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RAMGARHIA MK INSIGHT Ramgarhia Sabha Sikh Temple
Keller Close, Kiln Farm
Milton Keynes, MK11 3LH. Tel: 01908 560799
Newsletter 2009 Issue 3 January
The new Sports Hall see page 4 for more details
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New Year, New Name!
Welcome to the first issue of 2009! You will have seen the new name for our
newsletter on the front page. It was the most popular choice after feedback
from members. We like the name and hope you do too.
We have another issue full of information and facts for all our readers to enjoy
as follows:
Article Page
An Overview from the Secretary 3
Timetable of Regular Gurudwara Sahib Events 4
Building Progress Update 4
Recent Kirtan Events at Gurudwara Sahib 6
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji – A brief History 7
Sports Hall Opening 8
A White Diwali! 9
Praise for Ramgarhia Punjabi School Children 10
For our Punjabi Readers by Giani Ji 10
Health Watch – Diabetes Mellitus 11
Calendar of Events for the next Quarter 13
Would you like to Advertise? 13
Let Us have Your opinions 14
Next Issue 14
Children‟s Competition 15
Messages!
Membership Renewal All annual members are requested to renew their membership by the 31st of
January 2009 to be eligible to participate in the AGM and utilise your voting
rights.
For any queries please contact the committee sevadar on duty between the hours of 7pm and 8pm from Monday to Saturday and during Divan on Sunday.
Please remember, the RSMK newsletter is YOUR NEWSLETTER, so do send us
your thoughts and ideas and articles that you may want to contribute towards
future issues of the newsletter.
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An Overview from the Secretary
Dear Sadh Sangat Ji,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
I hope everyone had a healthy and prosperous year in 2008 and I wish 2009
also brings lots of happiness, prosperity and best of health to the whole Sikh
Community.
Last year was certainly an eventful year all around. A Number of well known
Kirtani Jathas attended our Gurudwara and provided nationwide recognition for
the Ramgarhia Sabha MK with the attendance of the Sikh Sangat from various
towns and cities. All the events were attended very well by the Milton Keynes
Sangat too, especially the event of Bandi Chor (Diwali) where the Sangat
reached 400 in number.
Excellent progress is being made by the children attending Punjabi and Music
classes. The evidence of the teaching efforts by the Punjabi and Music
teachers was there for all to admire at the Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Nanak
Dev Ji in November. The children performed kirtan and enlightened those
present with a brief history on the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Best endeavors
have been made to welcome the Sadh Sangat to the Gurudwara. However, I feel
there is always room for improvement and I would urge the Sadh Sangat to
submit your views in writing so that the Management Committee can improve on
this further. A suggestion box is available in the foyer.
I would whole heartedly like to thank all the Sangat of Milton Keynes for
lending their kindest support in delivering some of the aspirations of the
current committee. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the
members of the Management Committee, the Education Sub-Committee, and
Sports Sub-committee for their pain staking work in
bringing about professional and positive changes in the
management of Gurudwara Sahib.
I am very much looking forward to this year as there is
a greater momentum within the sevadars to achieve
some of the goals set last year.
I therefore humbly request the Sadh Sangat for your
continued support to help us achieve all the goals so
that we can bestow increasing elements of Sikhi in to
our next generation through this establishment.
With best wishes, Narinderjit Singh Ubhi, Secretary RSMK.
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Timetable of Regular Gurudwara Sahib Events
Sunday Morning Divan: The main divan takes place every Sunday morning from
9.30am till 12.45pm. The schedule for the morning is as follows:
9.30am Kirtan of Sri Assa Di Var
10.30am Kirtan
12.45 Ardas followed by Guru Ka Langar
Simran: Come and join members of the Sadh Sangat in chanting the name of
the Almighty Waheguru on Saturday mornings between 7am and 8am.
Sangrand: There is an evening divan from 6.30pm till 8pm to celebrate the
beginning of the new month in accordance with the Nanakshahee calendar.
Punjabi Class: Takes place Monday evening at 6pm for one hour, followed by a
chips and beans dinner!
Kirtan Class: Harmonium and Tabla teaching takes place Monday evening from
7pm till 8.00pm.
Lunch Club: Takes place each Wednesday. The concept of Lunch club is to
get elderly people out of their homes and to facilitate sharing of social
values amongst each other through the provision of a luncheon. Kirtan takes
place from 11.00am to 11.30am and then yoga from 11. 30am to 12.30pm.
Luncheon is provided between 12:30 and 1:00 pm. Officers of Statutory bodies
are invited to the Gurudwara on a regular basis to provide related information
such as Police assistance, Housing concerns, Medical etc. Lunch Club arranges
outings for their members regularly.
