The West Dorset 6 Peaks Challenge!
On Saturday 8 May five intrepid walkers set out to complete 
the West Dorset 6 Peaks Challenge. The 16 mile route which included the 6 highest points (we think) in West Dorset was devised by Roger Bell (former chair of the trustees) to raise much needed funds for Monkton Wyld Kindergarten. His 2 youngest children attend the kindergarten. Paul another kindy dad, Charlotte the kindergarten teacher, Mark and Catherine who live at Monkton also rose to the challenge.
At 9 o’clock we set off up our first ‘peak’ - Leweston Hill. This was a delightful climb through bluebell woods and in what seemed no time at all we were at the top and heading to our next ‘peak’ – Pilsdon Pen. We walked along lanes and across fields and were soon at the top. The weather was cold and grey but it suited us fine as we didn’t get too hot! From the top of Pilsdon Pen we could see our next peak in the seemingly far distance – Lambert’s Castle.
With Charlotte in charge of the map and Roger (who is actually a footpath officer with Dorset County Council) the route finding was easy. It was a steep ascent up to the top of Lambert’s Castle but with the incentive of lunch we made it – Mark even broke into a run but the rest of us kept to a steady plod.
Onwards we walked into the afternoon – up and over Coney’s Castle and across wet grassy fields down to Wootton Fitzpaine and on towards Charmouth where we stopped for tea and snacks. Only 2 more ‘peaks’ to go we thought – so off we set up Stonebarrow Hill and up on to our final ascent – Golden Cap. With tired legs we all made it and gathered for a photocall . From here it was simply a short stroll (?) downhill towards the pub at Seatown for a celebratory drink.
A great day was had by us all and hopefully lots of money raised 
for the kindergarten – could this be an annual event?
The 6 Peaks Challenge Kindy Fundraiser is still accepting retroactive pledges (or pledges for next year). Contact us to find out how to contribute to the Kindy cause!
More photos from the walk coming soon on Flickr.
Kindy Children's Apple Pressing
Our kindergarten children and parent and child group gathered together on the front lawn to make apple juice from the apples we had picked from our orchard a few weeks ago. After visiting the straw bale house where the apples were stored we made our way to where Roger had set up the equipment. Roger explained that we needed to wash the apples first before cutting them into quarters. All the children helped and soon we were ready to put the pieces into the apple crusher when the children had a go at turning the handle. Once the apples were crushed Roger put them into the apple press and a jug was put in position to catch the juice. The children began to turn the handle, gradually increasing the pressure on the apples. All eyes were watching for the first signs of juice and after a few minutes to our great excitement the first little drops of brown liquid began to trickle through. There was enough for everyone. We carefully carried our apple juice back to kindergarten to drink with our snack and we all agreed that it was the best apple juice ever – it really was!
