In the Community

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside

Now, before anybody says anything, yes I am too old to be at school, and no, I am not too old for an outing.

I can still vividly remember school outings as a child, the sense of anticipation and excitement was unbelievable, the trip always great and the memories even now wonderful.

Wednesday July 18, dawned bright and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky and given the summer we had experienced thus far, this was nothing short of miraculous.

Marie Williams and I met up at school and were introduced to our fellow day-trippers; 150 children from years five and six.

Having introduced ourselves to each other in the school hall, we boarded three coaches for the journey to Chapel St Leonards. I must report that we managed the seventy or so miles fairly uneventfully with only one stop for travel sickness!

We arrived at around midday, and the children poured en mass onto the beach shattering the peace and tranquillity with their laughter and happiness. In my opinion there is no finer sound than children having fun (well, the celebration when Arsenal score) and they were certainly doing that, from diving in the sea, some fully clothed, to playing cricket and just simply having fun, it was all happening, along with the biggest picnic I had witnessed for a long time.

All too soon it was time to pack up and return home, with impeccable timing we boarded the coaches and the heavens opened.

It was a great day out, and one that I hope we can be part of again, so all that is left to say is well done to every child who came along, you were a credit to yourselves, your families and your teachers; and well done teachers, your enthusiasm and obvious love of your job was evident for all to see, the children in your care are indeed fortunate.

So to conclude, one can only assume given the comments in the cards, that everybody had fun and to all your employers out there I can confirm that the Nottingham working population of tomorrow are coming along just fine.