Sixty years of boating for Steyning students

This year marked the 60th year of running these trips for the students to enjoy, with a capacity uptake and 12 boats fully laden for this popular school adventure.

Amanda Walker, Marketing Director at Herbert Woods Boat Company said: “For us Steyning Grammar School is part of the family, some of the teaching staff have been coming for over 20 years and we always look forward to seeing them. We are delighted to have reached such a significant milestone, 60 years is a great testimony to the benefits a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads can bring to young people.

“The fact that this trip was again oversubscribed means its appeal is as strong as ever.”

Sunshine and blue skies were the perfect start for a trip from Potter Heigham to Womack Water and close to the picturesque Ludham village.

This natural stretch of waterway is full of reed beds, windmills and plenty of wildlife.

At Womack Water students had the opportunity to try out their rowing skills as they took to dinghies for some late afternoon fun.

With beautiful weather throughout the trip students had the opportunity to sail across the wide expanse of Barton Broad, where Admiral Nelson first learned to sail.

This stretch is popular with the traditional Norfolk Wherry boats which at full sail are a magnificent sight.

After a busy few days in Wroxham the onward journey to Horning, one of the calmest and prettiest stretches, littered with waterfront properties and many thatched cottages.

This leads to the quiet back waters of Salhouse Broad where students took part in a model boat racing competition and a talent show.

Katie Burtenshaw, a student on the trip said: “It was a really fun week to get to know the teachers and other people in a different environment.”

Students took plenty of food to keep up their energy levels and even competed in their own version of Master Chef. This full and exciting trip finished with a barbeque on the banks of The Broads and an evening disco trip on The Southern Comfort paddle boat.

Miss Peake, the trip organiser said: “For both students and staff this trip is an opportunity to build relationships with different people outside of the classroom environment.

“Students are able to develop life skills such as managing a budget and planning meals to making friendships that last a lifetime.

“Some even learned how to make a good cup of tea! Seeing what these students get out this trip makes it a pleasure to organise and take part in year after year.”

Report and pictures contributed by Steyning Grammar School.