Centurion Challenge 2014

Between the 4th and 6th of July, for the second year, I spent the weekend helping with Beechen Cliff's Centurion Challenge where I was part of the cycle support team, working with Mr Brewer. Over the course of the event, I managed almost 200 miles from going up and down the group of walkers.

Below is the full write up from the event from the school newsletter:

The Beechen Cliff School Centurion Challenge 2014 has take place. 61 boys in years aged 12 to 17 took this year’s challenge and making history was one young woman,  Caitlin Beddoe in the lower sixth. 

The start at 4 o’clock on the Friday was in slowly greying sky’s and there was a fine drizzle on the way to the Devizes Camp Site, but with 3 hours the numbers had reduced by 2. Most arrived at 9 o’clock, feasted on the awaiting BBQ before retiring fort the night. Only to be woken at 5 o’clock for the start one hour later, just as the nights torrential rain had ceased. 

The magnificent 60 now made their way to St Lawrence Church, Hungerford, the 50 miles half way point and were welcomed by the Reverend Andrew Sawyer. Resting only for 15 minutes, the challengers feasted on the buffet of rolls, cake, fruit and energy bars before returning along the same canal tow path. 10 challengers were to fall here and on the long 27 miles journey back to the Devizes encampment. 

On the final morning 49 challengers set off to return to the school by 4 o’clock to qualify as Centurions. The first 3 ; Matthew Wedding,  Joseph Grosvenor and Ethan Foster,  covered the final 23 miles in just over 4 and a half hours and will have their names engraved into the Centurion Challenge Hall of Fame. The others followed in the hot sun and were greeted by friends and family to be hailed as Centurions. 

The charity we adopted t for this year’s challenge and our Three Peaks Challenge was Ethiopiad. Their aims are simple. They provide breakfast and schooling for the hundreds of children living on the streets of Addis Ababa - in partnership with Hope Enterprises.  A nourishing breakfast provides the incentive for these children to attend informal classes in basic literacy and numeracy. By removing the constant pressure to find money for food, the children are given time to learn and gain the skills necessary for a better start in life. The 2014 Centurions agreed that this was a noble cause and worth the pain to raise sponsorship for.

Alex Wringer in one the last groups to arrive before the deadline said, “it was the toughest thing I have done! Many friends say they will do it, but it they never do. The constant pain on the way back from Hungerford is a real killer. John ( Elliot) and I walked it all together signing and joke all the way. I am not doing it again”

Richard Stewart

Centurion Organiser

Ten Tors 2014 - The Event

On the weekend of the 9th, 10th and 11th May 2014 the Ten Tors Challenge took place on Dartmoor
- in theory to be my last as a 'challenger'. Having taken a break from Ten Tors in 2013 due to a very busy exam schedule this weekend I would be going for the gold, 55 mile, route.

On the Friday we met at Bearflat shortly after 7am, departing via Norton Hill and Exeter services, to Okehampton Camp. We arrived mid morning and followed Mr Brewer to our site which was as always marked by the tallest, and widest selection of flags. At the site I met up with Tom and Rob who had gone down the day before, along with most of the staff to set up the site.

The routes had been released while we were on the coach so when we arrived we discovered we had been allocated route 'X'. All the routes were different this year as part of the army responding to budget cuts, so rather than taking us to Trowlesworthy Tor at the bottom of the South Moor, our route's most southerly point was 'Peat Cot', the new most southerly point of all routes, and as such there would be far more zigzagging across the moor. Nobody knew how much easier or harder the routes would be as a result of this, and how this would affect our timings.

We then went to our tent, and had our kit checked before going up to the scrutineering. We went up to with the 35 and 45 teams and made fun of Rob who wasn't very happy he'd been asked to be the 6th member of one of the 35 teams (he did get a Rab soft-shell out of it though so couldn't complain in the end). Scrutineering took place without any problems, as did the briefing which followed. Once we'd had both of these stamped on our route card, we went back to the site for lunch and to plan our route. After this, there was just time to cram in some revision before dinner and an early-ish night.

The next morning we awoke to the classic 'chariots of fire' over the camp tannoy as quickly packed up our things. Once we'd had our breakfast we were lined up for a series of photos in front of our display of flags, and then quickly made our way to the start point at Anthony Stile.
We took our place next to the big 'X' sign and waited for the guns to go off to start the challenge.

Our first tor was Great Kneeset however because of the new routes, we first had to go via Nodden Gate on the west edge of the moor. This involved us crossing the West Okement River and curving passed Sourton Tor and then joining the discussed railway line to the gate.
After checking in, we quickly turned around and headed east, passed Great Links Tor and Green Tor before reaching Great Kneeset. After a brief stop, we continued on, joining the track below Okement Hill and then cutting across east to Watern Tor.

Following Watern Tor we then had another 'via' to go to at Fernworthy on the western point of the Fernworth Forest. This was a fairly short leg across boggy ground however we had to wait just before checkpoint as a member of the team running the base ran towards us and got us to wait while one of the three helicopters which support the event picked up somebody who had hurt their leg and couldn't walk on.
We didn't stop any longer than the amount of time it took to check in at Fernworthy because we had already had a break waiting for the helicopter. We then made our way around the north edge of Fernworthy Forest, cutting up north east to our third tor, Kes Tor. From there, we walked south, on the eastern edge of the Fernworthy Reservoir, heading due south to Water Hill as the weather took a turn for the worse. The weather was at its worst point for the whole weekend while we were at Water Hill - one of the most exposed points on our route - so we only stopped briefly before heading down into Postbridge.

The field behind the car park in Postbridge where the army had made their base had become a quagmire as a result of every single route passing through this bottle neck, as had most of the paths in and out. We stayed just long enough to see one of our 35 teams and then headed up a slippery track full of teams back onto the moorland. From head we headed north west towards Rough Tor. By this point some members of the team were starting to struggle so we had a brief break halfway between Postbridge and Rough Tor. Shortly after moving off again, I noticed the tracker that the army supplied us with was beeping, and when I took it out of my bag, saw the emergency button must have been activated (I don't know how this happened because it was still in its sealed case), the screen said 'are you in danger'. The only option the device gave me to respond with was 'Yes', so because we were now just at the bottom of Rough Tor we though the best option would be to explain the problem to the team there.

As we approached Rough Tor we were asked who were, and when responded with 'x-ray alpha', we were told that I, as team leader, had to go with the tor leader and phone Ten Tors HQ because our tracker had been activated and the tor party had been put on alert to look out for us. Once it had been cleared up that we hadn't activated the tracker and were all ok, we checked in and left, just as a helicopter arrived at the checkpoint to help find us!

On the next leg we walked passed Beardown Tors (although this wasn't one of our checkpoints), passed Beardown Farm and onto the South Moor. It was getting close to the 8pm cut off time by this point and we didn't want to be stuck at our most southerly point, Peat Cot, overnight so really picked up the pace, overtaking a few other 55 teams on our route as we did so. We got to Peat Cot at 7.55pm giving us 5 minutes spare to check in before we were allowed to walk on. We headed up the 'yellow brick motorway' until South Hessary Tor where we curved off to the West. We crossed the B3212 as it was starting to get dark and the weather started to turn again. We preceded to follow the old railway track west and then north to the disused quarry next to Yellowmeade Farm were we decided to stop for the night.
We tried (unsuccessfully) to find a sheltered spot for our tents and promptly went to bed.