Building Progress Update
Hopefully, the Sangat will have noticed some progress over the last few
months.
Kitchen: Work has commenced on refurbishing the kitchen. New kitchen units,
works top and the Bain Marie‟s have been installed for serving food. We are
currently getting quotes for installation of fixed gas burners for cooking,
extract canopy, sinks and work tops for the washing and stacking area, wall
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covering and suspended ceiling. It is anticipated that these works will be
complete within the next two months.
The gas supply to the premises is inadequate and we are looking into either
upgrading this or having some Calor gas tanks installed, which ever works out
most economic.
Sports Hall: The sports hall is almost complete, with one elevation remaining to
be clad, and some minor internal finishes. Following the official opening, the hall
has been in use mainly by the youngsters using the facilities provided. If you
feel that you can use the hall to benefit the Sangat or the Community, please
come and talk to us.
Lift: The lift has been operational for some months now, and we are planning to
fit out the disabled WC, adjacent to the stairwell during January 2009. In
addition to providing wheelchair access, the WC will also have a walk in shower.
Multimedia Screens: The multimedia screens and projectors have now been
installed in the main hall and are being used during normal divans. This is
proving to be very beneficial from the feedback we have had. However, we
require additional volunteers to operate the software, Sikhi to the Max and
Powerpoint, as we would like to see this in use at every occasion. If you are
interested, or are familiar with the software please come and talk to us.
The car park and the access way had deteriorated due to the heavy rain and
adverse weather. Additional gravel and shingle has been placed to resolve the
problem in the short term. Additional work is planned for the summer, when we
will look to block pave the frontage and lay tarmac to the rear, with additional
drainage as required.
Security: We are also looking to secure the premises by installing a lockable
gate at the entrance, as there have been a number of incidents whereby the
people from the Club next door have wandered onto the premises late at night.
Lighting: The light fittings for the dining hall, ladies and gents toilets have
been sourced and will be installed during January, when other minor electrical
works are also to be carried out.
As is normal with building projects in Temples, we are in desperate need for
volunteers to come and help us. This includes painting, general labour,
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landscaping and gardening etc; or if you have a particular skill that you feel we
can benefit from, please came and talk to us.
And finally, the Building Committee and the Management Committee would like
to thank everyone who has helped, and continuing to do so, with the various
building works to date.
Recent Kirtan Events at Gurudwara Sahib
300th Gurgaddi Divas Celebration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Bhai Bahadar Singh Rocket from Leicester enlightened the Sangat with Kirtan
and Katha on Sunday 19 October 2008 to celebrate a momentous occasion in
Sikh History. It was his first visit to the Ramgarhia Sabha Sikh Temple.
Bhai Bahadar Singh Rocket has exceptional talents and thus he has mastered
various Kirtan styles. He performs Kirtan to the highest standard and has a
vast amount of knowledge on Sikh History. Together with his sons, they also
perform Dhadhi Kirtan. He plays the Sarangi, one of the most difficult stringed
instruments to play, with relative ease. His Jatha is in great demand by the
Sikh Sangat throughout Europe. We hope to have Bhai Bahadar Singh Rocket
and his Jatha again in the future at Gurudwara Sahib.
In December 2008 Sant Satnam Singh Ji from Jallandhar returned to once
again enthral the Sangat with his melodious voice. Blessed with a rare
combination of extraordinary talent and spirituality, Sant Satnam Singh Ji
articulates Gurbani Kirtan with remarkable dexterity. After years of study of
the scriptures and musical training under the guidance of world renowned
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Pandit Mani Prasad Ji of the Kirana Gharana Style,
Sant Ji has acquired an exquisite understanding of
Raag and Gurbani .
He effortlessly improvises and displays an incredible
depth of knowledge. His voice is characterised by an
unusual richness, combining grace with power.
The management committee will endeavour to
organise more Jathas for 2009.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji – A Brief History
The first major event of 2009 is the Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh
Ji. It falls on the 5th of January. It was Celebrated at Gurudwara Sahib
commencing the 9th of January with Arambh of Sri Akhand Path Sahib with the
Bhog on Sunday 11th January.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, was born to Mata Gujri at Patna in 1666
AD when his father Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was touring Bengal. Guru Gobind Singh
Ji lived at Patna until the age of five when he was taken to Anandpur. He was
nine years old when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred in Delhi. At such a
young age he inherited the responsibility of guiding the Sikh faith and fulfilling
the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In the midst of his engagements with the
concerns of the community, he gave full attention to the mastery of physical
skills and literary accomplishment.
