Who are we?

The Friendship Force of Cornwall is just one of 356 Friendship Force Clubs active in 55 countries on six continents.

Under the guidance of Friendship Force International in Atlanta Georgia, we learn about other people's culture and experiences the only real way you can and that is by sharing their roof and putting your feet under their table. At first you may be hesitant, especially if you aren't fluent in another language, but it can be a great and rewarding experience to join in their daily activities and specially planned events. After making these special friendships and exchanging cultures, your hosts will in turn want to visit our club and learn more about us - much more than can be found in a travel guide or on the Internet. As other clubs around the world learn more about our beautiful part of the world, they will also want to visit us and we in turn will visit them, exchanging a world of experiences and friends that will last a lifetime.

How we do this is by club "exchanges," the heart of the Friendship Force organisation.

During a club exchange club members or "Ambassadors" visit a club as a group of about 15 to 25, sharing in group travel costs and having the comfort of travelling with friends. One of the club members serves as the Exchange Director, to make sure that everyone gets there and back without a hitch.

If you belong to a Friendship Force Club you can also join another club's exchange, if they are going to place you have always wanted to visit. You just contact their Exchange Director to see if they have space available.

A message from our President

FF Cornwall's year is sure to be a very busy one in 2008, with its customary flurry of activity.

Recent Events

Many thanks for the great support from members for the recent Club events.
The sun shone at the Minack, setting the performance of Carmen against the idyllic background of blue sea, granite cliffs and golden sand. It was a memorable experience, and one which we will look to repeat in future programmes.

For those who are not too familiar with the by-lanes of Bodmin Moor, the Treasure Trail in August was a delight. A sense of competition leant an edge to the pursuit of clues, which had the added bonus of leading us to beautiful locations and interesting villages. The copious portions at the St. Breward Inn were a fitting end and reward for the exertions of the afternoon.
For the first time, FF Cornwall members joined the 50+ who attended the inter-club picnic at Otterton. Our 10 strong contingent enjoyed meeting others from Devon, Somerset, Cardiff and Hertford. A great lunch was followed by a lengthy walk along the river Otter to the sea and back – just as well, since on arrival back, a cream tea and cakes awaited.

The wine and cheese evening in October was a good opportunity to discuss the exchange to Mexico and Arizona as well as to catch up with each other.

The visit of FF Tottori, Japan, packed as much as possible into their few days with us. It was great to renew old friendships and make new ones. Cornwall's magnificent scenery impressed and they made their mark at the Minack, with an impromptu performance of Japanese songs.

Thanks to everyone, who helped with hosting, day hosting and providing the cottage pies for the social evening. That was a most enjoyable occasion and its smooth running owed itself to the hard work of Maureen and Michael and John and Mary. A special thank you to the four of you.
For some members it was their first hosting experience, which has been splendidly captured in Sandra's report.

Margie