Belarus Children at Folly Farm before Heading Home
August 4th, 2012
A group of 18 children plus two leaders from Belarus were invited to Folly Farm at Stowey near Pensford by the Avon Wildlife Trust last Wednesday (1st August) for a day of bushcraft activity. The children, aged between 11 and 15, had been brought to Britain for a 4 week recuperative holiday by the Bristol link of the Chernobyl Children’s Life Line charity (more information at www.ccll.org.uk).
Belarus suffered the worst of the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl power station disaster 26 years ago, and the effects are still being experienced today. The charity has been bringing children over annually for the last 16 years, for a once only visit at a time in their lives when they are growing rapidly and their bodies absorbing the environment around them. To give them 4 weeks of clean environment and food at this stage of their lives can prolong their lifespan by up to 2 years; indeed, a year after a visit, parents have reported improvements to their children’s health.
The visit to Folly Farm began around a camp fire, and then the children were set a challenge to collect wood and light a fire themselves without matches, simply using a glowing King Alfred’s Cake fungus, which they had to blow on hard to get dry tinder to light! They then prepared vegetables and dough for a vegetable stew and bread twists all cooked on the main fire. After this they went to a different part of the woods, and formed three teams to build dens, which were then tested with them inside to see if they were watertight! There was much laughter and delight throughout the day, and the Avon Wildlife Trust leaders were thanked (in English) for doing a great job.
The photo shows the party full of fun and frolic despite a blustery and wet day.- as usual the un- summery weather did not lessen the children’s enthusiasm!
In our latest edition of Little Stoke Gifford Matters we heard from local families in the Stokes who were helping to host the party of children from Belarus. Additional host families are always sought. If you are interested in finding out more please check out the website www.ccll.org.uk or contact