Encounter Tower Bridge, a deserted City of London, Canary Wharf, Hampstead Heath, London Zoo, Piccadilly Circus, British Museum, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Royal Albert Hall, Battersea Power Station and more....

The itinerary will be entirely on roads for ease of access and quality of lighting. It will be clearly sign-posted so participants can cycle at their own pace. Full support and back up will be provided.

Dates are the 9/10 June.

Please register here or call Ruth to find out more 020 7602 6203

Under the guidance of talented teacher, Koy, it has been amazing to see how creative they have been and how deft they have become at turning out a wide assortment of pretty items like wristbands, earrings, telephone straps and hair bands.

They have learnt to knit and crochet, and are delighted when big-hearted volunteer, Khun Dawn, turns up with beautiful beads which they can turn into necklaces and bracelets.

Visitors to the Pattaya Orphanage next door are greeted with a wonderful supply of presents. Their purchases help replenish the children's supplies - and competition is fierce to come up with the best design for the next creative item which it is hoped will become a best-seller.

These arts and crafts sessions not only provide new skills; they instill a sense of pride and self-worth in the students as they learn how to become independent.

The Pyi Chit pupils were absolutely delighted with their gifts and many have been writing and singing to each other over Skype.
The British students are keen to keep up the liaison particularly as they now know of the plight and poverty of their new friends who have so little.
Andrew Scadding, Director of Thai Children's Trust, says: "School projects like this one make a huge difference to us and the children we support. Their fundraising efforts and shoe box campaign were excellent. We hope that more schools will follow their lead as it is a great learning experience for all."

Needless to say all the children were thrilled by Boosters visit and are now very fond of the very special dog.

A huge thank you! to all our donors and volunteers who have watched over the lives of these children. How far they have come since nearly 7 years of the tsunami where they are now happy to play on the beach and swim in the sea once again!

A vital part of Bee's care is a healthy diet, which is particularly important to children with HIV. If they stay fit and healthy their illness can be managed more successfully.

You can help us continue providing children like Bee with the nutrition they need by donating online on Monday 5 December at 10am at www.thaichildrenstrust.org.uk/thebiggive. Your donation will be doubled - please give generously.

A vital part of Bee's care is a healthy diet, which is particularly important to children with HIV. If they stay fit and healthy their illness can be managed more successfully.

You can help us continue providing children like Bee with the nutrition they need by donating online on Monday 5 December at 10am at www.thaichildrenstrust.org.uk/thebiggive. Your donation will be doubled - please give generously.

Bank stayed at school until he was eight but dropped out when he began to lose his sight. He was rejected by his new ‘family' after his father remarried.

At Sarnelli House a young blind man, Dtap, is teaching them to read Braille. Dtap is an inspiration to the children who have been left behind because of their disability. He takes them to Nong Khai and they can now navigate the local bus system.

Nut and Bank have become an important part of the Sarnelli House family.

Bank stayed at school until he was eight but dropped out when he began to lose his sight. He was rejected by his new ‘family' after his father remarried.

At Sarnelli House a young blind man, Dtap, is teaching them to read Braille. Dtap is an inspiration to the children who have been left behind because of their disability. He takes them to Nong Khai and they can now navigate the local bus system.

Nut and Bank have become an important part of the Sarnelli House family.

In 1973, Father Ray, a young American priest, found an abandoned child on his doorstep. It was the start of a life's work to take in children in need of food, shelter, medical care, an education and most of all, love. The projects Father Ray founded continue to support hundreds of children today.

The opening ceremony of his memorial week was held at the Father Ray Children's Home in Pattaya. Drummers led the procession, followed by three huge elephants, a band and finally all the children from the home. Onlookers were intrigued to know that all this was in remembrance of a much-loved man.

In 1973, Father Ray, a young American priest, found an abandoned child on his doorstep. It was the start of a life's work to take in children in need of food, shelter, medical care, an education and most of all, love. The projects Father Ray founded continue to support hundreds of children today.

The opening ceremony of his memorial week was held at the Father Ray Children's Home in Pattaya. Drummers led the procession, followed by three huge elephants, a band and finally all the children from the home. Onlookers were intrigued to know that all this was in remembrance of a much-loved man.

Our celebrity supporter Joe Swift, who you may know if you are a keen gardener or remember as TV presenter of the Chelsea Flower Show in May, will be hosting an event at Whichford Pottery barn in Warwickshire on Saturday 17 September, marking the end of a two week Bulb Festival at Whichford. The day-long event will include a presentation about how we help Sarnelli House and the schools on the Thai-Burma border to grow their own food. We will also have lovely home-made cream tea, a raffle and plenty of time for you to discover the location and chat with Joe about all things gardening. All proceeds go towards supporting the neediest children in Thailand.

There will be two opportunities to hear Joe's talk - 2:00pm and 4:00pm and an afternoon tea will be served.

For information please contact Jo Furlong on jfurlong@thaichildrenstrust.org.uk or 020 7602 6203.

Our celebrity supporter Joe Swift, who you may know if you are a keen gardener or remember as TV presenter of the Chelsea Flower Show in May, will be hosting an event at Whichford Pottery barn in Warwickshire on Saturday 17 September, marking the end of a two week Bulb Festival at Whichford. The day-long event will include a presentation about how we help Sarnelli House and the schools on the Thai-Burma border to grow their own food. We will also have lovely home-made cream tea, a raffle and plenty of time for you to discover the location and chat with Joe about all things gardening. All proceeds go towards supporting the neediest children in Thailand.

There will be two opportunities to hear Joe's talk - 2:00pm and 4:00pm and an afternoon tea will be served.

For information please contact Jo Furlong on jfurlong@thaichildrenstrust.org.uk or 020 7602 6203.

Afterwards the children were treated to cake, ice cream and fruit, all of which was devoured within two minutes!

Afterwards the children were treated to cake, ice cream and fruit, all of which was devoured within two minutes!

They noticed the resilience of the children. Despite facing some of the worst conditions - poverty, disability and exclusion - they were laughing, dancing and inviting others to join in their games.

Sohila says, "Each of the projects supported by TCT is special. The charity gives so many kids the chance to experience a normal childhood".

Jo adds, "I got the chance to meet the child I sponsor. Reading his English textbook from school together was one of the highlights of the visit."

They noticed the resilience of the children. Despite facing some of the worst conditions - poverty, disability and exclusion - they were laughing, dancing and inviting others to join in their games.

Sohila says, "Each of the projects supported by TCT is special. The charity gives so many kids the chance to experience a normal childhood".

Jo adds, "I got the chance to meet the child I sponsor. Reading his English textbook from school together was one of the highlights of the visit."

But the conflict shows no sign of stopping and parents are getting increasingly worried about
their children. Although people have been expecting to go back home, many dangers face them and
their children on their return, such as landmines, forced labour and fighting.

This situation is highly disruptive and distressing for the children affected by the conflict.
Mae Tao Clinic has identified 606 children directly affected by the conflict and is now giving them places in boarding houses and schools. These boarding houses are close to the border so families can remain close, despite the difficulty of the situation. The clinic was already feeding 2,805 people before the crisis , but the current rise in refugee numbers has been unprecedented and they do not have the funds needed to feed these children. At The Thai Children's Trust we are doing everyhting we can do to help them.

But the conflict shows no sign of stopping and parents are getting increasingly worried about
their children. Although people have been expecting to go back home, many dangers face them and
their children on their return, such as landmines, forced labour and fighting.

This situation is highly disruptive and distressing for the children affected by the conflict.
Mae Tao Clinic has identified 606 children directly affected by the conflict and is now giving them places in boarding houses and schools. These boarding houses are close to the border so families can remain close, despite the difficulty of the situation. The clinic was already feeding 2,805 people before the crisis , but the current rise in refugee numbers has been unprecedented and they do not have the funds needed to feed these children. At The Thai Children's Trust we are doing everyhting we can do to help them.

But they are not there to play they are there to learn to swim and the first lesson was to learn how to use their legs to move through the water. All good fun.

But they are not there to play they are there to learn to swim and the first lesson was to learn how to use their legs to move through the water. All good fun.

Up at the Father Ray Children’s Village a piece of land has been given over to Farmer Daeng. After spending most of his life on the land this man is an expert in producing food for our children.Before starting work each morning Farmer Daeng makes an offering of food to the spirit house, and lighting incense sticks he prays for a good harvest. It is a belief here in Thailand that spirits occupy the land, and a small house is built to house the spirits, alms are offered each morning and Thai people ask for protection from the spirits.

In a few short months the farm has grown and is now producing a selection of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that are used in most Thai dishes. As soon as a crop is harvested the van from Central Purchasing arrives to transport the food to the various projects, ensuring the children are eating the freshest food possible. The spirits are certainly looking after Farmer Daeng and our children.

Up at the Father Ray Children’s Village a piece of land has been given over to Farmer Daeng. After spending most of his life on the land this man is an expert in producing food for our children.Before starting work each morning Farmer Daeng makes an offering of food to the spirit house, and lighting incense sticks he prays for a good harvest. It is a belief here in Thailand that spirits occupy the land, and a small house is built to house the spirits, alms are offered each morning and Thai people ask for protection from the spirits.

In a few short months the farm has grown and is now producing a selection of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that are used in most Thai dishes. As soon as a crop is harvested the van from Central Purchasing arrives to transport the food to the various projects, ensuring the children are eating the freshest food possible. The spirits are certainly looking after Farmer Daeng and our children.

They swam with the youngsters from the Father Ray Day Care Center and took the blind students to the beach. At the Father Ray Children’s Home the young boys gave them a lesson in Muay Thai boxing whilst the girls from the UK were received a class in traditional Thai dancing.  On their final day they travelled up to the farm, located next to the Children’s Village, where Father Peter introduced the visitors to Farmer Daeng. The students were taught the best way to harvest coconuts and then using a machete to open them to get to the fresh coconut water.  

The seven days went by very quick, but the visitors will go home with many good memories.

They swam with the youngsters from the Father Ray Day Care Center and took the blind students to the beach. At the Father Ray Children’s Home the young boys gave them a lesson in Muay Thai boxing whilst the girls from the UK were received a class in traditional Thai dancing.  On their final day they travelled up to the farm, located next to the Children’s Village, where Father Peter introduced the visitors to Farmer Daeng. The students were taught the best way to harvest coconuts and then using a machete to open them to get to the fresh coconut water.  

The seven days went by very quick, but the visitors will go home with many good memories.

The following day all the children and some of the staff went on a sightseeing trip to the hot springs in Kapong district where there is a natural pool with a water temperature of 65 degrees.

Over the Thai New Year quite a few of the over 70 children now living at the orphanage were away staying with family members for a few days. Children and staff who remained at the orphanage went to the local temple on the morning of April 13 to take part in a religious ceremony for the New Year. That afternoon the children carried out traditional New Year blessings for the staff, through the sprinkling of water on hands. The traditional ceremony was followed by the modern Thai Songkran custom of a lively water fight!

Those who remained at the orphanage over the New Year were busy with cleaning the orchid farm and the craft shop and also repairing activities. It wasn't all hard work there was also time for a trip to the nearby beach.

The following day all the children and some of the staff went on a sightseeing trip to the hot springs in Kapong district where there is a natural pool with a water temperature of 65 degrees.

Over the Thai New Year quite a few of the over 70 children now living at the orphanage were away staying with family members for a few days. Children and staff who remained at the orphanage went to the local temple on the morning of April 13 to take part in a religious ceremony for the New Year. That afternoon the children carried out traditional New Year blessings for the staff, through the sprinkling of water on hands. The traditional ceremony was followed by the modern Thai Songkran custom of a lively water fight!

Those who remained at the orphanage over the New Year were busy with cleaning the orchid farm and the craft shop and also repairing activities. It wasn't all hard work there was also time for a trip to the nearby beach.

Then it was to the medical room where a sample of blood was to be taken. As the girls sat calmly and showed no signs of distress when the needle was inserted into their arm, the boys pulled all sorts of faces. One young boy showed so many pained looks that the other children all laughed, and when he tried to remain calm the faces he pulled were even funnier.

Then it was to the medical room where a sample of blood was to be taken. As the girls sat calmly and showed no signs of distress when the needle was inserted into their arm, the boys pulled all sorts of faces. One young boy showed so many pained looks that the other children all laughed, and when he tried to remain calm the faces he pulled were even funnier.

The total distance from Pattaya to the school in Peru is 19,225km and the children would walk, run, march, ride their bike, swim, use a scooter, roller skate or skateboard until their combined distance equaled the 19,225km, and they would have four hours to complete.More than two hundred students and teachers took part and they were joined by students from the School for the Blind and the Vocational School for People with Disabilities. As the blind students were led around the course, the wheelchair bound students raced alongside the bike riders. Several students and staff from the Regents School also tried their hand at completing a lap of the course in a wheelchair, but for many they could not finish. However one young student who is wheelchair bound completed twenty five laps, a total of 10km.