The next morning we managed to oversleep - we'd meant to get up around 4am, giving us two hours to pack up and make our way to our next tor for when checkpoints open at 6am. Unfortunately, we didn't wake up until 5am so despite getting our kit packed in record time, we didn't make it to our 7th tor, Middle Staple Tor' until 6.55am. Fortunately, because we'd managed to get passed Peat Cot on Saturday evening we were still in the top half of the team on our route and we made up lots of time by powering through the next section to Standon Farm. By this point we were the fourth team on our route (out of 12), behind QEH, who were over an hour ahead on the team in second, Great Torrington Adventure Group, and Norton Hill who we arrive at Standon Farm just one minute behind.
We left Standon Farm and headed passed Lane End going north west and ticking off Ger Tor and Hare Tor as we passed them before arriving at Chat Tor, our 9th. Norton Hill had taken a slightly different route from us for this leg but we both arrived at Chat at exactly the same time!

Our penultimate leg was the longest and by far the hardest of the challenge, from Chat we had to Cosdon Beacon on the east side of the moor, overshooting the finish line at Okehampton Camp. To do this, we first went north west to Kitty Tor where we dropped down the steep valley to cross at Sandy Ford. I managed to hurt my knee on the steep descent which made the steep climb on the other side even harder. We hit a track just north of Dinger Tor and followed this east and then north until we were just south of Higher Tor. From here we left tracks and went east over the River Taw and up Cosdon Beacon. We'd managed to overtake Norton Hill on the long leg so were now the third team. We took a slightly longer break than usual before descending again, down around Higher Tor, passed Cullever Steps and up the track there until we could see the camp. At this point we met Mr Stuart and Mr Sayers who gave us each a flag which we carried, running the last few metres across the finish line into the camp at 3.50pm.

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After the event, the army uploaded the GPS tracker data from our route which can be seen below:


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Below is the full write up from the event from the school newsletter:

Ten Tors 2014
Great Success for Beechen Cliff teams. Have no doubt, this year’s event was tough. With an
almost deliberate timing low pressure with rain and gales gathered over the Atlantic to take great delight in blasting Dartmoor from Thursday to Sunday morning over last weekend.
However this could not undo the preparation or determined attitude of our teams who responded
brilliantly over the weekend and won out in due course. Once again we had teams walking at all distances, 35 miles, 45 miles and 55 miles respectively. Training began in January as this is not the sort of event where you can ‘just turn up’. The ante is progressively upped with day walks on the Mendips and Quantocks turning into more arduous weekend expeditions over Dartmoor.
As ever the teams have to become self-sufficient, able to spend a night out on the moor and navigate across no matter what conditions. In this way they visit their Ten Tors.

Okehampton Camp high on the moor was our exposed base for the weekend where teams from all over the South West converge for the mass start at 7.00am Saturday morning. This means that the place fills up over Friday as kit checks and briefings are conducted by the Army. Teams also see their respective routes for the first time and have to plan their tactics and approach. The atmosphere builds in this tent city which even boasted a 200 person strong ‘conga’ line at one stage, weaving its way around tents and portaloos.
The start was as spectacular as ever with the sun shining briefly before the maelstrom returned to cover the 2400 participants. Then as ever parents and staff become glued to the Ten Tors website as team’s positions and progress is tracked across the moor. Despite a day of driving rain and gales our teams were in good positions to complete on the Sunday, if they could hold their nerve against the conditions. It was at a relatively dry finish that they rolled over the horizon to see crowds and waiting parents at the finish before the medal ceremony. For most of the 55’s it was to complete the
set of medals, topping Bronze and Silver medals with a coveted and prestigious Gold. Special mention must be made here to Harry Jenkins who walked with another 55 team (Norton Hill School). Without him and his training and ability to complete this most demanding of distances they would not have been able to start the event as teams of six are needed. Well done Harry!

Ten Tors is a firmly fixed event on the Beechen Cliff calendar and is recognised nationally as the premier youth challenge event of its kind. I am sure pupils would want to acknowledge the huge input and hours given up by staff at Beechen Cliff of whom seven have been regularly involved in preparing groups for the event.
Completing Ten Tors is a huge achievement and the scale of the event has to be seen to be believed. On this note it was greatly appreciated by staff that so many parents came down to witness the finish and understand what all the efforts have been for. Here’s to Ten Tors 2015.

Dave Brewer (Head of Humanities), Richard Stewart (Head of Chemistry)

Ten Tors Training - Dartmoor 3

On Friday 25th April we went down to Dartmoor for the final Ten Tors training weekend before the event itself in two weeks time. After the usual stop at Exeter services, we went to South Zeal for our kit check, route planning and bed.

Early the next morning we drove to Okehampton Camp and met the 55 team from Norton Hill School. As they had 5 people wanting to complete 55 and we had 7, one of our team would be joining then for the event and we would be walking with them for some of the time this weekend. We then promptly headed off, reaching our first checkpoint at Cullever Steps just after it started to rain. We then headed south passed Oke Tor as the weather continued to deteriate, and on to Waters Tor. The weather then started to improve as we cut across east to Kes Tor and held out until we reached Fernworthy when it started to get worse again. We then made our way to Sittaford Tor and continued to complete the long leg over to Water Hill and then back down into Postbridge. At this point, we met Mr Brewer and, as we were ahead of schedule, continued on through Postbridge and up to Bellever Tor, meeting the staff and minibus at the road on the other side of the Tor.

We were then told that so we got to know the 55 team from Norton Hill we would be camping with them at the campsite which the staff use in Princetown and so, for the first time, would not be wild camping. The Norton Hill team were still walking (we had the same route as them but had overtaken them at Cullever Steps), so we ate and set-up our tents while it was dry and were just about to go to bed when the Norton Hill team arrived. We went and sat in their minibus for a while and found out that they were planning on sleeping in the bus overnight rather than in tents, and then went to bed.

The next morning after breakfast and collapsing our tents down, we set off again, this time heading our south, towards South Hessary Tor and Peat Cot where we almost doubled back on ourselves and headed towards Two Bridges. Once there, we headed up the path through Beardown Farm to Beardown Tors where we met Mr Stuart and his drone. We then headed down the valley with the intention of crossing it at the bottom, but hight river levels from all the rain we had had the day before made this much more difficult that we'd expected and delayed us slightly. Eventually we did find a way across and headed up to, and passed Higher White Tor before walking around the boundary wall north west of Postbridge where we were able to find the footpath in to Postbridge, at the end of which we waited for the staff and other teams to arrive just as it started to rain. 

Ten Tors Training - Dartmoor 2

Having missed the first Ten Tors training session of the year on Dartmoor earlier in the month, this was my first visit to Dartmoor in 2014. We drove down on the evening of Friday 28th and after a brief stop at Exeter services as usual, we arrived at the hall in South Zeal and had our kit checked before planning our routes for the next two days.

