Two Kensington residents are soon to embark on a famine prevention tour of Ethiopia. James Bryce and Anna Barnett of Hornton Street set up Ethiopian Venture with the aid of local sponsorship as a research organisation to increase knowledge of climatic variation through analysis of stalagmites and tree-rings. The northern parts of the country especially are vulnerable and prone to drought. Thorough research into the history of climatic data would help to predict future climatic scenarios and thus alleviate the devastating effects of famine, looming again this year. The expedition, unfortunately, is still underfunded and needs another £2,000 - anyone able to make a donation should call 020 7376 1339.