A SCHOOL hall was transformed into the Kit Kat nightclub as youngsters presented the lavish musical show Cabaret in 2002.

The Mail, on Wednesday, March 20, noted: “Glitz and glamour have taken centre stage as pupils made the final touches to their production of a stage musical.

“The youngsters at John Ruskin School have been perfecting their words and songs for an energetic performance of Cabaret.

“Pupils in years eight, nine and 10 have been busy rehearsing one day a week for the past six weeks.

“Several teachers have taken time out of their busy schedules to play music to accompany the show.

“Teacher Mark Chambers has been co-ordinating the drama.”

He said: “We’ve not put on a show for the past two years because of other things happening so we’re hoping to make it an annual thing again.”

The musical, which was made into a Hollywood movie in 1972, is set in Berlin in 1931 as the Nazis were rising to power and features nightclub life, romance and cabaret performers.

John Ruskin School is overshadowed by some of the biggest fells and has one of the most dramatic views in the Lake District so learning the skills to enjoy them in safety is essential.

In 2002 pupils were working with an international orienteering expert to learn life-saving skills on the fells and take part in a unique contest called the Duddon Challenge.

The Mail, on March 18, noted that PE teacher Carol McNeill was passing on skills about surviving in mountainous or wild country and how to travel independently.

It noted: “The 58-year-old teacher launched the unique Duddon Challenge 12 years ago.

“Around 70 children take part in the annual two-day July expedition on the fells surrounding the school.

“Children work in pairs and carry a tent and provisions in a backpack.”

Pupils had to navigate their way around the course with a map and compass and cook their own evening meal on a campfire.

Routes for the expeditions have included the Duddon Valley, Langdale and the Woodland Fell.

Miss McNeill said: “The children love orienteering.

“We do an orienteering block as part of the curriculum and all children take part.”