Day 4: The Final Chapter at St Briavels

We could hardly believe it. Our final day at St Briavels had arrived and somehow the week had flown by faster than a trebuchet projectile heading towards an unsuspecting castle tower.

For the first time all week, all of the children were sound asleep as we made our way around the castle to wake them for one last day of adventure. With cases packed and only a few stray socks, underpants and hidden sweets needing to be reunited with their owners, the children stripped their beds and headed down for breakfast.

Of course, no morning would be complete without another instalment of Tea with Tom. What started as a small gathering has now become a phenomenon. A record-breaking 17 pupils attended today's cuppa and catch-up and several more children were successfully converted to the art of tea drinking. Pinky fingers were proudly raised and plenty of chitter chatter helped us ease into our final day.

The morning was a relaxed one. Children taught staff complicated clapping games and songs that seemed to require superhuman levels of coordination. In return, staff taught the children card games, although there is some debate over who was actually learning from whom.

Eventually, it was time for our final activities.

Half of the group headed off to take part in Attack the Castle. The challenge was simple in theory but much harder in practice. Teams had to build strong towers and fortifications while defending them from enemy attacks. The weapons of choice? Trebuchets loaded and ready for action! Every direct hit was met with huge cheers as carefully constructed towers exploded into piles of rubble. It turns out Year 5 have a surprising talent for launching missiles. Should I be worried?

Meanwhile, the other half of the group took part in the activity I had been most looking forward to all week: the castle tour.
Adrien guided us through the Norman castle and shared stories about its fascinating and sometimes terrifying history. We explored different rooms and learnt about the people who once lived there. We also discovered where some of our staff had been staying during the week.

Mrs Wallis had been sleeping in what used to be the prison cells. Upon closer inspection, we could see carvings and marks left behind by prisoners who had been locked away for years with very little food or warmth. Their crime? In many cases, simply owing money. Things became even creepier when we learnt about the room above the prison where executions once took place. Bodies would hang outside the prison walls and, according to local stories, guests staying in the castle have sometimes reported hearing strange noises, creaking ropes and unexplained sounds drifting through the arrow slits. Suddenly, everyone seemed quite pleased that checkout time was approaching.

We learnt about the portcullis, the moat and many of the castle's defensive features. However, the highlight for most of the children was discovering the room occupied by Mrs Walkinshaw and Mrs Murray.This room contained an oubliette, which comes from a French word meaning "to forget". After lifting a large rug, a hidden trapdoor revealed a deep, dark pit stretching around 30 feet below. Prisoners would be thrown down and quite literally forgotten about.

As if that wasn't unsettling enough, this is also considered the most haunted part of the castle. Stories tell of guests having their feet pulled during the night, duvets mysteriously tugged away and strange cries echoing from the darkness below. It is fair to say that Mrs Walkinshaw and Mrs Murray were not entirely impressed that I had chosen their accommodation for the week. Thankfully, we were heading home soon because I suspect sleep would have been in short supply otherwise!

After our final activities, we sat outside in the shade for lunch and reflected on an incredible week. Some children were genuinely upset and she a tear over the fact that it was all coming to an end. That says everything about what a fantastic time they have had.

The journey home provided one final opportunity for Year 5 to impress us. Despite travelling on what can only be described as a giant moving oven, there was remarkably little moaning. Instead, the children sang songs, played games and spent the journey chatting about their favourite moments from the week. The soundtrack of the coach was, unsurprisingly, I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys after I may or may not have started singing it on the River Wye yesterday. The adapted lyrics of "Tell me WYE... ain't nothing but a river..." seemed to catch on rather quickly. I can only apologise to parents if this was still being sung when your children arrived home.

Throughout the week, the children have challenged themselves, shown resilience, supported one another and created memories that will last for years to come. Whether they were paddling down the River Wye, launching projectiles at castles, fencing like knights or laughing with friends at the medieval banquet, they embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, courage and a huge sense of fun.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Wallis, Mrs Walkinshaw and Mrs Murray. Residential trips simply would not be possible without the dedication of staff who are willing to give up precious time with their own families and loved ones. Their care, patience, attention and endless support throughout the week have helped ensure that every child had the very best experience possible. They have comforted tired children, celebrated successes, solved problems, encouraged bravery and somehow managed to survive on very little rest themselves.

Together, they have helped create a week of memories that the children will carry with them for a lifetime.

As we stepped off the coach, there were tired faces, lots of stories to tell and more than a few children already asking when we could come back.

St Briavels, you've been unforgettable!