Francis is the youngest member of our team. He didn't go to Kongwa school because he was too young. In fact, he was born in Kongwa hospital and left Africa when he was just six months old, never to return until now. Francis grew up knowing about Kongwa from the stories his parents told him but the idea of returning to his birthplace seemed impractical until he came across Glyn Ford's website and read about a trip being organized for ex-students to revisit the school to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the opening of Kongwa school. This serendipitous find was too good to miss and so Francis joined the party.

As a member of our group his expertise in legal jargon came in very useful when drawing up the contract for the making of the desks, tables and chairs from the local carpentry college.

Perhaps one of the highlights of the trip for Francis was standing on top of Snake Rock and talking to his mother back in the UK describing what he could see and discussing where their home had been, all thanks to the wonders of a mobile phone.

To top it all off, it was his birthday on the day of anniversary and during the celebrations the children of Mnyakongo Primary School sang "Happy Birthday Francis".

I have a feeling that it won't be too long before Francis returns again to his birthplace.'

Francis with mum Eileen

and with dad Frank

They lived in a bungalow in the Biergarten area.