Over the weekend, nine of our most intrepid students ventured out into the intense heat of the South Downs to complete their Silver DofE practice expedition. Accompanying them were myself and Miss Ballie-Whyte, as well as a cool-box packed full of ice cubes and Coca-Cola!

Despite the challenging conditions (made worse by the absence of showers at our campsite!) the group moved at pace to finish their walks in good time. We were up early on Saturday morning and onto the downs before the midday sun reached its scorching peak, and had ventured through Devil’s Dyke before descending to eat our lunch in the woody shade of the lower ground. Saturday evening saw the groups planning their routes for their final assessment expeditions, while tucking into pasta dishes cooked over the dependable, indefatigable Trangia stoves, followed-up my toasted marshmallows for dessert.

Sunday saw us walking in equally warm conditions, but the students remained in good spirits and powered through their routes, encouraged by the promise of the air-conditioned coach that awaited us at Burgess Hill station! The students would like to thank Louisa and Becs from Outcome Focussed Adventures for ensuring a safe and enjoyable expedition. We would all like to extend a particular debt of gratitude to Miss Ballie-Whyte, without whom the trip could not have gone ahead, and whose patient good humour and positive attitude made the entire weekend all the more enjoyable.

Mr Russell, Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator