The Boarders get back to nature, camping down by the cooling waters of the Hodder.

What a success story – 60 children under canvas down on the old Hodder cricket ground for this popular annual event. Blessed with beautiful sunshine and a well timed heat wave on the Saturday, the Boarders paddled, swam and played to their hearts’ content down at Paradise Bay, which resounded to shrieks of delight. Wood gathering was energetically carried out on the Friday night with great boughs being dragged from the undergrowth by dishevelled children, each competing to provide the most impressive offering. Smudged  faces glowed in the firelight as the flames took hold.  

and marshmallows were toasted on sticks and consumed with great relish, although some ( i.e. the marshmallows) went up in flames! A sing song, led by Mr Smith and Mr Von Sperl  with guitar accompaniment from Octavio Perez, saw many old favourites given a soulful rendering to the approval of all.  An eclectic mix of songs was in evidence with "Angels" by Robbie Williams following popular Ruds hit, "Stacey’s Mum", by Fountains of Wayne. 

Steve and Louise Winckly and their catering team did a splendid job during the day in keeping happy children and staff well fed. Tomato ketchup was liberally applied by the children with no apparent regard to the mingling of flavours.   Mr Balshaw was a frequent visitor in his minibus and a welcome sight, bringing water containers and various goodies!

Father Howell conducted an open-air mass and reflected on the preciousness of each individual reminding us of God’s enduring love.  Football and rounders matches between staff and the children followed, with the staff managing to save some pride by winning the football, but losing at Rounders.  For the football, the staff would like to thank Mr Watson who proved himself an excellent goal keeper, leaping like a salmon to fend off various attempts by Owen McDermott, Arturo Langon and Andres Lopez-Morton.   Richard Bell carried out his fire minding duties assiduously and the muscle power of Lei and Sen Pan was particularly helpful in transporting equipment to and from the site. Well done, boys!   Mrs  Smith deserves praise for the organisation of a truly memorable event which was carried out by a team of dedicated gappies and various other members whose services were extracted with great goodwill. Laughter carried the day, and happy, happy faces wreathed in smiles said it all. We extend our thanks to Mr Lewis for organising the pitching of tents and Miss Taylor and Mrs Morgan who likewise lent their cheerful support to a host of activities and not least to the children whose infectious excitement and imagination helped make this a truly special event. Long may the tradition reign!