Lily Chalmers

Wed, Aug 6th 2025 at 12:40 pm - 2:00 pm

Madras pupil's trip to Borneo

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The guest speaker was Lily Chalmers, a recipient of the Club’s ‘Young Carers' Award. Lily used her award towards her ‘Eco World Challenge’ when she joined other students of Madras College on a trip to Borneo this summer. She said "half the challenge is raising (£4,500) for the trip" -the Club supported her with the cost of her several vaccinations while she raised money by playing her bagpipes. The group flew into Kota Kinabalu and then it was off for a three day trek through the jungle, sleeping in hammocks in small villages, before arriving at the project site to plant young saplings in damaged forest areas with a view to supporting wildlife and the ecosystem. A visit followed to an orangutan and sun-bear sanctuary where the animals, rescued from the pet trade, were given freedom in unfenced areas which then enabled them to return to the jungle when ready. Lily saw mountains, lots of jungle, rivers, many more wildlife species including salt-water crocodiles. What was her most memorable moment? "A huge orangutan gathering”. She also said the food was interestingly different, “Spicy, but I really enjoyed it”. This had been an experience to remember for a lifetime. Colin Mitchell gave the vote of thanks.