Tug of War & Raft Race

TUG OF WAR&

TUG OF WAR 2022

With an Abbey at the heart of the school, you might imagine that weekends at Ampleforth are fairly quiet. But wait till you hear this... Our first weekend in the Valley came with our first whole school event. Taking the short walk from our House, St John’s, to the bounds, just in front of the Abbey Church – a place, surely, for peace and contemplation of the beautiful idyllic surroundings in the Valley, but no – horns and speakers were blazing out all across the bounds and bouncing back off the wall.

We arrived together as a House to find all kinds of colours, and sounds and emotions. All guns blazing by this point and the atmosphere was on fire with every House determined to pull all the others over. Face paint, flags and costumes; cheers, chants and laughter; the whole experience was a blur of fun. The boys and girls from St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s Junior House also took part, playing against each other in different teams.

The final was something special, the crowds of students were buzzing. St Hugh’s dashing through the tunnel, with the speakers and intensity turned to full, entered the arena at pace. St Doswald’s snuck in with a calmer authority and, in the end, after a tough physical tussle, secured their place on the rope and won 2-1 taking the trophy. Meanwhile, in the girls’ competition, it was St Aidan’s who took the prize. While some Houses left discussing and disputing the twists and turns of the competition, the one outcome that everyone could agree on was that this was a whole load of fun.

Josh Gibson (J), Year 9

RAFT RACE

RAFT RACE 2022

On our second weekend of term, we had the chance to explore a bit further afield, walking down the Valley to the scene of the beautiful lakes. It was here, that rowing on some planks and barrels, attached to some rope, we would be participating in the annual raft race.

From the moment we woke up, there was a big sense of excitement in the House. Mr Starkey, who I am beginning to learn may have a competitive streak, briefed us that anything less than first place was not an option.

The scene that greeted us at the lake was similar to the Tug of War. It was as though we had stumbled upon a hidden, Viking horde. Again, the atmosphere was incredible: as we got on the raft to the cheering of the crowd, the horns and speakers began booming.

As there is an extra prize for this event awarded to the best decorated house, all the students were huddled up on the shore with flags, face paint, fancy dress mingled with House colours, all cheering their Houses on.

We set off at full throttle with shouts of “HEAVE 1, 2 HEAVE 1, 2” but St Aidan’s were just ahead of us after the first lap. We swapped quickly and got back on the water as quickly as we could, but we were unable to catch the girls and eventual winners. This really was a fun and memorable Sunday at the lakes.

Billy Morgan (J), Year 9