Settlebeck School Visit, February 2008

29 students and 6 adults set off on the fourth Settlebeck School Exchange trip on January 28th at the comparatively civilised time of 8.15am. Various unknowns lay ahead. Would our unlucky experiences with coach transport be repeated? Would Venice/Treviso airport be as obstructive as before and most importantly would the inclusion of a disabled teenager in our party pose any insurmountable difficulties. Happily our fears were unfounded. Treviso has completed its shiny new terminal with both attitudes to groups in transit and spaces broadened in equal measure. Emil, the centre warden met us there and, after the 4 hour transfer across Slovenia and much to the obvious relief of our leader, we arrived without incident at the Gorenje Youth Centre. There we were warmly welcomed as old friends by Emil, Grigor, Snezene, Dana, Ivan and all the centre staff. A hot meal awaited then we settled in.

Next day dawned bright and sunny. The morning was spent at the Zreče ‘primary’ (6–14 years) school, meeting student contemporaries and learning essential phrases like ‘What is your mobile number?’. Our students lost no time in making friends and were on first name (or nickname?) terms almost immediately. Peter their teacher and Ivan the headmaster who have both done so much to facilitate the exchanges made us very welcome. After lunch mixed teams played football, volleyball and, a novelty to the Zreče students, netball. Eventually all headed for the spa whose naturally heated mineral waters were thoroughly investigated on slides, in jacuzzis and various pools, indoors and out varying from the warm to the extremely cold. Traditionally all this exertion is followed by a Slovene speciality, very thick hot chocolate. That evening we were joined by our young friends from Zreče for a drama exercise, writing and acting jokes. A novel and most entertaining activity.

Wednesday saw us on the ski slopes for cross country and downhill skiing with Grigor, Ivan, Dana and Aleš, the latter bearing an unsteadying resemblance to George Clooney. Great courage and determination was shown by all especially those who found staying upright a real challenge. One should also mention the extreme athleticism demonstrated by our leader in retrieving a renegade ski. After all that excitement an evening of board games and general relaxation was both welcome and appropriate.

British and Slovenian students during the 2008 visit

The next day was spent at the school. First, following some visual prompts, a discussion was held about the need for harmony and co-operation amongst European nations and the possible means of achieving this. This was in preparation for a later visit to a historic site. Our students had previously visited war graves in France and were very aware of the tragedies of conflict. This was followed by a general knowledge quiz and, after lunch, an orienteering exercise around the town. A short coach journey then took us to the Francolova memorial, the site of an atrocity perpetrated by occupying forces during the Second World War. 100 partisans, some from the same families, were hanged from roadside apple trees in retaliation for the assassination of a local district officer and collaborator. A quiet and thoughtful coach party returned to Gorenje. After dinner, project books were updated and an introductory talk given on the Slovenian Karst and its limestone features in preparation for the morrow.

Friday was a sightseeing day. First a visit to the Postojna caves. This awesome series of caverns has no equal as a show site. A railway takes the visitor 1¾ km underground to the first of several vast caverns filled with remarkable limestone formations. These caves are home to the proteus or ‘human fish’ a colourless unsighted salamander-like creature which can live to 100 years and survive without food for months. After lunch we headed for the capital city Ljubljana. Our students explored in groups, shopping, sightseeing and succumbing eventually to the ubiquitous ‘golden arches’. A new perspective this year was the gradual onset of dusk with lamps and lights along the streets and on the riverbank. The castle above emerged floodlit in a sequence of colours. The effect was magical.

Saturday was another skiing day. This time the weather was decidedly inclement. Enthusiasm undimmed, the party took to the slopes again although one had to keep in tight formation as visibility due to snowfall and low cloud was virtually nil. The grand finale was the really scary toboggan ride. Every student had a ride without exception. It is to credit of all both British and Slovenian that our young disabled friend was able to join in with practically every activity. This is inclusion at its best. Once again the unselfish and caring attitude displayed by most Settlebeck students was so impressive. That evening we were entertained by young musicians and dancers. Some of the Folklorna Skupina group who visited Sedbergh in August also performed for us. Then we all dined en masse with the Slovenian students, the mayor and various local dignitaries. Gifts were exchanged and the cause of twinning advanced: a very convivial occasion.

After some packing and clearing rooms the group assembled for doughnuts and hot chocolate thoughtfully provided by Emil and his staff before we set off in the early hours for Treviso. All transfers worked like clockwork and tribute must be paid to our leader for her meticulous organisation. No detail was overlooked and this volunteer helper had a very easy and hugely enjoyable week in great company. My thanks to you all.

Susan Garnett