Archive for May, 2010

So Much and yet it seems like so little time. As you can probably guess by the pictures and the couple of videos that have been posted the GSE team has been busy. From Rotary presentations, to tours of historic churches, and cross country car rally’s, we’ve seen plenty. I think I can speak for everyone that our host families have been amazing. I’m often thinking to myself that if I was hosting a GSE team member, would I be this accommodating? (Well, maybe not if I was hosting myself, but Jessica, Melissa, or Ali would probably be another story) A couple of highlights from my experiences: visiting the castle that was used to film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, finding out what a church looks like after a thousand years of use, figuring out that Ox tongue sandwich isn’t as bad as it sounds, trying this mythical meal for breakfast called a “bacon buddy with brown sauce” (I’ll go into detail at a later date), touring the Manchester City stadium (for some reason the air didn’t smell very good there, kind of a stench, something I’m told happens when you don’t win enough), and finally making some lifelong friends in my GSE team members. Until next time, be safe and know that we miss our loved ones back home (and our previous host families, miss you Ian, Vic, and Chloe)

We have posted a few videos of our first days in England. More videos to follow.

Even while boarding the plane in Atlanta, it was quite hard to believe that more than six months had passed between being selected as a District 6910 GSE Team member and embarking on the journey to Manchester, England. Landing in Manchester was even more surreal, especially with the beautiful sunny, warm weather that welcomed us.

It is hard to believe that more than a week has now passed. It has been a whirlwind of historic tours, museum visits, and sightseeing alongside of meeting new people and experiencing the way of life in England. Contrary to my preconceived notions and anecdotal stories of the people, food and weather of England, all of have been warm and friendly. And, the food isn’t half bad. The only challenging part of the experience is the language barrier, as Britain and America are “two nations divided by a common language” (Sir Winston Churchill).

We have traveled from Wilmslow, which is referred to by the locals as a “posh” area, to Nantwich-Crewe in the countryside to Denton-Audenshaw area in an area that is urban in character. So, we have seen a variety of architectural styles and town center designs, yet the residents are similar in their warm reception. Host families have been wonderful, taking us into their homes and treating us as family…allowing us to experience life in an English town.

Of the tours thus far, my favorite is the castle tour Jeremy and I took with our hosts Vic and Chloe. We visited the ruins of Beeston Castle built in the 1200s and Peckforton Castle built in the 1800s (not a true castle but now used as a hotel). Both were breathtaking, as was the countryside surrounding them. I also enjoyed riding in the back of a red 1975 convertible Triumph as part of a classic car ride from Nantwich to Erdigg in Wales known as the Weaver Wander. Erdigg, which is a stately 18th century estate in Wales, was quite impressive. And of course being the urban planner that I am, I enjoyed visiting Chester to walk the 2,000 year old Roman walls and the Roman arena, and to see how buildings from the 1500s can be reused for various retail stores.

Aside from the interesting, informative tours, I also have had the pleasure of spending time with professional counterparts. My first vocational day was spent in the Manchester city center with a planner who works for a private firm called Matthews-Goodman. I learned in detail the British system of town planning, and quickly learned that those who go through the Gainesville planning process have it quite easy. I also enjoyed walking part of multi-use trail that runs through the Peak National Park and is part of a larger trail that runs the width of England, coast to coast. Like Gainesville’s Midtown Greenway, the Longdendale Trail was built upon an abandoned rail line but is paralleled by an equestrian trail. My second official vocational day was with Equity Housing Group, which is a not-for-profit association that develops properties with affordable housing for rent and shared ownership.

I can’t say enough about how wonderful of an experience this trip has been thus far. Warm people, great weather, good food, good company…I couldn’t have asked for more.

Beeston Castle, circa 1200s

Erddig ("Erthig"), country estate

Chester Rows, buildings circa 1500s now with shops

My second Vocational Day was spent in my current area of college studies: Health Administration for Long Term Care/Adults with Alternative Needs. It was arrranged for me to spend the morning at the University of Manchester speaking with Dr. Rohhss Chapman in regard to strategy planning for adults with learning disabilities. Dr. Chapman is a Lecturer in Learning Disability Studies and was able to relay information regarding the “Valuing People” program implemented in 2001, updated in 2009, which focuses on strategies for creating a cocentric team of planners with the client as the central guiding power of the strategy. We spent considerable time making comparisons between rural and urban availabilities, primary through secondary educational and inclusion provisions, and transitional services in the UK and the US. Many thanks to Dr. Chapman for her conversation and candor on a subject that is so near to my heart and educational pursuits. www.manchester.ac.uk

I was then given liberty to visit a phenomonal program provided by the Venture Arts Center. Amanda and the staff and volunteers maintain a program in which adults with learning disabilities can participate in arts projects to “develop skills and aptitudes that can make a real difference in people’s lives.” I spent the afternoon assisting in a session and wish to thank Barry for allowing me to work with him on his latest project! All of the people were wonderful to speak and interact with and I was truly blessed to witness and participate in such a unique program. www.venturearts.org

My next vocational day will return me to the world of food. I am very grateful for the glimpse into the world of services for adults with learning disabilities in the Manchester area.

I experienced the most wonderful vocational day I could possibly imagine!  I was fortunate to observe the NHS Health Improvement Service.  This is a free support to adults aged 16+ in Tameside & Glossop to improve their lifestyles and reduce risk factors for CHD, stroke and cancers.  All programs target people facing health inequalities and deliver free services from a range of venues in local communities.  RIGHT UP MY ALI…erraaa “alley” (pun intended).

