Sharpe’s March will take place between the 23rd and 25th September 2011 and will cover a distance of fifty miles between Marlborough, in Berkshire, through Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, and on to Reading. A staggering number of Napoleonic re-enactors from across the country will march against poverty. Their mission – make a real impact on the plight of children all over the world, many in countries associated with the Sharpe tales.

Read what they have to say at Sharpe’s March and also about the spark that lit this particular fire at ‘The Sharpe’s Children Foundation’ This charity, founded by Daragh O’Malley and supported by the cast of Sharpe as well as many other famous names, has made huge strides since its inception and is now well on its way to building the flagship shelter in Kodtra, the first of many in seriously deprived areas of the world.

If you cannot be there, try to donate something, no matter how small. Every little helps.

May all your dreams come true and may all those giving their time and energy to support all worthwhile causes including those with which we have also become involved, have their labours rewarded.

See you in 2011!

A full report will follow. In the meantime, one photo of the memorable occasion.

Smiling faces confirm the evening's success

Due to technical problems, the video of ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’ is best seen on Youtube for the moment.

For more news about the charity and it’s aims, visit their site.

I was met at the door by none other than Daragh O’Malley, who was genuinely pleased to greet a visitor and was as charming as ever. Yvette Leavy, the administrator, was also there and we all sat down to a cup of coffee and a long chat.

Daragh is very passionate about the charity and everything it hopes to achieve. It was inspiring hearing the plans they had and the trials they had already been through, and I was proud to be able to reaffirm the commitment of myself and the Sharpe Chefs to their aims.

It didn’t matter that it was a miserable day, that London was overcast and that it hadn’t stopped raining since I’d left the station. I came away feeling that this charity was going to achieve and I will be watching them every step of the way.

We were privileged to meet Tom Clegg, the director of the Sharpe series, and were delighted to say hello again to Michael Mears. A newcomer to one of these events was Nickolas Grace, who was charming and natural despite having played the odious Father Hacha in Sharpe’s Honour! Sadly unable to get to the event was Jason Salkey, who was stuck in New York due to a certain natural disaster – the only thing that could have kept him away! He was very much missed by the Chefs.

One of the high points of the weekend was being able to confirm our support for The Sharpe’s Children Foundation, in the person of Daragh O’Malley. We wish them every success and look forward to seeing the charity and its purpose grow.

See you there Saturday and Sunday.