Dunfield House March 2020
Sunday 1st March
We arrived safely at Dunfield House at 4.15pm. The journey down was trouble free and we arrived to find dry weather, although we were quickly greeted by a short hail storm. The children's behaviour on the coach and minibus was exemplary.
A lovely tea of jacket potato, beans, salad, cheese and coleslaw was soon demolished, followed by jam sponge and custard. There were still some children who fancied a piece of fruit / yoghurt after all that too!!
The children have all helped to make their beds and have unpacked their suitcases. They have had a tour round the house, followed by a hot chocolate and a story in their pyjamas. It was a special moment to share in Alfie's 7th birthday and the cook very kindly made a birthday cake for all to share, whilst listening to a story.
9.40pm - children have now gone up to their rooms to get themselves into bed. Here's hoping they all settle soon.
Lots of fun activities planned for tomorrow.
Monday 2nd March
We thought we had tired the children out as all was quiet by 10.30, however I think they were just tricking us as it was just before 1pm before ALL the children were asleep! Some were very eager to start the day, rising at 5.40am. The staff, however, were not ready to rise at this time and the children enjoyed some time playing in their bedrooms.
The weather has been absolutely beautiful today, with short bursts of hailstorms appearing throughout the day. This hasn’t stopped us making the most of the grounds though. Before breakfast, the children enjoyed taking lots of photographs, as they seemed so taken with the ‘beautiful view’. Breakfast then consisted of cereal, cooked – bacon, hash browns, scrambled egg, toast and for those that still had room – yoghurt and fruit.
After breakfast, the children donned their wellies to go exploring around the grounds – scoping out the swimming pool, stream, wood, campfire and football pitch. Geography, Art, R.E. and Music were then the order of the morning. The children have learnt compass directions and have made their own maps, sketched the landscape using different drawing medium, had reflection and made their own crosses using clay and have learnt an African song with movements and percussion accompaniment. They have been a joy to work with and to observe them so engrossed and enjoying every moment has been a pleasure.
We then all re-fuelled with a cooked lunch of cottage pie, broccoli and mixed veg, complemented by chocolate sponge and chocolate sauce for pudding. Those that have given up chocolate for Lent have stuck to this and chose fruit / yoghurt instead. Some children also have fruit – I don’t know where they put it all!!!
This afternoon, the weather has still been glorious so the children have had some free time to explore the woods, draw, play football and cricket, as well as help prepare the campfire for later. They also had a fun time in the swimming pool.
Some relaxation time was welcomed by all, where the children have started on their ‘Dunfield booklets.’ Back outside to play in the snow / hail to work up an appetite for tea.
Tea – chicken burger, chips and salad with chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream for pudding. Yummy!
Full up once again, the children got all wrapped up, with torches in hand, we made our way to the campfire in the dark. Mr Thornton had done a magnificent job lighting a fire for us. We sang some songs and enjoyed a toasted marshmallow in the dark, gazing up at the stars.
With pyjamas on and their teddies snuggled, the children listened to a story whilst drinking their cup of hot chocolate or water and a piece of flapjack / shortbread.
It’s been a busy, fun-filled day and the children are looking forward to going to bed – let’s hope they get to sleep quickly tonight!!
