They all share what they have (From Gazette Series)

They all share what they have

SINCE 1993 Rangeworthy couple Eleanor and Frank Felton have made more than 40 journeys to Romania to distribute aid to the underprivileged. The couple recently returned from their latest Romanian visit and are already planning to go back in September. Gazette reporter Sarah Carless spoke to them about the work that has come to dominate their lives

RANGEWORTHY charity workers Eleanor and Frank Felton visit Romania four or five times a year, spending their time delivering aid under the banner of Eleanor Children's Charitable Trust.

They first became involved over 12 years ago after seeing television pictures of babies and children in appalling conditions in Romanian orphanages and were moved to make their first visit.

They have been going back ever since delivering everything from toiletries, stationery, sweets, toys and clothing, all donated by the people of Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.

"In the villages we visit, people live in nothing more than sheds. They don't have bathrooms or kitchens, the houses have no windows or doors and there is no sanitation," said Mrs Felton.

"We take masses of stuff with us and on our last visit we took 12 tonnes. When we distribute it people are waiting for us to arrive. People will run down the valleys to get a box when they know we are coming. They are happy to see us and they are always smiling.

"Everybody gets a box and they are so passive and quiet - there is no grabbing. Although they are very poor they know that the person behind them has got nothing and they all share.

"To the people who live in far-flung places it means so much to them. One girl who received a parcel ten years ago still has the wrapping paper from the parcel pinned on the wall of her house - that is how much it meant to her."

Although many of the sights in this former Communist state are distressing the people are beginning to pick themselves up and the gifts from Gloucestershire are a very welcome boost.

"It is very rewarding," Mr Felton said. "Sometimes when you go round the villages an old woman will come out with no shoes on and when you give her something she will start crying because she is so moved by it. These people are really excited to see us - it is something big to them."

Such is the size of the project the couple have a deposit site in Danesti where all the stock is kept before it is distributed.

"The deposit will take two to three lorry loads of stuff at a time," Mrs Felton explained. "We cover mile after mile every day to distribute items. We generally start at 8am and we are still delivering when it gets dark."

She said it was hard for people in this country to believe that people living in Europe could live in such poverty.

"It is because Romania is not very far away. You can come to terms with what is happening in Africa, but these are almost our neighbours."

Despite the extreme deprivation, Mrs Felton is full of admiration for the efforts the Romanians put in for themselves.

"The only water these people have is from the streams but when you look at their white clothes they are absolutely spotless and they do it without a washing machine."

Since the fall of Communism the population of the country has become massively divided and although the cities may be prosperous, the countryside is a very different story.

"Romania is a place of huge contrasts," Mrs Felton explained.

"You will see a satellite dish on the roof of one house but when you get out into the countryside you see a man with his oxen trying to do a bit of farming."

Mr Felton added: "The buildings people live in out in the countryside are falling to bits. They start buildings but they never finish them off because they run out of money and they can't take it any further."

The couple spend every Christmas in Romania and over the years have developed strong connections through their visits and always receive a warm welcome.

"It is lovely to come through the airport and see people waiting for you," Mr Felton said. "And when you get off the train after a long journey you are greeted by half a dozen people - it is a very warm welcome."

Despite having only just returned from one trip, the Feltons are alread planning their next visit in September as well as their Christmas box campaign which has had tremendous support from Gloucestershire families for more than a decade.

"We are now starting our box campaign now, which we wouldn't be able to do without the support of local people," Mrs Felton said.

"Children from local schools prepare boxes full of items for a Romanian child of a similar age and it shows that children in this area are thinking about other children across the world.

"In most cases the Christmas box will be the only present these children will get - they are thrilled with whatever they receive."

The Feltons say they will continue travelling to Romania to help people in deprived areas because people's reactions make it worth while.

"You can't spend your life devoted to helping the whole of the world but this is how we spend our time and we will keep going there," Mrs Felton explained.

"You can't change the world but you can help one corner. We are utterly thrilled to see people's faces and it makes it worth while."

* To make a donation or to find out more about the Eleanor Children's Charitable Trust call 01454 228209.