Early the next morning we drove to Okehampton Camp and promptly headed off into the fog surrounding Yes Tor, once there heading back down and over the West Okement River to Sourton. We then headed south along once of the well established tracks to Great Links Tor, before heading down off the moor via Chat Tor, and to the right of Sharp Tor and Hare Tor to the Lane End car park. We then followed the road and paths to a footbridge over the Tavy, and then continued passed Standon Farm up to the top of Lynch Tor. After this we did the dreaded walk east to Baredown Tors, and then back, west to Little Mis Tor where we briefly met some of the staff. Following the poor advise of an ex-student who was helping, we then headed straight down the side of the valley and eventually managed to cross the river at the bottom and traverse the two barbed wire fences on some very boggy ground in which I went up to my waste, allowing us a supposedly quicker route to Great Staple Tor. Our final checkpoint of the day was, as usual, Black Tor, so to get there we headed down off Staple, crossed the road, and followed the dismantlement railway for most of the way before crossing a small area of open more to our campsite.
Once there, we met Mr Brewer and other members of staff who brought us away from our normal spot down to next to the Devonport Leat before leaving us to have our dinner and go to bed.

The next morning, after having breakfast and backing away our tents and kit, we headed north to North Hessary Tor and then followed the pass down one side, into Pricetown and passed the Plume and Feathers where the staff had been staying. After a quick chat with Mr Brewer we sped down the 'yellow brick motorway' to the Whiteworks at Peat Cot before going east and then north to the Prince Hall Hotel. Once there we crossed over the road and went up Bellever Tor where we met Mr Stuart and Mr Mason before descending the other side into Postbrige where we finished.

Ten Tors Training - The Quantocks

On Saturday 8th February I took part in the second Ten Tors training of the year. We had originally intended to go to the Black Mountains but due to the met office issuing an amber severe weather warning it was decided on the Thursday before, that we would move to the lower Quantock hills.

We left school at around 7.30am and had an approximately two hour journey down to the Quantocks. After a bit of a slow start, we soon got moving over the hills whilst the weather was nice, if a bit windy of the top of some ridges. The weather stayed nice for most of the morning but as we came off some of the more exposed hills onto a wooded path we got caught in a very heavy rain storm which then turned into hail.
After the rain storm passed, he headed down through some fields and then back up to some moor-like land on the other side of the valley where we met Mr Brewer. He told us to be quick across ridge that we had to walk across because it was about to rain and become even windier. When we got to the other side of the ridge, we went down into a valley following a stream, and then back up the other side. We then came off the moor-like area and followed some paths down to a park where we met Mr Stewart and some other teachers. We then went down into a valley following the side of a forest and up the other side as it started to rain. By the time we reached the car park at the top where the minibuses were parked the rain was coming down very hard, we then got on the buses and left at between 2pm and 3pm.

Ten Tors Training - The Mendips

On Saturday 25th January I took part in the first Ten Tors training of the year.
We met at school just before 8am and departed for the Mendips just after. The drive took slightly longer than expected due to some closed roads but we left the minibuses and started walking at about 9.20am.

Our route took us all around the Mendips, first by heading East, and then South Weston along a ridge into Cheddar, where we then turned North before doing some small loops, and heading back to near where we started.
We finished the walk at almost exactly 4 and arrived back at school approximately an hour later.

Coast 2 Coast 2013

On 5th October I took part in the school's 'Coast 2 Coast Challenge'. This is where we cycle from Illfracombe, on the north coast of Devon, to Plymouth on the south coast from dawn to dusk - a ride which is advertised as being a 3 day trip. The ride was very successful and we were faster than the previous two groups who had attempted to challenge in the last two years. Below are the details of the ride which I recorded on my phone, and the write up of the challenge from the school's Wednesday letter.

DEVON CYCLE CHALLENGE MET BY BEECHEN CLIFF BOYS
Twenty one pupils took on this year’s cycle challenge to cross Devon, North to South in a day. As usual the Friday night was spent at a hostel in Ilfracombe to ensure that the 7.30am start time could be made the following morning. After a good journey down the boys raided the fast food outlets of the town to ‘carbo load’ before their efforts of taking on the 102 miles and 9000ft of ascent provided by the route. As staff plotted the location of support vehicles and access to the Beechen Cliff peloton the following day, the boys drifted to bed by 10:00pm.

A 6:00am start saw Weetabix and bananas for breakfast followed with liberal portions of chocolate spread on toast. The boys quietly sorted their bikes being aware not to wake nearby residents. That was until the inner tube on Miles Lloyd’s bike burst in spectacular fashion, echoing across the harbour like a gun shot. So much for stealth!

The mass start assembled and at 7:30am on the dot the journey started to the bemusement of tourists
catching an early coach from their hotel, as 30 pupils and staff cycled past. The first hour saw the group into Braunton after spectacular views across Woolacombe beach towards South Wales. The Tarka trail around the Taw estuary was picked up with the high tide and calm weather allowing for mirrored reflections of the surrounding hills. It also became apparent that this was a fast group as the E.T.A at Great Torrington was broken by an hour, a pacey start. Could it carry on as the hills and undulations of mid Devon made their presence felt?

Punctures punctuated the leg between Great Torrington and Hatherleigh before the steep downhill drop into Okehampton for lunch of a hot pasty, still ahead of schedule. A steep ascent out of Okehampton ensured the pasties did not sit comfortably in the stomach as the Granite Way was gained. This is a stunning stretch of cycle track, skirting the west side of a brooding Dartmoor with clear views across the Tamar valley into Cornwall. This was busy with other cyclists who turned to look when hearing 60 tubular tyres humming across the tarmac towards them. The pace was still quick and the boys sensed that the last climb of Brent Tor signified the ‘breaking’ of the route if they did not break first!

A grin inducing downhill ride to Tavistock saw the group gain the Drakes Trail, the remaining 20 miles to be on cycle track. A last ‘top up’ at the buses at Yelverton saw energy levels replenished for the final push to Plymouth Hoe. A puncture for Ben Goodman meant that he and Mr Moat stayed back and had to watch the peloton sweep onwards. Would they be able to regain their place for a group sprint finish? With the help of a bridge swing in the Barbican Harbour in Plymouth they did and en masse the Beechen Cliff cyclists invaded Plymouth Hoe under a beautiful blue evening sky. Ten hours of cycling behind them.

A big well done to all pupils and staff involved. Hopefully a good sum of money has been raised for the charity ‘Help for Heroes’. We hope for more success next year when a new bunch of budding cyclists will attempt this fantastic Devon test route.

Mr D Brewer 
Trip Coordinator

Centurion Challenge 2013

Between the 5th and 7th of July, I helped run the Centurion Challenge, which I successfully completed last year. My principle role was cycling up and down, making sure all the walkers were okay which was approximately a 200 mile cycle as I was going repeatedly from the back to the front and back again along the line of walkers. I also helped set up the route and campsite before the event, and helped with the monitoring of the walkers.

