Green Games ‘Went Better Than We Could Have Imagined’

“It was fun,” seemed to be the overwhelming consensus among all those taking part from Ivy Lane, Fairway, Hedgeway, Severnside, Beeches, Cedars, Foxes, Brooklands and Boveridge. Some teams had camped overnight at the college whilst others enjoyed seaside accommodation close by.

In beautiful sunshine and tranquil surroundings, the teams competed in a variety of games including welly wanging, egg and spoon races, a scarecrow competition and even goat wrangling.

Jenson, from Ivy Lane, particularly enjoyed the goat herding. “The goats were well behaved though they were a bit cheeky. I also did welly wangling and Dorset knob-throwing but welly wangling was my favourite.”

At the conclusion of the Green Games, staff, students and visitors were invited to tuck into a delicious vintage afternoon tea prepared by the college’s kitchen and housekeeping team.

Liz Scott, Vice Principal of Boveridge College and Beeches School, said the event went better than anyone could have imagined. She said: “The aim of the Green Games is for everyone to have fun, meet new people, enjoy the hospitality and the grounds in a sustainable way. I think we achieved that.

“Everyone said they had a super time. For the second year, we were lucky with the weather which played its part with the games bathed in beautiful sunshine from start to finish. We had a great turn-out of schools who took part and even some campers on site.

“We had pupils from Beeches school and some students from Boveridge helping out throughout the day. I hope we created magical memories for all the young people who took part. I would like to thank the whole Boveridge and Beeches team for coming together to host such a successful occasion.”

Feedback from the students

• Callum, from Cedars, said he enjoyed the day but “it’s been very hot”. He took part in the egg and spoon race, three-legged race and the scarecrow competition.
• Sky, from Severnside, said she’d taken part in the welly-wangling, Dorset knob-throwing and helped make ‘Bertha’ the scarecrow. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” she said. “We stayed overnight on a caravan site nearby and ate chicken nuggets on the beach.”
• Jake, from Brooklands, also enjoyed the competitions and overnight stay. “We stayed in a lodge nearby and went on Bournemouth beach. It’s been really fun.” Jake competed in goat herding, welly wanging and Dorset knob-throwing. “I think I did well,” he said. Indeed he did, scooping top shot in the welly wanging with a distance of 21 metres.
• Keen sportsman Austin, from Hedgeway, said he enjoyed taking part in all the activities on the day, including goat herding, Dorset knob-throwing and the egg and spoon race. “It’s been alright!” he declared.
• Sam, from Fairway, particularly enjoyed taking part in the three-legged race with teacher Mr Albutt. “That was the best bit,” he said. He was also part of the team representing Fairway in the goat herding competition. “The goat herding was fun although the goats kept escaping from their pen!”
• Mera, from Beeches, was celebrating after throwing her welly further than her friend ‘Bob’. “I really enjoyed the welly wanging. The whole day’s been amazing, great!”
• Charlie, from Boveridge, enjoyed the welly throwing. “I really ‘wanged’ those wellies,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s been great to be with the other schools and the weather has been lovely.”

I really enjoyed the welly wanging. The whole day’s been amazing, great!

The following day provided a more sensory experience for the students. Gamekeepers from the Cranborne Estate brought along weasels and stoats and talked about what they did. This was followed by a falconry display and the Green Games award ceremony.

The Results

Scarecrow Competition: 1st Severnside, 2nd Brooklands, 3rd Foxes

Wellie Wanging  Competition: Jake from Brooklands (21 metres)

Fastest Goat Herders: Fairway School

Dorset Knob Throwing: Austin from Hedgeway (28.8 metres)