“Thank you for this perfect stay”
You may remember reading in last month’s edition of the Local News how some local families were anticipating the arrival of the first French school trip into West Bridgford since covid put a stop to overseas travel for 27 months.
Below you can find out how they got on…
The school coach, carrying seventy one children and teachers set out on their journey from France in the late hours of Sunday 15th May and travelled through the night before arriving in Calais for an early morning Ferry crossing to Dover. It continued it’s journey via Cambridge until reaching it’s destination point, Asda West Bridgford the following evening.
Local host families from West Bridgford and surrounding areas were there waiting to greet them with a warm Nottingham welcome.
After collecting their luggage and being introduced to their respective hosts, the school children and teachers were on their way to sample some authentic local family hospitality.
After travelling for 18 hours, they were all ready for dinner, a warm shower and an early night but there is one main question that the children asked.
Can you guess what it is?
“Quel est le code Wi-Fi s’il vous plaît?” (Use google translate if you’re struggling!)
During the week that they were here, the group took part in historic tours and visited places of interest and education in and around Nottingham, Leicester, Dudley and Birmingham.
Of particular note and enjoyment for many were archery and knife throwing in Sherwood Forest, the Space Centre and planitarium, the coal museum and victorian school and of course as you will imagine…SHOPPING in both Nottingham and the Bull Ring Centre.
There were plenty of photo opportunities along the way to capture memories of their school trip to take back home to France, including a group photo with the statue of Robin Hood outside the castle.
Nottingham Host families who organise the accommodation for the groups say that school groups arriving for the first time have so often said “We wish we had come to Nottingham sooner, there is so much to see, do and learn here”
Nottingham and the surrounding counties truly offer tremendous value for young overseas students, particularly for those who’s curriculums include the industrial revolution and the kings and queens of Britain.
A note from the teachers at the end of the week, read: “We have really enjoyed our trip. The activities are very varied so the kids are interested. We are very pleased with the host families. They are welcoming and helpful. The students really appreciate their time at home with their families”
Previous school groups have described local host families affectionately as their “home away from home”
If you would like to take part in hosting students, contact Carl at Nottingham Host Families via their website https://www.nottinghamhostfamilies.co.uk or by emailing [email protected]
