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Day 1: Monday 11th June

The day dawned bright at 7.30 a.m. as many keen travellers assembled at Lindfield Primary School, ready to depart for the year 6 visit to the Isle of Wight. Staff and adult helpers were seen arriving sometime after 8.00 a.m. Mr Brennan managed to get here on time this year so we knew things were looking good for our annual residential visit. Henry didn't appear amused as the staff cheered his early arrival.

It didn't take long for the first disagreement to occur. There was a long debate about who our official first aider was this week. After a vote, Barrie Neill was given the post so unfortunately the nurses uniform will go unused. There were some very disappointed male helpers at this decision but Barrie quickly moved into action as our first travel sickness passenger required aid. This was followed soon after by another. The only common theme we could find was that both children were sitting by Barrie.

The ferry from Southampton departed on time........ some staff found it amusing to whistle the Titanic movie theme tune......... whilst Mrs Stevens played the part of Kate Winslett by posing for a photograph by the figure head at the prow of the ship. Fortunately our look out man Ian Masters spotted no icebergs as we crossed The Solent safely to Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

The children were having to closely supervise the adults who were proving to be a noisy group. However by the time we reached the Kingswood Centre the children had achieved full control...... and only two staff, namely Sarah Elson and Paul Brooks, had lost their next free time.

Once at Kingswood, the staff could be trusted enough for the children to have a fantastic afternoon participating in rock climbing, archery, team challenge and go-karting. By the time we reached the Westbrook Centre the whole group were ready for supper.

Mr White led a guided tour around the grounds for the children whilst the adults had an early night....... sorry...... unpacked their bags and made their beds. It was then the children's turn to make their beds. As the time of this report being written, we are hoping that all rooms should have their beds made by breakfast tomorrow morning.

The ubiquitous 'estimation' game was being played by staff at the end of the day. What time would the last room settle down and at what time would the first room wake up. Estimates ranged from 12.30 - 1.30 a.m. to 5.00- 6.00 a.m. Only Ian Masters and Paul Brooks seemed disinterested in this outcome. All will be revealed later in the week...... he writes without any hint of bitterness!

One thing for certain..... the early morning joggers will convene at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Mr White has already received GP sick notes from...... Barrie Neill, Sue Homewood, Brenda Brown, Sarah Elson, Adam Moore ( he wants an extra sleep in) and Marian Stevens. However the rest of us will soldier on without their support.

River Medina boat trip tomorrow.

Enjoy the photographs below........

On the Red Funnel Ferry........ note Ian on Iceberg Patrol!

Auditioning for the next Robin Hood series

The Team Challenge at The Kingswood Centre

The next Lewis Hamilton?

Climbing up the wall

Auditioning for Maid Marian too!

"How are we all going to fit on the school coach"

Don't push me Mrs Homewood!

Catch me if you can!

I'm getting 'tyred' of this!

"You put your left leg in......"

Team bonding at the Kingswood Centre

Day 2: Tuesday 12th June

After what seemed like a blink of an eye since the last room finally went to sleep, the first room stirred at 5.45 a.m.

Thirty-two children reported for the early morning jog plus three brave adults....... Ian Masters, Paul Brooks and Mr White.

Unfortunately, the morning then went rapidly downhill for Ian as he was awarded the lowest marks for the first room inspection of our stay. Consequently, Ian lost his next free time. He was last seen sulking away towards Ryde.

Room 49 (David, Jamie, George, Russell and Jeremy) led the way with a very tidy room. Mrs Homewood commented that the girls' rooms were below the required standard mainly due to toothpaste being left in the sinks. No comment needed boys about your perfectly clean...... almost untouched sinks!

Breakfast was served at 8.00 a.m. Cereal was followed by hash browns, sausages and toast (with baked beans and scrambled eggs for those with dietary requirements).

The group then packed up and made their way to East Cowes where we were met by the skipper of the Jenny Lee. A relaxing trip up and down the River Medina was balanced with an exhilarating ride out into The Solent. Those who were prepared to sit at the rear of the launch enjoyed a stimulating shower. Whilst all this action was taking place, Barrie Neill took his routine 40 winks. In previous years, Barrie made it until at least Wednesday before being caught snoozing on camera. Barrie blamed the sea air, we put it down to age.

The afternoon was spent at the Westbrook playing on the assault course, swimming, golfing, playing cricket and football or just chilling out......... with the odd comatose moment (Mrs Brown examining the inside of her eyelids!).

Once supper was over, we headed off to Ryde for an evening of ten pin bowling. There was a dispute about numbers during the session and Mrs Homewood was seen discussing the possibility of extra numeracy lessons for some of the male adult helpers. It was just a case of 21 again Mrs Homewood! 

As the evening was drawing to a close, thoughts turned to how many joggers would present tomorrow. So count the joggers in the photograph tomorrow.

