Blackburn with Darwen DI Global Finals 2006

We are back!!!!! (and shattered!!!!)

2006-05-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone!!!
the HOTSHOTS have made it back all safe and sound...eventually!An 8 hour wait for our plane at knoxville...what an airport...nothing there!!! what a place to hang out! The kids were BRILL though and never complained.
GROUP 1 had an exhaustive journey but Mr H lived it up in first class...but did say "It's not all its cracked up to be!!!" Miss W got stuck between Halima and Sadia who after telling everyone the end of the Harry Potter film fell asleep and snored!!!! The team even managed a trip on the airport buggies to usher them to the other side of the airport for their plane.
GROUP 2 had a fantastic day at the Smokies - Junaid really enjoyed the trip up the mountain on the ...'stair lift'!!!!!Hmm was it Stannah by any chance??
In all we had a fantastic time, we met so many brilliant people, caught the sun and saw lots of super things. In all a trip of lifetime that will NEVER be forgotten.
Our team were brilliant and 25th out of 51 (we think after checking all the scores on Saturday night!) is FANTASTIC!!!!!
A BIG thank you to Marcea for all her organisation it all paid off in the end!!!

See you all soon, we are off for some much needed sleep... we are dead on our feet!

The HOTSHOTS, Miss W and SHAZ

WE MADE IT BACK AT LAST....

2006-05-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

At times it felt like we were NEVER going to get out of the Knoxville airport. We were delayed for 5 hours due to thunderstorms in Houston.

We all had a great time over in the USA - what a fantastic experience. The kids and Team Managers had an absolutely wonderful time, even though at times it was very exhausting. The scores for all the Blackburn Teams were ace. When you consider that it was our VERY FIRST times at Global finals we all did brilliantly well - watch out next year America!!!

Well I'm still very tired, slept for 16 hours last night - time to go back to bed, I think.

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped us to get to America, Marcea, Adam, parents and everyone else who helped us fundraise for our trip.

THE COOL CREW!

What a fantastic week!!!

2006-05-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi ya'l.......
Well after a long journey with delays at Knoxville thanks to the weather in Houston, 20 of us finally made it home today.

The Ashleigh Brainteaserz team however got stuck in Cleveland after missing their connecting flight due to the delays........oh well an extra day in America for them!!!!

A big congratulations to all the teams, they were all amazing in their challenges. A lot of fun was had with buddy teams around the campus - trading pins, eating, swimming, eating.....there is a bit of a pattern to the American way of life!!!

Some fantastic results were achieved for all the teams first ever Global Finals experience
On Safari - out of 60
Our Lady's - 18th overall
Ashleigh - 27th overall
How'd that happen - out of 51
Hawthorns - 25th
Shadworth - 47th

A big thank you to Marcea for all her hard work in helping get the teams to America and for her support out there xxxx

shadi mumz!!!!!!!!

2006-05-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hi every one back there in England we are having a great time over here in the USA.
All the kids are working very hard on all their projects but yesterday had a well earned break from all the teachers and the campus. We all went off to downtown Tennessee to a place that the locals call "The strip" , this is a long road full of shops and eating places we found an American bar and had a fantastic lunch together. The kids had great fun in the games room whilst us mumz had a few well needed beers.
To all the parents who couldn't be here we'd just like to say your kids are all fine and are being VERY well looked after so you have got no need for any worries.
We are moving to the hotel tomorrow morning then off to DOLLYWOOD for the day !
then smokey mountains on Monday. see you all on Wednesday morning back in sunny Blackburn (unfortunately) thinking of you Alison,Sharon,Marie & Denise xxxxxx

THE COOL CREW 'TA.DA'

2006-05-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

You all know that we're the BEST
We are better than ALL the rest
We are up for ANY test
Who are we OLPS

We are gonna win DI
We are gonna make you CRY
We are all from the UK
And we are gonna WIN today!!

O.L.P.S we are the BEST............

This is our TA.DA which we are chanting around the campus and keeping up our team spirit.

THE COOL CREW

xxxx

we've finished : cool crew

2006-05-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

HI FROM THE 'COOL CREW'..............