As it was a sponsored event all the money raised will split into three and presented to purchase sports equipment at the Pattaya School for the Blind, Vocational School for People with Disabilities and the planned sports court at the Father Ray Children’s Village.

The total distance from Pattaya to the school in Peru is 19,225km and the children would walk, run, march, ride their bike, swim, use a scooter, roller skate or skateboard until their combined distance equaled the 19,225km, and they would have four hours to complete.More than two hundred students and teachers took part and they were joined by students from the School for the Blind and the Vocational School for People with Disabilities. As the blind students were led around the course, the wheelchair bound students raced alongside the bike riders. Several students and staff from the Regents School also tried their hand at completing a lap of the course in a wheelchair, but for many they could not finish. However one young student who is wheelchair bound completed twenty five laps, a total of 10km.

As it was a sponsored event all the money raised will split into three and presented to purchase sports equipment at the Pattaya School for the Blind, Vocational School for People with Disabilities and the planned sports court at the Father Ray Children’s Village.

Many have not been in a swimming pool before, so they were worried that they would hurt themselves, and it is only natural that they did not want to get too close to the water. But the blind children made it all look so easy. They swam from one side of the pool to the other, each time with a big smile on their faces. After ten minutes several youngsters said that they were now looking forward to learning to swim.

Many have not been in a swimming pool before, so they were worried that they would hurt themselves, and it is only natural that they did not want to get too close to the water. But the blind children made it all look so easy. They swam from one side of the pool to the other, each time with a big smile on their faces. After ten minutes several youngsters said that they were now looking forward to learning to swim.

Each morning for many years there would be a long line of wheelchairs waiting patiently for the one elevator which would carry the students to the six upper floors at the school.Classes regularly started late, and if there was no power or the lift was being repaired lessons were often cancelled. But with the new ramp there is now no need to for any student to be late for class.

From the ground floor dining, past floors two to four with classrooms, up to the male dormitories on the fifth floor and then higher to the sixth floor gymnasium there is now no need to be sitting waiting for the elevator.A few students have complained that to get from the bottom to the top, over 300 meters, is tiring, but it will keep the students fit and healthy.

Each morning for many years there would be a long line of wheelchairs waiting patiently for the one elevator which would carry the students to the six upper floors at the school.Classes regularly started late, and if there was no power or the lift was being repaired lessons were often cancelled. But with the new ramp there is now no need to for any student to be late for class.

From the ground floor dining, past floors two to four with classrooms, up to the male dormitories on the fifth floor and then higher to the sixth floor gymnasium there is now no need to be sitting waiting for the elevator.A few students have complained that to get from the bottom to the top, over 300 meters, is tiring, but it will keep the students fit and healthy.

The boys on the other hand take life at a more leisurely pace. Slowly they emerge from the dining room, some still getting dressed and their teachers are all encouraging them to hurry as the school buses are waiting to leave.

The boys on the other hand take life at a more leisurely pace. Slowly they emerge from the dining room, some still getting dressed and their teachers are all encouraging them to hurry as the school buses are waiting to leave.

Coming from a very poor family, there was little hope that if he remained living with his parents he would attend school. While they went off to work he was often left alone, spending his days with no friends, hungry and at risk of harm if he became involved in an accident and there was no one to help him.

Now he is living at the Father Ray Children’s Village, he has new brothers and sisters and a ‘mother’ who will look after him and give him all the support he needs. Even though this is his first day at school he has many years to go before he eventually graduates from full time education. If he does well in his studies and wishes to continue his education in college and university, then he will receive all the support and financial assistance he needs.

Coming from a very poor family, there was little hope that if he remained living with his parents he would attend school. While they went off to work he was often left alone, spending his days with no friends, hungry and at risk of harm if he became involved in an accident and there was no one to help him.

Now he is living at the Father Ray Children’s Village, he has new brothers and sisters and a ‘mother’ who will look after him and give him all the support he needs. Even though this is his first day at school he has many years to go before he eventually graduates from full time education. If he does well in his studies and wishes to continue his education in college and university, then he will receive all the support and financial assistance he needs.

One of the older boys, Lek, is responsible for the barber shop and it is his job to train the older boys in the art of using an electric razor.

 All government schools insist that all boys must have their heads shaved, the top of the head can have some length, but the back and sides must be as short as possible. Some barbers are better than others, and many of the younger boys will hide until they see Lek’s chair is free, making sure that none of the inexperienced barbers are let loose on their heads.

One of the older boys, Lek, is responsible for the barber shop and it is his job to train the older boys in the art of using an electric razor.

 All government schools insist that all boys must have their heads shaved, the top of the head can have some length, but the back and sides must be as short as possible. Some barbers are better than others, and many of the younger boys will hide until they see Lek’s chair is free, making sure that none of the inexperienced barbers are let loose on their heads.

The theme of the evening’s party was ‘Catwalk Supermodel Beauty Contest’, and more than thirty residents of all ages dressed up for the occasion.  Alongside the catwalk were seated the children, boys on one side girls on the other, and each time a boy walked the catwalk the cheers from the boys were deafening.  

The fashion show was a close competition, so the finalists had to take part in a laughing competition. Of all the finalists, whoever could make the audience laugh would be announced as the winner. A young teenage boy was the final winner. His costume was his school uniform, but he wore a wig created from very bright orange wool.  As usual everyone had a great time.

The theme of the evening’s party was ‘Catwalk Supermodel Beauty Contest’, and more than thirty residents of all ages dressed up for the occasion.  Alongside the catwalk were seated the children, boys on one side girls on the other, and each time a boy walked the catwalk the cheers from the boys were deafening.  

The fashion show was a close competition, so the finalists had to take part in a laughing competition. Of all the finalists, whoever could make the audience laugh would be announced as the winner. A young teenage boy was the final winner. His costume was his school uniform, but he wore a wig created from very bright orange wool.  As usual everyone had a great time.

The House of Hope has now 5 babies under 1yr of age and 14 preschool so the girls who come over in groups of 4 from 8.30am – 3pm every day have their hands full helping the house mothers. But it’s not all hard work as right next door to the House of Hope is the 2 boys’ homes of St Patrick’s and Jan and Oscar and there are plenty of distractions. Visiting the boys, riding bicycles and watching movies  sometimes proves more appealing than pushing the toddlers on the swing again and again.

The House of Hope has now 5 babies under 1yr of age and 14 preschool so the girls who come over in groups of 4 from 8.30am – 3pm every day have their hands full helping the house mothers. But it’s not all hard work as right next door to the House of Hope is the 2 boys’ homes of St Patrick’s and Jan and Oscar and there are plenty of distractions. Visiting the boys, riding bicycles and watching movies  sometimes proves more appealing than pushing the toddlers on the swing again and again.

At the Vocational School for People with Disabilities the students all want to look good on the first day of term, and they must follow the school regulations and have a style that is not too long or wild.  A local beauty school arrived the day before the new term starts and there was a long line of students all waiting to get a free haircut. Many young men have been wearing their hair long for many years, but after a few snips of the scissors their tresses were cut and there was a pile of long hair on the floor.  

The following morning, the first day of a new school year, saw all the students gathering for morning assembly, the new students standing out as they were not wearing the official uniform. Once the flag was raised and the national anthem had been sung, the new students were welcomed to the school by the older students, who formed two parallel lines in which the new students walked between. All the students clapped and cheered as the new students passed, making them all feel welcome. After the new students were seated, they then repeated the student’s oath, promising to work hard, respect others, respect the school and respect their teachers. This was followed by the students receiving their brand new uniforms, which the teachers helped them to put on. This is an important part of the welcoming ceremony as it makes the new students part of the school; they are now one with the other students.  

Once they were dressed in the uniform they will wear fro the next two years, they received a traditional sign of good luck. Small pieces of string were tied to their wrists by Father Pattarapong and Sister Pavinee, who wished the new students the best of luck.

At the Vocational School for People with Disabilities the students all want to look good on the first day of term, and they must follow the school regulations and have a style that is not too long or wild.  A local beauty school arrived the day before the new term starts and there was a long line of students all waiting to get a free haircut. Many young men have been wearing their hair long for many years, but after a few snips of the scissors their tresses were cut and there was a pile of long hair on the floor.  

The following morning, the first day of a new school year, saw all the students gathering for morning assembly, the new students standing out as they were not wearing the official uniform. Once the flag was raised and the national anthem had been sung, the new students were welcomed to the school by the older students, who formed two parallel lines in which the new students walked between. All the students clapped and cheered as the new students passed, making them all feel welcome. After the new students were seated, they then repeated the student’s oath, promising to work hard, respect others, respect the school and respect their teachers. This was followed by the students receiving their brand new uniforms, which the teachers helped them to put on. This is an important part of the welcoming ceremony as it makes the new students part of the school; they are now one with the other students.  

Once they were dressed in the uniform they will wear fro the next two years, they received a traditional sign of good luck. Small pieces of string were tied to their wrists by Father Pattarapong and Sister Pavinee, who wished the new students the best of luck.

The residents of the Father Ray Children’s Home were very excited to welcome the English students, especially after the local boys heard that one of the visiting students is an exceptional soccer player. Not only is this soccer player on the books of Manchester City, but also plays in goal for the England youth team. What was a big surprise for the boys was when they met this player, who just happens to be a young lady named Alex.  

Before the arranged soccer match the visitors were given a demonstration of Muay Thai, and they were invited to wear a pair of gloves and try their hand at Thailand’s national sport. Being a sports enthusiast Alex was one of the first to don the protective gear and have her first ever bout, which was against one of the local boys. Being a true gentleman he took it easy with his female opponent, but he was shocked when she landed her first punch and he realised just how strong girls from Manchester are.  

As well as visiting the Children’s Home the UK students also planted seeds and harvested vegetable on the farm at the Father Ray Children’s Village. They spent time cutting the morning glory plants, and as soon as they had a large pile the cook rushed of to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a huge plate of stir fried morning glory and oyster sauce.

The residents of the Father Ray Children’s Home were very excited to welcome the English students, especially after the local boys heard that one of the visiting students is an exceptional soccer player. Not only is this soccer player on the books of Manchester City, but also plays in goal for the England youth team. What was a big surprise for the boys was when they met this player, who just happens to be a young lady named Alex.  

Before the arranged soccer match the visitors were given a demonstration of Muay Thai, and they were invited to wear a pair of gloves and try their hand at Thailand’s national sport. Being a sports enthusiast Alex was one of the first to don the protective gear and have her first ever bout, which was against one of the local boys. Being a true gentleman he took it easy with his female opponent, but he was shocked when she landed her first punch and he realised just how strong girls from Manchester are.  

As well as visiting the Children’s Home the UK students also planted seeds and harvested vegetable on the farm at the Father Ray Children’s Village. They spent time cutting the morning glory plants, and as soon as they had a large pile the cook rushed of to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a huge plate of stir fried morning glory and oyster sauce.

Annie will study English at Girton Grammar School in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia for next 10 months, while experiencing life styles and culture of the people of Australia. Annie will open her heart and mind to the Australian's great kindness, and learn to adjust to living in a real family.  Absolutely, this will be one of the most meaningful chances in her life.  

Annie will study English at Girton Grammar School in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia for next 10 months, while experiencing life styles and culture of the people of Australia. Annie will open her heart and mind to the Australian's great kindness, and learn to adjust to living in a real family.  Absolutely, this will be one of the most meaningful chances in her life.  

The award winning Ballroom Dance Company were making a tour of south east Asia, and for one day only they would be performing in Pattaya, free of charge. Children from the Father Ray Children’s Home, Children’s Village and Father Ray Drop-In Center joined students from the Center for Children with Special Needs at the theatre where they found relief in the air-conditioning. Children from many other charitable organisations also attended, including residents from the Pattaya Orphanage, Baan Jing Jai and youngsters from the Fountain of Life.

The award winning Ballroom Dance Company were making a tour of south east Asia, and for one day only they would be performing in Pattaya, free of charge. Children from the Father Ray Children’s Home, Children’s Village and Father Ray Drop-In Center joined students from the Center for Children with Special Needs at the theatre where they found relief in the air-conditioning. Children from many other charitable organisations also attended, including residents from the Pattaya Orphanage, Baan Jing Jai and youngsters from the Fountain of Life.

At the Father Ray Foundation, residents from the Father Ray Children’s Home, Children’s Village and Drop-In Center all gathered together and the day started with a speech by Khun Suppachai, Director of the Children’s Home, who welcomed everyone and wished them all a great day and lots of fun.

The first ceremony was all the children and workers pouring scented water over the hands of the priests who in turn sprinkled water over the children, wishing them all happy new year. Unfortunately the clouds gathered and got darker until there was a huge rainfall which saw everyone running for cover.

