Sunday, 20th September was a gloriously sunny day, with the lightest of breezes, providing perfect weather conditions for this year’s Beeston Sponsored Walk in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

 

Parents, grandparents, staff and pupils, not to mention numerous dogs, gathered in front of the school for a few instructions from Mr. Morton before setting off at a gentle pace towards Roman Camp and the National Trust woods to the rear of the school. 

 

 

 

 

Several members of staff were strategically placed along the route to ensure no one took a wrong turning, among them Mr. Wilkinson and his friend ‘Mr. Parrot’ enthusiastically urging us all up, what is ‘painfully’ referred to by present pupils and affectionately remembered by past, who no longer have to take part in Cross Country running, as ‘Death Hill’!   One young walker, concerned that the hill might prove a little steep for her precious family pet, inveigled her friend to carry it, urging her on with cries of ‘Carry that dog’ – the friend struggled determinedly upwards with the puppy which almost matched her for size!

 

     

Further along sounds of music came wafting in the breeze and turning a corner we came upon Mrs. Dale and several pupils ‘busking’ by the side of the track to spur us on our way.  The Matrons and their ‘Drinks Station’ were another welcoming sight as we reached the halfway stage of our walk and gave everyone a chance to stop and quench their thirst and sneak the odd chocolate biscuit to boost energy levels.

 

It seemed no time at all, no doubt due to all the chatting and catching up with friends’ news, that we found ourselves back at Beeston to be greeted by the enticing aroma of Mr. Woodhouse’s barbecue.  Picnics were retrieved from cars and everyone settled down on the lawns to enjoy the sunshine – a perfect way to round off the day. 

 

 

 

Thanks to all who took part and everyone who supported the walkers.  Teenage Cancer Trust is Beeston’s chosen Charity for the Autumn term and your support is very much appreciated.