Everyone is having a fantastic time here. The weather was warm and sunny for most of the day.

Tomorrow we head to Ventnor for a coastal study and fossil hunting on the beach (sounds like a real opportunity for some 'senior' comments).

Enthusiastic Early Morning Joggers!

All Aboard The Jenny Lee

Wet Ride On The Solent

Sunken Sailor...... no excuses Barrie!

"This isn't fast enough captain!"

"It's not cold really!"

"No, bowls, Mr White"

"What do you mean you sent a text?"

Day 3: Wednesday 13th June

Going against the trend in all previous years, 43 children (out of 56) reported for the morning jog at 7.00 a.m.. It was actually an increase on the numbers who presented yesterday. This was an incredible achievement. Look at the two photographs below to see those children who ran the Westbrook circuit.

Following the morning run a great deal of discussion focussed around who had placed spiders (fake, I hasten to add!) in Mrs Homewood's bed the previous night. Stella and George proceeded to set up a kangaroo court and in a matter of minutes Barrie Neill was charged and convicted. The staff arranged for Paul Brooks to escort Barrie on the short journey to HMP Parkhurst, IOW. Barrie was released once it had been proven that the crime had been set up from across the Solent (Miss Johnson we presume!). Forensic tests are still taking place to ascertain who committed the actual offence. The finger is already pointing to another female member of staff.

Once breakfast was finished, rooms tidied, sandwiches made, children organised, Paul and Ian emerged from their exclusive pad in the West Wing complaining about the standard of room service at the Westbrook. They had both been given the wrong daily paper. They did say though that the maid had brought them a decent breakfast.

Finally the party set off to Blackgang Chine to meet our fossil experts at the Dinosaur Centre. The morning was spent finding fossils along the beach. We required no expert help in working out the oldest fossil amongst the adults. However the children managed to find fossils many millions of years old. Bethany found a dinosaur bone fossil on the beach dating back about 125 million years. It was an incredible discovery, creating much interest amongst the local experts.

We had lunch in Ventnor and then had a talk at the Coastal Centre in preparation for our rock pool study. Whilst moving around the rock pools, our children found prawns, shrimps, crabs, sea snails and limpets.

After supper, we played Mr White's version of the 'Wide Game' which involved us playing the part of customs officers or smugglers. We were divided up into three teams and after a competitive evening of chase, defend and catch 'The Invaders' won the game by over 100 points.

Although it was a tiring day, many of us thought this was the best day of the week so far.

The programme tomorrow involves Robin Hill theme park and Headhunters. Another great day in prospect for us all.

Impressive numbers for the morning jog

Late risers for the jog

Barrie's spiders (according to the kangaroo court)

Fossil Hunters Unite!

The start of the fossil hunt.

Talk at Dinosaur Centre

Attentive Audience

Ten Green Caps sitting on.......... picnic at Ventnor

Team photograph at Ventnor Coastal Centre

In amongst the rock pools catching our tea........

An impressive catch!

Barrie's condition has become contagious

Day 4: Thursday 14th June

It was not until 6.45 a.m. that the first room stirred. By tonight the adults will have cracked the sleep deprivation factor.

Most rooms were in the land of dreams when Mr White and Mrs Homewood called out for the morning joggers. Incredibly...... in various degrees of wakefulness....... 48 children and 6 staff (including Mrs Homewood, Mrs Stevens and Mrs Brown) reported for the jog. According to Mr White, it was a 'third day' record for a Lindfield School visit. Well done everyone.

As the group jogged around the grounds, the challenge was on to see who could spot the Westbrook white rabbit which was last seen three years ago. It now appears that there are two white rabbits in the grounds!

After a continental breakfast of cereal, croissant and pain au chocolat, all children and adults headed back to their rooms for an inspection. Room 5, Olivia, Hannah, Anna and Alicia, was the tidiest room of the day. Mrs Stevens and Mrs Elson then proceeded to inspect the adult's rooms. Two rooms were a complete shambles (see the evidence below). Both Ian and Paul were given a strong lecture by the ladies. Although both men pleaded their innocence, the kangaroo legal system clicked into action where no appeals are allowed. A score of minus 1 out of a possible ten for each room was recorded in the Westbrook annals. This is proving to be an absolute nightmare week for Ian, who also reported for breakfast with his jumper inside out. The staff will be glad to finally hand all responsibility for Ian back to his wife Sue on Friday. Don't forget to collect him Sue!

Once banks had given out pocket money to the children (two banks have merged this week to become 'Stelson PLC' and were now offering excellent interest rates), the coaches headed off towards Robin Hill theme park. The children spent a great time experiencing all the rides and activities. Staff at the theme park commented, "What a lovely group of children; they have been a real pleasure to have at the park. They are so polite." These comments sum up what a great group the children have been this week.

