1991 saw the start of the Bridgwater-Uherske Hradiste link. Following Brian Smedley’s visit to Czechoslovakia in August it was the turn of Antonin Machala to visit England (for the first time) in November. It was an important trip and set the parameters for the future.
Sat 2 Nov -Brian met Antonin at Victoria coach station. In these days it was common to travel Prague to London by coach. The day was spent showing Antonin around London and they stayed with friends in the East End
Sun 3 Nov- drove to Somerset. Antonin stayed with Mrs Smedley in Alfoxton road where he had a sunday lunch. In the evening there was a ‘welcome’ gig at NJRs on West Quay-which raised £45 for the BCzFS.
Mon 4 Nov At 1230 there was a reception with Mayor of Bridgwater Ken Richards at the Town Hall. The group included Smedley, Machala, Dave Hanna, Mac McCausland, Andrew Napthine, Julian Taylor, Maurice & Sylvia Brown with photos taken by Keith Painter
Tues 5 Nov Toured Yeovilton & Glastonbury and visited Eugene Byrne in Bristol
Wed 6 Nov Visited Burnham and Mayor Neville Jones. In the evening was the public meeting of the Bridgwater-Czechoslovakia Frtiendship Society. Brian, Antonin, Dave and Steven Day spoke. Sandy Buchanan chaired. 16 people attended
Thur 7 Nov Antonin saw the Bridgwater carnival
Fri 8 Nov Antonin toured around Somerset & South Devon with Brian’s works van
Sat 9 Nov Antonin returned to London by bus with Richard Gaskell & Adrian Fraser and they saw West Ham before he left for Czech
