The month of March marked our annual display of support for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE). By camping out on the school fields for the Great Tommy Sleep Out, our fabulous Forces pupils raised a staggering £1,500!
On 6th March, Forces pupils from both the Senior and Prep Schools joined together with friends to raise funds for veterans facing homelessness and challenges with housing.
A big shout-out to local businesses Jonathan Wallis Land and Property and the Barnard Castle office of GSC Grays, who showed their support throughout and sponsored the pupils for the second year in a row – thank you for your generosity. It means so much to us that two prominent local firms wanted to show their support; it is a testament to the close connections Barney enjoys within the local community.
Pupils showed empathy and resilience by sleeping under canvas in freezing temperatures, and without a single complaint. During the evening, they were fed by Tim, one of our school chefs, who served 24 years in the Royal Logistic Corps prior to working at Barney. He made a makeshift oven from various bits and pieces and cooked pizzas for everyone. He also spoke to the pupils about his career in the Army and the challenges of feeding so many soldiers on the ground.
After eating and pitching their tents, the pupils gathered around the campfire for a sing-song, games of charades, and marshmallow toasting. Mrs Leonard, Deputy Head of Prep School, camped out in support of the pupils and confessed she last went camping when she was ten years old. Unquestionable resilience from Mrs Leonard!
A wonderful example of what makes Barney so special, the pupils demonstrated character, community, and ambition in abundance. They were an exemplary reflection of the service to others shown by their serving parents, too.
Well done, everyone!
