With Year 8 having to miss the annual Cumbria trip, we asked you for some of your memories of the trip.

Thank you everyone who has contributed, please do continue to send your memories to oldipswichians@ipswich.school:

Peter Hyland OI (1996-2008)
Fond memories of the great Mr Sinclair driving our minibus to Derwent Water. We listened to Puddle of Mudd and Tenacious D on our Walkmans all the way!

Mark Rackham, member of staff
Best trip of my school year!

William Izzard OI (1968-1978)
We went in 1978 but it was an early spring trip back then. It was snowing high up on the hills. Noddy was sat in a large hole sheltering from the bitter weather. So obviously we rolled up a giant snowball and pushed it in on top of him. He was not amused. Somehow I ended up getting a B when I sat my A level Geography. 

Stephanie Levick, former parent
Best school trip ever for my three. 

Alex Boudry OI (1989-2000)
I went in 1995-96 with Mr Paton and Mr Golding I seem to remember. The minibus brakes were overheating, so Mr G was using the gears as brakes. Also seem to remember getting into mischief in Kendal with Tim Burrows and various others.

Dr Vanessa Kinsman, Head of Chemistry
My favourite memory is when Iain Gall dressed up as a gladiator, full regalia with a toga and sword! He came charging over the hill towards 8B (2016) when we were at Hadrian's Wall. No one was expecting it and it was hilarious. He then played the perpetrator whilst the class practiced their roman defensive formation of the testudo or tortoise. That same trip we had separated the girls upstairs in the Hawes End Cottage and the boys downstairs and I spent several evenings, post pupil bedtime, sitting on the stairs with my head torch and book ensuring that they stayed in their rooms and let each other go to sleep instead of mucking around. 
I always love walking around the ruins of the Vindolanda Roman fort, it never gets boring (and the cafe there is pretty good too!). The tiny toddler sandals they have recovered always bring a tear to my eye.
The highlight of the week is always Ghyll Scrambling, so exciting! I enjoy doing all the activities with the pupils, even at my age. I will never forget Alice Core (8D 2018) having to do a jump into the Ghyll when she had taken her glasses off and couldn't see properly where she was jumping too. That single act optimises what we ask of pupils, trust in each other, and going beyond your comfort zone. That is, in the end, what leads to personal growth and development! Oh and the life skills of being able to make your bed and a sandwich!