CHE's Group Co-ordinators

	Group Co-ordinator and Area information

Banbury	Area information: Banbury is an old market town dating back as far as Saxon times. It is in the heart of the Cotswolds, surrounded by small villages, and is within easy reach of Oxford. Banbury is famous for its cakes and the Banbury Cross, mentioned in a popular children's nursery rhyme. Banbury has many places of historical interest including a museum and a 17th century church. Due to Banbury's pleasant location in a landscape of rolling fields and farmland it is a popular place to live. It is also popular due to its convenient location for accessing both Birmingham and London. Housing is a mixture between urban and suburban. Banbury has always been an important market centre. In recent years other industries have grown up, including food manufacturing, brewing, printing, building and the manufacture of agricultural machinery. Places of interest: Broughton Castle, Warwick Castle, Sulgrave Manor, Oxford and Gloucester. http://www.banburytown.co.uk/ http://www.banbury-index.co.uk/	Group Co-ordinator: Sue is a married lady with one daughter, who graduated from college in Alaska in 2000. She used to work part-time at a boys public school as a pastoral matron, therefore has a good understanding of the needs of young people. She is a good organiser and has a keen interest in Japanese culture. Sue has lived in the Banbury area for many years and was a host family before she became the area co-ordinator. She has been a co-ordinator for CHE since 1992. Her interests include reading, knitting, sewing, travel and looking after her young grandson.

Brackley	Area information: http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/tourism/welcome.asp http://www.brackley-index.co.uk/ http://www.knowhere.co.uk/230.html	Group Co-ordinator: Hi, I'm Pam. I live in Brackley with my husband. We have a son still at University and a daughter who has graduated and is now working. Brackley has been our home since 1979, so I have a good knowledge of the local area and what it has to offer to visitors. We both love meeting new people and travelling. Over the years my husband's job has involved us in welcoming and entertaining people from many parts of the world. We now have a lot of friends from abroad and enjoy keeping in touch with them and visiting them. I was a teacher for 20 years and am now a teacher/ co-ordinator for CHE. It has been a great pleasure to be able to meet and work with the groups of Japanese students. I have also hosted and taught individual students in my home for 3 weeks at a time. We are also members of the local twinning association and through this we regularly make exchanges with a town in France and another in Germany. My other interests include cooking, gardening, craftwork and walking.


Bridport	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator: Joyce is a fully qualified teacher with a Masters degree in EFL and English, educated at Durham and Leicester Universities. She is a retired head teacher with much enthusiasm and energy. She has also been a college lecturer and administrator. Joyce is a married lady with many hobbies and interests, including theatre, travel, embroidery, music, the Red Cross and the church. She enjoys visiting local places of interest and has detailed knowledge of the local areas. She always enjoys the time when our students are in her care and takes her position seriously. She is firm but with a good sense of humour. She values integrity, honesty and consideration for others and has worked as a counsellor and for the Samaritan organisation.

Bromley	Area information: Kent's location at the gateway between the UK and Europe makes Bromley a year round destination for visitors who enjoy its heritage, culture, varied landscapes and mild climate. Castles have been built in Kent to protect key sites from threat of foreign invasion. Others were built to impress the neighbours or restless natives. Many are now open to the public. Bromley is near to the architecturally famous Bluewater shopping centre. Annual events include arts festivals, exhibitions, and outdoor concerts with fireworks. There are festivals for the river in Maidstone, Whitstable oysters, and Georgian heritage in Tunbridge Wells. Bromley also has a very good local theatre called 'The Churchill'. Places of interest: Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Medway towns, 'Charles Dickens' country, Charles Darwin's house, Winston Churchill's house (Chartwell), Knoll House in Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Ashford.	Group Co-ordinator: no info available yet - sorry

