Memories of Ilam Hall

Still can't wait for Ilam. I'm ticking the days off on my calendar! How deep are the caves underground and do you have T.V. in the hostel?
Very deep - some are as deep as the mountains are high. There is a TV in the hostel but it hardly gets watched - you can do that at home. Hopefully you'll be outside enjoying the fresh air and good company.

I'm really excited about Ilam Hall. I can't wait. When we go to Alton Towers I'm gonna go on every ride there!

I LOVED Ilam Hall! I left it a bit late but I miss West Leigh so much! One or two tips.
1. Go on Air, I missed it and have regretted it ever since.
2. Wear good shoes.
Have a nice time!!

I really miss Ilam. It was so great. I hope all the new year sixes enjoy it as much as I did! A very big thank you to all the teachers! It was the best trip ever!

llam Hall is a great trip and you will not at all feel homesick as you're too busy playing with your friends or unpacking ! You're never bored ! I really really want to go back there ! Thank-you all staff that came !

Ilam Hall was fab. I loved it. I cried when I got home.

Ilam was the best trip ever! I had the best times EVER with my friends!!! I would like to say thank you to all the staff who came along and organised it. I will never forget this trip.

Ilam Hall is still the best ever school trip I've been on even though I'm in Year 9 now. West Leigh is a legend school.

Ilam was incredible! It was fun spending a week with my friends! Thank you to all the staff who went and a big thanks for organising it. It was AMAZING!

I am so pleased you guys enjoyed it as much as I did. I was so jealous that you were going. I really miss Ilam.

Thank you Mr Queenborough for taking us to Ilam! Loads of children in Year 6 said they loved it! We had a lot of freedom and independence.

Ilam Hall was great! I would love to go back to Ilam Hall. I'm trying to persuade my mum if I can go back for a second time. My best part of the trip was going to Alton Towers. It was fab with all my friends.

Greatest holiday ever, sad to come home. Thank you to Mr Queenborough and other staff for a great experience.

Ilam Hall was only last week and I am still getting over it. It is great fun! Apart from the hiking which is so tiring especially MAM TOR....Year 5s take a lot of water as I ran out and was so thirsty at the end ! Alton Towers is bloomin' brilliant! Always go on the best rides first so the queues won't be long. Thanks Mr Queenborough and all the staff including Mr Dunn (my group leader)!

Last week I went to Ilam Hall, it was really fun. At first I thought I was going to get really homesick but in the end I didn't and had great fun! Alton Towers was the best I went on Rita and it was really fast and scary which I didn't expect when I was queueing up for it, so when it started I was really scared. Hiking up the mountains was hard although Bunster Hill wasn't too hard. The second best bit was the caverns though!

Fantastic and best holiday ever! Food is brill, dorms are cosy and grounds are huge!

ILAM WAS EXCELLENT! Alton Towers was cool and the rides were fun. I highly recommend it to everyone. It was the most amazing experience of my life!

I didn't want to leave Ilam Hall seeing as it was sooo cool. My sister said that she wanted to disguise as me and do it all again. I want to say massive THANK YOU to all the staff that came with us especially to
Mr Queenborough for making this possible for everyone so thank you !!!!!!!!

I want to say a big THANK YOU to Mr Quenborough and Miss James especially and to all the other teachers as if you did not go we would not be able to go as well. I hope the teachers enjoyed it as much as I did. I would also say to all other children that they should go to Ilam Hall, it is great fun and want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to ALL the staff again and a massive massive thank you to Mr Queenborough for orginising it all THANKS

I totally recommend Ilam Hall to the whole school and I give it a 110% out of 100% because it is fun and really well organized by Mr Queenbourough. At first I thought I was going to get homesick but in the end I didn't because I was having too much fun to miss my family .The trip was the once in a lifetime treat so thankyou .

A little reminder to future people - don't wear bright red please, my friend did and we went past a herd of bulls -nothing serious just a broken arm and leg - joking. But I'm serious about the red because you never know!

Ilam was amazing!!! Didn't get much sleep but it was worth it. Loved every day especially Alton Towers. It's so strange coming back to school though what with maths replacing cycling and Alton Towers. I thoroughly recommend the trip, anyone would enjoy it!

Ilam was sooooo good!! Mam Tor was really hard but worth the view at the top. Tissington Trail was fab and Alton Towers was amaaaazing! GO ON AIR, NEMESIS, OBLIVIION AND RITA! They are phenomenal! I don't think anyone got any sleep so we were exhausted when we got home! It was 9.5 out of 10.

On Wednesday at Ilam my group went cycling on the Tissington Trail, me and my friend Emma stopped to put our waterproofs on. When we got going again we couldn't see anyone in front of us and couldn't see Mr. Queenborough behind us and it was like there was no one for miles. Eventually we saw our group again though.

Ilam was amazing. All of the staff were kind to me. The view from Thorpe Cloud was AMAZING but the best part was Alton Towers - I went on Oblivion, Rita, Air and Nemesis - absolute quality

Ilam Hall rocked! The best part had to be Alton Towers. If anyne is thinking about going nag your parents till they give in as it is wicked. It feels so good knowing that you climbed 2 mountains. The view is brilliant and everyone looks so small from up there. Alton Towers was the best theme park I have ever been to (but I have only been to Adventure Island so it had to be the best). I recommend going on Air, Rita the Queen of Speed, Nemesis and Oblivion. I wish I was still there. Hope you enjoy yourself when you go!

I wish I could go back to Ilam. It was so amazing, I miss the countryside and sleeping in a dorm with my friends, I want to go back! Thank you so much for taking me! Alton Towers was great fun!

Ilam Hall was excellent. I wish we could all go again! Alton Towers was superb, Nemesis was GREAT so were all the other rides. I recommend it!

Alton Towers was amazing even if I did not go on Obilivon, Nemesis, Rita or Air but I had great fun.

