'Inter-House hockey' were the buzz words of this week and I was delighted with the efforts shown by our players and, might I add, non-players. Along with our stalwart hockey experts who took their positions in the teams, thanks also go to those who stepped in at the last minute: Dorothy A, Iza Z and Jenna M for the intermediates; Ria P and Lucy G for the seniors certainly deserve our recognition. Such willingness even helped us win the senior section and an overall position of second is a happy result. Well done! Further sporting excellence saw Bel C and Ria P mentioned in Monday's assembly for their triumphs both on the river and hockey pitches respectively. Needless to say, it's always such a pleasure to celebrate Pimlico names in chapel services. 

Chapel was also the setting for further celebrations later in the week when Pimlico Music scholars took to the stage and performed in the mid-term concert. Sadly, I couldn't make this event myself, but the girls who attended came back buzzing and colleagues passed on their praise as well. From voice, to piano and clarinet, our music scholars were able to showcase a range of talent and styles of music. Thanks to those who took part: Tabitha A; Yichenxi X; Aroa L; Penelope H; Julia A; Clemmie W and Dorothy A. 

As the weather tends towards the darker and drearier, the bright orange pumpkin faces sitting in Pimlico back yard have certainly lightened the mood. They also form a happy reminder of the fun shared with and between the boarders on Saturday, when, after a busy morning at Open Day, they formed an impressive production line of carvers and scrapers to transform these vegetables into their current shapes. 

The subsequent Halloween party was a roaring success and my thanks go to Mr. Jenkinson and Mr. Younger for their master-minding. 

Halloween precedes fireworks and it won't be long after our return that sparklers, rockets and Catherine wheels will sizzle and pop across the Durham skies. Please could I remind you of the need for cake in such a week?! I very much hope that the Pimlico fireworks bake sale on 8th November will be a glittering success and that we will raise as much money as we possibly can for Grace House. 

Thank you in advance for your support of this event. My final reminder goes to families of boarders: Please note that the House will re-open on Sunday 3rd November at 16.00. All that remains now is to wish all the Pimlico community a happy and restful half term break.