On the Friday before half-term we were treated to a reptilian delight when Mr Michael Noone, House Master and Head of Biology at Radley, accompanied by two of our old boys, Finn Cunningham and Ned Blackburn, brought a veritable menagerie of wonderful, weird and slithering creatures.

Mr Noone spoke eloquently and with great passion about each animal and also answered a variety of interesting questions from our children. Our boys and girls got to hold snakes of all colour and variety, to stroke lizards and generally get in touch with their native side! The snakes, in particular, were a great hit. Mr Noone explained how to hold the snakes and that the creatures just see us humans as mobile trees and that they enjoy clinging to us, particularly for our warmth.

The visit certainly dispelled a lot of myths about snakes and all the children could not believe how smooth and dry they are, not slimy at all and very friendly! It could well be that many parents may see some surprising additions to their offspring's next Christmas wish list! I, for one, would be more than happy to house a boa constrictor now. (Not sure my cat would see the funny side of it mind you!)

A highly popular visit and one we would love to repeat next year. A big thank you and a huge hiss of appreciation to Radley! Real snakes and ladders anyone?

Keith Bradbury