Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters

Wednesday (28th April) the team were able to visit the headquarters of the Lancashire Police. The visit included seeing their air wing services and we were shown the technology and equipment that they have - it was amazing!

Following this, we returned to headquarters for a fantastic lunch and then headed to Blackpool where there were Police officers training for response to riots. We were able to observe with the Senior officers and training officers from the Police, Fire and Ambulance.
They had the dogs and horses there too involved in the drills!

Because of the nature of what we saw, we are unable to post any photos - rest assured it was a fantastic and something we wont forget. It was a very privileged opportunity and we thank Graeme and Sue (and Ian) very much for organising this for us

Lancaster - we have arrived!

The team was "handed over" to the Lancaster Rotary Club at 5pm on the 26th April. It was again difficult to say goodbye, as we have been well cared for and looked after by the Carlisle Castle RC. After a few photos and hugs we headed off to meet our new families!

On the following day (Tues 27th April) the team went to a number of sight seeing adventures, including the Aston Memorial, Maritime Museum, the Lancaster Priory and the Lancaster Castle / Prision.

ANZAC Day

Today was ANZAC day and the Carlisle Castle Rotary Club arranged a special ANZAC service for our team to participate in whilst here. The service was very special to us and we sincerely thank them for their consideration, time and effort. The service was also attended by local return servicemen and women and was conducted by a local minister; complete with the bugle playing and poppy's.

We also met up with an Aussie who was a police officer who had been based in Beechworth and Shepparton some 25 years ago (he made Samuel's day as he knew where Nathalia was!).

Rod and Graham (President and Host) were also interviewed that morning on the local radio station about GSE and the ANZAC service

Following the service the team attended the club's meeting and delivered our presentation to approx 45 Rotarian's and families.

We were also able to visit the Carlisle Castle which was fantastic!

Very moving and memorable day.

Hadrians Wall

Today the team went to the Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum where we were able to witness the excavation of the largest collection of Roman buildings. We were able to see the military buildings, bath houses and replica buildings. The museum held some of the artifacts that the archaeologists have recovered which were truly amazing!

We also went for a walk around parts of the wall which is very impressive - particularly when you think that it has been there for nearly 2000 years!!!

Team has arrived in Carlisle!

On Friday morning the team (and their Millom hosts) met up with the Carlisle Castle Rotary Club hosts and Albert Johnson DGE (from the Kesick RC) at the Rum Story in Whitehaven. We all went on a tour of the facility together and then enjoyed a relaxing lunch (and rum tasting!) together.

After the swapping of bags and fond farewells, we headed off with the Carlisle team to go to Workington to see the destruction of the floods that occurred in November last year.

Following this we went to Cockermouth and were met with the Mayor and the President of the Rotary Club. Here they told us of the severity of the impact of the floods in their town and the restoration work that they are currently undertaking.

Team relaxation day and presentation to Millom Rotary Club

After a relaxing morning at Eccelriggs, the team headed to the Furness Abbey and then to the Martitime Museum.

Following this we went onto an afternoon of many activities - Sarah went to the Mountain Rescue facility; Rod went to the Racecourse for a tour; while Leah, Dyani and Samuel spent some time in retail therapy!!

That evening, the team presented to 40 Rotarians from the Millom Club; whereby St George even popped in! Pictured is also the group with our hosts and the Millom Mayor and Club President.

Muncaster Castle

After a tour of the Millom Network Centre, the team spent the day at the Muncaster Castle. The Owls were fantastic - some even managed to open their eyes to say "G'day"!

Dyani loved the castle - particularly the haunted room - as all could attest to her scream after listening to the story!

After a beautiful lunch, the team headed to the Millom Folk Museum. We are pictured here with Sue Day (Leah's host) and her granddaughter Millie (thank you to Howard for this photo)