Many people, businesses and organisations have been very generous in their support for our team and I'd like to say a huge 'thank you' to them all for helping us to raise the not-inconsiderable amount we needed for five flights to Auckland.
At risk of missing someone out (and if I do then please accept my apologies) thanks are due to Cockermouth School and our ever-supportive parents in the form of Cockermouth School Association, Cockermouth Travel for the inaugural use of their travel bursary, Cockermouth Round Table, Cockermouth Rotary Club, Nuclear Management Partnership, pupils and staff of Cockermouth School and their friends and families who swam, read, stopped speaking, baked cakes, thought up jobs they were willing to pay someone to do, packed shopping bags, joined in competitions, donated sums of money both large and small, bought teas, guessed numbers of sweets, lost weight... I could go on but you get the picture. We have been overwhelmed by offers of support and for that we are very, very grateful.
The other group of people who deserve huge thanks are the Waikato Children's Literature Association who have organised this whole event and have worked tirelessly to get financial support for our visit. When we arrive in New Zealand our whole visit will be sponsored by businesses who appreciate the importance of reading and want to support the Kids' Lit Quiz. There will be teams from South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and two from the UK and we will all be guests of our wonderful hosts. In particular Gerri Judkins, Librarian of Southwell School, Hamilton, must have put her personal life on hold for the past 10 months and has been a superlative facilitator for those of us in various far-flung locations who will all meet up soon, due mainly to her organisational skills.
Last, but not least, thanks to the parents of our team members who will accompany and support us, leaving family members behind while we go off around the world. I hope you realise how grateful we are to you as well.
Hello Everyone!
ReplyDeleteAm so excited about you going off to New Zealand as World Finalists in the Kid’s Lit Quiz. A beautiful country to visit in any circumstances, with wonderful friendly people. You’ll have a terrific time and they’ll love you ‘cos you come from one of the nicest welcoming schools I’ve ever visited as an author. Good luck – and sign me up as a member of the Chimp Fan Club!
Theresa Breslin
Hello from me too!
ReplyDeleteI hope you all have a fantastic time and do really well! I thought the team was brilliant at the UK final and I hope you're all looking forward to the next round. And please sign me up for the CFC too!
Best wishes,
Gillian Cross
Mrs Farrar
ReplyDeleteWell done on such an excellent blog. I hope you have time to keep updating it while the team are away, and I look forward to reading about your trip. My very best wishes to the whole team - do well, but most importantly, make the most of this brilliant experience of a lifetime - I'm sure you'll all bring back memories that will stay with you forever.
Mrs Bone