Saturday 6th May 2017 saw the celebration of 40th Anniversary of the visit of President Jimmy Carter to Newcastle. This was the birth of the Friendship Force in the North East of England. Upon his return to America he encourged his neighbours and family, who were active in Friendship Force in America to arrange exchange visits with Newcastle.
Many people did this with 120 people making the first exchange. President Carter’s wife, daughter and son have all visited Newcastle on exchange trips. About 100 people filled the Pandon Room at Newcastle Civic Centre where Ambassors past and present from Friendship Forces across Durham, Cleveland and Northumberland shared experiences and memories of visits to some of the 56 countries that now make up Friendship Force international.
Cynthia Scott, from School Aycliffe who is President of Co Durham Friendship Force (left) was one of the members who spoke to those present sharing her personal experiences having travelled to many countries and also hosted ambassadors from places as far apart as Australia, Japan, United States and Russia.
Ron and Joan Mitchie (back right) members recognised ex President Carter’s work in the Carter Centre. The centre, in a much larger way reflected the aims of Great Aycliffe Community Aid Partnership of whom Joan and Ron are Chairman and Secretary in caring for the needs of people who find themselves in crisis.
