Group Study Exchange visitors from D 4540 in Brazil

The hosts met our visitors off the London train at Durham station.  To give them a broad look at the area, we took them up Penshaw Monument, from where they had an excellent view on a clear, sunny day.  The hosts then took them to their homes to unpack and have a leisurely meal.  It gave an opportunity to get to know one another better as well as hearing about their short time in London.

The next day started at Sunderland Museum, followed by a reception in the Mayor's Parlour, where Councillor Norma Wright and her Mayoress gave a brief history of the city over a welcome cup of coffee.  It was then on to St Peter's Church in Monkwearmouth for a conducted tour before lunch in Bede's Bakehouse.  The National Glass Centre was our next stop, to see the exhibitions and then have a demonstration of glass making, finishing with a visit to the shop.  In the evening, the members of Rotary Club of Seaham hosted our guests at their weekly meeting.

Friday morning saw the Brazilians being taken to various, different places of work, so that they could experience how things are done in England in their own occupations.  They all found this a very interesting, informative vocational day.  In the evening, they were guests of Seaburn Rotary Club at a special evening meeting to which wives and friends were invited, when they gave us a very professional and informative presentation on their country and their own home towns.

On Saturday, we had time to take them to Arbeia Fort in South Shields, before having lunch on the beach at Marsden Grotto.  It was then time to change and go to the Stadium of Light to see Sunderland play West Bromwich Albion.  For the hosting supporters, this was a somewhat disappointing match, but the visitors were impressed with the stadium, crowds and atmosphere, thoroughly enjoying the whole experience.  In the evening hosts and visitors again met up in a local hostelry for a carvery meal and the chance for further conversation.

Sunday morning was a time for a little relaxation, or a visit to church, before being taken to Corbridge for the next leg of the journey, hosted by members of Tynedale Rotary Club.  We were very sorry to see our guests leave and had great admiration for their cheerfulness, politeness and appreciation, as well as their ability to speak English to such a high standard.  They are all worthy ambassadors for their country and a great credit to themselves.  We really do hope to keep in touch in the future.