Everyone involved agreed that it was a very successful visit and enjoyed by all. There was much laughter – despite one or two slight “hiccups”! More of which later.

Lunch, after their arrival, provided by Hugh and Virginia Williams at their home, was very pleasant and relaxed after the initial greeting of friends old and new. Afterwards we all walked the short distance to St. Mary’s Church, Oldswinford, where Roy Peacock, Lay Reader and local historian, gave a tour of the church, translated on the hoof by Dieter, the German Pastor, Lisette and Virginia. Many of us “Stourbridgers” learned things of interest too.

Our guests spent the evening with their hosts, but minus their luggage, which unfortunately had been unavailable to them at Birmingham Airport. Hugh kindly made a late trip to Waitrose to bring free toiletries courtesy of Mr Harcourt, and then delivered these to each household. Our hall was packed with all the luggage the following morning when it was delivered by courier!

We spent most of Friday at the Safari Park, a very interesting experience with a drive through the animal enclosures (when Claire’s car started to gush smoke in the tiger section – not where you would wish to break down but she was able to drive it to safety, after waiting at the gates when the traffic lights showed red, and with three guests as passengers….but all was well in the end.) After watching the hippo feeding and a sea lion show, a fish & chip lunch went down well!

On Friday evening most of our guests went to a different home for a meal, then on Saturday morning we all met in Stourbridge, and while they did a little shopping and sat in on a wedding Ron was taking, us hosts and others went to help set up the Mission Garden Party at the Vicarage. The weather was fine for the occasion and again, there was much laughter – it’s surprising how well people can get on when neither speaks the other’s language! In the evening Jon Davies gave his wonderful concert to raise funds for the appeal, playing songs on his Yamaha keyboard for us to listen to and join in with. It went down very well, along with a second helping of strawberries and cream! Oh and a glass of wine, of course.

The Eucharist had a special significance the next morning, when Ron gave us all a stone to take and place at the newly re-consecrated altar for Peace, Reconciliation and Love. It was a very moving service.

A picnic lunch should have been taken to Dudmaston Hall for consumption but, owing to our great British summer, had to be eaten in the Church Hall. Paul Rorison then did his sterling job as minibus driver, which he cheerfully did throughout the visit, and took the guests and some hosts to Dudmaston, a very nice stately home near Bridgnorth, for a look round the house and gardens. Later there was a Choral Eucharist (it being the fifth Sunday) and then everyone came to our house for a simple supper and drinks and a presentation on his trip to Itamba school in Tanzania by Dieter (who placed his screen next to the TV so that we didn’t miss the Euro 2008 Final – Germany v Spain!!) It was a sunny evening which meant that people were able to spill out into the garden with their drinks.

The following morning was an early start for our guests’ return journey. We had our usual small service in church before they set off for the airport – there are always tearful goodbyes as we feel we know them so well now. They are not just a partner churches h in Germany, they are our friends, and we look forward to our visit to them next year.

Joy Totney