2006-05-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone back home - we are here, we are alive and WE ARE HAVING FUN FUN FUN!!!! We have been SO busy, we have sun bathed, swam in the outdoor pool, sat out until 11 pm in the evening HEAT - oh and we've had a couple of challenge to go to! Everyone is doing great, the kids have been excellent and are having a fantastic time. We did our team challenge yesterday and the judges commented on their fantastic teamwork! Well I am sorry but we need to go now - it is 90 degrees outside and the swimming pool is CALLING!!!! See you soon rainy Blackburn - look out for the 'tanned' ones on Holmbrook Close on Tuesday morning. Mrs Downham will be the one with the four extra suitcases - she gone SHOPPING!!!! THE COOL CREW xxxx

R Mrs. W. & Shaz behaving themselves?

2006-05-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

To Halima, Saadia,Aadil,Naheem,Hashim,Junaid,Zuber;
You have Mr. G.'s permission to be very loud when addressing Mrs.W. & Shaz the morning after the Team Leaders party.
All seems very quiet on the Shaz front!.........Ominous....
Hope the IC went as well as possible.
Good luck for the awards-Keep feeling those positive vibes we are generating for you....
Sounds like you are all having a wonderful time.
Well......I've got Dr. Who to look forward to
Love from Mr. G and all at Hawthorns

Hot pants.

2006-05-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Its cracking flags, high 80's. Phew!!!!

My pants are hot!!!!

We went down to the Main Centre in town earlier. Ashleigh and Our Lady's did great with their On Safari challenges. They lost and found their teeth, fought with bats, washed away their desert supplies and found a talking monkey but that ain't to unusual around here!

The brainy Shadsworth teachers won some Velcro strips at the Expo. A large exhibition and trade stand show. We swapped/bought more pins and then had pizza for lunch by the beautiful lake in the middle of town.

The children have been shopping with their mums and I got a bit of sneaky souvenir shopping as well.

Early night is planned for the kids as we are up dead early for our instant Challenge tomorrow at 6.30. That's right it is NOT a holiday!!!!!!!!

BwD DIxxx

hot n sweaty shirt swapping

2006-05-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

the title says it all!!! its rather warm out here. Not that I'm trying to rub it in or anything!!
Hope the same can be said for Shad. Busy psyching ourselves up for tomorrows challenges- lots of retail therapy is helping, but not having much luck on the shoe front so far. Never mind still got four days left. Ian if you're reading this I won't be back until I've got at least one pair!!
Me and Mr Naylor have started a new craze- never mind pin swapping. We've moved on to shirt swapping-acquired fab shirt from Virginia. Nearly got arrested mid shirt swap though- not recommended in the middle of a park.
Have a brill half term.
Mrs Bradley.

Howdy All from Tennesse!!

2006-05-26T13:07:00.001-07:00

Hello to everyone in Ingerland!! Hope you are well and enjoying the great British weather. It's scorching here and I'm more than a little red in parts!! Just changed my t-shirt for the third time today. The children are going crazy swapping pins, it's a real epidemic over here with lots of children sat around with thick albums full of pins! Apparently our 'Big Ben' pin is the one they're all after, and I don't think we have any left. Last night we went to see a baseball match. I've always wanted to go and it was fantastic. The children ran around the pitch after the game and some of the players signed a baseball for them. The Americans are so friendly and want to know all about where we live. Most of them have never heard of Blackburn so we're doing some good PR. I'm really impressed with Tennesse and don't want to come home! Mr N and Mrs B have just exchanged shirts with two American's, so they really look the part now. I'm still the Brit abroad in my white Ingerland shirt and hat. Going to tea soon. Take care y'all. Martyn

Hot pants!

2006-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Its cracking flags, high 80's. Phew!!!!

My pants are hot!!!!

We went downh to the Main Centre in town earlier. Ashleigh and Our Lady's did great with their On Safari challenges. They lost and found their teeth, fought with bats, washed away their desert supplies and found a talking monkey but that ain't to unusual around here!

The brainy Shadsworth teachers won some Velcro strips at the Expo. A large exhibition and trade stand show. We swapped/bought more pins and then had pizza for lunch by the beautiful lake in the middle of town.

