Inters trip to Zeals - 9th to 11th May 2014
We held our first Inters trip at Zeals fish farm, just off the A303 in lovely countryside a few miles south of Longleat. We had an interesting trip down on Friday, as the luggage van decided to go via the M3 to Southampton - and the mini bus- despite being warned of the poor signage- followed suit! The luggage van then got distracted by stopping for a Costa and headed back home, passing the mini bus. But once we finally arrived we grabbed the light and climbed the near by hill fort at Mere, where we played bulldogs at the top until it was dark. After supper the lads all ended up on beds in the newly decorated bedrooms while the leaders ended up on the floor in the lounge ! (not sure how that happened!)
After devotions over breakfast, Saturday started with football at Zeals FC - ending with lads against the leaders - superbly reffed by Ben C-L, but the leaders got the all important winning goal. Cousin Pete then took the boys on an explore of the family caving system (about 100 yds) and then showed them all the fish. The lads wwere all very impressed, and they've all been invited to do their work experience at Hardy Aquatica business. After lunch we went canoeing & swimming, followed by board games and chill until tea. Peter presented the boys with the brand new BB branded Gideon New Testaments . After tea was the big film.
After packing Sunday morning we started our big walk by 10 am at Stourton House (NT). We did a lovely circular walk, helping the lads improve their map reading skills - having a packed lunch en route - and finishing at the NT tea rooms for coffee and ice creams. The weather turned out lovely. The boys played more foot/murderball while the leaders did the final clean and we got home, via McDonalds and without getting lost - at 5pm on the dot.
A great weekend - but many thanks to Ben Clark and Phil Tower who were amazing as Junior Leaders and many thanks to Cousin Pete for giving up his Saturday, driving down from London and making his family business' house and facilities available to us.
After devotions over breakfast, Saturday started with football at Zeals FC - ending with lads against the leaders - superbly reffed by Ben C-L, but the leaders got the all important winning goal. Cousin Pete then took the boys on an explore of the family caving system (about 100 yds) and then showed them all the fish. The lads wwere all very impressed, and they've all been invited to do their work experience at Hardy Aquatica business. After lunch we went canoeing & swimming, followed by board games and chill until tea. Peter presented the boys with the brand new BB branded Gideon New Testaments . After tea was the big film.
After packing Sunday morning we started our big walk by 10 am at Stourton House (NT). We did a lovely circular walk, helping the lads improve their map reading skills - having a packed lunch en route - and finishing at the NT tea rooms for coffee and ice creams. The weather turned out lovely. The boys played more foot/murderball while the leaders did the final clean and we got home, via McDonalds and without getting lost - at 5pm on the dot.
A great weekend - but many thanks to Ben Clark and Phil Tower who were amazing as Junior Leaders and many thanks to Cousin Pete for giving up his Saturday, driving down from London and making his family business' house and facilities available to us.