Although I did not go to Ilam Hall, I had an excellent time during Southend Week! We only had to walk on two of the days so it was less tiring than Ilam... I would give it a 10 out of 10!

Thanks to all the teachers! Ilam was amazing! I loved every moment! Mam Tor was so good. Alton Towers was good, but unfortunately 'Air' and 'Rita Queen of Speed' broke down so I couldn't go on them. But it was still brilliant. Chatsworth House isn't boring at all - in fact, it was one of the best moments! Thanks!

Ilam Hall is fantastic, the beds are nice, the dorms are great, the grounds are FANTASTIC and there is a lot of scenery and the week is exhausting!

Ilam was so good. I can't believe it's already over. I wish we were still there! The first day I was back I was already arguing with my sister!! I hope everyone who goes in the next few years has as much fun as i did!

IT WAS AMAZING!!!! I give it 10 out of 10 and highly recommend it.

Although I didn't go to Ilam, Southend Week was really good! Especially The Rage at Adventure Island!

Ilam Hall is the best trip I have ever been on Definitely worth the money and the mountains are quite tall and quite tiring. Alton Towers is amazing and I wish we could spend more time there.

Ilam Hall was fantastic! I loved Alton Towers. I really, really want to go to Ilam again!

I absolutely loved Ilam Hall, especially Alton Towers! I really want to go again. Thank you so much for taking me!

It was great, all of the Year 5s will love it like us. I just wish we were there for longer. Go on Air at Alton Towers it's the best ride there, Oblivion is very scary but still good.

Ilam was amazing, thanks.

Ilam was brill. I recommend for those going next year to bring a camera.

Best of the best. 11 out of 10 - highy recommended.

I still can't believe it was a year ago since Ilam Hall. It seems like only a few months. I still really miss it and West Leigh as well. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as my friends and I did.

Ilam was the best -especially Alton Towers.

Ilam Hall was amazing. I loved every minute of it although I am now still really tired. However I had a brilliant time and Alton Towers was amazing and I went on Oblivion and the other scariest rides. Now my brother can't wait to go although he still has 2 years to go.

Ilam Hall was the best ever, thank you so much for taking me and a big thank you to all the teachers! If you have a chance to go to Ilam Hall GO! Alton Towers was amazing. The walks were tiring and I could have fainted but they were still great fun! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I loved everything about Ilam but I'm definitely not going to forget Monday on Thorpe Cloud, I got a cold and a really sore throat.

Ilam was AMAZING it was the best holiday ever. I liked Alton Towers the best!

BRILLIANT! I had such a great time. My favourite part was definitely Alton Towers, but I loved climbing Thorpe Cloud and seeing how small everything was down below when we were at the summit. I repeat I had a brilliant time. Wish I didn't have to go home.

When you are climbing Thorpe Cloud or Mam Tor you feel like you're climbing Mount Everest but I don't want to put anyone off who is going next year because it is really fun!

llam Hall was so good and I really wish we could go back.

I've just come back from Ilam. It was excellent and I didn't want to leave. That last walk was tiring, I had to carry my trainers, teddy bear, sun hat, waterbottle and rain coat.

I just came back from Ilam 2 hours ago and it was great! Remember people who are going to Ilam, after the walks and you are getting changed, make sure you dress to impress!

I can't believe it is Ilam tomorrow - wow! My mum said I have to have an early night tonight so I won't be tired in the morning.
That's right. I'll soon be in bed myself!

Are you allowed to take an alarm clock?
Yes, I would like every dormitory to have one - you need to know the time. One year a group of boys got up at 5:30am and were waiting outside for breakfast because they did not know how early it was!

I am going crazy and so are my friends. My mum and I went to buy waterproof trousers for my friend and me. We look soooooo silly!!! I am still so excited!!
You might look silly but at least you'll stay dry.

It's only 3 days away and I'm really excited. Does anyone get homesick on the first night?
Homesick? What's that? You'll be too busy on your first evening there unpacking your case, sorting out your dormitory, exploring the youth hostel and grounds etc

Is it okay if I come in on Monday at approximately 7:45am because I know I must have left my Ilam rota in my desk?!
You should have shares in this website, Adnan. You don't need to be early - just pick up your itinerary on your way down to our classroom.

All my friends are talking about who they are sitting next to on the coach and which level but I wondered if it was double decker or not? Ilam Hall on Monday - yipee, sooooooo excited!
No they're not double deckers - we have booked three 49 seater coaches - hopefully you will see them waiting outside the school when you arrive on Monday morning - they will say Slacks Travel on the side. They travel down from Derbyshire in the middle of the night!

Do we stop at a service station on the way home? I hope the dogs don't attack!
Yes we usually stop at Newport Pagnell on the M1. That's when I phone the school and estimate the time we will arrive home. Don't worry about the dogs - I carry a first aid kit.

After you had answered Emma's question and said about the SAVAGE DOGS I didn't know whether to believe it or not! Also is it essential to have waterproof trousers?
I don't take waterproof trousers - let's hope we only get showers so we don't get wet legs!

Ilam Hall was so amazing. I'm nearly in Year 10 now but I still talk about it - ha ha. Thanks to all the teachers who took us! It was so funny!

The pictures from previous years look great fun, can't wait to go to Alton Towers - it is going to be great fun!! I love great big fast rides especially Oblivion and Nemesis.I love going on the water rides there - they look great fun! Thank you for answering my question so quickly.

Do I need to carry spare clothes in my rucksack?
Just extra clothes in case you get cold (and a cagoule of course) - and if often does feel much colder up mountains.

Are you serious about the SAVAGE DOGS, Mr Queenborough?
I certainly am. You can usually hear them barking once we reach the top of Bunster

HELP Ilam Hall only 3-4 days away, sooo excited I can't wait any longer, being in a room with my best friends, it is going to be a blast... I hope!
What colour trousers would you recommend to wear I can not decide?
A dull colour which will not aggravate the bulls or savage dogs!