The children have been shopping with their mums and I got a bit of sneaky souvenir shopping as well.

Early night is planned for the kids as we are up dead early for our instant Challenge tomorrow at 6.30. That's right it is NOT a holiday!!!!!!!!

BwD DIxxx

Good Luck

2006-05-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hope all the props have been made/repaired. Best of luck tomorrow. Just do your best and if that's not good enough then I want to know why and you can see me at breaktimes!!!

Joking.

Just go for it!!! You can do it.

All the best
Mr Mason

2006-05-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

To everyone out there in Knoxville-Good luck in your instant challenges
Love from all at Hawthorns-we're signing off for 1/2 term now!!

Blackburn with Darwen DI Global Finals 2006: Hawthorns hot shots from Shirin, Nasra and Najma

2006-05-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Blackburn with Darwen DI Global Finals 2006: Hawthorns hot shots from Shirin, Nasra and Najma

Hawthorns hot shots from Shirin, Nasra and Najma

2006-05-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Hawthorns Hotshots,

How are you doing, hope your all fit and well? It was good to read that the weather is hot because its done nothing here but pour down since you left.

It was also good to hear that you did well yesterday and keep up the good work, and think about us poor souls left behind here.

Last day today looking foward to the week ahead.

Anyways good Luck and try and not to have too much fun... only joking

Make sure Shaz doesn't eat too much and end up with a dodgy tummy tell kirsty to limit her food intake.

Give our regards to the parents too!

Take care and god bless and we know your gonna win!

Love Shirin, Nasra and Najma

2 Mega messages from Hawthorns Y6

2006-05-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Hawthorn Hotshots,

Bonjour hot shots. It was good to hear from you, and that the weather is nice there, it has not stopped raining here. Yesterday Mrs Littlefair, Hamza Farooq and Mariam Asif went to meet the Queen. This afternoon we are looking forward to going bowling. The cricket team came 4th and got some fancy models and great certificates. We are all missing you loads! Have you found your chicks yet Zuber? Cluck Cluck!!! Shamus is worried. It's so peaceful without Hashim. Has Junaid livend up yet as he was really quiet for a change on Tuesday. We were very concerned.

Hope you have a good time and Good Luck with everything and have a safe journey home.

From 6M

P.S. Aadil have you had enough of your pizzas?
Hashim have you counted how much smarties you have eaten?

Au Revoir.

What's up Bro's?
Bonjour

Been reading your e-mails - sounds like your having a wacky time, despite the long journey. Sounds like Zuber hasn't had time to chat up the chicks yet!!!

Life here's been quiet without Hashim and Miss Magerison's REALLY missed him...yesterday.

There was a Kwick cricket tournament and our team came fourth all thanks to Qadz great sixers they got medals and certificates signed by Flintoff. Sufyan wants to sell his on E-bay for 1000 pounds so watch the net.

Hope your holiday goes well and you do well in the challenges.

Got to go bowling

See ya later

6m gangsters

Random Conversations with the locals

2006-05-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

Morning all, 7.30 here local time and Mr. Naylor has been up and about in the early drizzle. This time tomorrow ShaDI will be dong their Instant Challenge. We can't wait for that.

Final member of our party arrived last night. Welcome to Hannah's mum who unfortunately had a longer delay in Newark than us!
We had a great time at the baseball game last night. They made us feel really welcome as they gave the kids free food, the players signed baseball for the group and at the end of the game (Smokies 0 Lookouts 2) all the kids got to go on the field and run around the bases. They got a big High 5 from the mascot at the end. The commercial manager took a photo to go on their own website. We all bought t-shirts, baseball, caps etc. Thankyou Tennessee Smokies for a good night.

Now then, here are a couple of conversations I had today and yesterday.

Thursday pm (Outside the Registration Hall) American gentleman "Hey what does that mean on the back of your t-shirt?"
I replied , " Its ShaDI, the name of our team from UK!"
American Gentleman " How strange cos my name is Shaddi!" and he had ID to prove it.

Friday morning (in a coffee house - large pile of pancakes!!!!) Cafe cleaner " What state you from?"
Me (pouring lots of maple syrup on pancakes) "England, UK!"
CC "How long did it take you to get here?"
Me "About 11 hours by plane"
CC " Yeh but how long would it take you to drive here from the UK?"

I'm blown away by the size, the calmness, the friendliness and comradeship of this event. Dylan is the top pin trader amongst us. Our Big Ben pins are the hottest pins in town and thats what everyone asks for. I taded a great one yestaerday - a pin badge with a moving roller coaster on it (from Ohio)

Enjoy your weekend at home everyone. I'm off to crack the whip as we have a prop reassemble day!! No one has found the body of the queen in my suitcase yet!

Mr. Naylor

This morning I got up early and went for a walk

2006-05-26T03:18:00.000-07:00

Still waiting to hear from Our Lady's Cool Crew, but we've all got our fingers crossed that they are doing well and having a great time.

Come on Cool Crew....knock em dead!!

Buzzin' but Jealous at Hawthorns

2006-05-26T02:56:00.000-07:00

Great to hear from you all .
We're all excited for you and all the classes are having a look at this site today now that you have decided we are worthy of a reply!
I'm very jealous that some of you have met George Foreman.
Everybody else is plain jealous of the sunshine and the adventure.
Keep doing us proud!!!
Mr. G

Shadi,s news

2006-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

We finally arrived at midnight US time(5am British ). Were tired and sweaty-especially Roxanne!!!
Spent morning swapping pin badges and watching the perforamnces of other teams.
Going to baseball match tonight and everyone been swimming. Weather- hot, hot, hot!!
Hope it is same in Shad.
Kerri.

Hey from Hashim

2006-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am having a great time here and having lots of fun!
We are just chilling out before we do our team challenge...we have invited LOADS of people to come!!!
Wish you were here
Hashim

The Opening Ceremony

2006-05-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

this was really exciting. we saw lots of peole from all over america and the world. there was a fantastic light show and HUGE fireworks actually inside!
We have met our buddy team they are very crazy it's going to be fun chatting to them!
Halima and Sadia

A "Splashing Time"

2006-05-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hey there how you al doin????????
We have been to the pool yesterday it was great fun. Loads of people. We played around on the slides and in the pool. On the slides we had races and got soaked!
Miss Wood and Nazia just sat watching the diving. they were from the Tennessee Diving team, year six have got a lot to aim for!!!
We all marched in the opening ceremony and were all on TV.
The American's all love our accent...when they see us they start screaming...it's like we are famous!
Bye for now,
Naheem and AAdil

It's hot hot hot!!!!

2006-05-25T10:07:00.003-07:00

Well we had an eventful trip over...sick children and parents!! An intersting landing in New York and a tiny plane to Knoxville that Mrs Wood didn't fit on!!
The kids met George Foreman at New York and got his autograph.
What an amazing place this is. The university campus "is bigger than Blackburn!!" quote Mr Hinglotowala!!!
The kids have been ace and are busy trading pins and meeting loads of new people!!
Loadsa food and the weather is fab...we will come back with a tan! MR Issa has already got heatstroke, and Shamus Dar if you are reading this Zuber hasn't checked out the 'chicks' yet!!!
We are off to the baseball tonight 'come on the SMOKIES!!!!'
Miss W and Shaz

It's hot hot hot!!!!

2006-05-25T10:07:00.002-07:00

It's hot hot hot!!!!

2006-05-25T10:07:00.001-07:00

2006-05-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hi to all out in US from Hawthorns.
Cricket team missed Naheem and Hashim today. Lost in consolation final by 9 runs to Sacred Heart.
Brookhouse beat Audley in the final.
Rounders team missed you all too!
But-we can't wait to hear how you got on in team Challenge today.
Get in touch-Mr. G xxx

Good Luck from 6B at Shad

2006-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi team shaDI !

Hope you’re having a great time in America all the best and gooooooood luck love

6B xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S we can win this thing!!!!!!!!! and the cricket team lost by one run to the semi finals

They must be having toooo much fun to get in touch

2006-05-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning and still no word.... the suspense is killing us!

2006-05-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

How are BwD teams?
Did Shaz and crew arrive safely? What time? How was Opening Ceremony-didn't know it was going out as a live webcast.Use the blog as my granny used to say!

2006-05-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Ok... I'm pretty sure our lot (Our Lady's) must be there by now, but we havent heard a word yet!

Helloooooooooooo

Is there anybody out there????

Picture of Hawthorns second party setting off

2006-05-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Blackburn with Darwen DI Global Finals 2006

2006-05-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

Here we are setting off!
I'm cocerned that shaz may end up in Guantanamo Bay-have you seen her passport stamps?

Blackburn with Darwen DI Global Finals 2006

2006-05-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

It's 7.30 am and I can't believe I am trying to find a way of putting our boarding photo onto the Blog!
Mr. G.

Blackburn with Darwen DI Global Finals 2006

2006-05-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Shaz's 3 Minute Challenge;
Mrs. Wood-do you remember the wooden planter one of our parents won on the raffle at Queens Park Working Men's Club?
Well, Mr. Naylor came to drop it off yesterday afternoon and we persuaded shaz that it was a prop which you needed out there and she needed to find a way of packing it.
It took about 3 minutes for Shaz to realise it was a set-up before she started throwing things at Mr. Naylor.
I didn't get much sleep last night!
Mr. G.
PS Hope you are all having the time of your lives out there.

Swimming to Tennessee

2006-05-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

Well that's it. We've begun our journey in the persistent rain of Blackburn. A great effort made by everyone in keeping their luggage down to reasonable size. Well done to Mrs Bradley - just the seven pairs of shoes! I suspect she'll buy some more over there. Can't wait to here tales of "Did you pack this suitcase yourself?" etc looking at the number of props which have been placed in children's and adults luggage.

At least Mr Airey has his hypnosis CD. I'm sure it will help him if the plane hits turbulent skies or indeed if the M60 is busy.

Best wishes team. Remember it.

Can't sleep - can we go NOW!

2006-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

I don't want a sleepless night. I'm too excited.

BwD DIxx

Excitement is rising...

2006-05-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

The excitement is gathering here at Shadsworth. The children are just getting ready for their final performance in front of the upper juniors before we send them on their way with a rousing cheer and our best wishes.
All the staff are really looking forward to getting up early to be in school to send them off at some very early time of the day. Good job Mr Wallace has agreed to get the bacon butties for breakfast.

Final comment to all the children taking part from Blackburn with Darwen - Well done, do your best and make us proud.

To the Shadsworth children - You're representing the whole school. Enjoy yourself - We're so proud of you. Remember

No one ever got better by always getting it right!

All the best

Ian Mason [Headteacher Shadsworth Juniors]

Ashleigh are on their way

2006-05-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's 6am and the Ashleigh team and parents are just boarding the first plane of their journey - Manchester to Gatwick.

Everyone is excited at the airport and the second flight out leaves Gatwick about 12.

The second group to leave Manchester will be getting up around now, ready for the coach pick up at 6.45am.

The night before!!!!!

2006-05-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm hoping that my team members from Brainteaserz 7 are now tucked up in bed ready to board the coach at 3.15AM.....yes that does say AM.

We had our final meeting tonight, and the excitement is now creeping up quite rapidly in our camp. Bags are ready for the Kentucky team we are buddied up with, materials have been distributed around the children and we have Paddy.....Year 4's mascot who will be travelling to support us (Louise's idea!!!!!)

Good luck to all the teams, it will be so amazing when we all meet up on Wednesday in America. Thank you to everyone who has helped to fund raise; although it has been hard it has been a lot of fun!!!

See you out there
Louise Fowles - Ashleigh Team Manager x

Only one day to go then we're off!

2006-05-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking forward to visiting the USA for DI2K6. It's the first time I'm visiting the states and I know it's going to be wicked!! I'll apologise in advance for those on our flight for all the screaming when we take off, that'll be me because I don't like flying at all, it makes my arms ache!! But seriously, it's going to be a once in a lifetime trip for most of our children and I hope they have a great time. I'd like to wish all the children and Team Managers taking part in the competition all the very best, and I know you'll make us proud.

I'm looking forward to meeting our buddy school, 'Scales Elementary' and supporting them with their challenge.

Bye for now.

M.Airey Team Manager Shadsworth Jnr School

What the team think....

2006-05-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Halima -This is gonna be the best week of my life and i hope everyone competing has a good time!
Junaid -Hope Shaz doesn't keep annoying me on the plane when i am trying to sleep!! She can keep her hands off my food too!!!
Hashim -Good luck to all teams competing hope you all have fun. Get your sleep it's gonna be 1 BIG party over there!!!!
Zuber - I'm amazed I never thought this would happen. Aaaaaaggggghhhh It's ACE!!!!
Aadil - Hi to the Sunburnt Slushies - our buddy team!! See you all soon. I can't wait for Dollywood.
Sadia - What a shock when John Breen called out our team for winning. Now it'st here WOW!!!
Naheem - I am really excited about getting to America... will a Blackburn team win???? Fingers crossed!

A word from Hawthorns Hotshots

2006-05-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally here!!!!!
I think it is a miracle what our 4 schools have achieved this far in their collective fund-raising efforts. Isn't it fantastic what can be achieved when we put our energies and goodwill together.
And.... so much of it is down to a few-especially Marcea, the team leaders, the teams and their families.
Before you have even arrived at the Globals...You/we have sent out a message to all other children/schools in Blackburn about what is possible......

Good Luck to all 4 schools... I'm so excited about what lies ahead for you ...AND sleeping again oncwe you have returned safely..... Mr. G. @Hawthorns------YOU ARE ALL STARS!

Shadsworth Team share their thoughts

2006-05-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

Just a few words about how the team are feeling.

Roxanne - Im really exited, i cant wait it will be brilliant. Im really looking forward to going to the Smoky Mountains. It will be a lot of fun and a really good experience.

Kerri-It's going to be kind of freaky on the plane and boring but the rest of it i'm looking forward to it all. I'm really proud of all the rest of the team who helped the team get together!!!!

Hannah-its gonna be really exciting and its going to be a really good experience and we are very lucky because its a once in a life time chance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catherine-i am really exited i can't wait to go, i am a very lucky girl.....

Claire-i'm very exited to be going to DI global finals I'm looking forward to it !!!!!!

Dylan-i'm looking foward to it and it is going to be great!!!!!!!!!

Hi to our Buddy Team - Scales elementary school, Brentwood, Tennessee. See you for lunch on Thursday.

BwD DIxx

Reflecting on where we is at!

2006-05-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Its great when you can say to another Team Manager - "see you on Wednesday in Knoxville'

Saying that means we have already achieved so much. 5 weeks ago we won at the UK finals and then the realisation that we could go Global created more emotional highs and lows. The past few weeks have achieved so much in terms of mammoth fundraising efforts on top of full time teaching commitments, all the children having to refocus on SATs tests and parents making big decisions to join us or not and help with fundraising.

We got here.

51 travellers leave Tues or Wed.

Reflect - this is a World final. China, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, Denmark, USA (all 50 states, Korea, Poland, Turkey and Guatemala are all represented. More indiv teams than football world cup!!!

Only 8 teams are travelling from UK. Only 5 primary schools - we are 4 of them. Wow!

We are 4 schools from NW England. Pupils from terraced streets and council estates of Blackburn with Darwen. We are going to make you proud of us.

BwD DIxx

Rock 'n' roll 'n' Ruby

2006-05-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

What a great music and curry night at Hawthorns. One of our final fundraisers before we depart.

A mix of youth and experience from school children, to former pupils, School advisory staff ( with last minute false nails glued on), teachers from Bangor street community centre and pals of the headteacher, all performed to an enthusiastic audience. Shame Miss Wood couldn't hit the xylophone in time to the rest of us.

Thanks to the staff and parents who prepared a fantastic curry as well.

Final preparations this weekend will involve sorting presents for buddy teams, buying adaptor plugs, hunting out swimming costumes and decorating the large England flags, that will adorn our accommodation.

The pupils will be on this blog later telling you how they are feeling. Excitable and more!!!

BwD DIxx

It's going to be an early start.

2006-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

A touch of 'red-eye' next week as we got news of the pick-up times at our schools. One group gets picked up at 3am on Tues, the next group will leave at 6am and the final group depart from Shadsworth at 6am on Wednesday.

Lets hope the plane seats are comfy. Continental Airlines will be our hosts for the Transatlantic flights to Knoxville, changing planes in Newark (nr New York). We will be able to see the Manhatten skyline and the Statue of Liberty as we land and take off from Newark.

Fans of Country and Western music will be pleased to know we are staying in the heartland of C and W, a few hours from Nashville. We have a trip planned to Pigeon Forge, the birthplace of Dolly Parton and home of Dollywood, her own themepark. Altogether now " working 9 to 5 what a way to make a living!"

Still looking for our first comment on this Blog

BwD DIxxx

Into the final week.

2006-05-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

When the flight tickets arrive you know that its getting close. They arrived by special post this morning.

This time next week half the Blackburn with Darwen Group will be packed and ready to go. The rest will be looking for their pyjamas, travel plugs and mugs of theRoyal Family(to help us remember England).

Today's topic of discussion was what to get for our 'Buddy School' as a present. Each school at the Global Finals is paired up with another school from a different country. This extends the children's experiences, as we swap gifts, play games with and cheer on our 'Buddy School'.

Ashleigh have been paired up with a school from Kansas.

I think we will have to take some pictures of our school, of Blackburn and of our kids. Maybe a few Rovers shirts will be a good gift. How about a Lancashire Hotpot or a sample from the Sabden Treacle Mines? At Shadsworth, there is a talented Site Superviser, who is planning to make a special plaque to give to our new friends.

Right, must go and design some t-shirts for our travelling 'mums' or should that be 'Moms' in Americaspeak!!

Any other ideas? Anyone?

Thanks for visiting our site. Please post a comment / good luck message for the teams.

BwD DI xx

Here are the schedules

2006-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer. We fly in 7 or 8 days. Look out America, the competition from Blackburn will be strong.

Organisers of DI have sent us over the schedules of Challenges.

Hawthorns - Team Challenge Thurs pm Instant Challenge Fri pm
Ashleigh - TC Friday pm IC Thursday am
Our Lady's - TC Friday pm IC Thursday am
Shadsworth - TC Sat am IC Sat pm

Friday afternoon looks very busy for the Blackburn with Darwen group but their will be plenty of support from teachers, parents, non-competing schools and the thousands of friends we will make out there.

Pin Trading - The children will be introduced to this popular activity. Its another word for badge swapping. Our children are all being given 40 pins to trade with other children from around the world. Each US state has its own pin badge and most participating countries will as well. A great way to meet other children and make friends.

This Thursday is Curry and Music night at Hawthorn Juniors from 7pm. Contact the school for more info.

Off to find my passport.

BwDDI xx

What is DestiNation ImagiNation?

2006-05-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Try this link for more information about DI2K6. http://www.idodi.org

School teams of upto 7 members.
2 challenges involving creativity, problems solving, research, script writing, improvisation and its more fun than....SATs!!

main challenge - teams had 1 choice from 5 challenges. Some have been working for months to search information about animals and their habitats, other team have written plays about bizarre happenings.

instant challenge - children are given 10-15 minutes to solve an inseen problem. Construction and presentation are the main concepts along with originality and fun.

There is no I in TEAM. All the team has to be involved for success.

BwDDI xx

Lets get ready to Rumble

2006-05-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'm going to begin our first post with a big THANKYOU.

Thankyou to everyone who has helped us get into this position, packing our bags for DI 2K6.

Thankyou to everyone who has helped us raise the money. Parents, teachers, pupils and friends who have sold tickets, sung songs, painted faces, car-booted, made curry. Thankyou to the generous people of BwD for buying tickets, letting us wash their cars and pack their groceries, donating raffle prizes big and small and wished us good luck. Thankyou to the hard working team managers and team members who are ready to show the world the talent that hails from East Lancashire.

We set off on 23/24th May for 6 days at University of Tennessee, Knoxville to compete against other teams from around the world.

There will be daily updates from team membersn managers and parents on here so you can join us through the ether about the Atlantic.

L8R y'all
BwDDI xx