Lindfield Primary School

The day dawned early and everyone reported to School at 7.30 a.m. (editor's note; Mrs Homewood arrived at 7.40 a.m.!), ready for the 8.00 a.m. departure. There were ironic cheers from the adults as Mr Brennan presented on time this year.... no success then in getting in some extra sleep before the week ahead! The children's and men's bags and suitcases were loaded onto the coaches within 10 minutes but unfortunately we had to wait for another 30 minutes whilst the luggage belonging to the female adults was packed away into the hold. We are only staying four nights on the island ladies! However in reality the largest bag award went to Louis Paterson.

Families fondly waved the two coaches away and there was much excitement on board as we made our way to Portsmouth. Discussion on the coaches ranged from how long the journey would take, who would win Headhunters (Thursday activity), the total amount of sleep to expect this week, to the most important topic of all..... who would win the World Cup and who wouldn't have saved the goal scored by the USA against England (an environmentally 'Green' topic).

The funny comment of the day went to Daniel Gower, who on passing through Amberley commented on the emerging landsacpe of the River Arun said "Is this the Norfolk Broads?" No comment regarding the teaching of geography at Lindfield!

We boarded the Isle of Wight ferry at Portsmouth and made our way to the passenger deck. At this point Admiral Homewood took full control of the Lindfield crew, displaying her deep nautical knowledge. When our esteemed Admiral indicated where the 'driver' of the vessel sat, one adult was heard to say quietly, "She doesn't know her starboard from her port!" As a result one of our party, Petty Officer Masters, was quickly dispatched to scrub the decks. Not the most of auspicious starts for Mr Masters..... looks like he will be rooming in the keel for the rest of the week. (Sue, it didn't take too long for your husband to get a mention in the Island dispatches!).

Mr Brooks, who was overheard 'chuckling' away at this decision, was immediately sent to the isolation of the crow's nest by the Admiral for the Solent crossing. The remainder of crew, now on the verge of mutiny, complained about the lack of navy rations on board. Mr Brown, acting as mediator for the 'Tradeswind Union Congress', headed off a potential dispute by quietly leading away a gang for rigging duties whilst the female officers made their way to the luxurious facilities of the quarter deck. The rest of the party headed towards the forecastle (aka foc'sl) to eat.  Looking to get into the Admiral's good 'logbooks' Mr Brennan kindly offered to be the replacement yardarm should the need arise on the crossing. This was noted by the crew! From the crow's nest, a relieved Mr Brooks reported that there were no sharks to be seen this year in The Solent. They must be a relic of the past. Fortunately no member of the Lindfield crew had to walk the plank, so the whole party safely disembarked the ferry to board the coaches and head towards the Westbrook Centre for a picnic lunch.

At the Westbrook Centre, we all unpacked our bags, made our beds (well some of us did!) and then enjoyed a picnic lunch in the warm sunshine. We then made our way to the Kingswood Centre to enjoy an afternoon of fantastic activities including climbing, go-karting, problem solving and archery. When these activities finally ended at 6.15 p.m. there were a few weary faces on the coaches as we travelled back to the Westbrook for our dinner. Energies were quickly restored through an eclectic menu of apple juice, pizza, chips, peas and gateaux. Following seconds (and some thirds!), at the end of the meal, Mrs Homewood asked the party who hadn't had enough to eat and only one person put their hand up (don't worry mums and dads..... it was an adult who obliged!).

The children then enjoyed some free time in the Westbrook grounds before reporting for diary and postcard writing to end the day. Lights out in rooms was planned for 10.30 p.m. and everyone to be asleep by 12 midnight (Editor aside: "I must be dreaming already!").

The first morning jog will take place at 7 a.m. tomorrow.... so predictions please on how many will actually clamber out of their beds and report for jogging duty with Mr White?

Enjoy a selection of photographs below from day one on the Island.

Admiral Homewood's Crew on The Solent crossing

Dave and Kevin our coach drivers for the week

Isle of Wight: Class of 2010

Group photo with green caps

Go-karting at the Kingswood Centre

Scaling the Heights

Problem-solving session.... "What's your problem boys?!"

Taking careful aim!

Who is Miss Johnson's target? ( e-mail your suggestions to rwhite@wsgfl.org.uk)

Just like Mr Hamilton!

More problems to solve

Waiting in anticipation to climb

I've reached the top.... really!

