Today was a fabulous first day. The children have been very excitable as you can imagine. Our first stop was Buckfast Abbey and the children were amazed at the size of it and were even more surprised when they found out that only 4 people had rebuilt it! The education centre was full of wonderful hands-on activities that the children really enjoyed as you will see from the pictures.

Next the children met Father Christopher who is a monk at the monastery and has been for over 50 years. He told us a little history of the abbey and what life was like as a monk. The children asked some really impressive questions and listened intently.

On to Stone Farm - the children met all of the animals after unpacking. They are looking forward to their farm duties each day that's for sure. There are alpacas, owls, guinea pigs, rabbits, donkeys, chickens, pigs, goats and ducks...oh and I nearly forgot Diesel the Dog.

The children ate loads for dinner - I was really pleased with what they tucked away. A choice of fish/sausages or burger with chips and beans. Ice cream and yoghurts were on the menu for desserts.

This evening we played some traditional games such as pick up sticks, ludo, snakes and ladders, dominoes etc before we went to the barn at 8pm to sketch Hedwig the famous Stone Farm owl. He was rescued 25 years ago by Mr and Mrs Hatton. The kids' sketches are fab - the children are rightly proud of them.

I've just read them a story - one of Aesop's fables, which they really enjoyed and they have now settled for bed.  It has gone remarkably quiet - fingers crossed we have a quiet night.

Enjoy the photos and we will post again tomorrow.