Below is the full write up from the event from the school newsletter:


THE CENTURION 2013 CHALLENGE 100 MILES IN 48 HOURS
……..started in front the main doors of the School at 4 o‟clock on a warm sunny Friday afternoon. The centurions, coated in sun cream and clad this in their crimson imperial purple shirts embroidered in gold, made their way down to the Kennet and Avon canal to complete the first 22 mile leg of their journey that would take them to the overnight camp at Lower Fox Hangers, our new camp on the outskirts of Devizes. By 9pm most had arrived and feasted on the barbecue prepared by our catering team of Emma Brewer, Olivia Angwin and Paul Floyd. Our cycle pursuit team of JJ, Ethan Rose and ex Beechen Cliff pupil Eliot Farmer monitored their progress under the watchful eye of Dave Brewer and Tom Moat our principle cyclists. Jack Torrance this year combined the role of Medical Assistance, health checks and the emergency collection of any of the brave 75 Challengers that had set out, but even he could not save our men from falling in unprecedented numbers by the end on the second day. By nightfall we had already lost our first
challenger to heat exhaustion. From now on our challengers were forced to constantly hydrate at every checkpoint and carry extra water supplies.

The bright dawn of the Saturday greeted our eager challengers, all keen to make haste and cover as much ground as possible before the sun was too high in the sky. Most had risen by 5 am and all were ready by 6 o‟clock for the next installment of the challenge and for over half this would be the end of the challenge. It was 28 miles to Hungerford. The first 20 flew by with such speed that some marshals were caught unawares with challengers bearing down on them out on the ever-increasing heat of the day. Jamie Forrest and Andy Seal had walked with our challengers on the first day but were now deployed in strategic locations to monitor and encourage our quick footed legion. The final 8 miles was walked in the open. The tree lined canal with its overhanging branches that had shielded our men from the full intense glare of the sun became open country side. The cool breeze of the canal became still stifling air. But our challengers marched on, sometimes losing their way in the unbearable heat, with several reporting the false dawn of church spires, willing the halfway point to be in sight but most made it. Exhausted but they had made it.

At the church of St Lawrence carnage followed . . . . refreshed our half centurions attempted to stand and restart. Moving out of the cool shade of the church yard they were brutally cut down by the intense sun light. We lost 17 within hour. Unable to make it back to the tow path they retreated to our new fleet of mini buses to lick their wounds and rest their aching bodies. They would play no further part in what was becoming a battle against the heat.

Challengers began falling at every checkpoint. Some slowed down to encourage their fellow walkers but to no avail and they too fell victim to the heat. In the next 10 hours were lost another 30. This was unprecedented in the history of The Centurion Challenge - never have so many valiant men been so brutally slain - injuries to hips, knees, and, worst of all, feet. The hard ground destroyed the skin no matter how well protected. Blisters burst through socks, bandages and even blisters plasters. Blisters formed on blisters, sweaty feet become bloodied but still a small band carried on. Some had resorted to the tactic of strapping their socks to their feet with tape to stop any rubbing. Some just toughed it out ignoring the pain until they reached camp and medical assistance. By 11:00 all had returned to camp. Some would restart from where they hand been force to stop and some had been forcibly retired.

That night a fleet of vehicles carried away the stricken back to safety of their homes. The camp was still. The laughter of the previous night had gone. Peoples talked in hushed tones. The enormity of the challenge had now sunk. To be a centurion takes courage, lots of it. That‟s why all are not Centurions.. The honour to be called a Centurion is paid for not with gold but through sacrifice. It‟s the eternal challenge of will over pain. It tests each challenger to their very limit.

Sunday morning arrived far too early for everyone. The staff were up again at 4:30am to prepare the final breakfast, bandage our band of survivors and bid them farewell on the last leg of the journey. Statistically if you have survived the first two days then you will make it home to Beechen Cliff and the glory that waits. However that does not detract from the pain that will be endured within the next 10 hours if you are to be a Centurion. One minute after the 4pm deadline counts for nothing. The coolness of the morning air lifted the spirits of our challengers and a small miracle unfolded. Some challengers started to run. Others picked up their pace too. The marshals had been briefed about the possibility but to see it unfold was inspiring. How could it be? After 78 miles our challengers could not only walk but some could run! and my how they could run. Marshals claimed new records for the passage of challengers past them. Energy bars were devoured on the move and water replenished at lightning speed. Dominic James this year arrived at school first at 10:12am. Mateo Russo followed some 40 minutes later, with Ethan Foster less than a minute behind.

Richard Stewart, Centurion Organiser said, This year was an amazing achievement. In spite of the horrendous heat all weekend that roasted our boys, they kept their spirits high and kept going. The staff, pupils and parents who help make this such a special event and next year we have plans for 100 Centurion Challengers!

Boys who participated in the Centurion Challenge:

Harry Ames, Conor McDonald, William Edwards, Elliot Norbury, Ben Black, Thomas Payne, Harvey Ellis, Patrick Osborne, Aaron Boehm, Ben Pearce, Henry Ellis, Akhilesh Pai, George Cave, Oliver Pimbblet, Conrad Hendy, Jasper Perry, Dylan Charles, Elliot Press, Louis Howell, Ross Plain, Owen Daykin-Pont, Anders Rees, Henry Hyde, Harry Potter, Ethan Foster, Charlie Ricketts, Frederick Isaksen, Henry Rawlinson, Edward Fraser, Matteo Russo, Thomas Johnson, Jordan Ricketts, Joseph Grosvenor, Samuel Watkins, Joseph Sargeant, Harry Room, James Head, Matthew Wedding, Hamish Kale, Jamie Singleton, Hugh Hegarty, Ala'a Al-Rawi, Edward Kamal, Ewan Tabram, Samuel Holburn, Jesse Armstrong, Max Kombert, Daniel Templer, Jack Holman, Nathan Bagby, Matthew Le Butt, Harry Turner, Dominic James, Edward Barby, Jack Lewis, Max Tyson, Archie Jelbert, George Bowen, Matthew Marchant, Elliot Warwick, Tom Leslie, Sam Brake, Finlay Mist, Jack Whitmore, Miles Lloyd, Milo Brosnan, Max Murray, George Wynne-Griffiths, Mark Lynch, Matthew Childs, Nicholas Natrella.

Monies raised will go to Well boring for their work with supplying water to those who need it.

Many thanks to all helpers as well because without these people who freely give up their time we would not be able to run this and other events:

Andrew Davies, Dave Brewer, Olivia Angwin, Emma Brewer, Paul Floyd, Adrienne Baker, Jamie Forrest, Andy Seal, Andy Mason, Amanda Denning, Giles Denning and Edward Kirk

Parents:
Pam Norbury, Miranda Kombert, Mary Wayne Griffiths, Matt Grosvenor, Graham Holbourn, Alison Murray Bevan , Annie Daykin, Simon Marchant, Philip Lloyd, Daryl Payne, Catherine Wedding, Helen / Neil Foster, Ruth / Mark Turner,

Present and past Beechen Cliff Students:

Eliot Farmer, Jack Torrance, Rob Sayers James Taylor, Jayakrishna Jagadees, Ethan Rose, Jack Holmes

And last but not Mr and Mrs Fletcher for the use of their campsite facilities.

Richard Stewart
Centurion Walk Organiser

Geography AS Residential

As part of my AS level Geography trip, I took part in a field trip to the south Devon coast where I took part in several investigations and collections of field work data which will help in my end of year AS Geography exam.

Below is the article Mr Moat wrote for the school newsletter which probably sums up the trip a lot better than I can:

GEOGRAPHERS LEARN MOOR IN THE FIELD
Geography AS Residential Fieldtrip to Colehayes Field Centre, Dartmoor 14th - 16th November

Last week a group of 48 AS geographers, 5 staff and one student who had flown in from Italy went down to Dartmoor to get their hands dirty (and feet wet) to put much of their learning this term into practice in the field, and test whether what Mr Brewer claimed rivers did was actually true.

