text:
The World's Most Dangerous Place for Women
The director of the programme, Fiona Lloyd-Davies, has been interested in the region for a long time, so she certainly knew what she was getting in to. I asked her to tell us more about making such a challenging documentary.
Fiona Lloyd-Davies writes:
Making The World's Most Dangerous Place for Women was the realisation of nearly ten years of work for me. I had first gone to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in October 2001 post 9/11. I had been banned from Pakistan after making a film there about Honour Killing and as the worlds press flocked to cover the emerging situation, all poised on the border to flood Afghanistan, I found myself excluded.
So I looked for another story and found a virtually unknown but ongoing horror in eastern DRC. Mass rape against women. It was like a virus. In Shabunda, a town deep in the forest, I found that nearly 70% of the women had been raped. Since then I'd gone back to DRC on and off over half a dozen times to write articles and make short films. But I'd never been able to secure a commission to make a whole film about what was happening to these women. It was as though they had been forgotten by the world. The women had totally captured my heart. I felt I couldn't let them down.
Then, last year, nearly ten years later, I was asked to join the BBC Three team to take Judith (known as 'Jude') back to her birth place to discover for herself what was going on. The channel was taking on difficult but important global issues and bringing them to an audience through the eyes of a young British woman. It was going to ask a lot of 23 year old Jude. She was not only going to meet her parents for the first time since she was three and a half; but she was also going to meet women who had survived the most brutal violence she could imagine.
(Photo: Judith Wanga with a three and half year old girl who was raped. Panzi Hospital, Bukavu, DRC.)
It seems inconceivable, but since I first went, the situation for women has got even worse. The sexual violence has now become generational. Women are being raped for the third or fourth time, and their children who they conceived through rape, are themselves being raped too. It was going to be quite a responsibility taking a young London woman to a hostile environment, immersing her in a culture so close to her but one which she had been away from for twenty years. It would be her first time in Africa since she left. Her total experience of foreign travel since leaving DRC had been Europe and a visit to New York.
I knew it would be a challenge. Working in DRC always is. It's not just the threat of physical danger, meeting a militia group that decides not to be friendly; running into a roadblock who want more than just money; the heat; and then the dust that gets everywhere - yes, really, everywhere, every nook and cranny. It's also dealing with the shocking truth of what's happening here. It's stressful, tense, emotionally draining, but also one of the most intoxicating places I've ever been to. The people, who have endured so much are totally inspirational and the country itself is breathtaking in its beauty, virtually untouched by human hand.
The waiting for Jude was finally over. We arranged to go first to meet her parents in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC in the far west of the country. Like Jude, I was seeing Kinshasa for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised by how much calmer it seemed than the other places I had been to in DRC. Jude seemed to take the reunion in her stride, after hugs and kisses she settled into 'Kinois' life as if she'd never left.
(Photo: Judith with her parents, Pierre and Angela Ezalapa, at their home in Kinshasa, DRC.)
Her parents were warm and incredibly welcoming to us, the cameraman, Luke and I, who were invading their home and sharing such a special moment. Their modest house in the suburbs was filled with relatives and friends all eager to see the 'daughter from London'. Many of them remembered Jude as a child and there were enormous amounts of food cooked, barbecue goat and catfish; celebrations and all night dancing. There was lots of laughter and it couldn't have been a happier occasion.
But as arranged, after a few days it was time to head east. Jude would be coming back for a longer stay when we finished filming. Her parents were worried; they knew only too well what had and continues to happen in the east. It was a brief sombre moment before their goodbyes. After they wished us a safe journey, they looked me straight in the eye and said they trusted me to protect their daughter. It was a huge responsibility.
(Photo: Judith with her father Pierre in Kinshasa.)
Travelling across DRC is not as straight forward as it sounds. The troubled east is nearly 1,000 miles away and the only BBC approved direct airline is the UN mission in DRC, MONUC. But journalists are bottom of the pile and you can wait days to get on a flight. So the alternative is to fly to Nairobi, then to Kigali, capital of Rwanda and drive to the border. A journey of several days.
(Photo: Judith Wanga on her way to mine on the island of Idjwi in Lake Kivu, DRC. She's about to discover what drives the conflict and the violence against women.)
But it's also a good way to psychologically start a gradual immersion process into DRC. Many of the problems in this region started in Rwanda after the genocide that saw the slaughter of over 800,000 people in 1994. Jude heard first hand from our local guide about what had happened and was knocked sideways by it all. It would be the first of a number of times when she wasn't able to hold back the tears.
Jude met a bunch of extraordinary women on her trip to the east; there was 24 year old Delphine, a final year law student who was also going out to villages to record survivors' testimonies; Merveille a teenage former child soldier; and then Masika a survivor who has set up her own support network for other women. Some had survived terrible brutality; others were and continue to work through incredibly difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions to make sure people know what's happening. I think it would be fair to say that we all found these women totally inspirational.
And the best part is that we're not the only people that get to meet these amazing women. Our friends and family will too on BBC Three.
(Photo: Judith Wanga with Christine Schule Descriver, Director of V-Day Bukavu.)
Fiona Lloyd-Davies is the Director of The World's Most Dangerous Place for Women.
(Photo: Judith Wanga and Thandie Newton. The film is narrated by Thandie Newton, who is involved in the work of campaign groups in the UK to stop violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.)
You can watch the programme TONIGHT at 9pm on BBC Three and afterwards on iPlayer.
- Judith Wanga talks about filming the documentary on Guardian.co.uk
- More about The World's Most Dangerous Place For Women
Comments Post your comment
Comment number 1.At 21:52 30th Mar 2010, Hannah1805 wrote:
Thank you to Fiona Lloyd-Davies for making this insightful documentary and giving the women of the Congo a voice in Britain. The film has shocked and deeply saddened me. Please tell me what I can do to help.
Comment number 2.At 22:11 30th Mar 2010, FiB wrote:
So affected by this programme, why is this not in the news daily? Why are 'we' (UN?) not doing anything (enough) to help ...... can you give any links to charities who are working in this area so that I can contribute materially as well as in thought?
Comment number 3.At 22:19 30th Mar 2010, alexnihal wrote:
Thank you for making this program. it was very moving. I'd like to know if there are any charities that we can contribute to toward woman in Congo? If you could give details I'd be grateful. Thanks
Comment number 4.At 22:20 30th Mar 2010, Lexie Barker wrote:
Although it is easier not to think about the horrific ordeals that these women face, I am so glad that this programme explored them. I found it so moving. I would love to raise some money which charity would you recommend contributing towards? Thanks.
Comment number 5.At 22:26 30th Mar 2010, Suzy10 wrote:
An eye opening programme and Judith was courageous and can se that she is really ambitious and wants to help the women of congo. I would like to help in any way and would be greatful if I can get Judith's contact so we can perhaps work together concerning this issue. Good job Fiona Lloyd-Davies.
Comment number 6.At 22:30 30th Mar 2010, Joanna J wrote:
I have been deeply moved and shocked by this programme. How can I help?
Comment number 7.At 22:32 30th Mar 2010, Cazinwales wrote:
It's great to see this on TV but surely someone who was born in DR Congo and who's parents live there had to have known what was going on. I do, and have no ties with the country at all, just an interest in what goes on in the world (especially Africa). I felt her constant amazement at what was going on detracted from the women's struggle and if she was intent on going there, and finding out more, she should have done some very basic research in the first place.
As I say, bring it to people's attention please, but get a grip, do some research and take the focus away from how hard you find dealing with it and instead put it on to these brave women who's lives are frankly unimaginable by our standards.
Comment number 8.At 22:48 30th Mar 2010, lisa970 wrote:
I would like to thank all the people involved in the filming of this documentry, especially the bravery of young Jude. How can i help?
Comment number 9.At 22:51 30th Mar 2010, Debbie wrote:
Shocking. Judith and the documentary team showed how stoic and brave these Congolese women are in the face of such horrors. How can we in the UK help improve their lives and raise this rape plague onto a higher international forum? How can the Congolese government, army and police continue in this cruel way towards women?
I would like to help.
Keep spreading the word Judith.
Comment number 10.At 23:00 30th Mar 2010, 777pepperpot wrote:
I am unspeakably humbled by the immeasurable courage and dignity shown by the Congolese rape victims in this incredibly affecting programme. Many thanks to everyone involved in bringing these attrocities to the attention of the wider global community. I am deeply moved by the plight of these women and their children and would like to know how I can help in some way. Could you please let me have contact details for Judith Wanga and/or any charities that are supporting organisations such as the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Christine's 'Citie de la Joie' or Masika's women's support initiative. Thank you so very much.
Comment number 11.At 23:05 30th Mar 2010, alouise251 wrote:
I was extremely moved by this,it highlighted something that is rarely seen on tv.
I would like to help in some small way too, any additional information available?
Comment number 12.At 23:16 30th Mar 2010, christine wrote:
Well done Jude! And thank you Fiona for making this programme. This subject has been close to my heart for almost 2 years and I haven't been able to do anything about it. I was born in Congo and left in 1993. I went back in 2008 and was overwhelmed by the things I had seen. I so wanted to help but didn't know where to start and what to do. Tonight I could identify with Jude and couldn't stop crying. There were tears of sadness and hope somehow because I now know that someone is raising awareness on this matter. I would like to get in touch with Judith and Fiona to see how I can help.
Comment number 13.At 00:03 31st Mar 2010, Peter Lewis Tk wrote:
Thank you BBC3 for empowering us with this excelent program, education/ knowlege this is the only hope for humankind to deal with these difficult and powerfull issues especialy the suppression of women.
I am humbled by the dygnity and strength of these women.
This knowlege is now in the hands of mains stream population or at least quite a large part of it again thank you.
We all can do somthing here with a critcle mass of people policys can start to be achieved ? need to have a chat with micrsoft/apple mac/ sisco sysstems/facebook/twitter....
Comment number 14.At 00:07 31st Mar 2010, Laurette wrote:
OMG! This has opened my eyes even more. I've always blabed about how much i want to help my country, and i think about it everyday but this docu has just proved how naive i've been and am, bcos watching this...i think its so complicated, how and where do u begin. Thank you Fiona Lloyd-Davies for such an inspiring programme GOD bless you even more and strengthen u, and Judith i can realate to your story (although i came here when i was 6. God bless you too for being so strong, as well as the traumatised women of congo who are more than a ray, a beacon of inspiration to us all. i only hope that we all join to work together and give the WOMEN OF CONGO their VOICE BACK!!!!!!!! please can i get Juith's contact or more info on charities that are helping out, and more so how i can help too!
Comment number 15.At 00:08 31st Mar 2010, Doc_P wrote:
It seems unlikely that something so atrocious could be happening and yet go unnoticed in the global community! There is a lot of tragedy in Africa but somehow this seems to take precedence. It would be useful to know of any agencies that are working to put a stop to this violence, I think anyone watching tonight will be feeling compelled to help.
Comment number 16.At 00:33 31st Mar 2010, fifilus wrote:
THANK YOU so much jude and fiona for making this programme,I was so touched and moved by it. I am originaly from the drc I came here in the UK in 1992. I was aware of what was going on in the congo but i always felt that the world didn't care the war in the drc was like a forgotten war, the victims ....forgotten i am so glad that i was wrong,i am now full of hope because of people like you fiona raising awareness giving these women a voice and a platform. Please please can you put me in touch with judith or any organisation out there I've always wanted to help or do something but I never knew where to begin, what to do or where to go
Comment number 17.At 00:53 31st Mar 2010, VA wrote:
Thank you for making this film and giving these women a voice. Their bravery and dignity is incredible in a siutation that is hell on earth. Is there a follow up campaign to raise awareness further?
Comment number 18.At 01:11 31st Mar 2010, flip69 wrote:
