There are two visits planned for this year, one for the normal “Boys” only week 1-7 Nov and the preceding week 25-31 Oct for “Couples”. There were several Rotarians in our partner club Cham who expressed an interest last year and an invite has been sent to them. We shall visit at least one Rotary club and if time permits some sightseeing. Eat out locally every evening
Although Pescara (Ryan Air) is the local airport one could fly to/from Rome and hire a car or take a coach (15 Euros) for the 2 hour journey to Pescara. We can hire extra car(s) with the cost divided.
Please contact Kevin Fielding in you are interested in coming.
Olive Picking in Italy
A somewhat humorous article written by PP Mike Trotter
THE PICKING FIELDS OF PESCARA
This is a short story of the heroism of 6 men lured to a foreign country with tales of hedonism, excellent working conditions, good salaries and warm sunshine. The truth is far more sinister and needs to be told so that others do not fall prey to foul men who perpetrate these horrors.
This story is based on the factual accounts of those that survived and is true testament to the strength of human courage, endurance and daring.
The story begins when six men replied to a request for assistance compensated by riches beyond compare, a new lifestyle, and idyllic working conditions.
At first everything seemed ok. The group were given a warm welcome at the airport at Pescara and driven to their destination. But as soon as the gates clanged shut every thing changed and the truth began to emerge. There were no riches, no nubile women, and the degrading conditions of work were barely sufficient to survive.
Forced to live in squalid conditions, one was made to sleep in a draughty shed with no running water, and only a cockroach infested piece of cloth to cover him self at night. Two others were made sleep on top of each other, whilst another two were forced to climb a steep muddy slope to a cabin perched on the side of the mountain with barely any running water and where strange insects and other creepy crawlers made odd bed fellows.
Those of you familiar with Bridge Over the River Kwai will be aware of the senior officer, played by Sir Alec Guiness, who encouraged his men to work despite appalling conditions. Thus the same happened here. The erstwhile leader of the group was given what seemed to be good living quarters but only in a blatant attempt to encourage the men that things were not too bad.
Work parties were organized at the crack of dawn and despite sleep depredation the men set about their work clearing olive trees, cutting wood and loading heavy bags with the produce. This was backbreaking work and only the British sense of humour and strength of character kept them going.
Pictures - of previous visits
Olive Picking in Italy
It is said that the senses of the group were dulled by the all too short lunch stop by the supply of a local drink that was in all probability spiked to ensure no rebellious behaviour and minimise escape attempts.
But try they did and various plans were devised to distract the guard by the making of smoke, making a run for it, or hiding in long grass but all attempts failed and those that were heard making such plans or who did protest were forced into breaking rocks on the nearby access road.
The group were taken out at night but only under close guard and it is said that they were being shown off to other local gang members with offers to sell the group on as they were inspected by fondling, having arms placed around them and by testing their grip strength.
The tale gets even more sinister as stories emerged that one of this gallant band had a traitor in their midst. It is said that he may have been in the pay of the criminal mastermind as he assumed the role of gang boss and was armed with a sharp stick and threatened to beat anyone who upset him. He was know as
J and probably came from an Asian crime syndicate. The tales of bad treatment gets worse. One of the number was regularly taken into the main block each afternoon and what terrors he endured it is hard to say as he will still not talk about it. All that is known is that he was found in an unconscious condition slumped in a chair.
That anyone survived this ordeal is only due to the fact that after the work was completed the organizer had no further use of the group and they were made to roam the streets of Pescara until room was made for them on a mercy flight back to civilization and safety.
This is a cautionary tale that should be noted by all others that may be lured by similar stories. Service before self has never been so sorely tested.
Copies of this have been forwarded to the News of the World, the European Parliament, and Human Rights groups.