Tonight the Earley Troop set of on their 2nd night navigation of 2009 and this route, recommended by Jim Lilleycrop, followed the historic London Loop.  Departing Crayford Station @ 20:00, each patrol set off at 10 minute intervals armed with glow-sticks, torches, a map, compass, a set of headings and a good sence of humour.

Although there had been some rain earlier in the day, leaving mud and puddles aplenty, the over night weather was mild and dry, with a mist in open areas, but good general visibility so no problems asside from some wet feet and muddy trousers.  

A big thanks to Julie and Christopher for having the hot chocolate and cakes ready for our return to base, where we bunked down, watched a film and one-by-one fell asleep, before rising at 7am to the smell of bacon sandwiches.

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.

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Please find attached an invitation from Dartford district to apply to attend the 2011 World Jamboree in Sweden.  

I would like to recommend all those who are eligible and interested to apply.  I have had a number of previous scouts attend Jamborees which they thoroughly enjoyed, with memories that last a  life time. 

Closing date 6th Nov with a parents information evening 3rd Nov.

Best regards

Paul Boreham (GSL)

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This weekend saw members of Earley and Burne Scout Troops attended 33rd National Scout Target Shooting competition at NSRA Bisley in Guildford. We were blessed with dry weather, which was especially welcome when setting up and breaking camp, although a little cool on Sunday morning with a crisp ground frost. This was our second visit to this national competition and many of our number shot exceptionally well and improved significantly upon the scores achieved last year.  The competition was well organised and the standard of some of the other groups shooters was exceptionally high.  Whilst it is our aim at the 5th to continue to provide a full and well rounded scouting programme, we can see that there are a number of promising marksmen in our group who given the opportunity could do very well at future competitions.  Watch out National Squad, the 5th will be back next year……………… ;O)

Please accept our apologies for the lack of focus on some of our photos, but flash photography was not permitted on the indoor ranges.

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