Friday 24 April 2009
Thursday 23 April 2009
My Final Late Night Post
Wow, another busy day! This morning we all walked into the city centre and then separated into our groups. We spent the first part of the morning in the museum gardens sketching the ruins and completing their York Diaries.
We then met up with Mr Pratt who led the childen on a tour of the city walls, explaining even more about the Roman history of the city and how the walls were excavated. This was followed by a trip into the heart of the city where we gathered in the Shambles. This is the old butchers district of the city and we sat the childen down to sketch the Tudor buildings. We ate lunch in the shadow of the Minster before meeting the coaches to take us to the Swimming pool.
In the evening we headed back to the Viking village for an evening of Viking entertainment. The children made viking games, bracelets and examined Viking artefacts. They then sat down to listen to a Viking Saga about Thor's hammer and a wedding dress.
Tomorrow we are aiming to set off as soon as the children have eaten breakfast and tidied their room. Throughout the journey I will be posting regular travel updates to try and give as accurate a time of arrival as possible.
Good night for now and look forward to returning home tomorrow.
See you soon.
We then met up with Mr Pratt who led the childen on a tour of the city walls, explaining even more about the Roman history of the city and how the walls were excavated. This was followed by a trip into the heart of the city where we gathered in the Shambles. This is the old butchers district of the city and we sat the childen down to sketch the Tudor buildings. We ate lunch in the shadow of the Minster before meeting the coaches to take us to the Swimming pool.
In the evening we headed back to the Viking village for an evening of Viking entertainment. The children made viking games, bracelets and examined Viking artefacts. They then sat down to listen to a Viking Saga about Thor's hammer and a wedding dress.
Tomorrow we are aiming to set off as soon as the children have eaten breakfast and tidied their room. Throughout the journey I will be posting regular travel updates to try and give as accurate a time of arrival as possible.
Good night for now and look forward to returning home tomorrow.
See you soon.
Morning Report
Apologies for the lateness of this midnight report - technical issues meant I was unable to write my entry last night (OK - I fell asleep). Anyway yesterday was again a very busy day with lots of walking. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous and many of the children said how much they enjoyed the walks through the City and along the river.
In the morning we visited the Jorvik centre where the children experience the sights, sounds and smells of a viking village. The center contains a reproduction of an actual village that was excavated on the site and gives the children an idea of how the archaeologists were able to uncover and piece together the history of York.
After Jorvik we had lunch and then a short walk to Dig where the children learn more about archaeology and have chance to do a bit of archaeology themselves. Dig also proudly own the world's largest Anglo-Saxon coprolite (Google it).
In the afternoon we returned to York Minster where we sat and sketched the exterior before visiting the gift shop. They kindly allowed us to spend some more time inside and the childre enjoyed the chance to explore the Minster in more detail. Finally the children were led round the Minster's undercroft by Mr Pratt and they could see the remains of the original Roman building that existed on the site as well as the mammoth engineering that went in to supporting the Minster's huge main tower.
After this we strolled back to the hostel, along the river and arrived just in time for dinner. Yet again the children had plenty of delicious food to choose from and again all chose sensibly - no eyes bigger than their bellies.
In the evening it was the turn of Green groups to go on the ghost walk. We heard tales about some of the many ghostly sightings that have occured in York including the phantom Roman army that marches through the Treasurer's House and the headless Earl who searches a graveyard for his head.
Talking of being headless. The teddy is now recovering from his operation. There were some complications during surgery but his head has been successfully reattached. Unfortunately if you are ever to have a conversation with the teddy he will always be looking slightly over your right hand shoulder, gazing into space.
Well, it's time to wake the children. I'm sitting in the corridor and can't hear a thing from any of the rooms. They have been so good at settling down and not getting up to early. Unlike the year there was a knock on the bedroom door at 4am and a child stood outside fully dressed, backpack on, asking what time we were leaving.
Today we are exploring more of York and then going swimming this afternoon. This evening we return to the Viking village for an evening of Viking entertainment.
Bye for now.
In the morning we visited the Jorvik centre where the children experience the sights, sounds and smells of a viking village. The center contains a reproduction of an actual village that was excavated on the site and gives the children an idea of how the archaeologists were able to uncover and piece together the history of York.
After Jorvik we had lunch and then a short walk to Dig where the children learn more about archaeology and have chance to do a bit of archaeology themselves. Dig also proudly own the world's largest Anglo-Saxon coprolite (Google it).
In the afternoon we returned to York Minster where we sat and sketched the exterior before visiting the gift shop. They kindly allowed us to spend some more time inside and the childre enjoyed the chance to explore the Minster in more detail. Finally the children were led round the Minster's undercroft by Mr Pratt and they could see the remains of the original Roman building that existed on the site as well as the mammoth engineering that went in to supporting the Minster's huge main tower.
After this we strolled back to the hostel, along the river and arrived just in time for dinner. Yet again the children had plenty of delicious food to choose from and again all chose sensibly - no eyes bigger than their bellies.
