Schools

On Thursday I managed to visit 2 primary schools. First I had a tour of Stone St Mary's Church of England Primary School in the morning. Then I went into a yr5/6 class at Cecil Road Primary School to watch a science lesson. Mr Chris Rutland had the students drawing mindmaps in the classroom, to gage students prior knowledge. He then took them outside to examine a variety of things under microscopes, to get them thinking about the world around them and to practice using the microsopes. It was really good to meet a teacher who enjoys teaching, is passionate about science and willing to take time out to talk to me. Got to talk about the teacher training process, science programs and resources, NIT and the inner workings of primary schools. Could have picked his brain a lot longer, but time was against me.

Dressing up

Kent seemed to like dressing up on Wednesday. Not only did he wear a drysuit at NRLI, but also took the opportunity to dress up when visiting a fort in the afternoon. Well it was halloween!

Getting into the suits

The suits were rather large and were quite an experience to wear. Not only did it take a while to get into them & do them up, but was also interesting getting the air out of them.

Oh what a ride

We were taken for a ride on a rescue boat that is operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. We were fully kitted up with a drysuit and helmet. We were grinning like school kids!!!

Charlene's injury tally!

Think I am doing remarkably well, haven't got any major injuries (other than the ones I came with). My body has been left fairly unscathed, well there was one time when I got hit with a branch in the face, but other that body has been safe.
However, the feet have taken a beating.
So far they have been:
hit with a shower head- still unsure how, but Alison says I make a fine alarm clock!
hit with a conditioner bottle
hit with a body wash bottle
(the shower is a dangerous place!)
attacked by mosquitoes

Also, I have:
trod on a bag of kangaroo pins
trod on a thumb tack
got a sewing needle stuck in toe

Overall, things are good!

Hosts in Eastbourne

This is Trevor, Ann and John, who I stayed with for 3 nights in Eastbourne and who I have just left. They were my 5th hosts, still have 3 more to go. While I was there they soon learned how accident prone I am. They are probably at home at the moment with their feet up, a glass of wine and sighing with relief that they never had to take me to the hospital!

I am proud to say that I am one of the few people who has witnessed John dancing, in fact couldn't get him off the dance floor Saturday night!

Next vocational visit

On Monday 29th October my host, John, took me to the Herstmonceux Observatory and Science Centre in East Sussex. Ruth and Kent also accompanied and enjoyed themselves playing with the physics exhibits. We got to go and look at the different telescopes and learn about the Newton telescope. Unfortunately we were not there at night to witness the telescopes in use and to examine the stars for ourselves. I did get to learn about the different programs on offer at the science centre, where the exhibits got made, their funding and a little about the other science centres in the country. I am sure I wore them out with all my questions!

http://www.the-observatory.org/

my farewell gift

When leaving Eastbourne, Mark presented me with a parting gift.

Another pub sign

A day near Eastbourne

Any idea of what we got up to this afternoon?

Sign in pub

My hosts in East Sussex

I have had two wonderful couples host me for my stay in East Sussex. Rod and Moyra Davidson had me to stay at their house on the outskirts of Herstmonceux (with Lucky and Floyd as well....two gorgeous retrievers) in what I must say is the house with the lowest ceilings I've ever been in...it was very very cute. In Eastbourne I am staying with Carole and John Thompson in Sovereign Harbour a new marina development....literally 10m from all of the yachts!!!! Both hosts have been absolutely lovely and I've loved spending time with them. Thankyou for all of your effort, support and hospitality!!!!

Photos of the Ball

Ruth, Gary, Naoko, Tricia, Charlene and Mike.

Saturday night

Saturday night was the banquet and ball. We all frocked up and headed back to the conference, it was nice to to be out of uniform. The food and company was great, although the behaviour at the table was surprising. Rotarians really know how to let their hair down (those who have it). We managed to all keep our eyesight, despite the balloons flying everywhere. The waiters must have been dancers as the kept the balance and dodged all the missiles.

The dance floor soon filled up after dinner and we all (yes, even Kent) danced the night away to great mix of 50's, 60's & 70's music. We couldn't quite bring ourselves to participate in the barn dancing upstairs though.

Enjoy looking at our selection of photos of the night.

Rebellion

On Saturday, the team (minus Kent -our team leader who was flying the flag) had a break and went shopping briefly. The idea of returning and eating more healthy food did not appeal......so our one act of rebellion was to go to an English sweetie shop and stock up on sugar. Wanting a balanced diet we went in search of some fat, and ended up in Maccas.

Gary's 2 1/2 minutes of fame

As part of the Rotary Foundation presentation Gary spoke for 2 and 1/2 minutes on our GSE experience (the censored version). The rest of us were very supportive, sitting on stage- looking beautiful and smiling nicely, we even all stood on cue. We are very well trained!

Other parts of the presentation were made by Rachel Sellwood, a returning GSE Virginian team member, and Naoko Hasegawa, an ambassadorial scholar from Japan.

The Show Must Go On

Moments before going on stage at the conference, Ruth had a problem with her pants. The hem on them had come undone and she was likely to trip over it. Not wanting to fall on stage in front of a thousand people (that is more likely to be Charlene's trick) she hunted for a solution backstage. Armed with electrical tape, she set to work.....

Red Hot Musicals

Friday evening after a formal reception at the Cavendish (Charlene was rather bemused by the two serves of fruit in one meal....fruit....that's not chocolate!!!) we headed back to the conference hall for the "Songs from the Shows" an overview/glimpse of the musicals from Westend incl Miss Saigon, Oklahoma, Les Mis. The voices were fantastic, though the early start the next morning for our hand over and formal conference presentation rehearsal meant we were all home to bed at a reasonable hour!!! Very sensible of us I must say!

The House of Friendship

Friday the 26th of October signalled the start of District 1120 Annual Conference at Eastbourne in East Sussex...apparently known as the Sunshine Coast....we're doubtful of this!!!! So far three days in Eastbourne = 0.5hrs of Sunshine!!!!

After attending the opening session we headed to the House of Friendship....after stealing a table......we set up a display of all our brochures, furry toys and odd hats in the prime possition at the entrance to the hall.....like usual we Aussies stole the show!!!!

At last a rest!!!

Friday came with a sigh of relief....it was time for a sleep-in and a rest!!!! We weren't due at the conference till 1pm so we apologise for our lack of photos but we did nothing....nadah...zip....zilch!! Ahhhhhh!!!!!

A medieval castle

Mike took me to Bodiam Castle, a medieval castle in East Sussex.

My morning walks

While staying in Battle with my hosts, Mike and Wilma, I have been going for walks through Battle Great Wood. Mike and I have watched as Chaz, their dog, has tried to find every muddy pool in the woods. Chaz also likes to show off by carrying large sticks!

The big bad sheriff!

Tuesday morning we were invited to attend a Mayoral welcome in Canterbury where we met the Mayor of Canterbury as well as the Sheriff of Canterbury (friends with the Sheriff or Nottingham).

This is Kent with the sheriff.

This is Naoko, the ambassadorial scholar, with Brian, the president of RC Canterbury.