The words ‘sponsored walk’ were uttered which made them both laugh, bringing back memories of their own sponsored walks.
Realising the potential and the amazing location and possibilities locally that Bude offers, there and then it was decided to propose Budehaven School should have a walk.
With the help and advice of Martin Reay’s father, himself a retired teacher with 20 years of managing whole school walks, the plans were put in place and a proposal made to senior leadership and governors, who came back with a resounding: “Yes, a superb idea, make it happen!” The sponsored walk was born.
There was no time to lose. Being a community school, the teachers, Martin Reay and Rob Byrom, were determined to involve the community and seek help from the community.
Many local businesses went out of their way to help in the run up. Many prizes were donated, from cream teas, meal vouchers, free paintballing, surfing and horse riding lessons. Special thanks were extended to Ministry of Signs who provided all the signage for free upon hearing that the event was for charity and for the good of the school and to UpStream Printing for creating the marshal vests ensuring the students could be guided safely around the route.
The day came and with a dicey forecast to contend with, the whole of Key Stage 3 — up to Year 9, as Year 10 was out on work experience and older students had finished their exams — and form tutor staff lined up on the astro turf ready for the hooter to start the pupils along the route.
On the day, the walk was expertly led by Mr Sellars and Mr Proudfoot who managed to set a mean pace that kept the faster pupils at bay. Mrs Van der Linden and Mrs Cann were at their encouraging best at the tail end of the walk and helped those who had injuries and those pupils who had to push themselves.
Lunch was taken at Widemouth beach and Mrs Wade co-ordinated the samba band to entertain. An impromptu beach clean was organised with the help of Widemouth Task Force.
The afternoon section tackled the cliff path route back to Bude, where some of the ups and downs would not be out of place on a roller coaster. Again a determined Key Stage 3 tackled this with valour and guts and the view of smiling faces could be seen from afar.
A school spokesman said: “What summed up the day, was the number of passers-by that commented on how the pupils were clearly enjoying themselves and how it was an amazing event for the community. Welcoming pupils back to school, it was clear that fun, enjoyment, and achievement was evident and a carnival atmosphere ensued as the pupils took the opportunity to relax in the sun on the astro and share stories of the day.
“The teachers were proud to see the determination and effort shown by all pupils in recognising the cause of the day, collecting sponsorship and then seeing the day through and achieving the finish line. Most pride was in watching some pupils finish who previously had doubts, but who clearly gave the whole day their all and showed the grit and determination, that are life skills learned outside the classroom.
“It was a truly wonderful day that was made possible by the enthusiasm of all the Budehaven staff, pupils, and local community.”
Although money is still rolling in, the latest total was over £10,500 raised with the money being split between CLIC Sargent, Bude Foodbank, Bliss and the Budehaven School rewards fund.
Plans are already underway for future years.