just watched this programme i thinks its unberleiviable that this is still happening the women being raped and muterlated its beyond comprheshen.were is the goverment in all this and what are they doing about it.and that little girl of 6 that was raped i had tears in my eyes this should not be happening.i would like to help i no im a man but if we can all stand up and make a voice then the women and children in the congo mite follow and do the same.if there is anything i can i would be more than gratefull to help.
Comment number 19.At 01:12 31st Mar 2010, Libbi wrote:
That was chilling. As with the others, which charities are the most trusted?
Comment number 20.At 01:14 31st Mar 2010, truthseeker wrote:
So very touching and so very sad, I am shocked that this goes on and that it has not been made more public.
Does anyone know where to support this cause please? I feel we/I must help in some way.
Much admiration to all those involved in the documentary & for bringing it to our attention.
Comment number 21.At 09:06 31st Mar 2010, Pat Graham wrote:
Like many of you who have posted comments, I was shocked at the contents of the programme and deeply affected by the plight of the women and children of Eastern Congo. The production team involved made a programme which was very hard to watch but utterly compelling. It seemed to me that ignorance of what is going on is a huge part of the problem. Please join my facebook page and invite your friends to join so that as many people as possible become aware of the suffering and show their support for the victims who have to carry on their lives and continue living in the shadow of sickening brutality. Hopefully, through time, things will change.
[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]
Comment number 22.At 09:45 31st Mar 2010, cambridgehelen wrote:
This programme reminds us that the rights and respect women enjoy in this country are not to be taken for granted.
I would like to support the work of the Panzi Hospital and City of Joy. Having looked on the web it seems there are different organisations through which one can make a donation, but I would like some guidance as to which one is the most direct/efficient.
I understand that it may be difficult for the producer to favour one site over another, but any suggestions?
Comment number 23.At 11:12 31st Mar 2010, Jaine Sykes wrote:
Thanks for all your comments. I'll get in touch with Fiona and the production team and find out about charities. I'll post the links on here when I get details of the organisations that are wroking in DRC.
Comment number 24.At 11:29 31st Mar 2010, JPKadro wrote:
Thank you Fiona Lloyd, Judith and all the filming team for this moving documentary about the "forgotten and/or abandoned" women of the D.R. Congo!!!
Many people who have commented on this documentary were surprised to see that the UN is not doing enough to protect and help women in the Eastern D.R. Congo despite it massif presence in the region. In order to start tackling this important question, I believe that we should investigate how individual, developed countries such as the UK, who have veto on most UN mandates, are treating women victims of rape or tortures seeking sanctuary in their countries.
I will like to get involve in raising awareness of what is happening to our mothers, sisters and daughters in the Eastern D.R. Congo.
Comment number 25.At 12:15 31st Mar 2010, Paul wrote:
I watched the programme last night having an Interest in Africa myself being Married to a Ugandan Lady and I thought there were problems there !
Well I salute you Judith I would not wish that on one of my Daughters and yet as you said in the programme looking away is not an option and I believe that the Women of DRC will prevail. I noted you are a very tech Savvy person have you considered a net presence ? maybe a place on facebook for this cause, you know that a lot can be achieved by this method and I for one would be counted.
All in all very informative and something that clearly needs to be sorted out. Paul
Comment number 26.At 12:26 31st Mar 2010, OUbuho wrote:
A massive thanks to all involved in making this programme (and especially Jude and Fiona). Yes, it was harrowing to watch, but we could do this from positions of comfort and safety, unlike the women featured in the programme. I do think that we need more programmes like this. We can't turn our backs on the atrocities taking place around the world just because reporting on them doesn't make for feel-good TV.
FiB, above, asks why the topic of women's situation in the DRC doesn't regularly feature in the news. My feeling is that as a society we're incredibly self-centred and inward looking in our news broadcasting and this needs to change. Listen to the World Service news and you'll hear repeated coverage of the tragedies taking place in the Congo and around the world. Compare this with our news....
Many of the above comments ask what can be done on an individual level to help women such as those featured in the programme. An immediate response might be 'spread the word'. With the communication possibilities afforded to us by Web 2.0 (Facebook, Twitter and numerous other social networking resources) we're already empowered to compensate for insufficient media coverage by spreading the word ourselves. And do it in person too. Brutal mass rape may not feel like the best topic for social chit-chat but it needs discussing. Philip, above, suggests that education/knowledge is the only way we can change things and I'd certainly agree. However, education and consciousness-raising can start on our doorsteps. For example, anyone working in a teaching capacity in the UK has the chance to increase awareness of the situation in the Congo (and elsewhere) by embedding discussion of these issues within their teaching.
Dana Stevens, above, mentions the charities and organisations that are working in/for the DRC. Such organisations can only be effective if people know about them and feel passionate about doing something to change things.
So, to summarise, we each need to spread the word, building on the work of Fiona, Jude and all involved in the programme. We need more broadcasting like this.
Comment number 27.At 12:36 31st Mar 2010, Virginia Street wrote:
Heartbroken. Please,please let me know what I can do to help. Would it be possible for you to ask Jude to get in touch with me as I have a few ideas.
Comment number 28.At 14:15 31st Mar 2010, Angelina wrote:
Moving and shocking documentary.
So glad it was made to tell the world what is happening to the women in this much-ignored part of the world. Makes me appreciate even more what rights women enjoy in the UK in comparison to many women across the world.
Am very keen to help in any way I can and am full of admiration for Fiona Lloyd-Davies for her tenacity in making this film and brave women such as Delphine, Christine and Masika who are making a positive difference.
Comment number 29.At 16:26 31st Mar 2010, Jaine Sykes wrote:
Thanks again for all your heartfelt responses to this documentary. Understandably many of you are keen to help, so I've been in touch with the director Fiona Lloyd-Davies to find out which organisations are working in Congo. She's sent me this...
"This is a fantastic response. Thank you all for finding the time to respond to it and for caring enough to want to do something.
Here are some links:
Search For Common Ground
This organisation works with ex-child soldiers and vulnerable kids. They introduced us to Bintu and Bahati, who Jude talked to in the film. Bintu is the young woman who was a soldier in a militia and Bahati, the remorseful ex-boy soldier. They help them try to learn to live with their experiences and learn new skills through Arts (music and theatre) and Sports. The kids do drumming therapy with women survivors of sexual violence, who are patients at Panzi Hospital, every week. For many of the women it's the only time they get out of bed all week, because they are so traumatised. Click here.
City of Joy
In the film, Jude went to meet Christine Schuler Deschryver who is the V Day director in DRC and in charge of building City of Joy. It will be a safe haven for up to 100 women to come and recover after hospital treatment and learn new skills including women's leadership. Click here.
Ridelphine, the young woman who takes Jude into the countryside to record survivors testimony works with this organisation. Click here.
Hospitals who treat women survivors of sexual violence:
Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where Jude met the little girl who we called 'Chloe' and talks to the director, Dr Denis Mukwege. Click here.
Heal Hospital This hospital in Goma works with survivors of rape in Congo. Click here.
There are lots of charities who are working in eastern DRC, try googling
'charities in eastern drc' to get links to more websites. "
Comment number 30.At 17:34 31st Mar 2010, RhiA wrote:
I watched this program last night. It was honest, real and moving. It is a shame that it was not well advertised, I hope that it is repeated on a number of occasions so many more people can see it. Our media/society is generally too ready to ignore these awful situations as they do not directly effect us, the more they are talked about, the less they can be ignored!
A truly brilliant program, that deserves a mazzive amount of praise!
Comment number 31.At 17:40 31st Mar 2010, RhiA wrote:
Also, with regards to the recent reporting about the BBC not producing good programming anymore, I feel this has shown them to be wrong! The BBC, including the BBC3 make some exceptional and important programs, that other channels wouldn't even go near.
Comment number 32.At 20:29 31st Mar 2010, Pat Graham wrote:
To find a facebook page about this issue, search for stop rape of women and children in the DRCongo.
Comment number 33.At 21:34 31st Mar 2010, homeworker wrote:
Thank you BBC3 for bringing us this amazing documentary. It's so hard to tackle a subject like this with the right balance of light and shade. This is the kind of programming which BBC3 gets just right - making difficult issues accessible (I'm also remembering Blood Sweat and Takeaways which was in a similar vein). So inspired by all the women in this programme and hope that they can succeed in challenging the culture in DRC.
Comment number 34.At 21:54 31st Mar 2010, MN78 wrote:
Many thanks for this programme.
I left Bukavu during the violence in 2004 when over 2000 women were raped over a ten day period, primarily by Laurent Nkunda's forces, although government forces were also complicit in extreme violence against women. The catchphrase for Nkunda's offensive was 'Dollares, Telephones, viols' (Dollars, mobilephones, rape)
At this time, I was convinced that the situation for women, for Congo, could not get any worse, but sadly this seems to be the case.
As you highlight so well, one major issue is about awareness of the continuing violence, at a community, national and international level.
another is about support for survivors: health, education, psychosocial support, community support and understanding
another is about securing accountability and justice against perpetrators: this is possibly most effectively done by targeting the highest level instigators of sexual violence. It is a great sadness to me, as a survivor, that Laurent Nkunda, despite an arrest warrant from the ICC, remains under open 'house arrest' in the luxury in a Kigali safe house, and remains uncharged with the multiple charges of human rights and incitement to sexual violence, particularly in Eastern DRC of which he stands accused.
His trial may lead to some international accountability which would also help survivors and begin a broader culture of accountability at a national and community level that may begin to reduce the acceptance of sexual violence in the region. Without demanding accountability from those who continue to incite their 'forces' to violate women and their communities, this violence will continue forever.
Thanks Dana, for the links to organisations working in Bukavu and DRC.
Would it be possible to pass on information about Masika(sp?)'s organisation, the incredible woman encouraging community reconciliations for survivors which is featured at the end of the documentary?
Many thanks, and well done Judith and team for necessary and insightful work
Comment number 35.At 21:57 31st Mar 2010, Steve wrote:
Just Google:-
"Building the City of Joy"
[Christine's 'Citie de la Joie']
Why have journalists allowed this to go "unnoticed" and "unreported".
This is so shocking. I read the Daily Mail and Daily Express every day. Never a mention of the Congo and this trouble.
But I hear that there is a Lord's Resistance Army - are they doing good work to stop all this?
Comment number 36.At 22:45 31st Mar 2010, Lauren wrote:
Jude, you did amazing out there, very brave girl. I am a French interpreter and hear the stories of female Congolese asylum seekers who have suffered the same fate as the poor women in your film every day. I would like to help you in your research and awareness raising, as like you, I feel very strongly about the cause and want to help these women. Please contact me if you are able to.
Comment number 37.At 02:56 1st Apr 2010, TB wrote:
Fact number 1: I am very PLEASED to see this powerful documentary as it reminds me the sad but true reality of our world - the poor ALWAYS pays the price, especially when political instability and mismanagement are combined around him.
Fact number 2: wealthy IT, Electronics and consumer good multinationals who need the mineral resources from DRC all display a Corporate Social Responsibility - pure cosmetic!!!
As I am currently doing an academic research on CSR for my MBA, I would be interested in purchasing the DVD of this documentary. Could someone tell me how to get a copy. Thanks you.
Comment number 38.At 09:08 1st Apr 2010, Fanta wrote:
I was moved by this program which is an eye opening for the internatonal community and people living out of the country. i am a congolese myself who had grown up in the eastern Congo. i have viewed the program and realised that this rape problem has been going on in this part of congo for a long period of time. I visited Bukavu myself in 2008 and i have seen that life is really not easy for these women, but at the same time there are some other women who are survivor and living their lives there. The problem is real and women are suffering. As a woman myself i would say that the people who are doing this are Congolese, do we really need an external eye to teach us how to love our mothers, sisters and daughters? If we do then the situation will always exist in this part of the country. I would suggest that us women from congo living abroad with other women fighting for the same cause must stand for and try to find a solution that would promote respect and peace for the women living in the eastern part of the country and the war zone. I would like to be contacted for any event or contribution in regard to this subject. Thanks to Jude and the team for their effort, courage and good job.
