Monday 31st October 2016

After an excellent journey, we have all settled in well to Pendarren house. We have enjoyed our ‘croeso’ (welcome) which began with a light lunch and a tour of the grounds and local area, after getting kitted out with waterproofs and wellies.

Our tours involved exploring woodland and rolling hills, using our senses in the sensory garden and making friends with two horses named Findus and Lasagne. We also enjoyed a paddle (in wellies) in the local stream, during which some of us got wetter than others!

Everyone then warmed up with a hot shower, made up their beds and enjoyed a hearty supper before trying a little star gazing.

Ready for bed,  all the children are extremely happy and excited about the activities ahead of them. The Welsh weather has been particularly kind to us so far – long may it last!

Tuesday 1st November

All the children slept pretty well last night and the Welsh air is certainly encouraging healthy appetites. This morning some of the children visited the fascinating Raglan Castle.

We pretended to invade the castle and explored all the towers and dungeons, whilst hearing all about the history from the 1100s to the 1600s.

Other groups tried out the high ropes,  while some have been canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling. Fun and adventure for everyone.

We have already seen some excellent teamwork and witnessed the children pushing themselves to face fears and overcome difficulties. They are supporting each other brilliantly and we are incredibly proud of the way they are behaving and working together.

This evening’s entertainment is going to be a murder mystery, where children will hunt for clues scattered around the house and grounds by torchlight alone!

Wednesday 2nd November

Another beautiful morning here in gorgeous Wales! After a good sleep and poached eggs for breakfast, the children are now enjoying their morning activities; climbing, canoeing, an adventure journey, or a trip to the Big Pit Mining museum.

Today, Beverley arrived to join us and William headed back to school after his visit. He seemed disappointed to leave this magical place! After all the afternoon activities, the children and staff appreciated hot showers,  clean clothes and  some leisure time before we sat down to dinner. The children are all loving the activities and are approaching everything they do with enthusiasm and a sense of humour.

They are growing in confidence as the week goes on and are challenging themselves more and more to achieve new things; climbing to a higher part of the climbing wall, standing up in a canoe, or even eating their first ever toffee apple! They are full of exciting and funny stories which they will no doubt delight you with all weekend.

The opening of the tuck shop was unsurprisingly popular…

and tonight local storyteller, Daniel Morden, enthralled staff and children alike; a rare opportunity to sit down and nurture the imagination after such a busy few days. Thank you to the PSA for treating us to the storytelling!

Thursday 3rd November

After a hearty, hash browns breakfast, the last full day at Pendarren was full of more thrills and adventure. The children threw themselves into the day’s activities with enthusiasm and even more confidence. Activities included a trip to the national coal museum of Wales, the Big Pit which involved a trip down into the mines with an ex-miner and various realistic simulations.

There was a final opportunity to face our fears of water and heights,

before drying out, with the help of a mangle for drying our socks; we are certainly learning some impressive skills!

Following a delicious Fish and Chips supper, everyone dressed up for the Halloween disco which was a huge hit all round. The children had fun practising their dance moves and letting their hair down. Games were played and any leftover snacks were eagerly devoured, before a slightly later than normal bedtime!

Tomorrow morning we will begin the day with the mighty task of packing up all our belongings, before learning some essential survival skills in our final activity, bushcraft!

We are going to be very sad to leave this magical place but are looking forward to seeing our loved ones and catching up on some much needed rest.