue at the garage for that.
The spring is here now. A lot of rust is now on the car, have seen when it was lifted for the oil change.
I will go soon to Mina and I want to meet the dentist as well.

The hospital is closed in Codlea

2011-04-02T20:23:00.001+03:00

at this moment, no patients are admitted, they are only treating some emergencies between 7-19. Meaning minor emergencies as there is no doctor there and all the real emergencies are sent to Brasov. All patients are released, doctors moved out.

In the meantime the hospital staff and local people are protesting in the center of Codlea. I have been there today and took the photos.

The Codlea Hospital will close down?

2011-04-01T12:11:00.002+03:00

From today 1 April 2011 many hospitals from Romania will have to close down, some of them will be converted into old folks home. From Brasov County 3 hospitals will close down: The Sacele, Codlea and Victoria Hospitals. In the last weeks there were many protests especially for keeping the Codlea Hospital. At this hour the future of this hospital is still uncertain, the authorities are determined to shut it down.
I have been there and know that it was a good hospital with many skilled doctors who do their job very well. It would be a shame to close it down...
And believe me this is no joke.

Romania the poorest

2011-03-19T10:53:00.000+02:00

country in Europe now and also it will be the poorest in the next 15 years, according to some financial analists. We don't know exactly what the future holds, but we see the present when prices rising, incomes are lower, and life is getting harder.
On the other hand we should be thankful. If a similar earthquake would hit us, like the one from Japan, I don't think we would be speaking about thousands of deaths but rather millions, and a total destruction too.

Mid March Mina

2011-03-14T14:46:00.001+02:00

I have been in the village, school and hospital. Met Garofita at the kindergarten. John Afuza was in the flat upstairs and listening music there. Met the head nurse and some other nurses. The snow is melting slowly. We all hope for the spring to come. Been around the hospital took some photos. The washing machine we bought in December works fine, and the washing line at the back of the hospital is full as always.
Had to make this visit, as from tomorrow the road tax is expiring. See the photos below.

8 March Int'l day of women

2011-03-09T10:48:00.001+02:00

so I left my wife to have some time off and enjoy her time during the afternoon with one of her friends.
Obviously the kids brought their usual flower buquets for the school and kindergarten teachers.
I have installed a sattelite dish, to view English channels. It took me quite a while, but it was worthy. I can view now many Christian channels too.

Mina today, end of February

2011-02-22T15:39:00.000+02:00

Met the head nurse, the doctor, and some nurses today. Explained the situation with the Christmas gifts. I have found out that only a third of them were sold, about 100 pieces, so another 200 is still there in UK. Perhaps this years's Christmas. Also explained about the current financial situation and charity visiting.
I was told that the Irish people been at the hospital, gave fruits for the patients and also food for all the villagers.
Met Garofita at school, which you can see on the photo it does not look good, the walls I mean.
The hopsital's dining room now has a flat LCD tv and the shed next to the flat now has the fabrics removed for the winter time. It will be back in the spring.
It is still winter over here, quite cold and not much activity locally.

Rusted

2011-02-22T15:30:00.000+02:00

Very cold

2011-02-22T15:29:00.000+02:00

and the car frozen a few days ago

Kids in church

2011-02-22T15:28:00.000+02:00

The children in the church on Sunday

Wheelchairs

2011-02-02T14:36:00.000+02:00

"Joni and Friends" is going to visit Romania, and Brasov area this summer. Our pastor has been offered a lot of wheelchairs for disabled people. I was told that any person who may need now a wheelchair may get one - so that means that any people from Vulcan and Mina are who is disabled and is in need of a whelchair can get one later on the year. If anyone has suggestions let me know please.

Chairman's Report - January 2011

2011-01-31T22:13:00.002+02:00

Chairman’s Report 2011

The year 2010 has been a quiet sort of year. Not because we have had a lack of work, or even a lack of finance. The reason for the quiet is because we all just get on and do the work, without fuss and without drama. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing, and just goes to show how professional the team has become. Everybody knows what to do, and just gets on with it. Well done to all the team.

You all deserve more recognition for what you all do. Unfortunately, this is not the British way, and we tend to steer clear of the plaudits. Well you are somewhat a captive audience, so please accept my thanks for all the work you do. I would like to give you all a pay rise, but as you don’t get any pay, this would be difficult, so my thanks will have to do.

Talking of finance brings me nicely to our current situation. Without finance, our work will cease. At present the work demands are high, but our tanks are nearly empty. We know what work we have to do, and we know how much it will cost. Unfortunately our demands by far outstrip the amount of money we have. Add to this the fortunes of our “company car” in Romania, and I am sure you all agree that we need to increase our income by a good margin. In the current financial climate, it is difficult to see how we are going to pay for the privilege of helping our friends in Romania. Our founder, George Stephens had a blind faith, and used to repeat the phrase, “the Lord will provide”. I wish I had that blind faith.

Our work of the year has as usual been exceptional. We managed to fulfil the wish list of the hospital, and more besides. Work in the summer was arduous to say the least; working in high temperatures in the full glare of the sun was tough. The results have helped the hospital, and in turn, the patients enormously. The results were so good; they have asked us to repeat the same task in the summer. We have also repeated our survey trips and included a Christmas run to deliver gifts to the patients.

Late last year, we gathered a large amount of good quality clothing, and delivered it all to the hospital. Our Christmas team reported that thankfully the clothing is being used. This was an extraordinary feat to arrange, and allowed us to work as a team in the UK. I thank you all for your efforts.

Finally, I would like to turn our thoughts to our members and friends who are having health problems. We must all realise that we are all human, and sometimes we break down. When this happens, everyone in our team is affected. We must all pray for the speedy recovery of all our friends, and look to our own situations. Wherever possible, we must recognise that sometimes our job in the charity is stressful. To combat the effects, we should share our worries and work as a family to minimise the problems whenever we can.

I thank you all for your support and efforts throughout the year, and look forward to spending more time with you all in the coming year.

Peter Tolson

Chairman NNRT

People are awesome!

2011-01-31T21:44:00.000+02:00

End of January,

2011-01-30T15:48:00.000+02:00

and is very cold here, this morning we had -20C. The children are in holiday for 1 week.
Last week was the NNRT meeting in UK, where Peter was reelected as chairman. As I understand from the mails, this year will be slightly different: no physical labour weeks but rather nurses will come to work with patients. That is important too!
Also hoping and praying that the current financial situation of the charity will improve.

NNRT meeting this weekend,

2011-01-17T14:13:00.001+02:00

in England having the AGM meeting as well.

At the moment I have a huge toothache and having antibiotics.
I have also paid for the parking of the car for the whole 2011.

Stay home or pay

2011-01-08T19:20:00.000+02:00

Unbelievable!

The price of petrol constantly rise last year and at this moment in Romania 1l of the 95 octane type petrol is around 1.06 Pounds and the one of 100 costs 1.16 Pounds. The question is for how long????

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-30T12:36:00.000+02:00

for all NNRT members and for all readers of this blog!

For the car,

2010-12-29T09:34:00.000+02:00

I bought the compulsory insurance (RCA) for 2011. Interesting is that is cheaper than last year. Last year I paid 360 lei and now is only 275 for a year.
I also had to buy at last a new car battery as the old one could not start the car. I charged it quite often, last time it was charged 6 days ago. Hope the new one will have a longer life.

Christmas in images

2010-12-27T11:17:00.000+02:00