Last room to fall asleep was at 12.05 a.m. (note the precise time!) and the first room awake to greet day 2 was at 4.45 a.m. The boys took the honours on both accounts. Mrs Elson took on the leading role of the five star Westbrook facilities by offering a morning cuppa to some of our staff at 5 a.m. However, those adults sleeping in the flat enjoyed an extra couple of hours in bed and made their way downstairs to join the remaining party for a leisurely breakfast at 8 a.m.. At the breakfast table, Mr Anning, Mr Masters and Mr Brooks talked the rest of the staff through the facilities they were enjoying.... HD TV for the World Cup, jacuzzi, power showers..... you can sense we are not feeling bitter!

As the photograph below shows, a good number made it to the first morning jog of the week (37 children and 7 adults). Whilst the main group jogged around the grounds at a fair pace, Mrs Homewood and Mrs Elson took a leisurely nature ramble pointing out the different coloured rabbits to be seen at the Westbrook.

Following breakfast, which consisted of cereals, sausages, hashbrowns and toast, the dreaded word 'inspection' was announced to the party! It is the infamous robust room inspection which had the whole group trembling in their slippers and flip-flops. At this point, the adults could be seen scrambling to their rooms to avoid the ultimate sanction..... the loss of free time for a score of less than 5 out of 10. Some rooms were close to being judged 'inadequate' but all escaped intact..... Mr Brennan led the way with an excellent 9 out of 10. He had provided secure data and evidence to support his Self-Evaluation Form.

Banks opened after the room inspections to provide pocket monies for the whole group. Some customers were still complaining bitterly about wanting cash not ash from Iceland; meanwhile the rest of us just lost interest!

We left the Westbrook at 930 a.m. and spent most of the day at Robin Hill theme park. We enjoyed a range of activities during the day whilst keeping the shop in business! The weather was perfect to be outside, sunny and warm but not too hot.

Arriving back at the Westbrook by mid-afternoon, we were able to use the full facilities of the Centre..... low-ropes, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf or just chill out around the grounds.

The day was completed with an evening out ten-pin bowling in Ryde. Some excellent scores were recorded and special bowling prizes will be awarded at the end of the week.

We had enjoyed another great day on the Island. Although we miss you all, the days are full of activity and fun!

Enjoy the photographs from day 2!

Early morning joggers looking remarkably bright at 7 a.m.

The slide at Robin Hill

We are on the slide!

Start of the climb on the toboggan run

Lewis and Mr White (hanging on for dear life) at full speed!

Picnic lunch at Robin Hill

Feeding the.....

Action shot on the Colossus (or hands up if you want to go to the toilet!)

Having fun on the Colossus (or who can catch the sweet in their mouth!)

Mr Brennan and Mrs Elson taking time out..... although Mrs Elson says she was only giving a balanced view!
Add your own caption by e-mailing rwhite@wsgfl.org.uk

Red squirrel at Robin Hill

Low ropes at the Westbrook

Mr Brown winning his first race on the Isle of Wight!

Westbrook: Preparing for the Loose Women chat show?

Loose Women Part 2!

Mr Masters shouts 'Fore!'

Fishing at the Westbrook or just enjoying the pool

Full concentration, going for a strike!

Our prayers were answered today as the we all managed to get a decent sleep in this morning..... the first room wasn't up and about until 6.30 a.m. At 7 a.m. twenty-seven children plus six adults reported for either the morning jog or Mrs Homewood's nature ramble. The actual numbers may be diminishing but not the enthusiasm of those who jogged around the grounds. During their 'amble ramble' Mrs Homewood and Mrs Elson spotted ten rabbits, five squirrels and thirty-one exercise fanatics. Those fortunate enough to be spending the week in the flat have now been upgraded to a Westbrook penthouse suite with concierge service, turn down service, breakfast in bed and chocolates left on the pillow each day. Maid service has meant that participation in the room inspection competition by Anning, Masters and Brooks has been annulled for the week, whilst the remainder of the party have to make do with self-service and DIY! We are sure bribery is afoot here but as they sound like a solicitors practice, no legal challenge will be made. 

Breakfast was served promptly at 8 a.m. A selection of cereals was followed by pancakes and toast. The daily room inspection took place as usual with Mrs Elson, Mrs Homewood, Miss Johnson and Mr White applying a strict framework and mark scheme. Air quality, folded clothes, items on the floor and in cupboards, beds made and general overall room appearance are assessed and moderated to the highest standards. All appeared to be going so well with the children's rooms until Mrs Elson and Mr White presented for inspection at Mr Hammans' room. It was a total disaster area inside and consequently Chris misses his next free time!  His son Lewis and room mates in room 32 took great delight in exceeding Chris' score. We have asked Chris to receive daily coaching in tidying by the boys in room 32. Mr Masters who was caught out in a similar vein two years ago could be seen breathing a huge sigh of relief and uttering, "Thank goodness I'm in the penthouse suite with maid service but please don't tell my wife as she will think I am doing a great job in keeping my room tidy by myself." 

