BBC Inside Out - North West: Monday January 24, 2005 TSUNAMI DISASTER The tsunami disaster has hit the headlines around the world North West action John Farrington answers your questions How to help Sources of support and advice In the aftermath of the Asian tsunami disaster, Inside Out meets one man who spent his savings to go overseas to try and help those worst-hit by the crisis. Here, John Farrington tells the BBC the story of how he travelled to Thailand to try and make a difference. Force of nature On December 26 2004, a massive earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Indonesia, the largest of its kind for 40 years. The resulting tidal wave, or tsunami, devastated communities from eastern Malaysia to West Africa, killing over 270,000 people, with over 400 Britons feared dead or missing. People all over the world have been shocked by the tragedy, donating money in their thousands, but for one North West man, simply contributing to the relief fund just wasn't enough. Exclusive web interview John Farrington travelled abroad to help out in the crisis CLICK ON THESE LINKS FOR EXCLUSIVE BBC WEB INTERVIEWS What compelled you to come? What were your impressions when you arrived here? What have you got from your experience?   REALPLAYER REQUIRED That's why John Farrington took his savings and left his Wilmslow home to go overseas to help - right at the centre of the crisis. "Like most people I watched in horror as the events in the Indian ocean unfolded. "I suddenly decided to leave everything I know and love behind, and spend my savings on a flight to Bangkok. "It was an easy decision to make - it was all because of this photograph in the newspapers, of a father in India holding his dead eight-year-old son's hand. "It reminded me of my son Gabriel - he's eight too. "When I talked to him he told me, 'Daddy, I want you to go, because the people out there need help.' "That was how I found myself on a plane to Thailand." Images of destruction The BBC gave John a camera to record his experiences, and, as we discovered, it was even more shocking than he first thought. Many areas have been totally devastated by the tidal wave When he arrived, the first thing he saw was a wagon carrying coffins, so he stopped filming to help load the dead bodies. John stayed in Thailand over New Year, and said the experience was harrowing. "It's hard to think that all around the world people were saying such a sad goodbye to a year that ended in tragedy, and welcoming in a new one with such despair instead of hope. "In Khao Lak there was no sense of time, just the grim task facing the army and the stench and silence of death. "Candles were being lit and prayers said for the dead." During his time in Thailand, John only met one man who survived the disaster, and was overwhelmed by the devastation that faced him everywhere he went. He was particularly affected by the thousands of people searching for their missing loved ones, not knowing if they were dead or alive. "The hardest part for me was trying to help people find those missing, especially when they were looking for children. "People would come to us with their details, and by the time I'd been there three days we'd set up a wall of photographs. "By the end of my first week there are still search teams going out looking for bodies." Unusual sights Charities and volunteers are working hard to distribute relief John was surprised by some of the measures the Thai authorities were taking to help - including using a group of elephants normally used for tourist trips to help carry bodies back to the Disaster Centre. And he was moved by the efforts of the people he met, who were all trying to help in some small way in the midst of the tragedy. "A German man, who was living in Thailand, arrived with his wife. "He told me he had just brought a car load of supplies for us. "It was a wonderful gesture and the kind of thing that was happening every day." But amid the happier moments of his trip, John and the team were also in considerable danger. "It's a terrifying reminder of how vulnerable we are when new earth tremors shake the camp and we're told to get on a lorry and head into the hills. I was petrified." Despite his fear, John and the other men and women who volunteered their time made a real difference to the relief effort in Thailand. And while John was overseas at the centre of the tragedy, his neighbours back home in the North West were doing what they could to help.       Nancy Dell 'Olio turns up for a kickabout - in knee high stiletto boots   As outfits for a game of football on a grassy pitch go, Nancy Dell'Olio couldn't have chosen a less suitable one. The on/off love of Manchester City football manager Sven Goran Eriksson turned up to launch a youth football tournament wearing a mini-trenchcoat - and knee high stiletto boots. Scroll down for more... Soccer babe: Nancy Dell'Olio shows off her soccer skills but is somewhat hindered by her knee-high stiletto boots As ever, Nancy had made an effort to maintain her particular brand of high-maintenance glamour, but the dominatrix-style boots definitely hindered her footwork. When she attempted to impress a group of youngsters with her soccer skills, her shot on goal looked decidedly off target, but Nancy gamely carried on with a glossy smile on her face. Nancy was at Hopwood Hall College, Middleton, Rochdale, to launch the five-a-side tournament on United Nations Peace Day on behalf of the football-themed peace organisation Truce