Broxborne	Area information: Parts of the area date back to the 16th Century. Cheshunt is part of the borough of Broxbourne and is made up of a large number of commuters who travel to work in central London. It is built up in parts but also is surrouded by green, open areas. There are 3 small industrial estates in Cheshunt, one of which is home to Tescos supermarkets, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United Kingdom. Grundy Park Leisure Centre and Gym, a golf club, sailing club and canoeing club all are found in Cheshunt. The large number of pubs makes Cheshunt a lively social area. http://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ http://currantbun.tripod.co.uk/broxboro http://www.broxbourne-herts.co.uk/loclinfo.htm http://www.cheshunt-herts.co.uk/loclinfo.htm	Group Co-ordinator: Cindy, prior to becoming a co-ordinator was a long standing host family. She is a well-educated lady who has a wide range of interests which include sailing, music, dog breeding and socialising. She has travelled a lot and has lived in Australia, Canada and South Africa.Cindy was a childminder for about 20 years while her children were at school, and is now involved in the care and welfare of the elderly and disabled.She has 2 adult sons and an adult daughter.Students coming into the Cheshunt area can be sure of a co-ordinator who cares and has an understanding of their needs.

Cambridge	Area information: Cambridge is situated in the southern part of Cambridgeshire, on the edge of the fens (the flat, fertile region that covers the rest of the county). Its position on the River Cam gives it a rural flavour - cattle and horses graze within half a mile of the city centre. The lack of hills make this excellent cycling country. A towpath winds all the way from Cambridge to Ely (15 miles) where the superb cathedral, on grounds slightly higher than the surrounding plain, is known as the "ship of the fens". In the north of the county there's another fine cathedral at Peterborough. Famous for it's university and splendid colleges, the first of which was founded in 1286. Cambridge is unquestionably one of the great universities of the world. With over 60 Nobel prizewinners, it is at the top of the research league in British universities. It is the leading centre for astronomy in the country. A vast proportion of the community are professional business people or academics. It is a prosperous area. The population is approximately 110,00 people. Cambridge is a prosperous area through local businesses, the University and tourism. The city itself is not highly recommended for its leisure activities but nearby Bury St. Edmunds or Petreborough have facilities such as bowling alleys or ice-skating rinks. Places of interest: King's College Chapel; Fitzwilliam Museum; Wimpole Hall, Ely Cathedral. http://www.touristnetuk.com/EM/CAMBRIDGE/	Group Co-ordinator: No information available yet - sorry

Chelmsford	Area information: Chelmsford is an old Roman town. There is a museum detailing the history of the town in New London Road. The 'modern' town dates back to 1199 and was traditionally an oold market town. It is a modern town with a mixture of old and new styles. Chelmsford is the county town of Essex. It has a cathedral which is the second smallest in the country. The cathedrla dates back to 1422 but was rebuilt in 1800. Chelmsford has a university which was formerly a Polytechnic. The population is approximately 60,000 people. The largest employers in the local area are Marconi Radar. Chelmsford is a town with low unemployment. Chelmsford is home to a large electronic industry. There is a local leisure centre with a swimming pool and ice rink. Chelmsford has many good local parks. The people are friendly and there is plenty of life for the younger inhabitants of the town. Other places of interest: Colchester Castle. http://www.chelmsfordcityinthemaking.co.uk/	Group Co-ordinator: Lee is a friendly out-going mother of two grown-up children. She has lived in Chelmsford with her husband and family since 1988. Her mother has been hosting students for CHE from the beginning and so Lee and her family have been involved in this. She therefore has an excellent understanding for the needs of our Japanese students and their culture. She has many interests, including crafts, gardening and socialising.

Cheshunt	Area information: Parts of the area date back to the 16th Century. Cheshunt is part of the borough of Broxbourne and is made up of a large number of commuters who travel to work in central London. It is built up in parts but also is surrouded by green, open areas. There are 3 small industrial estates in Cheshunt, one of which is home to Tescos supermarkets, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United Kingdom. Grundy Park Leisure Centre and Gym, a golf club, sailing club and canoeing club all are found in Cheshunt. The large number of pubs makes Cheshunt a lively social area. http://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ http://currantbun.tripod.co.uk/broxboro http://www.broxbourne-herts.co.uk/loclinfo.htm http://www.cheshunt-herts.co.uk/loclinfo.htm	Group Co-ordinator: Cindy, prior to becoming a co-ordinator was a long standing host family. She is a well-educated lady who has a wide range of interests which include sailing, music, dog breeding and socialising. She has travelled a lot and has lived in Australia, Canada and South Africa.Cindy was a childminder for about 20 years while her children were at school, and is now involved in the care and welfare of the elderly and disabled.She has 2 adult sons and an adult daughter.Students coming into the Cheshunt area can be sure of a co-ordinator who cares and has an understanding of their needs.

