It was the last night so Mike ensured we were to dine at the poshest resauraunt in town. This included one HELL of a three course meal, numerous virgin Pini Coladas' and ice cold soft drinks. Although it was sad to see our last night in Barbados we were able to reflect upon the tour as a whole and it was a time for both the teachers and students to be recognised for their efforts and achievments throughout the tour.

The student recognitions vaired from light hearted certifications such as Cleo's award for the largest bikini wardrobe and Chessie's use of 'bird-poo' suncream, to the more serious awards recognising the tours most consistent Netball players for each team and the most improved players. The winners of these awards included;

Team B Most improved player: Anna Morton

Team B Player of the tour: Laura Lyth

Team A Most improved player: Grace Righton

Team A Player of the tour: Bethan Wookey

Under 17's Most improved player: Jess Friend

Under 17's Player of the tour: Jess Barlow.

Not only was it a night to identify the students achievments but also one to both recognise and thank the teachers for all their efforts and hard work that was put into the tour in order to make it such a memorable and enjoyable trip for us all. We awarded the teachers with gifts to remember their time here with us and the sunny island of Barbados and to reflect upon the fun times we have endured.

Today is our official last day upon the island and we are currently writing this blog and waiting for our coach to arrive and take us off to the airport. It is SAD times here as we are also very hot and recovering from sun burn. Our team mascot for today was allocated to Laura who has the unenviable task of getting Eeyore photographed in the cockpit with the pilot. You will see how she does when we upload the photo/attempted photo later on tomorrow.

Overall everyone has had the most amazing time in Barbados and we all have great tans to prove it. Not only this, the three teams have bonded well together and it has been great getting to know people from the different years under such fantastic circumstances. Now... we just don't want to come home!

But we shall all be home again soon, in rainy england.

Not looking forward to seeing you.

Love Sasa and Jess

xX

We all woke up for brekkie at 8am and stuffed our bellies ready for our adventurous day on the Catamaran. After the beautifying of the squad, Patrick boarded his bus and set sail on the journey to the Boatyard :)

The Crew waved us aboard and we all walked the Pirate Pier to jump on deck of 'Heatwave'!! Sail up, suncream on, sipping virgin pina coladas we began our 5 hour voyage across the coasts and seas of Barbados.

Our first stop and we were kitted with the very attractive and flattering orange life jackets (mandatory to wear) and snorkling gear.We looked the part and plunged into the not so surprisingly warm clear blue water. It took a few of us a couple of practises to not swollow the salty sea but we continued to look for turtles. Our waterman fed the turtles and soon enough, like we were guarenteed, they started to surface. Several screams and a few panics and a small group of girls accepted their defeat from the turtles ( back on board they went). TURTLES RULE THE ROCKS!!!

It didn't take much for our girls to bust some moves, all it took was a bit of Sean Paul! A very lovely American couple that were very lucky to be sharing their experience with us Campdeners were eager to take a group picture to send to their teenage sons who did not join them, perhaps they were visiting South Africa?!!

Shipwreck stop: Kitting up once again, the girlies jumped into the blue water. Following a crew member he directed us through the water and to the shock of most, over the top of an actual shipwreck. Fishes galore coming at you left right and centre, LITERALLY, we went in search of the coral. On arrival of our wanted destination there was a magical array of colour, fishes and soggy bread! A picture perfect moment.

Back on Heatwave and onto our lunch location they lowered the anchor and the team jumped once more into the water, with a tiring and seemingly never ending swim to shore we got our pictures and shells and we were then called back, ready to tuck into our feast! Nom nom. Fish,chicken,rice,potato salad,salad,coleslaw and garlic bread we sat on top deck and munched away as one big happy family from France. Ice-cream for pud pud, chocolate or vanilla, whatta treat :D

Before long, sails were set again ( by Laura and helped along with Amy and crew!)we were on the home straight increasing speed back to base :(.

Party time. Before long everyone was on their feet following the king of dance in his multicoloured wig, followed by a special announcement that Mrs.Tranter was being ordered to get up and dance to a local track especially played for her 6th year anniversary today!! Everyone laughing and enjoying themselves, feeling like a true Bajan at the Barbados carnival!!

