Hello!



I’m Diane, and I’m crazy about cranes! I’ve been watching the movements of a crane which is operating at BAM’s construction site at South Thames College. This beautiful crane inspired me to write a little poem – then I heard about Red Noise day. Then I thought wouldn’t it be great if I could read the poem to the crane driver for Red Nose Day, so I asked BAM, and look at what happened…

Andy Lock, BAM’s project manager, told the crane driver, John, who has agreed to come down from his tower crane cabin for me to give my reading. Not only that, but Andy and BAM are helping me raise money for Comic Relief by arranging for an eight foot red nose to be fitted onto the crane, and donating the costs of the crane hire for that week. What’s more, they have invited me to make it into the crane driver’s cabin!



But there’s more... South Thames College and the company's supply chain for this massive construction project are also helping out with fundraising – more details next week!



Please sponsor us all for this fun and exciting event that has grown up out of my innocent request, and please do tell others about it! Please give generously but only what you can afford! And thank you for reading my poem!



Diane Padgett

My Lofty Friend

I watch him from my window

All day long - my hero!

Remote, aloof, remaining

Even when it’s raining.

I see him from my study

And wish he was my buddy.

His jib is cut precisely,

He swings it, oh, so nicely

In arcs almost balletic.

He’s just so, oh - kinetic.

But way too far above me.

How can I make him love me?

I’d signal, wave a banner,

Go out and buy a spanner –



Or lob him a hot dinner?

That might be a winner.

It’s all so very tiresome.

I could go out and hire some

Enormous blooming ladder.

Could anything be sadder?

A girl can get impatient

While gazing from her casement.

Oh, come down to my level

You manipulative devil.

Please donate what you can!