WHEN children from Chernobyl headed back to Belarus on Wednesday, they all packed quilts specially made for them by members of the Liss Embroidery Guild. The quilts were presented to the children last week in Petersfield, where they have been enjoying an Easter holiday with families in the town. And the quilt presentation will have been among many treasured memories they took with them when they left on Wednesday - the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster which rocked the work on April 26, 1986. The children were also given gifts to take back to their families from Boots the Chemists, from Waitrose supermarket in Petersfield, and from the perfume manufacturers Estée Lauder. Then they could choose from a selection of clothes donated by people in the Petersfield area, and took some home for their families as well as for themselves. Two decades on, the legacy of that day is still felt by the many people who live in the area. Teenagers are still developing thyroid problems and many of them suffer from tooth infections and poor eyesight The annual holiday is arranged by the Petersfield branch of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline. This year, two new joint chairmen have taken over from Jane and David Burstall, who headed the branch for several years. The long trip of 12 Russian youngsters to Petersfield was masterminded this year by Liz Payze and Liz Fry, who organised leisure outings, entertainment and vital trips to opticians and dentists, with the help of an army of volunteers. This year's programme included swimming lessons at the Taro Leisure Centre, a beach walk and picnic, lunch at Pizza Express, a farm visit, pony and trap riding, and, the highlight of the children's stay, a visit to Legoland near Windsor. Mrs Payze thanked all the families who hosted the Chernobyl children, the opticians and dentists who provided treatment and all who donated gifts and clothes.
