1st HANSLOPE SCOUT GROUP

Sat Oct 6th/7th 1984

Annual Outing (Weekend Trip) for the Cub Scouts
Malvern/ Cleeve Hills

Cubs Scouts at Stratford-Upon-Avon
Cubs Scouts at Stratford-Upon-Avon
Met at Headquarters at 8.0 a.m. Saturday and each Cub Scout's attire and overnight bag was checked for suitability. Bagheera collected each boy's pocket money so that monies could be issued at suitable times to ensure no wasteful spending took place.
We departed at 8.30 a.m. with Parents waving us goodbye in 2 Mini Buses Baloo in charge of the hired vehicles and Mr. Monk in his own. First stop was Stratford-Upon-Avon where we strolled along the River Avon near the Shakespeare Theatre. When we had sorted out D. Owen who had used his Wellingtons to test the river’s water level we proceeded to Worcester.
Having arrived at Worcester approx 11.45 a.m. and parked alongside the River Severn, Baloo was not entirely happy we had the best position available. He then proceeded to lead us through a maze of streets, back alleys and once through the Bus Station, stopping traffic until we finally came to rest. Conservative estimates of this inner City tour have been given between 10 and 20 miles. We then sat beside the River and consumed our packed lunches with help from the ducks.
We then continued our journey, arriving at the Malvern Hills about 1.45 p.m. Having parked the vehicles we climbed Worcestershire Beacon which is about 450 m above sea level. After the Cub Scouts had purchased souvenirs from a shop at the summit, we then walked southwards along the ridge of hills. We were all taken aback by the splendid views far into the Welsh Mountains to the west and eastwards to the heart of England. Although the walk was tiring many of the Cub Scouts tested the condition of the grass by rolling down the slopes.
Returning to the vehicles, yes N. Brett was still with the party, we then made our way to Cleeve Hill Youth Hostel near Cheltenham. The Warden made us welcome but fellow visitors were seen to wince and shake at the sight of the Pack. After allocating beds, the boys had a good wash and changed into indoor wear. Owing to some of the boys not being used to such a good wash Dinner at 7.0 p.m. became 7.15 p.m. Having consumed nearly all before us, Yellow Six with the aid of Baloo undertook the washing up chore. After 2 games of Beetle Drive, Yellow Six still had not appeared but they trooped in from the depths of the kitchen to participate in the Quiz, and by now fully proficient in the art of washing dishes.
The boys retired to the dormitory at about 9.45 p.m. to prepare themselves for bed. Numerous warnings until about 11 p.m. were given by the Leaders as well as one of the guests who threatened culprits with a cold shower.

Cleeve Hill Youth Hostel
Cleeve Hill Youth Hostel

Sunday

Washing procedures had by now become efficient and we all managed to be at Breakfast on time. White Six with the aid of Bagheera and Mr. Monk soon made short work of washing up, no doubt having learned a few tips from Yellow.
At about 10.0 a.m. we ventured out on a 5 mile walk around the Cleave Hills led by Baloo with compass and map. This proved to be a splendid walk through changing scenery and spectacular views, although at one point J. Urwin had to be hidden from a ram. We then ate our Y H packed lunch on the hills near the Youth Hostel.
We made our departure about 2.0 p.m. to travel home through the Cotswolds. A stop was made at Bourton-on-the Water to visit Birdland.
Next time bathing trunks will be taken so that the Cub Scouts can climb into the Penguin tank. Remaining pocket money was soon spent at the Birdland Shop, proving in the process that a turnstile can work both ways.
We then headed for home on the last leg of our journey arriving at the Headquarters about 6.20 p.m. to awaiting parents.
We all agreed the Weekend Venture had been a roaring success and a great time had been had by Cub Scouts and Leaders. Thanks must be given to Mr. A. Monk who had made his vehicle available and his assistance to the Leaders throughout the weekend had been invaluable.
The Group Council must also be thanked for donating £100 to reduce the cost of the trip to parents.

The Party
White Six B. Coles, S. Cook, M. Boatwright, S. Leathersich, J. Urwin, L. Payne
Green Six J. Scibilia, S. Richards, J. Beazley, J. Stent, D. Boss
Yellow Six A. Turvey, M. Trodd, N. Moore, D. Fraser, N. Brett, R. Turvey
Blue Six S. Goodman, D. Owen, C. Scriven, J. Monk, A. Burns
22 Cub Scouts Fee £9.00

Leaders Akela, Baloo, Bagheera and Mr. A. Monk

Akela C.S.L.

Written by Akela - (Robin Coles) - Cub Scout Leader