BOWDON resident Sylvia Nicholson, a member of the Greater Manchester Friendship Force, attended the World Conference in Hamburg, where clubs from 23 countries were represented.

Friendship Force International was founded in 1977 with the support of ex-President Jimmy Carter.

Its aims are to achieve peace through friendship. It works by people welcoming foreigners into their homes and travelling abroad to stay with families in other countries.

Sylvia, who joined 18 months ago, said: “I was fascinated to hear about all the places you could visit.

“I have already welcomed into my home, Australians, Brazilians and Russians and am currently awaiting a Japanese exchange. I am looking forward to visiting Mexico in March.

“I wanted to attend the conference to learn more about the organisation and how it was run. It was nice to meet members from all over the world and share their experiences.

“At the first dinner we sat at a table with Australians, Canadians, Americans, Japanese and a lady from Austria. Where else could you have that experience?

“It was wonderful how easy it was to interact with people from lands and cultures I had never come across before.

“One of the highlights was visiting Hamburg Town Hall. It reminded me a bit of Manchester Town Hall. We drank champagne in the Bergermeister’s room after being greeted by her.”

For details telephone 0161 707 1001 or see www.manchester.friendshipforce.org.uk