The first day was spent above the honeypot site of Shipley Bridge by the Avon Dam carrying out river experiments on one of the rivers which supplies Exeter with its water. All students got to grips with a range of techniques including field sketching, velocity measuring, cross sectional analysis and presenting their findings to camera. Many students also attempted rock hopping and a few were forced to master unplanned swimming. The second day we journeyed to a small beach called Elbury Cove just outside of Exeter to examine the beach profile of this pebble beach, putting the coastal theory Mr Brewer had explained the evening before to the test. In the afternoon, we studied counter-urbanisation by examining how peoples’ desire to live in the rural idyll manifested itself in the leafy villages surrounding Exeter, with many students getting fully involved with interviewing the locals in the local cafes and pubs. That evening the students produced presentations detailing their days work which were put under the intense scrutiny of ‘The A*
Factor’ judging panel with the teachers taking on the roles of X Factor judges to provide ‘in character’ feedback to students. Special mention must be given to Yvans’ rapping skills, Mr Anstey’s knowledge of Take That song titles and to Sophie, Natalie, Poppy and Lauren for winning the hotly contested and highly prestigious ‘A* Factor’ title. On the final day, we travelled to Dawlish Warren examining coastal defences and processes at this unique and highly vulnerable location, with several students getting their feet wet in the name of geographical research. The geography staff would like to say a big ‘well done’ to all the students who put in long hours during the day and evening sessions to maximise their learning, their fine conduct as ambassadors for Beechen Cliff School, for getting stuck in to the geography at each of the different locations, and for some excellent karaoke in the buses on the return journey. A big thanks to Ms A Milland and Mr A Mason for supporting us and making the trip possible.

Mr T Moat
Geography Department

Tir - Y - Cwm 7W

On Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th September, I went with 7W to help run the classes trip to the schools cottage in wales. This involved running activities for them, such as helping on a river walk and making bows and arrows, as well as cooking and generally helping to run the trip. This trip is offered to all year 7's when they join the school so that they get to know each other and learn to work as a team, as well as have loads of fun! The opportunity to help is also offered to all 6th Formers.

Centurion Challenge 2012

On 6th July, 51 challengers started walking along the Kennet and Avon canal in the hope of becoming Centurions, only 30 would make it to the end.
The Centurion challenge is an event which is run every year by Beecehen Cliff. Pupils who want to become a centurion, are challenged to walk 100 miles from the school leaving at 4pm on Friday, along the Kennet and Avon canal, all the way to Hungerford and then all the way back to school before 4pm on the Sunday.
Below is an outline of the route which we have to walk over the weekend:

At 4pm on Friday, after numerous photos were taken, and we were given our t-shirts - this year red ones, the Headmaster rang the school bell, and everyone started to run across the school playing fields towards the small gate on greenway lane. We then walked down the hill to the canal, and on to the first checkpoint which was Bathampton. After that we walked on to Dundas Aqueduct where we crossed over until Avon Cliff where we crossed back. We then walked on to Bradford on Avon which was approximately the halfway point for the day. After that, we walked on passed Hilperton Marina, and on to Semington and then Sells Green just as the sun was beginning to set. We then passed to 20 mile mark and climbed the Caen flight of locks just before reaching Devizes. After passing through to the other side of Devizes, and almost turning off the canal too early, we came off the canal and arrived at Devizes rugby club - our overnight stop - at 10:20pm. We then go changed out of our wet kit before having dinner, and getting to bed as soon as we could.

The next morning we woke up just past 5am to give us time to get ready and eat some breakfast before everyone lined up outside the big tent and at 6am, ran off to start day 2 - over 50miles in one day. We started off making good progress passed Horton and on to Honey street where Mr Mason was manning a checkpoint. We slowed down a bit as we crossed over the canal, and then back again on the stretch from Honey street to Pewsey Wharf because one of the people we were walking with was feeling sick. At Pewsey Wharf we met Rob who was manning the checkpoint there. We then went on at a similar pace to Wooton Rivers where Dan, who had been the favourite to win, dropped out. We then continued passed the 40miles mark and went over Bruce's tunnel where we met Olivia (who helps on Ten tors and on this) and was manning a checkpoint there. We then walked down a series of locks, through Great Bedwyn which was 5 1/2 miles from Hungerford. The final checkpoint was Oak Hill, where we met Rob again, which was 2 miles from the half way point. On the last stretch, lots of people started walking the other way until we finally reached St Lawrence church in Hungerford. While we were there, we had Jack fix up our feet and ate lunch. The person who was feeling sick dropped out so when we left at 3, we were able to go at a slightly faster pace. We then made it to the locks before Bruce's tunnel where someone else dropped out because they had left their medication for their angle in Devizes. The rest of us then carried on until Wooten Rivers checkpoint where we met Mrs Denning and her husband. Whilst there, they gave me a salty sandwich to help with my cramp. I then felt really feint, and had to sit down in the boot of their car before being sick - probably due to dehydration or exhaustion. After convincing them that I was okay to go on, we left - going much too slowly for the first bit because I wasn't feeling great. We gradually started to speed up, and were going at a good pace when we reached Pewsey Wharf where we saw most of the staff in the mini buses. I got a pack of mini cheddars which helped with the cramp because they're so salty. We then continued on, crossing over to the other side of the canal before realising that it was less painful to run than walk. We then ran all the way from halfway along one side of the canal, to honey street, just briefly stopping when the path crosses over the canal to put our head torches on. When we got to honey street, Rob and Mr Forest got out of the mini buses and ran/walked with us for a bit until we got to Horton. Once we got there, we were picked up in the buses at 10:30pm (we were meant to be allowed to walk until midnight but because of the bad weather, everyone was pulled off early - this meant we lost an hour and a half of walking time for the next day as we'd have to be dropped off at Horton the next morning.) After a few minutes of crazy driving, we arrived back at the campsite and quickly ate. Jack then had a look at my feet, and decided to rip my blister plaster off. I then got as much mud off me as possible and went to bed.

The next morning I got up at about 5:10am and packed away all my kit. I had to miss breakfast because we had to get the mini bus to go back to Horton. We dropped off from Horton at 6am, and started walking to Devizes as quickly as possible. On the way to Devizes we met one of the people who had left Devizes and started walking in the wrong direction! We passed Devizes at about 7:10am, and continued down the Caen lock flight. We then had a brief brake at Sells Green before continuing to attempt to negotiate our way along to canal, which had completely flooded over the footpath in some places to the extent that we couldn't tell what was path and what was canal and had to be careful not to walk straight in. We then carried on to Semington, passed Hilperton Marina where Alex came and met us on his bike. He then cycled alongside us into Bradford on Avon where Mr Morrell was waiting for us with water and chocolate energy bars. We then made good time on reaching Avon Cliff, and it wasn't long before we reached Dundas Aqueduct. We had a rest and met Mr Brewer and Ms Baker there. We then went on for the final stretch, passing through Bathampton, and going from there to Sydney Gardens in 20mins. We then came through Widcome and started to climb Lyncombe hill up to the gate at the bottom of the school playing fields. We then ran the last bit across the playing fields, touching the doors at just past 3:30. We all had our photos taken before having some champagne and sitting down!!!

