Pupils pelt their teachers ahead of Loxwood Joust

Paul Sweeney, head of Elgar House, together with some of his ‘brave’ colleagues, agreed to go into the stocks and let students from the whole school pay to throw wet sponges at them to raise funds for Sussex children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House, which is also the main beneficiary for the Loxwood Joust.

Jo Smith, community fundraiser for the hospice, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part and for supporting Chestnut Tree House. As well as being a great practice run for the Loxwood Joust, it was huge fun and very heart-warming to see the teachers, children and young people getting involved – and very wet - to help other local children who are not so blessed with good health.”

Paul Sweeney, said: “It was great to have Jo from Chestnut Tree House in school with the stocks from the Loxwood Joust, students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to soak their teachers whilst raising money for Chestnut Tree House!”

The Weald Community School and Sixth Form College have been supporters of Chestnut Tree House for many years, taking part in the charity’s annual Reindeer Run campaign as well as other fundraising activities. To date they have raised over £10,000!

Loxwood Joust is the most spectacular festival in the realm taking place at Loxwood Meadow this weekend on August 13 and 14.

Chestnut Tree House will be at the event with volunteers in the stocks raising much-needed funds. There will also be jousting twice a day, cannon firing, fully armed knights and thunderous battles, a Children’s Kingdom, sword lessons and learning zones. Tickets are £12 for adults, £6 for children in advance or £15 for adults, £7 children on the gate.

For more information, visit www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk and to find out more about the work of Chestnut Tree house, please visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk