During Jamirrorquai’s recent tour of Ireland, they bumped into this bloke.  Some say he looks much better in black and that he indeed goes to the same hairdresser as myself. All we know he is called the Original Stig.  Perry McCarthy is the original Stig from Top gear who used to wear the black race wear and helmet and I was chuffed to bits when he sent me his good wishes recorded on a mobile CLICK HERE Charley Boorman also wished me good luck via Facebook despite getting ready to set off on his own trip through Africa.   You can see his message posted on his wall or click here.

Cheques have already been sent to the UK charities but you can still donate to them by clicking on the “Our Charities” tab at the top of this page.  Donations are down considerably for all the charities and every penny counts during this recession.

Developments in my planned journey will now see me handing Cherry over to their new owners directly and I plan to stay for a couple of weeks to help out.  The Adventurists who are the organisers of the legendary Mongol Rally are surprised by my determination and are pleased that such an essential piece of equipment is still going to be delivered. During my journey I plan to visit Children’s Charities throughout Europe to highlight the effects of this recession on them also.

Various television channels have expressed an interest in this project and I will be meeting with some of them later this week to see how this can go forward.  Please watch this space as further developments will  be published as they unfold.

Today I have received a very sad notification that one of this years Mongol Rally participants has lost their life after being involved in a road accident.  Our thoughts are with their friends and family at this difficult time.

Ingleston Fast and Modified show was the venue when I met the one and only Steve Colley, the original Mr Showtime. Steve did things with his Gas Gas that I never thought possible.  Steve despite being absolutely exhausted from his booked display, ( I caught him pouring a bottle of water over himself  trying to cool down) came out and did a few stunts for us and I managed to rope Sam from Wildcat Photography into taking some shots. Once I told Steve about my Mongolia trip, he had the cheek to call me mad! Photographed here along with News of the World models as well as Mrs Colley and JK (or is it?)  Follow the link to Another Baldys Facebook to see some excellent action photos .

Bald Aid, despite a lot of effort raised £58.03p.  I am gutted.  Split that between the charities and they get just about £19 35 each.  That will make a big difference!

Neonach, were unable to attend unfortunately.

Gruesome Green Fever opened the night with a bang and really raised the roof with a brilliant selection of their own music and entertaining stage act.  The guys were there for the rest of the night and managed to consume more than their fair share of amber nectar.  Brilliant set of blokes and hope the hang over wasn’t too much for Monday morning.

Andripov were next on the stage and left their mark.  Two blokes who have been playing together for many years and a style of music which appealed to me.  Electronic music remembers me of people like Kraftwerk and Gary Newman, so basically reminds  me of my youth.  Thank you both.

Amy Winehoax, well what can I say about her.  Lilly Savage springs to mind.  Standing at over 7 feet tall complete with Bee Hive and a repertoire including Rehab, was definitely a brilliant act and definitely one to remember.

Jamirrorquai headed the bill and managed to get everyone there up dancing, well the whole 7 of us.  JK, complete with hats, gave it his all as did the rest of his band.  Complete with Brass and Sax, this band is one to be seen to be believed.  Despite a lack of attendance, Jamirrorquai gave a performance better than some of the recorded bands I have been to see.

Postponing the actual trip is imminent

Visas have still not all been issued and they all started off 4 months ago.  Sponsors pulling out, it all starting to wear me down.  Although I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to this project, it will have to be postponed until I can sort out some funding again.  Recession in this country is hitting in places I never thought possible and despite offering an advertising package second to none, sponsors are difficult to find.  Pledges of funding are not forthcoming and after approaching the original manufacturers of  both the van and the cherry picker, they will not support this first ever attempt to make a difference to desperate children’s lives.   Even if I have to work across Europe to pay for fuel myself, I will get this desperately needed piece of equipment to its new home but that also means that I will have to organise the work before I leave.  Timescales will have to be altered and the issued visas will have to be either altered or re-issued, even more expense and time.

Thanks for the support of Brown Brothers Distribution in Dundee, today Shirley gave me 6 new jerry cans and a pouring spout for my journey.  These tins will definitely be an essential piece of kit to allow me to cover some of the more remote parts of the trip.  I don’t think the locals in some of the Stans would take kindly to me siphoning their vehicles in the middle of the night.  Great donation much appreciated.

Unfortunately, Baldy 1 is going to have to stay here in the UK while I attend to the Cherry delivery duties.  That’s right folks, Baldy 1 is staying here in the UK while I am off gadding about the world with my directions written on the back of a napkin.  Directions are as follows: Turn left at Glasgow then keep going till you get to the end of England, Board big boat, (special note remember to take Cherry on with you). Once Big Boat stops, get off (special note Remember to take Cherry off with you) turn left through the big gravy stain (is that meant to be there?) and straight till I get to Mongolia. Easy enough, so I should get there by 6 Pm on Tuesday.  Space was an issue on the napkin so I hope I don’t get lost on my way to Glasgow.