In the evening it was the turn of Green groups to go on the ghost walk. We heard tales about some of the many ghostly sightings that have occured in York including the phantom Roman army that marches through the Treasurer's House and the headless Earl who searches a graveyard for his head.
Talking of being headless. The teddy is now recovering from his operation. There were some complications during surgery but his head has been successfully reattached. Unfortunately if you are ever to have a conversation with the teddy he will always be looking slightly over your right hand shoulder, gazing into space.
Well, it's time to wake the children. I'm sitting in the corridor and can't hear a thing from any of the rooms. They have been so good at settling down and not getting up to early. Unlike the year there was a knock on the bedroom door at 4am and a child stood outside fully dressed, backpack on, asking what time we were leaving.
Today we are exploring more of York and then going swimming this afternoon. This evening we return to the Viking village for an evening of Viking entertainment.
Bye for now.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Tuesday's Midnight Update
Well it's been a long, busy and thoroughly enjoyable day. I was woken up at 5.45 by the boys in the room next door who were so keen to get going.
After a superb breakfast we split into our Green and Yellow groups and headed off in different directions to our morning activities. Yellow groups headed off first along the river into the city centre to visit York Minster while Green Groups,including myself, travelled by coach to the Viking Village.
Unfortunately due to traffic we arrived slightly late. To begin with we all gathered together for the introductory talk and the children got changed into their Viking outfits. Then it came time for us adults to get changed into Saxon Slaves. I have to say that my Viking family this year were the kindest I have ever been a slave for. Betteer than the year i was made to kneel in the corner of the long house because i was smling too much.
Anyway, at the viking village we made Cresset oil lamps, did some farming, trained to be guards and ground flour to make bread.
After lunch we boarded the coach again and headed for York Minster. We were led on our tour of this magnificent building and yet agaain all the children behaved impeccably. Solomon managed to flummox the tour guard by using the word antidisestablishmentarianism in a question.
After exploring the inside of the Minster we went across to the Education Centre were we learnt more about the history of the Minster and York itself.
Then we walk back along the river to the hostel where another delicious dinner was waiting. The children have been very good with their eating and haven't wasted much food. They have always been polite and have cleared up after themselves.
This morning a couple of the hostel's other guests came down for breakfast at the same time as the children. After they had finished they approached me and told me how delightful the children were. They said they were originally a bit wary about having to share the dining room with 40 children but followed up by saying that the children were so well behaved that they were a credit to the school.
This evening Yellow group went for the ghost walk in the city whilst us Greens went to the park to play football and rounders. I'll be ble to tell you more about the ghost walk tomorrow.
We have another busy day ahead of us tomorrow so I better go and get some sleep. Hopefully Michael will not be as keen to get going tomorrow morning.
For those of you concerned about the headless teddy bear. He is currently in surgery where Dr Little is performing a very ambitious head graft. I will keep you updated.
Thanks again for your comments we all appreiate them.
Good night
After a superb breakfast we split into our Green and Yellow groups and headed off in different directions to our morning activities. Yellow groups headed off first along the river into the city centre to visit York Minster while Green Groups,including myself, travelled by coach to the Viking Village.
Unfortunately due to traffic we arrived slightly late. To begin with we all gathered together for the introductory talk and the children got changed into their Viking outfits. Then it came time for us adults to get changed into Saxon Slaves. I have to say that my Viking family this year were the kindest I have ever been a slave for. Betteer than the year i was made to kneel in the corner of the long house because i was smling too much.
Anyway, at the viking village we made Cresset oil lamps, did some farming, trained to be guards and ground flour to make bread.
After lunch we boarded the coach again and headed for York Minster. We were led on our tour of this magnificent building and yet agaain all the children behaved impeccably. Solomon managed to flummox the tour guard by using the word antidisestablishmentarianism in a question.
After exploring the inside of the Minster we went across to the Education Centre were we learnt more about the history of the Minster and York itself.
Then we walk back along the river to the hostel where another delicious dinner was waiting. The children have been very good with their eating and haven't wasted much food. They have always been polite and have cleared up after themselves.
This morning a couple of the hostel's other guests came down for breakfast at the same time as the children. After they had finished they approached me and told me how delightful the children were. They said they were originally a bit wary about having to share the dining room with 40 children but followed up by saying that the children were so well behaved that they were a credit to the school.
This evening Yellow group went for the ghost walk in the city whilst us Greens went to the park to play football and rounders. I'll be ble to tell you more about the ghost walk tomorrow.
We have another busy day ahead of us tomorrow so I better go and get some sleep. Hopefully Michael will not be as keen to get going tomorrow morning.
For those of you concerned about the headless teddy bear. He is currently in surgery where Dr Little is performing a very ambitious head graft. I will keep you updated.
Thanks again for your comments we all appreiate them.
Good night
Monday 20 April 2009
My first (not quite) Midnight report
The children all settled down rearly quickly tonight. They have all behaved superbly all day. The coach journey was uneventful and we arrived at the hostel ahead of schedule. Only one child suffered from travel sickness on the journey (albeit four times) but Mrs Little was on hand -it's just a shame she couldnt do anything for the teddy whose head came off - a bandage was the best she could manage.