Dartford	Area information:

Enfield	Area information: Evidence shows that the Romans settled in Enfield from the 1st to 3rd century and old pottery, coins and burial grounds have been found in the Bush Hill Park area of Enfield. It has also been host to royal visitors such as James I and Henry VIII. Enfield's past history includes the use of its river, the Lea, by the Vikings, who travelled up the river from the North Sea. Kings and Queens used large oak trees in a famous forest called Enfield Chase for building wooden ships for the British navy, they also hunted deer and boar in the Chase. Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman, who robbed the coaches of the rich, found Enfield Chase perfect for hiding - his ghost is still said to haunt the area. As a result Enfield boasts a rich cultural heritage. There are museums and a beautiful country home in the area. The population of the borough of Enfield is approximately 260,000 people and it is an area rich in shopping facilities, with an open market dating back to 1200AD and a flourishing shopping precinct. There are many good facilities including a 9 screen cinema, Whitewebbs museum of transport, a roller skating rink, bowling alley, tennis courts, golf clubs, swimming pools and a 'pitch and put' course. Enfield has a diverse economic profile which includes industry, farming and the service industries. Bus services and British Rail serve Enfield and can take you to the centre of London in 30 minutes, from where you can visit the capital's unique attractions and easily reach all parts of the country.	Group Co-ordinator: Marian has a lot of experience with many different nationalities, having been a host mother for more than 30 years and a co-ordinator since 1973. She has a grown-up family and helps her husband run his design company from home. She is keen on motor caravanning and enjoys visiting historical places in the British Isles. Her personal interests include local and national history, young people, animals, sailing and model yacht racing.

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator:

Ewell	Area information: One of the country's safest and healthiest places to live, it has a prosperous and growing economy with exceptionally low rates of unemployment and crime. The County is a delightful mix of picturesque villages and historic towns with excellent shops, restaurants and amenities. The Surrey Hills have been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and the landscape ranges across wooded hills, rolling grassland and the chalk hills to the north downs. London and the coast are all within easy reach. Places of interest: Wimbledon	Group Co-ordinator: Keiko has been the co-ordinator for Wimbledon and Ewell since 1990. She is a Japanese lady married to a British gentleman. She has a young family and is actively involved in their school activities. Keiko has been living in England since 1988. She teaches at Japanese School on Saturdays and is involved in various activities for Japanese. So she has plenty of experiences to share with the students and escorts alike. She has many hobbies that include Japanese traditions, such as Japanese flower arranging and the Tea ceremony, as well as playing golf and tennis. She enjoys working as a co-ordinator and tries to be a bridge between British and Japanese people. Her situation as a Japanese national living in the UK for a long time helps her to understand both nationalities. She is a gentle lady with a great deal of patience and understanding.

Exeter	Area information: Exeter, now a university and cathedral city, was founded by the Romans (called Isca) and is an ancient walled site. There is a Norman cathedral, a Bishop's throne, which is the tallest in England, there are medieval & Tudor buildings, an international historic wool port, a Guildhall, Customs House and Bishop's palace. West country people have strong sense of identity, parental ties, love of music and country dance. They are very friendly and welcome foreign visitors. Exeter has been closely involved in many of England's greatest battles. Drake and Raleigh both lived here for part of their lives. Exeter is a growing tourist centre. The town is virtually crime free. The local economy is also based on sea related activities, such as fishing. Exeter boasts an excellent university, which is renowned for its education and physical education departments. Facilities in Exeter cover all national sports and interests: cricket, football, horse racing, theatre, festival, and of course many great places for shopping. In the vicinilty there are many places of interest to visit. Places of interest: Exeter Cathedral; Maritime Museum; Powderham Castle; Dartmoor, Exmoor, Plymouth, Torquay, Buckland Hall and Dartington Glass.	Group Co-ordinator: Joyce is a fully qualified teacher with a Masters degree in EFL and English, educated at Durham and Leicester Universities. She is a retired head teacher with much enthusiasm and energy. She has also been a college lecturer and administrator. Joyce is a married lady with many hobbies and interests, including theatre, travel, embroidery, music, the Red Cross and the church. She enjoys visiting local places of interest and has detailed knowledge of the local areas. She always enjoys the time when our students are in her care and takes her position seriously. She is firm but with a good sense of humour. She values integrity, honesty and consideration for others and has worked as a counsellor and for the Samaritan organisation.