Once the rains stopped the children made their way to the main gate on the highway where they spent several hours throwing water and getting water thrown over them. What better way to spend the school holidays.

At the Father Ray Foundation, residents from the Father Ray Children’s Home, Children’s Village and Drop-In Center all gathered together and the day started with a speech by Khun Suppachai, Director of the Children’s Home, who welcomed everyone and wished them all a great day and lots of fun.

The first ceremony was all the children and workers pouring scented water over the hands of the priests who in turn sprinkled water over the children, wishing them all happy new year. Unfortunately the clouds gathered and got darker until there was a huge rainfall which saw everyone running for cover.

Once the rains stopped the children made their way to the main gate on the highway where they spent several hours throwing water and getting water thrown over them. What better way to spend the school holidays.

One boy lived with his grandmother in Buriram, but at the age of ten he became addicted to playing computer games and played truant from school so he was placed in a government institution.

Another boy from Khon Kaen can remember seeing his mother once in his life, and his father is too poor to provide his son with a decent life so he was placed in a government children’s home. They were moved from one institution to another, until they eventually ran away and made their way to Pattaya.

The third boy, along with his family, left the province of Sa Kaeo and arrived in Pattaya hoping to find work and a better life. Unfortunately the family found themselves living in one of the poorest slum areas.

All three boys came together at the Father Ray Drop-In Center. It was where they found a safe place to live and the support they needed to help them make a decision about their future. With an interest in motorbikes, two boys decided that they would like to become mechanics so they enrolled at a vocational school in Lampang. The third let it be known that he would like to become an electrician, so he traveled each morning to the HRH Princess Sirindhorn Occupational Training Center in Banglamung.

All three worked hard and have now successfully graduated from their respective colleges, and are now looking for full time employment in their chosen field. They are currently living at the newly opened Half Way House where they are learning to live an independent life, but support is still available to them if needed.

One boy lived with his grandmother in Buriram, but at the age of ten he became addicted to playing computer games and played truant from school so he was placed in a government institution.

Another boy from Khon Kaen can remember seeing his mother once in his life, and his father is too poor to provide his son with a decent life so he was placed in a government children’s home. They were moved from one institution to another, until they eventually ran away and made their way to Pattaya.

The third boy, along with his family, left the province of Sa Kaeo and arrived in Pattaya hoping to find work and a better life. Unfortunately the family found themselves living in one of the poorest slum areas.

All three boys came together at the Father Ray Drop-In Center. It was where they found a safe place to live and the support they needed to help them make a decision about their future. With an interest in motorbikes, two boys decided that they would like to become mechanics so they enrolled at a vocational school in Lampang. The third let it be known that he would like to become an electrician, so he traveled each morning to the HRH Princess Sirindhorn Occupational Training Center in Banglamung.

All three worked hard and have now successfully graduated from their respective colleges, and are now looking for full time employment in their chosen field. They are currently living at the newly opened Half Way House where they are learning to live an independent life, but support is still available to them if needed.

An education will allow them to earn their own living, they will become independent, they will no longer be a burden on their family and society and they will be more confident.

After meeting the teaching staff who gave a talk about the school, telling the interviewees what is expected of them and what they can expect from the school. For those wishing to start on the CBE, computer business in English, course all students must have completed up to grade 3 in the high school education. For the potential electronic repair students they must sit an interview and show the interviewer that they have the ability to handle the various tools that they will learn to use.

Whilst the potential students are being interviewed, nervous parents patiently wait, pacing up and down and hoping that their child will be successful.

An education will allow them to earn their own living, they will become independent, they will no longer be a burden on their family and society and they will be more confident.

After meeting the teaching staff who gave a talk about the school, telling the interviewees what is expected of them and what they can expect from the school. For those wishing to start on the CBE, computer business in English, course all students must have completed up to grade 3 in the high school education. For the potential electronic repair students they must sit an interview and show the interviewer that they have the ability to handle the various tools that they will learn to use.

Whilst the potential students are being interviewed, nervous parents patiently wait, pacing up and down and hoping that their child will be successful.

For the first three terms the students work very hard learning all aspects of diagnosing problems with electrical appliances and then ways of repairing them. For the final term the students have a choice of either doing a five month placement in a commercial workshop in their hometown, or do their placement in the workshop located at the school. The workshop at the school is open to the public, who each day bring in TV’s, radios, computers, washing machines, fans, hairdryers or any other appliance. 

As another term comes to an end the students currently in semester three are working harder than usual. When the new term starts in early May they will be working in the workshop, dealing with the public and taking turns to managing the business. For their final examination, which will prove whether or not the student is ready to move to the workshop, the students are sitting their hardest tests. Each student is given a TV, and they have to investigate and diagnose the problem and then use their knowledge to repair the set. Once the have repaired the TV they are given another appliance, and only when they have proved to the teacher they are proficient in their work will they move forward.

A lot of pressure, but we are confident that almost all students will pass their exams and be ready to do their placement.

For the first three terms the students work very hard learning all aspects of diagnosing problems with electrical appliances and then ways of repairing them. For the final term the students have a choice of either doing a five month placement in a commercial workshop in their hometown, or do their placement in the workshop located at the school. The workshop at the school is open to the public, who each day bring in TV’s, radios, computers, washing machines, fans, hairdryers or any other appliance. 

As another term comes to an end the students currently in semester three are working harder than usual. When the new term starts in early May they will be working in the workshop, dealing with the public and taking turns to managing the business. For their final examination, which will prove whether or not the student is ready to move to the workshop, the students are sitting their hardest tests. Each student is given a TV, and they have to investigate and diagnose the problem and then use their knowledge to repair the set. Once the have repaired the TV they are given another appliance, and only when they have proved to the teacher they are proficient in their work will they move forward.

A lot of pressure, but we are confident that almost all students will pass their exams and be ready to do their placement.

As in past years the level of talent was outstanding as most of the players play in regular leagues and competitions throughout the year.  

The first game played was also a replay of last years final between the Father Ray Children’s Home and the Pattaya Orphanage. There is always fierce rivalry when these two teams play each other, and the Children’s Home has won two out of the last three meetings with the Pattaya Orphanage winning last years final. On this particular day the Pattaya Orphanage was the better team, and the Children’s Home was defeated by six goals to three.

The second match was played between the local Regents School and the visitors from Nong Khai, and it was the Regents School who won 6-0.

The following match was between the two losing teams, Sarnelli House and the Father Ray Children’s Home, and once again the Nong Khai team lost 6-5.

The reigning champions from the Pattaya Orphanage were confident that they could make it two in a row and carry the winner’s trophy home once again. However the Regents School team was just too good, scoring five goals before the Orphanage team came back scoring three goals.

The match finished with last years winners receiving the runners up trophy, whilst the Regents School team picked up the winners trophy and also the trophy for top goal scorer on the day.

The fifth Shai Davis Soccer Tournament will be taking place in March 2012, and already the Pattaya Orphanage are promising that they will win the trophy next year, and the team from Nong Khai are hoping that they will one day make it to the final.  

As in past years the level of talent was outstanding as most of the players play in regular leagues and competitions throughout the year.  

The first game played was also a replay of last years final between the Father Ray Children’s Home and the Pattaya Orphanage. There is always fierce rivalry when these two teams play each other, and the Children’s Home has won two out of the last three meetings with the Pattaya Orphanage winning last years final. On this particular day the Pattaya Orphanage was the better team, and the Children’s Home was defeated by six goals to three.

The second match was played between the local Regents School and the visitors from Nong Khai, and it was the Regents School who won 6-0.

The following match was between the two losing teams, Sarnelli House and the Father Ray Children’s Home, and once again the Nong Khai team lost 6-5.

The reigning champions from the Pattaya Orphanage were confident that they could make it two in a row and carry the winner’s trophy home once again. However the Regents School team was just too good, scoring five goals before the Orphanage team came back scoring three goals.

The match finished with last years winners receiving the runners up trophy, whilst the Regents School team picked up the winners trophy and also the trophy for top goal scorer on the day.

The fifth Shai Davis Soccer Tournament will be taking place in March 2012, and already the Pattaya Orphanage are promising that they will win the trophy next year, and the team from Nong Khai are hoping that they will one day make it to the final.  

All Father Ray Foundation projects are free for the children and students, except for those attending the Father Ray Day Care Center. Each day when the children arrive they have to pay 5 baht. This does not cover the costs of the uniforms, teaching, meals or medical expenses that the Center provides, but it means that the parent must take some responsibility and go and earn some money.The 5 baht goes into a bank account, and this money saved will go towards paying for school uniforms, satchels and stationary when the youngsters start school.

All Father Ray Foundation projects are free for the children and students, except for those attending the Father Ray Day Care Center. Each day when the children arrive they have to pay 5 baht. This does not cover the costs of the uniforms, teaching, meals or medical expenses that the Center provides, but it means that the parent must take some responsibility and go and earn some money.The 5 baht goes into a bank account, and this money saved will go towards paying for school uniforms, satchels and stationary when the youngsters start school.

In between matches the Polo Club invited the children of the Father Ray Foundation to visit and ride the ponies. Students from the School for the Blind, the Special Needs Center and the Drop-In Center for Street Kids were warmly welcomed by the management and staff before the grooms arrived with the ponies.

Many of the children were a little nervous at first, especially the younger children, but in the end all the children got to ride. For many it was the first time the children had ever been close to a horse and for the blind children it was a brand new and wonderful experience.

In between matches the Polo Club invited the children of the Father Ray Foundation to visit and ride the ponies. Students from the School for the Blind, the Special Needs Center and the Drop-In Center for Street Kids were warmly welcomed by the management and staff before the grooms arrived with the ponies.

Many of the children were a little nervous at first, especially the younger children, but in the end all the children got to ride. For many it was the first time the children had ever been close to a horse and for the blind children it was a brand new and wonderful experience.

Entertainment was provided by the students, including a routine which was the teenagers dancing with hula-hoops, the newest craze here in Thailand.

First race of the day was between two blind children who have difficulty mobilizing, and they raced as fast as they could on their walking frames. This was followed with two students racing each other, but apart from being blind they are also deaf and dumb, and their teacher communicated with them by making signs on their hands.

Other events included the skipping race and the running relays, with several students running alone, but with teachers standing around the running course and guiding the student by call instructions on which way to run.

In the end it was the blue team who was victorious and who carries away the winner’s trophy.

Entertainment was provided by the students, including a routine which was the teenagers dancing with hula-hoops, the newest craze here in Thailand.

First race of the day was between two blind children who have difficulty mobilizing, and they raced as fast as they could on their walking frames. This was followed with two students racing each other, but apart from being blind they are also deaf and dumb, and their teacher communicated with them by making signs on their hands.

Other events included the skipping race and the running relays, with several students running alone, but with teachers standing around the running course and guiding the student by call instructions on which way to run.

In the end it was the blue team who was victorious and who carries away the winner’s trophy.

One number involved five dancers, two traditional Burmese, two hip-hoppers and one contemporary dancer. They all danced to the same song, but to three completely different dance routines, and yet the one piece of music suited all dances, and at times the dancers even danced together. It was truly an amazing performance to watch.

Another number included a song about love, again. But this time it was mythical Burmese creatures who were loving and fighting each other. Wonderful.

Most of these students are in Thailand without their families. They live in very basic conditions, with the added worry that if they were to return home they may be forced into the army, or worse, shot on site trying to re-enter their own country.

One number involved five dancers, two traditional Burmese, two hip-hoppers and one contemporary dancer. They all danced to the same song, but to three completely different dance routines, and yet the one piece of music suited all dances, and at times the dancers even danced together. It was truly an amazing performance to watch.

Another number included a song about love, again. But this time it was mythical Burmese creatures who were loving and fighting each other. Wonderful.

Most of these students are in Thailand without their families. They live in very basic conditions, with the added worry that if they were to return home they may be forced into the army, or worse, shot on site trying to re-enter their own country.

It is looking for runners old and young, new and experienced: you can run a marathon, a half-marathon, a 2K walk or of course the wheelchair marathon course.

The marathon is set is beautiful town of Nong Khai, near the border with Laos, and loops around the magical Mekong river. Are you interested? Applications are due by April the 30th: please contact us for more information!

It is looking for runners old and young, new and experienced: you can run a marathon, a half-marathon, a 2K walk or of course the wheelchair marathon course.

The marathon is set is beautiful town of Nong Khai, near the border with Laos, and loops around the magical Mekong river. Are you interested? Applications are due by April the 30th: please contact us for more information!

The location was the large football pitch up at the Father Ray Children’s Home, and the day started early with the children presenting alms to the local monks at 7am. After eating breakfast the children had a host activities to keep them busy. The children from the Father Ray Drop-In Center, School for the Blind, Children’s Village and several other local charities attended, as did several local celebrities fromthe world of TV and music, and the children did have a day to remember.

