Norfolk 2026
Aeroball
Archery
Attempts to get a photo in the sunshine
Blind Trail
Caving
Climbing
Initiative Exercises
Lake Walk
Low Ropes
Manor Olympics
Obstacle Course
Other moments
Survival Skills
Quiz
Volleyball
Monday 16th March 2026
The journey was very long due to the number of times we were reduced to one lane of traffic. Don't you just love roadworks! The children were amazing though, singing along to the radio and then losing interest as soon as they didn't know the words to the next verse. I think the question, "Are we there yet?" reached 50 by my count.
We arrived to a wonderful sunny welcome which then turned into a little drizzle, but our spirits were not dampened at all. As they settled into their rooms, turning their beautifully packed bags into something that resembled a laundry pile, we could smell the lovely aroma of dinner. Lasagne or Southern fried chicken with potato wedges, finished off with a chocolate eclair. You'd be very proud of the number who also had green beans or salad with it! 
This evening, we had our first activity, blind trail or climbing. All had a great time. Mrs Claffey's group did get a little muddy but not as much as anticipated, the children were a little disappointed but the instructor assured them, tomorrow's obstacle course would meet all their muddy dreams. Climbing for Miss Foster and Mrs S-G's groups and they did amazingly well, reaching heights that some didn't think they could manage. Great perseverance and encouragement were shown by their teammates.
As I write this, the rooms are quiet and only the ticking clock in the corridor can be heard. 9:32pm, not bad for the first night.
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Happy St Patrick's Day!
Everyone slept well, including staff. The children were up before I called them this morning and raring to go! We have a full agenda of activities today and we are together for all of them.
The weather this morning is being kind and we are hopeful the sunshine will reappear like yesterday. We have been taking lots of photographs but due to the slow and patchy Wi-Fi connection it has been difficult to post them but we will when we return.
Now, breakfast! This has been the most anticipated activity so far.
Wednesday 18th March 2026 am
Today, we look forward to welcoming Elsa and Elise.
Yesterday was a packed day of activities after another hearty breakfast. The children are sleeping well and eating up a storm.
We explored our fitness levels and teamwork in the Team Games session and this was followed by the obstacle course. The Wi-Fi isn't working very well and that may be just as well as the photographs would make your washing machines cry. A thoroughly muddy and fun time was had by all though.
After lunch we played volleyball and challenging our lateral thinking with initiative exercises!!
Dinner was the next activity: eating is proving to be everyone's favourite thing to do 
The campfire was interesting and revealed many dancing talents, I will leave the children to tell you all about that upon their return.
The room inspections are entertaining the staff, such creative ways to hide mess! Some however are spotless, just as well they can't see the staff bedrooms!!
We are off to our first activity shortly, Giant Canoe.
Thursday 19th March 2026
Yesterday afternoon and evening was another great set of activities where once again laughter and team work prevailed.
Today, we have another day where we shall experience the activities together. Survivial skills, Manor Olympics, a quiz, lake walk and finally a film night. The children have been looking forward to the film night as they will be able to enjoy the treats they brought with them. We believe them when they tell us they have resisted the temptation to try one!
More sunshine today to look forward to before the dreaded packing begins this evening. We promise to bring home all items that were brought, but given the often creative tidying that has been taking place, we can't guarantee whose suitcase they will return in.
On that note, room inspections have been very interesting. They have become very conscientious (not to mention competitive) about it. The broom in each house to keep the mud under control is now being used to ensure the path up to their front door is clear too! I am sure they will be just as house proud when they return home!
(Photographs are failing to upload due to the slow connection will will be uploaded on our return.)
Friday 20th March 2026
The children were very democratic in voting for their choice of film last night, The Croods'. The staff hadn't seen it, so they enjoyed it too. As they made their way from their rooms clutching their treats, we were astounded by the quantity of sweets the children had challenged themselves to eat in 90 minutes. They were quite shocked when we shared with them that 3 family bags of sweets was not an individual portion and they needed to make a more sensible choice particularly as we only had 3 sick buckets with us!!!
After some negotiations, worthy of UN delegates, agreements were reached and off we went. A sugar filled time was had by all and we are pleased to report no buckets were required.
When the film credits rolled it was time to return to our rooms with one last task of the day - finish our packing! As they determinedly packed their bags, trying to remember the tips on how it all got in there originally, bedtime approached.
We are a little tired but full of great memories, plenty of food and a new song that will have you reaching for your ear plugs.
This morning we awoke to a sense of excitement not only for the morning's activities but also about going home to tell everyone all about our time her in Norfolk. We have had an amazing time and the children have been a pleasure.
Mrs Claffey would like to thank Miss Foster and Mrs SG for being a part of this trip as it wouldn't have been possible without them. Thank you also to Mrs Gibb for preparing the vast amounts of paperwork and to Mrs Bellingham for organising payments and completing further paperwork required for such a trip to take place. And finally, thank you parents. Your support for trips such as these is not underestimated and your children and the staff are very grateful.
See you soon!