You can read the article about the Centurion Challenge from the Bath Chronicle here
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Below is the article about the Centurion Challenge from the school's end of year newsletter

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The Beechen Cliff School Centurion Challenge started  at the main doors of the School at 4 o‟clock on Friday the 6th of July. The centurions clad in their crimson red „T‟ shirts made their way down to the Kennet and Avon canal to complete the first 25 mile leg of their journey that would take them to the overnight camp at Devizes.  On the Saturday the 50 mile walk  was for most the longest day walk of their lives, returning gain to camp at Devizes. Then returning to the school on the Sunday by 4 o‟clock. This year  the challengers fought their way through some of the most severe weather seen in a British summer. Blisters  are always a problem with this type of event and this year  we had the services of Jack Torrance to treat our feet, but even Jack could not stop the trench foot that some challengers developed over the weekend.  This year 51 took up the challenge and 30 became true Beechen Cliff Centurions. But this was also a special year for another reason. We now have our first ever female centurion. Kate Goodenough a Year 11 pupil entered with her sister and another girl friend. Whilst her companions were forced to withdraw after 50 miles at Hungerford Church, Kate continued. Kate said „This was the first challenge I have entered. It was fantastic! I am overcome by the achievement. I didn‟t think I could walk 30 miles, but with my sister and my friend Anna helping  and encouraging me, I made  it. The wonderful sight of the School after climbing up to Alexandra Park was one I will never forget.‟ Kate may do it again next year to help her sister become a Centurion. Martin Paley, who ran the last few miles to ensure he was the first Centurion back at 10:15am, was ecstatic with his accomplishment but very sore. „The rain all day Saturday was torrential. Our tents were flooded so we slept in the changing rooms at Devizes Rugby Club. The rain didn‟t stop until I got to Bathampton on the Sunday. My feet were sore and my legs were aching but we all dug deep and made it. We encouraged each other all the time to keep our spirits up‟. Richard Stewart, Centurion Organiser said „This year was an amazing achievement. In spite of the torrential rain all weekend that soaked our boys, they kept their spirits high and kept going. Without the support of all marshals who braved the weather, waiting at each checkpoint, and Devizes Rugby Club for the emergency accommodation we would have been forced to cancel the event‟

Monies raised will go to Hospice South West for their work with respite care, and other charities the boys 

themselves nominate.

Centurion Challengers this year were 

Matthew Baines Adam Hinchliff Walz Max Murray Jamie  Singleton

Ben Black Jack Holmes Martin Paley Reuben Smith-Burrell

Henry Cockburn Marsh Jayakrishna Jagadees CharliePearce Toby Spragg

Dominic Crestani Dominic James Luther Powell Moses Stanton

Owen Daykin-Pont Murray Jelbert Calum Prescott Liban Suleiman

Alex Dewhurst Thomas Johnson Sebastian Price Anna Sutton

Joe Everett Max Kombert Charlie Ricketts James Taylor

Ethan Foster William Lonsdale Ethan Rose Daniel Templer

Kate Goodenough Callum Maddern Thomas Ross Samuel Watkins

Sarah Goodenough  Ben Madeley Matteo Russo Tom White

Finlay  Hardie Ryan  McClory Paolo Santarpino Alexander Whittaker

Samuel Harland Conor McDonald Thomas Shellard

Ben Heseltine Beau Morgan Samir Sholapurkar

Many thanks to all helpers as well because without these people who freely give up their time we would not 

be able to run this and other events:

Andrew Davies, Dave Brewer, Olivia Angwin, Emma Brewer,  Paul Floyd,  Adrienne Baker,  Jamie Forrest,  

Andy Mason,  Amanda Denning, Giles Denning and Edward Kirk

Parents Beechen Cliff Students

Guy Taylor  Rob Sayers

Alison Murray  Jack Walters 

Annie Daykin  Eliot Farmer 

Katherine Dewhurst  Jack Torrance – medical care

Ian and Helen Shellard 

Miranda Kombert

And last but not least Devizes Rugby Club for the use of their facilities. 

Richard Stewart

Centurion Walk Organiser

The Three Peaks Challenge 2012

 

Last Friday, I arrived at school just before 8am, to take part in them three peaks challenge. We met in the school foyer, and were told that all the infrastructure in the school (servers, fire alarms etc...) had broken outside the main school building, while we loaded kit into the mini buses and trailer.
We were then given our three peaks t-shirts and took a group photo. By this time, we were slightly behind schedule, so promptly left on the 12 hour journey at about ten past 9.
We then spent the whole day driving, just stopping briefly at services every two hours to swap drivers. Our mini bus consisted of the five people from year 11, Mr Brewer, Mr Mason, Mr Clarke and Mr Moat (new geography teacher).
 
