A two man IRC team (Roy Harold and Dave Maddock), accompanied by two guests involved in the relief work (Edith Simon and Josephine Rudd), took a trailer load of toys and clothes to a childrens' hospital in Hungary.  A simple mission that, in the opinion of the team members, was well worth while.  We wouldn't disagree and what follows is extracted from the mission report written by one of them.

Saturday 25th November 1995

After an early start from Cambridge, the team drove through the day (with a break on the Ramsgate/Ostend ferry) through Belgium, into Luxembourg and on into Germany, arriving at Kaiserslaten for fuel and refreshments just before midnight. On through Manheim, Nurnberg and then towards Regensberg. It was between Manheim and Nurnberg, when we stopped for a comfort break and checked the tyres, that we noticed a flat on the trailer. As the spare tyre was right at the back of the trailer, and it was dark, we decided to catch a few hours sleep and change the tyre in daylight.

Sunday 26th November 1995

After changing the tyre in the early light, we resumed our journey through Austria, passing by Linz and Vienna. During this part of the journey the van developed a whine in the differential - it was worrying but we decided to push on and get it checked out later in Hungary.

A slight delay at the Austrian/Hungarian border at Sopron, due to incomplete paperwork (provided by officials in the UK). The goods in the trailer were inspected by Customs Officers and a small entry duty paid.

While this was in progress, we took the opportunity to get a quick snack. Using our phrase book, we ordered "a coffee, 2 sandwiches, 2 salads and a warm milk". This seemed to cause hilarity amongst the locals until somebody translated it back into English as "a coffee, 2 sandwiches, 2 salads and a warm body". Lesson #1 – don’t rely on phrase books!

Monday 27th November 1995

Arrived at Doctor Waltner Childrens Home, Szeged, in the early hours of the morning. A bath, followed by a sleep in a real bed.

It took a while at the Customs House in Szeged to get final clearance for the goods, but it eventually came. Our afternoon was spent touring the wards at the hospital.

Tuesday 28th November 1995

We emptied the trailer and helped arrange the toys and clothes in the dining room ready for a presentation in the afternoon. There was a lovely party atmosphere about the whole proceedings. The children sang songs and presented us with hand made gifts. It was a complete success and quite unbelievable.

Wednesday 29th November 1995

After a good nights sleep we left for Budapest to take the van into the DAF dealer (Hungarotruck). Having learnt our lesson in the cafe at the border, we took two English speaking members of  staff from the home with us. Within 10mins the problem was diagnosed as a "Duff Daf Diff". The mechanic assured us that the vehicle would make it back to the UK but it would be a bit noisy.

Thursday 30th November 1995

We were taken on a visit to Szeged Fire station and shown around by the Chief Fire Officer. Some of the staff from the home accompanied us. This, for me, was quite amazing. After the visit, a geography teacher from the home showed us around Szeged itself.

Friday 1st December 1995

Along with one of the teachers, we took three of the physically handicapped children for a trip to an art museum.

Saturday 2nd December 1995

Goodbyes to everyone, which was quite emotional at times, and we left for our return journey late morning.

Sundary 3rd December 1995