Miles Clark Award Winners return to tell of their adventures

Last night a hardy few trundled to the library through the snow and were truly inspired by the adventures of previous award winners.

Hamish Griffiths (R) and via video from Kenya, Tim Strebel (I), first told of their 'Cycling the Iron Curtain Way' - a journey that started in Albania, before tackling the surprisingly hilly Adriatic Coastline before ending with the flatter plains of central Europe. An evening sea dip, wild camping, Slovenia's Lake Bled, Trieste, Budapest, Vienna and Prague were highlights on a trip that truly tested two former Hunt runners who had never actually cycled before...

The second talk came from Carmen Skeate (M) who carried out a remarkable nine months in Malawi, volunteering in schools and becoming an integral part of a small rural community. Despite suffering from typhoid, Carmen told of her love of Africa and its people, ending with adventure: climbing Malawi's highest peak over three days, white water rafting on the Zambezi and bungee jumping Victoria Falls!

Our speakers went on to advise current Salopians about how best to tackle adventurous travel in terms of equipment, timings, companions (or not) and general mindset. All should use their imagination, to look beyond the usual Gap year destinations, to challenge themselves and as ever, 'just go.'

The Miles Clark Award is offered to departing U6 who attempt adventurous travel during their Gap Year or between leaving school and starting university. To find out more: The Futures Department | Shrewsbury School

Mr Sam Griffiths