Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens.

The picture shown here on the left is one of the children's bedrooms.

Above and to the right show the stunning views from their 'Super De-lux Room!!!

Mrs. Ruck washing!

The classroom (above),

the Library (left)

and the craft room (right).

The Diwali pattern shown on the left is created using salt.

Mrs. Ruck in India 15th - 24TH October 2009

Mrs. Ruck went to India to help Valerie Mulcare-Tivey in her work with street children in Mumbai.  Both Great Dunmow Primary School and St Mary's School raised a staggering £1600 to take on the October trip.

The visit was amazing and Mrs. Ruck met so many children who were helped by Valerie and helped by the two school's contributions.  The children were delightful and were very happy in their new schools and homes.  Most of the children could speak English and were appreciative of the gifts which were given to them, from the money raised by our Dunmow children.

Thank you.

Mrs. Ruck and Valerie travelling by Tut-tut.

 

Valerie talks with the nurses at St Elizabeth's Hospital

Images of India.

The simplicity of blowing bubbles bring such joy.

Children display their own art work in their homes.

The 'wardrobes' shown here on the left hold all the children's' clothes.  A shelf per child!

Valerie and her children.