UPDATE Sunday 4th December 2022:
I got through my sleepout once more. I was installed in my sleeping bag by 10pm on Friday 2nd and was released by Adrienne in the morning who turned the patio light on and came outside to tell me it was just after 7am. My wife came bearing a lovely mug of tea (see updated photo). Probably the best cup of tea of the year. The mug comes from our Dutch friends in Cuijk. It didn't rain properly in the night, but there was some drizzle early on. It was cold enough, and my arms and elbows as well as feet were the coldest parts of me. My hands though were kept toasty by some hand warmers in my gloves.
There were of course periods of sleeplessness and moments of wondering what that noise was. It was naturally not very comfortable, and to avoid compressing my internal organs too much I spent most of the time lying time on my back.
On Friday 2nd December 2022 I will be turning out, whatever the weather, to re-acquaint myself with the little (5 feet) wooden bench in my back garden to sleep out for the night under the stars (or clouds) to raise funds for CHESS Homeless www.chesshomeless.org
CHESS Homeless had planned an organised fundraising event at the end of October but have had to postpone that sleepout due to the low number of pre-registrations.
To do my bit to help CHESS' work in supporting and housing rough sleepers I am reprising my lockdown idea of the Little Bench Sleepout.
No alcohol, no tent, no music, no chums, just some cardboard, a bivvy bag, a 30-year-old Field & Trek sleeping bag, and lots of layers of clothing.
On the other hand, I shouldn't be bothered by individuals who think it's acceptable to physically or otherwise abuse the homeless, and aside from the elements, the discomfort, and local wildlife (Reynard and friends), I should be left alone to get through the night.
Please read more about the work of CHESS Homeless on their website, and support me to help them help others, if you can. Thank You.
Richard Knight