With sad faces but MASSIVE cheers we thanked crew, teachers and fellow Catamaran cruisers for a faultless experience.

Unfortunately our time is up and our tour is coming to an end, we speak on behalf of the whole squad, eeyore and Mike when we say BIG LOVE TO PARADISE ISLAND and thank you for making it so special. Peace out :D

Written with hope that we we will bring back Barbados to Britain Laura Lyth and Brogan Barnett :)

What an evening was Thursday night!!! If an Italian main wasn't enough what about a Spanish Fiesta for pudding?!!  

We all had a fantastic third evening at Spagos! Followed by a short trip back to 1st Street for a Karaoke night to remember! With four of our most talented voices setting the scene! First up was Cleo with her amazing version of "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, after which she sang "Empire State of Mind" by Alicia Keys!  Next up was Jess Friend singing "Sway" by Micheal Buble as well as her own version of "Summer Time" The rest of the evening was ocupied by Sophie Beresford and Jess Friend. Laura Lyth concluded the evening with two amazing songs and really suprized everyone after some gentle persuasion. 

Who'd of thought they would be singing in Barbados as well as playing Netball!

This Morning Eeeyore was given to Jess Barlow, for her misunderstanding last night, while walking back to the resort. When she questioned Mike (our Tour guide) "Is Denmark in England??" Everyone found this very funny!!

After nominating Eeeyore we all set off (without Patrick!) to our last set of matches in the National Stadium. First on was the Under 17's and the B team (under 16's) GOOD NEWS! Both teams won! With the Under 17's winning 20-4, player of the match was Jess Barlow! Well Done Jess! And for the Under 16's (B team) it was 28-0, which was a fantastic victory! The player of the match was Laura Lyth! And for the first time this tour the A team (Under 16's) won!!!!!!!! The player of the match was Rosie Clarke! And the unforgettable score was 33-4!! WOW!!!!! 

Whilst tanning under the mid-day sun, it was definately the hottest matches yet, however our spirits were not burnt, as everyone was a winner!!!!

HORRAY! What a great day for Campden!!

Written by Holly Bradshaw and Kitty Teague.

The morning of Wednesday the British weather decided to make an appearence at All Seasons Resort. Many of us were awoken by the heavy rain, not to mantion the snoring also. However we were not expecting the rain to last the entire day; the sun not making a single appearence.

However our spirits were not disheartened as we soon discovered the white beaches and tranquil coast line. We swam in through the deep, blue Caribbean Sea where the waves allowed us to travel towards the floating, but unbouncy trampoline. Everyone enjoyed the free drinks, a few too many for some, with toilet breaks occuring frequently. After several of us perused the gift shop, many of us buying 'crew' t-shirts.

A quick dash in the shower and we were out again in dazzling outfits with Patrick (on time), the bus driver, to the Roots and Rythms show. The journey was all the more bearable as Catherine and Cleo dueted 'Empire State of Mind', and we relived the songs of yester-year. Eeeyore sadly did not accompany us due to SOPHIE'S incompitance! (We wandered whether he had taken a trip to China!?)

With some cheesy adverts and delicious traditional cuisine, the show commenced, delivering a spectical of Bajan babes and historical culture, not forgetting the 12ft high stilt walkers.

Amy took part in a limbo competition, but was narrowly beaten (FIXED) by an amature gymnast.

We congoed our way home and many of us danced our way (Bajan style) to our beds.

The next morning our breakfast was temporarily delayed due to the 'newbies' taking our slot and eating our pancakes, to Roise's dissapointment. We soon were off and ready to play our fourth fixture of the week.

The B team began first but were soon joined by the A team on a second court. This made the lives of the Sixth Form spectators very difficult. The B team lost 15-5 but fought all the way, with Anna Morton recieving player of the match. The A team came up against some tough opposition once again but lost 23-8. Cleo Alexiou was player of the match.

The Sixth Forms stumbled out onto the court in the extreme heat, but battled through to there second win of the tour. The score was 13-2 with Amy Furness getting player of the match.

We have decided that one of the main reasons for our limited success is due to the Bajan's jumping like Kangaroos from Australia. Therefore this is another skill we will adopt when returning, so other English schools had better watch out!