Comment number 39.At 19:26 1st Apr 2010, Jenny wrote:
I agree with all the comments made and I cannot get this programme out of my head whilst I sit in complete luxury with nothing to worry about. I am overwhelmed and sickened to the pit of my stomach at what is happening in DRC and like the other people who have commented would like to do something to help. If we donate can we be sure it gets to where it is most needed? Is there anything else we can do?
Comment number 40.At 20:55 5th Apr 2010, Gina wrote:
Comment number 41.At 22:37 5th Apr 2010, Gina wrote:
Comment number 42.At 15:02 7th Apr 2010, Eunicensambi wrote:
Hullo BBC,
I never got the chance to watch this programme as it was aired soon after the 'Undercover Princesses' which as a Ugandan I got sucked into; the gossip and news sorrounding it yet I remember promising my self to see the programme as it was being advertised. As a Ugandan, Congo is our neighbour and we have a lot in common, that includes the 'Lord Resistence Army' which originated from Uganda and is still brutalising people, mostly women in north East of the Congo.
Having read about the story, I went to watch it on BBC iPlayer but found it unavailable. Can any one tell me wether it can be availed at a later date or if not shown on another BBC channel preferably BBC1 or BBC2 at some future time?
Judith- with the support UK, Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and other African women plus a network of supporters from elsewhere, I suggest you start a UK based charity to support the Women back home in Eastern Congo. I will be quite happy to be part of this charity from its inception to helping organising fundraising events like dinners etc.
Comment number 43.At 17:34 7th Apr 2010, Jaine Sykes wrote:
Hi Flavia
You'll be pleased to know that the programme will be repeated again on BBC Three. It will be on next Monday 12 Apr at 2.20 am. Although that is the small hours of the morning it does mean that it will be available on iPlayer for a week after it's on telly. You'll be able to watch it here the next day.
Hope you get a chance to catch it.
Comment number 44.At 20:20 13th Apr 2010, Crissy wrote:
I can so relate to Judith's experience, at three my parents sent me to live in the UK and only last year I got reunited with them and we're the same age! So I was so pleased and very emotional to see her reunite with her parents!! It was nice to watch!!
As for the situation in Bukavu! Well, I am very glad somebody shone some light onto what is going on. I hope that as British-Congolese and the world, we can TRY and make a difference!!
Comment number 45.At 18:47 23rd Apr 2010, Steve wrote:
JUDE - help BUILD A CITY OF JOY
We could transform the planet Earth and solve most of our problems if every single girl/woman on Earth had the right to be educated from 5-21.
Economically, intellectually and hopefully physically independent women in every village town and city. Imagine that.
Maybe even BBC website "journalists" (joke) might understand "irony".
Comment number 46.At 00:20 28th Apr 2010, Laura wrote:
Thank you for making this programme, it was a heartbreaking, moving, inspirational, wonderful, gut wrenching, it really made me go through the motions and Jude you truely have been courageous sharing your journey with us, and thank you Fiona for spreading these experiences and the stories.
Let's build City of Joy!
Comment number 47.At 07:09 29th Apr 2010, Jim wrote:
I registered just to leave some feedback , I was so moved. Saw this by chance. This documentary has left me with so much to think about, I never even knew where congo was until I saw this let alone that it is the size of western europe. i've learnt so much from Judiths journey being shared in this way. The amount of people dying there is shocking and horrible in itself let alone the terrible crimes against women and children. I want to understand why aspects of this culture are so evil. and I don't think evil is too strong a word considering these innocent women and children are then rejected by thier families and husbands. Judiths family came accross as really lovely people and i'm glad that you showed that side of the culture too. like judith said herself, it would be so easy to judge. I hope that accountability for these crimes will increase at every level for all perpatrators.
@ steve above ...the truth is , if you read the mail and express every day you won't be reading acurate news about anything in UK let alone Congo. and also i'm not sure about the 'lords resistance army' but it was an american christian groups influence that has led to the introduction of the death penalty for gay people in Nigeria..it seems clear that a good place to start offering support is to the organisations mentioned by Dana Stevens.
Comment number 48.At 11:16 7th May 2010, 1truthfulman wrote:
Judith, I would just like to say well done for exposing the truth about our continent, Africa. Whether it's Rwanda, Nigeria, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Namibia, South Africa or Congo, the conflict and mind bending atrocities that are perpetuated in these countries all come down to one thing which is: control over natural resources (which Europe and America need) but usually, religious differences and tribal hatred is often used as a smoke screen. You were tipped to be the next woman prime miniter of the UK. Well if Chuka Ummuna could win Streatham, you have my vote, baby girl!
Comment number 49.At 08:14 20th May 2010, Sally777 wrote:
This summer I visited New Delhi and found that there is a high rate of crime against women, locals say Delhi as 'Crime Capital of India'. Although it is certainly not the most dangerous place for women in the world, I was surprised to find a high crime rate against women in a country we associate with Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha. Eve-teasing is incredibly high and most women are uncomfortable going out alone after dark. Cell phone service is exceptionally cheap, so I recommend all women unfamiliar with this local to buy a cell phone in case one gets into trouble.
I have written several articles on women safety here, and there is no doubt that conditions are deteriorating for women in several parts of the world. So Unfortunate !!
- Diane
Comment number 50.At 12:44 24th May 2010, whatshesaid wrote:
hi there, I know this was a little while ago now but hopefully those needing to know how to help will see this. The organisation that is funding the City of Joy project shown on this film is the Vday organisation, in cooperation with Unicef. Vday are a world wide organisation led by Eve Ensler (writer of Vagina Monologues) working to eliminate violence against women. Vday's spotlight campaign is helping the women of the DRC through awareness raising and building theCity of Joy. You can find lots of ways to help on their website https://www.vday.org/home
Best xxxx
Comment number 51.At 00:24 8th Aug 2010, Mims wrote:
I am deeply shocked after watching this documentary. I cried when I watched it and I cried afterwards. I feel the need to share my feelings with other people because the film made me so fearful for us human beings, for the cruelty that we are capable of, but most of all, the level of cruelty we are willing to accept when it happens to other people. I admire the dignity of the women. But when you have no way of fighting back, what else is there left, but dignity? What I wish for, most of all, is for them to be angry, and for everyone who saw this film, to be angry. For the sake of humanity, please, rage for these women and these girls!
Comment number 52.At 08:04 9th Aug 2010, Bhaskar wrote:
I saw this program in the Middle East yesterday. A war is always a brutal inhuman thing. And, rape by fighters is as old as war and human history itself. These are never people who are mentally normal at combat. My question is why do the hospitals not abort when a rape has been reported. It was pretty clear in the documentary that these cases were being reported to the hospitals and they had statistics on it. It is easy to cry crocodile tears on the fate of the children born to rape victims, but is this something to do with religion or the rules of local society --- where abortion is not permitted?
Comment number 53.At 10:56 9th Aug 2010, kuessy wrote:
i watched the documentary yesterday and loved it because it shows the true face of the consequences of the congolese war.
i'm rwandese and i have heard alot of stories of women's rape during the genocide and their sure need support from the whole community refering on that man who didn't want to take back his raped wife and maseka was pleading and i'm sure he agreed because he saw the tv people but this is the kind of attitude that people should be educated about because raped women are so traumatized and if they are also abandoned by their families they won't cope with life.
also the man who was telling jude about the numbers said that children born from rape are "bombe a retardement"meaning that if they are not taken care of they will be a big threat to the region and i agree with him.
Nevertheless,i congratulate Jude and Fiona for the courage.
Christine for her brilliant idea which i know in the long run will help alot but overall i was so moved by Maseka and story because few manage to stand up and fight after encountering such atrocities!!
Comment number 54.At 19:38 3rd Nov 2010, rose kapinga wrote:
Thank you so much fiona for this documentary.And well done tu jude.
Comment number 55.At 17:55 3rd Feb 2011, phkk wrote:
Dana Stevens, above, mentions the charities and organisations that are working in/for the DRC. Such organisations can only be effective if people know about them and feel passionate about doing something to change things.
Comment number 56.At 12:05 17th Feb 2011, MrTony45 wrote:
I'm hoping to catch this programme tonight.
For those of you struggling to understand the brutality that exists in this part of the world, I can suggest two excellent books:
"King Leopold's Ghost" by Adam Hochschild (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Leopold%27s_Ghost)
"In The Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz" by Michela Wrong.
Comment number 57.At 22:31 17th Feb 2011, Newbawn wrote:
If ever there was a reason to go into a country by force to help rescue a people then surely the incredibly brave Jude has shown us this. I hope to be in a position to help in the poorest places in the world but this cause has definitely been added to my list - words like "torture", "brutality" and "inhumane cruelty" are not enough to describe the hell on earth these poor women are enduring but, however you describe it, it has GOT to stop. Where the root of this situation began I don't know but its probably that some "women hating" men managed to get enough power to start the snowball of child brainwashing rolling to help them take their revenge on some women who rejected or ridiculed them at some point in their past. The good people of the world have to stand up and say "No" to the small groups of people who try to destroy this wonderful world and life we have been given. I write this as a far from perfect man who is reading "The Other Hand" by Chris Cleave which describes similar stories in Nigeria and has been shocked and appalled beyond incredulity by what our fathers and brothers are doing to our sisters and mothers. I think that much conflict is fuelled by greed or by a people not having "enough" and that if there is prosperity in a community then a lot of crime would be reduced. I don't know if some people are just inherently evil but for so many people to commit so much attrocity makes me think that they were corrupted somehow and the root needs to be discovered and undone by those that do have the ability. Governments are supposed to represent the people and I think the vast majority of people would want this dealt with without delay, lets hope they listen and give our soldiers a prideful job. I'll be helping you as soon as I can Jude - power to you ....
Comment number 58.At 12:04 18th Feb 2011, inasweat wrote:
Thank you Fiona and team for the many years of hard work taken to eventually create this shocking film to enlighten us about the critical situation women face just living in the congo.... leaves us feeling frustrated and angry on their behalf. How can we help affect change there? I will support anything i can to help bring change about...
An amazing programme, thank you BBC for making this possible.
Comment number 59.At 13:36 18th Feb 2011, Rachel Kennedy wrote:
what a moving documentary. all tho it was so heartbreaking to watch. how must those women cope, if we felt such sadness and anger at how they have no rights. one thing that amazed me was the support that is there for women from women and the calmness when they are all together. I think people need to open their eyes and help . i would love to help any ideas would be appreciated thank you Judith Fiona and BBC x
Comment number 60.At 15:03 19th Feb 2011, Clare M wrote:
What I came away with from this amazing programme were two things. Firstly, many many thanks to you all for making it. And secondly, how do we play our part in not buying in to the IT purchases that are supporting the mining that is fuelling the conflict and rapes? I don't know what mobile phone or laptop is better than any other. Can anyone help with this? Is there an ethical / fairtrade IT mobile phone provider?
Comment number 61.At 21:49 26th Feb 2011, harriet862010 wrote:
this really affected me, especially having 2 very young girls of my own, i can't even imagine the helplessness these women feel when their children are attacked in front of them and the pain the babes go through, or rather i can and it brings tears to my eyes, i want to help the vulnerable escape. please, please tell me how i can help.
i want to know how we can help them build a safe haven for themselves, defend themselves and how we can help the women and children who have been through enough to escape and make better lives for their babies.
It's wrong and sick and it has to be stopped.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Eli Hetko and I take over Bar Chord on Tuesday evening for some fiddle, banjo, guitar magic, and maybe a few novely country songs thrown in for good measure. Come out, have a beer and sing along!
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: May 23Free Music Fridays @The American Folk Art Museum
Later Event: November 22NEC Contemporary Improv Open Mic


