Ridley 2013 Day 1

Day 1

40 kids arrived at 8am on Bank Holiday Monday ready and raring to go...where we were unsure as the staff at Killhope had informed us last Thursday that the lead mine was under 4ft of snow! However by 9.30am we had the phone call informing us that we had the all clear and that driver Lee could get his coach across the dales.

On the way we stopped off at the services to buy the traditional mascot, however Jess had bought the last big bear therefore we had to settle for a Mr. J sized pocket bear. Mr. Morris suggested that we should name the bear in honour of our boss Miss Whetstone as the whole trip is down to the months of hard work that she has put in, and unfortunately she cannot make the trip due to illness. Therefore may we introduce "J-bear," who was carried down't pit by Olivia.

Once at Killhope the pupils have explored the life of a miner, including a trip onto the levels dug into the hillside. Here the kids learnt about the explosive dangers that lay ahead for many of the workers. Some of the subsequent deaths were well dramatized during the evening role play activity, the best group winning a seasonal chocolate egg.

Before lights out there was a quick cream egg hunt around the Ridley grounds, and 50 eggs were well hidden and then well found within seconds. Overall a fantastic end to a great first day, let's hope for more good weather and plenty of laughter.

Mr J.