Hordle

http://mail.hordlewalhampton.co.uk/mercury/dec12.pdf

Our annual Christmas Fair took place on Saturday and once again proved a fantastic success. Opened with great aplomb by Father Christmas, our shoppers took their time to browse amongst the many and varied stalls where temptation to spend came in the guise of delicious homemade cakes and sweets plus a variety of ideal and appropriate Christmas gifts.

Once the shopping was finished, there was all manner of exciting activities to enjoy. The Surf Simulator proved a challenge, being as much fun to fall off as stay on, the Giant Scalextric appealed to the would-be Lewis Hamiltons and the Gladiator Duel definitely brought out the competitiveness in some participants… no names, no pack drill but did you see Mr Taylor’s ultra-cool sparring technique?

A number of children soon sported a positive rainbow of colours and designs on their faces and in their hair and even the ponies entered into the spirit of the day with tinsel-bound bridles and saddles.

A great start to our Christmas festivities and thank you to everyone who organised, participated and supported.

Over 50 elderly parishioners from Boldre were entertained to a Christmas cloted cream tea in the Front Hall. Superby prepared by Mrs Nicholls and masterminded by Mrs Phillips, our guests were served by stylish waiters and waitresses whilst being regaled by our very own Palm Court Trio of Mrs Watkiss, Arabella Watkiss and Posy Hewitt.

Once our visitors had drained the tea urn (and they did, twice), they joined us to sing carols augmented by those whose lessons in the classrooms along the gallery were not as enticing as a good sing-a-long.

Please click on the link below to download this week’s Mercury.

http://mail.hordlewalhampton.co.uk/mercury/dec5.pdf

Well done to the Under 11 hockey team for winning their match against West Hill Park. This completed an excellent season for the girls in which their A team only lost once and the Bs were unbeaten. Fantastic!

This time last year, Mrs Furneaux and Mrs Morgan spent a very chilly week taking part in a Forest School Leaders’ training course and the children in Reception are now reaping the rewards.

Each Friday, 23 children and four staff members set off for our designated Forest School site which has been set up at the top of the lakes. Here the children are being introduced to new skills in new and natural surroundings.

This term, working in pairs and in teams, the children have enjoyed the freedom of exploring their new boundaries as well as using their own initiative to construct shelters. They have also learnt about camouflage, created some Forest Art and, most definitely their highlight, learnt how to build and light a fire safely. Responsibility and the importance of respecting the rules of the countryside have been key to the children’s development and it has been a pleasure to watch their decision-making and risk-taking skills develop alongside their self esteem and confidence.