Spring SeminarSpring Seminar

LatviaLatvia 6th - 12th June 6th - 12th June 20092009

‘‘Rich in Diversity – United Growth Rich in Diversity – United Growth in the Countryside’in the Countryside’

By Colette HeritageBy Colette Heritage

Selection DaySelection Day► Attended the Selection day held in Stratford Upon Attended the Selection day held in Stratford Upon

Avon on 6th December 2008Avon on 6th December 2008► Was interviewed by key National YFC leaders.Was interviewed by key National YFC leaders.► Had an opportunity to meet other YFC members Had an opportunity to meet other YFC members

from around the Country.from around the Country.

My journey before the My journey before the Seminar…Seminar…

► Met up with Bob – The other half of the team Met up with Bob – The other half of the team (On (On the left!)the left!)

► Booked our flights to LatviaBooked our flights to Latvia► Gained sponsorship from JCB, my County Office and Gained sponsorship from JCB, my County Office and

my Club.my Club.

Day 1 – The journey begins...Day 1 – The journey begins...

► Travelled to Manchester Airport for the Flight to Travelled to Manchester Airport for the Flight to Riga...(First time Bob’s left the Country!)Riga...(First time Bob’s left the Country!)

► Arrived at Koni Mill in the Valmeira region of Latvia Arrived at Koni Mill in the Valmeira region of Latvia my home for the next six days.my home for the next six days.

Day 2 – Official Welcome & Day 2 – Official Welcome & Intercontinental BuffetIntercontinental Buffet

► Explored the Koni Mill – Explored the Koni Mill – Historical Working MillHistorical Working Mill

Buffet of local produce from all over Europe, a selection we brought; Derbyshire Ale, Melton Mowbray pork pie, locally sourced cheeses.

Day 3 – Project Café & Day 3 – Project Café & Film Evening Film Evening► Received presentations from Received presentations from

LeadingLeading people of the Community including people of the Community including

the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Agriculture and locallocal municipalitiesmunicipalities..► Looked at local Latvian produce.Looked at local Latvian produce.► Had a chance to come up with ideas Had a chance to come up with ideas

to help the local businessesto help the local businesses..

Later... Watched a film on Later... Watched a film on tolerance & inclusion held in tolerance & inclusion held in the Barn....the Barn....

Day 4 – Visit to Local Youth Day 4 – Visit to Local Youth Enterprises & BBQ in NatureEnterprises & BBQ in Nature

Visited Camphill a local farm supporting handicapped young people in Latvia.

Had a team trip to a local Blacksmith to try out welding everyday items into a work of art.

Day 5 – Marketplace of Day 5 – Marketplace of Creative Business IdeasCreative Business Ideas

Explained our creative business ideas to the young enterprises

Showed everyone our team iron work of art!

Day 6 – Future Steps & Day 6 – Future Steps & Farewell PartyFarewell Party

Experienced traditional folk dancing...

And Latvian belly - dancing

Day 7 - GoodbyeDay 7 - Goodbye

Just some of the friends I made whilst on the

Spring Seminar in Latvia...

Friends for Life!