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator:

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator:

Hereford	Area information: Historically Hereford lay at a strategic point between England and Wales and was the sight of one of the strongest castles in the country. For at least 1,000 years Hereford played an important part in England's history, facing countless sieges and battles. Hereford remains one of England's most unspoilt rural idylls, with a cathedral and many places of historical and cultural significance. Every 3rd year the city hosts Europe's oldest music festival as well as many other musical and cultural events. Hereford's population is approximately 50,000 people. In the City of Hereford the majestic Cathedral dominates the skyline and for many centuries has kept a watchful eye on the River Wye as it meanders southwards. Hereford is a busy market and business centre, as well as being the centre of some superb touring country, giving it a good deal of revenue through tourism. Hereford has excellent leisure and sporting activities as well as good shopping amenties. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised making shopping relaxing and enjoyable. Hereford also offers many golf courses and riding schools. Places of interest : Mappa Mundi and the cathedral, Bulmers Cider factory, supermarket bakery visits, Churchill Victorian Museum, History of Hereford Museum, Cider Museum, agricultural shows in the summer. www.hereford.co.uk	Group Co-ordinator: My Name is Tricia Sandford and I am the local organiser for Hereford. I am in my 50s and have a teenage daughter and a lot of pets. I have organised groups for CHE since 1998 and enjoy my work very much. It is most interesting to meet new people and to extend a welcome to new Japanese friend. I have never visited Japan but I am keen to learn all I can about the language and culture. My interests, apart from meeting people, are music, reading, and craft work. I enjoy swimming and visiting historic palces in Briatin. I hope we can have lots of Japanese visitors to the UK in the coming years and I will do my utmost to make you all feel welcome.

Leamington Spa	Area information: Leamington Spa was originally a small village. In 1784 it began to build baths around some of its saline springs which then started to attract wealthy visitors who wanted to benefit from these treatments. Population of around 60,000. Renowned as a spa town which attracted the rich and famous. The impressive terraces of Regency &bksp; Victorian houses give the town a distinctive and elegant feel. Affluent area. The young are attracted to Warwick University, one of the country's top universities. It is also a popular retirement town. It is a multi-cultural society, particularly in Coventry and Birmingham. Wealth of heritage in the area with many castles, stately homes and houses. Delightful towns to visit, set amidst rural landscapes, criss-crossed by rivers and canals. The area is steeped in culture and history. The Midlands is the manufacturing heartland of the UK. Leamington Spa is prosperous and much of the current prosperity is based upon the service industries. Kenilworth has been identified as one of the top 5 most affluent towns in the UK. Places of interest: Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon, Kenilworth Castle, Cotswolds, Coventry Cathedral. http://www.shakespeare-country.co.uk/ www.leamington-guide.com/ www.leamingtonspa.uk.com/ www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/ http://dreamwater.net/leamington/ http://www.leamington-local.co.uk/ http://www.aboutbritain.com/towns/Leamington.asp	Group Co-ordinator: Heather has worked as Group Co-ordinator for Leamington Spa since 1995 and is very experienced at handling both small and large groups of Japanese short stay students. She has a Certificate in Counselling and enjoys looking after the welfare of Japanese long stay students. She has lived in the Leamington Spa area since 1991 and is knowledgeable regarding local history and attractions. She is married with a daughter (born 1993). She went on a familiarisation tour of Japan in 2000.

