What a splendid weekend. Sixteen French children aged 14 to 17 have just experienced a couple of days at Monkton Combe. We came to row in the Bluefriars Small Boats Head, but unlike previous visits for this race, the stay was extended so that the children could see a little of school life at Monkton. They have all read Harry Potter so know all about houses and prefects but it was no less of a surprise to actually be confronted with it. Maybe it was even more of surprise because for them it was all just a story, up until this weekend.
The initial contact with English soil was not auspicious. After changing a burst tyre on the quayside in Portsmouth, we found ourselves locked in the port compound. We then had to negotiate our way out through the freight gate, not an easy task due to anti-terrorist laws! British officialdom can be just as awkward as the French.
Due to the late arrival the morning programme had be cut back and only a couple of hours were spent in class. The French children thought it was great and were really impressed with how well the English children spoke French. We hope the Monkton students found it equally instructive.
This was followed by a quick cultural visit to the Roman Baths and a wander around the town, certainly not the highlight of the stay, but a must do when in Bath. Supper with JMB was accompanied by videos. The selection was Mr Bean or Olympic rowing, the overwhelming choice was ROWING!
The race itself was a bit of a shock for those who have not been before. Our river in Nantes is wide with gentle bends and plenty of room for everyone. Some of our crews decided that the Avon need to be a widened a little and set about hacking down trees and carving sections off the bank with their oars. But it didn't rain and the conditions were perfect for racing. The organisation went well and everybody had a great day.
The icing on the cake was a disco in the school on Saturday night. This was a fantastic opportunity for the children to mix socially in a relaxed if noisy environment.
We are now on the ferry on the way back to Nantes, and eagerly looking forward to Montkon Bluefriars Small Boats Head 2005.