County Durham Friendship Force are thrilled to share the success of their recent visit of 13 ambassadors from Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia.
The week commenced with a welcome party at the President’s home in School Aycliffe and continued with a free day for hosts to show their guests places that were not on the agenda, such as the mini version of Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Angel of the North, Newcastle & Gateshead Quayside, Beamish, Saltburn, Hartlepool Headlands & Harbour, Seaham, The Locomotion and many other places.
The official programme started with a trip to Grassmere, Brockhole, Windermere & Bowness, Durham Town Hall, the Cathedral and a trip on the River Wear, Sunderland Glass Factory, Whitby (for fish and chips) and Raby Castle, Binchester Roman Fort and concluded with a farewell party at the Hammer & Pincers at Preston-le-Skerne.
Joan Mitchie, Secretary of the Friendship Force, said “as usual Newton Press came up tops, not only printing the programme for the visitors but also for turning around and printing a greeting card with memories of the event and photos of all guests and their hosts and trips to the Lake District and Durham Town Hall, in such a short period of time”.
Cynthia Scott, President/Chairman of County Durham Friendship Force, said, “I am thrilled to be chairman of County Durham Friendship Force and to have been the Co-ordinator for the successful week of activities and entertainment throughout County Durham and surrounding areas. We have so much history, something that our guests do not have.”
Anne Main, Treasurer for the group added, “as Journey Co-ordinator for the group’s forthcoming trip of three weeks in New Zealand in November, I am sure we can look forward to enjoying our visit to North and South Island, which we are eagerly looking forward too. We will also have various stop overs on the way to and from the Islands. Anyone who wants any further information about the New Zealand Trip or hosting and/or visiting Japan in 2020 please contact Cynthia or myself on 01325 313055 or 01388 817692. County Durham Friendship Force website address is
if you would like more information.
Photos: Visitors from Kempsey Australia visit the Lake District and meet with The Mayor of Durham at the Town Hall Durham.
