Ardres 2016: Thank you and good night

Safely back and all children delivered to their parents.

True to the forecast, the weather was not on our side this week and it was really dull, cool and frequently wet.  In fact, we have never before had a trip when the clouds have remained really thick and the sun has never been in any danger of peeking through, with the temperature remaining in the mid teens Celsius throughout.  Also, as luck would have it, the stock of wetsuits at the centre had been cleared out awaiting replacements.

Sounds like a bit of a nightmare  -  but it wasn't, for several reasons.  Firstly, and most importantly, the children we took with us this year were absolutely brilliant.  They cheerfully got stuck in to all the activities presented with hardly a grumble and they were prepared to have a go even at watersports when the conditions did not look at all inviting.  Once wrapped in their wind-proof jackets and buoyancy aids (which are very good insulation), they cheered up and always came back from the activity with big smiles and positive feedback.  Secondly, the Acorn staff this year were the best I have encountered.  They adjusted the activity programme several times to accommodate the weather conditions and even invented a big competitive circuit of team challenges on Thursday afternoon which took a huge amount of organisation and dedication on their part to get right and which they absolutely nailed; all the children really enjoyed it and it kept them gainfully occupied all afternoon. Thirdly, my brave colleagues Mr Batstone, Mrs Mardon and Ms Morgan remained positive throughout and persevered no matter what challenges were thrown at them.

I'm hoping, therefore, that your children have been telling you that they actually had a lot of fun and did plenty of good things.  They were certainly very good company and I thoroughly enjoyed borrowing them for a few days.  Plenty of good memories will be with us all for a very long time.

I have, incidentally, reserved the same again for the same time next year and, if I can persuade some hardy colleagues to join me, will hopefully be launching the trip in the second half of the Michaelmas term.  Let's hope for somewhat more clement weather.

Unfortunately I had a few technical issues when trying to upload photos to the blog this year which I wasn't able to sort out (partly because I had so much else to do).  I've been sorting through the photos and expect to be able to upload an album tomorrow.

I'm sure I won't be the only one going for a really early night this evening ...

Ardres 2013: Thank you

The weather did a marvellous impression of November from Tuesday to Thursday, but the children did an even better impression of indestructible and irrepressible Britishness and paid no attention, which was very impressive.  There is a new site manager, Malcolm (far right in photo), at Ardres this year, who has put in a great deal of work to tidy up the site and improve the facilities, bringing in new kayaks, kata-kanus (a sort of catamaran canoe with a sail  -  an excellent introduction for children) and a climbing wall, so many thanks to him.  The team of instructors was very good;  they were keen and positive throughout and we have a lot to thank them for, too.  Also, of course, the unforgettable Kevin, the bus driver.

Mr Edlin and Mrs Liley worked tirelessly to look after the children and organise them during the week and I would like to thank them for giving up their holiday and working so hard.  I must also add that my technician, Mr Bates, has put in a lot of work behind the scenes in the last few months to help me with the administration of the trip, which was very much appreciated.

Finally, of course, I must thank the parents for being so positive and supportive and the children for being fantastic throughout the week.  We were astonished by their achievements and it has been an absolute pleasure to take them away and see them having such a good time whilst developing in so many ways.

I will put up an album of a small selection of photos in the next few days.

Ardres 2012: Thank you

Probably the final Ardres blog post for this year's trip.  I would like to thank publicly the staff who made the trip possible.  Miss "Admiral" Story, Miss Cassan, Mrs Liley, Mr Edlin, Mr Cox and, of course, Mr Rogers, whose hard work throughout the year completing all the paperwork and liaising with the tour company made the whole thing possible.

Thanks also to the pupils whose enthusiasm and conspicuous enjoyment made the trip a pleasure to be a part of. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves despite the gale-force ferry journeys and occasional spots of rain. The weather was a little cooler than last year, but hearing what is was like at home over the same period made us realise that we were actually very lucky that the sun shone for most of the week.

Those of you in Year 7 who would like a chance to repeat the experience (or feel you missed out this time) and anyone in Year 6 who sees this will be pleased to hear that we have already reserved a village for the Summer half-term holiday week next year, 2013.  We will launch the trip in the September term, so watch out for the letters and be prepared to bring back the deposit quickly; the original capacity filled up very fast this time.

Finally, thank you for the thank yous, as it were.  The emails, cards (and even chocolates!) are much appreciated.