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Balloon Debate
Given Cheam's history, it is hard to understand why any hot air balloon would try to navigate these skies. However, yet another near catastrophe recently unfolded above our school.
This time the balloon was filled with animals and children from literature: Peter Pan (Charles), Malfoy (Douglas), Pippi Longstocking (Toto), Baloo (Lyonel), Winnie-the-Pooh (Miles), Fantastic Mr Fox (Tad) and William Brown (Sebastian), alongside two partnerships, Stig and Barney (Henrietta and Carina) and Eeyore and Tigger (Mr Milbank and Mr Goodwin).
All spoke passionately of the reasons why they should be saved; some played the gender card; some referred to environmental issues and there was even some emotional blackmail. Eeyore, however, was rather fatalistic and seemed resigned to the fact that misery and disaster were only to be expected.
The prize for best speech was shared by Peter Pan, who had clearly thought about his audience and was, therefore, very persuasive, and William Brown, who compared himself to Neil Armstrong and Winston Churchill as an inspiration to others.
The audience posed them some challenging questions, forcing the characters to think on their feet. Finally, after everyone else had been thrown from the balloon, Barney and Stig emerged triumphant.