What should we pack in the bag we are taking for climbing? I have started packing a little bit and I am not sure what to put in my rucksack for Bunster Hill.
Your group is climbing Thorpe Cloud on Monday. You will need a full water bottle, waterproof jacket, cap, suncream, pocket money and plenty of energy. You will have eaten your packed lunch before the walk (but may wish to save yourself a snack in case of exhaustion). Be careful you do not fall in the river as we cross the stepping stones as this has happened to one or two unfortunate children in previous years!

I cannot wait until Ilam Hall. I'm going to be so excited because I'm going to (luckily) be away from my brother for a whole 5 days but I'm still going to miss him and everyone else.

Roughly how many rides do we get to go on at Alton Towers?
That depends on the queues. Last year it was pouring with rain which in some ways was an advantage as Alton Towers was quiet and the queues were very short.

Can't wait till Ilam. How long does it take to climb Bunster Hill because I have heard it is quite long?
That depends how fast you walk but remember your breathing apparatus. Save some energy for the top because you have to survive walking past the farm with the savage dogs!

I am really happy with my group. I can't believe it is so close as it felt months ago when we had our first meeting. Are there different groups at Alton Towers and how many groups are there? I just want this week to go quickly now.
When we go to Alton Towers we put you with children who want to go on the same sort of rides. We work all that out on the evening before we go.

What kind of water bottle do we need?
Above all one that doesn't leak. Some children take two because there is nothing worse than being thirsty.

What bedding do we need to take - sleeping bag, fitted sheet, pillow?
You don't need to take any bedding - the youth hostel provides you with a sheet sleeping bag, a duvet and a pillow, but it is your job to make your bed each day. That's one of the reasons we have room inspections!

Can I take my phone to take pictures and listen to music because I haven't got a camera?
No phones, I'm afraid. It's very cheap to buy disposable cameras and then you don't need to worry about losing valuable equipment. They do take very good photos.

Do we have to wear walking clothes or can we wear jeans and T shirt on the coach?
Please be dressed ready for the afternoon's walk as you won't have time to unpack your clothes and change. I don't mind if you change your footwear as that won't take long!

When we get to climbing the hills and we are carrying the backpack, where will the other bag be?
I shouldn't think you'll want to carry it up the mountains. I always leave mine in my dormitory.

Do we have to take our own towels and do we have to wear our hiking boots on the coach going there?
You will need to take towels. Don't wear your hiking boots on the coach - you can change into them when we arrive at Ilam.

On the Thursday of Ilam when we go Alton Towers, how long are we there for?
You have around 6 hours there, so there is plenty of time for the rides.

At Ilam Hall is it better to wear darker colours?
I don't mind as long as you wear the type of clothes I have recommended. No long trousers that drag on the ground and no jeans (except around the hostel). You had better avoid red because of the field of bulls on Bunster Hill.

Do most of the walks seem a long time or does time pass quickly?
Well, they say when you're having fun time passes quickly - so let's say they are soon over and done with. However, you'll probably be surprised at how far we get you all to walk!

I'm really looking forward to Ilam Hall, it all sounds great and being away from my sister is a real bonus!
I should think your sister is also excited at the prospect of 5 days without you!

Are we going to be the only people at Alton Towers and do we have to stay in our groups?
Alton Towers is a huge site. There will be thousands of people there. The groups are different on that day but you must never be on your own. Always have at least one friend with you.

Now that SATS are out of the way, I can't wait to forget about work and tests. The only thing I have to worry about is the hill walking in Derbyshire.
No worries - but make sure you are getting plenty of exercise each day. Practise riding your bike ready for that cycle along the railway line!

I can't wait either! What time do we leave and come back each day?
We are usually gone by 9:30am and back round about 5pm. This gives you time to have a shower and make yourself presentable for dinner.

Can't wait for Ilam - only a few more weeks now.
I hope you've booked some good weather!

Only 26 days to go and counting.
Is that all? I hope you are in training!

How high, roughly is Thorpe Cloud?
It's high and takes a lot of climbing. Why do you think it's called Thorpe 'Cloud'?

Can't wait till Ilam Hall. I love walking long distances (and can't wait till Alton Towers). How long are the walks?
I'm glad you like long walks. Most of our walks last about 3 hours.

I can't wait to go to Ilam but I hate big rollercoasters like Rita and Oblivion.
That's fine, Javan. You decide for yourself what you do at Alton Towers. Have a look at the Alton Towers website for some ideas.

Ilam Hall is going to be legendary, and I can't wait to stay up really late.
Not too late or you'll have me to answer to! The staff need their sleep too, Miles and they can't go to bed until you are all asleep!

I can't wait for Ilam Hall, Hopefully I'll be with some of my mates. How tall is Oblivion again because I'm especially looking foward to that particular ride?
If I remember rightly it is a vertical drop of 200 feet. I'm really looking forward to going on it again this year!

How many people can we pick to have in our dormitories for girls?
I'll explain next week once I have received all the medical forms. The girls' dormitories range from 4 to 14 beds.

I was just wondering if the hills are so steep we have to crawl upwards?
They are steeper than you would expect. When you climb Thorpe Cloud you have to use your hands to help pull you up!

How many people do we get to choose in our dormitory and when do we get to choose?
The smallest dormitory for boys is 4 beds and the largest is 12 beds. I'll explain next week how I will sort out your rooms

I cannot wait till Ilam Hall. When I was first told about it, it seemed like I would have to wait forever but now it's only a month away. I can't wait to stay up late.
Remember you need to be in your rooms by 9:30pm. The staff will check your lights are out by 10:00pm.

What time to we have to get up?
You need to be up in time for your breakfast which is served from 8a.m. Give yourself time to have a shower, make your bed and pack your rucksack.

