Shock Thailand meet-up for Pendle villagers

Robert and Michelle Hartley – Robert formerly from Fence – with their girls Rachel and Aimee, were visiting “The Juniper Tree” in Thailand, a retreat centre for those who work cross-culturally in Asia, only to discover their hosts were Joan and Tim Peagam, formerly of Higham.

Tim is a former pastor of Sabden Baptist Church. Joan, a former director at Nelson and Colne College, said: “Many thousands of people come and go through Chiang Mai, and getting together to share notes on living as an ex-pat in Asia was interesting and great fun.

“Looking at pictures of snow on the M60 on a news website, while enjoying a 30⁰c November day, was one highlight!

“Local organisations which provide support for these couples include Sabden Baptist Church; St Anne’s, Fence; and Nelson and Colne College where I taught until 2012.”

Other churches around the UK, especially in Glasgow – where Robert studied after attending Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn – support the Hartley family.

Friends and family from Fence, Higham, Nelson and Colne College and Witton Park High School all maintain very regular, warm contact with both families, which is really appreciated by them.

Tim said: “We are having a great time but still looking forward to Christmas at home with our family! I’m not sure we are ready for the temperature difference though!”