I was there!
Lets’ see why I was to be there?
Like many of you
2007 came along and so did the many opportunities on offer to mark 100
years of scouting. Many troop entered the challenges and the 1st
Caerleon troop was one of the few troops who won and went on to be part
of the ‘Festival of Scouting’ at the 02 dome on the banks of the river
Thames. Which meant a great deal of extra support from all of the group
and its adults going that extra mile to ensure a very positive out come
for all?
So where did I come in? Well the 1st Caerleon ask would I like to go and see the ‘Festival’. I said yes and that was that? So the scouts and leaders working very hard attending practices sessions in the mild lands, then travelling down to London and the O2 arena staying in a local scout HQ and also making time too visit the City. What a great reward for all that hard work.
I and the rest of the supporters from Newport boarded our transport for London. Two mini-buses setting off together! Both using the latest Sat Nav’s [Toys for the Boys],what could go wrong? The transport moved with confidence through the London traffic, with the Explorer’s enjoying the sights and trying to introducing themselves to most of London. The plan was to drop the supporters off at Hyde parc corner! The transport moving in standard formation when a little voice said ‘ turn left in100 yrds’ – ok the other little voice in the speed bird two said ‘in 200yrds’so the group became two groups! Panic! Using the magic of mobile phones it was decided that the transport would regroup at the O2 car park? Two Welsh drivers using Sat Nav’s in London! WELL they both turn up at the same set of traffic lights just out side our car park at the same time! Magic, luck or a mix of the traditional scouting skills? [OK LUCK]!
Late afternoon by now, time for a quick coffee and meeting the group under the London eye before climbing aboard a BOAT to be transported to the O2 arena ready for the last show of the day! The boat rocked from side to side and it was full of scouts from all parts of the UK also looking forward to a great festival of scouting. London did seem to be full of scouts of all ages much to dismay of many both working and visiting London themselves.
Not having been in the Area myself before – What a venue! Almost a small town in its own right, with shops and many eating places to cover most needs! So we had chips! Some only had a packet of crisps? But the show! Inside and seated; in anything as big as the millennium stadium without the grass. Flags from all parts of the UK scouts, all ages and yes a programme of non-stop festival of scouting and it did really mark 100years of our movement.
Yes we look for and saw our scouts doing their bit to ensure a very successful evening and they saw us with cheers and waves all round. Well done everyone you were all a credit to Newport scouting and Wales not forgetting your all important families.
After the show and a three hour journey home with most of us not getting in until the very earlier hours of Sunday morning. [Only one little change of route in the City] getting better?
I was very proud of all of the 1st Caerleon and its supporters and would like thank you all for going that extra mile to ensure this event will remain with myself and I am sure everyone who was part of something very special.
Great adventure, Great memories Great Scouting.
Polly DC
November 07.