A Room of One's Own - July 09

I wasn't able to get the station streaming in the last two weeks of June. Organising a technician to come to the University and quote on purchasing the satellite and fitting to the roof turned out to take longer than I'd expected. It's little things that cause delays, like someone telling you they'll text you the details of urgent information needed for the next step. So I wait patiently only to discover they've emailed me instead without realising I can only access the internet at the little community centre 15 minutes drive away from my village which is only open two hours in the morning and afternoon and even then not every day. And because I wasn't expecting this information to come via email I didn't make the trek to go and check, so there's a few more days lost in the limited time I have!

Finally, three years after its inception, RD has a room of its own at Bordeaux IV University,Perigueux, France.



L to R: Pascale, Marianne and Jean-Luc from Perigueux Bordeaux IV University, help bring Radio Dordogne to life with a room and equipment on campus.

Sadly I make the decision to tell Andrew and John from the Uni of Lincoln there's no point in coming as the satellite won't be fitted in time. I worry they'll be annoyed. I've had a win with someone responding to my plea for a video camera person to document the event. He's sounds amiable and relaxed. He said he's into adventures and therefore keen to help. Nice attitude. I'll have so many helpers staying in my little stone cottage looks like I'll be staying at a friends to fit everyone in!

A point to remember here is the Australian dollar. When a quote comes in at 500 euros it's actually double this once I pay for it on my credit card back in Australia. When I hand over my card I have to look away and swallow hard otherwise I'd never buy a thing. Yes it's expensive but I love this project and remind myself the University are providing office space so I can hardly complain.

The day before I sadly head back to Australia I finally pay for the satellite and agree on a date in August for it to be fitted.