Sunday 15th November

The last week had been fun but tiring. The wonderful trip to Leicester Tigers had led to a late night and on Friday night all the 4th and 5th year pupils had seen a magnificent adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" at Sheffield Lyceum. So, with the excitement of last week behind us this was a Sunday to relax and unwind as well as to prepare for those scary exams next week!

A proper lie in until 8.15 was just what was required and spirits were further bolstered by a hearty breakfast. After a vigorous letter writing session (these letters should be improving!) the boys and girls filed into the Sunday service. They sang with great skill and really impressed the visiting speaker, Mrs Anne Sharp from Malvern. Mrs Sharp delivered a gentle and warming sermon on the importance of standing by one another in difficult times. The theme of, 'service before self', was evident as she dished out lots of chocolate! After coffee in the Froggatt Hall, all the boys and girls had a little free time before a fabulous Sunday roast. The new prefects' table was a hit!

After all this it was time to get on with the activities. A picturesque walk through Matlock Bath in the Autumn sun, started the Slieve Mor and Hillcrest outing with a healthy glow. From Piranhas to Terrapins, the aquarium provided a fantastic outing. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Newton who treated the boarders and the Berry and Callun family to a super afternoon. The group had an amazing VIP tour with an expert guide too. The Hologram Gallery amazed and fascinated too. The trip was rounded off with pocket money being spent in Victorian sweet shops.  At the same time, the Maces and Mrs Price took a bunch to Ponds Forge which was a riot as the kids splashed, slid and plunged in the water.

Back at base a more serious bunch of 5th year boys and girls revised. However, it was not all hard work as Mrs Pryor helped the girls with their art portfolios and got some Christmas trees decorated as well! Mr Watt made sure that the book worms blew some cobwebs away by organising a kick about in the gym. It was the Howards and the Dudgeons who probably did the most work this Sunday as they kindly took the 4th year boys off site to go ice-skating in Sheffield. The boys were, as expected, a "sheer delight" (Mrs Dudgeon). However, less expected were their skills on the rink. Alex Verge was described as "twinkle toes" (Mrs Howard).

As the night closed in, weary but very happy heads hit pillows and the boys and girls got some vital rest before the challenges of next week.  Exeat on Thursday though and a Ceilidh the night we return, then dorm decoration, oh and I see in the calendar that we have an Advent Carol Service, school quiz, Christmas party, Christmas Feast, Disco, House matches, Fathers v Sons, Mums v Daughters  ..........WONDERFUL!