Mr Sewell reflects on the adventures of the Junior Outdoor Club, Senior Outdoor Club, and Duke of Edinburgh participants in 2024/25.
Outdoor Club trip to Osmotherley and Cleveland Hills: Saturday the 12th of October 2024.
Six Outdoor Club members and 3 staff did a 10k walk starting and finishing in the lovely village of Osmotherley in the North York Moors National Park. The walk included a visit to “The Lady Chapel, Shrine of our Lady of Mount Grace”, near Mount Grace Priory, as well as navigation practise and some fun in an emergency bothy bag. The walk finished, with a well-earned visit, to a café in Osmotherley. Thanks to volunteers Paul Coffer and Bea Muylaert.
DofE Bronze: Training Expedition 15-17 Nov 2024 Ingram, Northumberland
22 DofE Bronze Candidates and 3 Leaders, took part in a 2-day, training expedition in the Cheviot Hills, working from Ingram Village Hall. The party left straight from School on Friday evening. Tents are used In the Hall to give privacy. On Saturday 3 groups had a training day, completing a 7mile circuit accompanied by an Instructor. On the Sunday the 3 groups did a different route unaccompanied, a big step for 14-year-olds. The weather was cold but clear and dry, perfect walking conditions. Thanks to volunteers Paul Coffer and Bea Muylaert.
Outdoor Cub, Durham Cathedral Tower Climb, 22 January 2025
10 members of the Outdoor Club did a lunchtime “dash up the Tower”. After speedily leaving the last lesson of the morning at 1.15pm, they met at the tree and bench rendezvous in the main car park. The group then quickly walked over to the cathedral whilst eating their packed lunch en route. Arriving at 1.35pm we quickly climbed the 325 steps of the218ft / 66.45m high tower. The view was excellent on a cold, partially overcast, January day. The view of Durham Prison is always exciting, and the School Chapel stood out well in its surroundings. A quick photo was taken, before dashing back down for 2pm and a rapid return for lessons starting at 2.15pm. Altogether a different lunch hour experience. Thanks to Volunteers Paul Coffer and Father Simon.
DofE Training and Practise Expedition 21-23 March 2025
16 pupils and 3 staff took part in a 3-day, training and practise expedition, in the Cheviots. The pupils consisted of 10 Gold candidates, 4 Silver candidates and 2 Bronze candidates. Accommodation was at Mounthooly Bunkhouse in the remote College Valley near Wooler. Because it is not normal to do DofE outside of summer months Bunkhouse style accommodation is preferred. Whilst the bunkhouse may be warm and comfortable in March, the Cheviots are certainly not. We have had every type of weather including snow, all in one day of course. This weekend, despite the forecast, was mild and dry. However low hill fog down to bunkhouse level made for difficult navigation and there are always the Cheviot bogs to go through. The remoteness of this area also means other walkers are simply not seen. However, in return for assisting a sheep farmer, eggs were offered so I found scrambled eggs being made when I returned to the bunkhouse. Thanks to Ms Muylaert and Mr Coffer for assisting.
DofE Training and Practise Expedition 10-11 May 2025
This was our final Training and Practise Expedition before the qualifying expedition in June. It is aimed at those who have been unable to attend previous T&P expeditions. 8 pupils and 4 staff did 2 days of walking in the Cheviots. The weather was as good as you’ll get in the Cheviots. On the Saturday all went up onto the Border Ridge, to the top of Windy Gyle at 619 metres. Sunday was a low-level walk in the Ingram Valley. Accommodation was in Ingram Village Hall. Below, all minus the photographer on the Summit of Windy Gyle. Thanks to Paul and other volunteers, Ray Horncastle and Charles Pickles.
Gold Award Presentation, Buckingham Palace 11 May 2025
This was a tremendous day for the recipients, their families and Durham School. Immediate thanks should go to my predecessor Mr Phil Sturt who got them started on their DofE journey. I simply helped them get to the end of that journey. Most were ODs. Some were Covid catch ups. All are supported by Ds until they reach the DofE cut off at 23. One guest is allowed, invariably mum, like I did in 1978! See some pics below of some rightfully proud young people. You may spot HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh
Summer Qualifying Expeditions, all levels, 21-27 June 2025
A total of 40 pupils and 4 volunteers as well as myself, took part in this multi award level expedition in the Yorkshire Dales. Groups were taken out and returned as they finished. The weather was challenging perhaps especially so after a prolonged period of fine weather in the lead up. Nevertheless, successful expeditions were accomplished.
Thanks to Volunteers Paul Coffer, Ray Horncastle, Bea Muylaert and Charles Pickles. Charles will take over from myself running DofE at Durham School from September 2025. Charles is a school parent, is well qualified to lead groups in the hills and I wish him the best of luck.
Awards achieved 2024 – 2025
- 10 Bronze
- 9 Silver
- 6 Gold
