This morning I was pleased to welcome back some good friends of the programme from the Billericay Link of Chernobyl Children Life Line. Chairman David Gladstone reminded us about the holidays the group organises each year for children from areas still being affected by the 1986 nuclear power plant disaster, and Gaynor and Alastair Manthorpe described the poverty they found when they kept their promise to visit Max and Pasha, the two children they hosted last year. Whilst in Ukraine they also took the opportunity to visit the site of the former power plant, and Alastair described what they found.

This year the Link is organising a holiday in Essex for a dozen children from Belarus, but to be able to do this they need new host families. Alastair said that the main thing they’re looking for in a host family is dedication; if you think you could help out visit the website, or phone Gaynor and Alastair on 01245 328235. This year’s holiday is the four weeks from 17th June, and host families do need to look after two children sharing a room. David, Gaynor and Alastair have all described how rewarding their own experiences as hosts have been.

Gaynor also talked about their fundraising concert, featured on our Events Guide, in which she’ll be playing clarinet and saxophone, on Saturday 10th March at Billericay URC.

It’s always a pleasure to meet members of the Link, and I hope that the children will have the time to make a trip to Phoenix FM part of their holiday!