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You would think it would be easy to find the time to make two blocks a month. But somehow I always feel like I'm behind with the Mad Cat Quilts BOM. This block was again inspired by Pat Sloan and her amazing free patterns.
This week some friends and I had an art salon of sorts. We gathered at a friend's house and all made art together! Interestingly enough, I wasn't the only one hand sewing! We plan to make our salon a regular thing! Everyone who came got work done and it was nice to chat, explore idea, and discuss our work!
Do you prefer to work alone, or make art around friends and family?
Linking up around the web!


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I first joined UVA as a graduate student in the Biochemistry Department of the School of Medicine. While pursuing my PhD, it was easy to love UVA and Charlottesville. The strength of the research community at the University made my PhD training both challenging and fun, while the quality of life in Charlottesville offered the perfect combination of the small town attitude and big culture with impressive diversity.
The excellence of the graduate program prepared me well for postdoctoral training, which I pursued at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. For these reasons, when my husband was evaluating an opportunity to join UVA as a faculty member, we both embraced the idea of coming back to Charlottesville. For him, the choice was easy, as the University offers competitive recruitment packages and engaging and vibrant collaborative spirit among faculty from various disciplines. My decision was a more measured one - I knew I loved the University and the city of Charlottesville (in addition to loving my husband and wanting to support him during this exciting time in his career!), but moving would mean "changing gears" during my postdoctoral training.
Fortunately for both of us, I was able to transfer my postdoctoral fellowship funds to UVA and join the laboratory of Dr. Kodi Ravichandran in the Department of Microbiology as a Research Scientist, where I continue to pursue the area of research I feel passionate about (arthritis and autoimmunity). In addition to all of the things we loved about UVA and Charlottesville in the past, there are many reasons to feel confident that the choice we made is indeed the right one.
UVA is consistently ranked among the top research Universities in the nation, attracting talented scientists from diverse backgrounds and providing ample opportunity for collaborative and translational research. This is reflected in the formation of several research centers, such as the Center for Cell Clearance and the Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, within the School of Medicine. The UVA Medical Center is among the top ranked hospitals in several disciplines, making access to excellent health care easy.
The quality of life in the Charlottesville area is hard to surpass - affordable housing and excellent school systems make it an attractive choice for families from all over the World, including ours.
Finally, the proximity to a variety of places for outdoor activities, including the Shenandoah National Park and the Atlantic Ocean coastline, and cultural centers such as Washington, DC and Richmond, VA, further increase the city's appeal. It is of no surprise thus that the biotechnology sector is also growing in the city and the region, with the possibility that it will further increase the number of opportunities for pursuing scientific careers in this area.
Although one can not predict what the future holds, I feel excited about the impact that coming to UVA will have on my career and family, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to the next wave of scientific discoveries at UVA.


