Summer 2008 Visit
Wednesday 11th June 2008 saw the arrival of the latest group of “Chernobyl” children to visit the Perth area under the auspices of the Perth Link of Chernobyl Children Life Line. This year, for the first time, our party consisted entirely of girls. Perhaps next year the boys will be back!
Once again our thanks go to Earnside Coaches at Glenfarg which provided coach transfers to and from Edinburgh Airport for the children and host families and have been doing so since our Link started. Fourteen very tired young girls were introduced to their host families at the airport before returning home with them for a good nights’ sleep. For a ten year old to be transported from a rural village in Belarus, travel for the best part of 24 hours, fly for the first time, experience the bustle of Gatwick Airport and then meet a family with whom she will be living with for the next four weeks can be a bewildering experience for a child.
The initial shyness soon wore off and the children soon began to enjoy their new surroundings. What we take for granted in this country can often seem like five star luxury for some of these children. The first day of the visit the children were kitted out with “good as new” clothes which we had been collecting. For girls, this was like being a child in a chocolate factory, and many were seen struggling back to cars with bin liners full of clothes.
During the four weeks the girls were with us we organised a varied programme of events for them. Swimming at the Dunkeld Hilton, Perth Leisure Pool, horse riding at Blaigowrie, visits to the beach, trips to a safari park, a fun fare , BBQs, steam trains and a strawberry farm to name a few.
We are most grateful to all the local businesses and organisations which have given us support and assistance, to the Rotary Club of Perth, St John’s and also Kinnoull Rotary Club for their continued support.
For these children it was a holiday they will never forget, but the main reason they are here in Scotland is for a “health break” to improve their general health. To this effect thanks are due to all the local dentists and the staff at the day surgery unit at Perth Royal Infirmary and Drumhar Heath Centre who checked out and rectified any dental problems. Also our thanks to Specsaver Opticians who gave free eye tests and spectacles if required.
“Our “ children returned home to their families in Belarus on the 9th July, happy, healthy and with many fond memories of their visit to Scotland.
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