Sad news
It is with great sadness that we must convey the untimely death of Dr Arthur Bailey, stepfather to Rob and management committee member of Seeing Hands (alongside Christine, his wife of 22 yrs). Arthur died just three weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer and all our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. He was there when we first began this project and has been a sagelike source of wisdom ever since. He will be sorely missed. In a touching gesture, the family has requested no flowers, only donations to Seeing Hands.

Namaste from the UK!
Spring greetings to all our supporters! Sadly the snails pace internet connection and the daily power cuts conspired to prevent us posting to the blog in Nepal but we're back now, after a very successful trip with plenty of good news...

New Student Progress
With the help of our recent volunteers, the new students are progressing faster than we ever could have expected. They have sailed through their first two theory training units and are already demonstrating that they have natural talents on the practical side. Chiran and Anita, (our qualified therapists) are now also helping to coach the new students. Their skills have all improved dramatically thanks to Jo's hard work in January.

Samrat (pictured with Rob) is showing real talent and passion for massage. He's always the first to arrive for lessons and if he can work on his concentration we think he will make an excellent therapist.

Over the last few months, the Seeing Hands Clinic business has really taken off. The therapists are presently seeing about 70 clients a month between them (during high season only) and all our therapists seem to be spending their new incomes responsibly. We've had amazing support from the word of mouth of those who have come and the Chettri Sisters Lodge, who send a steady stream of female clients in search of a 'safe' massage. We have also been promised listings in the next issues of the Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide which should do a lot of our marketing for us. Locally we have been distributing leaflets,posters and stickers to all the local restaurants and hotels and gradually the word is spreading. Boredom still sets in on quiet days though and so to help with that, we have now equipped the clinic with a small radio and a ludo set for the blind - which Chiran and Anita are pictured playing.

Unfortunately, the business was so healthy that conducting training sessions with the new students became increasingly difficult because both rooms were needed for massages. Fortunately we already have plans in place to build an additional room. Construction on our new 'office' (which will also function as a training/rec room with attached shower & toilet) is now set to begin in May with completion planned for August. We hope to bring you progress pics in due course.