The trip was an unqualified success, thoroughly enjoyed by children and staff alike.
The journeys to and from the resort went very smoothly with no delays anywhere en route. And once in Bulgaria, snow conditions were excellent, as a result of which skiing progressed very well.
Of course, there was a full programme of après ski activities which included 10-pin bowling, bum boarding, swimming, a quiz night and a disco.
As has been the case for the last number of years the visit to a local orphanage for 15 of the children and two staff members to hand over money raised by Clounagh proved to be a highlight. This year's total was £2,800 which will be spent on providing toilets close to the younger orphans' sleeping quarters. At present the toilets are quite far away from the dormitory and some of the younger children are frightened if they have to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
It is also hoped to incorporate a games room into one of the existing larger rooms.
During the visit to the orphanage, group members were able to see the work carried out with the money donated by Clounagh students last year. New double-glazed windows have replaced the old draughty ones and the kitchen has been re-tiled, with serving hatches being created between it and the dining room.
In addition to the pupils' efforts, Opus Digital Photography of Portadown donated a very generous £1,300 to the fund and a Mr Cherry made a donation.
Mr Daryl Sloan, the Brownstown Road school's ICT technician raised money through the sale of his book, 'Chion' and J Ski, the clothing hire company used by Clounagh donated a large number of ski jackets to the orphans. As well as that, many pupils on the trip brought clothes and other gifts for distribution among the children.
Those who visited the orphanage were very moved by what they saw, afterwards citing it as "an experience we will never forget".
As ever, Balkan Tours organised the travel arrangements and allowed excess baggage, at no extra cost, thereby enabling the group to transport all the gifts for the orphanage.
staff
The staff members who made the trip were Mrs Colleen Hanna, Mr Jeremy Johnston, Mr Jim Carson, Mrs Edriss Hanson and Mrs Wendy Beale. Dr. Dave McCreary also travelled with the group.