As a thank you to our fantastic host families, Vicky our Area Manager for the East Midlands, recently organised a delightful garden party in the village of Fotheringhay. This quintessential village was the perfect setting for our host families and students to spend a sunny afternoon relaxing and getting to know each other. Because the party was held during half term, many host families were able to bring their students along with them, together with their own children, and we soon welcomed almost 70 people. Not only could potential host families meet some of our international students, but they also the opportunity to chat with those families who already host and ask them plenty of questions. Managing Director, Ben Hughes, and his wife Louise were also at the party to give more details about hosting students and to meet some of our host families.
For those students in the midst of A ‘levels and GCSEs, the relaxing atmosphere hopefully gave a little relief from the pressure of looming exams and a chance to enjoy some fun in the fresh air with their friends.
No garden party is complete without a full traditional tea and there was an amazing selection of cakes to sample. Cupcakes, lemon cake, fruit cake, scones with clotted cream and jam were just some of the treats to enjoy, along with a glass of elderflower cordial or pimms.
Everyone enjoyed taking part in the garden games with an international spin – from croquet to boules, badminton, volleyball, chess, molki – the lawn was the perfect playground for all ages to learn new games or enjoy the old favourites.