Please send your additions to the Section UK Guest Book to lib.jones@ipa-uk.org
“Service Through Friendship - My stay with IPA friends in England"
I met Peter and Heidi Morse, IPA members of the UK Section on their visit to Sri Lanka in January 2010 on a tour. Upon my invitation they stayed at my house for a few days. They invited me to spend a few days at their Guest House in West Quantoxhead, near Williton, Somerset, England.
When I did visit England in September 2010, on 24th September at 1316 hrs when the train arrived at the platform of Taunton, Heidi Morse was there to welcome me. She accompanied me to her home cum guest house in West Quantoxhead where I was met by her husband Peter. From the time I arrived, I was treated like a VIP. The most luxurious room in the 5* Guest House was given to me. Heidi had taken 3 days off from her business and did not accept any other bookings to the Guest House during this period. I was taken around Quantoxhead and Somerset during my 3 day stay and they showed me all the historical places and the scenic beauty of the area. On the 27th she accompanied me to the Railway station and bade Good Bye with the hope of meeting again.
I enjoyed every moment of my time in 5 star comfort and magnificent English food. I was honoured, indeed, to have been invited and the memory of that holiday will remain with me for a very long time. One of the aims of the IPA is to encourage personal contacts by organising exchange visits of individuals and groups, arranging group holidays and initiating long distance friendships. Peter & Heidi proved this to the letter. We look forward to visiting again someday.
Hema Dias, National Secretary General, IPA Sri Lanka Section
(submitted 26 Octobter 2011)