Leeds	Area information: Leeds is the second largest metropolitan district in the UK. The Metro public transport network, based in Leeds, covers the area with integrated bus and rail services. The area is particularly well served by rail. As Leeds takes up the mantle as a key European commercial and cultural centre, it attracts new residents to its cosmopolitan centre. Already numbering over 700,000 residents, Leeds is home to more than 75 nationalities. A vibrant, affluent capital, Leeds complements its economic success with a lively arts, sporting and entertainment scene. New and refurbished theatres, shopping malls, hotels, galleries and cafe bars rub shoulders with stylish offices and award-winning architecture. Numerous household names have their roots in Leeds. The famous Marks and Spencer department store is an example. Leeds is a lively city, and with a very large student population, there is a thriving nightlife. Places of interest: Victoria Quarter, Kirkgate Indoor Market, Tetley's (Leeds' answer to Disneyland)	Group Co-ordinator: No information available yet - sorry

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator:

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator:

Orpington	Area information: Kent's location at the gateway between the UK and Europe makes Orpington a year round destination for visitors who enjoy its heritage, culture, varied landscapes and mild climate. Castles have been built in Kent to protect key sites from threat of foreign invasion. Others were built to impress the neighbours or restless natives. Many are now open to the public. Orpington is near to the architecturally famous Bluewater shopping centre. Annual events include arts festivals, exhibitions, and outdoor concerts with fireworks. There are festivals for the river in Maidstone, Whitstable oysters, and Georgian heritage in Tunbridge Wells. Places of interest: Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Medway towns, 'Charles Dickens' country, Charles Darwin's house, Winston Churchill's house (Chartwell), Knoll House in Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Ashford.	Group Co-ordinator: No information available yet - sorry.

Sherborne	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator: Joyce is a fully qualified teacher with a Masters degree in EFL and English, educated at Durham and Leicester Universities. She is a retired head teacher with much enthusiasm and energy. She has also been a college lecturer and administrator. Joyce is a married lady with many hobbies and interests, including theatre, travel, embroidery, music, the Red Cross and the church. She enjoys visiting local places of interest and has detailed knowledge of the local areas. She always enjoys the time when our students are in her care and takes her position seriously. She is firm but with a good sense of humour. She values integrity, honesty and consideration for others and has worked as a counsellor and for the Samaritan organisation.

Solihull	Area information: Solihull is an affluent suburb of Birmingham, the UK's second largest city. It is an area which continues to grow. Solihull is located at the very heart of Shakespeare country (Stratford) and is surrounded by rural villages and market towns. Nearby Coventry cathedral and Warwick Castle are prime tourist attractions and reflect the rich historic heritage of the area. Solihull is a medium sized town with a population of 498,000 of which 3.4% are from ethnic minorities. Solihull has a diverse economic profile, heavily influenced by West Midland's conurbation. It is an affluent area of which tourism plays an important role in bringing valuable revenue into the area. Solihull has a wide spectrum of leisure activities. Local sports centres provide all the facilities required, from swimming to aerobices, horse riding to country walks. Local theatres, cinemas and restaurants provide a less strenuous pastime! Places of interest: Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kenilworth Castle. http://www.solihull.gov.uk/	Group Co-ordinator: "I am in my 50s and have three grown-up children, Michelle, Simon and Vanessa. I have lived in Solihull since 1987. My husband and I ran our own business for 12 years, but now I work as a part time slimming consultant as well as for CHE. I have worked for CHE since 1997 as a group co-ordinator. I am responsible for running the homestay and program of students who want to come to learn English in Solihull. Solihull is a truly beautiful place that has kept is historic identity through the years. The town centre has been redeveloped to bring further regeneration, jobs and investment. My house is within a ten-minute walk of the town centre and public transport links, making it an even more attractive place to live. My hobbies include playing golf and keep-fit. I am a member of the local golf club and I also visit the leisure centre daily. My interests include gardening, cooking and reading. Like most people from the Midlands, I have a good sense of humour and am very warm and welcoming."