Room inspection was followed by the banks opening for their usual High Street opening times (9.05 - 9.20 a.m.). After the low interest shown yesterday, the bank managers were taken aback by customers actually wanting to pay monies back into their accounts! Do the children know something about the future global economy that we don't!

Our morning activity was a boat cruise down the River Medina and out into The Solent on the Jenny M. As we boarded the boat, Rear Admiral Homewood immediately assumed command. She promptly instructed the 'driver' to use the 'steering wheel' carefully and go steady on the 'brake pedal' so we didn't stop suddenly on the water and cause upset to the children. The captain of the Jenny M showed remarkable restraint and recommended to the Admiral that there was a suitable berth at the stern to sit for the duration of the trip..... the inflatable lifeboat. Our boat was navigated steadily down the Medina towards Newport and turned to give us all a splash or two as the captain accelerated the boat into The Solent. A fun time was enjoyed by all.

After we had disembarked from the Jenny M, Miss Johnson waved the crew farewell as she made her planned departure to the mainland. Miss Johnson's place in the Lindfield crew was taken by Mrs Smith who had prepared thoroughly for the crossing arriving at Portsmouth in good time with her passport.... in fact two hours good time! Sleep deprivation is the next challenge Mrs Smith!

There were a few well soaked children (plus Mrs Elson) who boarded the two coaches to take us to the Medina Valley Centre near Newport. At the Centre we spent an informative afternoon on a tour of the Medina estuary area matching what we could learn from what we could see. This involved identifying and grouping producers, predators and prey of creatures found in the estuary. The children then had to do some map reading and location spotting using still photographs.

On return to the Westbrook Centre at 4 p.m.  we enjoyed some free-time (except for Chris Hammans who had a re-inspection of his room!) in the grounds until tea,

Once tea was finished and diaries written, we then played Mr White's Wide Game. The game involves smugglers attempting to evade capture by customs officers (10 points earned or lost) and/or reach the safe house (base) where many bonus points (100 points) could be scored for their team. Our party was divided up into three teams, Pirates, Settlers and Invaders and a keen competition then ensued between the teams within the perimeters of the Westbrook grounds. The team with the highest points scored wins the game. The Wide Game champions for 2010 were the Pirates and the Invaders who both finished with 380 points.

After such an exciting game, we all went to the dining room for refreshments before heading to our rooms for some sleep (hopefully!).

We had another great day on the Isle of Wight and we are looking forward to the Dinosaur Island visit tomorrow.

7 a.m. morning joggers (plus the nature ramblers).... the numbers are reducing!

Rear Admiral 'Gap' Homewood at the helm before her transfer to another location!

All aboard the Jenny M. Spot the Admiral's special 'reserved' berth.

The odd splash or three!

A happy member of the Lindfield crew

Waterproofs ahoy shipmates!

Medina estuary study

Identifying our finds from the estuary in the laboratory

Exploring the area... matching locations to the photographs

Customs officers defending the base in the wide game

Well and truly caught and captured!

The great escape!

The day at Westbrook began slightly later this morning..... adults and children stirring from their sleep from about 6.45 a.m. onwards. A group of thirty-three joggers and ramblers met at 7 a.m. for their morning constitution. This morning Mrs Homewood and Mrs Elson focussed on the different kinds of grass that could be seen at the Westbrook as they set off on their nature study activity. The weather on the Island continues to be sunny and warm but not too hot (19-20 degrees celsius during the day)

Breakfast consisted of cereals followed by bacan, baked beans and toast. The ubiquitous room inspections took place.... and the tension could be felt in the air as the four inspectors made their way around the Westbrook. We are delighted to report that Mr Hammans was a reformed character today and his room was awarded a very encouraging 8/10. Some improvements still need to be made but Mrs Hammans can rest assured that the inspectors are on his case! Following inside intelligence, room inspections were reinstated for the penthouse suite. As the inspection team arrived at the penthouse suite, one could detect some complacency amongst the room occupants. The solicitors team of Anning, Masters and Brooks stood outside their rooms smugly stating that maid service ensured that their rooms were outstanding. Mr Anning and Mr Brooks are to be congratulated on their rooms, all in ship shape condition....... but when the team opened the door to Mr Masters' suite they were met with a shambles of a room. Crisp packets and damp towels hidden under the duvet...... £20 of cash laying on the floor to bribe the inspectors..... and more besides! It's ok Mrs Masters, we will do our best to turn Ian around before we return him to you on Friday.The children's rooms were again at least satisfactory and tidy with some scoring as high as 9 out of 10. Well done so far to the children..... the best boys and girls rooms of the week will be announced tomorrow.

