Day 3- WHAT. A. DAY!

This morning, the children emerged from their dorms a little bleary-eyed, but absolutely buzzing with excitement for the day ahead. After fuelling up on yet another delicious breakfast (honestly, we’re all starting to expect silver service at home), we packed up our gear and got ready for an epic canoeing adventure on the River Wye.

While we waited for the mini-buses to arrive, the gardens became our playground. Picture orienteering, heroes and villains, wink murder, and the ever-chaotic Zip, Zap, BOING! — if you’ve never seen a group of children trying to remember the rules of that game mid-laughter, you haven’t lived. Some even managed a spot of impromptu gymnastics. I was kindly coached through a handstand… and lived to tell the tale. Result!

Eventually, our trusty mini-buses turned up and whisked us down to the riverbank, where we suited up in lifejackets and helmets and grabbed our paddles. Spirits were high. Energy levels? Questionable. But off we went — and wow, what an adventure!

The canoeing was absolutely EPIC. I don’t use that word lightly. The children paddled their hearts out, showing off incredible teamwork, heaps of resilience, and enough laughter to echo through the Wye Valley. We soaked in the stunning scenery, sang songs, and somehow avoided too many splash fights (well… sort of). And as if the day couldn’t get any better — we were allowed to cool off in the river near the end.

STAND BACK — CANNONBALL INCOMING!
(Yes, it was loud. Yes, it was glorious. Yes, it was me.)

After drying off and heading back to base for lightning-fast showers, we transformed from soggy adventurers into medieval royalty (well… mostly). The children dressed up for the medieval banquet where the “lords and ladies” (aka the staff) graced the head table, and the “peasants” (don’t worry, they loved it) sat along long banqueting tables.

The feast was nothing short of legendary: piping hot vegetable soup with crusty rolls, followed by roast chicken, vegetables, and the crispiest of potatoes. And then… THE HONEY CAKE. Honestly, if I could smuggle a tray of it home, I would. Between courses, we were treated to riddles, stories, and historical shenanigans by our hosts. Even the fussiest of eaters couldn’t resist the medieval magic.

With full bellies and slightly wobbly walkways (that honey cake hits hard), the children headed out for some final garden games before making their way to their rooms for some late-night nitter-natter.

Tonight is, sadly, our last night here at St Briavels, and as I write this, I can’t stop smiling. I am bursting with pride for every single child. They’ve thrown themselves into every moment — with courage, laughter, and boundless energy (even when I had none left). They’ve made lifelong memories with their friends, shown kindness, curiosity, and such brilliant character.

I’ve had the absolute privilege of teaching this group for the past two years, and I will miss them terribly next year. Truly — they are one of a kind.

We’ve got one more morning of adventure before we head back, and we aim to return by 4pm. We’ll send out an ETA once we’re on the road and moving.

Until then — thanks for sharing your wonderful children with us.
They’ve made this trip unforgettable.

Tom