A number of activities were available to both children and staff, to give everyone an idea of the options available in the Army.

“It’s been a real season of two halves, and like they say Football’s a funny old game! I need to rebuild my squad for next season, and hope the school board are willing to finance any transfers we may need.”

The board were unavailable for comment……

“Crookhey Hall senior team maintained their 100% record with a by no means easy win over Witherslack.

The conditions dictated that this would be a scrappy game and there was no disappointment there. After a perfect start with goals from S. Lewis and J. Kirkby, Witherslack looked like they were just another victim for the in-form side. Then Witherslack remembered they were here to play football; and play they did.

Witherslack scored an impressive first goal only for Crookhey Hall to answer with their third, and J. Kirkby’s second. Again Witherslack turned on the style and brought the score to 3-2. Crookhey’s nerves began to show and Witherslack looked like they were going to get an equaliser.

Eventually some of the more experienced Crookhey players rallied together to score two more goals to make the final score 5-2.”

Scorers -

J Kirkby - 2

S Lewis - 1

C Howarth - 2

This was however the final game of Mr Manning’s football refereeing and coaching career at Crookhey Hall, as he is to move on to pastures new in the very near future. We shall miss his knowledge and experience on the field, however we do look forward to a few more decisions going our way. Good luck Sir!!!

Mrs Jura from Crookhey Hall recently took a number of boys on their inaugural farm visit. She came back with this report:

July 2009 saw two Key Stage 3 groups make visits to the newly opened Greenlands Farm Village based in North Lancashire. Newly opened meant new farm animals and a wide variety of babies were certainly there, ranging from day old piglets and chicks to tiny lambs - all willing to be bottle fed by willing hands…..and there were many on the days that we visited.

Roger, the owner of Greenlands, greeted us and took us for a tour around the farm. So much to see…..and cuddle! The piglets were a great success with all - even those who showed initial reluctance. The trick is to roll up your sleeves and allow them to feel the warmth on your skin. Leon and Jamie definitely decided that they would like to adopt one. Shame it didnt fit into their pockets! We’d have had an extra passenger in the Minibus on the way home.

Of course all trips have to have an extra special treat (as if the tour round the far wasn’t enough!). Theres a delightful ice cream parlour near by and they were just waiting to be sampled. Liquorice?! Turkish Delight?!. These creamy delicacies went down a treat and were definitley given the thumbs up. As for Mr Taylor….? Well, he’s a fresh cream, jam and scone man. Not a crumb wasted!

Please be aware that the editor of this blog does in no way condone the stroking of pigs or eating of ice cream without adult supervision…..

Hospitality and Catering was just one of the new vocational courses to be offered to the pupils at the end of the last school year;  Small Animal Care, Multi Trade Construction and Land Based Horticulture the others.

The pupils were instructed on their first dish of Tomato soup, and the results were available to all who were offered at lunchtime. All the reviews that came back were very positive, and the first Michelin star could well be in the bag!!

Mr Creed came back with the following report,

“Task - Attempt to cross the plains of Knowsley Safari Park (without damaging the school minibus)!!

Date - 16/07/09

Time - 1100

Daring duo - Miss Lee & Mr Creed

Crack Team of explorers - Kieran, Anthony, Jordan, David, Grant & Tom

Debrief - Having succesfully evaded the jaws of the pride of lions, been bombarded by baboons, sprinted past the ostrich, crept under the giraffe, gained some wise words from the elephants and received some truth from the sea lions, we emerged unscathed to live another day. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!”