So, if as a Club you get the opportunity to be involved in the Young Ambassadors Programme should you take it? The answer from Market Harborough 41 Club, Tangent and Round Table is a resounding “Yes”.
We like to think this photograph demonstrates the flying start to the YAP Tour in Market Harborough ……. or perhaps it’s a falcon skimming above the crowds at Warwick Castle.
Why Should You Get Involved?
Well……
- It’s a perfect opportunity to demonstrate to a group of “Young Ambassadors” the Fun and Fellowship we have all enjoyed over the years as members of the Round Table Family and long may it continue
- You get the chance to showcase your home environment. Market Harborough is a delightful market town in Leicestershire and with all the negativity surrounding us these days we sometimes forget how great a place the UK is – having young visitors along and showing them the sights makes us remember all the good things
- It’s a great chance for the Round Table Family to work together and demonstrate the overall strength of the organisation. We will definitely all look back on the YAP Market Harborough Tour with conversations starting “Do you remember when…..”
- And don’t forget the Quid Pro Quo – we have hosted the children and grandchildren of 41ers from around the world. Many of you will have children and grandchildren in the “qualifying age range” (18 to 24). Get them to take advantage of the opportunity and get them on a trip as a Young Ambassador.
A few hints and tips…
We don’t want to teach people how to suck eggs but here you go.
- Give the Ambassadors information upfront about what they can expect whilst they are with you, together with emergency contact numbers – it gives them comfort and helps answer some of the inevitable questions
- Give the Ambassadors opportunities to work as a group
- Don’t have a rigid timetable – give the Ambassadors freedom to explore things they find interesting at a relaxed pace and let them have some downtime
- Make use of the local tourist attractions – you don’t need to make great efforts to organise events. Even in a quiet country town like Market Harborough there are plenty of places within easy reach to provide great entertainment
- Get a few of you to travel along with the Ambassadors during the day to offer friendship and support – you will enjoy it as much as them
- Get young people involved. There could be one if not two generations difference between 41ers and the Ambassadors. Getting Round Table, Ladies Circle or younger relatives involved makes sure the Ambassadors will have appropriate activities during their stay with you – and they are not necessarily the same as what you think they will enjoy.
So, What Did We Do?
We kept it simple.
We Home Hosted and involved Round Tablers and children of 41ers.
We may well have someone from Market Harborough who will take advantage of the YAP scheme having experienced it for themselves and seen what a great time everybody has on the tour.
We used local tourist attractions.
- A Blue Badge guided tour of Market Harborough
- The Richard III Exhibition and National Space Centre in Leicester
- Warwick Castle
- We used local eating place
And at the end of another day out, here’s confirmation that everybody enjoyed themselves.
If anybody wants to know more, please contact Andy Ventress on yap@41club.org
And “Good Luck” if you decide to get involved in organising a GB&I YAP Tour.
From all in the Market Harborough Round Table Family
