Tom Loveless and Martin Kirk fill us in on the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award practice expeditions.

The silver cycling group enjoyed a very promising first outing on the bikes, on an unusually dry, warm and sunny October day. The six cyclists rode safely westwards from Bruton on a route that took them through Baltonsborough, Butleigh, Keinton Mandeville, Sparkford and Red Lynch. Map reading was impressive other than a minor miscalculation late in the afternoon. Campcraft and teamwork were impressive too, and bode well for the longer adventures in the spring and summer. Well done to all of the silver cyclists! Furthermore, a big thank you to the staff who helped make the training such a success: Dr Kirk, Miss Flavell, Dr Corrigan, Mr Cupit and Mr Walker.

After a hearty meal and restful sleep, the four Silver walking groups set off on their training expedition around Bruton last weekend. Rucksacks bulging, they headed off in the direction of Alfred’s Tower on an unusually mild October morning. The first half of the walk, with the odd bovine intervention was fairly straightforward, and any minor map reading errors after lunch were corrected, so that all groups reached Brewham on schedule. The last leg home proved to be a very pleasant walk and all groups were back home safe and sound by 3:30pm. Good teamwork was in evidence throughout and a little further reflection will help to prepare the pupils for the longer walks to come. Thanks to Miss Flavell, Dr Corrigan and Mr Cupit for all their help over the weekend, especially Mr Cupit’s cow-whispering skills!

Tom Loveless & Martin Kirk - Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Assessors?