Written by Emily Lyth, Rosie Clark, Tizzy Allen and Sasa Cromack.

Monday afternoon arrose. The girls pinned back their hair and put on their dresses, ready and raring for their second game. These matches were against the National Under 16 squad. As we travelled down to the netball stadium, the spirits were high, as was the temperature. The year 12's kicked off first, giving the Barbados team a run for their money, unfortunately we are not as trained to the heat as much as they are. The final score ended at 18 - 10 to Barbados. Player of the match was awarded to Tizzy Allen who managed to score some tremendous, well earnt goals.

Next to play were th Under 16 B team. Again, Barbados came out better with a 15 - 6 win but this did not affect the team play as they didn't give up. The determination was always there. Player of the match went to Anna Morton who showed great, nifty, centre court playing.

After two well played games, the A team were well under pressure to keep spirits high. Barbados triumphed again, with a score of 28 - 4, however we don't feel the score reflects the play of the team. Player of the match went to Brogan Barnett. Again, a well deserved award. She showed some terrific shooting, as well as centre court play, showing that you are a player and not a position.

In despite of losing all 3 games, again, each team improved tremendously and are learning from the Bajans' play. One thing which stood out the most was the Bajans' velcro hands, which managed to bring in the ball on one hand from a distance, before controlling the ball, ready for the next pass. We have also noticed it is a much more physical game and many of us have realised we need to toughen up. So watch out England Schools. When we return in September, brown skin is not the only thing we'll bring back from Barbados!!!!

Our next match was arranged and changed by the teachers and Barbados coach to a more suitable level, still being very high. This was the National Sports Summer Camp teams who we will continue to play against throughout our time here. Because of the change, we now play in the mornings, with a blazing sun and short rainfalls. It's like being in the Amazon Rainforst in Brazil! Heat is high but rain occurs for only a short while, so no need to worry Ms France. The EDUCATIONAL tanning is going fab!

First to play were the Under 16 A team. The first quarter, they were drawing 3 - 3 and the game was very intense. As the game progressed, Barbados were coming back harder than before. The competitive spirit was alive. The score ended at 20 - 10 to Barbados. From the score, you can see that we let the heat get the better of us but all the same, we were very proud. Cleo Alexiou was awarded player of the match after great defending as well as shooting.

Next up were the Under 17s who kicked off the game better than the Barbados teams as after the first quarted they were winning 4,4. But it just gets better. We thought it was too good to be true! The final score was 16 - 11 to CHIPPING CAMPDEN... FINALLY! Player of the match went to Jess Barlow for her pure excellent play. We were definately on a high now... but how long could this last?

The fighting B team came out strong, and finished the first quater scoring 4 goals, to 0! An excellent start. It didnt stop there. They continued to excell, and by the 3rd quater they were winning 15 - 1... Could they keep it up, or was weather going to defeat them? (heavy bursts of rain, and strong shining sun). By the end of the match, the scored stood at 21 - 1, showing great defence and shooting. Player of the match went to Emily Lyth, a well deserved accolade.

Whilst matches were being played, several members of the squads decided to learn some cultural dancing! Hopefully photos to prove it.

What a great 2 days!

Written by Abi Stock, Bethan Wookey and Laura Lyth.

On sunday evening, after a long day on the island safari, room 27 (Laura and Emily Lyth, Rosie Clark and Bethan Wookey), were ready for a refreshing shower and to then venture out to the American Sports Bar and restaurant, Bubbas, with the rest of the squad. Laura was feeling very at home and decided to deposit her heavy load in the en-suite SHARED, i repeat SHARED, restroom. Bethan was resting on her bed after a bumpy ride on the safari, when Laura anxiously emerges from the restroom....

She says, "Bethan. I have a little situation." - Little did we know at the time, it was NOT a little situation. Infact, it was the talk of the night, and also, the next day. Laura continued to explain the matter to Bethan, leaving them both in hysterics, whilst Rosie looked on dismay and lead to Emily running between the apartments to fill the girls in on the situation. Laura's rather large load had blocked the toilet. The toilet was unable to flush, even after several attempts. The toilet would swirl round and the water would vanish, unfortuantely not taking the load with it and with each flush, the water rose higher and higher..

But then it goes on....

Before long, one of the girls from the other room rushes in to assess the situation.

"What are you going to do?" She wisely asks.

Understandably, Laura, a shade of pink, says, "We must tell a teacher, but not Mrs Tranter because I will be put up as a nominee for Eeyore and I could spare the embarassment. Lets ask Ms Sojka?"

Wise girl (Holly) replies "What are you going to say to her? Laura's load is stuck in the toilet but don't tell Mrs Tranter because Laura doesn't want Eeyore!?" At which point Bethan turns around to see Ms Sojka standing in the doorway - oh dear.

"Just give it one final flush" Ms Sojka says, (after Bethan described the sitaution in full detail.) Ms Sojka at that point was also laughing. Laura wanders back in to the bathroom and follows orders. She emerges a couple of minutes later slamming the door (and the smell) behind her in bitter embarassment. The toilet was still not flushing.

Ms Sojka decides it is her duty to step in. She slowly grasps the door handle and goes to turn, unfotunately the door handle, not turning with her hand, as it was now locked. ONCE AGAIN, thanks to Laura.  Somehow, she had managed to lock herself and everybody else out of the bathroom. The girls spent about 20 minutes trying to open the door, but after no sucess they resorted to informing the hotel staff. The hotel staff sent a gardener to unlock the door?! After 30 minutes of sweat, blood and tears of laughter, the door is opened and so the smell was released, hitting us all like a train. The plumber was busy that evening and so the gardener told the girls that the plumber would be with them in the morning, to sort out the sticky mess. With that, Ms Sojka, plunge at the ready, armed with a towell covering her nose and mouth says, "Right girls..... I'm going in." 5 minutes later, which seemed like the longest 5 minutes of her life, she emerged gasping for breath. "No hope." She said. She had only stirred up the situation more - LITERALLY. Ms Sojka opened the window to the bathroom and shut the door. "You girls will have to use other bathrooms this evening. No one should enter this room, if you want to live."

The story of Laura's disaster had spread around the team as quickly as the smell had spread around the room. Perhaps Laura should have gone to Canada for her netball tour, as large logs are very common over there!

The next morning, the toilet is unblocked to Room 27's delight. Laura, still bursting exictement, decides to christen the unblocked toilet. Excited when the even larger load disappears, she slams the door behind her and screams. A few minutes later, the loo is needed again. Once again, the door fails to open. Laura had done it again, atleast this problem wasn't as smelly as the last and was sorted by the gardener promptly once again.

By Laura Lyth (Laura Log-out Lyth), Abi Stock and Bethan Wookey.

After tanning it up by the pool with our cricket waiters, we got ready for a night on the town to celebrate Jess Barlows' birthday in style. A long, very hungry walk to an Italian restaurant, although only half turned up on time leaving the year 12's to preene themselves in the mirrors!

The food, obviously impersonating Italy's finest, was scrumptious... leaving us all struggling to make our way down to a local bar, for our NON alcoholic cocktails! After a few hours of partying hard in an empty bar we were thrilled to see some yummy boys arriving! Unfortunately, Mrs Tranter & co left the boys bedazzled by their fantastic dance moves, and their eyes were no longer on us girls :( after a short time of wooing the boys, we decided to take the staff home, before they became friskier than they already were.

We all promptly turned up for breakfast at 7.30 am the next day, however, our rep, Mike look decidedley worse for wear. He was unanomously voted to care for our 29th member- (eyore the team mascot), for trying to behave half his age.

So with eeyore and Mike at the ready, we cracked onto our jeeps to begin our adventure.

As the jeeps sped up and down, over the rocky and windy roads, the girls were excited to experience something they hadnt before, with the exception of Laura, who suffers from extremely horrible travel sickness.. but managed to battle on through the day and actually cracked a smile more than once!

The island safari took us to many beautiful, sandy and blue beaches, allowing us to finally PADDLE in the sea! We also went through a forest (or jungle) according to Rosie D!

Finally we made it to our final destination... LUNCH! We arrived to more fruit cocktails, and a fantastic buffet lunch, some of us tucking in more than others. On our journey home, Mike decided to uncaringly throw our mascot out of the jeep, leaving him lying on the floor to be crushed by the jeep behind. We were NOT happy, however, we soon got our own back on Mike by soaking him with water! (Just in case you are worrying - Eeyore is now alive and well again!)

After a day of adventure and exploring the beautiful island, we all made it home safely from our frantic drive! The sun was shining, and the pool was empty, enticing us to jump in.

After yet another tropical rainstorm, we're sat in the sun, topping up the tans before our meal tonight.

Written by Amy Furness & Grace Righton

Beautiful breakfast, this breakfast was beautiful to the lips, a taste sensation!. When they lifted the lid of the buffet dishes a sweet sweet smell of scrambled eggs wafted and soon filled our nostrels, they were then cleared by the incredible pancakes which were incredible. However a moment on the lips forever on the hips, the pancakes were American style, with proper maple syrup which I suspect was imported from the U.S.A its self!. There was then a beautiful array of breakfast cereals which we all delved into with much delight and excitment.

Anyways... we soon had to get off to our first match, which we were all pretty nervous about! Later arriving at the Barbados staduim we limbered up in our super hot netball dresses and Bridget Jones netball knickers. The match was tough for all Chipping Campden players as we had not yet adjusted to the heat but we fought like tigers in the Indian jungle, however are mighty attempts did not quite go to plan as we all lost our matches! :) But we were not dispirited as we had powerade by our side and were soon perked up for the night ahead.

As we arrived at the hotel motel holiday it was fair to say we were all desperate for showers and food, so we quickly got showered dressed and ready for the evening departure. Destination- Just Grillin', after a few baby hiccups in the ordering we had a grand ol' time! and enjoyed our grilled sandwiches and fruit punches. When we hit homebase we hit the shack and went to catch a few winks.

Saturday was our chilling day, and was very casual after we had our breakfast we had some relaxing time by the pool trying to catch the rays, which Sasa Cromack did and I have to say is now looking like a Bajan Babe!

We later then went to the nations capital Bridgetown to do some local shopping. We went off in groups of 3 and got some food in. We are now being waited on at the pool by the cricket team.

Jeep safari tomorow should be amazing so if you want to know you will have to get your self back on here tomorow!

Written superbly and with not one gramatical error, Rosie Davidson and Catharine Cromack.

Well what an interesting journey that was! Firstly, for all you parents who thought that it was an early start yesterday, give some thought to poor Mrs Sojka who was so worried about her alarm not working, it transpires that she arrived at school at 1.00am yesterday and slept in her car! She also deliberately hid from the D of E group who left just before us so that they didn't think it was strange!

Anyway, despite starting with 24 girls we arrived here with just the 23. Tizzy decided that she was still unsure about making the journey so she thought that she would like to spend a few more hours in England just to make sure! We were all wondering though if she decided instead to join the all male group who were off to Zante, Greece for their holidays instead? It appears however that she has decided that she would like to join us but thought that it would be nice to arrive fashionably late - we will be going to collect her in a couple of hours. 23 will once again become 24.

After a trouble free flight and far too much food we arrived in Barbados at about 5.00pm. All girls were quickly packed onto the bus and after a 30min journey we soon arrived at the hotel. Due to the delay we very quickly had to get changed in order to make our 8.00pm dinner reservation. By this time the lack of sleep and the long journey was starting to affect everyone. Rosie Davidson is now the proud (or maybe not so) guardian of Eeor after decisding to try and keep herself cool by dropping ice cubes down her top! Abi Stock narrowly missed out on this honour after asking for a hamburger without the ham! Despite many of the girls virtually falling asleep in their food we finally made it back to the hotel and bed.

This morning was spent food shopping before a quick dip in the pool before our first fixture this afternoon. The weather is lovely and hot (Mrs Tranter particularly likes the sun - not!) so plenty or water and Powerade is being drunk in preparation. Balls have been pumped up and water bottles filled and we are ready to go!

A visit to the capital tomorrow so check back then to find out how our first fixtures went. Keep the comments coming ...