I'm not really sure how big our lunch boxes are going to have to be.
They need to be large enough to hold your bread rolls, fruit, biscuit and a bag of crisps. Don't bring too large a box or it will fill your rucksack.

I thought Ilam would be ages away but it's only in 5 weeks! Until Mr.Queenborough told me at the meeting that Ilam isn't that far from now I didn't realise that I'm going to need to prepare everything. I think everybody is really looking forward to it - staying up all night with friends, Alton Towers and I bet they are really looking forward to bike-riding (not the girls though).
I'm pleased you are looking forward to the trip but you won't be staying up all night!

Are we actually going to carry our rucksacks whilst we are on our bike? I am excited about going to Ilam and spending money with hardly any supervision! I wonder who is going to be in my group!
Yes, you need to carry your rucksack on your bike as there is nowhere to leave it. What makes you think there is hardly any supervision?!

Ilam Hall is one of the best trips I've ever been on, all you Year 6's will enjoy it. ALOT!. Southend is great so far. See you in September! (People that are coming to Southend)

Missing West Leigh loads. King John is great though. Ilam Hall was such a good laugh. All of you Year Sixes will love it

Ilam Hall was great and everyone should go but don't stay up all night as Mr Queenborough will tell you off! It was the best time I've ever had away from home! Alton Towers was the best. Please go on Oblivion - only me and Amber went on it, everyone else chickened out.

I'm in Year 7 now but Ilam Hall was great! Anyone going on the trip will love it and I'm not joking.I really miss everyone back at West Leigh!

I am in Year 9 now and even after all these years my friend and I still spent most of today laughing so much about our absolutely amazing and hilarious time in Ilam. I know that sounds really stupid and cheesy...but it's true! My brother went a year ago and he loved it too!

Ilam Hall? What an experience! Try to get to sleep early because you don't what to miss the 5 star breakfast. Don't be put off by the hiking. It's as much fun as Alton Towers. Don't go mad on buying fizzy drinks or sweets because it's much better to buy stuff which will remind you of your great time! I've still got my Blue John rock.

Ilam Hall is the best part about Year Six and still now I really miss it. Make the most of it whilst you are there because time really does go quickly.

Ilam Hall is great. It's hard work climbling up the hills but you feel really good after. In my dorm there was 14 girls and you can imagine the noise and fuss of hair! We had the church clock outside our window and it was well loud!

I'm in Yr 7 at the moment and Ilam Hall was AMAZING! It's so fun and I really wish I could go back. I really miss West Leigh.

I'm so excited about going to Ilam Hall. I'm sure it will be great fun and a great experience and advenrure to all the children that go. I am very excited about staying in a room with my friends and staying up all night . It's going to be great !!

You certainly won't be staying up all night, Henry!

Ilam was great. I wish I could do it again. Our dorm was told off about 50 times in one night.

To all Year 6 in 2008 go to Ilam Hall, it's fantastic. I went in 2006. It's a perfect way to say goodbye to all your friends before you leave.

Ilam Hall was fantastic! The teachers were so nice! Anyone in Year 6 will love Ilam Hall. Have a great time. Missing West Leigh loads!

Hi West Leigh. Ilam Hall was the best trip I have been on, Alton Towers was so cool! If you are in Mr Dunn's group you will get one heck of a time. When they say a nice refreshing walk it means run away and fast. The caverns were so cold I was an icicle - the name was so funny but a bit rude. By the way I live in Buckinghamshire now and I miss West Leigh so much.

I came on this website because someone reminded me of it and I do wish I was back at Ilam Hall. You have the most amazing time ever and the teachers are actually rather nice. Whoever goes you'll have a fantastic time!

I remember Ilam Hall trip when I was at the school back in 2003/2004. West Leigh is a great school and has achieved great things over a number of years. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who taught me.

Just want to say how great West Leigh was, but the main thing was llam Hall ,it was great - the best time of my life and the best bit was Alton Towers. You get to know your teachers and friends and have a wicked time.

Hey guys, I'm really missing you West Leigh. If you go to Ilam Hall which you should you will have the most amazing time of your lives. All you girls should get the big dorm - it by far the best. If you go though just watch out for the after feeling, it is really sad to leave the youth hostel because you really get to know the teachers really well! Have a great time new Year 6!

I went to Ilam 4 years ago and when I went it was the most fun ever. I was in one of the biggest rooms with all my old mates from West Leigh, not much sleep but iy was fun. I was in the group with Mrs Woolf and it was wicked hard work but rewarding. Being with mates on this trip is the best and whatever happens the teachers will make sure you have fun no matter what. Alton Towers was good, not that I like big rides, but I went on the baby rides.Now at Westcliff I still talk about Ilam with mates who I went with so it isn't something you forget.

I loved Ilam. I want go back I miss it. At Alton Towers I was nearly sick, it was great. Ilam was a great place to chill with your friends! I wish I could go back to West Leigh and do it all again!

Ilam Hall was superb. I had a brilliant time with all my friends enjoying the break. The views are breathtaking (especially when you have just climbed a ginormous mountain). And Alton Towers is fab! Yr 5 have fun!!!

Well I came onto this website looking for the hymn book ... which i didn't find ... how depressing. Anyway Ilam Hall was really good. I think the best was Alton Towers. I was sitting next to Becki Hair and it was someone's birthday and she was obsessed with chocolate cake and she sniffs and says 'I smell chocolate cake' and then later there was a chocolate cake ... oh how we laughed. I seemed to laugh lots at Ilam Hall. Hahahahahahahahaha. Thank you and goodbye. xxxx

Ilam was great. If you go you will have an absolutely cracking time, trust me! The only bad bit was that I was too small for the big rides at Alton Towers but it was still great. The bad bit was I fell off my bike on the bike trail! Chatsworth House was fab!! If you go have a fab time! I will miss you West Leigh!