He had grown into a comely youth, spare, lithe of limp and energetic. As a result
of assiduous training and practice, Guru Ji gained a unique facility in the use of
arms. He showed similar prowess at learning. Besides Punjabi, he gained
proficiency in Sanskrit, Braj and Persian. He had a natural genius for poetic
composition. He patronised poets, thinkers and scholars. In 1677 AD at the age
of eleven, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was married to Mata Jito from whom he had
three sons : Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh. The Guru Ji had
two other consorts: Mata Sundri who joined in matrimony in 1684 AD and Mata
Sahib Devan who was married in 1700 AD. The former was the mother of
Sahibzada Ajit Singh.
Guru Ji was an example of a perfect saint-soldier. He had been cherishing the
idea that an effective armoury should be developed. He had been able to build a
small but well-trained army. At the age of thirty-three years on the Baisakhi
Day of 1699 AD, he established the new order of the Khalsa and gave Sikhism
the present form.
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The event, however, generated animosity in the hill chieftains who contacted
the Mughal forces to curb the Khalsa. Guru Ji had to fight many battles at
Anandpur, Chamkaur and Mukatsar. His two elder sons: Ajit Singh and Jujhar
Singh died fighting at Chamkaur. The younger ones: Zorawar Singh and Fateh
Singh were captured by the ruler of Sirhind and were bricked alive. The Guru
sacrificed his entire family and underwent untold hardships for righteousness.
After the death of Aurangzeb in February 1707 AD, his successor Bahadur
Shah made peace with Guru Ji. Guru Ji also accompanied him on his expedition
to Deccan. It was during this travel that Guru Ji discovered Banda Bahadur.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji‟s work is best understood as the fulfilment of Guru Nanak
Dev Ji‟s revelation. The Sikh organisation had taken on the semblance of a
State during his days. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a prolific writer. His writings
are compiled in the form of the Dasam Granth.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji installed Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru and
guiding light for his Sikhs before leaving for the Kingdom of the Almighty in
October 1708.
Sports Hall Opening
The sports hall is now up and running and fully functional. An opening ceremony
was held on Fri 14 November 2008 on the occasion of Sangrand during the
weekend of the Parkash Divas celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. An
evening of Kirtan and Katha took place.
We now have a pool table
and two table tennis
tables and a professional
dart board on the way.
There plans to purchase
gym equipment including
treadmill, cross trainer,
multigym and other
fitness equipment.
As we are now into the
new year we are eager to
get more activities and
classes going. Negotiations
are well under way to start martial arts classes for beginners. These will be
open to people of all ages. By popular demand, we are also starting women‟s
aerobics which again is open to all ages. For all the football fans out there,
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that‟s boys and girls, if you are interested in taking part in a 5-a-side RSMK
tournament just add your
name to the list that will
be going up on the notice
board in the sports hall
and the Gurudwara.
We will keep you posted on
any progress as we should
have some events running
before you receive the
next issue of the
newsletter!
If you would like to run a
class or have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to speak to anyone in the
sports committee or the management committee. You can post your details in
the suggestion box.
A White Diwali!
The probability of a white Christmas is usually pretty low. So the fact we had
snow on Diwali in October is pretty amazing!
Even in the freezing temperature, the Sangat came in their hundreds to pay
their respects on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas. It is the day Sri Guru
Hargobind Ji returned to Amritsar from his release at Gwalior Fort. Evidence
shows, that the Sangat over the evening of Diwali numbered 400 at the
Gurudwara.
The evening started with the recitation of Reheras Sahib followed by Kirtan by
Giani Ji, langar and fireworks.
The heat let of by the bonfire certainly helped to raise the temperature by a
few degrees for those of you who were close enough!
The many chefs did a wonderful job in providing an excellent selection of
various foods for all tastes topped off with vast amounts of barfi and sweets.
Excellent feedback was received from many of you. The bonfire, the jacket
potatoes, the fireworks and the snow were some of the highlights! We were
able to purchase fireworks used for professional firework displays. They went
off with a bang!
If you would like to organise anything for next Diwali, come and talk to us.
Maybe you want to organise or help with the firework display!
With your support and participation we can make next year‟s Diwali
celebrations even bigger and better.
Page 10
Praise for Ramgarhia Sabha Punjabi School Children
A successful contribution was made by the students of the Ramgarhia Punjabi
Class during November‟s Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Students as young as three years old demonstrated their learning in
conjunction with older students during the programme.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji has left the Sikh religion with a vast legacy through his
teachings and the stories associated with his life. Students were able to recite
their knowledge through examples about the colourful encounters he had during
his life time. His teachings, high regard for equality and his rebellious stance
on religious rituals, was succinctly put to the sangat by the students.