The location was the large football pitch up at the Father Ray Children’s Home, and the day started early with the children presenting alms to the local monks at 7am. After eating breakfast the children had a host activities to keep them busy. The children from the Father Ray Drop-In Center, School for the Blind, Children’s Village and several other local charities attended, as did several local celebrities fromthe world of TV and music, and the children did have a day to remember.

We have launched a campaign to feed 3500 hungry Burmese refugee children in 2011. You can read more about how you can double your donation through the Big Give here.

We will be publishing comments from Burmese children and young adults who now live in Thailand.

This is Sangsar's dream, in her own words:

"My dream is I want to be a teacher. Because some of the children in Burma and Thai/Burmese border have no chance to study like us. Because their parents don’t have money to send to school or some parents they don’t want to send because lack of knowledge. Especially I want to help migrant children that came from Burma. So I want to be a teacher to help people by sharing my knowledge as I have to them. And also I want to be a photographer because I love art and art can make us happy with the drawing and painting the picture. And I hope that if I can learn higher education of course I can reach my goal successfully."

You can help Sangsar achieve her dream by donating through the Big Give at 10am on the 6th December. Find out more here!

We have launched a campaign to feed 3500 hungry Burmese refugee children in 2011. You can read more about how you can double your donation through the Big Give here.

We will be publishing comments from Burmese children and young adults who now live in Thailand.

This is Sangsar's dream, in her own words:

"My dream is I want to be a teacher. Because some of the children in Burma and Thai/Burmese border have no chance to study like us. Because their parents don’t have money to send to school or some parents they don’t want to send because lack of knowledge. Especially I want to help migrant children that came from Burma. So I want to be a teacher to help people by sharing my knowledge as I have to them. And also I want to be a photographer because I love art and art can make us happy with the drawing and painting the picture. And I hope that if I can learn higher education of course I can reach my goal successfully."

You can help Sangsar achieve her dream by donating through the Big Give at 10am on the 6th December. Find out more here!

The school relies on volunteers to teach English without volunteers there would be no English classes. At the end of each term the students hold a special lunch to thank the volunteer teachers. Each one is presented with a small token of appreciation as a way of saying thanks for coming to Thailand and giving their time to the students with disabilities.

The school relies on volunteers to teach English without volunteers there would be no English classes. At the end of each term the students hold a special lunch to thank the volunteer teachers. Each one is presented with a small token of appreciation as a way of saying thanks for coming to Thailand and giving their time to the students with disabilities.

Both James and Sia are good role models for all the children, and in years to come we hope to have many more residents graduating from university.

Both James and Sia are good role models for all the children, and in years to come we hope to have many more residents graduating from university.

Once measured by officials the cake was on sale, for 78 baht per slice. For the children of the Father Ray Foundation is was free, and there was only one word that the children kept repeating ‘Aroy’ – the Thai word for delicious. 

Once measured by officials the cake was on sale, for 78 baht per slice. For the children of the Father Ray Foundation is was free, and there was only one word that the children kept repeating ‘Aroy’ – the Thai word for delicious. 

On Monday the 16th August, the anniversary of Fathers Ray's passing, two religious ceremonies were held. At six o'clock in the morning at the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with Disabilities nine monks from a local temple arrived to receive alms. Students, volunteers and teachers gathered to make merit and receive a blessing on that special day.
Twelve hours later at St. Nikolaus Catholic Church on Sukhumvit Road a memorial mass was held. Attended by more than one thousand people the mass was celebrated by Father Somphong Tewtrakul, Vice Provincial of the Redemptorists in Thailand. Once the mass was over a candlelight procession made its way to the final resting place of Father Ray where his children sang the song ‘You're An Unsung Hero', the words of which were specially written and dedicated to Father Ray.
In August 2011 Pattaya will once again celebrate Father Ray Day, but until then the Father Ray Foundation will continue to provide a caring home and an education to those in need. From that one baby who arrived in 1974 more than five thousand people have received help and the Foundation stands by its vision that it ‘never turns a needy child away'.

On Monday the 16th August, the anniversary of Fathers Ray's passing, two religious ceremonies were held. At six o'clock in the morning at the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with Disabilities nine monks from a local temple arrived to receive alms. Students, volunteers and teachers gathered to make merit and receive a blessing on that special day.
Twelve hours later at St. Nikolaus Catholic Church on Sukhumvit Road a memorial mass was held. Attended by more than one thousand people the mass was celebrated by Father Somphong Tewtrakul, Vice Provincial of the Redemptorists in Thailand. Once the mass was over a candlelight procession made its way to the final resting place of Father Ray where his children sang the song ‘You're An Unsung Hero', the words of which were specially written and dedicated to Father Ray.
In August 2011 Pattaya will once again celebrate Father Ray Day, but until then the Father Ray Foundation will continue to provide a caring home and an education to those in need. From that one baby who arrived in 1974 more than five thousand people have received help and the Foundation stands by its vision that it ‘never turns a needy child away'.

As most public schools will be closed for the day the children at the Father Ray Day Care Center celebrated Mothers Day a day earlier on the 11^th.

Due to work commitments many mothers were unable to attend, but twenty mothers did arrive with their young children to participate in the ceremony.

As the mothers sat on the floor their child, holding a garland made with jasmine flowers, knelt down in front of them and presented the garland to their mother. They then placed two hands together, raised them high and then bowed low as a mark of respect to the person who gave them life, provides for them, cares for them and loves them.

One young mother received three garlands as her triplet sons attend the Center each day, and no one could decide which brother should present the garland. The older brother thought it should be him as he was the first born, the youngest thought it should be him as he is the baby of the family, and the middle son was too calm and relaxed to get involved.  

As most public schools will be closed for the day the children at the Father Ray Day Care Center celebrated Mothers Day a day earlier on the 11^th.

Due to work commitments many mothers were unable to attend, but twenty mothers did arrive with their young children to participate in the ceremony.

As the mothers sat on the floor their child, holding a garland made with jasmine flowers, knelt down in front of them and presented the garland to their mother. They then placed two hands together, raised them high and then bowed low as a mark of respect to the person who gave them life, provides for them, cares for them and loves them.

One young mother received three garlands as her triplet sons attend the Center each day, and no one could decide which brother should present the garland. The older brother thought it should be him as he was the first born, the youngest thought it should be him as he is the baby of the family, and the middle son was too calm and relaxed to get involved.  

Recent visitorswere informed that they are going to witness a spectacular selection of traditional and modern dance routines. The guests got themselves comfortable,and as there was so much hype and anticipation about this event all the other children arrived to watch.

First performance went perfect, with two young girls dancing with fans. They were followed by several even younger girls who also danced to perfection. But the final act was a performance by the older teenagers, who has spent so much time designing their outfits, applying make-up and planning their performance that they forgot to rehearse, and this was soon evident as soon as the music started.

Within seconds they were out of step with each other, they went left instead of right and right instead of left and there was soon giggling from the audience. The giggling turned into laughter as the Thai flags they were supposed to be waving turned up late and with so much laughter from the audience the dancers started laughing, every one of them had tears running down their faces except the dance troupe leader who remained stony faced throughout. As the minutes passed the routine went from bad to worse that eventually with so much laughter from the audience the dance leader could not hold it in any more and she also joined inthe laughter.

Eventually theperformance ended and everyone agreed that what they had witnessed was one of the best performances ever. 

Recent visitorswere informed that they are going to witness a spectacular selection of traditional and modern dance routines. The guests got themselves comfortable,and as there was so much hype and anticipation about this event all the other children arrived to watch.

First performance went perfect, with two young girls dancing with fans. They were followed by several even younger girls who also danced to perfection. But the final act was a performance by the older teenagers, who has spent so much time designing their outfits, applying make-up and planning their performance that they forgot to rehearse, and this was soon evident as soon as the music started.

Within seconds they were out of step with each other, they went left instead of right and right instead of left and there was soon giggling from the audience. The giggling turned into laughter as the Thai flags they were supposed to be waving turned up late and with so much laughter from the audience the dancers started laughing, every one of them had tears running down their faces except the dance troupe leader who remained stony faced throughout. As the minutes passed the routine went from bad to worse that eventually with so much laughter from the audience the dance leader could not hold it in any more and she also joined inthe laughter.

Eventually theperformance ended and everyone agreed that what they had witnessed was one of the best performances ever. 

Finally, we were allowed to take the children to the beach after they had eaten their lunch. They were really excited and headed straight into the sea to play in the waves and with the rubber dingys we had brought with us. Some children decided to collect various shells some of which still had live sea life in them and by the end of the day we had a large collection of shells to take back with us. On the drive back most of the kids were so tired they just fell asleep in our laps. Even though it was very tiring everyone had a really good day and I think we will all remember it.

Finally, we were allowed to take the children to the beach after they had eaten their lunch. They were really excited and headed straight into the sea to play in the waves and with the rubber dingys we had brought with us. Some children decided to collect various shells some of which still had live sea life in them and by the end of the day we had a large collection of shells to take back with us. On the drive back most of the kids were so tired they just fell asleep in our laps. Even though it was very tiring everyone had a really good day and I think we will all remember it.

All students aresplit into four teams, yellow, red, blue and green, and all students are expectedto participate in at least one of the many sports where there was acompetition. Sports included athletics, shot put, petanque, soccer, tak-raw,volleyball (both standing and sitting), wheelchair tennis, swimming andwheelchair basketball.

The openingceremony saw the students parading with their teams past the guests of honour,which this year included the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, before the flame was litto announce the opening of the games.

Unlike sportsevents for people without a disability, students at the school are categorizedaccording to their disability; it would be unfair to have a 100m race with astudent who is missing an upper limb run against an athlete who only has onelower limb and who uses prosthesis. 

One aim of thesports competition was to select any talented students who may, with the propertraining, be eligible to compete at a local, national and international level.

All students aresplit into four teams, yellow, red, blue and green, and all students are expectedto participate in at least one of the many sports where there was acompetition. Sports included athletics, shot put, petanque, soccer, tak-raw,volleyball (both standing and sitting), wheelchair tennis, swimming andwheelchair basketball.

The openingceremony saw the students parading with their teams past the guests of honour,which this year included the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, before the flame was litto announce the opening of the games.

Unlike sportsevents for people without a disability, students at the school are categorizedaccording to their disability; it would be unfair to have a 100m race with astudent who is missing an upper limb run against an athlete who only has onelower limb and who uses prosthesis. 

One aim of thesports competition was to select any talented students who may, with the propertraining, be eligible to compete at a local, national and international level.

 After breakfast we had a tour around the Fr Ray DayCareCentre before helping the students write their names in Thai. We then splitinto groups, some playing with lego with some children and others helping tocolour in pictures and sing nursery rhymes. It was then play time where we tookthe children outside to play on the climbing frame and trampoline. It was thentime for the children to shower, with some of us helping with talcum powder andsome helping the children put on their pyjamas. Lots of beds were laid out andit took a while before the children settled down and went to sleep.

 After lunch we went to visit an English class taughtbyTeacher Bob. After introductions from the Thai students and us, Teacher Bobsetthem an assignment to find out a fact about English culture to present to theclass.We split into pairs and conversed in English about our families,studies,English culture and Thai culture. It was interesting to find out aboutthedifferences between the two cultures and we were impressed with the amountofEnglish the Thai students knew.

 Mrs Jenkinson and Mrs Murphy helped students withtheir swimming whilst we spoke some more to some of the Thai students. We gavethem our e-mails so they can practice their English writing.

 After dinner we went to the shopping mall and did lotsof bargaining with the stall owners and managed to come back with lots ofgifts and souvenirs. After a long day everyone slept well.

 After breakfast we had a tour around the Fr Ray DayCareCentre before helping the students write their names in Thai. We then splitinto groups, some playing with lego with some children and others helping tocolour in pictures and sing nursery rhymes. It was then play time where we tookthe children outside to play on the climbing frame and trampoline. It was thentime for the children to shower, with some of us helping with talcum powder andsome helping the children put on their pyjamas. Lots of beds were laid out andit took a while before the children settled down and went to sleep.

 After lunch we went to visit an English class taughtbyTeacher Bob. After introductions from the Thai students and us, Teacher Bobsetthem an assignment to find out a fact about English culture to present to theclass.We split into pairs and conversed in English about our families,studies,English culture and Thai culture. It was interesting to find out aboutthedifferences between the two cultures and we were impressed with the amountofEnglish the Thai students knew.

 Mrs Jenkinson and Mrs Murphy helped students withtheir swimming whilst we spoke some more to some of the Thai students. We gavethem our e-mails so they can practice their English writing.

