One of the more popular Inter-House events is the Music Competition, this year won by Osborne. The whole ensemble is seen here with the judges, Richard Brett (Director of Music at St Swithun’s) and Viv Brett (Drama teacher at Pilgrims’).
Thanks to the good offices of the HWPA we were able to entice former pupil, Nick Rogers, back to his old prep school to tell us what drove him to win consecutive Olympic silver medals. Nick spoke passionately and humourously about his schooldays, inspiring those who struggle in the classroom to realise their dream. But it takes focus and great dedication. We were able to feel the weight of the medals, have a glimpse of the problems facing the sailors in Beijing and even wear the medals after bagging an autograph.
On Wednesday, 18th March, Robin Simpson and Sarah Ayton visited Hordle Walhampton to work with a group of children and to highlight the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Sarah has recently won gold at the Beijing Olympics in the Yingling class and Robin recently has been given the title of the world’s fittest man having completed a variety of fitness test, breaking world records along the way. The children had a go at a variety of activities testing their fitness, skill and dexterity which were filmed for the website www.benumber1.co.uk.
Robin and Sarah answered a variety of questions about their sports and gave the children an insight in what it takes to become the best in their chosen field.
Children in Year Four gave a full PAC a treat last week with their musical production of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of the riverbank. The curtains parted to reveal a truly rural set of river dominated by an imposing Toad Hall. Tantalisingly to one side was the ‘poop poop’ whose introduction was eagerly awaited, not least by Mr Toad.
It was, however, the entrance of stoats (dominated by the fierce Jasper Toor), and weasels (Olivia Reeves marshalling her troops) that gave the first indication of the care that went into this production. The costumes and make up were superb.
The casting was excellent with outstanding performances by all the principals, with a special mention of Billy Chapman’s Toad, who were word and nuance perfect. No-one let the side down with Zak Kary and Daniel Simonini as world weary delivery men and Toad’s own staff, Hattie Rogers and Henry Dixon-Clegg who both saw the humour in their situation, as well as
their lines. There were some (very) pleasant surprises too: who could have seen that the stern Clerk of the Court (Honey Lander) would have such a sweet singing voice? In case younger members of the audience lost
their way, we had the clear narrators, Charlotte Bassett and Patrick Holly as narrators on hand to guide us. Super!
http://ict.hordlewalhampton.co.uk/mercury/latest.pdf
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The Ski Trip will depart on Friday, 20th March at 1600. Meet in the back courtyard, please.
On Thursday the U11 netball team had an early start travelling through a snowy Dorset to Port Regis school for the I.A.P.S. tournament. They started really well deservedly winning their first three matches. However their strongest opposition was yet to come. Despite a valiant effort, they lost the next three matches and narrowly drew their final one of the day to come 4th of 8 in their section.
Francesca Blest, Isa Greenough-Donnelly, Chloe Larby, Lauren Lewis, Mattea Pauc, Valentina Sassow, Sophie Shakespeare and Olivia Williams.
On Friday the U13 netball squad left school at 8.20am in high spirits looking forward to the regional tournament. They had to face 7 teams all equally determined to make it through to the national finals. Our young team played the best netball of their season and the shooting by Ellie Melluish and Hannah Lees was on great form. This coupled with the outstanding ability of the captain, Vicky Childs, made for some very exciting games and results. The team remained focused throughout the day and only narrowly missed getting through to the next round. They played 7 games lost 3 and won 4. It was great to see such an improvement and the girls playing so well as a team. Well done to them all.
Vicky Childs, Imogen Gamble, Natasha Haining, Hannah Lees,
Eleanor Melliush, Carmen Neri, Bree Roberts, Imogen Segrave.