Last weekend saw 30 students competing in the annual Ten Tors challenge event. The extreme conditions in the days leading up to the event coupled with the exceptional amount of rainfall meant that for a while the whole event hung in the balance. At one point it seemed unlikely we would even be able to put up our tents because of the wind. However Friday, although grey and dull, was much drier and less windy. So cakes made ,equipment packed and checked we all set off from the college at 9.ooam to make our way down to Okehampton camp. Bideford College itself had three teams: the 35 mile team of Zo Gardner (team leader), Aiden Toase, James Vanstone, Lilli Day, Steven Cox and Scott Braunton. the 45 milers Robbie Murray ( team leader), Alice Allin, Joe Trapnell, Aaron Rowland Jack, Blight and Cameron Weir and the hard core 55 milers ,Joe Baker, Dan Talbot, Marc Day, Beth Weir, Edward Gibbett and Ben Tolley. For this very special group of young people this event was to mark the end of an era, having walked together for 5 years and taken part in and successfully completed five Ten Tors challenges together. Dartmoor chose this weekend to throw its hottest, boggiest self at the competitors but despite these challenging conditions all three teams successfully completed the challenge with only 2 fallouts.

Also taking part for the Bideford Youth Network 35 mile team were Robert Herman (team Leader),Christian Hocking, Elliot Somerville, Alex Vizor, Richard Page, and Isaac Burnett. The 45 mile team  Alex Clarke, Connor Allsop, Drew Mackenzie, Matthew Branch, Alex Ferriday and Miles Lemmer. Unfortunately the 35 mile group were reduced to 3 people following injury and blisters and completed the event after joining up with the Bideford College 35 mile team who happened to be walking the same route. The 45 milers too lost one team member to injury but completed the event with the five remaining team members in good time.

CONGRATULATIONS to those who completed this year’s Ten Tors it was a tough one. After months of training you had your chance to shine and that you did. Your leaders, your college, families and friends are all so very proud of you but most of all you should be proud of yourself, YOU DID IT!!!!!

PRESENTATION EVENING – Thursday 12th July at 7pm in the Devon Hall