 After dinner we went to the shopping mall and did lotsof bargaining with the stall owners and managed to come back with lots ofgifts and souvenirs. After a long day everyone slept well.

In the afternoon we were invited to a CB1 class to speak English with the students, who were aged 18-30. It was a great opportunity for both the students to further their skills as well as us to understand more about their way of life. We were put into small groups, instead of being a classroom atmosphere it was a relaxed friendly chat where we wereall able to have input. Emails were exchanged, and we now look forward to seeing the students again in their sports day on Friday!

It was then time for a well deserved swimin the centre’s pool. Finally in the evening we planned our activities for the day care centre the next morning; so we were prepared for 60 something jumping kids.

In the afternoon we were invited to a CB1 class to speak English with the students, who were aged 18-30. It was a great opportunity for both the students to further their skills as well as us to understand more about their way of life. We were put into small groups, instead of being a classroom atmosphere it was a relaxed friendly chat where we wereall able to have input. Emails were exchanged, and we now look forward to seeing the students again in their sports day on Friday!

It was then time for a well deserved swimin the centre’s pool. Finally in the evening we planned our activities for the day care centre the next morning; so we were prepared for 60 something jumping kids.

In the afternoon, we visited our first project; the children's village. Again Derek showed us around the village.

This year 6 new houses were built. 4 of them housing 4 new children in each, the other two still needed to be furnished. Once the children settled into the houses, more children would be housed as relationships were more established. After having a tour of the village, the children came out to play. We all enjoyed playing games with the children such as, the balloons, footballs, the swings and colouring. Our first day was very tiring and hot but we all had a good time.

In the afternoon, we visited our first project; the children's village. Again Derek showed us around the village.

This year 6 new houses were built. 4 of them housing 4 new children in each, the other two still needed to be furnished. Once the children settled into the houses, more children would be housed as relationships were more established. After having a tour of the village, the children came out to play. We all enjoyed playing games with the children such as, the balloons, footballs, the swings and colouring. Our first day was very tiring and hot but we all had a good time.

On or around October 7th, depending on the weather forecast locally, racing driver Nick Leventis will leap out of an aeroplane above the Himalayas in a tandem jump from 30,000 feet - higher than nearby Mount Everest. The jump is being organised by fundraising charity Global Angels.  Some of the funds raised will be donated to projects supported by Thai Children's Trust along the Thai-Burma border.

In July Nick and his wife Sophie visited Mae Sot to see some of the projects which will benefit, and to meet the children, accompanied by a camera crew which is recording his busy year - recently Nick was 5th in the gruelling Le Mans 24 hour race - the highest placed private entry. The film will include scenes from Le Mans, the visit to the Burma border, and the parachute jump.

The trip included a brief visit to Burma to see a school in the area controlled by the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army). The school had wooden benches, a wooden blackboard. There were no books, paper, pencils, crayons or other equipment. There is no electricity or running water. The children are malnourished. The migrant schools in Thailand are poor, but never so poor as this.

On or around October 7th, depending on the weather forecast locally, racing driver Nick Leventis will leap out of an aeroplane above the Himalayas in a tandem jump from 30,000 feet - higher than nearby Mount Everest. The jump is being organised by fundraising charity Global Angels.  Some of the funds raised will be donated to projects supported by Thai Children's Trust along the Thai-Burma border.

In July Nick and his wife Sophie visited Mae Sot to see some of the projects which will benefit, and to meet the children, accompanied by a camera crew which is recording his busy year - recently Nick was 5th in the gruelling Le Mans 24 hour race - the highest placed private entry. The film will include scenes from Le Mans, the visit to the Burma border, and the parachute jump.

The trip included a brief visit to Burma to see a school in the area controlled by the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army). The school had wooden benches, a wooden blackboard. There were no books, paper, pencils, crayons or other equipment. There is no electricity or running water. The children are malnourished. The migrant schools in Thailand are poor, but never so poor as this.

The bi-monthly birthday parties at the Fr. Ray Children’s Home are one event that the children alwayslook forward to, and this latest party to celebrate all those children whosebirthday falls in April and May was no different.

The special meal consisted of thespiciest pork salad that the cook had ever produced. We don’t know whathappened- did she forget just how many chilies she actually chopped up? Was shepunishing the children? The children ate this saladuntil the sweat was pouring down their faces, and they drank water likeit was going out of fashion.

When everyone had filled their bellies, the fun startedwith a few entertainment acts. But it was the distribution of the birthdaypresents that everyone was waiting for.

One young twelve year old wascelebrating his birthday for the first time. Before coming to live at the Home his familywas too poor to buy cake and gifts. Like many deprived families his parentswere struggling to find enough rice to eat, so he was a bit bemused by thewhole event. When his name was called he slowly climbed the steps to the stagewhere Khun Suppachai, the Home's Director, was waiting to present him with alarge bag filled with clothes, underwear and his favourite junk food. Whilstthe crowd was cheering he slowly made his way past his friends and found aquiet place where he opened his gift. He had a look at everything beforecalling his friends over and sharing out his sweets and candy. It may have beenthe first time he celebrated his birthday but it will be one day that he neverforgets. 

The bi-monthly birthday parties at the Fr. Ray Children’s Home are one event that the children alwayslook forward to, and this latest party to celebrate all those children whosebirthday falls in April and May was no different.

The special meal consisted of thespiciest pork salad that the cook had ever produced. We don’t know whathappened- did she forget just how many chilies she actually chopped up? Was shepunishing the children? The children ate this saladuntil the sweat was pouring down their faces, and they drank water likeit was going out of fashion.

When everyone had filled their bellies, the fun startedwith a few entertainment acts. But it was the distribution of the birthdaypresents that everyone was waiting for.

One young twelve year old wascelebrating his birthday for the first time. Before coming to live at the Home his familywas too poor to buy cake and gifts. Like many deprived families his parentswere struggling to find enough rice to eat, so he was a bit bemused by thewhole event. When his name was called he slowly climbed the steps to the stagewhere Khun Suppachai, the Home's Director, was waiting to present him with alarge bag filled with clothes, underwear and his favourite junk food. Whilstthe crowd was cheering he slowly made his way past his friends and found aquiet place where he opened his gift. He had a look at everything beforecalling his friends over and sharing out his sweets and candy. It may have beenthe first time he celebrated his birthday but it will be one day that he neverforgets. 

The younger children at the Fr.Ray Children’s Home are making the short journey each day to the local swimmingpool. The children are receiving not just swimming lessons but also skillswhich one day may save their own lives or help save others.

Members from the Thai Life SavingSociety are making sure that the children, some as young as five, are confidentin the water and that they are aware of the dangers that can occur. Thechildren are learning to recognize the signs of someone in danger, the proper useof life-belts and floats, and how to make their own floats by using plasticbottles half filled with water. They are made aware of not putting themselvesin danger or at risk and the importance of getting help and assistance. 

The younger children at the Fr.Ray Children’s Home are making the short journey each day to the local swimmingpool. The children are receiving not just swimming lessons but also skillswhich one day may save their own lives or help save others.

Members from the Thai Life SavingSociety are making sure that the children, some as young as five, are confidentin the water and that they are aware of the dangers that can occur. Thechildren are learning to recognize the signs of someone in danger, the proper useof life-belts and floats, and how to make their own floats by using plasticbottles half filled with water. They are made aware of not putting themselvesin danger or at risk and the importance of getting help and assistance. 

This is the second trip the students from St. Paul's have made to the Fr. Ray Foundation which cares for and educates 850 orphaned, abandoned and neglected children and disabled students. It was the students themselves who raised the money to cover all the flights and accommodation and they did this by doing sponsored walks, car washing, bag packing in supermarkets. The Warrington Male Voice Choir performed a special benefit concert to help with the funds.

All twenty studnets are a credit to their school, proving that selflessly helping others can make huge differences to people lives.

This is the second trip the students from St. Paul's have made to the Fr. Ray Foundation which cares for and educates 850 orphaned, abandoned and neglected children and disabled students. It was the students themselves who raised the money to cover all the flights and accommodation and they did this by doing sponsored walks, car washing, bag packing in supermarkets. The Warrington Male Voice Choir performed a special benefit concert to help with the funds.

All twenty studnets are a credit to their school, proving that selflessly helping others can make huge differences to people lives.

The aim of this campaign was to supply the children at Burmese Migrant schools with protein in their diet. Refugee children are vulnerable to malnutrition, especially since the schools cannot fund regular school lunches.

The campaign got off to a good start and all mushroom houses produced great crops. The children were all delighted to have a new ingredient in their school lunches.  All schools with a mushroom shed have now begun to manage their crops and are selling surplus mushrooms in the local community; this will give them enough money to buy the next stock of spore bags and educational materials.

We are also pleased to announce that the initial £400 to set up a mushroom shed is now enough   to allow us to double up the number of spore bags, which will mean 1000 per shed (2000 in Hsa Thoo Lei) which should smooth the production and produce a more reliable surplus for sale.

The next stage of this campaign is to set up catfish tanks and chicken runs in the schools that are already managing a mushroom huts. Initially we will set up the catfish tanks at £88. This will help further mitigate the serious lack of protein in the children’s diets. 

We need to find funds for about another 50 huts!

Thanks again to all of you that have added a new ingredient to these children’s lives. 

If you would like any further information please do contact us.

The aim of this campaign was to supply the children at Burmese Migrant schools with protein in their diet. Refugee children are vulnerable to malnutrition, especially since the schools cannot fund regular school lunches.

The campaign got off to a good start and all mushroom houses produced great crops. The children were all delighted to have a new ingredient in their school lunches.  All schools with a mushroom shed have now begun to manage their crops and are selling surplus mushrooms in the local community; this will give them enough money to buy the next stock of spore bags and educational materials.

We are also pleased to announce that the initial £400 to set up a mushroom shed is now enough   to allow us to double up the number of spore bags, which will mean 1000 per shed (2000 in Hsa Thoo Lei) which should smooth the production and produce a more reliable surplus for sale.

The next stage of this campaign is to set up catfish tanks and chicken runs in the schools that are already managing a mushroom huts. Initially we will set up the catfish tanks at £88. This will help further mitigate the serious lack of protein in the children’s diets. 

We need to find funds for about another 50 huts!

Thanks again to all of you that have added a new ingredient to these children’s lives. 

If you would like any further information please do contact us.

Someone then had a very good idea: why not take a few boxes of toys over to the Day Care Centre and let the children sort the toys out? Never before had they seen so many toys and so many children all in one big pile. But within a short time everything had gone. The children had chosen which toys they wanted to take home, and which toys they thought their siblings would like. They packed them up in their school bags and dragged them to their parents when they arrived at hometime.

Someone then had a very good idea: why not take a few boxes of toys over to the Day Care Centre and let the children sort the toys out? Never before had they seen so many toys and so many children all in one big pile. But within a short time everything had gone. The children had chosen which toys they wanted to take home, and which toys they thought their siblings would like. They packed them up in their school bags and dragged them to their parents when they arrived at hometime.

This day was also chosen to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Father Mike Shea's work with poor, abandoned and sick children in Nong Khai.

As part of the celebrations the older girls from Viengkhuk Girls Home performed a series of traditional Thai dance routines, and they wowed the attending crowd with just how good they were.

This day was also chosen to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Father Mike Shea's work with poor, abandoned and sick children in Nong Khai.

As part of the celebrations the older girls from Viengkhuk Girls Home performed a series of traditional Thai dance routines, and they wowed the attending crowd with just how good they were.

On the 8th October 2010, Make a Difference will be organising a special black and white ball at the fabulous Grange Hotel in the heart of the City of London. The event will raise money for 8 different charities, including Thai Children's Trust!

Chris Cowdrey, former English cricketer and current cricket commentator, will be the MC. The  evening will start with an exciting champagne reception, followed by a sumptious 3 course meal, more entertainment and a grand auction. 

Are you interested in attending? Please email us for more information and a booking form!

On the 8th October 2010, Make a Difference will be organising a special black and white ball at the fabulous Grange Hotel in the heart of the City of London. The event will raise money for 8 different charities, including Thai Children's Trust!

Chris Cowdrey, former English cricketer and current cricket commentator, will be the MC. The  evening will start with an exciting champagne reception, followed by a sumptious 3 course meal, more entertainment and a grand auction. 

Are you interested in attending? Please email us for more information and a booking form!

Learning to use their motor skills is an important part of the learning process and one game the children play also helps them to learn the different colours.

Several small coloured balls are placed on each step of a flight of stairs. The child is then asked to look for the particular coloured balls that the teachers is asking for. For this young boy it was his first time playing the game and also the first time he had seen so many coloured balls in one place. A lot of patience from both the little boy and the teacher ensured that by the end of the game he was able to pick up all the balls and separate them into different groups of colours. At the end of the lesson a wide smile appeared on his face. 

