We have had a visit from Nīmes - Dimitri Descy‚ a lecturer with a group of 7 catering students came to Preston for a period of 3 weeks to gain work experience in a different country‚ language and surroundings. They stayed at the Boys Brigade Hostel in Kirkham and work for them was found by our Chairman in admirably short time after extremely short notice in and around Preston.
The students acquitted themselves extremely well (one was even offered a permanent job in a top rank restaurant) and were pleased to have stayed the course. Vice Chairman‚ his wife and the Secretary entertained them for lunch in town at a ‘typically’ English pub....and there are not many of those around anymore‚ (plenty of chips and ‘mushy peas’ and good ale).
The Harris Museum with its interesting exhibition and famous art gallery was visited - all the students itching to set off Foucault’s pendulum... and then the Mayor of Preston‚ Cllr Christine Abram received them in the Council Chamber for a ‘cuppa’ and a chat.
Alas‚ the time soon went and as a parting gift‚ the Mayor gave Dimitri a lovely Spode china plate in a presentation box which he was very pleased to receive. Not to be outdone‚ the group invited the Chairman‚ Vice-Chair and Secretary with their wives to have dinner with them at the Boys Brigade Hostel just before their departure date. This was a wonderful occasion and we marvelled at the ingenuity of the students to rustle up a superb dinner‚ complete with hand written menu and French wine.
We are pleased to have been able to provide the students with a taste of work experience abroad and at the same time made them feel welcome and amongst friends - this was very much appreciated by them all.