Q.
"Why are you still collecting names when it is perfectly evident that
you are already over-subscribed?"
A.
The answer is that we are not "over-subscribed" at all! We are continuing
to strive for the widest possible access, spread across different groups
of ex-Prisoners. We want to include the fairest possible distribution
among Civilian Internee families from many different locations; the families
of Prisoners of War from each branch of the Armed Forces, and from a cross-section
of regiments, military commands and military ranks; geographical representation
across the width and breadth of Britain (and in some cases families in
the British Armed Forces in overseas postings today) . Moreover, in any
one year, only a proportion of those whose names appear on our database
will be of the right age and fit our selection criteria, too. For every
group we select, we look at the interests, achievements, aspirations,
character, health and recommendations of each candidate on our shortlists
in an effort to choose those we feel are likely to possess the stamina
and social qualities best suited to the rigours of the programme (which
is actually quite challenging). We also do our best to anticipate how
they are likely to "fit in" with one another. In addition, we know from
experience that a significant proportion of those who would otherwise
be selected in a given year are committed to doing something else or may
be quite unable to take part when we're due to have our orientations and
trips. From time to time, it has been possible for us to offer trips to
"older grandchildren" in their twenties who would be deemed "too old"
to fit in with those ravelling as ordinary members of our "normal" groups.
We are also on the look-out for suitable adult candidates between their
late twenties and fifties who might be asked to accompany our "normal
groups" as chaperons. For all of these reasons we want to ensure that
our database is as comprehensive as possible.