Learning to use their motor skills is an important part of the learning process and one game the children play also helps them to learn the different colours.

Several small coloured balls are placed on each step of a flight of stairs. The child is then asked to look for the particular coloured balls that the teachers is asking for. For this young boy it was his first time playing the game and also the first time he had seen so many coloured balls in one place. A lot of patience from both the little boy and the teacher ensured that by the end of the game he was able to pick up all the balls and separate them into different groups of colours. At the end of the lesson a wide smile appeared on his face. 

You can only imagine the noise coming through the windows as one hundred and twenty small children played games, received gifts and ate lots of sugary foods. Everyone wanted to play musical chairs at the same time but the staff had to limit the game to only ten players per game. Everyone got a chance to play and win a prize.

In the balloon game, each child had a balloon tied to their leg and then tried to prevent the other children bursting it. Not as easy as it looks and sounds, especially when the children know that once the balloon bursts it will hurt.

Whilst the games were being played the ‘cheerleaders’ sang along and danced to the loud music. Once the tambourines were handed out the noise level only got louder.

You can only imagine the noise coming through the windows as one hundred and twenty small children played games, received gifts and ate lots of sugary foods. Everyone wanted to play musical chairs at the same time but the staff had to limit the game to only ten players per game. Everyone got a chance to play and win a prize.

In the balloon game, each child had a balloon tied to their leg and then tried to prevent the other children bursting it. Not as easy as it looks and sounds, especially when the children know that once the balloon bursts it will hurt.

Whilst the games were being played the ‘cheerleaders’ sang along and danced to the loud music. Once the tambourines were handed out the noise level only got louder.

As usual the students were in good tune, and sang in both English and Thai.

As usual the students were in good tune, and sang in both English and Thai.

The work of the Father Ray Foundation is to help those members of society who may not be able to help themselves. No fees are charged at any of our projects, except one, the Father Ray Day Care Centre.

The children who travel daily to the DayCare Centre come from very poor familes, but each child must pay 5 baht (c. 1p) on arrival each morning.

The centre provides two meals a day with snacks in between. It will take care of any sick child’s health needs, it provides uniforms and the children receive an education.

The reason for asking for a small contribution from these familes is so that the parents take some responsibility; now that the Centre  are taking care of their child a parent can go and find work.

From the 5 baht the Centre receives each day, half goes to help the poor in Pattaya and the other half goes into a bank account in the name of the child which will go towards paying for school uniforms once it is time for the children to go to government schools. 

The work of the Father Ray Foundation is to help those members of society who may not be able to help themselves. No fees are charged at any of our projects, except one, the Father Ray Day Care Centre.

The children who travel daily to the DayCare Centre come from very poor familes, but each child must pay 5 baht (c. 1p) on arrival each morning.

The centre provides two meals a day with snacks in between. It will take care of any sick child’s health needs, it provides uniforms and the children receive an education.

The reason for asking for a small contribution from these familes is so that the parents take some responsibility; now that the Centre  are taking care of their child a parent can go and find work.

From the 5 baht the Centre receives each day, half goes to help the poor in Pattaya and the other half goes into a bank account in the name of the child which will go towards paying for school uniforms once it is time for the children to go to government schools. 

Christmas Eve is one of the favourite daysfor the children at the Children's Home. Most of them are Buddhists, but this does not stop them fromlooking forward to the day when they visit the local hotels to sing carols.

Christmas Eve is one of the favourite daysfor the children at the Children's Home. Most of them are Buddhists, but this does not stop them fromlooking forward to the day when they visit the local hotels to sing carols.

Everyone received a Christmas present, with over one hundred and twenty children all clamouring to be the first to receive their gift. Within seconds the floor was covered with Christmas wrapping paper and the noise got louder. With all the sweet and sugary drinks and snacks the youngsters ate the party lasted much longer than anyone thought it would!

Everyone received a Christmas present, with over one hundred and twenty children all clamouring to be the first to receive their gift. Within seconds the floor was covered with Christmas wrapping paper and the noise got louder. With all the sweet and sugary drinks and snacks the youngsters ate the party lasted much longer than anyone thought it would!

For seventeen year old Champ and his younger sister and brother it has taken more than four years for them to find the strength to visit the Memorial. They lost their mother in the tragedy and her name is amongst those listed on the wall. Whereas in the past they did not want to visit, now they can do so and they remember the happy times with their mother.

Khun Rotjana, founder of the Baan Tharn Namchai, has spent many many hours and days talking with the children, counselling them and getting them to face their fears. To get them used to the water the children visited the nearby beaches where they sat on the sand, meditated and spoke of their fears until today they have no fear of the sea, no matter how rough and high the waves are.

For seventeen year old Champ and his younger sister and brother it has taken more than four years for them to find the strength to visit the Memorial. They lost their mother in the tragedy and her name is amongst those listed on the wall. Whereas in the past they did not want to visit, now they can do so and they remember the happy times with their mother.

Khun Rotjana, founder of the Baan Tharn Namchai, has spent many many hours and days talking with the children, counselling them and getting them to face their fears. To get them used to the water the children visited the nearby beaches where they sat on the sand, meditated and spoke of their fears until today they have no fear of the sea, no matter how rough and high the waves are.

Recent visitors to the Home were a group from Sacred Heart School in South London. The boys could not wait to have a training session, but it was not as easy as they thought it would be. Several had done some boxing training in London but Muay Thai uses not just the fists, but also the arms, elbows, legs and knees. A deadly combination, but one the boys enjoyed.

Recent visitors to the Home were a group from Sacred Heart School in South London. The boys could not wait to have a training session, but it was not as easy as they thought it would be. Several had done some boxing training in London but Muay Thai uses not just the fists, but also the arms, elbows, legs and knees. A deadly combination, but one the boys enjoyed.

Every time the children go out to eat, whether it be the blind students, the children from the Children’s Home or the disabled young adults, the same things happens: there is a lot of noise to begin with, but once the food is placed in front of them there is silence. Not a single word is spoken until all the food has disappeared.

Every time the children go out to eat, whether it be the blind students, the children from the Children’s Home or the disabled young adults, the same things happens: there is a lot of noise to begin with, but once the food is placed in front of them there is silence. Not a single word is spoken until all the food has disappeared.

The pub's two general managers Denise and Les Strettle both took part.

Mrs Strettle said: "We're very proud of our team for such a fantastic effort - both on the water and in terms of all the money they raised. The event sparked such interest and excitement in the pub and it was a brilliant atmosphere when the team returned after the race for their celebratory pint."

The pub hopes to raise enough money to fund new play and sports equipment at Baan Tharn Namchai.

The next phase of activity - planned for January 2010 - will see the Cock & Dragon, which is a traditional English pub with a Thai restaurant, asking customers to bring in unwanted children's Christmas presents to donate at the pub. Half of the collected items will be taken to Baan Tharn Namchai. For more details visit the pub's website.  

Thank you to all those who took part and donated!

The pub's two general managers Denise and Les Strettle both took part.

Mrs Strettle said: "We're very proud of our team for such a fantastic effort - both on the water and in terms of all the money they raised. The event sparked such interest and excitement in the pub and it was a brilliant atmosphere when the team returned after the race for their celebratory pint."

The pub hopes to raise enough money to fund new play and sports equipment at Baan Tharn Namchai.

The next phase of activity - planned for January 2010 - will see the Cock & Dragon, which is a traditional English pub with a Thai restaurant, asking customers to bring in unwanted children's Christmas presents to donate at the pub. Half of the collected items will be taken to Baan Tharn Namchai. For more details visit the pub's website.  

Thank you to all those who took part and donated!

Unfortunately it is the middle of the rainy season. On the chosen morning it rained continually, but this didn't put off the children and staff, who were all very excited. The children were placed into three teams, yellow, blue and red. The competition was fierce, even though some of the younger children did not really understand what was expected from them.All races were held under the cover of the auditorium and included running races and balloon races. It would not be Thailand if there was not a race which did not include food and getting dirty. The tug-of-war was held outside on the wet sports court which made it a lot of fun. The children were slipping and sliding around on the wet ground, unable to get a good grip of the rope. Most ended the competition soaking wet! Medals were presented to all the children, and with only three teams, everyone was guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

Unfortunately it is the middle of the rainy season. On the chosen morning it rained continually, but this didn't put off the children and staff, who were all very excited. The children were placed into three teams, yellow, blue and red. The competition was fierce, even though some of the younger children did not really understand what was expected from them.All races were held under the cover of the auditorium and included running races and balloon races. It would not be Thailand if there was not a race which did not include food and getting dirty. The tug-of-war was held outside on the wet sports court which made it a lot of fun. The children were slipping and sliding around on the wet ground, unable to get a good grip of the rope. Most ended the competition soaking wet! Medals were presented to all the children, and with only three teams, everyone was guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

The recentaddition of mushroom houses to several schools in the Mae Sot area have allproven to be a great success. Almost everyday the students given the task oftaking care of the mushrooms are bringing in food for the children. Mushroomsplay a large part of the Thai diet and are used in salads and curries and with both fish and meat.

The small bagsare purchased for just seven baht, and once opened they are left in the warmand dark mushrooms houses. Within days they are ready to be eaten.

The recentaddition of mushroom houses to several schools in the Mae Sot area have allproven to be a great success. Almost everyday the students given the task oftaking care of the mushrooms are bringing in food for the children. Mushroomsplay a large part of the Thai diet and are used in salads and curries and with both fish and meat.

The small bagsare purchased for just seven baht, and once opened they are left in the warmand dark mushrooms houses. Within days they are ready to be eaten.

There were a lotof very nervous children at Hsa Thoo Lei school recently, as it was theend of term examinations. The younger children all gathered in the largehall, separated from each other to prevent cheating. The older students all founda quiet place to do some last minute revision, with a hammock the perfect place! 

There were a lotof very nervous children at Hsa Thoo Lei school recently, as it was theend of term examinations. The younger children all gathered in the largehall, separated from each other to prevent cheating. The older students all founda quiet place to do some last minute revision, with a hammock the perfect place! 

Bob graduated from a local Beauty College and he is hoping to find employment as a make-up artist. He has ambitions of one day managing his own business, but he knows that he must start at the bottom, learn his trade in the work place and take advice from others.
When he is ready, he will leave us to go to live on his own, but he will always be made welcome at the Father Ray Foundation.

Bob graduated from a local Beauty College and he is hoping to find employment as a make-up artist. He has ambitions of one day managing his own business, but he knows that he must start at the bottom, learn his trade in the work place and take advice from others.
When he is ready, he will leave us to go to live on his own, but he will always be made welcome at the Father Ray Foundation.

The group raised £1,500, well over their target, to help the Hsa Thoo Lei Learning Centre in Mae Sot.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all despite the wind and rain!

The group raised £1,500, well over their target, to help the Hsa Thoo Lei Learning Centre in Mae Sot.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all despite the wind and rain!

Six pubs have generously offered to provide Thai food for a table of approximately twenty guests each.

Each guest would buy their own drinks, and make a £20 donation towards the meal, which would go directly to Baan Tharn Namchai Orphanage.

Would you be interested in helping to organise, or attending, one of these dinners? If so, please email us for more information.

The following pubs have joined:

Winchmore Hill (London) - www.greendragon-winchmore.co.uk
Kingston-Upon-Thames - www.norbitonanddragon.co.uk
Hornchurch - www.ardleighanddragon.co.uk
Leeds - www.browncowanddragon.co.uk
Nottingham - www.hemlockstoneanddragon.co.uk
Wilmslow - www.boddingtonanddragon.co.uk

Six pubs have generously offered to provide Thai food for a table of approximately twenty guests each.

Each guest would buy their own drinks, and make a £20 donation towards the meal, which would go directly to Baan Tharn Namchai Orphanage.

Would you be interested in helping to organise, or attending, one of these dinners? If so, please email us for more information.

The following pubs have joined:

Winchmore Hill (London) - www.greendragon-winchmore.co.uk
Kingston-Upon-Thames - www.norbitonanddragon.co.uk
Hornchurch - www.ardleighanddragon.co.uk
Leeds - www.browncowanddragon.co.uk
Nottingham - www.hemlockstoneanddragon.co.uk
Wilmslow - www.boddingtonanddragon.co.uk

The Annual Mass in Dublin is taking place on Sunday the 8th November at 2.30pm, at St Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 (off Grafton Street). Please email us to let us know if you are attending.

The Annual Mass in Dublin is taking place on Sunday the 8th November at 2.30pm, at St Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 (off Grafton Street). Please email us to let us know if you are attending.

Holy Cross Catholic School for girls has been supporting the Thai Children's Trust for the past eight months. So far, the school has raised £3,000.