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We are back working through the Playbook. This week we talk about measuring results from conversations, the best ways to compare conversations to landing pages, and the long term benefits of conversations and the data that they generate.
If you haven't downloaded the playbook, click here to open Messenger. We'll start a conversation to collect your information and get the Playbook to you.


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Make a distinct appearance and get complimented by wearing this dupatta brought to you by Varanga. Designed to perfection, it comes with a printed pattern that lends it a beautiful look. In addition, it can be maintained easily owing to the use of art silk fabric.
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News Columns & Blogs
Allegiant Air ticket counter moves for more room
WICHITA — Allegiant Air has a roomier new counter at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport.
"We moved them just because it was less congested," says Valerie Wise, Wichita Airport Authority air service and business development manager.
Allegiant had been on the far west end of the ticket counter next to Delta Air Lines.
But Delta has 11 daily departures, and when Allegiant had departures, too, it got to be too crowded.
Now Allegiant is on the other side of Delta, where there is more space.
"Basically it's to provide better customer service," Wise says.


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moon Rise
Coming of Age for Young Women
Ages 12 - 14 | July 26 - August 1, 2020 | Return to Youth Programs
"I can't even begin to describe how amazing this has been for me. I was able to really get to know myself and figure out what I wanted in my life. If I ever experience hard times I will be able to come back to the experience [of my solo]. It was truly life-changing. Now I have a clear picture of who I want my friends to be, how I want to act, what kind of relationship I want, and many more qualities I want to keep and let go of." - Emily, Age 14
Program Details | Sample Itinerary | Skills Introduced | Program Staff | Other Programs
Adolescence can be a turbulent and trying time and most of our young people are launched into it with little consciousness and even less preparation.
How could it change the teenage years of a girl to have mentors, who have walked the path before her, guide her with love and wisdom into adolescence? To have her family walk beside her on that journey, honoring and celebrating her step out of childhood? To have a group of peers supporting her and sharing the journey with her? To be welcomed into young womanhood by an older generation of women who share with her the gifts and strengths and beauty of womanhood?
Coming of Age for Young Women was created to bring these vital experiences to more adolescent girls, to help them cross the bridge between childhood and youth in love and beauty. It will help them reach young womanhood with a deeper sense of themselves, their own inner and outer beauty and the gifts they bring to the world, so that they may walk through their teen years with strength and self-confidence. We will use heart-centered conversation, art, song, reflective activity and ritual to deepen girls' relationships to their inner selves, their families, their communities and to their own version of what is sacred.
This group of up to 9 middle school girls will explore what it means to step out of childhood and into young womanhood with the guidance and support of three fabulous female mentors. The group will spend a week at a moonlodge, engaging in a rite of passage experience to honor and celebrate the conscious step into young womanhood with a sweat bath ceremony, an 8-hour solo in the woods, and a ritual welcoming to womanhood. Parents and/or guardians will be involved in a formal parting and reconnection with their girls at the beginning and end of the retreat, so that each young woman may be recognized and supported by her family as she takes this important step, and so that the family may enter into the adolescent years together on a strong footing.
Ages 12 - 14
July 26 - August 1, 2020
Sacred Groves
(Bainbridge Island, WA)
$1225.00; Deposit $300.00
Financial Aid is Available
Download the Program Flyer >
Questions? Check out our FAQ page or send us a message!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 | Participants and families meet at Sacred Groves for a gear check and send-off ceremony. We will set up in the moon lodge, play games, make dinner and prepare a fire together.
Days 2 - 3 | Time to get to know each other and find the best berry picking spots! These are the days where we focus on creating community with each other and with the land of Sacred Groves. We will identify plants, make delicious meals for each other, build fires, learn about each other's ancestry, share songs, trade stories and play lots of games in the woods!
Days 4 - 6 | Now that we know a bit about who we are on this journey with, it is time to dive deep and challenge ourselves! We will use art, song, poetry, ceremony and movement to prepare us for a Wisdom Lodge, an 8-hour solo, and a Maiden Ceremony. Participants will have one-on-one time with Program Mentors to address concerns and explore hopes for this exciting and courageous part of their journey. Our days will still be filled with fun games, tide-pooling and lounging in the warm summer sun. A community of women, including elders Tere and Therese of Sacred Groves, will make these experiences special and full memories that will last a lifetime.
Days 7 | This final day is all about integrating everything we've learned and experienced. The trick to wonderful summer experiences is learning how to make it a part of the rest of our lives. How do we carry sisterhood, community practices, creativity, nature exploration and our unique gifts with us into busy teenage lives? We will answer these questions together and with our families.
Skills Introduced
Teamwork | Self Reflection | Nature Connection | Campfires | Hiking | Ceremonial Leadership
Moon Rise Staff
Marisa Taborga Byrne
Program Coordinator
Marisa "Sasa" Taborga Byrne (she, her, hers) is a heart-centered humanitarian. Sasa comes from Irish/German, and Bolivian lineages and has loved many lands including California, Mexico, Alaska…
Program Coordinator
Iris is at home in the wild where wonder, curiosity and imagination fill her senses. She has ventured to many wild places including Patagonia, Papua New Guinea and the Himalayas…


text: If you love Japanese cuisine, Matsuzaka Japanese Restaurant is the place to order a good meal. Located in Caulfield South, we have established a great reputation for serving the best quality food in this area. We pride ourselves on using only fresh produce, meats, fish, and traditional herbs and spices. Customers of Matsuzaka Japanese Restaurant will always enjoy good food, fantastic service, and great prices at our restaurant. We have a quick and easy online order processing feature, so view the menu and place your order and we will ensure that you receive your food at the right time.


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This photography was handed into the Galloway Gazette offices in Newton Stewart after a reader found it lying in the road at Cunninghame Terrace in the town.
There's no information on the back to identify who it is.
If you have lost the photo please call into the Galloway Gazette office at 28 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart (behind GAP) to collect it. Or phone 01671 403029 if you have any information.


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Here are some of the main ingredients we had for lunch. Frozen green bell peppers, fresh red and yellow, red onion and cilantro. I used one of each (no, it's not all pictured here). For the cilantro, I used about twice what you see here.
After starting a pot of brown ride and after chopping the vegetables all up, I dumped them in the pan with some olive oil and cooked till the veggies were soft. Doesn't it look great?! I think I'm going to try putting the same ingredients in a food processor, fresh with a fresh tomato and see how that is for dipping corn chips!
Once it was done, I took two tomatoes, one red and one yellow, chopped then up and threw them in and cooked for a few mintues longer until the tomatoes were warmed up. Here is the end result along with the brown rice. It was delicious! My little bitty girly even ate a little bowl full!


