Travel

SKI TRIP

The coach was swinging by the time I joined the 1994-95 St. Peter's Ski Trip at Toddington Service Station on the Ml and for me the holiday kicked off with Monty Python's "Life of Brian". A few hours later we were on the ferry speeding our way towards France. The rough crossing made the journey a bit reserved as almost everyone found it much easier to remain seated rather than explore the boat and the duty-free shop. However, a few did try their luck on the fruit machines where Peter Barlow was most successful.

As we drove across France we spotted mountains at lunchtime on New Year's Eve but no snow! There was still no sign of snow as we climbed up the mountainside towards the resort. However, when we arrived we were greeted by a heavy snowfall which certainly raised our spirits. We were unpacking the coach when our ski rep Tom appeared; it was his first job, and he greeted us wim the news that the rooms were not quite ready and there was some swapping around to do. When we eventually got to our rooms they were excellent; particularly Claire's suite!

All were looking forward to the New Year's Eve party in the hotel which had cost us a fortune. We expected something out of the ordinary and we certainly got it. Some of the blue cocktails proved to be a little stronger than one or two had bargained for! We were familiar with the French custom of spending many hours at the meal table but we had not heard of the practice of eating bread with water for an hour before the first course of the six that were served; but it did give us time to examine the wine list. At 12.00 we all joined in Auld Lang Syne (not a practice familiar to the locals) before the disco where we were treated to classics of the German pop world. This hotel bar proved to be Briony and Claire's base for me week where they indiscriminately tried their luck with anything that moved from bartenders to Dutch tourists (all gorgeous, of course).

Most otiiers grew an attachment to the small bar down the hill in the village run by Malik and Rose-Helene who liked us so much that the happy hour lasted all week along with samples of the local " fire-waters" such as Genepy, made from sugar, water and plants! There is no doubt mat Emma Combe discovered a liking for it. On top of this they provided a great opportunity to practise our French without being badgered about agreements, genders and endings! In fact the passion for French (girls) of two members of the party resulted in them accidentally ending up in conversation with an attractive French woman in the wrong hotel.

But, enough of the social scene and on to the real reason for being there....: the skiing. It was brilliant! Although it could be a bit dodgy with large ice patches as some of us found out one day when we were involved in a multiple pile-up which resulted in a magnificent black eye for Hazel and a twisted knee for me. Pru also fell foul of the nastier side of skiing when, during a morning's snowboarding, she went one way whilst her board had other ideas and her knee didn't know which to follow. The weather was very kind with snow falling early in the week to be followed by clear blue skies. We were lucky to have such good instructors and everyone enjoyed and benefited from the lessons. During the free skiing time many ventured farther afield to Arc 1600, 1800 and over the top to Arc 2000 while the beginners and less experienced were supervised as a safety precaution; Karen and Emma certainly appreciated this despite the dubious pleasure of an introduction to red slopes very soon after starting their skiing careers.

No sooner had it all begun, though, and it was over. The days seemed to mould into each other with skiing, meals and apres-ski keeping us occupied all day and noone could believe that we were really going home. Grudgingly we boarded the bus for the return journey. The holiday had been very good and certainly worth every penny. I am happy to say that everyone got on so well and seemed to get to know everyone better: Hazel revealed

her modelling ambitions; Andy showed off his plumbing skills and the Andersons proved that, on skis, humans really can fly.

Michael T. Dowds

SELONGEY FRENCH EXCHANGE 1995-95

(J.5, Year 3, Year 4)

7.00 a.m, Wednesday 19th October, France.

Whilst most sane folk were still lying in their beds, a coachload of intrepid English rolled on down the autoroute... half were asleep (the half which had spent the night talking as normal people had their eight hours rest!).

After supplying a few service stations with more business in half an hour than they usually had in a month, we finally arrived in Brochon, dropped off our 5th-6th formers, and continued to Selongey. This next half-hour was a frantic: "Where's my hairbrush?" and "Has anyone seen my tape?" as everyone realised they would be meeting their correspondents at last.

The anxiety proved to be unfounded, however, for everybody (O.K. almost everybody!) had a great time and got on very well with the correspondents. In fact, some got on extremely well... so well that several romances blossomed — the most notable between Becky T. and a certain Frenchman! She gave him a card which read: "Quand on s'embrasse la terre tremble — Viens la faire trembler avec moi." Work it out for yourselves! (Sorry Becky!)

Another romance proved more futile — Nick Lally became hopelessly infatuated with an assistant in a perfume shop (sounds like a modern-day Shakespeare play doesn't it?) — even to mention her was to be subjected to a long, minutely detailed lecture on her physical perfections.

The disco was inevitably one of the high points of the week; I think that the record for the most slow dances went to Dan Jackson, who managed, don't ask me how, to dance with twelve people in seven dances. Miss Hamilton coerced many likely lads into dancing with her, including Nick "Hi-I'm-John-Travolta" (Hairdo!), our coach driver.

The whole exchange made a momentous journey to The Louvre in Paris, where we were amazed by the sheer quantity of work displayed, room after room of paintings and sculpture — half a day really didn't do it justice. We all filed dutifully past die Mona Lisa, and I think it was agreed that, although undoubtably a very fine painting, it was really just a rather small portrait of a rather plain woman, and what exactly was all the fuss about? But the never-ending headcounts did actually serve a purpose; half-way through our tour, it was discovered that three members of the party had completely vanished... but no, Mark, Nick and Natalie had not been kidnapped by garlicswinging officials... they only took a wrong turn (well, that's what they told us!).

I think that everyone visited the Toison d'Or shopping centre at least once during the stay. It used to be the biggest in Europe and boasts a wide variety of shops, and even a swimming pool which was, at one point, almost entirely colonised by Peterites and their correspondents!

On the way back a list of awards was published. These included:

Best pair of "Dockers" — Beccy Fishley Loudest person in an empty restaurant — Felicity B. and

Rosy Weatherall The most laid-back, mellow dude on the exchange — Ed

Goodall

And Mr. Hodsdon also received an award... The Exchange's Most Interesting Person (no, really!) by Ruth Dalton

BROCHON FRENCH EXCHANGE REPORT 1995

(Year 5, Lower 6th, Upper 6th)

Tuesday 18th October

Met at school at 10.45 p.m., supposed to leave at 11.00 p.m., no chance(!) due to Mr. Hodsdon's organised chaos!

Eventually we left, starting our journey down England. Our last stop was at Dover where we ''picked up'' Trev', er, Nick, our loyal, obliging and friendly (ask Felicity) bus driver, who was to be our chauffeur for die next week.

We arrived at Brochon at about 4.00 p.m. The infamous moment had finally arrived, Mr. Hodsdon's Xrated film "La Bise" was to be recorded!

Take 1: and the first award of the holiday, Rosy's "bise". She took careful aim, fired and missed. The rest of the girls were successful in their attempts at the typical French greeting. However, the boys got off lightly with a nod and a handshake.

Thursday 20th October

We're on "holiday" yet we still can't manage to skive school! A very enlightening experience, as the French education system is somewhat different to ours. There seems to be a slightly more relaxed atmosphere in the classroom, yet work and preps are still completed on time!?

Friday 21st October

Up at the crack of dawn to embark on a most intellectually stimulating visit to Le Louvre a Paris. We arrived at 11.00 a.m. and resurfaced through the huge glass pyramid three hours later, some of us looking like extras from "Eldorado" (i.e. wooden and gormless). Others, however, were feeling enthralled from an enriching experience! Among the works of art we saw were the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. On approaching this statue Miss Hamilton exclaimed in relief to her group ' 'There HE is!!", obviously too tired to care about gender... This leads us to another four awards on

Monday 24th October

Monday morning, and having exchanged interesting anecdotes about our weekend experiences we discovered, much to our delight, mat Mr. Hodsdon spent his weekend on the lawnmower, and what was even more sad was that his only defence was "But it was a lovely green tractor!!". After lunch at Brochon we were taken on a thrilling tour of Dijon, which included... the museum and the church. It was after this momentous occasion that Lucy Appleyard was awarded the title "Most bored person on the Dijon Tour" (and she thoroughly deserved it!).

Tuesday 25th October

The Selongey pupils were scheduled an excursion to the Toison d'Or shopping centre. We at Brochon found it a tad unfair that we weren't going to go, so after much heartstring plucking we finally managed to get round Mr. Hodsdon! (He's a big softy really! No, REALLY!!)

We hit the shops, and there were a few interesting purchases. For example Walter's "stretchy" man! We all marvelled at this and ho matter how hard we tried we just couldn't snap it. (Miss Hamilton especially enjoyed this little chap and spent a very happy half hour forming her "ideal" man.)

Wednesday 26th October

Spent in families.

Thursday 27th October

Homeward bound! Blighty here we come!!

Another ridiculously early start, to meet at Selongey at 7.00 a.m. We arrived at Calais in good time and said "Adieu" to France. Some spent the crossing getting to know Nick a little better (when they had managed to drag him away from the Duty Free!).

The coach trip back up England was tiring and a bit tense. We were all worn out, but holidays just aren't the same without a few misunderstandings, are they Walter? by Rosy Weatherall (mostly)

RUGBY TOUR REPORT

As with all tour reports they mean far more to those who were there than to those who are simply reading them; this one is no different.

We set off from St. Peter's under the "bright and watchful" eye of Mr. Monteith who had already started the celebrations associated with the event!

On arriving in Colwyn Bay we started the tour with a fine win playing festival rugby. Hospitality was excellent, fortunately we did not discover it before the game! Sadly, Spud broke his leg!! but the miracles of modern medicine had him fit for the next day!! Our evening saw us join in with a local adult team. We learnt a great deal and regretted it at breakfast on Sunday. A strange waiter and Ben and Ed's visit to the fountain stick in the memory.

Sunday saw us meet Rhyl on Mother's Day. Some of the opposition clearly got the wrong start time or could not escape the attentions of their family and we began a little short of players on one side and steady heads on the other. As our heads cleared they gained players and we ran out comfortable winners. Dicky, Ben and Jimmy H. all kicked well!! An early night set us up for the bright lights of Chester on Monday. A good relaxing day and a fine meal followed. Now we were set up and ready for our final game of the season on Tuesday. Training had not really got going before Neil ran into the post!! and Grant twisted his ankle. However those who took to the pitch to play Mold, (N. Wales Champions and Cup holders), did St. Peter's proud. A very physical game in which the front row showed admirable discipline was finally settled when Adam Councell went over in the corner following five phases of play and a massive miss pass from Matthew Dodgson. Mold were hard on die field and excellent hosts off it. Both our previous referees came to watch the final game. Having won it we were well beaten in the singing department!!

The tour was a splendid end to a most enjoyable season. On our day we could beat the best and play really attractive rugby. Our thanks go to Mr. Brown and Mr. Helme for organising the tour and to Mr. Monteith and Mr. Slingsby for taking us into Wales and getting us home.

Matthew Dodgson

The party of four plus Mr. Drysdale, Mr. Edwards and (unofficial gang leader) Mr. Hubbard, left school in style at 7.00 a.m. on a Monday morning in the luxurious school minibus. On arrival in Florence we hiked to our hotel, lacking all but kitchen sink. After Mr. Drysdale's midnight orientation tour, we returned to our hotel.

Tuesday morning — we visited Palazzo Daranzati museum, a small Renaissance palace with several storeys, containing authentic sixteenth century artefacts and guards. We then visited the Bargello museum (after realising that the door we were trying to enter by was on the wrong side of the building) and wandered through roomfuls of priceless Renaissance Art. After lunch we went to the British Institute in Florence where we were given a talk about the Medici family by Dr. Bellini who knew Mr. Drysdale. The day was rounded off by an optional visit to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a square overlooking Florence with wonderful views of the city and Japanese tourists.

On Wednesday morning we looked round the Galleria Academia, the home of the most famous Renaissance sculpture — Michelangelo's "David". This was one of the week's highlights — the sculpture was much bigger and more impressive than anyone had expected. We then went to Florence's main outdoor market, where we encountered a busking Ewok flautist and had lunch. We then headed off to the museum of St. Marco for a guided tour by Dr. Bellini, who entertained us with his endless anecdotes about "porno art" and camel faxes. On the same afternoon we joined the endless queue for the Uffizi gallery. Two hours later we were being swamped by acres of the most famous Renaissance paintings, including the work of Botticelli. The evening was rounded off by an unofficial visit to the Hard Rock Cafe (sic) — a dubious offshoot of the American chain.

On Thursday we took the bus to Fiesole, a small town outside Florence with a view over the city, opposite the Piazzale Michelangelo. The warm weather, scenery and lazy atmosphere made a refreshing contrast to Florence's hectic city centre. That afternoon, back in Florence, we were taken to the ' 'Best Ice-Cream Parlour in Florence'' (a la Drysdale) where certain members of our group enjoyed inordinately large amounts of Italian ice-cream (apparently), after which Mr. Hubbard pointed out Florence's finest leather shops where other members of our group strove to find a Michael Jackson-style red jacket — unsurprisingly with little success.

Friday was our last day; we left Florence by train at around 10.00 a.m. and arrived back at school at 9.00 p.m. more weary, more cultured and with more cash than expected thanks to Mr. Drysdale's ingenious plot of obtaining a letter for free museum and gallery admission from the British Institute. In all, it was a worthwhile and enjoyable trip — we learnt more about the art of Florence and the accompanying art of moped-dodging in an Italian city.

Thursday February 16th, 1995

Twenty boys and two teachers and a lot of luck left St. Peter's for what everyone involved hoped was to be a successful tour to Scodand. With Nick Lally and Daniel Jackson handing out fines and hat calls the journey was always likely to be an amusing one.

After two hours we stopped for a short break and learnt Mr. Monteith was still searching for the hand-brake and lights! We crossed the Scottish border to tunes of "Flower of Scotland" and were soon in Edinburgh. Tired and late, we were dispersed to our host families at Edinburgh Academy with words of "no alcohol" ringing in our ears. We decided diese words had come from experience and with an early training session the next morning we all obliged. The only other strict instruction for the evening was to find out all about and tell nothing to the opposition; not surprisingly this was harder than expected.

Friday 17th

The early two hour training session starfosd with fashion, with everyone sporting their new stylish training tops. After rehearsing our moves and sharpening up our play the session finished with all in confident but uncertain mood. After showering under what were to become familiar three drip a minute Scottish showers we headed for lunch at the Academy. We were soon back at the pitches for the pre-match warm-up knowing this was to be die hardest fixture of the year: the opposition were turning out with only one early season defeat! As the kickoff approached and tunes of' 'Jerusalem'' rang out of me changing room the tension was heightening but with the inspirational support of Lucy Ellerbeck and Hazel Curry it was always likely to be one of our best performances ever. After conceding an early try as had become the fashion, we came back in style scoring five tries to two, to win 27-12. The game was memorable for one of the tries of the season. Although we voted Ed Brooke manof-the-match it was an excellent team performace and all fifteen did diemselves proud. After all the thank you's were said and Mr. Monteith had saved his job by making friends with the Headmaster-to-be Mr. Trotman, we left Edinburgh Academy for the safety of our home for the night, die derelict church or was it a Youth Hostel? After changing in our "hives" we left the hostel for the night life of Edinburgh and what was to be the toughesl fixture of the tour. St. Peter's vs. Ikes Pizza Emporium. It would not be incorrect to say mat we were totally overwhelmed in all senses of the word. We left the Emporium a stone heavier with our doggy bags full and die intention of walking it off down the Royal Mile. Mr. Bellis pointed out the strange traditions of the Heart of Midlothian and also the place where witches were burnt in the past. Maybe Mr. Monteith's waitress might be a candidate for such treatment? Our final trip of the evening was to Carlton Hill. Mr. Bellis spelt out the dangers of the hill, so promptly Chris Ellerbeck fell off! We eventually returned to the "hives" tired out and somewhat fatter. Peter

Saturday 18th

The morning came quickly for all, particularly those who were disturbed by a 3 o'clock party being thrown by a group of Czechoslovakians. By half past eight the buses were packed and we left to our second rugby fixture of the tour against Musselburgh Grammar. The game ended as a hard-fought victory for us. The 55-5 final score did not do the opposition justice though, nor does it reflect their significant physical size. The game was followed by one of the most surprising decisions of the tour. We declined the chance of visiting the local distillery. Instead we watched France vs. Scotland down at the local Rugby club. We were shown great hospitality, being fed mutton pies and much pop and in return we all decided to support France. As the locals cheered for Scotland the tension grew; Gavin Hastings scored a last minute try to seal victory for Scotland. Boy, did we get some stick, but as luck would have it England beat Wales that same afternoon. We left for Crieff in good time for the short journey from Edinburgh. Four hours later we were still stranded in an Edinburgh lay-by waiting for the R.A.C. to arrive, the clutch having burnt out on the mini-bus. Due to some splendid singing (especially by Nick Kay who sang totally out of tune for the three hours wait) and many packed lunches being eaten we managed to pass the time without coming to blows.

At half past nine we eventually arrived at Morrisons Academy a mere four hours late with the help of heroic transport which was sent down from Crieff to collect us. Fourteen of us stayed in boarding houses while the other few were hosted by families. Fish and chips were bought for all in the boarding houses whilst the teachers went on their fruitless search for their own holy grail, a smoked sausage supper.

Sunday 19th

It was so cold that Mr. Monteith decided it would be warmer on a colder day! ("What's that familiar phrase, Sir?") There were many stiff and aching bodies walking onto the field that morning and with Mr. Bellis's rallying calls of "I've seen steeper wheel chair ramps than that back line" the game was always going to be tight: the Scots are fiercely competitive when it comes to playing against the English. Although we yet again conceded an early try the fitness told in the second half where we came through to win 19-7. The game was physical; a fact that most were "not unaware" of was proved further when Andrew Kemp performed one of his infamous head tackles (literally) — although dazed he was able to continue whereas the young Scot played no further part in the game. Englishmen!

Once the team photos were completed and the thank you's said, we packed the bus for the last time and with many travelling cars we set off back to York. The tour which started with two buses and twenty boys was down to one bus and nine boys.

The last fixture of the tour was St. Peter's vs. the high diving boards of he Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. Although most of the nine stuck to the safety of the water slides a special mention must go to Matthew Sigsworth who plucked up the courage to throw himself off the second highest board. Unfortunately he landed on his back. There was enough heat produced from his back to keep the mini-bus warm all the way home. We hit the road for the last five hour journey home with the help of the ever-present song sheets and an enlightening insight into some people's social lives. We managed to keep ourselves amused throughout the journey.

As we pulled into Peter's to the tunes of Jerusalem we all agreed it was an enjoyable and very successful tour both on and off the pitch.

A special thank you must also go to the forty parents, brothers and sisters who travelled up and supported us throughout the rugby fixtures (particularly Lucy and Hazel); it was much appreciated, and most of all to Mr. Bellis and Mr. Monteith for all the work that they put in organising the tour and making it so enjoyable.

Thank you.

Nick Kay and Stuart Smith

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