The girls' teacher, Tricia Jenkinson, says: "The students' eyes were opened to a completely new and different culture. They found it incredibly rewarding to see the fruits of their hard work over the past eight months go to such a worthwhile cause. Many friends were made and the students left with fantastic memories. We thoroughly recommend this experience as it was truly life changing; the girls plan to return in the future."

Holy Cross Catholic School for girls has been supporting the Thai Children's Trust for the past eight months. So far, the school has raised £3,000.

The girls' teacher, Tricia Jenkinson, says: "The students' eyes were opened to a completely new and different culture. They found it incredibly rewarding to see the fruits of their hard work over the past eight months go to such a worthwhile cause. Many friends were made and the students left with fantastic memories. We thoroughly recommend this experience as it was truly life changing; the girls plan to return in the future."

Following counselling by our staff he decided that although he loved art he needed to learn a trade. He had left school after Grade 5 in primary school.

We suggested that he attend a catering college in the northern part of the Kingdom, 700 miles away from Pattaya, and he was like a duck to water. He really enjoyed being with other students and attending class each day where he absorbed all the information that was put his way.

In early September he graduated with a diploma in food nutrition and returned to Pattaya to proudly show us his certificates. We are sure he will have no trouble finding a good job in one of the many hotels in Pattaya. We asked him what he wants to do with his salary when he finds work: ‘Go and find my sisters' he replied. We will help him achieve that as well.

Following counselling by our staff he decided that although he loved art he needed to learn a trade. He had left school after Grade 5 in primary school.

We suggested that he attend a catering college in the northern part of the Kingdom, 700 miles away from Pattaya, and he was like a duck to water. He really enjoyed being with other students and attending class each day where he absorbed all the information that was put his way.

In early September he graduated with a diploma in food nutrition and returned to Pattaya to proudly show us his certificates. We are sure he will have no trouble finding a good job in one of the many hotels in Pattaya. We asked him what he wants to do with his salary when he finds work: ‘Go and find my sisters' he replied. We will help him achieve that as well.

One of the activities the children recently experienced was horse riding. Most had never seen a horse close up so a few were nervous about approaching. Others ran towards the horses and could not wait to climb up and ride away.

It was truly a wonderful day for these children.

One of the activities the children recently experienced was horse riding. Most had never seen a horse close up so a few were nervous about approaching. Others ran towards the horses and could not wait to climb up and ride away.

It was truly a wonderful day for these children.

Khun Suppachai, the Director of the Children's Home, regularly visits the schools in the local area to check up on these scholarship students and discuss with the teachers the progress of these children. He also meets the families to try and sort out any problems that could prevent the children from attending school.

Khun Suppachai, the Director of the Children's Home, regularly visits the schools in the local area to check up on these scholarship students and discuss with the teachers the progress of these children. He also meets the families to try and sort out any problems that could prevent the children from attending school.

Up at the Father Ray Children’s Home the children are living without their natural mothers, but there is a large team of ladies who work at the Home and who are dedicated in the work they do. The children call these ladies, ‘Maer’, the Thai word for mother. For these wonderful ladies the children presented garlands and gifts, thanking them for taking care of them throughout the year and working hard to ensure that the children are well cared for. The boys got dressed in their best school uniforms to read out their stories about the women taking care of them, which left many in tears.

Miss Pom, the Home’s manager, was first up to talk to the children, telling them that whatever had happened to them before coming to live at the Home they were now loved and she continued to tell them how very proud she was of all the children.

Up at the Father Ray Children’s Home the children are living without their natural mothers, but there is a large team of ladies who work at the Home and who are dedicated in the work they do. The children call these ladies, ‘Maer’, the Thai word for mother. For these wonderful ladies the children presented garlands and gifts, thanking them for taking care of them throughout the year and working hard to ensure that the children are well cared for. The boys got dressed in their best school uniforms to read out their stories about the women taking care of them, which left many in tears.

Miss Pom, the Home’s manager, was first up to talk to the children, telling them that whatever had happened to them before coming to live at the Home they were now loved and she continued to tell them how very proud she was of all the children.

Giving alms to Buddhist monks is a way of life for the Thai people. Each morning Monks will walk through the streets of Thailand and receive alms, mostly gifts of food, and in return the Thai people receive a blessing. Not having their own money and being able to buy food for themselves the monks rely on the generosity of people living close to the local temples,and being an important part of the community they never go hungry. 

Giving alms to Buddhist monks is a way of life for the Thai people. Each morning Monks will walk through the streets of Thailand and receive alms, mostly gifts of food, and in return the Thai people receive a blessing. Not having their own money and being able to buy food for themselves the monks rely on the generosity of people living close to the local temples,and being an important part of the community they never go hungry. 

The 16^thof August started early with the arrival of nine monks from a local Buddhisttemple. They were here to receive alms from the students and children from the various projects of the Fr. Ray Foundation and hold a seminar with special prayers to Father Ray.

Buddhist monks do not have money to buy food so this is the way they receive food each day, by visiting locals who will offer food in return for a blessing.

On the Fr. RayDay there was a huge amount of food being offered, more than the Monks could possibly eat so they will pass it on to the poor people who rely on the temple for food.

Once the monks had departed there were many activities for the children and students; free haircuts, a demonstration of making glass figurines and everyone was treated to a huge feast.

Later on in theday a local department store offered us a large space to put on a show.Starting with a selection of classical Thai music performed by the School for the Blind, the large crowd were very impressed that blind children could play such beautiful music.

Following this performance were several shows from the Children’s Home, Children’s Village andthe Day Care Center who performed dance routines to traditional and modern Thai music.

The Thai boxing exhibition by the young boys from the Fr. Ray Children’s Home drew a large noisy crowd who cheered whenever one of the boys fell to the ground or hit his opponent with a good punch, but it was just for show and no one was hurt.

By early evening the younger children were feeling tired so as they left for home the rock band from the Vocational School for the Disabled set up and played until midnight.The later they played the more people came out of the bars and clubs to listen and dance in the street.

The whole day was a lot of fun. We welcomed many new visitor and made them aware of the work started by Father Ray and how we are continuing his work.

Father Ray maybe gone but he will never be forgotten. 

The 16^thof August started early with the arrival of nine monks from a local Buddhisttemple. They were here to receive alms from the students and children from the various projects of the Fr. Ray Foundation and hold a seminar with special prayers to Father Ray.

Buddhist monks do not have money to buy food so this is the way they receive food each day, by visiting locals who will offer food in return for a blessing.

On the Fr. RayDay there was a huge amount of food being offered, more than the Monks could possibly eat so they will pass it on to the poor people who rely on the temple for food.

Once the monks had departed there were many activities for the children and students; free haircuts, a demonstration of making glass figurines and everyone was treated to a huge feast.

Later on in theday a local department store offered us a large space to put on a show.Starting with a selection of classical Thai music performed by the School for the Blind, the large crowd were very impressed that blind children could play such beautiful music.

Following this performance were several shows from the Children’s Home, Children’s Village andthe Day Care Center who performed dance routines to traditional and modern Thai music.

The Thai boxing exhibition by the young boys from the Fr. Ray Children’s Home drew a large noisy crowd who cheered whenever one of the boys fell to the ground or hit his opponent with a good punch, but it was just for show and no one was hurt.

By early evening the younger children were feeling tired so as they left for home the rock band from the Vocational School for the Disabled set up and played until midnight.The later they played the more people came out of the bars and clubs to listen and dance in the street.

The whole day was a lot of fun. We welcomed many new visitor and made them aware of the work started by Father Ray and how we are continuing his work.

Father Ray maybe gone but he will never be forgotten. 

 By 17:00 hours, the following dishes were ready to be served:Barbecued Meatballs and Sausages, RoastedChicken, Papaya Salad, Spicy Minced Meat Salad, Shrimp Sour Soup, Sushi, StickyRice, Steamed Rice, and Thai Desserts in Coconut Milk and Ice. Rev. Fr. Michaelinvited all the residents, including the children and teachers of the DeafSchool, to have a share in the lovely meal made possible and enjoyable by thechildren and their adorable mums. At 19:09hours, together with all the Thai people nation-wide, the orphaned and deafchildren, and all the adults at the Orphanage, expressed their loyalty to HerMajesty the Queen by lighting lanterns and candles, singing in praise andpraying for the Queen.

 By 17:00 hours, the following dishes were ready to be served:Barbecued Meatballs and Sausages, RoastedChicken, Papaya Salad, Spicy Minced Meat Salad, Shrimp Sour Soup, Sushi, StickyRice, Steamed Rice, and Thai Desserts in Coconut Milk and Ice. Rev. Fr. Michaelinvited all the residents, including the children and teachers of the DeafSchool, to have a share in the lovely meal made possible and enjoyable by thechildren and their adorable mums. At 19:09hours, together with all the Thai people nation-wide, the orphaned and deafchildren, and all the adults at the Orphanage, expressed their loyalty to HerMajesty the Queen by lighting lanterns and candles, singing in praise andpraying for the Queen.

'Many ofyou have visited the home here and I think most of you have gone home feelingthat the children are happy and well cared for. They are. I often look at thechildren outside the home and think how lucky our children are. But what pricethat luck?

Today is mother’s day in Thailand, the Queens birthday. I’ve just come back from a ceremony at the school. Each child greets their mother and takes her to the front of the hall where flowers, love, hugs and blessings are exchanged. Our children had Gop, Jo a volunteer and me. No matter how much we love them, we aren’t their mothers.

As I held Nan and looked at her, it wasn’t our shared tears that struck me, but my own responsibility. Every single one of us who puts something into the lives of these children takes on a little of that responsibility. Easy when times are good and we are close. Not so easy when times are tough or we are far away. 

To all of you who have taken on some ofthat responsibility and given and are still giving something to these children, I would just like to pass on some of the love and blessings which were so abundant today.'

'Many ofyou have visited the home here and I think most of you have gone home feelingthat the children are happy and well cared for. They are. I often look at thechildren outside the home and think how lucky our children are. But what pricethat luck?

Today is mother’s day in Thailand, the Queens birthday. I’ve just come back from a ceremony at the school. Each child greets their mother and takes her to the front of the hall where flowers, love, hugs and blessings are exchanged. Our children had Gop, Jo a volunteer and me. No matter how much we love them, we aren’t their mothers.

As I held Nan and looked at her, it wasn’t our shared tears that struck me, but my own responsibility. Every single one of us who puts something into the lives of these children takes on a little of that responsibility. Easy when times are good and we are close. Not so easy when times are tough or we are far away. 

To all of you who have taken on some ofthat responsibility and given and are still giving something to these children, I would just like to pass on some of the love and blessings which were so abundant today.'

Most of the children are from very poor families who are unable to provide new uniforms each term. Therefore uniforms are passed down from older student to younger and with all the wear and tear the uniforms are sometimes in need of repair.

The sewing machines seem to be in constant use, not just for repairing uniforms but also for making clothes. Once a student can use the machine it only takes a reel of thread and a piece of material and some of the students can make blouses, skirts and even sheets for the beds.

It is also a skill which can be used to earn a living once the students leave school.

Most of the children are from very poor families who are unable to provide new uniforms each term. Therefore uniforms are passed down from older student to younger and with all the wear and tear the uniforms are sometimes in need of repair.

The sewing machines seem to be in constant use, not just for repairing uniforms but also for making clothes. Once a student can use the machine it only takes a reel of thread and a piece of material and some of the students can make blouses, skirts and even sheets for the beds.

It is also a skill which can be used to earn a living once the students leave school.

Each week the children are learning new words in both Thai and English. They may not be fluent by the time they leave us but it is a good start.

Each week the children are learning new words in both Thai and English. They may not be fluent by the time they leave us but it is a good start.

In the past blind students have taken part and as they had no sight they tied a piece of string to the arm of their teacher who guides them around the course. Well done to everyone who took part.

In the past blind students have taken part and as they had no sight they tied a piece of string to the arm of their teacher who guides them around the course. Well done to everyone who took part.

Just near the Fr. Ray Children’s Home is a large piece of land that for many years was left doing nothing, until now. Rather than build another building or grow more vegetables it was decided that the children would help prepare the land for growing rice.

Rice is the most important food in the Thai diet. Unlike in most western countries where rice is used as a side dish here in Thailand it is the main dish of a meal, and it plays a very important part in the lives of the Thai people.

With Khun Pom, Manager of the Home, steering the tractor, the children followed close behind sprinkling the rice seeds over the wet land. This is a different way of planting rice than the usual image people have of rice paddies filled with water, and farmers planting the long shoots. In three to four months time the rice will be ready to harvest and no doubt it will be the best rice they have ever tasted.

Just near the Fr. Ray Children’s Home is a large piece of land that for many years was left doing nothing, until now. Rather than build another building or grow more vegetables it was decided that the children would help prepare the land for growing rice.