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Nice review - looks like a screw-in Hollowtech type Botton Bracket through, going by the photo, not a press-fit. (They review says its press fit) Which is no bad thing, as Hollowtech BBs are ace, and easily user-servicable at home, and Ultegra ones only cost about £12. (which is why loads of frame builders like Mason stick with it) Bargain.
When BTwin released its new range of Triban bikes last year, Dave Arthur commented that the 540 'looks like a great bike on paper'. I'm happy to report that it lives up to expectations – it's a real joy to ride, with an incredible spec at a low price point that had me double-checking BTwin had got it right.
The triple-butted aluminium frame feels fast, comfortable and responsive, without much of the buzzy feeling you sometimes get from aluminium. The carbon fork also effectively absorbs bumps in the road. There's little to complain about, comfort-wise. It has front and rear rack and mudguard mounts, so you can load it up for weekend tours or all-year-round commuting.
> Find your nearest Decathlon store here
The Triban 540 is a pleasure to pilot, whether you're on smooth new tarmac, decaying and rough road surfaces or, to my surprise, over some particularly toothy London cobbles. But this makes sense when you check the seat tube – proudly proclaiming that the bike was designed in Lille and tested on the (relatively close) roads and cobbles of Flanders. It shows.
BTwin hasn't gone down the route of oversizing the bottom bracket junction, keeping with a standard sized press-fit unit, but the frame doesn't seem to lack anything because of it. This equates to a tiny bit of flex in the bottom bracket at full acceleration, but not something you'd notice unless you were trying hard to.
BTwin has oversized the front end, though, using a tapered head tube – 1 1/8in at the top flaring to 1 1/4in at the bottom. It's all about adding stiffness by increasing the cross sectional area; firstly it gives you a larger weld area so you can increase the diameter of the down tube, plus the alloy steerer of the fork is bigger, with all of these tweaks allowing for better steering accuracy and resistance to braking loads.
Thanks to these design features, the bike is stiff enough to react well to bursts of power, while out of the saddle it's easy to get into a rhythm to climb, or accelerate out of a corner. It's so comfortable, and fun, rides felt shorter than they actually were.
> Check out our guide to the best bikes for £500-£750
The slim seatstays offer some flex, and while steering feels easy and relaxed when you're cruising, it's responsive when you need it to be.
Speccing order
Decathlon's own-brand dual-pivot rim brakes performed well, including for sudden stops – no complaints there. Although the 540 is marketed as '105' (as in the Shimano groupset), BTwin has reduced costs by putting a Tiagra 12-28 cassette and Prowheel Ounce 721 compact 50/34 chainset on the frame; gear changing was easy, if not totally effortless.
The ergo handlebar is essentially a shallow drop bar, the width being specific to each of the five frame sizes within the range. I tested the 52cm, and getting into and holding a variety of riding positions was easy. Importantly, for a person with small hands, the brake levers were easy to reach. The 52cm size is the smallest in the range, which sadly rules it out as an option for smaller riders.
The alloy handlebar, stem and seatpost are all solid choices for the price. The bike is unisex, but Decathlon provided a women-specific saddle for testing – a choice it offers to all customers. It proved comfortable even on long rides, though of course saddle choice is very much a matter of personal preference.
Wheel deal
The 24mm-deep Mavic Aksium One wheels, with 20 front and 20 rear spokes, never felt like they were compromising the ride. The 25mm Hutchinson Equinox tyres roll well and offer decent amounts of grip, and are good enough to use until they wear out, as opposed to replacing early. When they do wear out, the frame has enough clearance for 32mm tyres (without mudguards) – which would increase comfort further.
Looks-wise, the 540's muted black and gunmetal greys are offset by BTwin's half-and-half coloured bar tape, in this case, half black, half lumo orange. The matching highlights on the frame are a nice touch. The welds aren't the smoothest, but that's hardly cause for complaint at this price.
Overall, this bike is a great buy for those new to road bikes and those looking to their next cycling challenge. And Decathlon offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, fork, stem and handlebar.
A pleasure to ride whatever the road surface, with an excellent spec for the money
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: BTwin Triban 540
Size tested: 52
About the bike
State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.
New Triban frame with carbon forks, Shimano 105 groupset and Mavic Aksium ONE wheels. The frame accepts up to 32mm profile tyres and full mudguards, as well as a front pannier.
New B'Twin Sport sloped frame made of 6061 T6 aluminium headtube for an integrated headset. Short frame geometry.
Weight: 1900 g in size 57.
Strong, versatile frame: mudguard and front and rear pannier racks can be mounted.
B'TWIN Sport fork with carbon blades and Aheadset aluminium 1"1/8 steerer tube.
Inserts on blades for mounting a front pannier rack.
This fork combines strength, low weight, and precision.
Shimano 105 shifters: the market benchmark.Weight: 485 g.
Shimano 105 double front derailleur.
Shimano 105 10-speed rear derailleur.
SHIMANO TIAGRA 10-speed 12/28 (12/13/14/15/17/19/21/23/25/28) cassette.
PROWHEEL OUNCE 721 compact, 50 x 34 chainset.
Crank length varies according to size of bike:
XS, S: 170 mm / M: 172.5 mm / L, XL: 175 mm.
B'TWIN long dual-pivot callipers: reliability and power; a mudguard with stays can be fitted.
New, ergonomic B'TWIN SPORT handlebars for better grip and excellent comfort.
Handlebar width end to end: XXXS, XXS: 380 mm / XS, S: 400 mm / M, L: 420 mm / XL, XXL: 440 mm.
New Mavic Aksium ONE wheels
S6000 Aluminium
ETRTO Dimension: 622 x 15 C
Height 24 mm for increased lateral rigidity.
Steel spokes (20 front and 20 rear).
Sealed cartridge bearings.
Hutchinson Equinox 700x25 folding bead tyres for higher performance and greater comfort.
New B'TWIN ERGO FIT saddle.
B'TWIN Sport aluminium seat post.
Diameter: 27.2 mm.
Length: 350 mm.
VP 383 pedals with toe clips.
9.5 kg in size M, without pedals.
Comes with front and rear-lighting kit and bell.
Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?
B'Twin calls this "the ultimate commuter and sportive bike".
It says: "With new ergo bars and saddle and a frame which accepts up to 32mm profile tyres and full mudguards, rider comfort is not forgotten."
It is well suited to commuting and sportives.
Frame and fork
Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?
Frame is comfortable; welds are a little knobbly-looking but the ride is great.
Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?
6061 aluminium frame, carbon fork.
Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?
BTwin's Sport sloped frame with short frame geometry.
How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?
Fine – no complaints; stack height and reach (the vertical and horizontal measurements from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube) were good for the stated size.
Riding the bike
Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.
Yes, very comfortable. The bike coped well with even very rough road surfaces – the ride still felt smooth.
Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?
Stiffness and flexibility were well balanced.
How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?
Well – there was no feeling of loss of power.
Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?
How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Neutral.
The drivetrain
Wheels and tyres
The 24mm deep Mavic Aksium ONE wheels, with 20 front and 20 rear spokes, never felt like they were compromising the ride.
The wheels are high spec for the price.
Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so, what for?
No need to change the wheels.
Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so, what for?
The Hutchinson Equinox tyres rolled well and offered decent amounts of grip; good enough to use until they wear out, no need to replace early.
Your summary
Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes
Would you consider buying the bike? Yes
Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
The BTwin Triban 540 is a great road bike at an incredible price, with components you'd normally find on much pricier models. The ride is comfortable, efficient and responsive; good enough for rough commuting, weekend club runs and sportives. And it's currently reduced to £450.
About the tester
Age: 0
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13 comments
Bargin I'd like to have seen 105 series brakes though and think they'd be worth paying an extra £20 for. Make a perfect winter bike on a budget.
Was their welder on strike and they got the trainee in! Ali can be difficult but blimey stevey wonder would have done a better job.
Edit: take it back about the brakes they are long drops for guard clearance.
The 10 speed bike is £450 currently and the 11 speed is £650 still a bargain
They're currently selling the Triban 3 (in smaller sizes) for £150. Carbon fork, 9-speed Shimano triple, 650c wheels. Pretty much the bike that started the whole Triban thing in this country. Good option as a starter road bike if you fit it, frame is good and upgradeable.
The bike is unisex, but Decathlon provided a women-specific saddle for testing – a choice it offers to all customers.
Is there an official source for this? My girlfriend bought the older 10 speed b'twin 540 from Oxford Decathlon the other day and asked about this, but no one in the store (including the manager) had heard of this policy.
This is now selling at £650 but is sporting a upgrade to the RS500 non-series Shimano cransket and 11-speed. Slightly surprised its a 52/36 rather than a compact; I wonder how many riders at this price point would exploit a 52/11 or cope with a 36/28 combo.
Looks really good in the flesh, particularly the Red/Navy option
Great bike for the money & loving mine as a winter bike. Being able to fit proper guards rather than bodging something onto a 'summer' bike makes all the difference and the 11sp 105 is a marked improvement on the 10sp I have on another more expensive bike. Like the 52/36 as a good compromise to but have other bikes with higher and lower gearing for different things
Hi. I now own the Triban 540 after reading some great reviews. However, one video says that it can take up to 32 tyres with mudguards but other places I'm looking at some folks are saying 28's. Can anyone confirm this? My plan is to do the North Coast 500 in Scotland, probably next year now but i want the thickest tyres possible with guards and a rack. If I'm using a rack would you go with Mudguards? Finally, can this bike take a front rack as well as a rear one?
Many thanks.


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Super Keith Haycock has arranged for another one of his legendary race nights to take place at the Cricket Club on Friday 15th April @ 19:30 Hrs. Entry is free but a ticket will be required for food. Each £5 ticket entitles you to Pie, Chips and Peas along with a free £1 bet on the night. Tickets are now available from all good committee members (and the rubbish one's too). Hope to see you all there !
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Recently, I've really liked to set myself monthly goals that I would appreciate achieving by the end of that said month. It really helps me have a productive month rather than sit around all month and doing nothing.
- Meditate every morning possible. I really do love meditation but it seems to be the habit of me partaking in meditation every day for a week and then forgetting one day, resulting in me never doing it again. I do not want this to be the case. I want to try and attempt to meditate every morning of this month, and then hopefully continue afterwards. For me, meditation really improves my mood and calms my anxiety so I think doing it in the morning will help me prepare for the day ahead.
- Go for walks more. This must seem like such a simple one but honestly, as soon as I get home from college on a weekday, I don't leave the house. I want to be able to go for a walk at least 4 times a week after dinner time. This will probably help me be less lazy as well because I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to doing any form of exercise.
- Explore a new place. I'm the type of person that will just go to the same old, boring places time and time again so I think this goal will be very beneficial for me. I want to at least explore one new place in the month of July, it could be as simple as a nature reserve or a new shopping centre I've never been to.
- Finally, declutter my room. My room is the messiest place known to man I swear. It's not the fact that its untidy, it is more cluttered. I'm going to try and attempt to declutter (and clean in the process) my room. A tidy environment is a tidy mind, right?
This blog post was pretty short today but I thought it would be pretty cool to put my goals into words and share them online – so hopefully I'll actually achieve them haha. Feel free to do this too because it's really fun!
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |Bloglovin|Snapchat : s.ophieharris