I loved Ilam. I took lots of photos. Alton Towers was great. My favourite was Air. On behalf of everyone, I say thanks to all the teachers who helped at Ilam and I really enjoyed it.

For all you guys who are going to go, if you feel a bit ill at the beginning (this happenned to me) hang in there, it is all great fun. By the way, when you go to Alton Towers Go on Oblivion, Air, Nemesis and of course RITA QUEEN OF SPEED! Rita will blow your mind. Good luck. Remember, have fun at Ilam

Ilam Hall was great and Tanvir was sort of right but I must say that it was rude to say don't listen to Amy. I went to Ilam and Alton Towers 4 years ago and my brother is going next year.

Ilam was great. Alton towers was the best. We got told off at least 3 times every night in our dorms because we were so loud! Don't listen to Amy Matthews about the caverns, they're really not that bad, once you get more into them they open up. A huge thanks to Mr.Queenborough for organising the whole thing and for the teachers who helped us. The whole thing was great!

I'm going to King John now but I remember how brilliant Ilam Hall was! Alton Towers was radical.

I have only just found out this website address and I had fun reading everyone's comments. I loved Ilam Hall. Everyone in Year 5 should go. Don't worry, Mr Queenborough is not that strict there and actually he is really fun.
I hope everyone had a good time at Ilam or Southend. Thankyou very much all the teachers that put loads of hard work into this trip.

Ilam was great! When the teachers say that you are going out for a refreshing walk in the country, they mean climbing steep hills and wearing you out!!! Alton Towers is a well deserved rest from the hiking all week. Chatsworth is amazing. DO NOT go down Blue John Cavern if you get claustrophobic! Mr Queenborough isn't so fond of cycling... you'll soon learn why!

I really enjoyed Ilam Hall. It was loads of fun and I would recommend it to all Year 5s.

Ilam Hall was great, even though we weren't in the same room we still had a great time. Alton Towers was the best.

I went to Ilam in 2003 and I find it hard to believe it was 4 years ago now. A friend told me of the website and ever since I have been reminiscing about the 'ol' West Leigh school days'. I am now a student at Westcliff Girls and miss it so much - just want another week back at Ilam Hall to rediscover it and really savour the moment. I enjoyed it thoroughly and thanks all of my year (the best year going) and all the teachers that helped out, it was immense!!!!! Hope someone has taken time to read this.

I had a fab time at Illam Hall. Alton Towers was brilliant and I enjoyed the bike ride at Tissington. Blue John was good too. I had great fun with all my friends . A big thank you to all the teachers for helping make it so enjoyable. All you year 5s I really recommend it!

I hope Ilam Hall was good. I enjoyed it last year and I hope you did too.

Hi, I came back from Ilam Hall last Friday. It was the best trip ever! Even though the weather was not that good it was still great!

Ilam Hall was the best. The walks are great as long as the weather isn't too bad and you are prepared.

Ilam Hall is brilliant, the walks aren't that bad and Alton Towers is the best theme park in England!

I really enjoyed Ilam Hall but the best bit was of course Alton Towers. As it rained we had a huge advantage. I went on over ten rides.

I got back from Ilam yesterday and it was brilliant. I really loved it. The hill climbing wasn't too bad and Chatsworth House was very interesting. It did rain, but mostly to our advantage. Alton Towers was great, the rides were good, but the flume was the best. On the first night no one got much sleep, but the rest of the time we were so tired that we fell asleep easily. The food was ok and the beds were quite comfy. I didn't get home sick at all. I loved Ilam Hall and would recommend it to anyone.

Ilam is a great trip! Anyone that has the chance to go should definitely do it. You make lots of new friends and have loads of fun. Thanks to all the teachers and my room mates for making it such a great trip.

I came back from Ilam Hall yesterday - it was the best trip ever! The climbing was really tiring but it wasn't too bad. Chatsworth House was interesting, but the best thing of all was Alton Towers, sadly it was raining but the queues were short. I bought a trophy that said I survived Oblivion and a photo of Harriet, Amber, Florence and me on the Flume. The bit that made us jump was when the duck came out and quacked really loudly, you could hear it 2 miles away. Don't go on Hex it will give you nightmares. Florence and I were really naughty, we stayed up till 3 o'clock in the morning and had Fashion shows. Thankfully I had a great time and I would recommend it to anyone on the planet!

Ilam is a great trip!! I came back today and already miss it!!! Everyone who goes, you have a fantastic time!!!

Ilam Hall was fab. I was so sad to leave today. It was the best experience ever and I will never forget it. It was amazing and we had the biggest dorm with all our closest friends!!!

Hi, I go to King John now but I really enjoyed Ilam Hall. I hope this week will be great and you will remember the memories forever. I did.

I left West Leigh in 2001 a long time ago. We didn't get to go to Ilam Hall because of foot and mouth but my brother went today and I wish I was going because everyone has said it was fantasic. Hope everyone from Year 6 has fun!!!

I'm in Year 6 and next week we are going to Ilam Hall, I am so excited! I think the best part of the week will be Alton Towers as all the rides are fab.
The worst part will be when I have to get up to a quarter to 7 in the morning because I live in Benfleet and it takes ages for me to get ready in the mornings.
I think it's going to be the best trip ever! I hope I will have 5 days packed with fun.

I can't wait for Ilam Hall. It looks like the best trip ever! I am sure I am going to have loads of fun and no triplets for 5 days!

I'm looking forward to Ilam Hall and being with my mates. I can't wait to
go to Alton Towers and riding on the bikes at Tissington. How long does the journey take?
We leave school at 8:15am and hope to arrive around 1 o'clock.

I can't wait to go to Ilam Hall. It is going to be great fun and I totally can't wait to go to Alton Towers.
I've put a map of Alton Towers on our noticeboard in the West Hall. Have you had a look?

