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1st HANSLOPE
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Fri/Sat/Sun May 6th/7th/8th 1988
Forest of Dean Annual Week End Trip for the Cub Scouts Having assembled at 3.45 p.m. on Friday and final inspection and plans made we ventured forth on route to our destination. Supper of sausage, chips and a peculiar item called ‘Mushy Pea Cake’ was partaken at Stow on the Wold. Baloo had prearranged the eating stop and the proprietor supplied a free drink owing to the large bulk order, unfortunately the adult drinks somehow remained untouched. We made good progress travelling through the picturesque Cots Wold countryside and reached the Youth Hostel at Welsh Bicknor at approx 8.0. p.m. After the Cub Scouts were allocated their dormitories and beds made we took a stroll along the banks of the River Wye and the Leaders took the opportunity to instruct the lads on the dangers of larking about near a dangerous river. We returned to the Youth Hostel where a good wash for all was carried out under strict supervision before the lads settled down for a good night’s sleep before the adventures of Saturday. Rising early for breakfast a short walk was organised to explore the entrance to a disused railway tunnel. After a hearty breakfast and a well organised washing up activity had been completed we prepared ourselves for Saturday’s programme. A good deal of repacking and sharing of small rucksacks took place before the vehicles attempted to negotiate the hair raising bend on the Youth Hostel drive. We travelled to Symonds Yat and parked the vehicles and took the opportunity to observe Peregrine Falcons around the hills from a public vantage point. A ramble through the Forest then ensued with Green Six leading the group which had been organised so that each Six was escorted by a Leader. The route was quite difficult in places but the party strode out in good spirits. A decision was taken to leave the marked walk to seek out a pedestrian bridge over the River Wye. Having reached the bridge and crossed to the other side we all thought that Indiana Jones had made far too much fuss in the film. We returned to the car park via a ferry and a very steep climb, but recovery was virtually instantaneous after the packed lunches were devoured. We then made our way through the Forest roads to visit the Dean Heritage Museum. This Museum illustrated the history and way of life of the inhabitants of the area showing the skills and industries once found in the forest. Before returning to the Youth Hostel we organised a speed test around an excellent assault course in the grounds of the Museum. Having washed and changed we dined on an excellent dinner, well Mr. Monk thought so, before carrying out the washing up duties. A Beetle Drive was then organised and then the Gold Arrow lads performed jokes before the good natured party as part of their Badge work. The evening concluded with a Quiz between the Sixes which produced many correct answers which made the question setters feel they had made it too easy. The Cub Scouts were tucked up into bed after a very action pack day and the adults retired to a quite corner to relax before Sunday’s activities. Arising bright and cheerful next morning we packed our belongings before breakfast. Once again every person seemed to be served with the correct breakfast, ordered the night before through Baloo’s infallible system. Having completed all the chores we said our farewells to the Youth Hostel Warden who remarked that the party had been the best behaved Scout party he had been host to. We travelled into the Forest to have a short ramble on one of the recognised walks but this one was different as sculptures had been placed along the way. Due to a retired coalminer engaging Baloo in a chat about the walk Green and Yellow went on one way and Blue and White the other but amazingly the party came together at the same time in the car park. Making our way to Tintern Abbey we paused at St. Briavel’s Youth Hostel and also tried to find Offa’s Dyke long distance footpath, well we found a sign so a photograph of the feat was organised. Reaching Tintern Abbey we ate our packed lunches with relish and then played a rounders match. Despite 2 innings the Pack only managed 1 rounder and the A Team soon managed to pass this dismal total. Having viewed Tintern Abbey from the outside we moved on to Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust passing over the magnificent Severn Bridge. We enjoyed a marvellous hour walking around Slimbridge with its numerous wildfowl in a splendid setting. After the souvenirs shop had been visited and in most cases the pocket money all but spent we travelled back to Hanslope arriving to expectant parents at 7.50 p.m. We must thank Mr. Monk and Mr. Cox for their assistance together with the financial support given by the Group Council in making such a wonderful trip possible in a very inspiring part of the countryside. |
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Leaders: Akela, Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa, Mr. Monk, Mr. Cox Akela C.S.L. |
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Written by Akela - (Robin Coles) - Cub Scout Leader
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