News

The TWGGS ski racing team have been busy over the last few weeks, racing against tough competition from all over the country. The following report is written by Mrs Fox, Mr Smith and Mrs Watts, parents of members of the TWGGS Ski Team, who are taking over the running of the ski team from Mrs Ayton, who has dedicated over 10 years of service to the team. 

On Sunday 21st June, a team of four entered the London Schools Race in Welwyn Garden City. Amelie W, Lorraine DS, Eloise DS and Clara J battled against the 33 degree heat in full protective gear, with two runs each down a challenging course, followed by a team dual slalom. They beat the heat, with the help of plenty of water and a shady rest spot between runs, and took home the bronze. A fantastic achievement, particularly as all but one were skiing out of their age category.

The following weekend, eight members of the TWGGS ski team swapped the hottest weekend of the year for -6°C conditions at the Hemel Hempstead snow dome. They hit the slopes for a Sunday night training session which, for many, was their first time racing on actual snow!  Afterwards, we headed to Nando’s for our annual team bonding dinner, fuelling up for the big ESSKIA Indoor Championships race on Monday.

The two TWGGS teams were both up against tough competition from independent schools who train regularly on snow with their own coaches. But, thanks to our brilliant weekly sessions at Bowles, they did us proud. The team spirit and kindness across the year groups to their fellow team mates is testament to the values taught at TWGGS and, as parents, it is a pleasure to accompany these girls.

Our Category 2 team: Amelie W, Ellie K, Eloise D and Jess P smashed it and took home gold. Our Category 3 team: Lorraine D, Bella F, Betsy M and Clara Johnston skied their hearts out and brought home bronze.

A huge thank you goes to Lindsay Ayton, who has run the ski team for the past ten years. She and her daughter Lila are both leaving this term, and we’ll miss them massively. Lindsay has been a brilliant ambassador for skiing at TWGGS, inspiring the girls and introducing them to dry slope racing. The regular podium finishes we’re now seeing are all down to her dedication and hard work. We’re so grateful – thank you, Lindsay!

Thank you to Mrs Ayton from Mrs Haskett 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Ayton, who has dedicated over a decade to creating, leading, and managing the TWGGS ski team. Her unwavering commitment and enthusiasm have been deeply appreciated by pupils, parents and carers, as well as the department. Thanks to her efforts, extracurricular opportunities at TWGGS have expanded to include more sports, enriching the school experience for so many. Through regular training sessions at Bowles and her steadfast support, Mrs Ayton has enabled pupils to compete with great success—particularly in the Kent Schools' Ski Championships and the ESSKIA races. We are truly grateful for all that she has contributed. We are also pleased to share that Mrs Fox, Mr Smith and Mrs Watts will be kindly taking over from Mrs Ayton in the new academic year, ensuring that the ski team continues to thrive.