When we got to the hostel, which was located in a small village in the middle on nowhere, we got our bags off the minibuses and chose our rooms - they were rooms of four and there were 5 year 11's so instead of sleeping on the floor, I went with some year 10's.
We all waited around for a few hours while we waited for dinner, which was curry, and eventually ate at around 11, before going to bed as soon as we could.
The next morning we got up at 7:30, so we had plenty of time to be out of the hostel by 9:30. We had breakfast - cereal and toast - before packing up all our kit. We then went outside and covered ourselves in insect repellent because there were so many midges. We repacked the minibuses and took a team photo outside the hostel before getting back into the buses and driving off again.
We then drove to Fort William - the nearest 'town' to Ben Nevis, and were given just over an hour to wonder around. We went to Morrisons and a posh outdoor shop before going back to the mini bus to find that Max (one of Mr Stewart's dogs, who was in our bus) had eaten two snickers including the packaging!  We then drove to the Glen Nevis visitor center, where, after struggling to find a parking space, we prepared our kit and took some team kit - I had a very annoying collapsed flag pole attached to the outside of my bag which kept hitting trees! We were then given our lunch, and briefed by Mr Brewer about how we had to stay together as a group (stay within 100 meters of each other) because of the low visibility.
At 12:20, we set off up Ben Nevis, and despite Mr Brewer specifically telling us to stay together, we soon started to spread out. We made good time going up, and it took us about 3 hours to get through the snow and passed the 2000 ft drop at the top, and make it to the summit. The weather was even worse at the summit, and we couldn't see any sort of view. We quickly assembled the flags and took a group photo before packing them away again and starting the head down. Near the top, we found an emergency shelter with Mr Stewart's brother, who has hurt his knee. We then headed down, and went quite quickly, to the extent that we ended splitting up into two groups - Mr Moat taking the font one, and Mr Brewer taking the back one. When we got below the cloud and the visibility returned, we were told we could go at our own pace, so we sped up. We eventually reached the bottom at 6:30pm. We then were given a bowl of hot pasta and bolognese, which had been cooked by the teachers who didn't go up Ben Nevis, and then went to the toilets to dry off and get changed - everyone was soaked! When we were dry, we piled back into the mini buses. We were told that there we road closures throughout northern England due to the poor weather, and there would be lots of delays, luckily we had started to go up Ben Nevis three hours early to try and avoid the bad weather, so this didn't put us behind schedule. We drove through the night, stopping at a service station at around 1am where we were given another lunch to keep it going through until morning. I then fell asleep, and didn't wake up until around 3am when Mr Brewer was struggling to control the mini bus because  the water from the lake below Scarfell. We then drove passed lots of lazy people who had just parked in the road instead of going all the way to the car park. As we parked we could see head torches going up and down the mountain before more mist started to come down as dawn approached. At 10 to 5, we started to climb the mountain, having to first go part of the way up another mountain that was between the car park and Scarfell and then go round it. We walked along side a river which was going very quickly - Mr Brewer who has climbed all three mountains countless times said he'd never seen so much water coming off Scarfell - until we reached a point where we would have to cross the river. Fortunately, a shed had been destroyed - presumably by the river, and the pieces made stepping stones allowing us to cross the river. We then followed the path up until we reached the peak, which was just like the peak of Ben Nevis - cold wet and windy! We then started to make our way down being careful around some of the sharp drops. About halfway down, we met a man with a weimaraner (the same breed of dog as Mr Stewart's dogs) who was also doing the three peaks challenge as we saw him on Ben Nevis. Max decided to try and fight this dog and ended up badly scratched and being threatened to be killed by the man - we were more careful on the next mountain. As we made our way down out of the mist we could see the view, which even from the low level below the mist, looked spectacular. We then crossed over the river using the shed again, where Mr Brewer said that we could continue on at our own pace to the bottom. We came off Scarfell at 9.20am and changed out of our wet kit before having a bacon roll/veggie burger. We then pilled back into the mini buses for the long drive to Snowdon, this shouldn't have taken very long, but ended up taking about 4 hours, although we did stop at the services for a while trying to find some fresh water to fill our bottles with. When we eventually got to Pen Y Pas car park at Snowdon, we grabbed our bags - some people were so tired by this point that they left there bags on the bus which almost drove off with them! - before starting up the Pyg track. We made quite good progress along this, with several stops. The Pyg track then joined the miners track and started to climb much more steeply, passed two sticks that had coins stuck in them, until we came out at the top next to the railway which goes almost all the way to the summit of Snowdon. We walked along side the railway until we eventually reached the final summit. After taking numerous photos we started to descend, and the sixth former's who had brought a watermelon up with them, ceremonially rolled it down the railway, until it split in half, which half going over the edge of the mountain. We went down the miners track all the way this time, following it round the lakes at the bottom of Snowdon and through pack to the car park at Pen Y Pas where some of the teachers were there waiting for us at 10:40pm. We then waited for everyone else to come back before driving to the youth hostel where we were going to spend the night. Once there, we found rooms, and had a shower, before going down for a late night dinner - we were so tired by this point, I cannot remember what we ate. We then washed up before going to bed at around 1:30am. We woke up the next morning at around 7am, and had breakfast of cereal and toast before packing everything up, taking a final group photo, and driving back to Bath.

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Below is the article about the Three Peaks Challenge from the school's end of year newsletter
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The Beechen Cliff Three Peaks Challenge 22 to 25 th June 2012
This year‟s challenge started on a drizzling Friday when we gathered to commence our journey to Scotland.   With T shirts issued, photographs taken, provisions and flags packed we set off. With stops every two hours   we made our way north. The weather front that was to catch us up later followed us but at a slightly slower  pace. Arriving at our base camp in Kinlochleven late into the evening we unpacked, ate the wholesome curry  pre prepared by Tim Fletcher and settled in for a good night sleep. That was what we thought it was to be  like but the fearless Scottish midges had other ideas. All windows in the hostel were sealed tight to stop  these intruders. This caused the temperature inside the accommodation to slowly rise. Those who ventured  forth into the cool night air were ambushed and devoured. Cunning tack ticks using lights were put into force  to distract the flying tormentors, but these creatures had seen this before and always left a few sentries at all  exits to alert others to any escape. Sweltering in the still stale air in our hideaway we held out and waited for  the morning.   We awoke to a typical Scottish sunrise, and made our final preparations for the first ascent. Leaving our  accommodation under fierce attack from our newfound friends and sealing ourselves into our buses we  made our way via Fort William to the base of Ben Nevis. Our ascent commenced at just after 12:00. Climbing  with every step we walked through the rain and into the cloud that covered the mountain. Upward we went  crossing swollen streams, the lush grass of the lower slopes giving way to rock, zig-zagging our way up until  some 3 hours later we crossed the first snow field. With the temperature dropping and the return of heavy  rain we knew we had only moments to reach the observation post that marks the summit, celebrate our first  summit and begin to make our way down to a lower more hospitable environment, before the early but  insidious signs of hypothermia would develop. Warmed by our success we now made our way swiftly back to  the base camp and our pasta supper Driving through the night stopping at a ghostly still Gretna Green Services for coffee and light refreshments  we made our way to Wasdale Head our base for our next ascent, Scafel Pike. Arriving in darkness the head  torches of other teams could clearly be seen through the still night air on the hillside, already coming down.  Wasting little time we dressed in our mountain gear still wet from our last challenge and stocked up with  energy bars before setting off. Bacon rolls would be ready for us on our return but that would be some 5  hours away.  As before the lower green pastures gave way to rocky landscape and as before wild streams rushed down from the hill side. The rate of climb was greater than before and we soon entered the cloud  base into an eerie white fog a mere 913 meters in total, straight up on rock-paved paths. The summit this  time was snowless and void of all life. Another team arrived and looked bemused as we assembled out flags  took our team photograph. And again as before as quickly as we could in we made our way back to base  camp. Sunshine of sorts greeted us as we descended out of the cloud, recrossed the torrents of white water  throwing themselves down the mountain, back to the buses and the comfort of hot bacon ( or vegetarian  substitute ) roll with a warm drink.  Fatigue and sleep deprivation was beginning to take its toll. Simple organization and communication took a  little longer, tempers a little shorter and greater levels of concentration were required to accomplish any task.   As the minibuses departed for our final mountain the enormity of the challenge started to sink in as we tried  to recover and regain missed sleep knowing full well with a matter of a few hours  we would be climbing  another 960 meters in whatever weather awaited us there.  As our challengers drifted in and out of sleep they noticed that the rain we had been dogged by so far had  passed over us. Sunshine, and occasionally bright sunshine, swept the landscape. Our drivers for the first  time put on sunglasses. The car park at Pen Y Pas at the base of Snowdon was full but with the precision  that bomber command would have been proud of, our drivers deposited our challengers, departed and made  their way to the Idwal Hostel with our "happy" South African host who still needed to get over the 14-14 draw  the day before.  The ascent of Snowdon dragged on and on. Stops were more frequent. Heavy, tired limbs seemed heavier  than before. Sam Harland carried a flag and we followed. Eclectic melodies of songs were sung to distract us  from the pains we were all now feeling. The Pyg Track met the Miners Track and we climbed. The path  deteriorated to single file in places and we scrambled over the rocks and  still all the boys kept going.
Reaching the zigzag section we entered the cloud base but this cloud was brighter than before. The sunlight  had fought its way through the cloud as did we. No rain here but a cold wind swept over us as we rounded  any unsheltered outcrop. Reaching the ridge our boys instinctively found the path to the summit and that was  it within moments we had achieved our final goal. Tiredness gave way to celebration as we raised our flags,  congratulated ourselves and contemplated our achievement. Returning to our transport for our short journey  to our final meal and our awaiting beds our challengers glowed with the knowledge that they as a team had  achieved something that most adults can‟t; 3000 meters of climbing, 25 miles of walking and travelling 1300  miles all in some of the severest weather seen in British summer for many years, conquering the three  highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales without rest as Team Beechen Cliff. All monies raised  this year will go to Children‟s Hospice South West with the presentation being made at the end of term  assembly. Our grateful thanks this year go to our sponsors Black Pearle Maritime Security who paid for part of our
accommodation, flags and some refreshments and Edward Kirk at Scholar who sponsored our T shirts.
The Challengers were:
Moses Attah, Rhys Bevan, Jonathon Conroy, Benjamin
Dance, Alex Dodgson, Bradley Forder, Joseph GibsonKing, Oliver Harding, Sam Harland, Jack Holman,
Dominic James, Thomas Johnson. Simon Jones, Max
Kombert, William Lonsdale, Alex Manaton, William
Monachino-Ayres, Jamie Noonan, Martin Paley, Harry
Parfitt, Jack Payne-Johns, Charlie Pearce, Ethan Rose,
Robert Sayers, Sam Seager, Tom Shellard, Leon Van  Der Meer, Jack Watters, Tom White. The Staff were: Dave Brewer, Amanda Denning, Giles  Denning, Andy Mason, Adrienne Baker, Tom Moat,  Chris Stewart and Mark Clarke. The Three Peaks Challenge returns in two years as  there are plans to scale other peaks next year.