Rice is the most important food in the Thai diet. Unlike in most western countries where rice is used as a side dish here in Thailand it is the main dish of a meal, and it plays a very important part in the lives of the Thai people.

With Khun Pom, Manager of the Home, steering the tractor, the children followed close behind sprinkling the rice seeds over the wet land. This is a different way of planting rice than the usual image people have of rice paddies filled with water, and farmers planting the long shoots. In three to four months time the rice will be ready to harvest and no doubt it will be the best rice they have ever tasted.

The music and singing echoes around the school and many of the younger children stand watching and trying to copy their very complicated moves. In a few years these young toddlers, most of who were born in Thailan,d will themselves be learning the dance routines and the culture of their families.

The music and singing echoes around the school and many of the younger children stand watching and trying to copy their very complicated moves. In a few years these young toddlers, most of who were born in Thailan,d will themselves be learning the dance routines and the culture of their families.

Today we spent our time at the Camillian centre in Rayong, visiting the social centre for children and adults with HIV/AIDS. Firstly, we attended a Thai mass in the chapel on the site; it was a great cultural experience. The children were very involved in the service, through the readings and hymns.

After mass, we looked around and stopped over at the shop, which was filled with crafts hand made by the people at the centre. We were surprised at the intricate detail and thought put into each gift.

Following a presentation about the centre and lunch, we accompanied about 30 children to a nearby beach to enjoy a fun day out! Everyone had such a great time, and the beautiful setting added to a wonderful day.

DAY 3 Monday 13th July

We started today by being introduced to a number of second year students studying business and computing at the Vocational School for the Disabled, located on site at the Redemptorist Centre. We were there to support their English conversational skills and fluency, which lead to making new friends and by lunch time we had exchanged email addresses.

In the afternoon, we went to the Pattaya Orphanage where we enjoyed playing and being amused by the excitable young children. They were adorable and by the end of the day we did not want to leave.

DAY 4 Tuesday 14th July

In the morning we returned to the Vocational School for the Disabled where we met a 3rd year class of students and sat in on their Business English lesson. We again practiced conversational and pronunciation skills and to our delight, more friends were made. This one to one interaction away from the text book was greatly beneficial to the students and improved their speaking.

This afternoon, we visited the Fountain of Life Women’s Centre. This was a great opportunity for us to see the work that the Thai Children’s Trust supports, as up to 400 women each day are taken out of vulnerable positions and given the resources to empower themselves, by learning a trade or language. As young women ourselves, it was incredibly touching to see so much being done to protect those who are susceptible to horrors like human trafficking.

Today we spent our time at the Camillian centre in Rayong, visiting the social centre for children and adults with HIV/AIDS. Firstly, we attended a Thai mass in the chapel on the site; it was a great cultural experience. The children were very involved in the service, through the readings and hymns.

After mass, we looked around and stopped over at the shop, which was filled with crafts hand made by the people at the centre. We were surprised at the intricate detail and thought put into each gift.

Following a presentation about the centre and lunch, we accompanied about 30 children to a nearby beach to enjoy a fun day out! Everyone had such a great time, and the beautiful setting added to a wonderful day.

DAY 3 Monday 13th July

We started today by being introduced to a number of second year students studying business and computing at the Vocational School for the Disabled, located on site at the Redemptorist Centre. We were there to support their English conversational skills and fluency, which lead to making new friends and by lunch time we had exchanged email addresses.

In the afternoon, we went to the Pattaya Orphanage where we enjoyed playing and being amused by the excitable young children. They were adorable and by the end of the day we did not want to leave.

DAY 4 Tuesday 14th July

In the morning we returned to the Vocational School for the Disabled where we met a 3rd year class of students and sat in on their Business English lesson. We again practiced conversational and pronunciation skills and to our delight, more friends were made. This one to one interaction away from the text book was greatly beneficial to the students and improved their speaking.

This afternoon, we visited the Fountain of Life Women’s Centre. This was a great opportunity for us to see the work that the Thai Children’s Trust supports, as up to 400 women each day are taken out of vulnerable positions and given the resources to empower themselves, by learning a trade or language. As young women ourselves, it was incredibly touching to see so much being done to protect those who are susceptible to horrors like human trafficking.

Wednesday 8th July

This morning we were taken to the new Drop-In Centre.  It is much better than the previous building as it had been purpose built.  The garden has not yet been touched, as it is so new, so the children cannot play outside yet.  We all went into the sala and the older children showed us some of their dances which were brilliant, and then we had toys out and played with the little ones for the rest of the morning.  It was great because the children knew us from our meeting at Mini Siam on Sunday so even the youngest were happy to play with us.

After lunch we all got ready to go to the Children's Home to play football.  We all wore our green OLASH tee-shirts, and were very excited when we got on the bus.  When we arrived it was too hot to start the football tournament, so we organized a volley ball match which was great fun as some of our team had never played before.  We lost by 5 points.  It was then the turn of the International School from China, and they also lost by 5 points.  It had then cooled down sufficiently for us to go down to the football pitch to start the game.  We were part of an international team, joined by the Chinese group and the lads from Belfast.

At first it seemed as if the Thai boys would run away with it, but soon our team got organized, and it became a hard fought match.  We had to make some substitutions at half time as some couldn't take the heat.  Eventually we had to stop as the wind got up and it was threatening to rain.  Josh managed to skin his knee, otherwise there were no injuries.  We went home exhausted, the boys from playing and the rest of us from shouting and cheering on the side lines!

In the evening we took a taxi into town and went up "Walking Street", then went on to a shopping mall.  The US Navy Rock Band were playing, so we spent most of the time listening to them while Sr Gillian and Father Pat went for a quiet coffee.

Thursday 9th July

We went over to the Day Care Centre while Sr Gillian and Father Pat sorted out paying for accommodation and transport costs.  When we arrived we went with the older children upstairs and gave them an English lesson from alphabet charts and colour charts etc.  We then moved all the furniture and sang action games with them.  It was very hard work, as the room was packed with children, and getting them all to join in with the actions and words was really difficult.  After an hour and a half, we had the toys out and played lego, jigsaw puzzles and threading beads.  It was then time for them to have lunch, so we went downstairs with them and stayed with them while they ate.  Some of us went out to the playground with them, and some of us helped the little ones get undressed, showered and into pyjamas to go for their rest.

In the afternoon we went to the beach with the children from the School for the Blind.  There were some younger children this time and the older blind children had to look after their partner, and then we each had a pair of children to look after.  Our group was far more confident this time, and it was a very enjoyable experience.

In the evening we went to visit a tailor, the young adults were fascinated at first but soon became bored with it - at least it was a new experience for them.

Friday 10th July

Everyone was looking forward to this day as we were going to Bangkok.  The young people slept or listened to music on the way as it takes 2 hours if the traffic is good.  We arrived at the Royal Palace, and unloaded everyone, and got out Nui's wheelchair.  We went to the Palace gates and met the guide, whose first job was to take Helen to the toilets as she was feeling very ill.  Although we were told that "polite dress" was the order of the day and that cut off trousers were OK, the boys wearing long shorts had to hire trousers to wear on top.  This made them terribly hot as it is much hotter in Bangkok.  The guide was very good, but it was difficult to follow everything as it got hotter and hotter and often he was showing us things where there was no shade.  There were no ramps for wheelchairs, so we had to manhandle the chair up flights of steps which was most undignified for Nui.  The emerald Buddha was the highlight in the palace.

We went to lunch at a cheap restaurant which only served Thai food, and the menu was in Thai, so the guide had to explain what each dish was so that we could order!  Everyone was pretty exhausted after lunch.  The minibus took Father Pat to catch a bus to go to the Bridge over the River Kwai, and we all went for a walk and found some street markets to wander down.  The boards we walked on are over the river, and when we got to the end we could see the "Temple of the Dawn" which is a very famous landmark in Bangkok when approaching from the river.

When we were at the palace I got a phone call from the Orphanage inviting us to a reception in the evening.  We hoped we would have time to get back to the Centre to get changed but the traffic was so bad that we had to go straight to the Reception in what we were wearing all day.  Unfortunately Sister Gillian and I were put on the top table with the outgoing Bishop and the new Bishop and felt very under-dressed and unkept (no one had a brush or comb with them) so we tried to blend into the background!  The rest of the group were on a separate table, but had an excellent view of proceedings.  The comperes, one male and one female, were dressed as angels.  There was dancing, singing and a huge banquet, and the biggest cake I have ever seen!  Having set off at 8 am, we eventually got back at about 9.45, so it was a very long day.

Wednesday 8th July

This morning we were taken to the new Drop-In Centre.  It is much better than the previous building as it had been purpose built.  The garden has not yet been touched, as it is so new, so the children cannot play outside yet.  We all went into the sala and the older children showed us some of their dances which were brilliant, and then we had toys out and played with the little ones for the rest of the morning.  It was great because the children knew us from our meeting at Mini Siam on Sunday so even the youngest were happy to play with us.

After lunch we all got ready to go to the Children's Home to play football.  We all wore our green OLASH tee-shirts, and were very excited when we got on the bus.  When we arrived it was too hot to start the football tournament, so we organized a volley ball match which was great fun as some of our team had never played before.  We lost by 5 points.  It was then the turn of the International School from China, and they also lost by 5 points.  It had then cooled down sufficiently for us to go down to the football pitch to start the game.  We were part of an international team, joined by the Chinese group and the lads from Belfast.

At first it seemed as if the Thai boys would run away with it, but soon our team got organized, and it became a hard fought match.  We had to make some substitutions at half time as some couldn't take the heat.  Eventually we had to stop as the wind got up and it was threatening to rain.  Josh managed to skin his knee, otherwise there were no injuries.  We went home exhausted, the boys from playing and the rest of us from shouting and cheering on the side lines!

In the evening we took a taxi into town and went up "Walking Street", then went on to a shopping mall.  The US Navy Rock Band were playing, so we spent most of the time listening to them while Sr Gillian and Father Pat went for a quiet coffee.

Thursday 9th July

We went over to the Day Care Centre while Sr Gillian and Father Pat sorted out paying for accommodation and transport costs.  When we arrived we went with the older children upstairs and gave them an English lesson from alphabet charts and colour charts etc.  We then moved all the furniture and sang action games with them.  It was very hard work, as the room was packed with children, and getting them all to join in with the actions and words was really difficult.  After an hour and a half, we had the toys out and played lego, jigsaw puzzles and threading beads.  It was then time for them to have lunch, so we went downstairs with them and stayed with them while they ate.  Some of us went out to the playground with them, and some of us helped the little ones get undressed, showered and into pyjamas to go for their rest.

In the afternoon we went to the beach with the children from the School for the Blind.  There were some younger children this time and the older blind children had to look after their partner, and then we each had a pair of children to look after.  Our group was far more confident this time, and it was a very enjoyable experience.

In the evening we went to visit a tailor, the young adults were fascinated at first but soon became bored with it - at least it was a new experience for them.

Friday 10th July

Everyone was looking forward to this day as we were going to Bangkok.  The young people slept or listened to music on the way as it takes 2 hours if the traffic is good.  We arrived at the Royal Palace, and unloaded everyone, and got out Nui's wheelchair.  We went to the Palace gates and met the guide, whose first job was to take Helen to the toilets as she was feeling very ill.  Although we were told that "polite dress" was the order of the day and that cut off trousers were OK, the boys wearing long shorts had to hire trousers to wear on top.  This made them terribly hot as it is much hotter in Bangkok.  The guide was very good, but it was difficult to follow everything as it got hotter and hotter and often he was showing us things where there was no shade.  There were no ramps for wheelchairs, so we had to manhandle the chair up flights of steps which was most undignified for Nui.  The emerald Buddha was the highlight in the palace.

We went to lunch at a cheap restaurant which only served Thai food, and the menu was in Thai, so the guide had to explain what each dish was so that we could order!  Everyone was pretty exhausted after lunch.  The minibus took Father Pat to catch a bus to go to the Bridge over the River Kwai, and we all went for a walk and found some street markets to wander down.  The boards we walked on are over the river, and when we got to the end we could see the "Temple of the Dawn" which is a very famous landmark in Bangkok when approaching from the river.

When we were at the palace I got a phone call from the Orphanage inviting us to a reception in the evening.  We hoped we would have time to get back to the Centre to get changed but the traffic was so bad that we had to go straight to the Reception in what we were wearing all day.  Unfortunately Sister Gillian and I were put on the top table with the outgoing Bishop and the new Bishop and felt very under-dressed and unkept (no one had a brush or comb with them) so we tried to blend into the background!  The rest of the group were on a separate table, but had an excellent view of proceedings.  The comperes, one male and one female, were dressed as angels.  There was dancing, singing and a huge banquet, and the biggest cake I have ever seen!  Having set off at 8 am, we eventually got back at about 9.45, so it was a very long day.