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Ten days ago we built a personal hot dog solar roaster from a chip canister. Recent snow was still melting that day, but the clouds thinned and it was 63°F outdoors. Spring in Utah is come and go, there was snow in the shade, but the lawn was out on the south side of the house, so we set up the cooker to see what we would get.
During our first attempt at 11 am there were still thin clouds, but all we could get out of the oven was 68°. We waited an hour, by then it was 68° outside and in just minutes the oven heated to 137°F.
Lunch and chips for Scouts with no mess from a campfire.
This simple solar cooker is great to show the power of the sun, have fun, and end up with a meal.
What you need to get started:
- 1 chip can (Pringles or other foil lined tube) for every Scout (its okay if they are full because it will add to your meal)
- 1 hot dog for each Scout
- 1 hot dog bun per Scout
- 1 14" wood skewer for each Pringles can
- mustard, ketchup, relish, (and sauerkraut for me)
- plastic wrap
- masking tape
- scissors or sharp knife,
- access to direct sunlight.
Building Your Roasters
Adopted from (Energy Information Administration, 2001)
- Cut the chip can as shown in the diagram
- Bend back the flaps, but do not remove them from the can.
- Cover the opening on the inside of the Pringles can with plastic wrap and tape the plastic wrap in place.
- Make small holes in the metal end of the can and in the plastic lid. Remove the plastic lid from the can.
- Put a hot dog onto a skewer, slide the skewer into the can, and place the end of the skewer into the hole in the metal end. Put the plastic lid back onto the can, fitting the other end of the skewer through the hole. The hot dog should be suspended inside the can as shown
- Place the solar cooker in direct sunlight, positioning the flaps to reflect the maximum amount of radiant energy onto the hot dog.
- Consider insulating the solar cooker to improve efficiency. In our case, we wrapped it with black duct tape and placed the entire cooker in a clear plastic bag.
- The flaps on the chip should be adjusted to reflect the sun's energy onto the hotdog.
Earth Day is a pin on my Scouting calendar every year, but sadly this year it falls on Sunday. That means, if you want to try this with your Scouts, you will probably have to celebrate Earth Day during the week, but for me I know have a car dashboard hot dog cooker I can take on trips.
Bryan on Scouting suggested these "10 ways to celebrate Earth Day with your pack, troop, or crew:
- Find Earth Day events near you. Large or small, attending a community event lets you celebrate on short notice.
- Bring some trivia to your next meeting, like "Environmental Jeopardy" (PDF), which mixes learning with friendly competition.
- Have fun with Cub Scouts with these Earth Day craft ideas and Earth Day coloring pages.
- Watch a movie that will inspire and entertain your Scouts. Some ideas: the Disney films Earth, Oceans or (my personal favorite) Wall-E. Have a discussion after you watch. Older Scouts might find the scientific data in An Inconvenient Truth compelling. I sure did.
- Volunteer with The Nature Conservancy, giving Scouts a chance to give back.
- Play a game, like this Leave No Trace card game, which appeared in the March-April 2011 edition of Scouting.
- Adopt a highway. Most states have Adopt-a-Highway programs that encourage groups to take responsibility of a stretch of roadway and pick up trash. To get started, try these tips from fellow Scouters.
- Carpool. Whether you're driving to work, school, or a weekend campout, show your Scouts that you're reducing toxic emissions by sharing a ride with coworkers, friends or other Scout leaders.
- Teach your Scouts how to: safely recycle electronics, create a compost pile, or identify recycled-content products.
- Offer Sustainability merit badge. There's no better time than Earth Day to offer this new, Eagle-required merit badge. See the requirements here.
What else can you do to remind Scouts about protecting our amazing but fragile planet? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below."


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It was with great pride that I was able to present "Cairde" Clones with a cheque for a fantastic 1500 euros, all proceeds from
Eugene T. Hamill Photography's"Happy Faces" event in April at our Clonboy studio in Clones. As ever upon request the people Of clones
and its hinterland gave very kindly to our request for a donation of 25 euros each for a portrait with their full donation going to the
wonderful community that is "Cairde" here in Clones. Cairde provides a facility for people withspecial needsto go and express
themselves by learning to make crafts, learning to sing and dance, learning how to communicate confidently with the general public
and most importantly becoming friends with each other as well as teaching us the general public to understand their needs and want
for respect within our community. I think they do a wonderful job and all the staff who work with them deserve great credit for carrying
out their caring duties to the fullest while preserving the dignity and respect their clients are entitled to. This is a magnificent facility we
have here in Clones and they certainly deserve every penny you the community have given them, Thank you, Thank you.
Eugene would like his clients who are waiting to choose their images and those who have already chosen their images to contact him
to organise appointments for viewing and for collection of images at the studio on 047 51788, 087 9948585 or through his facebook account .
Again Thank you for your great Contribution to people in need !!!!


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I am currently in the process of making our thank you cards and trying to decide on our album design. For the cards I have all the materials now; I also have the photos for the front and I'm just waiting on the photo cards to go inside. Although I have printed all the inserts, I have made about 50 {about another 55/60 to go} and have 0 actually written! Hopefully our guests wont mind the delay but I'm really glad I decided to wait to get some pro pics for the front as I think they look great and it will be really nice for the people who couldn't make it to see.
For the album, we got the first draft a couple of weeks ago but since getting our DVD of photos last Saturday, I have spent so long looking at them all & its so hard to decide which ones to include or what to change. Hopefully I will get my ideas / changes finished this weekend so I can send it back to the photographers.
We also had our bridesmaids dress fitting for my bridesmaid Helen's wedding in Italy in August last Saturday so starting to look forward to the next wedding I'm going to be a part of, cant wait, we go to Italy 8 weeks on Sat, and the hen night is in 5 weeks, which we have been planning over the last few weeks. I cant say what we are planning in case the bride reads this but I cant wait for that either!
I promise that my recaps are going to begin in the next few days; I only have one more post to write about the weather in the week leading up to the wedding {there was snow!}, then I'm going to start the recaps with the church rehearsal! I will leave you with another photo in the meantime.


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What is SEMrush? Seo For Startups
SEMrush is an Internet marketing and competitive intelligence Package of SEO tools you may use in marketing to get ranking results on search engines. Founded by marketers and designed for entrepreneurs, SEMrush has grown from a start-up in 2008 to an established global brand supporting 20,000 partners, 3 Million consumers, and above 8.3 Billion key word globally. SEMrush is your service provider when it comes To online marketing and relative competitive intelligence. No wonder the term SEMrush means the same thing as comparative and competitive intelligence. Seo For Startups
Characteristics of the different programs
Are you a start-up or a freelancer, small or developing A service with an established brand or an extensive web presence which requires a marketing solution for your business, marketing agency? Well search no further, because from only $99.95 to 399.95 USD per month, SEMrush has bundles and plans intended for your size of business.
Additional you can make your subscriptions Online advertising and competitive intelligence services, which can help you save around $800! For the monthly subscriptions though, SEMrush includes 4 Major price strategies, namely:
1. SEMrush Pro Strategy:
Designed for start-ups, in-house marketers and freelancers With a minimal budget, this, $99.95/month plan, is the most basic plan that gives you access to 28 advanced tools and features to boost your marketing. It is going to only cost you 999.40 for a yearly subscription. From the On-Page SEO Checker to Organic Traffic Insights, from PPC Keyword Tool to Ad Builder and many other features and tools, this program gives you more than enough tools and features to give you an edge over your competition. This plan gives you reports while allowing One crawl 100,000 pages, track 500 keywords, to use 5 endeavors and monitor 50 social networking profiles. Permitting you to run your SEO, PPC (pay-per-click ) campaigns and Social Media Marketing for your company, this strategy provides you the'spying' possibility you'll need by providing you with in-depth analysis and advice concerning your competitor's resources of traffic, social media outcomes, and other applicable marketing-related information.
2. SEMrush Pro Plan:
At $199.95 USD per month, this strategy is Acceptable for small And growing businesses and advertising and marketing agencies. You have the option of paying $1,999.40 upfront for an yearly subscription. Apart from getting all of the tools and features the Pro program comprises, the Guru plan includes Historical information Branded reports and Extended limits. This plan supplies you with 5,000 daily reports in addition to a total of 50 projects, 1,500 key words to monitor, 300,000 pages to crawl along with the capability to track 100 Social Media profiles.
3. SEMrush Business Plan:
This program is designed for agencies, E-commerce projects, and Businesses with an extensive web presence. Cost at $399.95 USD per month or $3,999.95 to get a yearly subscription, it gives you 10,000 reports daily while at the same time providing you with a total of 200 Projects, 5,000 keywords to track, 1,000,000 pages to crawl and the capacity to track 300 Social Media profiles.
4. SEMrush Enterprise Plan:
Designed for companies and brands that require and Marketing and competitive intelligence solutions is available upon request. This program enables its users to expand their limits and create unlimited keyword monitoring, unlimited projects, unlimited pages and social networking submitting and monitoring apart from allowing its users to get unlimited daily reports and API access. Seo For Startups
Advantages and Disadvantages of using SEMrush
1. Access to Tools That Increase Your ROI For Paid Promotion:
From SEMrush being simple to use, it also gives you Access to keyword research tools that throw out any guesswork of the window. Through the SEMrush Keyword study, Keyword Magic Tool and Keyword Difficulty tools, you can use the SEMrush recommendations to increase your ROI.
2. Site Audits and Keyword Research: SEMrush Is Useful If you have to check and compare the health status of your site'SEO-wise' together with the sites of your competitors as well. SEMrush also has no equal when it has to do with present keyword monitoring and suggestions on upcoming and emerging key words.
3. All-Under-One-Roof Tools: Whether it is SEO or articles Advertising, keyword research and posting and Ad construction, Multi-targeting and social networking tracking, you name it, SEMrush has it all under one roof enabling a freelancer and any firm to maximize their advertising and competitive intelligence goals.
4. Access to Actionable Data and Insight: With more than 3 Million users who search through 800 million key words and through 130 million domain names from the SEMrush database, SEMrush owns a treasure trove of data that marketers and SEO experts can use to generate insight and create actionable SEO and online marketing strategies.
5. Get into The Best of Search Engines Pages: With a regularly Upgraded database of more than 10 Million keywords sourced SEMrush is to ensure your site rankings higher and gets into the top of the search engines results pages.
6. Easy to Understand Reports: With agencies serving Clients, many of whom might not be SEO-savvy, SEMrush goes a very long way in ensuring that the daily report that SEMrush provides to them are user friendly and free of technical jargon.
1. Prohibitive Cost: If it had been possible to get the SEMrush attributes and tools under one roof in a much more affordable cost.
2. Keyword Direction, Access &: It may be hard sifting Through trying to find certain key words Million key words the SEMrush database keeps and updates.
3. No Customized Branded Reports:
SEO marketing agencies and pros that deliver regular Reports to their customers may wish to have the reports branded with their graphics. SEMrush doesn't permit this at the present time.
Would I recommend SEMrush for your marketing and competitive intelligence?
It is not as Straightforward as No. The way Google's search engine gets better with every Search query on its site, SEMrush has gotten much better with each key word used, each page crawled and every social networking profile recorded. Because it requires time, technology and enormous capacity to Have the ability to crawl and generate the type of online data that a firm like SEMrush generates, I'd recommend that when choosing your internet marketing or competitive intelligence spouse, ask yourself these questions:
1. Have they been tested and tried?
2. Have they delivered in other companies?
To Assist You answer the questions over, SEMrush has not just Been demonstrated and tested by everybody including that SEO guy you know from next door, but it has also delivered phenomenal results to established brands that the likes of Amazon, Forbes, HP, Deloitte, eBay etc.. As a matter of fact, Booking.com consistently gets a #1 ranking on Google among 17 million results, as a result of SEMrush! That's not to mention that utilizing SEMrush will guarantee your Success, however you can be sure that using a marketing and Competitive intelligence partner will radically improve your probability of success. Seo For Startups


