A Monster of a Weekend raises 2.5K The second NCSF Fit Challenge was held over the weekend of 16/17 June involving 100 boys, girls, men and women ranging from ages 3 to 83 – and a few of our four legged friends too!

The weekend began with a charity football match at Trinity School in Portishead – Our very own ‘NCSF United’ took on ‘Portishead Pick n Mix’.

A close game ensued in the wind and rain resulting in draw of 4 goals each at the final whistle. An exciting penalty shoot-out then determined NCSF United as the NCSF Fit challenge 2012 trophy winners.

Well done to the boys in pink! Lots of money was raised by numerous fines and a well- used swear box, and Alfie did a grand job of selling the refreshments.

Our thanks must go to Steve our referee (who didn’t stop smiling!); Ian Joyner for organising the ‘Portishead Pick n Mix’ team; Chris Banks for sorting out the pitch and finally John Corry for organising and donating the NCSF trophy.

Saturday afternoon hosted the ‘Mendip Monster’. This was a nine mile hike across the Mendips starting in Cheddar. 61 people embarked on this challenging route taking them to the highest point in the Mendips, giving them some spectacular views en route (shame it wasn’t a clearer day!).

A further 16 people undertook the Mini Mendip Monster, a circular 5 mile route starting and finishing at Charterhouse also reaching the highest point on the Mendips. The rain didn’t quite hold off completely but we all finished in the dry. Mud and puddles caused great frivolity in places with some losing shoes, and some walkers even throwing themselves completely in the mud! (Colin and Jane!)

Some of our youngest contenders were heard to have described this part of the walk as “awesome” and even “the best day of my life!!” Big thanks go to Mary and Paul Pearce for sorting out the walking routes and maps.

Walkers were welcomed back at Broadway House campsite in Cheddar for a well-deserved barbecue and beers. Everyone must have been hungry as we sold out of burgers and sausages in a flash!

Thanks to Ian and Julie Joyner for organising the barbecue; and for Abby Bennett for cooking the food for us all!

During the afternoon cakes and other NCSF goodies were sold by Claire Bullock and Margaret Humphries at the campsite – thanks girls!

Thanks to Broadway House too for being so accommodating – it’s a brilliant campsite with excellent facilities; definitely recommended for a break away!

The fun continued in the bar at the campsite with most of us staying the night under canvas. Thanks to the entertainer at Broadway House who supported NCSF by donating a bottle to raffle and encouraging guests to name our cuddly Mendip Monster (who incidentally was Marley and was won by Sam Course).