Boarders Weekend 31st May

 This was a scorcher, "the best Sunday we have ever had at S. Anselm's" said one of the kids. The brilliant sunshine certainly added new dimension and put beaming smiles on the children's faces. After a swift breakfast the pupils of S. Anselm's were given much food for thought by the Revd A. Watkinson from Repton School who spoke of the precious need to communicate well with each other and reach out to others. However, I think the most memorable part of the sermon were the monkey impressions!

After the service, 21 pupils took to the stage in the last of this year's Informal Concerts. The standard was, as ever, high with performances from children in transition right up to 5th years, playing instruments from the violin to the harp. Variety really in the spice of life.

After some delightful drinks on the Headmaster's lawn under the bright blue skies, some snorkers were flung on the barbie and Mr Northcott and Mr Berry got grilling! A BBQ for 100 tested Mr Northcott’s Jamie Oliver credentials but we all ended up with a fabulous lunch and had a great run around outside.

Mr Northcott then took a limited over cricket game. Team "Howard" came out on top after a really close match. They scored 124 runs in their 15 overs with some powerful hitting throughout the side. Team "Middleton" came in and after a slow start looked doomed to come second but rallied and at one point might have won it. It was a last ball result, with Team "Middleton" losing by just two runs in the end. There was also the obligatory water fight around the campus with many of the boys and girls joining in.

The girls of Slieve Mor made the utmost of the fantastic weather with afternoon packed with fun, involving a variety of aquatic excitement. Highlights of the afternoon were the foam slide and water bomb battles. Mrs Berry and the girls enjoyed producing an exquisite selection of ‘mocktails’. All this merriment helped to ease the pre exam tension on the eve of their big week.

Others just played tennis or relaxed prior to exams. Meanwhile a more intrepid bunch dashed off to view the wild boar at the Thornbridge Estate – “horrible animals!” said Mrs Taylor who kindly took them! Others did some pottery or went for a walk and a swim in the river Wye. Mr Franklin took the 3rd Year boys off to watch cricket at the county ground and bats were signed and fizzy pop was downed! But this stuff was just too tame for a valiant bunch that braved the scorching sun and set off to climb at Birchen Edge. Boldering and fixed rope climbing kept this crew entertained for a couple of hours until they piled into the back of the Robin Hood pub for pints of lemonade and bags of crisps. So, all in all this was a wonderful day under a blistering sky! The kids had a terrific time, just as they should before the rigours of the exams they must face next week. It is also worth mentioning that, yet again, the teachers and external instructors that took these groups commented on their excellent manners, politeness and discipline. They are a credit to their parents and the school!

Oh yes – they had a bit of time to revise too (but not too much to spoil the sunshine)!