End of term at Sauveterre - March 2009

As the end of term approached all too quickly, the Sauveterrians were extremely busy with end of term entertainments, outings, competition finals and packing.

On Saturday, the whole group went for a fantastic ramble to the summit of the Col d'Aspin in the Pyrenees, on a beautifully clear day. Despite the snow and cold draughts as they climbed, they found amazing views and surprisingly warm temperatures when they reached the snow-covered peak.

On Sunday I arrived to find a new Sauveterre song being written on the central lawn to the tune of "Sweet Home Alabama" with James Lancaster leading the musical troupe. We had lunch outside in the sunshine and a relaxing rest under the cedars. It really feels like summer is on the way. On Sunday afternoon, some went to watch Lombez rugby team play an important league match in the local stadium and others came with me to watch Mr Bailey's Lombez B team play football at nearby village of Monblanc. Many children chose to relax at the chateau for their last weekend, as the weather was so lovely.

In the evening, the girls put on their superb dance shows in the Salle d'Assemblée; everyone was totally impressed by the energy and style of both shows and the whole spectacle was very memorable. The encores brought the girls out a second time and then, without warning, the music continued and Sophie Bolton's mix signalled the end-of-term disco dance for all!

On Monday, we all climbed aboard buses to go to Samatan Market. With the fine weather continuing and the local agricultural fair in full flow, the market was packed with people and exciting stalls, each colourful, giving off tempting smells and offering great local specialities. In the animal section, there were enormous charolais bulls and the local Black Gascony Pigs to look at, amongst many other animals. Children bought all kinds of presents and souvenirs and returned for lunch at the Chateau. In the afternoon, we held the semi-finals of the inter-group (house) Trivial Pursuit competition, a French general knowledge quiz based on their experiences and studies covered this tem. Two teams and two individuals reached the finals, which were held on Tuesday morning: Astarac v Armagnac and Ignacio (Cothill) v Clemmie (Mowden.)

The sporting event of the day was the Staff v Boys football match. The skilful boys' team played neat football but struggled to break through the large but not so skilful adults. In the end, the adults squeezed a fluky 3-2 victory over the disappointed pupils.

In the evening, Madame Harris organised an evening of hilarious entertainment at the Sauveterre "Star Academy" talent show. Mlle Rodrigues (Suzanne Vegas) M. Stacchini (Mike Hucknall) Mme Harris et M. Coutens (Catherine et Fredy du group Rita Mitsuko) were the merciless judges.

On Tuesday afternoon, in between packing sessions, the prizes were given out, for all aspects of life at Sauveterre this term. Prizes were awarded to Barley Weatherall for the most Bons Points, to James Lancaster for Cross Country and for Sciences, Clemmie Stroyan for Histoire, Ruaraidh Richardson for Littérature, and to Ione Petit for Musique. Félicitations à tous les gagnants des prix!

All these events are recorded in pictures and can be seen on the Sauveterre website :www.sauveterre.net

On Wednesday the whole group returned to UK after a wonderful, stimulating term in south-west France, extremely happy and grateful to the dedicated team of staff out here.

« Merci beaucoup Monsieur et Madame Bailey, à tous les stagiaires et aux professeurs et au personnel du Château de Sauveterre »

Nearly home! At Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam

MWWS