On Sunday the 19th June a group of 19 intrepid pupils, parents and alumni set off once again on what has become the annual Coastal Challenge, organized by the school’s Foundation office - a rigorous but most enjoyable hikeof around 13 miles along the North Devon Coast, from Combe Martin to Lynton.

Everyone completed the route without great difficulty, and with a great feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Over £1,200 was raised, to be split between Shelterbox and the Foundation. Young Ben Stucley’s efforts were particularly notable. Still only in Year 2 Prep, he single-handedly (with the help of his parents) raised around £250 and managed to walk all the way from Combe Martin to Hunters Inn! Well done Ben.

The "Old Boys" who took part were Stuart Smith (74- 80G), Lewis Pring (78-83C) and Toni Haines (78-84B). Toni had recently made an appearance on Channel 4’s Four Rooms where, with his brother John Haines (77-82B), they were invited persuade the show’s experts to bid for Toni’s display of stuffed frogs playing musical instruments and John’s life size mechanical elephant ride - both being older exhibits from their theme park Watermouth Castle. Toni turned down £6,000 for the frogs and John £10,000 for the elephant. If anyone is interested in either then they can be contacted at Watermouth Castle!

Next year’s Coastal Challenge is provisionally booked for Sunday 17th June. It’s hoped that more will take part in what is a truly spectacular walk that is not beyond those with a modicum of fitness. Anyone with an association with the school past or present is welcome to take part (Let’s see if we can get the OWBA members out in force! – Kirsti). So please, keep the date free and look out for more details on the School website under Foundation –Events and on the OWBA site. Stuart Smith 74-80G