On Saturday 2nd April 12 Year 11 footballers from Salesian School Chertsey set out at 6.30am from Chertsey with Mr Bicknell and Mr Lydon. We arrived at Savio Salesian College Bootle at around 10.30 and received a warm welcome from Mr Ken O'Hara, one of the PE Staff who generously agreed to play this fixture even though Savio had broken up for the Easter holiday. After a close game, Chertsey emerged as winners by two goals to one.

Staff and students then headed for St James' Bootle where we were welcomed by the Rector Fr Thomas Williams and other members of the community, including Fr Michael Cunningham and Fr Michael Duggan. We were treated to a wonderful Lunch served by the community including Fr Adam Swita who was able to have a conversation in Polish with one of our players.

The photograph was taken at Our Lady's statue in the grounds of St James' with Frs Williams, Duggan and Cunningham from left to right at the back.

Following lunch Fr Cunningham took the trouble to accompany us to Bootle station for our onward journey to take in the Everton v Aston Villa game. When I explained to one of our players who this priest was his response was 'Wow'. This exclamation sums up the whole day, exemplified by the Salesian atmosphere which permeated the day, including the welcome received at Everton from Mike Dickenson who taught at Savio Salesian College for over thirty years and who now works for the club in Youth Development. The staff and students from Chertsey want to put on record their sincere appreciation for the hospitality experienced throughout the day.

John Lydon