Meditation through „Simran‟ was followed by the recital of „Mool Mantar‟ and
„Shabad singing‟ accompanied by the tabla.
This programme demonstrated the commitment, hard work and dedication of
the students towards the Sikh religion as well as their Punjabi language. It was
well received by the sangat and a proud moment for the parents.
The programme will stand as a rewarding testimony for the Punjabi class
teachers and their efforts in nurturing the student‟s language skills. Their
generous imparting of knowledge is proving to be instrumental in helping to
create longevity for our mother tongue and culture. A very big WELL DONE to
all involved!
And it doesn‟t stop there! The teachers are currently organising a similar
programme to mark the Parkash of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. New faces are
always welcome to the Monday 6pm to 7pm Punjabi class for all levels, ages and
abilities.
For our Punjabi Readers – by Giani Ji
Aws mn`uKI mn dI bxqr kuJ AYsI hY ik auh shwrw l`Bdw hY[ shwry qo ibnw jivxw bVw AOKw hY[ prweI Aws ivc jivxw ies dI Awdq bx geI hY[ prweI Aws mn nUM boJl kr dyNdI hY[ AYsw mn`uKI vwihgUrU dy imlwp dw AnMd nhI mwx skdw[ mn`uK prweI Aws ivc jIvY ieh qw Awpxy jIvn dI mhwnqw Gtwx vwlI gl hY[ prweI Aws ivc jIvx smW hst krxw hY, qy Aws ivArQ clI jWdI hY, Bwv pUrI nhIN huMdI[
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pMjvy gurU, gurU Arjn dyv jI AwpxI bwxI ivc Purmwn krdy hn “mwnuK kI tyk ibRQI sB jwn” - jo mn`uKI qy Aws rKdy auh ibRQI clI jWdI hY[ AwsW qo ibnw mn`uKI rh nhI skdw[ hr suAws AwsW nwl BirAw hoieAw hY[ pr AwsW aus dI krIAY jo quhwfI Aws pUrI kr skdw hY[ jo jIA kI ibrQw smJdw hovY kbIr jI AwpxI bwxI ivc Purmwn krdy hY “kbIr Awsw krIAY rwm kI AvrY Aws inrws”[ Aws krxI hY qw aus vwihgurU dI krIAY jo swirAW dw Aws pUrI krdw hY, nhIN qw dUjy qy kIqI Aws pUrI nhIN huMdI[ auh inrwsw ivc bdl jWdI hY[ keI vwrI AsIN iksy mn`uKI kol bVI Aws lY ky jWdy hY[ AsIN socdy hW ik swfw bVw purwxw myl imlwp hY, swfI Aws zrUr pUrI krygw[ pr kI huMdw hY ik auh swnUM mnw kr dyNdw hY[ swnUM bfI inrwsw huMdI hY[ AsIN socdy hW swnUM ieh Aws nhI sI kI eyh swnUM mnw kr dy vy[ jy phlw pqw huMdw ies kol nhI jWdy[ mn nUM bfw duK huMdw hY[ ies leI mn`uK AwpxI Aws pUrI krx leI Akwl purK qy Aws rKxI cwhI dI hY, jo sB dI Aws pUrI krdw hY[ igAwnI mlkIq isMG
Health Watch – Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a condition that results from either a partially functioning pancreas
or from a pancreas that does not function at all. The diagram below shows the
locality of the pancreas within the body. The pancreas produces insulin which is
a vital hormone that is responsible for reducing blood glucose levels after you
have eaten a meal.
There are two types of diabetes
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type 1 diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs because the pancreas is no longer able to
make its own insulin and as a result the patient with this type of diabetes
has to have regular insulin injections to help regulate their blood glucose
levels.
Commonly prescribed insulin injections: Novomix30, Novorapid & Lantus.
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type 2
diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs because the pancreas can not make enough
insulin. As a result of this the patient with this type of diabetes has to
take an oral type of anti-diabetic medication as well as control their diet in
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order to help control their blood glucose levels. This type of diabetes is
generally more prevalent amongst the Asian community and in people over
the age of 40.
Commonly prescribed oral anti-diabetic medication: Metformin,
Glibenclamide & Gliclazide.
Classic symptoms of diabetes: Increased thirst, increased urination and/or
extreme tiredness. If you experience most of these symptoms regularly then
you should see your GP to have a blood test for diabetes.