Once we arrived at the hostel the children discovered what rooms they were in and they soon got down to unpacking and making beds. Dinner was of its usual high standard. The spaghetti bolognese seemed to be the most popular choice for the children although I can recommend the beef cobbler.
After dinner we went for a walk through the fields behind the youth hostel. The weather has been fantastic today and it was still quite warm as the sun set. When we returned for the walk the children all gathered in the lounge for a bedtime story and then it was off to bed.
Tomorrow we are off to the Viking village (my personal highlight of the week) and York Minster.
The important question now is... what time will the first one wake?
Good night all - thanks for all the comments so far, all the staff enjoy reading them.
Once we arrived at the hostel the children discovered what rooms they were in and they soon got down to unpacking and making beds. Dinner was of its usual high standard. The spaghetti bolognese seemed to be the most popular choice for the children although I can recommend the beef cobbler.
After dinner we went for a walk through the fields behind the youth hostel. The weather has been fantastic today and it was still quite warm as the sun set. When we returned for the walk the children all gathered in the lounge for a bedtime story and then it was off to bed.
Tomorrow we are off to the Viking village (my personal highlight of the week) and York Minster.
The important question now is... what time will the first one wake?
Good night all - thanks for all the comments so far, all the staff enjoy reading them.
Sunday 19 April 2009
All packed and ready to go?
This time tomorrow we will be on our way to York. Please meet at Birkdale at 8.00am to load luggage onto the coaches, ready to leave by 8.30am.
All medicines, clearly labelled with child's name and exact dosage required, to be handed to Mrs Little or Mrs Newsome before getting on the coach.
Please make sure cases and bags are clearly labelled, includingt he school address - Little Common School, Shepherds Close, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 4SQ
Please make sure your child has a packed lunch for Monday - I'm off to prepare mine now.
See you all tomorrow morning.
All medicines, clearly labelled with child's name and exact dosage required, to be handed to Mrs Little or Mrs Newsome before getting on the coach.
Please make sure cases and bags are clearly labelled, includingt he school address - Little Common School, Shepherds Close, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 4SQ
Please make sure your child has a packed lunch for Monday - I'm off to prepare mine now.
See you all tomorrow morning.
Friday 17 April 2009
Weather forecast
According to the BBC weather website it is going to be sunny and 18 degrees in York on Monday.
Thursday 16 April 2009
Please comment!
If you have viewed this blog please leave me a comment so that I know it is working properly. At the bottom of the page you can actually visit the Youth Hostel thanks to Google's Street View and view a slideshow of York Minster photos from Flickr.
Have you got the essentials?
Hope you are looking forward to next week. Here is the list of essential items that you need to bring with you.
- Container clearly named for daily drinks of water. (Packed lunches are provided and include a drink).
- Waterproof coat / jacket
- Sturdy outdoor shoes, not new! (There is plenty of walking!)
- Plimsolls / trainers / slippers for indoor use
- Many pairs of socks and underwear
- Jeans / trousers / joggers / shorts
- Warm jumpers / sweatshirts.
- Shirts / t-shirts
- Pyjamas / nightdress
- Toiletries / towels
- Small rucksack, large enough for carrying lunch
- Purse / wallet for pocket money
- Named plastic bag for dirty washing
- Swim wear in an extra plastic bag with separate towel.
Optional items include;
- Hat / gloves / scarf
- 1 teddy or similar friend
- Camera
- Books / comics
- Stamped addressed postcard with your child's home address
Everything is to be named please!
All to be packed in a suitcase, clearly labelled with the child's name. Children will be required to carry their own luggage to their rooms (there will be stairs), please bear this in mind when packing their case.
The children will need a packed lunch, snacks and drinks on the first day. Please pack this in a disposable bag. They may bring boiled sweets only to eat during the journey.
- Container clearly named for daily drinks of water. (Packed lunches are provided and include a drink).
- Waterproof coat / jacket
- Sturdy outdoor shoes, not new! (There is plenty of walking!)
- Plimsolls / trainers / slippers for indoor use
- Many pairs of socks and underwear
- Jeans / trousers / joggers / shorts
- Warm jumpers / sweatshirts.
- Shirts / t-shirts
- Pyjamas / nightdress
- Toiletries / towels
- Small rucksack, large enough for carrying lunch
- Purse / wallet for pocket money
- Named plastic bag for dirty washing
- Swim wear in an extra plastic bag with separate towel.
Optional items include;
- Hat / gloves / scarf
- 1 teddy or similar friend
- Camera
- Books / comics
- Stamped addressed postcard with your child's home address
Everything is to be named please!
All to be packed in a suitcase, clearly labelled with the child's name. Children will be required to carry their own luggage to their rooms (there will be stairs), please bear this in mind when packing their case.
The children will need a packed lunch, snacks and drinks on the first day. Please pack this in a disposable bag. They may bring boiled sweets only to eat during the journey.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
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