"Fun packed", does not even begin to describe this Sunday. This Sunday was jammed tightly full of a host of activities that had hearts racing and feet stamping. From beginning to end this was a weekend not to forget in a hurry and the first snow falls only added to the excitement!
After Walter and Donald Mace had woken Storrs Fox up by snatching a few pillows, it was down to the usual Full English Breakfast and letter writing (the quality - we hope - should have improved)! Guy Ayling from Sedgewick House at Sedburgh, delighted his listeners with a tale of cricket, champagne and strawberries from his youth and so we were warned about having too much of a good thing.
The prefects and monitors then went to town for half an hours' escape and the rest of the school took a breather before they plunged into a delicious roast lunch. Then the action began.
At home, puppet making with Miss Flack was a big hit and, despite some of the group not being renowned for their artistic talent, they were taken in hand and the results were very aesthetically pleasing (in most cases)! Mrs Bhamra continued with her tee-shirt making over at Hillcrest and the 5A scholars managed to crack on with some serious scholarship work.
Meanwhile, a host of more adventurous types decided to head to Carsington to test their metal in the wind and snow. The cyclists braved the blizzards and had a great dash around the lake whilst another group of oreinteerers navigated their way around the island at the centre of Carsington. The climbers did not bat an eyelid as the snow came down and some imagined they were at the top of Everest (perhaps they will be someday soon). Straight after, bodies were warmed with pipping hot chocolate and a mars bar and the intrepid crew raced home.
It wasn't just Alf H who was riding out in the snow. At the same time, another load of outdoorsy types had pulled on the jodpurs and riding hats and were trying their hands at some riding at Edale. A snowy equestrian afternoon was spent at the Lady Booth Trekking Centre by a chosen few. The children spent some time getting to know their ponies as the groomed and prepared the tack. Then they were out in the wilds. The conditions were certainly testing for both man and beast, with the wind and snow biting, but this was more than made up for by the stunning scenery. The session ended with certificates being awarded for skill in the saddle. All had had a tremendous time which was rounded off with a trip to Slieve Mor for hot chocolate and toast with the Berry family.
But, of course, that was not enough. At 5pm after a terrific day, there was still energy in the tank (I blame the Full English Breakfast)! So, a merry bunch splashed the twilight hours away in the pool back at base just to be sure they had earned their supper!
But it was the 5th Year who had more to come - much more! It was Burns Night at S. Anselm's. Yes - admittedly a week late but the gusto with which the 5th Year took to the evening more than made up for that. The Selkirk Grace was said and after a potted history of wee Rab, the haggis was blessed, stabbed and sliced! Some ate mountains and some none at all but all were in awe of the, "sonsie face" of this, "chieftain o the puddin'-race"!
Mr Northcott then showed his true colours and they were blue and white! He led the boys and girls in an outrageous and magnificent dance - The Dashing White Sergeant. They took to this with great enthusiasm and the floors of the halls shook as they danced the gig again and again in (near) perfect time!
They all crashed into their beds stuffed with neeps and taeties with their heads spinning. This had been a splendid weekend and as their sleepy eyes closed all that could be heard was the soft fall of snow on the windows. What will tomorrow bring? I think many must be dreaming of snow ball fights and sledging!