Schools’ 19km challenge

 Participants from across the country are already signing up for this year’s ‘3 Schools Event’, a highly unusual Yorkshire Dales outdoor challenge that attracts cyclists, horse-riders, runners and walkers of all ages to take part.

Staff, parents and pupils from the three primary schools in North Craven, Austwick, Clapham and Horton are already preparing for this year’s event on Saturday 3^rd May.

Head teacher Gill Wood explains “After a hugely successful event last year we’re delighted that the event is attracting wider interest from outside the area and from all sorts of clubs and organisations.  This year we’ve changed to a circular route, beginning and ending in Clapham which will make it much easier logistically for everyone taking part, and holding it on the May Day bank holiday weekend also makes it more attractive.”

The schools are appealing for more riders, cyclists, walkers and runners  to join their massive fundraising challenge and are keen to exceed last year’s total of £4000.  As well as attracting clubs and societies, the event provides a rare opportunity for family members with different interests to enjoy their respective hobbies together.

The 19.08km / 11.93m course runs through some of the most spectacular countryside in Britain as it winds its way through the Three Peaks area of the Yorkshire Dales with panoramic views at 410m / 1345ft.

Just two months before the Tour de France ‘Le Grande Depart’ comes to the Dales next year, the 3 Schools Event provides a fabulous opportunity for cyclists to experience some of the same iconic scenery for a good cause.

Horse riders travelling to the event to take part will be able to try out stretches of the Pennine Bridleway project.  With plenty of the route being off-road, the event provides a rare, safe opportunity to enjoy magnificent scenery on a clearly way-marked route with plenty of opportunities for canters.

The entry fee for the 3 School Event is £8 in advance or £10 on the day. Entrants are also encouraged to generate sponsorship support to help with the fundraising effort. There will be an attractive prize of a dinner for two at a local hostelry to win, for the person generating the most sponsorship. Last year’s winner raised in excess of £200.

Like many other schools who have found themselves victims of cutbacks in local government funding for education in recent years, Austwick, Clapham and Horton primary schools have been faced with a significant loss of revenue. Gill Woods, Head Teacher of the Confederation of the three schools, is determined that the quality of the education for the children should not suffer and has gathered support from local businesses, parents, staff and pupils, encouraging them to rally together to run the inspiring outdoor event to generate funds.

Mrs Woods explains “As our rural schools are small, we currently bring them together to share key parts of the curriculum, enabling children of the same age to study together.  The withdrawal of funding for transport costs between the schools means this could cease to be viable.  By staging this event – which in itself represents modes of transport with walkers, runners, cyclists and horse-riders all taking part – we hope to raise sufficient revenue to allow the schools to continue to collaborate. 

As well as transporting children for lessons during standard school hours, the funds raised will also allow pupils the opportunity to continue to benefit from the breakfast clubs and after school care, organised between the schools. In addition they offer a weekly sports club, a film club, an orchestra and a Church-run social club. The bus takes the orchestra out into the community to perform, as well as enabling the three schools to continue to participate in cluster sporting events and curriculum enrichment activities with the local secondary school.

With a total of just 128 children across the three schools, the teaching ratio is extremely favourable, ensuring a remarkable primary school education.  Austwick, Clapham and Horton hold Ofsted commendations as “Outstanding Schools”, and Gill Woods hopes that the fundraising efforts focussed in the sponsored walk-run-cycle-ride event on 3^rd May will enable the staff to continue to deliver these exceptional standards. 

Entry to the event, which will begin and end at Clapham public car park, can be competitive or purely for pleasure. Times and maps will be issued on the day, along with safety advice or will be posted out in advance on request. Refreshments will be available en route, together with free tea and coffee at the finish point. There will also be bacon and sausage butties, cakes and biscuits available for purchase. Information is available on local accommodation providers for participants travelling from away, including those bringing cycles or horses.

Donations in support or cheques for the entry should be made payable to Horton-in-Ribblesdale School  and can be sent to Mrs G Woods, Executive  Headteacher, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0EX.  Further details are available from Horton-in-Ribblesdale Primary School on 01729 860282 or by e-mail from:  headteacher@achconfed.org.uk.