Busy, Busy, Busy!

It would be difficult to imagine a weekend that could have been more packed with excitement and activity. This weekend has been a whirlwind of action and fun. We had a large number of trial boarders who entered School House on Friday night and had a great time playing various parlour games such as "German Torch Light" and "Apple Pie!".

After much laughter, they settled in to their first evening in the house.

As soon as matches were over on Saturday afternoon, everyone raced to get changed ready for the S. Anselm's bonfire night. This one was to be epic! After munching on hot dogs and hamburgers as well as watching the mountainous flames of the bonfire, huge fireworks the size of volcanoes were let off - rocketing into the air accompanied by the usual "ooohs" and "aaaahs"! That night the boys and girls were treated to a film and lapped up the hot chocolate, pot noodles and other treats.

Sunday morning saw the school wolf down the usual full English breakfast before a thoughtful assembly delivered carefully by Mr Eaton. He urged us to remember the fallen soldiers of the First and Second World War and to be mindful that the history of the First World War trenches was nolonger within living memory. There were some very moving readings delivered by the pupils and a two minute silence.

Coffee and tea were served in the Frogatt Hall whilst children large and small scurried around the corridors and under their parents' legs! After a hearty lunch the activities got underway. With exams looming, most of the Fifth Year chose to get their heads down for some careful revision after which they played some badminton and watched a film. Others got stuck into their art portfolios or finished off their geography projects. The Caluns took a little bunch off to a bowling alley where the competition was fierce!

Mrs Weatherley took an intrepid lot off for a long yomp down the Lathkill Dale with her dogs. There were some very tired legs! The highlight were the bags and bags of crisps and mars bars outside a pub at Monyash!

Mr Mace took a keen and brave crew out to Black Rock to test themselves rock scrambling and abseiling under a magnificent sky. They impressed the instructors who felt they were one of the best groups they had taken as they proved to be more than capable of scrambling and climbing over the rocks.

However, it was the choir who perhaps made the greatest impact this weekend. After an afternoon of hard work preparing for the evening, they sang beautifully in the Bakewell church and wowed parents and the local audience.

All in all, this was a fabulous weekend during which everybody had a chance to recharge and to participate in activities that they felt like doing. As the winter draws nearer and the nights draw in, the pace of life continues to be as exciting and fulfilling as ever at S. Anselm's!