My Journal
Friday April 11th 2003
Thursday April 17th 2003
I have arrived in Norfolk, England and although it is a dull and overcast day, I
am still excited. Imagine, me, Flay Stanley, travelling all the way to England.
Maybe I could have tea with The Queen.
Today was a great adveture, it started when I got curious and asked why the children were excited, they told me we
were going to stay for a few days with their Grandmother in Stoke on Trent. I helped load the bags in the car and then we
set off, there was lots of traffic around, the motorways were very busy and it took us 6 hours to get there.
The Nana (grandmother) very kindly asked me if I would like to be laminated, I wasn’t too sure what she meant but she seemed 
excited about it so I agreed. It was a little warm but otherwise painless.
Friday April 18th 2003
Today we went shopping for a Prom dress for the eldest daughter, boy can she shop, we went in and out of every clothes shop
in the town and then she went back and bought the first dress she liked in the first shop we went into.
Sunday April 20th 2003
Today is Easter Sunday and I went to church
with the two older daughters and Nana.
Father Richard was very nice, he asked if I was enjoying my visit to England, I told him I was having
a great time but didn’t like shopping, he laughed. Father Richard gave me a copy of todays service
as a souvenir; I was also given a bar of chocolate for Easter.
Everyone in church wanted to talk to me, I met the church Brownie Leader who offered to take
me down south for a week I said that unfortunately I didn’t have the time but maybe I could
come back again some time.
Monday April 21st 2003
Today I went to a different city, Hanley, it was there that I was shown a statue of Sir
Stanley Mathews and of course, I insisted on having my photograph taken with my name sake.
I am told that Sir Stanley was the first English football player to receive a knighthood from the
Queen he played football for England as well as at local level for Stoke City.
Tuesday April 22nd 2003
Today I went to visit the football ground of the other local team, Port Vale, the better of
the two local teams, or so I am told, I asked the shop assistant if he would have his
photograph taken with me, can you see me in his shirt pocket? he gave me a car
window sticker and a match programme as souvenirs of my visit.
Thursday April 24th 2003
This morning I helped repack everything into the car for the journey back to Norfolk, it was raining when we left Nana’s
house mid morning and didn’t stop all the way back. It only took us 3.5 hours to drive back but it seemed a lot longer
because of the rain.
I am told that today is St. George's Day, St. George is the Patron Saint of England.
Monday May 5th 2003
You’ll never guess what I did today, I went to watch my host having a tattoo done, I begged her to let me have one too but
she said I had to be 18 and wouldn’t let me, when will I be 18? When is my birthday?
Saturday May 10th 2003
I went to work today with my host, she cleans the Families Club (Pub). Tonight we went for a drink at the club, I had great
fun, there were lots of children there and all of them wanted to talk to me, some even danced with me. I was very
excited I don’t think I’ve been in a pub before. I drank two whole bottles of coca-cola.
Sunday May 11th 2003
Toady we went to a nearby village called Wroxham, running through the village is the river Bure. There were lots of boats on
the river, I was told families hire them for a week or two and just sail slowly on the rivers which are known as the Norfolk
Broads. It looks a very relaxing way to spend time. No one would give me a boat to bring home as a souvenir so I collected
some brochures and leaflets instead. The wildlife on the rivers is fantastic, I saw lots of different types of water birds.
Monday May 12th 2003
Well today is my last day here, I have had a great time and I’ve really enjoyed my stay, I have been made to feel so welcome.
I’m sure there is loads more I haven’t had time to see but maybe I can come back sometime. I am very sad to be leaving but
I am looking forward to seeing Carrie again, I have missed her so much.
Wednesday April 23rd 2003