News

Saturday 17th May 2008	HMS Victory and Billy Bones All well - arrived safely and on time - had a great day in Portsmouth (lots of compliments!) - smooth crossing - bang on time for evening meal at Winchester House. Rounded the evening off with a talk from Billy Bones.
Sunday 18th May 2008	Amazon World and Road Show visit from Farmer Gurney Started the day with mass (Trinity Sunday celebrations) led by Father John. It was a glorious day, the children visited Amazon World in the morning, exploring the wonders of the rainforest. Returned back to Winchester House for a lovely roast dinner, enjoyed by all. Later on they were visited by an old friend, Farmer Gurney, who was dazzled by the children's knowledge of the environment around us. He told his usually array of corny jokes. In the evening, the children went to the beach and park for fun and games. Everyone was happy, but exhausted, so they all slept well.
Monday 19th May 2008	Calbourne Mill & Carisbrooke Castle Again the morning started with a thanksgiving mass. Mr Coy joined the group and it was another beautiful day. After a hearty breakfast, the children set off to Calbourne Mill, where they experienced first-hand, a working mill in operation. This was followed by a picnic in the beautiful grounds. In the afternoon Sir Kevin Walsh, bedecked in his knight's armour, entertained and educated the children at Carisbrooke Castle with a journey through time. They sketched, explored and re-lived its history. This evening they will once again be enjoying a trip to the beach or park to round off the day.
Tuesday 20th May 2008	Godshill and Brading Roman Villa Father John started the day with morning mass. This was followed by a lovely cooked breakfast. The weather once again has been lovely and sunny - ideal for sketching the thatched cottages and church in the picturesque village of Godshill. For lunch the children climbed up to View Point in the hills above Brading and munched away while soaking up the panoramic view. Mr Walsh, this time changed his persona to become a Roman in full toga and assisted the guide, while he spoke about the history of the period. The children were then able to spend some of their money to buy presents in the shop. They had another enjoyable meal, followed by the usual trip to the beach and park, rounded off with an evening reflection. All the children appear happy and have been busily writing postcards home. (Hopefully you should receive these before they get home).
Wednesday 21st May 2008 Thursday 22nd May 2008	Fossil Hunt and Dinosaur Isle Another lovely day on the island - bright sun - blue skies - temperatures a little warmer than yesterday. Everyone slept well - all in good form for a day with the fossias - (not the adults!) - the real fossils at "Dinosaur Island". For the first time:- the groups were taken into the laboratory at the research centre, accompanied by one of the resident archaeologists. Here they saw at first hand what processes are applied to the rocks containing significant fossil finds. We're not quite sure about the "Leechiosaurus" the children claimed to have found, or the "Stegowalshiusactorius"! The "Ellikerdactyl" is now exhibited in the museum. From the centre, to St. Katherine's Point, beyond the lighthouse where Marconi used to live, to search for fossils in the newly fallen rocks on the waters' edge. A great day for everyone! Tonight ......a bar-b-q in the grounds of Winchester House, followed by the TALENT SHOW! Great preparations have gone into the many acts and (we hope) our resident cameraman will come up with an award winning recording of the event. LETTERS have arrived for all but two children: Mr Coy is sending "the boys" round! Isle of Wight Zoo - The Big Cat Sanctuary & Alum Bay