What do you need money for at Alton Towers?
Where do we get our packed lunch from during the week?
You've already paid for your ticket to Alton Towers so the rides are free but you might want to buy gifts for your family.
Your packed lunch you pick up each morning from the dining room. You choose what you want - a little like our 'Grab a Bag'.

Hi everyone! Ilam Hall is great fun as you are with your friends 24/7 which is great. I really enjoyed Alton Towers - the walks are a bit tiring especially if you are in Mr. Queenborough's group. I hope you have a great time this year.

I'm in Year 12 now. I never actually got to go on the Ilam Hall trip due to foot and mouth disease!! I can only remember being highly disappointed. I'm sure it would have been good though!! I'm so happy that I have found this school website- allows me to remember the good old days at West Leigh!!

I'm a former student of West Leigh, in Year 7 now at Westcliff Girls. Can't wait to see all you girls coming up into Westcliff soon! Ilam Hall was great! The whole trip was good, not only Alton Towers! It was so much fun and I wish I could do it again!!!
Hi to everyone still at West Leigh and good luck to all Year 6s going to secondary school.

Just wanted to say hi and I loved Ilam. I'm in Year 7 now and I can still remember everything from it, that's how good it was. Anyway thankyou so much to all the staff that helped with the trip. I'm missing you all!

I have never been away from home before, but it is going to be great. I am looking forward to spending time with my buddies!

It was fun at Ilam (best place you ever go to at West Leigh). I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going to Ilam Hall.

I am in Year Six and I cannot wait to go to Ilam Hall. I am looking forward to all the rides at Alton Towers. I have already packed my bags!

I am now in Year 6 and I cannot wait to go to Ilam Hall. Just a few months to go! I am looking forward to spending time with my friends away from home.

Hello, I'm Eleanor. I left West Leigh last year. I had a great time especially at Ilam Hall and the day we went to Alton Towers was so much fun. It was sad when we were leaving but we all got over it.

I'm at WHSG in Year 10 but still remember going to Ilam Hall. I had a great time and would definitely go again! Best bits included Alton Towers, when Mr. Ramdin fell off his bike and many more!

I am having a good time at King John! It's good today because I have no school! I loved Ilam - all the Year 6's have a good time!!

Ilam Hall was absolutely brilliant - fully recommend it to anyone that wants to go. Especially to Years 5 and 6. (WATCH OUT FOR THE COW DUNG)!!!!

Everyone who has the chance to go to Ilam Hall should. I went there in 2003 but I can still remember it as it was such a fun place to go to!. Alton Towers is the best!!

Everyone who can go to Ilam Hall don't miss out - it's the best thing you ever do at West Leigh or even ever. Wish we could all go back.

I loved Ilam Hall! I'm in Year 10 now...but still it seems like being back in Ilam was yesterday. It was so much fun....sooo want to go again!

A tip for Year 6's going to Ilam Hall, bring trainers! If you think that teachers just say that for safety, you're wrong. Let's just say that you don't want to be sliding down the hill every other minute! Have a great time!

Ilam Hall was the best time of my life! I can't remember when I have had so much fun! I was so sad when I came home, because school couldn't be as much fun! The funniest bit was when I lost my sock in the mud! Good times!!

Hello!...I remember West Leigh like it was yesterday. Anyway I went to Ilam Hall 2 years ago and it was great! The walks were really good and everyone talked to each other and it was so good! All the teachers were nice to us. I will never forget going there!

Hello everybody. I just wanted to say that I will never forget Ilam Hall and recommend it to everyone who is currently in Year 6!!

Just wanted 2 say Ilam Hall was gr8 alton towers was the best
and walking up mountains was hard but fun i hope the next yr 6 will enjoy it oh and by the way group A is the best!!

Ilam Hall was fantastic. When I got home I was really tired. I am having a great time at WHSB. Get well soon Basil!

I loved Ilam Hall and it was the greatest part of Year Six (apart from the masses of cow dung!). If you don't like sheep then don't go because you'll get to see loads!

Hi, I'm having a great time at WHSB and made loads of new friends. I miss West Leigh and Ilam was the best EVER! Basil my dog just had an operation and isn't very well. Wish him better!

I went to Ilam Hall ages ago now. I am in Year 10 at SHSB. It is good but Ilam Hall is better. the best bit was the free time in the afternoon. If you are not sure whether or not to go then you should go.

I went to Ilam 4 months ago. I recommend the trip to Year 6 and Year 5. Don't let anyone push you in when you cross the water. Have good time when you go.

I loved West Leigh, you never know how much until you leave. I will do anything to go back although Belfairs is ONE of the best schools EVER.

I loved Ilam, I really miss West Leigh. I now go to King John School - it rocks - go there!

I'm in Year 8 now and me and my other friends from West Leigh who came to this secondary school still want to go back there- new year 6's should DEFINITELY consider going - it's great fun!!

I loved Ilam Hall. We had MOSTLY nice weather, but sometimes it rained! Hopefully, it will stay dry with the next year 6's! I would like to thank not just the magnificent Mr. Queenbourogh, but all of the staff of the youth hostel and all the teachers who came and helped. It was one of the best times of my life!!

Ilam Hall was great fun - but there is loads of walking and it's really tiring. Alton Towers is great! Yr 5s should really think about going ! Thanks Mr. Queenborough

Ilam Hall was absolutely awesome! It was a lot of fun being with your friends all day, unless you get into arguments, but that was the only bad bit! It was one of the best times of my life!

I loved Ilam Hall - it was the best. The only annoying part was stepping into cow dung every 2 seconds. For any 2006/7 Year 6 have a great time!

Any Yr3 and Yr4s who have to wait one or two years, those one or two years are certainly worth it - and like what Beth said, it was the best!!!
I will miss this school and the teachers (kind of). See you at the Christmas Fete.

