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On Monday 27 July, 24 girls and 9 adults embarked on a 17 day hockey tour to South Africa. In the aptly named Rainbow Nation, we effectively combined a spectrum of different holidays on one short trip and enjoyed a rich diversity of experiences. We travelled from the busy city of Durban to Cape Town, surely one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Table Mountain dominating the skyline. We enjoyed the breathtaking Cape Peninsula views, Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison,  the incredible game drives in Kruger National Park, where we spotted the Big 5; rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo.

We visited the Langa Township where we were greeted with happy smiling children with big brown eyes all eager to hold our hand and our intensely moving visit to the Leap Science and Maths School, where we presented a laptop computer, was an occasion we will never forget. We were greeted into their community with resonant and vibrant singing and students gave us an insight into their lives, challenges and ambitions.

The hockey on tour was a triumph. The U16A team won all 7 matches and the U16B team won 5, drew 1 and lost 1 game.

There were many highlights and so many fond memories. The girls were fantastic tourists, without exception, and their humour, friendship, enthusiasm and engaging personalities made them great company and this was endorsed by the host families who wanted to adopt some of them! 

My thanks go to the wonderful parents for affording their daughters this great opportunity and especially for all their tireless efforts with the fundraising and to Miss Mason, Martin, Miss Gray, Miss Fisher, Dave, Malc, Tick Owen and Emma Kraus for their support, dedication and friendship throughout the tour.

The tour motto was 24 girls, 9 staff, 2 squads but ONE TEAM. This was very happily achieved.