SUMMER VISIT 2007

Four mothers, one grandmother, five children and one interpreter arrived at Manchester Airport on 30th July, tired and apprehensive after their journey from Belarus.  Then the magic kicked in ≠ smiles, hugs and complicated mimes compensated for the lack of a shared language and everyone gelled from the very beginning. 

The children, aged between 4 and 6 years old, quickly adapted and the mothers relaxed into enjoying the experience.

A whole programme of events had been planned.  The Mayor of Trafford even donned his chain of office to make their acquaintance at Partington Childrenπs  Centre.  The boys in the group were able to train with professional footballers and by all accounts scored goals! 

The elusive sun came out for the trip to Llandudno and the visitors saw the sea for the very first time. The group was joined by Mrs Clara Korzeniewicz, whose late husband, Theodore, came from Lubelpol in Belarus.  Clara treated everyone to that famous English fare, fish and chips, washed down with hot, sweet tea.  Only ice cream would suffice for afters!

Indeed many local restaurants welcomed the Belarussians with veritable banquets and for that we are most grateful.  And, of course, those hosting offered BBQs and garden parties galore.  Where did the magician keep his rabbit?

A trip to Manchester Museum had the children gazing in wonder at dinosaur bones and Egyptian mummies and they were able to join in activities at the Education Centre there.

After ten whirlwind days the visitors went off to High Ash Farm near Buxton and returned to their new host families for the final part of their trip.

The group enjoyed an excursion to the local fire station, which was kindly arranged, for the second year running, by Community Fire Officer, Tony Doyle. The children made a relentless effort to turn the hoses on the adults, who managed to escape a drenching.  

The trip to a local chocolatier was met with wide eyes and drooling mouths from both mums and children. The children received  goodie bags  of chocolate treats which kept them smiling for quite some time. 

The Clinique concession at John Lewis, Cheadle, treated all the ladies to a make-over, while the children were free to spend gift vouchers in the toy department.   Again, a delicious buffet was provided and the afternoon ended with the distribution of free gifts, courtesy of Clinique.

The icing on the cake was quite literal when Ilya had a joint party with JJ, who was also celebrating his sixth birthday. There were lots of presents to open, some donated by kindhearted local people. 

The farewell party included the Birdie song - no translation required!!!!

There were tears at the airport when the time came to say goodbye.  It is true to say that all concerned gained a tremendous amount from the experience.

To anyone reading this and considering joining a local group to become a host, Go for it!! You wonπt regret it!!