We are delighted to announce that one of our newly refurbished rooms at Browhead has been named Wansfell Hall, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mike Hunter, a long-standing supporter of Windermere School.

Mike is not only a current governor but also a former parent whose family has deep roots in our school community. His contribution reflects a heartfelt commitment to the future of Windermere and the values that have always shaped our school.

By naming the dance studio Wansfell Hall, Mike honours both the beauty of our local landscape and the joy and energy the arts bring to school life.

And now, here is his story in his own words…

30 years ago, my wife and I started out from Ambleside to walk the Troutbeck Round via Wansfell and Jenkins Crag. As we dropped into Troutbeck, after what we thought at the time to be a mountainous ascent and descent, we were greeted by a beautiful village and noticed a converted barn for sale. About 6 months later the house was ours, and within days we completed two momentous tasks: the first was to enrol our twins, Jonny and Zoe, on the waiting list for what then was known as Windermere St Annes school; the second was to visit the top of Wansfell to enjoy the amazing views again.

Visiting or walking over Wansfell has become a Hunter tradition. Every Christmas Eve (and sometimes New Years Eve) we will go over Wansfell into Ambleside for a drink and lunch, as a family. Wansfell is also used as a sporting test that started 30 years ago too. As a younger and fitter adult, I used to race up and over Wansfell into Ambleside and then back over Jenkins crag. Since then our children have taken it upon themselves to try to beat dad’s time!!

We still go up Wansfell regularly for both exercise and to enjoy the amazing view. In this way it is very much like Windermere school in that it always excites and has views to die for. We are so proud to be able to name one of the rooms at the school after Wansfell and bring the connection just that bit closer together.

There are a few room left to sponsor! If you are interested, please do get in ocntact with Jo at jgaskin@windermereschool.co.uk