Just as the first coach load of Primary School children arrived the heavens opened as if to say, welcome to Community Day: the challenge commences. But, as ever, boys and staff raised their game to meet the challenge and, having managed to get over 600 eager youngsters under cover so as to keep them dry, and then matched them up with the boys who would host them for the day, taking them to the various activities scheduled for their instruction and entertainment, the day began. Despite further attempts by the weather to dampen spirits, all the activities took place as planned and, by lunchtime, taken picnic style under the trees between the Head and the 50, spirits were high, the rhythm of the day had been established and from chess to cricket and creative writing to Frisbee and Mandarin to drama, boys had become successful coaches and teachers for the day.
Meanwhile another significant percentage of the school community were undertaking the charity walk, an 18 mile trek taking in Bough Beech for the lunch stop where the weather tried its best (unsuccessfully) to dismantle the lunch tent. Others were picking cherries to sell on Skinners’ Day for charity or honing their pig keeping skills for next year’s conservation work. Finally, two hardy souls were indulging a masochistic passion for a 12 hour non-stop squash game.
As if that wasn’t enough, when the main community action part of the day was over, we entertained ourselves to a mad inter-house revel called It’s A Knockout (lots of inflatables, soapy water, silly costumes and fun) whilst others took part in an inter-house 5 a side football competition with even more donations going to charity.
Tired was the understated expression on most faces by the end of the day – tired but tinged with a strong sense of satisfaction. And by then it was a glorious evening - as the weather had admitted defeat.
View The Community Day 2011 Photos on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/65726258@N08/sets/72157627393186266/
Tonbridge School Community Coordinator: Mike Morrison
Website: www.tonbridge-school.co.uk