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Medical marijuana could be legalized in South Carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA (FOX 46 WJZY) - Medical marijuana could be legalized in South Carolina by 2019, according to local advocates.
"This is the closest that they've ever been," lobbyist David Newsom said.
The Compassionate Care Act, a medical cannabis bill, made it to the SC state house and senate floors in 2018. The legislative session ended before it was voted on, but advocates told FOX 46 Charlotte that by their count, they should have the number of votes from politicians needed to pass legislation when the next session begins in 2019.
"This does appear to be a clear path to have this bill passed next year," Newsom said.
"People understand that it is inhumane to withhold from people medicine that can really help them," state senator, and founder of the Compassionate Care Act, Tom Davis said.
The former Executive Director of the South Carolina Sheriff's Association has even changed his attitude about the medical benefits marijuana can provide to some.
Advocates pointed to local law enforcement agencies for lobbying against medical marijuana. FOX 46 Charlotte reached out to S.L.E.D. and the South Carolina Sheriff's Association for comment. Both got back to us but both declined to interview.
A Winthrop poll shows 78 percent of South Carolinians support legalization of medical marijuana.


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You have done your research.
You have learned the side effects of the birth control pill.
You want a better solution for your family planning needs.
You have made the decision to ditch the risk and use a more natural way to plan your family.
That is great! But, you maybe thinking, "Where do I go from here?"
"There is so much information out there, how do you know where to begin?"
I am glad you asked!
It can be an overwhelming prospect when you make such a big decision regarding your family planning.
How do you get started?
Here are 5 Simple Steps:
1. Determine your why. Why are you making the decision to chart your fertility?
We all have our own personal reasons for taking this step. Maybe you just want to avoid the side effects of the Pill. Maybe you need help with a fertility health issue and don't want to take the Pill. Maybe you are sick of dealing with the side effects of the Pill.
Whatever your reason, be concrete and write it down. This will help you stay committed if and when things become challenging. It can take some time and patience to learn a new method of family planning.
You can refer back to your why sheet to help you stay committed and focused.
2. Find an instructor. It can seem easier and cheaper to learn to chart your fertility from the Internet, an app or a book. I strongly recommend against it.
I went through an extensive training program in fertility charting. My training allows me to offer women and couples the best and most accurate information regarding fertility health. All that is involved in charting fertility cannot be contained on one website, one app or in one book.
Every woman's fertility is completely different. You may run into charting difficulties or charting patterns that do not fit into the book, app or website examples that are given. This is when an instructor, such as myself, is invaluable.
Think about this: Would you it be easier and more effective to learn a skill such as piano from a website or book, or from a trained instructor?
Learning to chart your fertility is a skill. You are learning a new language. You need a trained instructor to guide you through the learning process. As a FertilityCare Practitioner, I also have the privilege of being trained and working alongside trained NaProTechnology doctors, which allows for additional education on the medical applications of charting your fertility. This allows me the ability to evaluate a woman's chart for biomarkers that may indicate a fertility health issue that needs treatment.
3. Attend an Introductory Session. The Introductory Session gives an overview of the background and science behind the System of family planning and what all is involved in charting your fertility.
Having this basic information helps lay a foundation for your learning to chart your fertility. You can usually ask questions and get more clarity as to your hopes and goals with the program of learning to chart your fertility.
4. Obtain charting materials, dive in and begin charting. This is the time to stay focused and meet with your instructor.
It can be overwhelming at first to begin charting your fertility signs. You can question yourself and whether you are doing it correctly. That is perfectly normal.
Most people learn best by doing. Your Practitioner will be there every step of the way to guide you through charting and help you gain confidence. The more you do it, the more confident you become.
And, remember, if things don't fit into a simple pattern, don't worry. Your Practitioner is trained to manage anything you could possibly see in your fertility chart.
5. Stay consistent with charting and follow-ups. This is where your why statement comes into play. You may need to remind yourself of your "why" when things become challenging.
The In Touch Fertility Care Program is designed to walk with you all the steps of learning to chart your fertility. As a FertilityCare Practitioner, I journey with you through the program from the basics of charting, to evaluating biomarkers, to delving into how environment, stress and medications can affect your fertility health.
By the end of the program, you will be a charting expert, fully in tune with your body and your fertility.
This is your time! It is your time to put yourself first. To put your fertility health as a priority. Your fertility health can impact your overall health so it is important to be in tune with your body and take care of your fertility health.
Still on the fence or have more questions? Schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Download the 5 Step Guide in a handy, dandy printable!


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As technology has continued to permeate our lives we tend to gather more and more gadgets to both assist and entertain us. With the march of time however, certain tech falls by the wayside in favour of the 'newer model'. Today we're looking at uses for the humble desktop or laptop, once its time as your primary system is up.
Sell it
Ok, so this one may have already crossed your mind. With the case of a working laptop or desktop consider not just selling it, but also getting it wiped and then installing a more common Linux distribution. This may take a little longer than merely selling a wiped system, but people may be willing to pay a little extra for a 'ready-to-go' system. If there are obvious hardware issues with a system then consider listing as broken, or stripping for parts. Components such as RAM and the CPU, if accessible, can still potentially fetch a decent amount. Check for what similar components sold for on eBay in your country and remember to package carefully!
Photo by Lovro Oreskovic
Build a Gaming Console
With sufficient specifications you might consider giving your old system a new life as a dedicated steam machine. Check out the hardware requirements here. If your system falls short of these specs then don't despair! Old retro games can be run on emulators on even the lowliest of systems. Lakka is a fully fledged Linux distribution that bundles numerous games onto one system and will even work on a Raspberry Pi! Note that you will still have to find and download the games to play.
Photo by Jason Coleman
Try out a new OS
If you're keen to get your hands dirty with Linux, or have a hankering to try out Mac OS then your old system might be the ideal candidate. While Hackintosh requirements have become more forgiving in recent years you'll still need to check if your system is compatible a Hackintosh build. Thankfully there are plenty of guides online to steer you in the right direction. If you found that over time your computer had slowed down whilst running Windows then you may be surprised how fast it can run with a lightweight linux installation such as Lubuntu. or, lighter still, Puppy Linux. There's almost certainly a distribution that will run for you, regardless of how old your system is. For instance Tiny Core Linux will run nicely on Pentium 2 systems with as little as 64mb of RAM!
Photo by NCReedplayer
Gift to relative or charity
Finally perhaps the easiest and some may say most rewarding thing you can do if none of the above options appeal is to give the system to someone else. Sometimes the easiest solution is the best and this way you help someone else whilst freeing up some space in your own place. If you do decide to gift the computer to a relative remember you may end up having to help out if something happens to break!


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I went to an all girls comp school in Lewisham, where we were very lucky to have an incredibly charismatic and enthusiastic art teacher who I will remember forever. Her passion for her subject made art a school favourite because you got to do all sorts of cool things like design your perfect bedroom out of the Ikea catalogue or run across the floor with paint on your feet.
The best thing about this art teacher however, was when she took the school assembly and kept 500 girls from South East London quiet for 15 minutes, with tales ranging from her family life to the inspiring lives of female artists. Finding out about the complex, creative figure that was Frida Kahlo was a watershed moment for me at the age of 14 or 15, and then when someone told me that Madonna was her biggest collector I was totally sold (this was back when Madonna was still totally ace, rather than alright).
I was totally sold again,a few weeks ago, when I saw this t shirt from a small range of different prints all featuring Frida. Teenage fan-girl meets her idol. Cher-ching.
T shirt - Zara
Belt & Trousers - Zara
Shoes - Marni