20 degrees on the thermometer and a 3 minute walk to the
office – Kirsty Allsopp and Phil Spencer would have their work cut out trying
to find a better location. But it’s not all plain sailing for the sterling
group of men and women who comprise Team Fieldbase. The past days have seen them
busier than banana salesmen at a monkey convention as they continue their
preparations for 12B. Time to meet the squadron:
The
‘veteran’ of the team, Julian is our
Country Director and started working for Raleigh in 2001. Aside from
providing Stephen Fry-esque tidbits of knowledge, he will be liaising with our
project partners, focusing on our external relationships, project planning,
funding and business development.
No-nonsense
Country Programme
Manager Ross has worked his way up
through the ranks since 2006, previously working as Logistics Manager,
Expeditions Leader and Accounts. His main responsibility lies in the delivery of
the expedition programmes and management of our volunteer managers; running and organizing all
expeditions.
All action man and Country Expedition Manager Pedro
Rodriguez/Peter Rogers is responsible for the day-to-day running of all
expeditions, and ensures that everything here at HQ runs smoothly. He spends
his days making sure that all project managers are fully trained, knowing
exactly where to go and what to do at what time.
The unsung
heroes, and lifeline of the team are the logistics cohort; the tireless workers
who ensure the venturers have all the necessary kit, are properly fed, and take
care of the vehicle maintenance to enable the delivery of supplies mid-phase.
Grafting away behind the scenes for all hours, they perhaps don’t get the
credit they deserve, but the simple fact is that Raleigh couldn’t function
without them. They are Claire, Dave, Tim, and Kelly – workhorses and decent folk to boot,
everyone one of 'em.
Jayshree is our administrator overseeing a whole range
of nitty gritty details ranging from passports to insurance, and making sure
all our documents are up to date and the Project Managers are suitably
organized.
Holly is our Accountant, managing the budget and
‘keeping our house in order’. From preparing project budgets, to auditing
expenses, Holly also runs the Raleigh shop – stocked full of home-comforts
ready for changeover between phases – and currency exchange.
Charged
with bring Raleigh to life is our photographer Ale. She will be ensuring that everyone leaves with unforgettable
memories, as well as making sure that you lot back home can get a glimpse into
life at Fieldbase, and out on project.
Working
closely alongside Ally is the Communications Officer, yours truly dear readers,
I go by the name of David. I’ll be
attempting to find words to describe the multitude of magnificent work our
venturers will be undertaking on Expedition 12B, keeping you at home updated
via the blog.
Finally
there is Splatches the dog, unofficial
Raleigh Costa Rica/Nicaragua mascot who enjoys the enviable balance of no work
and all play. I’m considering applying for her role next time….
(Team photo to follow imminently - Ally is away in San Jose)