We then spent some of the afternoon at the Westbrook Centre enjoying a range of activities including swimming.

After supper we boarded the coach to Headhunters which is a 'Laser Quest' type activity played out in woodlands. Following a very competitive combat game, the blue team outscored the red team by four points to become the Headhunter Champions for 2007. It was a great way to end our final full day on the Island.

The week has passed by so quickly....... and tomorrow we face the challenge of packing our own suitcases and bags. We hope we manage to get all the right dirty linen in the correct suitcases!

Forty-eight children line up for the early morning jog........

......... and they are under starter's orders

An inspector calls one Thursday morning........ Ian's room.......

...... and a score of minus 1 for the room next door ...... nice duvet Paul!

Arrival at Robin Hill

That's another fine mess you have got yourself into Mrs Elson

Catching flies on the Colossus!

All aboard

Chimps tea party

Ready for action at Headhunters

Some of Blue team ready to start the game

The opposing Red team

Red team defending base camp

Exhausted after the battle

Commander of the losing team...... no sour grapes here!

The winning Commander celebrating her success

Day 5: Friday 15th June

Thirty-five children reported for the final morning jog of the week. The total numbers for the week were the best recorded for any Lindfield group at Westbrook. A special well done to the twenty-nine joggers who had made it to the starting line every morning this week.

Once the joggers returned, 'Operation Evacuate' began. All rooms had to be cleared and cases packed by 8.00 a.m. The whole operation was expertly led by Commander Homewood who was still bathing in her success at Headhunters from the previous night.

However, Commander White was still bitterly complaining about the injustice of his team's lost campaign.......... until the kangaroo court quickly convened to rule out any possibility of a recount.

Anyway..... without any hint of bitterness...... back to 'Evacuate.'  All was proceeding so well, the children's rooms were emptied very efficiently, when a whole mountain of lost property appeared from rooms 11 and 12 delivered by the Westbrook cleaners. No one owned up to the lost goods (socks, shorts, boxer shorts et al) until it was pointed out that the rooms had been occupied by Paul and Ian. No comment was required....... but the look on Commander Homewood's face said it all.

Breakfast was eaten and the whole group assembled for the awards ceremony in the main lounge. Many awards were given celebrating the fantastic achievements made by the children during the week. All the awards and winners will be posted on the website next week....... but special mention should be made of Tom L and Stella. They won the respective Westbrook Boy and Girl Awards of the Week.

After the awards had been presented, we made our way to Flamingo Park a short walk away from the Westbrook Centre. On arrival, each child was handed a bag of seed to feed to the birds at the Park. Mrs Brown, who had assumed the mantle of first aider when Barrie enjoyed a bed and breakfast stay at Parkhurst earlier in the week, busily counted the number of fingers remaining on everybody's hands. However, Mrs Brown could breathe a sigh of relief as the birds concentrated on the seed not the children's fingers. At 11.45 a.m. we left Flamingo Park and boarded the two coaches just as the heavens opened. The weather had remained kind to us all week...... and maybe a few tears were being shed as we prepared to leave the Island.

The ferry crossing passed smoothly and all was progressing very nicely until Barrie Neill carelessly threw the remainder of the staff float (containing £30 in a paper bag) into a waste paper bin. Barrie thought that he was discarding some waste paper and only the clang of the coins hitting the sides of the bin made him realise the mistake he had made! Ian looked on with disbelief at what he had just witnessed. The rest of the ferry passengers gathered and watched in great amusement as Barrie proceeded to rescue the valuables from the bottom of the bin! After a great deal of sifting, Barrie finally held up a soggy but intact paper bag. One member of staff was heard to comment........ 'and I thought our money would be safe with Barrie because he is a banker.' Oh well Barrie, your conference in Bangkok next week can only get better.......... as long as you are not put in charge of group expenses!

On arrival at Southampton, we passed through Customs....... handed over Paul and Ian to the officers because they had exceeded the staff's tolerance allowances this week........ and went on our merry way along the M27.

However, as all appeared to be going so well with a 4.30 p.m. ETA at Lindfield...... one of the coaches developed a technical cooling problem and had to be replaced at Emsworth. Eventually with some relief, we finally continued our journey back to Lindfield where we were met by many happy faces. After a successful week, it was great to receive such a warm welcome home. I'm sure everyone slept well on Friday night.

Many thanks to the children and adults who made it such a fanastic week.

Enjoy the photographs from our final day on the Isle of Wight.

Certificate Awards 2007

It's 6.55 a.m............. and three girls warming up for the jog!

The final morning jog. Another great turn out.

They're off for the Westbrook Grand National

Looking very confident.......ready for the final room inspection

Gathering in the lounge

Lost property found by the maid in Ian's room

Group photo at Flamingo Park

Rare species at Flamingo Park

Watch those fingers!

Perfect feeding technique

Feeding the penguins