Articles - Miscellaneous

Shangri-La at Scammonden

This year's biennial Scout Group Leaders' Weekend took place at the Scammonden Activity Centre over the glorious May Day weekend.

The impressive dam which was constructed along the motorway around 1972 gives the site its magnificent backdrop and provided us with exhilarating recreation thanks to former leader Bob Gibson who brought along his yacht in which he expertly skippered us all during Saturday afternoon. The centre provided access to spectacular, rugged Pennine terrain for our more intrepid walkers to tackle, whilst the rest of us enjoyed a walk round the dam, crossing the M62 by the 300 feet high bridge recently made famous by Fred Dibnah who parked his steam engine across it in his last series. The motorway was re-crossed through a tunnel walkway and so back to base for lunch.

Other activities included Roger Cook's "Deal or No Deal!", quizzes à la David Mitchell, archery, continuous cricket and Bob Scriven's inimitable auction which has become a highlight, and solves the problem of what to do with the surplus food, etc.

Ted and Paul provided a time for reflection in their "scout's own" on Sunday morning and Ashley, one of the two St Ed's scouts who have been selected for the 2007 World Jamboree, gave us an excellent presentation. Ashley, who came with his driver (and mum) Pamela, reminded those of us who are no longer "hands on" what our world wide organisation can contribute to international understanding among thousands of young people who are given an opportunity to meet, communicate and share friendship and fun. I commend the various fundraising activities he and Elliott will be undertaking, eg car washes, to all those who would like to help them reach their target for funds needed.

Our gathering concluded shortly after David's excellent barbecue. We had thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, in many cases revisited memories of friends and places and committed ourselves to meet again in 2008, secure in the knowledge that the spirit and bonhomie for which St Ed's scouting is known is alive and thriving.

Bev Wilkinson, Scout Group Treasurer

29 May, 2006