Richard Stewart
Three Peaks Organiser

The difference a few meters climbing makes!

The Fantastic View!

The Final Summit!

The Staff

Ten Tors 2012 - The Event

On the 11th, 12th and 13th of may was the ten tors challenge 2012.
In the weeks leading up to the event, despite the 45 mile team being 2 people short, Mr Brewer convinced Will and Chris (2 of the people who completed 55 miles the year before) to do 45 mile with us.
We arrived at bear flat and departed at about 7:10, we then went to Oakhampton. We had a brief stop at Exeter services and then arrived at the army base at around 10:00.
When we arrived we quickly unloaded all out kit from the coach and went through 'tent city' to where the three beechen cliff flags were - looking better than all the others!
There we met Mr Brewer, Mr Stewart and the teachers from castle school, Mr Sayers had travelled in the coach with us. We then waited in the tent for about an hour while the 35 teams sorted out their kit for scrutineering. When the 35's were done, we spoke to Mr Brewer and Mr Stewart, before headed up to the scrutineering shed. The queue wasn't very long and, despite a paper airplane fight breaking out, we were seen by one of the scrutineers quite quickly. When we reached the scruitineer he said that we didn't have enough food, despite us telling him that we were going to make our lunches later so that they were more fresh, he refused to pass us until he had seen them, so Mr Stewart had to send someone back to our camp area to borrow some peoples sandwiches, so we could pretend they were ours.
After we got scruitineering stamped on our route card, we dumped our kit at our 'base' and went to the compulsory briefing where there was a massive queue because someone had fainted halfway through one of the earlier briefings, which had caused a major delay. As a result of this, the army were cramming the briefing room with as many people that they could physically fit in there. During the briefing they told us all the basic stuff - don't drop litter, motivation, etc.....
After getting briefing stamped as well we went back to our mess tent and planned our route, this didn't take very long and afterwards we went to where the people from BCS who were part of the Keynsham ATC have a look around.

We then had dinner which comprised of pasta which this year hadn't been left cooking all day because Mr Stewart wasn't cooking this time, with bolonaise followed by Apple pie and without the cold, straight out of the can custard which we got last year. Afterwards we had free time until bed at ten so we all chatted fpr a while before trying to get an early night, despite the parties going on around us.
The next morning I woke at 5:00am as over the camp tannoy came chariots of fire for us to wake up to. This was then followed by other inspirational music such as, we are the champions, these boots are made for walking, dancing queen? and many more. I then had lots of cereal for breakfast, because there wasn't a vegetarian alternative to the bacon butties. We then had our team photos, before putting on our bags and heading up to the start.

We took are place on the ring of participants and gave our flags to the teachers (we could see all our other teams because our flags were so much bigger and taller than everyone else's). We were a bit late to the top because there had been a backlog of people trying to get up to the start, so we were caught unawares as then two huge guns then went off and all hell broke loose. Everyone ran down the hill at once and it was absolute chaos. We quickly got on route and headed to our first tor. The map of our route can be seen below:

We made our way quickly to Hound tor by taking a road/track most of the way, going past the Jubilee challenge on the way. We then continued upwards and onwards, past Watern tor, following the wall round to our second tor - Sittaford, where Rob was given a replacement emit card (the computer chips they use to check where we are), because our old one has broken. We then headed down through a valley, a wood and over some giant stepping stones, before climbing up to Combestone tor - our third, were we saw the teachers from Castle school, including Mr Brewer's sister. We then went diagonally up to Ryders Hill, and then straight across to higher hartor, where on the way, we were waved at by the people in 'the small helicopter', which as a result, got it promoted to my 2nd favorite instead of by worst helicopter (below the zebra helicopter, and above the green sea king). Once we got to higher hartor, we were delayed because at Sittaford, they'd given us the wrong type of emit card, so we were forced to wait for about 15 minutes while they registered us with another one. We then headed straight down, following a noticeable path, to Trowlesworthy tor, before heading straight back up to higher hartor again. We then followed the yellow brick motorway up to South Hessary tor - number 6. We then raced on, hoping that we might reach Beardown tors (7) before the 8pm cut-off, meaning that we'd be allowed to go on to our 8th. We went very quickly through Princetown, but came to the conclusion that we weren't going to make it, so slowed right down and took a leisurely walk up to Beardown tors where the temperature quickly started to drop. We put our tents up and ate as quickly as possible before setting our alarms and going to bed.

The next morning we woke up at around four. We got our stuff all ready inside our tents, and then (stupidly) decided not to have breakfast. We left the tents up for as long as possible as there was a significant wind chill, and it was cold enough the the ground was frosty. After we'd put the tents down, the military people who were in charge of the tor made us all stand around a square outside their check in tent. They then handed out all the 35's routes cards and at exactly 6:00am, the person in charge of the tor blew his whistle and Rob (who was our team leader) ran to the checkpoint to get our route card (45 and 55's don't get theirs handed out).

We then headed off, along with most of the other teams, down and across a small valley, and up to our 8th tor - Lynch tor. From there we headed down to a river crossing which we had used on previous training sessions, and then straight up to Kitty tor (9) - this is where we suffered the most because of not eating breakfast, and we slowed right down, however after having some food we soon got back up to speed. At Kitty we had a nice chat for the army people for a few minutes. We then headed along a well made track - which we've also used numerous times before in training - which took us round to our tenth tor - Sourton. From there, we went down a really steep path into the valley, and up the other side, before heading underneath Yes tor, and joining one of the paths that leads into the camps where we met Mr Stewart and some of the other teachers, who gave us the school flag - which I carried - and a union flag.

We then walked 'the walk of fame' down into Oakampton camp and completed the challenge at 12:10am!