Any outdoor activity undertaken in a British summer falls inevitably prey to the elements, and the Pilgrims' Sponsored Walk proved no exception. Awaking to what even the greatest optimist would describe as rain, I arrived in school to find Mr Duncan glued to a satellite image of clouds moving inexorably closer. Even the quip, "is meteorologist part of your job description?" drew little response, as he assiduously outlined our one window of opportunity.

And what a window it was! Gathering on Wolvelsey field armed with waterproofs (most of us) and umbrellas (some), on the final stroke of 9 the skies cleared, and we set off up the hill to begin a 10.6 km circular route through Chilcomb village, skirting the firing range, across the Morstead Road - with thanks for safe crossing - and back to Winchester via a keenly windswept St Catherine's Hill. Marked out with precision by an earlier team of staff, whom the weather had decidedly not favoured, a chain of eager boys and parents strode out, chatting desultorily, dodging undergrowth, and occasionally stopping to admire the interlocking planes of the South Downs Hills, lit by a few apologetic rays of sunshine. Half way, or thereabouts, we were replenished with water and flapjack, before heading onwards into the woods. Younger boys, in Years 3 and below, completed a shorter but no less-rewarding circuit, and we were greeted back at school by refreshments in the Pilgrims' Hall and a welcome sense of achievement. 

Many thanks to all the staff who contributed to this collective endeavour, from route planning, risk assessment, catering, and indeed weather-forecasting! Especial thanks to George W for masterminding post-walk snacks, and to all the boys who completed the walk with such enthusiasm and often remarkable speed! Monies raised will be divided between Winchester Youth Counselling, a local charity, and Stay at School, helping children abroad, tellingly reminding us of the needs of those outside the habitual tread of our daily round.   

Anna Elliot
PPA Chair