On the final night before half term, to celebrate their final full day at College, the Upper 6th took part in the inaugural Newick House Charity Poker Evening, organised by Mr Arnold.

The evening began with a BBQ for the whole 6th form. Trampolining, Garden cricket (Newick rules) and Mrs Balls' chutney were the main features of a relaxed, enjoyable evening. The culinary highlights were the ostrich steaks and pigeon breasts supplied by Fred Nesbitt and Archie Larthe, tenderly prepared by Mr Arnold in his striking and manly apron. Mrs Llewellyn supplied the potatoes and pudding, Mr Llewellyn a few bottles of beer and a great time was had by all.

The Upper 6th then moved inside for the main event of the evening. All players had to register their Poker Name, and entered into the spirit of the evening by dressing in their Vegas best. Fuelled by crisps, cheese and competitiveness (the table would only allow things beginning with 'C'), the major players soon became apparent.

Initially played at two tables, different strategies emerged: the quiet, cagey betting of Smart, Nesbitt, or Lee; the bold, aggressive play of Mitchell, Arnold or Sandbach; the random, almost as if they hadn't a clue what they were doing, patterns of Barnett or McNeile. After some tense moments, the 18 players were whittled down to just 6 - Arnold, Lee and Nesbitt left in the final; Llewellyn, Knudsen and the wildcard McNeile on the 'Plate'. The two staff were eventually knocked out, leaving Lee and Nesbitt to share first prize, and McNeile and Knudsen to share 2nd place.

A great evening was had by all, a fun and memorable night for the leavers, and a fair amount of money raised for Newick's chosen charity, Asha, a project working in the slums of Delhi.