I went to Ilam Hall last year and it was excellent!! I had trouble 'swimming' in the cascades and I got lost in the maze at Chatsworth! Climbing the hills was tiring but I liked the views at the top! I would say that everyone should go next year because it is sooo great!!! (but watch out for the sheep poo!)

I loved Ilam Hall! It was the best, with all my friends there as well, it made it more enjoyable!! Now I feel Ilam Hall sick! I wish I was there now! My best day was maybe Alton Towers ( I went on mainly all the upside down rides!) or Chatsworth House! Bye bye Beth Frost.
P.S. Today was our last day and I miss West Leigh too!

It was really good. Although some of my friends didn't go I still had a really good time!

I cannot wait to go to llam. It is going to be a great trip. I can't wait to walk up the cascades. It's going to be fun spending time with my friends.

I am in Year 5 and I have read a few of the Ilam comments and it sounds really exciting !!! I am really looking forward to it (especially Alton Towers)! Year 6 make it sound superb! I can't wait!

I really enjoyed myself at Ilam Hall and the views were great. Chatsworth House and Gardens were beautiful. Thank you to everyone who helped arrange the trip.

I'd just like to say a big thank you to all the staff who came to Ilam Hall and to Mr. Queenborough for making the trip possible. The best part of Ilam Hall was Alton Towers but everything we did was great fun. Year 5s you definitely have something to look forward to next year.

Thank you to all the staff that helped at Ilam, it really was a trip to remember. When I got to the top of Thorpe Cloud, I never thought I was going to get down because it was so steep!

Ilam is great. There are so many great memories to take home. Beware Mr Dunn - he makes you sing to get into breckfast!

At Ilam I missed some friends on Southend Activity Week. But it was brilliant. A lot of teachers helped. It was great! YEEE HAAA!

Hi! I have to say Ilam was great. When I was half way up some of the mountains I thought I wouldn't be able to make it! But if you you go slow and steady like me then you will always make it!

Hello again! I'd also like to say thank you to all of the staff for working hard - especially Mr. Queenborough.

When you are climbing up the mountains, there are so many cow-pats, that there is a souvenir for everyone! Alton Towers was brilliant. I'd never been or thought about going on roller-coasters before I went to Ilam, but as soon as I got there my eyes were engrossed in the technology, whilst my body was on some of the scariest rides in Britain.
I'd like to thank all of the staff for making it such a fantastic trip!

I thought Ilam Hall was fantastic! I enjoyed every single day even when we had to climb up the mountains, but I must say, Alton Towers was the best.

I thought Ilam was great and I enjoyed walking up all the mountains, they were hard but still enjoyable! Alton Towers was good as well but I didn't get on many rides! I enjoyed visiting Chatworth House and all the other things we got up to. Thank you for organising such a good trip!

Hello! I went on the Ilam Hall trip when I was in Year 6 in 2005. It was one of the best school trips I had ever been on. I thought it was great. Thanks for organising it. Miss you West Leigh.

I loved Ilam Hall so much I didn't want to go home. I hope next year's Ilam Hall goes as well as ours did! But let me tell you it's not easy climbing Bunster and Thorpe Cloud! Even Laura Bell fell down a small hill and landed in the nettles! But I have to say it was the best week of my life!!

Ilam was absolutely fantastic, especially Alton Towers. I would recommend the trip to anyone. Thank you to everyone involved in organising it.

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for organising such a brill week. I loved having a week with my friends and going to Alton Towers (I went on OBLIVION!) I hope the next Year 6 enjoy it as much as I did!

It was fab ! You Year Fives should definitely think about going ! My favourite part was Alton Towers . The best rides were Air and Nemesis!

I loved Ilam Hall. The best part of the trip was when we went to Alton Towers and I dont even like scary rides!

Hello it was such fun there I wish I was still there. I would recommend it to anybody so everybody at West Leigh should go. Thankyou all the teachers that took us there especially Mr Queenborough.

I had a fantastic time at Ilam Hall. When we went to Alton Towers I had never been on a rollercoster before (sad - I know!!) and I went on one of the scariest ones there! I would recommend Ilam to everyone and thankyou so much to all the members of staff- especially Mr. Queenborough!!!

Ilam was great. I really liked playing football in the evening. I loved Alton Towers especially Nemesis and Oblivion, they were so cool but unfortunately Air was closed.

Hooray Ilam Hall is getting nearer and I'm counting the days. So, my question is... do we need to bring trainers or are we expected to wear walking boots cycling?
Trainers are best when you are cycling. As the other half of the day is Chatsworth you'll be all right to wear your trainers all day and leave your walking boots back at the hostel.

I'm a bit scared if I get homesick on the trip but I really want to go and I'm really excited. What should I do?
Don't worry. We've done this trip 4 times now and you'll have to believe me that there is no time to get homesick. You are always involved in some trip or activity and of course surrounded by friends. It's a big adventure so concentrate on having fun!

Hello Mr.Queenborough, I'm just wondering how long it takes to get to Ilam Hall? If our friends are in another group to us then will we be able to sit with them for breakfast and dinner?
We leave at 8:15am and usually arrive between 12:30pm and 1:00pm. You can meet with who you like around the hostel, but bear in mind you have special times to queue up for meals - it might be that another group has mostly finished eating by the time you go in.

Are we allowed to go on a tandem with our friends, not a member of staff?
No, I'm afraid not, Ashley. Tandems cost a lot more to hire and I have already booked the bikes. Tandems are only for children that are unable to ride on their own.

Hi, I'm reallly looking forward to going to Ilam , but I'm just wondering how long the trek up Bunster Hill and Thorpe Cloud will be?
They are both half day walks and we are out for about three and a half hours. Our record time from the foot of Thorpe Cloud to the very top is 38 minutes 47 seconds - perhaps we can break it this year?

