AN EXPEDITION from Wotton-under-Edge and surrounding areas is being planned to South India in February.

Co-Leaders Graham and Pam Smith, from Parklands, will be heading the trip to Dornakal in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the 14 adventurers include the Rev Dr John May, the vicar of St Mary's.

The project is a Christian venture, but includes people from different church denominations.

The Church of South India is the result of the union of churches in that area of varying traditions - Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed. It was inaugurated in September, 1947.

Dornakal diocese, along with the diocese of Karnataka Central, centred on Bangalore, established a practical link with the diocese of Gloucester in 2001.

Dornakal is in a rural region, about 220km east of Hyderabad and 500km north of Chennai (formerly Madras).

The small town exists primarily as a railway junction. But it was here in 1939 that Bishop V S Azariah, the first ethnic Indian bishop, who was consecrated in 1912, built the cathedral for the new diocese. Mr Smith said: "The present bishop, the Right Rev A Rajarathnam, is progressively expanding the Christian presence to the outposts of the diocese and especially to the Banjaro tribes."

Dornakal has a school for deaf children in the cathedral compound, with two hostels for these children. In the rainy season the roofs leak and the hostels are also in need of refurbishment.

Mrs Smith said: "Bishop Rajarathnam is anxious to improve the lot of these children but has limited resources for anything but the basics."

By raising £1,200 each, team members can help these children by funding the roof repairs and spending around three weeks redecorating the interior. They will also participate in the school's daily activities.

Accommodation will be in the cathedral compound, near the bishop's house, and will involve sharing with other team members.

Fundraising has begun and will continue next weekend, with an Indian supper of curry and rice at St Mary's Parish Church Room. The event is sold out already.

Blue Coat Primary School, Wotton, is also involved in the project, contributing the proceeds from its harvest festival. It is seeking a direct link with the deaf school and this will be initiated during the visit in February.

Goddfrey and Sue Marsland, travelling from Wotton United Church, will be identifying a project for their church to get involved with, while in Dornakal.

More details about the trip will be available at St Mary's Church services on Saturday, November 15 (6pm) and Sunday, November 16 (10.15am). Gillian Hubbard and the Archdeacon of Gloucester, who have both visited Dornakal, will be speaking.