[Letter] Gracias Bradley Stoke!

We recently celebrated our first anniversary of living in Bradley Stoke and this beautiful country. We came because my husband studies and works at the University of Bath and, for some inexplicable reason, we choose to live in Bradley Stoke.

We are so happy and comfortable living here. We love the Three Brooks nature reserve and we enjoy walking along the paths there. Most importantly, we appreciate the neighbourhood and all the people we have met here. People have the power of change and do magic to everyone’s life. Because of these reasons, it is a good moment and opportunity, through the pages of the Bradley Stoke Journal, to say thank you:

• Thanks to Marie N. and his son who immediately invited our son to play together.
• Thanks to Denise and Kirsty, who opened their heart to all our family.
• Thanks to Irene, Monica, Laura who planned trips and playground sessions with children and pub getaways, some evenings only for women.
• Thanks to Jean H., Bill Mc. and Izzie, who supported me in my sad moments and work so nicely for the community.
• Thanks to the Bowsland Green Primary School headteacher and her team for taking care so successfully of our son.
• Thanks to Karen H L., Sara B., Sara H., Corrinna V., Kerry Cl., Isa B., Serena H., Kirsty B., Emma H., Paola S. and Tanit M for every Thursday mums’ breakfast and our chats.
• Thanks to Kath A., Lorna, Raquel and Gail V. for their professional encouragement.
• Thanks to all the cats that we can stroke. They comforted the absence of our cat that sadly could not come with us.

We always will remember some of the questions that our son asked when we arrived; in fact I wish to publish a children’s story about all his surprising reactions.

“Mum, why is it raining again?” We answered: “Do you like the green grass and all the nature surrounding us?” “Yes, I love it,” he said and we added: “So if we like it this green, it needs to be irrigated a lot!” He was happy with this explanation.

“Mum, why can’t I understand anybody – I have no friends!” he said in tears. We told him: “Dear, you are so lucky to have the opportunity to make new friends, learn a new language, experience new landscapes, manners, religions and foods. Join them with yours and you will be a richer and happier boy.”

Some months later, when his birthday came along, he had no fewer than 18 new English friends to invite and we can assure you that he says that the squirrels and snails, our garden and the flowers, the BBQs, and especially Halloween and Santa all are the best things ever!

We have three hearts: one with our loved Barcelona (my town), a second with our loved Canary Island (my husband’s town) and the third with our new loved Bradley Stoke (my kids’ town).

We are doing our best to correspond and to reciprocate this big gift. Thank you all.

Assumpta Canals-Tomás, Bradley Stoke

Photo: Enjoying a warm welcome in Bradley Stoke: Assumpta Canals-Tomás & family.

This letter originally appeared in the October 2014 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,450 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.