Ringwood Online: Chernobyl Children in Ringwood

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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN IN THE FURLONG

Once again the Furlong Shopping Centre in Ringwood were host to twelve children who came from the radiation stricken city of Chernobyl in Russia. The visit of these children, many of whom are orphaned by the nuclear disaster, was organised by Moira Swayne the wife of New Forest MP Desmond Swayne. The children stay in the homes of host families in Burley for one month, during which time they receive health checks and have a fun seaside holiday.

Said Moira Swayne. "We hope that the same children will return each year, this year we have three new children. By taking them out of the polluted atmosphere of Chernobyl and checking their health, giving them a holiday and sending them home with vitamins and basic foods and clothing we do hope we will be making a difference to these children's health and their lives."

Whilst in the Furlong the children, whose ages range from 8 - 10, had their eyes tested by Clive Butterfield at Specsavers, two children needed to have glasses which were supplied free by Specsavers.

Afterwards there was a tea party of home made cakes, biscuits and milk shakes at Frampton's Mill Cafe the children were the guests of owners Carol and Steve Allen, each child being given a gingerbread man to go home with. Said Carol Allen. "The children are lovely, they are beautifully behaved and very appreciative. We do wish them well." Frank Pursey of Toys of Ringwood then invited the children into the shop to choose a free gift. There was great excitement as the children tried to decide what to select. In return the children presented their benefactors with small gifts.

The children arrived with two interpreters Anna Kimenkova and Yulia Baranachnikova. They have already had a tractor ride around Burley and have been swimming in the private pools of their host families. They will also be visiting Liberty's Raptor and Reptile Centre, Lulworth Castle, Paultons Park, Romsey Leisure Centre and the Bournemouth Adventure Wonderland.

Picture: Outside Toys of Ringwood with Frank Pursey the manager.

Revised: 21 June 2006

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