I was talking to quite a few children today about how I was once fourth in a running race at the District Sports Event in Chorley. There were only four people in the race so I was actually last. It was a bit disappointing and embarrassing because it was the 400m and the other three people had crossed the finish line and I was still at 200m. I have lived to tell the tale. I was in school teams for hockey, netball and rounders but have never been selected for the Olympic Games. I have lived to tell the tale.

As I have said so many times before our children are still young at infant school and they have such big feelings to cope with. Not winning is one of those things and you will have probably experienced times when your child is upset because they haven’t won something at home or when you have been at different events. It is hard isn’t it but it is part of life. What was so lovely today was seeing many children being so proud of their friends who did win and also many children comforting their friends who were in pieces because they hadn’t won. They will all live to tell the tale and one day will look back and have a good story to tell at a dinner party of how they might have come last just like their old headteacher! Or they might have come first and have a collection of medals and trophies for all sorts of events. Tavistock could be developing the future World Marbles Champion and we don’t even know it.

We have another sporty week coming up next week with CM Sports (who ran our event today) delivering workshops for all the children to take part in. Usually we run our own events and I walk round sweating with a megaphone and ringing the old school bell. One lovely parent was so kind and said that they loved the event but missed me on my megaphone. It was so much less stressful for me to be honest having the team running the event but I am sure my trusty megaphone will come out again at some point. Watch this space.

It is Fleet Carnival ‘Rio de Janeiro’ tomorrow so that will be another day for Tavistock to shine. TAFF and Miss Heafford have done an amazing job as always getting everything organised. The weather is looking a bit variable so we will either be in the tropical sunshine or the tropical rain. We can do any weather. We are Tavistock! It is lovely to take part in these events and to keep that sense of community going. Perhaps I could take my megaphone and announce our arrival on the High Street. Perhaps not…