Our GSE Team have made a most successful visit to District 9320 in South Africa and Team Leader Barry Briggs gives us a brief report.

AFRICAN SAFARI TIRES OUR TEAM

District 9320 is very large and therefore to travel around it covers many miles. We only saw a part of the District but travelled from East London to King Williamstown and then on to Queenstown, Aliwal North, Bloemfontein, Welcom, Kimberley, De Arr, Graaff-Reinet, Jeffreys Bay, Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred and back to East London. It was like landing at Dover and reaching Edinburgh, after six stops, and then returning via Wales.

During the journey I slept in 13 different beds, took part in 14 presentations and exchanged Banners with 17 Rotary Clubs - all this in only 29 days. It can be seen by this itinerary that a large proportion of the time was spent in travelling between hosts, interacting with new people and meeting Rotarians, all of which was tiring, making the days very long and reducing the timetable to be spent on vocational matters.

"It is still difficult for me to understand apartheid and its terrible consequences but I have a greater understanding of the issues and relationship between England and South Africa than I could ever have achieved without the personal and vocational contact made through the exchange".

Beverley Carpenter

"The trip to South Africa was a fabulous experience: the hospitality from the host clubs and Rotarians was tremendous, the trips were varied and informative and the vocational visits to the local authorities were an interesting experience".

Stephen McGraph
"I was very impressed with South Africa and thought it was a beautiful country. It was disappointing that we were only able to meet a very small cross section of the population, but I was impressed with the Rotarian Host family's generosity, good spirit and friendliness".

Karen Knight
 "Overall, the Study Exchange was tremendously worthwhile. As a team and as individuals we benefited a great deal. It was, without doubt, one of the most tiring experiences of my life but also one of the best".

Becky Kidd-Stanton
The objectives of Group Study Exchange were followed and achieved and all Rotarians we met supported us royally. The Team of District 1080 functioned effectively and were a credit to their sponsors. Being the representative of District Governor Barry Catchpole was an honour for me and I gave his greetings to all 17 Rotary Clubs we met. It was a remarkable experience and long may the programme continue.