International. The organisation was set up by the couple to unite young people across the world in the pursuit of world peace. Scroll down for more... Action woman: Nancy 's super-high stilettos don't prevent her from taking part in any of the activities at the launch of the five-a-side football tournament The flamboyant brunette said now Eriksson is in charge of Manchester City, she is keen to spend more time in the north of England's foremost city. The 46-year-old lawyer has been notable in her absence since his summer appointment amid intense speculation over whether she and the Swede are still an item. But she explained to the Manchester Evening News: "I'm so very, very, busy in London and Sven is busy in Manchester so it is difficult. "But I have been to Manchester before and hopefully you will soon see me spending more time there." When questioned about her relationship with Sven she remained tight-lipped but did say she would not be seeing him on this visit. Nancy said: "Unfortunately he will be travelling to London with the Manchester City team to play Fulham, so I will miss him." The pair run and Nancy was at Hopwood Hall College, in Middleton, Rochdale, to launch a five-a-side tournament on United Nations Peace Day. She said: "I have been to places like Geneva, Rome and New York but it is good to come to somewhere like here. "Rochdale is one of the few places that is doing something for the peace day."   IN tune ... a musical accompaniment to the parade. advertisement   Pupils and stars unite for peace 25/ 9/2007 AN EMOTIONAL two-minute silence at The Cenotaph was one of the highlights of Rochdale’s second annual Peace Parade. The event, to mark United Nations International Peace Day, saw 600 youngsters march through the town centre on Friday carrying giant peace doves. Rochdale MP Paul Rowen joined the march and other dignitaries included the mayor, Councillor Peter Evans, Colin Parry, whose son Tim was killed in the IRA bombing in Warrington in 1993 and Nancy Dell’Olio, the girlfriend of Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson, who runs a football-themed peace organisation, Truce International, with Mr Eriksson. Another star of the colourful parade was the original car from the children’s film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. The famous vehicle was driven by owner and actor Pierre Picton who appeared in the movie. The 73-year-old said: "It was fantastic and it was nice to be a part of the event. " The veteran actor first visited the town in 1966 when he was writing a gourmet guide to fish and chip shops. Then he met one of Rochdale’s most famous residents, Gracie Fields, who was born above a ‘chippy’ in Molesworth Street. Lending his support, the mayor said: "I’m here to commend the ideals of those who are taking part in the march." Following the parade Miss Dell’Olio travelled in style, in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, to launch a five-a-side Truce International tournament at Hopwood Hall College, Middleton. She also held a question and answer session with Mr Parry and United Nations representatives. At night 120 people descended on Richmond Hall for a ‘gig for peace’ featuring four acoustic acts and five bands. Parade organiser John Farrington hopes that next year’s event will be even bigger and better. And he is exploring the idea of holding a peace parade, following a Truce International tournament, in every town. He discussed this idea with Miss Dell’Olio, who said she was impressed with Rochdale’s campaign for peace. Mr Farrington said: "Nancy has given me Truce’s full support with this. "She was brilliant and attentive with a heart of gold but eternally glamorous." Miss Dell’Olio was happy to lend her support to the event. Speaking to the Observer she said: "I’m here to promote the United Nations Peace Day. "I’ve been involved in the campaign since 2002 to promote peace through football nationally and internationally. "Rochdale is setting a good example to the rest of the country because they are doing something for the peace day and I’m happy to be here." Some of the children were greeted by Miss Dell’Olio at the Town Hall and she added: "I think it’s fantastic that so many children are here. "The event is getting the younger generation involved and letting them know that peace is not just an abstact idea, it is concrete."   Youngsters kick a ball for peace
A number of events are being held in a Greater Manchester town to mark United Nations Peace Day, including a football event opened by Nancy Dell'Olio. Primary school children will take part in "Kick a Ball for Peace" at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale. Ms Dell'Olio along with her partner and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson support Truce International, a football themed peace organisation. A town parade and one minutes' silence to mark the day is also planned. 'Important date' Along with the mayor of Rochdale, Colin Parry OBE, whose son was killed in the IRA bombings of Warrington in 1993, is to attend the parade which involves more than 600 of the town's youngsters marching with giant peace doves. Event organiser John Farrington, from Rochdale Peace, said: "Rochdale is the only town in Britain that is formally observing UN Peace Day. "We feel that at a time like this, educating our children about peace has never been more important. "We are campaigning to get the UN's International Day of Peace recognised as an important date in the UK calendar."

