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My vocational days have been cleverly and perfectly planned to combine my two current interests: catering/food services and adults with developmental disabilities. The vocational experience provided during this outing was nice in that it provided a centralized focus on events planning and catering services encompassing all areas of development.
My home host, Sheila Gregory, owns and operates a floral shop in Goostry, Cheshire, and I was treated to a visit to her shop in the center of Holmes Chapel. She then allowed me to accompany her on a trip to the wholesale supplier to walk through the vast selection of fresh cut and exotic flowers, production supplies, and potted plants. Having previously owned a flower shop, I was appreciative of the reminder of how hectic and time-consuming the floral industry can be. My hat is off to Sheila for building an exceptional business client base and having such a firm control over her ‘blossoming’ business!
I was also able to spend the day in the company of a very wonderful lady, Rachel Gate, who is the owner of Country Kitchen (tel/fax 01606 44605). Rachel provides event planning and catering services in the Cheshire area and offers a full array of menu selections to please even the most discerning palate! As we traveled through the countryside, Rachel and I were able to discuss the similarities and differences of the catering industry in the US and the UK. What was most interesting was how similar our lives are: we both manage to build our businesses without outside advertising, we believe in providing the finest quality of food presentation at an affordable cost, we treat our staff as our family, and we love what we do! Rachel took me to visit Athena Catering Hire (a supply rental facility), Heaton House Farm (a fabulous wedding venue) in Macclesfield www.heatonhousefarm.co.uk followed by a trip to Riverford Organic Veg (providing free delivery of organic produce) www.riverford.co.uk/wash .
What I appreciated most about this very full day of events was the warm hospitality provided by Rachel and her assistant, Georgia. The open, honest conversation allowed me to share as much about my home and business as I was able to learn about the businesses I visited. I truly believe that this is exactly what Rotary intends the experience to provide…sharing!
On an additional note, Rachel was injured in an accident a few days after my vocational day. My thoughts and prayers remain with her and her family/staff as she works toward her recovery!

The team has discovered that Jeremy can be very introspective and photogenic at the same time, so we have taken it as our challenge to find him at his best! We will continue to add photographs as the days go on, so be sure to check in and see the updates of Jeremy’s photo travels…

Anyone who knows me, or has heard about me, knows that I am a Beatles fan (ok, fanatic). I have books, memorabelia, clothing, photos, videos…and even my livestock are named after Beatles songs. When we learned that our travels in England would take us close to the Liverpool area, you can imagine my hope was to be able to visit the region where it all happened!

Wish granted…

I will make a slight admission of jealousy when Doug was able to tour the area before I made it there, but what a wonderful experience awaited me! My host, Tim, kindly drove me to the meeting point very early in the morning. Then team member Steven Jefferies from the District 1050 GSE Team very generously took his day off from work to transport Jeremy and I to Liverpool, then treated us to the full driving and walking tour of the city. We visited the museum, walked the Docks, had a nice lunch, reviewed history and folklore, and spent a bit of time sitting on the docks in the warm sunshine. What a perfect day!

What I will make particular note of is the overwhelming generosity and kindness offered by each and every host or representative of the Rotary Clubs of 1050. They have all gone above and beyond to ensure that we have an exceptional time during our stay. Every area of interest is explored, each GSE Team member from 6910 is spoiled and catered to, and nothing is left wanting. I will say that I was somewhat incredulous when it was said that this would be a life-changing experience, but I have been proven wrong. My life is truly changed by the warmth and caring nature of our 1050 hosts and all of the experiences I have encountered on my journey.

As you can tell from the title line, we were hosted by numerous clubs between the 25th and 29th of May, all of them very gracious and accommodating. The team was treated to a wonderful day with the Mayor of Macclesfield where we each received a proclamation certificate, followed by a tour of the Silk Museum (where Jeremy had a weaving shuttle mishap…) and then moved on to a wonderful presentation evening with Denton & Audenshaw.

Jeremy and Melissa would like to pay a special note of thanks to our hostess, Pam, for her charming wit and personality. We were well entertained and had a fabulous time in her company (although we are sure she was happy to see us board the train for London).

Another note of thanks to Roy for treating the team to a much-needed afternoon at his health club where we were all able to take advantage of a few hours relaxation after our transfer.

As always, we were sorry to leave our new found friends and know that we have created many memories and lifelong contacts. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of the Rotary GSE experience and look forward to whatever the next phase of our journey may bring our way.

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

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.

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.

Our arrival in Wilmslow was a warm reception and the team has all enjoyed their time with the host families. We were all told by former GSE team members that we would grow fond of our Rotarian hosts, but until you have experienced the true graciousness and hospitality provided to the team you have no concept of quickly you become bonded and how very much you dread the thought of moving ahead without them.
Ali and Melissa were hosted my Marianne Martyn, Jessica by Stuart and Jan Kinsey, Jeremy by Ian Bradley, and Doug by Michael and Rosemary Wood. We would like to extend a very sincere thank you to all of our Wilmslow Dean host families for their exceptional kindness.
The team was taken for a day visit to Styal Mill, a National Trust Property, and toured the Styal Mill, the Apprentice Quarters, and the Gardens. We greatly enjoyed the company of Rotarians John, Michael, Rosemary, and Stuart as our company for the day. The rich history and appreciation for the care of the property was warmly conveyed by our volunteer guide, Henry. The gardens were in full bloom and the team was able to enjoy a stroll though the grounds and amass a tremendous number of photos to share. Our day at Styal Mill was followed by a night on the Curry Mile arranged by Ian Bradley. We were taken first by train, and then on by taxi to the main road where we were met by Iain McHardy. The team was treated to a Halal Indian Cuisine dinner at Shere Khan where the table quickly filled with what seemed to be one of every item on the menu. Ian was sure to order a pitcher of Tassi to soothe the heat of the food on our palates (thank you!). We would like to thank the two Ian/Iain’s for sharing their knowledge and conversation to make a wonderful evening out on the Curry Mile!
Each of the team members has participated in our first vocational day, and we would like to thank the Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean for arranging such appropriate and thought provoking visits to our respective areas of interest. Each member will share further information in regard to their vocational days as they have time to process and reflect on the experience.
The eve of our departure from Wilmslow, we were treated to a game of “Crown Bowling.” Crown Bowling was an exceptionally entertaining game played on a court called a “bowling green.” Needless to say after a few rounds, and GREAT advice from experienced bowlers, the team was able to hold their own for the most part. A buffet was arranged for our last meal with the Rotarians and afterwards the team moseyed their way into a “Snooker” hall room originally mistaken for a pool hall.
Now on to Crewe & Nantwich Weaver!

The District 6910 GSE Team has been working hard for several months in preparation of our trip to England. We were all busy with our assignments to ensure a successful District Conference and focused on our first public presentation. Little did we know what a treat awaited us in Jekyll Island. We expected that we would meet wonderful people during our trip to England, but were not expecting that England would send such a wonderful welcome to us here in the states!

Without hesitation, I can say that our entire team had an exceptional introduction to the 1050 Team during our stay in Jekyll Island. Personally, I have not laughed so deeply and so often in quite some time, and I am greatly looking forward to reuniting with my 6910 and 1050 “Team Families” over the next few weeks. I would also like to extend a personal “Thank you”  to the Rotary for the wonderful hospitality shown to our Teams during Conference. We all had a wonderful weekend!