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Ten Tors 2008 The atmosphere was electric, as any sweep or parent will tell you, at the start of this fantastic event. Over two thousand four hundred teenagers from four hundred schools met from all over the southwest and had one thing in common – their desire to conquer the 35, 45 and 55 mile categories that have been running for over forty years. Many of our girls’ relatives have taken part in years gone by and thus the tradition continues by St Margaret’s School managing to enter two 35 mile teams and one 45mile team. The support staff and sweeps had pitched early on Thursday morning to get a good pitch and all was in place for the girls to move in at lunch time on Friday. The registration was effortless and the teams were awarded their route cards, electronic tags (which were being piloted this year) and brand new Ten Tors maps. The scrutineering went to plan, however the girls were queuing for over three hours and after their mandatory video were more than ready for the sumptuous barbeque feast that Mrs Maxwell had prepared. It was early to bed on Friday night. I’m not sure if many people actually slept though! The ‘Chariots of Fire’ boomed out over the loud speaker at 5a.m. for reveille. The teams were met by various parents and members of staff who came to wish them well and to witness the start. At just after half past six, the teams made their way up to the start line; the sheer volume of walkers was astounding and the atmosphere was buzzing. After a prayer and a rousing speech the bugle followed by the canon blast set them off. A lump lodged in all of our throats as our girls got swept away in the sea of bodies and knew that we wouldn’t see them again until Sunday afternoon. After much anticipation and some concern our 35 mile team crossed the finish just before 4p.m – just over an hours grace to qualify for their team certificate and medal. The 45 mile team had us even more on edge by coming in at half past four! Elation was everywhere and our concerns had shifted to the 35 mile CCF team who hadn’t been tagged since 11am that morning. We had notification that the Dartmoor Rescue had located them and that they were to be minibused off the moor. Mary-Rose Lancaster was lucky enough to have a ride in a helicopter (blisters deterred her from continuing) and the rest of the team had done exceedingly well and were very glad to see their parents after a very warm and very gruelling 2 days. Congratulations to all the teams for your fantastic achievements. My thanks goes to Mr and Mrs Maxwell and the Sweeps. Without their support, this amazing event would not be possible and any girls who think they are up to the challenge for the next one, we’re starting our training again at the end of the year, so sign up! With a big thank you to Major Nigel Wylie-Carrick from 43 Wessex Brigade for co-ordinating this monumentous military-run event and for allowing us, along with so many other schools the opportunity to utilise and appreciate the Dartmoor Reserve. by Lara Kemp-Gee |
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