The GSE Team 2007 mmbers were selected and had their first meeting in November 2006.  Five subsequent meetings were held for team building and planning - the last being a presentation to District Council prior to departure in May 2007.

The Team exchanged with District 2300 Norway.  That district covers the "countries" of Hedmark and Oppland which are basically in the south east of Norway from just north of Oslo to the Winter Olumpics town of Lillehammer.

The exchange lasted over four weeks from 16th May to 16th June and during that time the Team gave 9 presentations, met Rotarians from most of District 2300's clubs, experienced a minimum of five vocational experiences, studied the culture of Norway - it's social and environmental policies, the history of WWII, it's gas and fishing industries and its rather unique attachment to the European Union/Community - as well as having a deal of Rotary involvement and making many new friends.

The Team were given many experiences, not available to the public, but made available to them.  Such experiences included a private tour of Norway's equivalent to our Houses of Parliament, entry to a military base where troops were preparing for deployment to Afghanistan and a ride on the Winter Olympics bob-sleigh track.

The hospitality provided by the Norwegian Rotarians and their families were second to none and the weather was exceptional for the time of year with highs of 33 degrees C.

Once back in England, the Team embarked on a series of presentations to District 1270 Clubs.  Eight Rotary Clubs were visited and it is known that Rotarians from at least 18 Clubs heard the presentation as some Clubs held cluster meetings.

On each occasion the Team was warmly received and shown excellent hospitality and friendship  Linda was also warmly welcomed to each Club she visited with us.

Throughout the year the Team has represented Rotary International to the highest standard.  There have been no unsavoury incidencts or embarrasing situations that have detracted from the aims and objectives Group Study Exchange.

It has been a pleasure and I have been immensely proud to be the Leder of the GSE Team 2007.  It has been wonderful to see four young business professionals develop both as a group and as individuals and to be better equipped to  the challenges of today's world.

On behalf of the 2007 Team I thank Rotary International and District 1270 for allowing us to experience Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange.