With just three weeks to go until The Exmoor, we hope the training is going well.

Last year Gary MacAlister (91-97B) romped home with an impressive time of 01:24:53 for the Senior Boys Race and Vicki Smith was victorious in the Senior Girls a whole 5 minutes in front of her competitors.

The Long Race (AKA Senior Boys’ Run) consists of a walk of eight miles to the start and a run of ten miles back to School.

The Short Race (AKA Senior Girls’ Run) is a walk of six miles and a run of approximately six miles, this year starting at Heasley Mill.

OWB’s, Parents & Supporters, are welcome to join in this annual school event. The entry fee is £20 (to include refreshments in the JESC, a packed lunch and glass of wine on completion). Current HE Students £10.

There will be transport available to The Poltimore Arms at Yarde Down for competitors who wish to run but would prefer not to walk out.

To assist us with catering numbers and transport, the closing date for entries is Monday 1^st April.

Entry forms can be found here

Please see below, for what we hope is, a comprehensive guide for the day but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email [email protected]

Information for competitors

The school will be assembled in the Sports Hall from 8.45am for the ‘Exmoor Assembly’.  You are most welcome to join them on the gallery above the Sports Hall. Refreshments will be available in the Club Room once you have registered prior to your departure, either by foot or bus.

Walking Out: Please register by 9.25am to be ready to walk out at 9.40 am (Long Race) or 9.50am (Short Race).

Bussing Out: Please ensure you are on the bus by 11.25am, ready to be bussed out to The Poltimore Arms where we shall meet the other runners.

At approximately 12.40pm the coach sets off to Kingsford Gate (Long Race Start). Those competing in the Long Race are welcome to join the school on the walk up to the start or to use the transport provided. The Long Race will start at approximately 12.50pm.

The bus will then continue on to Heasley Mill (Short Race Start). The Short Race will start at approximately 1.10pm.

Those wishing to walk The Exmoor will be restricted to the Short Race starting at Heasley Mill. No dogs are permitted to accompany entrants.

Spectators are also very welcome to come along and cheer on the competitors at various points of the routes. If you would like to see the runners at the finish line, we recommend arriving at the WBS by approximately 2pm.

All entrants must wear suitable clothing and footwear and are encouraged to drink water at every opportunity.  Any injuries are to be reported to a WBS marshall. 

At regular points along the course, transport will be available back to the school for the convenience of those not wishing to complete the run.

At the start of both runs, you will be able to hand your belongings to a member of staff who will return them to the reception desk of the Jonathan Edwards Sports Centre where they will be available for collection. 

Following the run all entrants are welcome to join us for refreshments in the Karslake and the presentation ceremony in the JESC at approximately 4.15pm

Elma Rushe thought it a grand idea to have an informal gathering of old pupils and staff of West Buckland School and we agreed wholeheartedly!

So, whatever era you were at WBS, all are welcome to join us for a drink (or two) at the Bull and Bear, Barnstaple.

Let’s see where the night takes us (Barum Takeaway for some hardy souls) … we suspect there may still be some Fever Divas out there!

To help with numbers please let us know if you will be joining us.
We will update the list below regularly.

RSVP: [email protected]

Join us for our annual Adventure Society Supper

June 21st 2017, 7.00pm–9.00pm

£7.00 for adults to include a light curry supper and a glass of wine. Please pay on the day.

NICK THORN

9 x British Surf Iron Man & long distance swimmer, SUP paddler & charity fundraiser

Nick Thorn has experienced a wide variety of adventures at home and abroad. He has swum to Lundy Island, competed in extreme environments, and patrolled beaches all over the world as a professional beach lifeguard. But, most important of all, he keeps our pupils safe during the Adventure Society beach activities. Nick will encourage pupils to have their own adventures in the South West, encouraging them to learn the skills they need to keep themselves and their buddies safe.

NATALIE CORDON

A leap of Faith

Nat has been paddling extreme rivers at home and abroad for the last 6 years. Her quest for adventure has taken her to South America, India, and all over Europe but also to Scotland and Devon! Although paddle sports can be extreme, Nat is a great advocate of ‘doorstep adventures’ and aims to inspire our young adventurers to take up paddle sports in the South West and to explore this unique part of the world

 RICHARD HATHWAY

Trekking all over the world

Richard Hathway, as an aspirant International Mountain Leader, will aim to inspire young people that they have a world of non-technical walking at their feet. He has trekked and led groups all over the world and will give you a taste of adventure, including exploring national parks in America, Europe, Australia and taking the train from St Petersburg to Tibet and then walking to Everest Base Camp

Programme of events:

7.00        Introduction by R Hathway and summary of Adventure Society activities this year.

7.10        Ten Tors team leaders’ review

7.15        Headmaster gives thanks.

7.20        Supper

7.40        Guest Speaker – Nick Thorn

8.00        Guest Speaker – Natalie Cordon

8.20        Guest Speaker – Richard Hathway

8.40        Thank you / Raffle for school charity.

There will be a raffle to raise funds to help to purchase specialist equipment needed for adventurous activities. We are currently raising money to buy a new base camp tent.

Contact [email protected].com to reserve your ticket

1960s Exmoor Reunion – Update!

Some of you will have received my email of a few weeks ago alerting you to a 1960s Exmoor Reunion proposed by Mark ‘Sam’ Wightman (57-63 C). We have added more to the mailing list to try to capture as many old boys who were at West Buckland during this period as possible. We do not however have email addresses for everyone, so do let your peers know about it.

We very much hope that you will be able to attend this event, starting on Wednesday 22^nd March 2017 with optional golf during the day and a dinner at School, followed on Thursday 23^rd (if you are fool hardy enough) by an opportunity to run, or walk The Exmoor with the School. Or, alternatively, to sit in the Poltimore with a pint and relive those happy memories of the races of your youth… I have heard some fantastic stories in the process of talking to people about this event!

Despite trying (unsuccessfully) to shift the blame onto Mark, I did omit to include the information in my last email that wives and partners are of course very welcome to attend the meal and The Exmoor.

Below is the list of names of people who have registered with the office to date to participate in some or all of the event. Even if you have let Sam know you are intending to come, please do make sure you tell us too!

Programme

Wednesday 22^nd March 2017

Morning: Mike Hannaford (56-64 F) is leading on this, and Charles Stanbury (60-67 C) and Graham Harrison (59-66 C) have kindly booked golf at Saunton on the morning of 22^nd. Their numbers currently stand at 10. We can put you in touch with the relevant parties if you are interested in joining them.

7.00pm: Pre-Dinner Drinks, The Michael Morpurgo Library

7.30pm: 3 Course Dinner & coffee in the Karslake

Thursday 23^rd March 2017 – The Exmoor

Registration for walking out: 8.40-9.25am

Registration for bussing out: 10.00 – 11.20am

Races Start Times:

Senior Boys (10.3 miles approx.): 12.50pm

Senior Girls (7.3 miles approx.):  1.10pm

Junior Boys (5.1 miles approx.): 1.45pm

Tour of School before Prize Giving at 4pm

All will be welcome to join us for a tour of the School prior to the prize giving in the Jonathan Edwards Sports Centre (timing tbc)

Cost:

Tickets for Dinner we estimate will be £25 per person, including drinks (awaiting confirmation from School caterers)

Entrance to walk or run The Exmoor is £15 per person (includes a packed lunch), with all proceeds going towards the West Buckland School Foundation Bursary Fund

We have negotiated a special corporate rate with Highbullen Hotel (www.highbullen.co.uk) of £99 B&B  per night based on single occupancy and £109 B&B per night based on double occupancy.

Please book directly with the hotel, quoting this rate and saying that you are with West Buckland School. T: 01769 540561, E: [email protected]

What to do next…

If you would like to register to attend any or all of the activities, please either email myself ([email protected]) or Monica Carter-Burns ([email protected]) or call the Office on 01598 760188.

We will confirm costs as soon as possible and ask you for payment by Friday 3^rd March 2017.

We hope that you will join us to renew old acquaintanceships and relive old times at West Buckland School.

Best Wishes,

Valerie

We hope you can join us for the 1960’s Exmoor Reunion dinner on Wednesday 22^nd March 2017 with optional golf during the day and drinks and dinner at School, followed on Thursday 23rd with an opportunity to run or walk The Exmoor with the School or indulge in the thirsty work of spectating at The Poltimore Arms….

Wednesday 22^nd March 2017 (Golf and Dinner)

Golf

Morning: Mike Hannaford (56-64 F) is leading on this, and Charles Stanbury (60-67 C) and Graham Harrison (59-66 C) have kindly booked golf at Saunton on the morning of 22^nd. We can put you in touch with the relevant parties if you are interested in joining them.

1960’s Exmoor Reunion Dinner

7.00pm: Pre-Dinner Drinks, The Michael Morpurgo Library

7.30pm: 3 Course Dinner & coffee in the Karslake

10.30pm: Carriages

Below is the list of names of people who have confirmed their attendance for dinner with the office to date. It is not too late if you would like to join us!

The Dress Code is Jacket and tie for men and smart attire for women.

Please do let us know if you have any special dietary requirements and we shall liaise with the kitchen.

Taxi service from High Bullen Hotel

There are a few of you staying at High Bullen Hotel so we have made enquiries about booking a 8 seater taxi to take guests to the Reunion Dinner.

The cost would £75 for the round trip which could be shared between you and enable you to enjoy your evening and have a glass of wine!

Pick up from the Hotel would be at 6.15pm, returning at 10.30pm.

Please let us know if you would like to avail yourself of this service and we shall confirm the booking with South Molton Taxis.

Thursday 23^rd March 2017 (The Exmoor)

Spectators:

For those of you who wish to enjoy the hospitality of The Poltimore Arms and rest a while there before returning, we have arranged for a 29 seater midi coach departing at 11.30am and returning to school at 1.50pm in time to see the finish.

There will not be charge for this service but a suggested £8 donation to the bursary fund would be welcome.

Those who have expressed an interest to date are: Robert Cooper, David and Mary Cummins, Stephen Davies, John and Sue Ferguson, Derek Gilchrist, Mike Hannaford, Richard Hart, James Jenkins, David Spry and Robin Loweth. Please do let us know if you too would like to join the Poltimore Bus and we can ensure that we have adequate seating.

Tour of School before Prize Giving at 4pm

All will be welcome to join us for a tour of the School prior to the prize giving in the Jonathan Edwards Sports Centre. The tour will depart from the Foyer of the Jonathan Edwards Building at 3pm.

********

If you would like to register to attend any or all of the activities, please either email Monica Carter-Burns on [email protected] or call the Office on 01598 760188.

Cost:

Thank you to everyone who has already made payment.

Tickets for Dinner will be £25 per person, including drinks

Entrance to walk or run The Exmoor is £15 per person (includes a packed lunch), with all proceeds going towards the West Buckland School Foundation Bursary Fund.

Please can all those who have registered pay to confirm their attendance by Friday 10^th March.

Cheques should be made payable to West Buckland School Foundation

BACS payments can be made using the details below and the reference EXMOOR

West Buckland School Foundation

S/C: 82-64-23

Account No: 70025785

We have negotiated a special corporate rate with Highbullen Hotel (www.highbullen.co.uk) of £99 B&B per night based on single occupancy and £109 B&B per night based on double occupancy.

Please book directly with the hotel, quoting this rate and saying that you are with West Buckland School. T: 01769 540561, E: [email protected]

I do hope you have a wonderful time renewing old acquaintances and making new ones and I look forward to the pleasure of your company very soon.

Very best wishes

Monica

WBS Parents’ Association will be taking us back to the days of rah rah skirts, leg warmers, crimped hair and day glo t-shirts at their 80’s night on 13th March.

Registration is now open for this year’s Exmoor Run on 19th March 2015 Open to OWBs, Parents & Supporters, this event is a highlight of the school’s calendar. Entry: FREE

Including refreshments and a bar in the JESC before the Prize Giving

To register as a competitor contact Monica: [email protected]

If you are in the Manchester Area on Wednesday 25th February we would be delighted if you could join us at the Trof, Northern Quarter from 6pm onwards.   To assist with catering numbers, please  RSVP  [email protected]