Managing diabetes:
1. Eat healthy i.e. Have a diet high in fruit and
vegetables
2. Make sure your diet is low in saturated fat
(bad fat that can lead to high cholesterol)
3. Engage in regular exercise for at least
30minutes every day.
Visit : www.diabetes.org.uk and www.nice.org.uk (search under diabetes and
then click information for the public) for more information.
Please contact us if you would like to contribute an article on health in a future
issue or even if you want further information.
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Calender of events for the next quarter A number of programmes will be happening over the first quarter of 2009
which are significant in the Sikh diary along with regular ones. Schedule is as
follows:
Friday – Sunday
9 – 11 January
Sri Akhand Path Sahib Ji to celebrate
Gurpurab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Tuesday 13 January Sangrand – Magh Kirtan Divan 7.00pm to 8.00pm
followed by Guru Ka Langer
Tuesday 12 February Sangrand – Phagan Kirtan Divan 7.00pm to 8.00pm
followed by Guru Ka Langer
Saturday 14 March Sangrand – Chet Kirtan Divan 7.00pm to 8.00pm
followed by Guru Ka Langer
Sunday 15 March
Hola Mohala
(Actual date Wed 11 March)
Tuesday 14 April Sangrand – Vaisakh Kirtan Divan 7.00pm to 8.00pm
followed by Guru Ka Langer
Would You Like To Advertise In The RSMK Newsletter?
If you wish to advertise to the local Sikh Community, then this will be a very
useful channel for you! At the same time you will be helping your local
Gurudwara Sahib! Please contact the committee member on duty at the
Gurudwara Sahib on a daily basis between 7pm and 8pm to discuss your
requirements. We can either use your own advertising material or build an
advert from scratch. It is your choice.
For Extensions, Refurbishments, Kitchens
and Bathroom fittings
M. M. Builders Builders and Electrical Contractors
20 Bromham Mill
Giffard Park
Milton Keynes
MK14 5QP
Ph. 07771796566
Email: [email protected]
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Let Us Have Your Opinion!
Did you find the topics informative and interesting? Please let us have your
thoughts on this newsletter? We want to write about the things that interest
you.
Let us know if you wish for certain articles or topics of discussion to be
included. Remember, this is your newsletter so we need to know what you want.
If you wish to publish an article in the next newsletter, please let us know. We
want to get the local Sangat involved as much as possible in having input to the
newsletter.
Next Newsletter to be Published in April 2009…
Please get any articles, thoughts, adverts to us before, 01 March 2008 so we
can include them in our next newsletter.
Even if it is local or national news that maybe of interest to the community, we
need your input. You may even have some news about what is happening in our
homeland, the Punjab!
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Competition for Younger Members of the Sabha
The competition questions for this issue relate to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
with some general ones on Sikhism. You will find the answers to some questions
in the newsletter, but will need to do some research on others.
The winners will be announced on Sunday March 15 2009 on the divan of Hola
Mahala. This will be an opportunity for everyone to learn about the festival of
Hola Mahala and the significance placed on the occasion by Sri Guru Gobind
Singh Ji. There is a catch though! Winners will need to be in attendance to
collect the prize, or else another winner will be picked! So, detach this last
sheet from the newsletter and post your competition entry in the box in the
foyer before 8pm on Wednesday 11 March 2009.
You can photocopy the enclosed entry form or pick some up from the
Gurudwara Sahib if you need more. Please ensure there is only one name on
each entry.There are two age groups, ages up to 11 years and 12 years plus.
1. Name the parents of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji?
2. Where was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Born?
3. By what name was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji known as in his early years?
4. How many sons did Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji have?
5. What are the 4 sons commonly known as?
6. Name the eldest son
7. Name the youngest son
8. Name the other 2 sons
9. Which 2 sons were bricked alive?
10. Name the 5 Banis of morning Nitnem
11. Which of these 5 Banis are from the Dasam Granth?
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12. Name the 'Five Takhts' of the Sikhs
13. The Sikh emblem is commonly known as the “Khanda”.
Name the three components that make up the “Khanda”
14. How many pages are contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
15. Which Guru was seated on a red-hot iron plate and burning hot sand put on
his body?
16. Which Guru is related to 'MIRI-PIRI'?
17. What relation was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji to the answer of question 16?
18. What were Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's travels called?
19. What was the name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s sister?
20. In which city did Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji create the Khalsa?
That‟s it! Good luck to all!
Remember, closing date for posting is Wed 11th March 2009.
Name:
Age:
Contact Number:
