Page 10 - Abberley Adventures - Issue 8

ABBERLEY ADVENTURES 10 ABBERLEY ADVENTURES Riding
Thirty one riders eagerly anticipated their riding lessons in in the the arena and and hacks around the beautiful and and undulating Abberley Hall grounds as the new new school year got underway We had twelve new new riders so more riders than last term despite large numbers of children moving on to new schools at at the the end of the the Summer term Riding
at at Abberley is so popular that we have a a a a a waiting list too!
Autumn is actually the best term for riding as we tend to get better weather than in the the Summer Term This term so far has been marvellous A brilliant September and no rides missed as a a a a a a result of any rain In the the arena children have worked on on on their positions and control during exercises transitions and mounted games The older ones have also learnt to to lead their ponies towards the the the the field at the the the the end of the the the the ride The Gap Students are a a a a a boon They help when children need leading and also helping children to mount mount dismount check girths and stirrup lengths The The hacks allow some “real green feel” They have an opportunity to see parts of the the school grounds which they may not have previously encountered They have learnt how to ride up and and down hills and and in an open space as opposed to the the security of the the arena The older children have enjoyed some canters to the Clock Tower which calls for endless giggling and chatting back to the yard! Riding
on hacks gives a a a a a a marvellous opportunity to learn about poisonous plants the ancient trees in the the grounds and to glimpse the the magnificent stag We hope to continue riding throughout the next half of term but as ever this will depend on on the the the weather If the the the ground cuts up due to ponies churning it up after bouts of rain then to prevent ruining the the grass structure ponies will have to to return to to their homes Although this would be a a a a a a shame we need grass for next year The pony field will have a a a a a a complete rest from 15th to to to 31st October and the ponies will return to to to some fresh grass We would like to to take this opportunity to to say a a a a a very heartfelt thanks to to the the extremely kind and generous owners who lend their ponies to to Abberley Hall Riding
really would not take place if it wasn’t for them Thank you so much!
Finally Mrs Pearson would like to remind us that “the art of riding is in in keeping your your pony between yourself and the ground” Whatever that means!
Music
We have had a a a a a a a great start to the the year in the the Music
Department Work has almost been completed on our new music space upstairs in Yates House and we will hopefully be able to to move into this wonderful new facility by Christmas We can’t wait to show you!
There are some fantastic musical events coming up to to look forward to to so please make a a a a note in your diaries:
» Friday 12th November – A A Night At The Musicals 6:30pm in the Ashton Hall Featuring all all children in in Years 3 to to 8 » Thursday 25th November – Evening Solos Recital 6:30pm in in the Ashton Hall This will be a a a a a a formal evening recital and the audience will will be be asked to dress up Parents of performers will will be be notified two weeks prior to this concert » Sunday 28th November – Drive Through Carols 5:30pm in front of of school for parents of of boarders followed by family buffet » Carol Services Performing Arts Showcases and general musical fun!!
We would like to to encourage children to to try an instrument out for a a a a trial lesson Any instrument is a a a a possibility so so have a a a a think and let me me know if there is anything that appeals to you Parents can let me know by email on toby dunham@abberleyhall co uk
Chapel
We have absolutely loved being being back in in in Chapel
this term and being being able to to sing together has been a a a a a joy We have welcomed various speakers including Keith Metcalfe Head of Malvern College John Sparks Director of Partnerships at Radley College and Reverend James Saunders Chaplain and Assistant Head at Uppingham Talks have been informative and and thought provoking and and the the singing by the the Junior and and and Chapel
choirs has been of a a a a a a a very high standard and and and wonderful to listen to Our Harvest Festival Service with the the whole of the the Prep school together in the the the the Chapel
was a a a a a lovely way to to celebrate the the the the end of the the the the first half of of term Mr Besley talked about the importance of of being grateful for what we have and and it was heart-warming to hear hear the children and and staff coming up with so many examples of what they are grateful for The Chapel
looked beautiful decorated with apples from the orchard and and and berries and and and greenery from the grounds Thank you to Mr Hiles and and and his his his outdoor ed ed group for doing this this so beautifully If anyone missed this this lovely service then it can be seen by clicking on this link