When I looked on the Ilam Hall pages - on the room supervision page, I forgot what room number I was. Is it possible to put the room numbers, the people in them and who will be supervising that room on the website, so I can see who will be supervising our room?
For privacy and also security reasons I don't put all our information on the website, Fenella. Check at school on Monday

Well, what a FUN trip this is going to be! I was wondering, what else could we do after we come back from our trips if it's raining, and where would we do it?
PS I have already got my things for Ilam, I didn't buy a cap I bought a sort of sun hat, is that ok?
The sunhat is fine. I hope it doesn't rain but if it does there is plenty of room in the youth hostel. There's a huge games room with plenty of things to do in there.

Thanks for the reply so soon. I was just reading the rules and it said no eating sweets at certain times. Does this mean we bring our own?
There's plenty of places to buy sweets - when we go out and at the youth hostel. However, remember that sweets are not healthy, so the fewer the better. Follow our rules and you'll be OK.

Hi everyone! First of all I'd just like to say that I'm really excited about Ilam and I bet it's going to be great! Like Nicki, I too am a wimp when it comes to big rides. When my brother went last year he was as well but he was brave enough to try them out and he loved them! He's trying to persaude me to try them when we go, but I don't know. They can't be the scariest thing in the world - can they?

I am really looking forward to Ilam Hall but I am not looking forward to the 5 hour coach ride!!!
It's nearer to 4 hours than 5. But never mind, you get a break at a service station and plenty of time to chat with friends!

When we return back to the youth hostel after our activities are we allowed to visit other dormitories to see our friends?
No, I'm afraid I only allow you into your own dormitories, Dean - for safety reasons. However, this is not a problem because you can meet anywhere else around the hostel (and it is huge) or else outside.

Ilam Hall sounds great! I can't wait till I go, it is gonna be a laugh with all my friends - hope everyone enjoys it

Who will take us on the scariest rides at Alton Towers?
My best advice is to speak to each member of staff and seek their views. However, be warned - if you like a good scare don't choose Mrs Woolf - she gets frightened on Squirrel Nutkin's Treetop Ride!

Well, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to big rides. Do you get forced to go on rides that you don't want to?
Yes, I insist all children go on Oblivion, Air and Nemesis otherwise your parents are telephoned and you are taken home to Essex!
No, not really. The evening before we go we get ourselves into groups of ten who like the same sort of rides. You then go to the zones that suit you best once you are at Alton Towers. You'll like it when you get there!

At Ilam Hall do we have to bring our own sport equipment like a football to play with?
No, you can borrow footballs from the Youth Hostel reception. There is a 50p deposit which you get back when you return the ball.

I can't wait until Ilam Hall! When will we find out who we'll be sharing a dorm with?
I'm hoping to give you that information during the week beginning Monday 15th May

How many miles do we go on the Tissington Trail?
It really depends how far the group can cycle in 3 hours. Providing we do not have any punctures, we usually cycle from Ashbourne to a place called Alsop and then back again. Have a look on a map and you can work out how far that is.

How many people are there going to be in the groups?
There will be 3 groups altogether made up from our 111 children. That means there will be 37 per group with 4 adults.

I went to Ilam Hall in 2004 and thought it was really good! I loved all the trips and especially enjoyed watching Shrek on the coach journey back! My brother, Tom, is going this year and I hope he enjoys it as much as I did!

How many bags are we allowed to take?
You can take two bags altogether. One will be your main packing such as a 'squashy' type bag or a suitcase. The other one will be the rucksack you take out each day. If the bags are too heavy for you to carry on your own, then you are taking too much luggage. You must be able to carry them on and off the coach and up and down the youth hostel stairs.

How many showers are there?
I haven't counted them but there are enough. I can't remember there being any queues. The girls' shower block is on the first floor but the boys have to go underground into the cellar!

I have checked into this website and have found lots of good information. I especially enjoyed reading other pupils' comments about Ilam Hall. When are you going to inform us about the items or equipment we need for the Ilam Hall trip?
I'm pleased you liked the website, Dean. I shall give all details about clothing and equipment at the parents' meeting on May 18th.

Ilam was really great and the bike ride was brilliant, if you like cycling and you like going fast go with Mr Queenborough.

I loved Ilam Hall. It was so good. Especially when one person in our domitory (not saying who) was sleep talking - it was funny.

I LOVED Ilam hall so much and wish I could go back every day. I miss all of the teachers so much, especially Mr. Queenborough....They were superb in guiding me through the first few years of my life. The trip was exhilarating.

I went to Ilam Hall four or five years ago and I still remember it as being a really cool trip! Fortunately keeping the dorm tidy was a lot easier than I thought it would be!

I went to Ilam Hall in 2005 and it was great fun. If you get the chance to go you should go coz it is such a laugh seeing everyone falling into cow pats (it is not funny if it is you though). The best bit has to be Alton Towers. Climbing up Bunster Hill was hard but the view from the top was fantastic. We went to the Peak Cavern (aka the Devil's Arse) A funny time was when Kathrine Fraser's bag landed in a pile of sheep poo, another funny time was when somebody was sick on the coach journey home (not mentioning any names like Chloe Lovatt) and I must admit Mr Queenborough was right you don't have time to miss home.

We left West Leigh 3 years ago. It is a fab school and we were reminiscing about it and thought we would visit the website. We hope everyone is doing well and we are now going to Westcliff High School for Girls in Year 9.
Ilam Hall was the best school trip ever. It was so funny and we remember it forever. We all recommend you go on the trip as you will really enjoy it !

Hi I go to Westcliff High School for Boys. I went to Ilam Hall last year, I loved it. It's really nice walking through the country seeing all the wildlife. Walking up Bunster Hill was hard, but the view made it worth it. While you're in your dormitory at night, talk but not too loud, probably if you're too loud, a teacher will come and tell you off! I Hope everyone in Year 6 has a great time!