Whaley Bridge’s latest visitors from Polish twin town Tymbark arrived for a four day visit. The 22 Polish children, plus their teachers, are keeping the links between Whaley Bridge and Tymbark alive. 

 They walked like the Happy Wanderers in the bright sunshine from Whaley Hall to Taxal and Fernilee C of E School for the start of their big adventure, led by teacher Denise Gregory and a Polish teacher

 They were welcomed at the school by smiles, handmade Polish and British flags, and Polish dolls and books in a special display. Their first day was a visit to Castleton and Buxton, before an evening barbecue.  Members of the Twinning Association, which has worked hard over they years to keep the links with Poland, welcomed the young visitors to the outdoor supper.

 The rest of the visit: a trip to Old Trafford’s ‘theatre of dreams’ and Salford Quays, followed by tea in an English home with a ‘buddy’ from the school and then a disco.   A highlight is a walk from the school to St James’s church, Taxal, for a welcoming service, led by The Rev Cheri Pinner; then a full day in school.

 On the final day, Whaley’s Polish guests were due to watch the Rose Queen Carnival Day, just ahead of the time to time to fly back to Poland.