Celebration Meal

On Saturday, Sept 15th '08 a number of people came together to celebrate all that the Friends International volunteers have done over the past three years. There were nine different churches represented at the evening.

TABLEtalk and the International Sunday Lunches are now running very successfully. Over the past three years we've had contact with students from 21 different nations.

We often get good and encouraging feedback from students and many of them help us with new ideas about how we can serve them better during their time here.

Dan Dan Zhou

周丹丹 Zhou Dan Dan

30 Dec 1983 – 10 Sept 2007

在丹丹的一生中，特别是在患病期间，她面对病魔时所表现出的决心和力量,给我们留下了深刻的印象。她不但在老师眼中是名成绩优异的学生，在同学中是位挚友，而且在父母心中也是个孝顺的女儿。如今，丹丹离开了我们，可是她的精神以及她的笑容将永永远远萦绕在我们脑海里。

Throughout her life, and especially through her illness, Dan Dan’s determination and strength of character were an example to many of us. She was an excellent student, a valued friend and a loving daughter. Dan Dan’s body has been taken from us but her spirit and her smile will remain with us always.

DAY TRIP: Dean Castle Country Park

Several students came along to our annual Hopehall Church day out at Dean Castle Country Park. It's a beautiful park with enough things to see and do to occupy the day.








Here Magda, Fu Yu and Hafsa enjoy trying on the period costume and armour that's on show within the castle.








Unfortunately, Peace met with the sharp end of Magda's sword !!!








Charlie's Angels (alias Peace, Magda & Fu Yu)

The grounds around the castle are very beautiful. There are plenty of places to go and walk and enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Outdoor Games & Bar-B-Que

A great afternoon was had by all at our OUTDOOR GAMES & BBQ day. Many thanks to all those who brought food along, made desserts, provided transport, and generally came ready to have fun. We were very fortunate that the weather stayed dry for most of the day.

A very special thank you goes to Scott & Audrey McPhail for helping to organise and host such a fabulous day!!!

Sugu and Lisa demonstrate their batting skills ...

... whilst Ania shares some 'expert' advice with Dagna.

Not entirely sure what game Csaba thought he was playing (everyone else was playing rounders)

Scott adjudicates a challenge of Tug-of-War. Germany/ Malaysia versus Scotland

oops ...

Now it's the girls turn to flex their muscles!

Lisa & Alison (at a rather strange angle) - I think I was trying to be creative

Magda, Dagna and Frank enjoy a bit of 'time-out' between games

I've always thought that the Bar-B-Que-ing was a guy-thing and an opportunity for male bonding - this is my photographic evidence!

Following a great Bar-B-Que we enjoyed several scrumptious desserts!

Student Comments

"Hi Lynne, We would like to thank you for organising a wonderful day out to Loch Lomond and later for a bar-b-que at David's. We really enjoyed ourselves although the weather was not so good. Tug-of-war and shot put at the highland games kind of reminded me of my memories during school days. These were the sports that I always participated in. Please send our thanks to David and Aileen as we don't have their e-mail address. We enjoyed ourselves at their place. See you at the next event."
Regards, Sugu and Fu Yu

Loch Lomond Highland Games & BBQ

Seven students joined our day trip to the 40th anniversary Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch Castle Country Park. The previous day we'd had torrential rain and so the ground was rather wet and muddy. The weather started out a little overcast and during the morning we had a few light showers but nothing enough to send us running for cover under the trees. However, by early afternoon the sun was out in all its glory!!

Fu Yu from China and Sugu from Malaysia

Gao Chang from China

and Tobi from Germany

Magda and Ania from Poland

Frank from Germany

Ania and Lynne queue'd up with numerous 3-5 year olds for a spot of face painting !!!

Whilst our trusted drivers / helpers (Janet, Kathleen & Archie) took a wee rest ...

Before heading off to our BBQ we stopped off at Lomond Shores for an hour - although it looks overcast it was very warm.

A HUGE THANK YOU to David & Aileen Clark for putting on such a fabulous BBQ

Student Graduations

Jan, Bram & Holly on this very special graduation day.


Amanda and Lynne

Happy graduates!!!

Holly & Lynne

Day Trip - Lilias' Day

Whilst I was away enjoying the sunshine of Ontario, Canada, Kathleen & Archie very kindly helped to organise a day trip to the annual LILIAS DAY in KILBARCHAN.

Dinner @ Thornly

Many, many thanks go to Nora, XiuLi, Jasen & Alex for inviting Lisa, June and myself for a marvellous meal up at Thornly Campus.


After the meal we all enjoyed a good sing-along, accompanied by Jasen on guitar...

From left to right:

Jasen, Lisa, Lynne, XiuLi, June, Alex and Nora