A wedding registry?

Oooh dear, well as you know Matt and I are a tad older than your average newlyweds, so in terms of amassing stuff our cupboards are already packed full.  The truth is we're not sure we have room for anything else even if we wanted it.

In other words we love you, but we seriously don't want any more things.  If you would like to give us a wedding present we really appreciate the thought, but may we please request that either you donate to one of our nominated charities, (Conservation International, Beyond Pesticides, or Breastcancer.org) or alternatively we welcome donations ourselves either on the day (look for the wishing well - or speak to the parents of the bride), or to our joint account (BSB: 062692, Account Number: 15014698) where we two writers are madly saving up for a dream writers' retreat in the English countryside in late 2013/2014.  Who knows, maybe we'll even finish our respective novels while we're there!  If you decide on the latter option and you'd like us to know who you are then please be sure to note your name on the transfer.  Either way, please sign up for email alerts here so that you can be notified when we post a few pictures from the cold country.  Brrrrrr:)

Here's a bit more information about our nominated charities.  All accept online donations.  Also, all are rated 4 out of 4 stars on Charity Navigator, which is an aggregator site that rates charities based on criteria that include financial health, transparency and accountability.

Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity and demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. 

Founded in 1981, Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. The organization's primary goal is to effect change through local action.

Breastcaner.org: Breastcancer.org is dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer, so that women can make the best decisions for their lives.

Meanwhile here are some photos of England snapped by Bronwin prior to her PhD studies:  

If you'd like to see Bronwin and Matt typing away together in this landscape please also remember to follow this blog via email so that you can be notified when new photos are posted.

The cottage in Lancashire where we hope to stay

Last, but by no means least, as far as we're concerned the time and skills of people we love also count for great presents so if you think you can help out on the day please let us know.