Leaving on the 11th July the team travelled and played matches around Italy.
As often there was a highly Ambassadorial element to the trip as well as educational, cultural, social and sporting aspects.
On the journey from Venice to Senigallia it was possible to make a visit to san Marino for an afternoon, to see the old very small Republic surrounded by Italian land. Senigallia has a great beach near to our hotel and our badminton host was excellent. On the final day there we were invited to meet the Mayor of Senigallia at their City Hall.
A train ride to Rome followed and two excellent badminton events. One was at Bracciano who have a Town Friendship Agreement with Darlington, signed on a previous visit in 2014 by Tom Nutt our Deputy Mayor at this time. The hospitality was outstanding and the City Hall provided the whole group with a free cruise around the beautiful Lake Bracciano. After the badminton we were hosted to a meal at the Lakeside Restaurant - essentially unlimited food based around their local Pizzas! In Rome we had time to visit the Colosseum and other key sites around the City. Before we left we were welcomed by HM Deputy Ambassador Dr Inge, who explained the unique role of the Embassy to the Holy See, tying together the political and religious aspects.
We then travelled on to Naples for more badminton and a further Town Hall reception with the Mayor of Cercola. we had time to visit Pompeii and to climb Vesuvius to see the crater and how the geography of the area allowed the eruption to overwhelm Pompeii and run down to the sea.
The impact of this tour on the young people was significant and we were grateful to carry letters from the current Mayor of darlington to our hosts.
Philip Boyle.