Saturday 2nd August 2008

Day Twenty - Runneymede, Windsor

For our final day the ISCA group split into two with one going to Runneymede first, catching a boat up to Windsor and the other doing the trip in reverse.  The main reason for this was the boat we take up the Thames is a steam powered river vessel, over 110 years old that can only take a certain amount of passengers.  The Nuneham is a fantastic boat and after visiting the site where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215 and walking up to a memorial for John F. Kennedy we boarded the boat for a gentle ride up the Thames.  In many ways this is the best way to approach Windsor as you first spy the castle through the trees rising up before you.

The castle is a magnificent place to be on our last day of touring as it is possibly the best historic structure we visit.  The state apartments alone are enough to take your breath away.  The elegance, history and beauty of the place are captivating.  In St George's Chapel there are many reminders of those that have gone before - the tomb of Henry VIII and Charles I lie in the chapel vault.  The weather starts to clear up as the afternoon wears on and after the castle there is some time to spend in the town before meeting up with the coach for the journey back to Charterhouse.

After packing cases it is time for the farewell barbecue and dance. There are many thank yous to be said and some sad goodbyes as ISCA 2008 comes to an end.  It has been a brilliant summer and the students have been a real credit to their schools.  Well done everyone and thank you for a superb 3 weeks.