Wet and wild at Chessington

Hello everyone and welcome to Adventures in Boarding, the Ashford School boarding blog. We will introduce you to some of our members next week, but first an adventure at the World of Adventures.

Adventurers

Though a smudgy blanket of cloud had settled over the M25 and begun to spatter its raindrops somewhat absent-mindedly across the landscape, it hadn’t dampened the atmosphere aboard the boarders’ coach for Chessington World of Adventures.

Filing though the gates of the park, bright umbrellas began to sprout amongst the group and waterproofs were shuffled on epitomising the spirit of ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ as they dispersed toward the many attractions.

Accessiorising Chessington style

Aiming for a leisurely start, a number of the group headed for the zoo. While the gorillas were taking a rain check, Mehnaz and her group marvelled at the languid majesty of the Asiatic lions and the Sumatran tigers.

Down at Sea Lion Bay, teachers Mr Kadinopoulos and Mrs Byles were educated and entertained by Danté who, with his trainer, demonstrated the differences between sea lions and seals, the dangers posed to his kin in the wild by both sharks and people (plastic) and even indulged in a spot of front-flipper break dancing – has to be seen to be believed.

Mr Single, though, headed straight for the rides, first taking on the bone-juddering Rattlesnake. Snake hunter turned paparazzi at the lunchtime roll-call as Mr S snapped away, producing grins and groans aplenty with cries of “Just one, more. That’s it! Nice big smile! Just one more!”

It's scarier than it looks

Its behind you!

Back with the animals it was feeding time too, though all agreed we’d rather stick to our sandwiches than join the tigers in their enthusiastic dismembering of ‘rancid horse’, while in the Creepy Cave Mrs Single distinguished herself with her knowledge of all things lizard.

Sumatran take away.

The reptilian theme of the afternoon continued in Wild Asia as both boarders and teachers braved the spinning, swinging Cobra ride, though reactions were varied. Some, who shall remain unnamed, clung on for dear life. Terrence and Caviar, however, flung their arms in the air while wearing face-splitting smiles and Frank sat cross-legged, arms behind his head as if enjoying a nap on a sunny Sunday morning.



Various thoughts on the Cobra

Back at the meeting point, it was clear that many had enjoyed much success at the park’s various ball games – Vladimir and Faisal clutching bespectacled ‘Minions’ – the Top Shot award though should probably go to Yana who left with a bag full of stuffed toys!





Minion 2



Minion 1

 

 

A busy day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More happy snapping followed with YiJin doing a hilarious and quite passable impression of Mr S! 

Everyone was full of smiles – Jonathan grinning from ear to ear as he told us about his encounter with ‘The Vampire’ –and everyone agreed that, despite the weather, it had been a thoroughly enjoyable day (many were even planning a return trip).

As with all trips, thanks must go to the staff (especially Mr Single) for making it possible and giving up their Saturday for the children and to our boarders for being such happy and courteous ambassadors of Ashford School. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to many more Saturday afternoon adventures!