On Ash Wednesday, Salesian College Farnborough welcomed a group of students and teachers from the Valsalice Salesian school in Turin.

The party was staying with families in London and taking part in an English Language course but they spent two days in Farnborough to get an impression of an English school.

On Ash Wednesday they joined our Year 9 pupils in the College Chapel for a service of Distribution of Ashes. Each pair of Italian students was teamed up with one of the Farnborough boys to guide them during their stay. They had a tour of the school and enjoyed lunch and break time, demonstrating their excellent knowledge of both English and football. Headmaster, Mr Ged Owens, helped by some of our students, gave a presentation on "What it's like to be British".

On the following Friday they returned to experience some of the lessons with their guides. They had fish and chips for lunch and then were treated to a session of ten-pin bowling at Farnborough Leisure Centre.

Last year, Mr Owens and an Italian speaking teacher went to see Valsalice and it's hoped to set up an exchange visit some time in the future.

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB, College Chaplain