Banks were opened for a brief spell for customers to check their investments. Some were pleading with their respective bank managers for additional loans but in the current economic climate, strict credit rating was applied and disappointed customers could be seen leaving their local branches. Looks like these disgruntled customers will be writing to Lindfield Head Office!

Our coaches departed at 9.45 a.m. for our visit to Dinosaur Isle near Sandown. The activity at Dinosaur Isle included a field trip to the beach to find fossils plus a talk with visit to the dinosaur museum. There is always an uneasy feeling generated amongst the staff when fossil hunting is mentioned. It's a case of heads down and pray that the children concentrate on searching the rocks on the beach and not observing standing objects in the near vicinity. In fact our oldest known fossil couldn't be located, so regular finds by the children of fossils dating back over 100 million years ago allowed remaining staff to breathe huge sighs of relief. Age and fossil dating is a relative not an absolute science.... please discuss!

It proved to be an interesting and successful day at Dinosaur Isle full of fascinating information.

We made it back to the Westbrook Centre by 2.30 p.m. and spent the afternoon swimming and golfing.

The planned evening activity is Headhunters (a game of military strategy played in an enclosed woodland area) and teams of strategists were already assembling during the afternoon to see whether General White and his army (Blue team) could actually win a game against Major Homewood and her troops (Red team) on the Isle of Wight. The Chiefs of Staff were locked away in the high security areas of the Westbrook drawing up battle plans for both teams. At the actual event later, Blue team defeated the Red team after a very close game. Bragging rights went to Mr White (for a change) whilst Major Homewood took the early ferry back to barracks.

It is amazing to think that we are now already reaching the end of our residential stay on the Island. It has been a great week with many memories to look back upon.

Enjoy the photographs from day four!

The 'Wight Rollers' Jogging and Nature Ramblers Club

Walk along Yaverland beach

Identifying fossils on the beach

Before the fossil search begins

The search continues....

Fossil hunters in discussion

One Lindfield child turning into a fossil before our eyes!

Helping hands on the beach

Explaining the rules of Headhunters

Ready for action!

Today was the quietest morning of the week.... many rooms deep in slumber.... and a bleary eyed group of 22 children and 6 adults made their way to the muster point for the morning jog. Well done to those who managed to report for all four mornings. Mrs Homewood's nature ramble activity was also open for the whole week.... this was a first!

Rooms were cleared and bags packed before breakfast. It was fascinating watching how all belongings were squeezed back into bags with not quite the finesse of the pre-trip packing routine! Wandering and missing socks and other items were usually joined up with their rightful owners.... but mums may find some 'extras' in those bags when they are finally unpacked this weekend!

The atmosphere at breakfast was a mixture of excitement about going home to see our families and sadness that a great week on the Isle of Wight was about to end. Once breakfast was over, all banks were emptied of their assets by the children and then went into liquidation for another year.

We all met in the lounge for the traditional end of week awards. Every child received an award for various fantastic contributions and achievements during the week. Well done to all of our Year 6 children for being a credit both to their families and Lindfield Primary School.

Once the awards ceremony was finished, we walked the short distance to Flamingo Park for the final activity of the week. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the grounds feeding the ducks and looking at various species of birds.

The coaches collected us at 12 noon and we caught the 1 p.m. ferry from Fishbourne back to Portsmouth. It was a great sight to see so many people welcome us back at Lindfield when we arrived at 3.30 p.m. Children and adults will certainly sleep well this weekend!

Thank you to all the adults who accompanied the party this week (Mrs Homewood, Mrs Smith, Miss Johnson, Mrs Elson, Mrs Brown, Mr Brown, Mr Brennan, Mr Masters, Mr Brooks, Mr Anning and Mr Hammans) and ensured a fun and safe time was enjoyed by all.

Have a good weekend everyone (from Mr White).

Final meet up for Westbrook morning joggers 2010

Packing begins for Robyn and Lily..... this was the winning tidy girls room of the week!

Feeding time at Flamingo Park

Ouch! Watch those fingers!

Carefully does it girls!

Simple equation: Good supply of food = Lots of friends x Pecking order

Simple equation: Healthy diet = One happy Mrs Elson

Penguins feeding time

Feeding raw fish (but not the Lucozade) to the penguins..... wash those hands guys!