It has been a busy month for football at Biddenham with each age group playing in the league for local schools in Bedford. The Year 9 team have played 3 games, recording a win, a draw and a loss; it has been their first season playing together and with a number of talented individuals in the side and a great team ethic forming they could be a very successful team in future seasons. The Year 10 team has struggled so far this season, but it would be fair to say with more regular attendance at training and pupils showing up to games there has been a steady improvement in what could be a good team, please continue to support this. The Year 11 team after a good cup run last term, are continuing their good form with a convincingly unbeaten season so far, keep it up boys!!

The staff have played two games this term, beating Hastingbury 5-4 and Sharnbrook 12-2, thanks for all your support and boys you are welcome to come along to the next game and learn a thing or two. 

Snow, Snowdon and Snowboarding- The Aftermath

As we departed a snow covered Biddenham Upper School on the last Friday of term, it would be fair to say all the pupils were suitably in the mood for a week of snow, slopes and ski water. It was only a 24 hour coach journey between us and the peaks, this arduous trek was a credit to all the pupils involved and with some regular stops in luxurious service stations on both sides of the border, it did not seem like long at all, before a surprisingly lively looking Biddenham bunch arrived at the "SportHeim" in Salzburg.

After a brief introduction to our newly refurbished and accommodating quarters, no rest for the wicked, we were straight off to get our boots and equipment from the hire shop. This was hassle free and we all became acquainted with our skis and snowboards that would be assisting us down the mountains for the first time. We returned to the SportsHeim for a homecooked meal and a quiz to test our tired brains, provided by Mr. Bailey.

We set off bright and early for our first day on the slopes at Altenmarkt, a short trip down the road from our accommodation, despite a distinct lack of snow at this stage in proceedings, it was an excellent location for us all to become acclimatised to our surroundings and for some of us to take to the slopes for the very first time. The day flew by and for the beginners it was a gentle (for some more than others) introduction to this new activity and for the returning snow lovers it was a good way to ease back into their hobby. The evening was filled with a visit to a local Pizzeria, at first the proprietors may have have been slightly intimidated by the sight of over 50 English teenagers flowing through their doors, but again the pupils were a credit to themselves and good food was enjoyed by all.

The second day allowed us to have a lay in (half an hour) before we set off for our new destination Zauchensee. As we travelled a little further afield we all became aware of a distinct change in our surroundings; snow, snow everywhere! This allowed for a great 4 days on the slopes, filled with snow ploughs, carving, jumps and plenty of wipe outs!!! The evenings consisted of Bowling, Ice Hockey, Swimming and Ice Skating; each one as entertaining as the next and the coach drivers soon became aware not only were they transporting a ski trip but also a harmonious choir that entertained us on the short trips around the resorts, with classic tunes such as "We lover you Biddenham we do" amongst other choice selections.

On the final night we had a presentation evening. We had asked the kids between them to get their instructors a little something as a token of thanks and this could be presented to them at the SportsHeim on the final evening. What followed would have made many of the music awards this year look tame. The pupils were excellent showing genuine appreciation for all involved both in their gifts and the rapturous applause, the feeling was clearly mutual from the instructors and of course again the choir provided their beautiful voices to "We love you (affix instructors name) we do". Again I can't say enough what a credit the pupils were to themselves and how proud the staff were to be responsible for such a great group of young adults.

We arrived back in Biddenham after a 20 hour journey home, which seemed longer thanks to films like Titanic being shown on the screens in surround sound. A tired but smiling bunch of pupils left the coach to return to their beds, many of whom have already booked their place on the trips for next year. There will be a 6th form trip and year 9-11 trip, so get your applications in fast as places are limited!!! Look forward to seeing you all for the next installment. (Flash)