MAY I through your newspaper thank the host families (they are unpaid) and their children of our charity who on two weeks notice hosted, 11 children from the village of Lazduny in the Grodno region of Belarus. They gave their love and care and the host families' children selflessly shared their parents.

They were originally supposed to go to Bradford in Yorkshire but someone was ill and they were in danger of having their invitation cancelled. Within 24 hours of being asked by Victor Mizzi the charity founder the people of west Wiltshire had agreed to host all 11 children and their teacher. After a brief article in your newspaper the community of west Wiltshire came to our rescue. A special thanks to George, who gave the children pocket money, the three villages loaned us their minibus and other organisations and charities gave us free admission and use of their facilities.Our next group of children arrive on August 3 and we will be very busy fundraising for them Yes the same host families do our fundraising.

A LEIGH

Host Family Co-ordinator

West Wiltshire Link

Chernobyl Children Life Line.

MAY I thank all the members of the public who generously gave to the diabetes collection in Castle Place on June 7. The collection raised £157.95. This will be used for research into a cure for diabetes.

It was very encouraging to meet a number of members of the public who not only gave but made inquiries about diabetes. Part of our group's purpose is to raise awareness of this condition so if anyone would like to find out more about diabetes call and see us at West Wilts 2003, stand C14 in Hall C, where we will be most pleased to see you.

H ARMINTAGE,

Secretary,

Trowbridge and District Branch

Diabetes UK,

Newtown,

Trowbridge.