Dear Parents,
No chance to rest after the Beacon to Portland bike odyssey that was last weekend, as it’s all go this week with ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ in full swing and Ice Bucket Challenge this morning. Performing Arts colleagues had predicted that the Year 6 were “next level” in terms of their performances and so they have proved if last night was anything to go by. Every time I visited the Spinney this week, the set had been added to with something more elaborate and the costumes on the boys even more detailed and finessed, so I knew a little of what to expect but nothing really prepares you for the full effect that was the actual performance. This really is a spectacular production that will go down in Beacon folklore. Thanks but no thanks for supporting the Ice Bucket initiative; I believe we have raised a record sum of £1,436 for the charity ‘MIND’ which I will endeavour to take as a positive rather than an unkind perception of me as some sort of reincarnated ‘Demon Headmaster’.
The boys have been asking me all week if I have been tired after the bike ride last weekend. A ride that long can seem to be ‘Type 2 fun’ when you are 60 miles in and a series of sharp climbs to finish, but what a weekend and what a feeling to round the last section of road on Portland Bill and see the lighthouse in all its glory. Credit to Tim Watson (Sebastian 6M) for taking the opportunity, despite his own weariness from a long day in the saddle, to get this picture of me on the final leg. It’s a trip to Cromer on the Norfolk coast next year, which is same distance but a lot flatter. Same weekend as this year so please do bear in mind, particularly if you are a part time cyclist, as it’s a very accessible route for all abilities. Having worked here for almost three years, I was delighted that my bike ride Instagram post on Saturday evening broke the magic ‘100 likes’. My previous best was ‘grumpy Mr Baker with Luton scarf’ (96 likes) at Christmas, so really good to knock Luton off the top of this particular table. Thank you to all colleagues and parents who took part in the ride – it really was The Beacon at its typical best; ambition, adventure, teamwork and ultimately, great fellowship and a life-affirming experience.
Queens, Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley…lots in the social calendar at present but the gala event of the season, ‘The BPS Summer Ball’, is upon us next weekend…always lots to be excited about here at The Beacon…
Have a good weekend,
Nick Baker