John is hoping for gift of peace for Christmas

THE ground-breaking Rochdale Peace Day was such a huge success, organiser John Farrington is now planning a follow-up event at Christmas.

Mr Farrington says his next mission is 'Peacemas' in Rochdale.

He hopes children across the borough can meet for an hour on Christmas day and hold hands in a gesture of peace and goodwill.

Mr Farrington, who brought Colin Parry, father of Warrington bomb blast victim Tim Parry, the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car and a representative for the United Nations into Rochdale for the UK's first public observation of United Nations Peace Day, is also busy planning next year's peace parade.

Mr Farrington hopes the day will be 'bigger and better' next autumn, with more towns across Greater Manchester joining in the event.

He also wants children in their last year of primary school, who took part in the parade this year, to become 'ambassadors for peace' when they start at secondary school next year.

He says this will have a cumulative effect, resulting in secondary schools and colleges also taking part.

Mr Farrington said: "We don't want to lose the momentum of what we achieved with Rochdale Peace Day.

"I am reluctant to wait another year for another peace day and I think Christmas would be the ideal time to do something.

"I am pleased to see that the work is already continuing. I have seen that St Michael's Primary School in Bamford is having a peace play."

Nancy makes her debut

NANCY Dell'Olio brought a touch of glamour to the streets of Rochdale during her eagerly awaited first appearance in Greater Manchester.

The on/off girlfriend of Manchester City manager Sven Goran Erikkson made a flying visit to the town to lend her support to the Rochdale Peace Parade and, in typical fashion, turned heads in her stunning outfit.

She runs the football-themed peace organisation Truce International . She said: "I've been involved in the campaign since 2002 to promote peace through football nationally and internationally.

"Rochdale is setting a good example to the rest of the country because they are doing something for the peace day and I'm happy to be here."

More than 600 youngsters from the town participated in the colourful parade and marched behind the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.

Nancy, 46, also proved that she's a good sport by making an appearance in the famous car alongside one of the stars of the original film, actor Pierre Picton, who has owned the much-loved vehicle for the past 35 years.

Parade

Some of the children were greeted by after the parade at the Town Hall and she added: "I think it's fantastic that so many children are here. The event is getting the younger generation involved and letting them know that peace is not just an abstract idea, it is concrete."

Other dignitaries at the parade included Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Peter Evans and Colin Parry whose son Tim was killed in the IRA bombing in Warrington in 1993.

Nancy hopes that the event will encourage the government to introduce a day to celebrate the peace movement. She said: "It's sad that the government does not have a national day for peace but maybe next year in 2008 that will change."

After her show-stopping appearance she was then whisked off to launch a football tournament at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton. Nancy agreed to pose with a Manchester City shirt but she was persuaded not to by parade organisers who feared it would detract from the purpose of the event.

Rochdale Peace Day countdown!

It is just a week until the Borough of Rochdale makes history and hosts the UK's first Official observance of the UN Peace Day. The event will happen on Thursday, 21st September and will feature a variety of events including a 'Peace Parade' featuring over 500 schoolchildren from over 50 schools. The event has captured the imagination of the people of Rochdale and each school has made a 'Peace Dove' that they will be displaying at the parade. There will then be 2 minutes silence to observe the day at the Town's Cenotaph, this will be followed by a Peace Rally in the historic ballroom of Rochdale Town Hall.

Special Guests at the event include Colin Parry OBE - Peace Campaigner and Father of Warrington Bomb Victim Tim Parry. Karen Davies - A Senior Member of the United Nations with special involvement in the United Nation's Information Centre. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - The classic original car from the film - seen as a symbol of safety for children across the world. The Mayor of Rochdale - Councillor Jean Hornby and senior figures from all 3 political parties in Rochdale including the Town's MP - Paul Rowen and

John Farrington - TV Presenter, Peace Campaigner and one of the key organisers of the event.

John Farrington said, "This will an extra special day and hopefully towns and cities across the UK will sit up and take notice of our event. It has taken many months to organise but I am sure we will all be proud of the event. Rochdale will come alive with the youth of the Town with one thing in mind - peace. We have introduced some fun - with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and I can't thank the Education Department of Rochdale Council enough for their help."

The 'Peace Rally' will feature the Guest Speakers and the Children of Rochdale will sing the Peace Anthem. Karen Davies will be reading a Special Message from the United Nations General Secretary - Kofi Annan and there will be a special video about the event made by local TV Production Company Sleepwalker Films.

Children to get big peace of the action

ORGANISERS of the Rochdale Peace Parade hope to have more than 60 primary schools involved when they return after the summer holiday.

So far the organisers of the parade through the town centre, on 21 September, have got 48 schools on board.

The aim is to have more than 1,000 children, aged 10 and 11, carrying giant peace doves to observe United Nations Peace Day.

Since last term children have been extremely busy making the 20ft wide kite-shaped doves as part of their peace studies at school.

It is hoped that the parade, which will be led by the famous movie car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, will inspire the young people of Rochdale to look towards a positive future.

Organisers believe that if Rochdale brings about change, it will encourage other towns throughout the country and then the world, to be united in global peace and goodwill.

Paul Thomason is organising the event with Norden TV producer and presenter, John Farrington, who was involved in the tsunami relief effort.

He said: "We hope that all primary schools will be involved by the time the parade comes around.

"Forty eight have so far signed up to do it.

"We also expect to get secondary school children on board for the parade and we hope their families will come along to join in the fun."

Mr Thomason and Mr Farrington will be at the Wheatsheaf shopping centre every Saturday at 9am in the run up to the parade.

They will hold an exhibition on the parade and sell raffle tickets to give two children the chance to ride in the parade in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Paul Rowen MP – Letters from Parliament 25/09/07

Last week I was pleased to be able to show Ann Bradley and her friend from America around the Houses of Parliament before travelling back to Rochdale for the Peace Parade on Friday, very well organized by John Farrington. The weather was appalling but children from several primary schools in the borough took part including St Mary's with Nick Wigmore, leading the staff and one of my old pupils Christian Horner leading pupils from my old school of St. Johns. Rochdale is unique in the country in celebrating United Nations Peace Day and it is a credit to John and his team.