Ten Tors 2011

The Ten Tors event on Dartmoor had fewer Chew Valley participants than in previous years.  With Year 12 taking exams there was no 45 mile team this year.  Unfortunately only one Year 13 was able to maintain commitment to the 55 mile event and so Ashton Marshall joined the team of a neighbouring school and was able to improve on last year’s time by over fifteen minutes.

The 35 mile event saw enthusiastic competition for places from Y10.  In addition, Y9 students Gwillym Luckett, Miles Winter-Dent and Michael Hewitt represented the Wraxall Rangers in completing the 35 mile trek.

At Chew Valley a group of six hand-picked Year 10 students completed the gruelling Ten Tors challenge with flying colours. The six students – George Worle, Peter Miles, Katie Purchase, Emily Haberfield, Owen Burnell and Jake Rogers – spent two days trekking 35 miles over Dartmoor, carrying a full backpack and camping out overnight.

It is very difficult to define the impact that this challenge has had on our young people’s lives. They have fulfilled the Ten Tors saying that, “They are heroes. Without heroes we are all plain people and don’t know how far we can go.”

The team are incredibly grateful to all the staff who have given up so much time for them this year. Miss Hibbert has led them with drive, vigour and determination, ably supported by Mrs Nunn, Mr Hawkins, Ms Bailey, Mr Parfitt and Mr Gaynor. Ex-teacher Mr Tucker has also helped with the training sessions. Without this dedication none of the above would have been possible. Chew Valley School has a long and proud history in the event and Year 10 have shown that the future is in very capable hands too.