Linda Dunn did a wonderful job enlightening me as well as asking my advice on the marketing and social media aspect of health promotion.  We had the most wonderful conversation along with a few of her colleagues following observation of support group sessions and client interviews.  “Weight Matters,” “Health Trainers,” and “Community” were the sectors of “THIS LIFE” that were of greatest interest to me.  Yet again another reminder at how fortunate I am to be involved in this GSE experience!

VOCATIONAL DAY #2 …keep an eye out for updates! We’re having a wonderful time! http://bit.ly/d1VnTO

Now on to Denton! http://bit.ly/d6OtqF

It is strange that we have been in England for an entire week, having arrived on Monday morning, May 17 (17 May in real English) because it seems like much less. During that time we have all seen an amazing number of people, places and things. We have quickly become good friends with so many Rotarians and their families in the area who have extended their warm hospitality to us.
I’d like to share one of so many highlights. That is the British Magistrate Court system that I visited on my vocational day in Macclesfield, England. I was fortunate enough to be hosted by a Chief Magistrate who was on an off day and not sitting on the bench. Our system in the States is, of course, based on the English legal system, but the day to day operation in the courts is fundamentally different.
The Magistrate Courts handle 95% of the criminal cases that go through their system. The amazing thing to me is that the tribunal of magistrates, consisting of one Chief Magistrate and two “side” magistrates are all part-time lay volunteers. They are not required to have any formal legal education, i.e., law degrees, legal areas of expertise, etc., but they do have training. There is a legal advisor who is a barrister (lawyer) in the court who can advise on legal matters, but he/she cannot influence the decision reached by the consensus of the three magistrates.
And even more amazing to me was the fact that they are all volunteers! They are not employed by the Crown to perform what is arguably one of the most important jobs in maintaining order and justice in England. If they decided they’d rather sleep in than go to court the legal system in England would fall apart. That doesn’t happen of course because the people appointed to hold those positions are extremely responsible and dependable. Simply amazing to me.
There are a number of other significant differences between the English court system and the American court system, but the volunteer magistrates and no formal academic education that takes many years in the States were the ones that stood out to me. Obviously, the English system has its benefits because there is no comparison to the amount of crime, particularly violent crime, between England and the U.S.A.

When I was selected to become a member of the GSE 6910 Team, I had high expectations of the vocational opportunities that would be presented during our tour of the northwest England area. I can honestly say that not only have my expectations been met, but they have been far exceeded in a way that was quite unexpected.
My area of specialty is in catering, which includes an array of experience ranging from restaurant concept design all the way through to daily operations. My catering company (which I partner with my husband, James) allows me to have creative freedom and client interaction. The “expected” portion of our vocational opportunity was that I would be paired with businesses that reflected similar operations and would give insight into the management of facilities, and that has been very much appreciated. The “unexpected” surprise was one that should have been very clear to me, but embarrassingly I never thought of it…daily meals and restaurant visits! Never in my life have I been able to visit such a wide range of establishments and experience the cultural and operational differences within a single day!
My first planned vocational day took me to the end of the Pennines Mountain Range to a family-operated tea room and cottages. The Roaches Tea Rooms is aptly named as it sits directly beneath the Roaches Mountain (also the last mountain crop in the Pennines). The tea room is run by an exceptional young woman named Karen with the assistance of her husband and in-laws. I can sincerely appreciate the time, effort, joy, and heartache that accompany private business ownership, and can assure you that they have the business well in hand. I was greeted with a hot cup of tea and Karen and I set about discussing the primary similarities and differences in business operations in the States and the UK. The discussion, as often happens, mellowed into personal stories about life, family, love, and future. The company and conversation was only exceeded by the food…I do believe that I have experienced the ultimate in heavenly desserts! The Roaches Tea Rooms received an award for “Best Pudding in 2008” for their Pavlova, and I can tell you that it is worth the plane fare and travel to Staffordshire to have even one taste! The views are amazing, the service impeccable, the company charming, and the departure was bittersweet. Karen was also a member of a GSE Team to New York several years ago, so you can imagine that my impression was that the experience had prepared and nurtured her into becoming a stronger business owner who will be capable of carrying the Tea Rooms and Cottages into the future with great success. Roaches Tea Rooms and Holiday Cottages Paddock Farm, Upper Hulme, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8TY. www.roachescottages.co.uk
What many may not know is that I have dietary restrictions that often make it difficult to dine out. Without exception, the eating establishments have unwaveringly provided proper meals, and I would like to extend a person note of thanks to all of the hosts and restaurants for their attention to detail. Of notable mention is the owner of The Lord Combermere in Audlem…Allen Brown…who personally prepared a meal for our group AFTER his kitchens had closed. Upon hearing of my restrictions, he promptly sought out specialty bread, biscuits, and crackers to ensure that my dining experience would match that of my table companions. Again, thank you! www.thelordcombermere.co.uk
The Rotary GSE Team experience is without a doubt set up in a way that will provide the participants the ultimate in educational, vocational, and personal growth. I appreciate the honor of being afforded this opportunity to participate.

The momentum certainly continues while visiting the Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich Weaver.  The team made the most of their first day of rest on our trip.  Doug, Melissa and myself visited The Lake District and experienced a 10-plus mile hike as well as an unpredicted baby lamb rescue.  Jeremy and Jessica went “castling” (as Jeremy put it) and even visited the castle where Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed.  Now that’s what I call a day of rest!