Southgate	Area information: Evidence shows that the Romans settled in Enfield from the 1st to 3rd century and old pottery, coins and burial grounds have been found in the Bush Hill Park area of Enfield. It has also been host to royal visitors such as James I and Henry VIII. Enfield's past history includes the use of its river, the Lea, by the Vikings, who travelled up the river from the North Sea. Kings and Queens used large oak trees in a famous forest called Enfield Chase for building wooden ships for the British navy, they also hunted deer and boar in the Chase. Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman, who robbed the coaches of the rich, found Enfield Chase perfect for hiding - his ghost is still said to haunt the area. As a result Enfield boasts a rich cultural heritage. There are museums and a beautiful country home in the area. The population of the borough of Enfield is approximately 260,000 people and it is an area rich in shopping facilities, with an open market dating back to 1200AD and a flourishing shopping precinct.There are many good facilities including a 9 screen cinema, Whitewebbs museum of transport, a roller skating rink, bowling alley, tennis courts, golf clubs, swimming pools and a 'pitch and put' course. Enfield has a diverse economic profile which includes industry, farming and the service industries. Bus services and British Rail serve Enfield and can take you to the centre of London in 30 minutes, from where you can visit the capital's unique attractions and easily reach all parts of the country.	Group Co-ordinator: Marion has a lot of experience with many different nationalities, having been a host mother for more than 30 years and a co-ordinator since 1973. She has a grown-up family and helps her husband run his design company from home. She is keen on motor caravanning and enjoys visiting historical places in the British Isles. Her personal interests include local and national history, young people, animals, sailing and model yacht racing.

Sutton Coldfield	Area information: Sutton Coldfield is very beautiful, and an exclusive and affluent residential area. It is located 8 miles north of Birmingham and 7 miles south of Lichfield, with a population of about 85,000. It has a wonderful shopping centre offering traffic free areas with a variety of restaurants, including MacDonald's and TGI Friday, and other restaurants providing food from many different countries. Sutton has a large leisure centre that offers a wide variety of activities. Sutton Park covers an area of 2400 acres abd includes a golf course, fishing and boating facilities. There is also an area of special scientific and agricultural interest. Places of interest: Hungry Horse Craft Centre, Walsall Leather Centre. http://www.suttoncoldfieldweb.co.uk	Group Co-ordinator: Paula has vast experience of the needs of foreign students, having worked for a previous company for many years. She is extremely dedicated to her students and has a warm, friendly and very lively personality. Paula is married with a grown-up family. She says: 'I was born on Easter Sunday, 10th April. I am a true Aries. Like the Easter bunny, I am full of fun and very friendly. I am very fashion conscious and appreciate good style. I have been a Group Co-ordinator since about 1980 and have lots of experience. I enjoy the challenge of matching students to suitable families to make the cultural exchange a success. I am very proud of my area and my caring host families.

Tunbridge Wells	Area information: Founded in the mid-17th Century around the famous Chalybeate spring on the Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells finds its self in the 1990s, fast becoming one of the most pleasant places to visit or reside, within close proximity of London. This stylish resort town was a favourite spot for gentry and royalty who left behind the hustle and bustle of the city to relax in the peaceful country atmosphere of the 'Wells'. Today there are many traces of these by-gone times. Due to its close proximity to London, Tunbridge is popular with professionals who commute to work in central London. A prosperous area which is thriving. Tunbridge is well supplied with shopping and leisure facilities. Places of interest: The Pantiles - Day at the Wells, Hever Castle, Spa Valley, Railway, Dunorlan park with leisure facilities boating, golf, Knole Park, Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Tales, Rochester Cathedral and Dickens festival, Leeds Castle, Beachy Head, Brighton, including the Royal Pavilion, the Lanes and pier. http://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/	Group Co-ordinator: Hi, my name is Helen: Group Co-ordinator of students from the four corners of the globe! My aim is to find friendly host families who can give a warm welcome to visiting students and a taste of the British way of life. Some students and escorts continue their friendships with their families after they have returned home. I have been looking after Japanese students since 1997. Some students come for a few days, studying at a local teaching centre, visiting places of local interest while others come for a year and integrate into the local school system. I have a husband who is very supportive of my work with students and four children aged between 9-16 who love having a Japanese student to stay. The English teachers and I will work hard to ensure that you will enjoy your visit to Tunbridge Wells.

