It was more than 25 years ago when Tiverton High School teacher Chris Blaxland first put on his hiking boots and tackled the historic Ten Tors challenge. He has made a huge personal commitment to giving children at Tiverton High School the opportunity to take part over this time.
To recognise this he was presented with a Gold award and certificate by the Army at this year’s event [weekend 6/7 May]. He was among 15 people from schools, cadet forces and scout groups to be given this level of recognition.
The Ten Tors was established by the Army in 1959 and has become a popular event among schools and activity groups ever since. Open to 400 teams of teenagers, it has been building the survival and team skills of those keen to take the challenge of walking up to 55 miles in the changeable Dartmoor conditions.
With 2400 individuals taking part, it is the servicemen and civilians behind the scenes that make the event possible and, alongside the contribution of team organisers, this has made the event fully booked for more than 50 years.
Chris Blaxland said: “I’m honoured to have receive the Gold award, but I think we should recognise the contribution that all the staff and volunteers have made to Tiverton High School on our Outdoor Education trips over the last few years. It’s so important. It allows students to experience success outside of the traditional curriculum.
“Students can test themselves personally against both the environment and the demands of the activities on offer. Ten Tors is of course the flagship challenge, but our activities have varied from week long trips to the Lake District and North Wales to weekends on Dartmoor or the Brecon Beacons with activities including camping, rock climbing, walking, canoeing, kayaking, scrambling and mountain biking.
“More often than not, these experiences are facilitated by the help of staff and volunteers. It is through their generosity in giving up their own time at weekends, evenings and sometimes holidays that we are able to run these trips.”
Tiverton High School has recognised the significant contribution that staff and volunteers have made by presenting them with a THS Outdoor Ed badge as a thank you. This comes from both the school and the many students that have been able to access the opportunities the school has offered.
The recipients of the badge:
List of staff
Simon Tong – 3 Peaks Challenge, End of Term Trips
Chris Blaxland – almost every trip we run from Ten Tors, Brecon Beacons, End of Term Trips, 3 Peaks Challenge etc.
Chris Dwyer – 3 Peaks Challenge, Exmoor Challenge, End of Term Trips & Ten Tors
Catherine Britton – Ten Tors – cooking for everyone
Liz Ford – Ten Tors & Climbing Club
Maggie Fasey – Exmoor Challenge
Annette Alsopp – Exmoor Challenge
Georgina Doeller – Ambassador canoe expeditions
List of volunteers
Dave Elsworthy – Ten Tors, 3 Peaks & End of Term Trips
Ray Bibby – Ten Tors, 3 Peaks Challenge, End of Term Trips
John Milne – Ten Tors & 3 Peaks Challenge
Andy Pritchard – Ten Tors & End of Term Trips
Chris Gregson – 3 Peaks Challenge, Ten Tors & End of term trips
Ivan Godfrey – Ten Tors
Sue Godfrey – Ten Tors
Lily Blaxland – End of Term Trips
Gary Ford – 3 Peaks Challenge & End of Term trips.
Student
Charlie Warne – Significant Achievement Award. Attended almost every outdoor education trip.
