The day started with thunder, lightening, rain and possibly the strongest winds this year to date, but that’s just a walk in the park for the weather hardened scouts of the Earley troop and just reminded them of summer camp. As planned, we met at Crayford station at 11:00 and took the train to London and first visited the Bank of England museum, which usually closed at weekends, had opened especially for the show. Alas photography was not allowed at the bank, but it provided welcome shelter from the elements and gave the scouts the chance to not only see what a solid gold ingot looked like, but the rare and possibly only opportunity to lift one and at 24lbs needed some effort. The morning value of the bar (updated twice daily,) was in excess of a staggering £256,000.
After our visit to the bank, the roads had cleared sufficiently for us to find a fantastic vantage point from which to view the return parade and shelter whilst we ate our packed lunch. We soon heard the procession returning and we watched the many floats, bands, acrobats and vehicles, who despite the weather were all in excellent spirits – from cheerleaders to armed Marines and pork farmers many of whom “Hi-Fived” our scouts as they watched and cheered them from the kirb-side.
This all day event is open to both Earley and Burne troop members to a maximum of 24 on a first come, first served basis. Please read and return the attached application with £2.50 not later than Friday 13th November.