Ware	Area information: Ware is a busy market town with an historic feel to its quaint streets, many of which date back to the 13th century. It has a very pleasant atmosphere with many interesting Tudor buildings still being used by residents and businesses alike. Ware is a small town with a rich cultural heritage including a 13th century former priory, 16th century pub and England's largest bed! There are a mixture of people living in Ware, especially due to its good access to central London. The population is approximately 22,000 people. Despite its age Ware is also a modern town with many convenient shops on its busy high street. There is a sports centre and a number of sports clubs within Ware itself.	Group Co-ordinator: Cindy, prior to becoming a co-ordinator was a long standing host family. She is a well-educated lady who has a wide range of interests which include sailing, music, dog breeding and socialising. She has travelled a lot and has lived in Australia, Canada and South Africa. Cindy was a childminder for about 20 years while her children were at school, and is now involved in the care and welfare of the elderly and disabled. She has 2 adult sons and an adult daughter. Students coming into the Cheshunt area can be sure of a co-ordinator who cares and has an understanding of their needs.

Welwyn Garden City	Area information: Welwyn Garden City was based on the Utopian ideals of Sir Ebenezer Howard (1850-1928), founder of the garden city movement. It is internationally acclaimed as a fine example of planning and landscaping. Excavations have revealed the large village of Welwyn (in WGC) to be as ancient site of both Iron Age and Roman settlements. A remarkable example of Roman times, the remains of a Roman Bath House can be seen today, preserved in a steel vault under the A1 motorway. Here you can find major new retail and business developments within reach of peaceful parks and country hamlets. There are excellent leisure facilites, including the 126-acre Stanborough Park, containing boating and sailing lakes and an open-air swimming pool. The Gosling Sports Park is a superb venue for cycling, athletics, squash, tennis and bowls. There is an 18-hole public golf course at Panshanger and the Campus West entertainment centre has a theatre, roller-skating rink and conference facilities. Places of interest: Mill Green Museum; Welwyn Roman Baths; Stanborough Reedmarsh Nature Reserve.	Group Co-ordinator: Group Co-ordinator and Counsellor since 2000. I have gained much experience in the placement of both short and long term Japanese students. I am very committed to my role as with anything that involves children. I have a son who enjoys having students stay with us. I have a certificate in management and am currently in the process of completing my foundation degree in Business. My hobbies include singing, organising and travelling. With my caring, warm and friendly host families, students who visit Welwyn Garden City area, embrace British customs, and families whom have a lasting effect upon their lives.

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Wimbledon	Area information: Although a part of London, Wimbledon maintains a village charm of its own with many attractive Tudor houses and sites of historical interest in the surrounding area. Wimbledon's central location means that the many cultural activities on offer in the capital are easily accessible. Wimbledon comprises of a diverse number of people, many of whom are professionals who commute to work in the city centre every day. Despite this, the area has a community feel partly due the large number of families who make up much of the population. Wimbledon is a relatively affluent area and boasts many fine houses and a number of parks. Wimbledon and tennis are synomymous worldwide and the tennis championships held here are one of the highlights of the British sporting calender. There are also many other facilities available, including a popular greyhound racetrack. Places of interest: Wimbledon tennis museum, Epsom horse races, Richmond park, Hampton Court, Wimbledon dog races, Thames river cruises, fruit picking at Granssin Farm.	Group Co-ordinator: Keiko has been the co-ordinator for Wimbledon and Ewell since 1990. She is a Japanese lady married to a British gentleman. She has a young family and is actively involved in their school activities. Keiko has been living in England since 1988. She teaches at Japanese School on Saturdays and is involved in various activities for Japanese. So she has plenty of experiences to share with the students and escorts alike. She has many hobbies that include Japanese traditions, such as Japanese flower arranging and the Tea ceremony, as well as playing golf and tennis. She enjoys working as a co-ordinator and tries to be a bridge between British and Japanese people. Her situation as a Japanese national living in the UK for a long time helps her to understand both nationalities. She is a gentle lady with a great deal of patience and understanding.

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator:

	Area information:	Group Co-ordinator: