This is the last day of the first century of Scouting and fittingly I finally got to drive a Mercedes Vito ( a posh 8 seater with tinted glass). I was asked to take a party which included Jade Goodall to Gilwell. I got the job because I was the only one who knew the way, at least I thought I did but managed to get a little lost. Unfortunately maps do not come as standard in hire cars and so we had to ask for directions but eventually arrived. Sadly the event she was to attend had finished but it should be noted that we didin't set off from the Jamboree until 45 minutes after her scheduled departure time so she was alsways going to be late. Anyway the knowledgeable among you will be aware that Jane Goodall is to environmental awareness and particularly monkeys as Baden Powell is to scouting. At least that's what an American told me.
Gilwell was buzzing with Scouts from the Jamboree on tours and challenges.
Jam Roll and the Caravan were parked on the front lawn of the White House.
Sensibly we collected a map from the Info centre to make sure we made no mistakes on the return trip. After waiting over an hour in the shade of a tree we watched our charges being put in a taxi to go back to Chelmsford. So we returned alone. That is the story of a special guests transport driver.
Theis morning we had gone from gate to gate in the hunt f or the King of Sweden. I jest not he was due and we eventually found he had passed through gate security unrecognised. He is not keen on protocol but he is a lifelong keen Scout so he was in Scout uniform and the absence of a crown fooled them I think.
Must finish now as we have just collected our breakfast so that we have it for th emorning. We assemble on the Adult Hub at 6 am ready to walk to the arena for the Sunrise Ceremony wearing our flashy new scarves- yes, another one. This going to be a bit early for me because I am used to getting up at 7 am!
I understand from Richard that Pat and Noel Hopes were here today.
Anyway Happy Birthday Scouting.
Yours in Scouting for the new Century
Felicity
PS Hope the recruiting goes well Amanda and let me know about Stephen's promise making.
One World, One Promise
The Flags of all the Participating Countries at the entrance to the World Jamboree
Felicity at the wheel
Felicity in one of her buggies
Six Listening Ears
Debbie, Jane and Nick hard at work!
BP is prepared to guard Felicity's Wellie!
BP's Grandson, Michael looks after Felicity's wellies while his wife looks on in amazement!
Hold tight!
Michael Baden Powell holds on to Felicity's Wellies!
BP's signature!
Michael Baden Powell adds his signature to my collection on the maps of my diary
In the Setting Sun
Francisco Diego and budding Astronomer!
Gloucestershire
Julian and Felicity at the Gateway to the Gloucestershire Contingent
Zoe and Aaron
Friends from the 1st Ditton Scout Group, Kent
HoHo with friends from Iceland at Cranham
Brian, Liz and Tom join with Gloucestershire friends and Iceland at Cranham
One World Garden
Tajikistan Scouts reach the North Pole in the One World Garden
Lending a Listening Ear
Giancarol and Roma and the Listening Ear team enjoy a cake from Ellen and Ilsa
Refugees
Jennie and Ashley of UNHCR
Carnival Time
Floats and Flags
Public (Convenience) Art
So that's where they had all gone!
Team Leaders
The Three Wise Men
Next Year Sweden
What wonderful pioneering!
More Dancing
Russian Dancers
More Music
A Korean Music Group
Trying something new
Turkish Carpet making
Music and Dancing
From Tahiti to Essex
Energise
Build your own see-saw
Over the Moon!
Anita displays some moon rock
Polish Day
A Very Special Visitor
Back to the roots of Scouting
A new friend from Swaziland in the Restaurant
Sunrise Ceremony
Renewing the Promise at the World Jamboree
Tea with BP
Lord Baden Powell takes tea at Hylands
Many styles of tent
A Moroccan Traditional Tent
Star Gazing in the daylight!
Grant and Brian
More tea!
Nigel Lindsay of the Federation Training Course
Working Together
Benjamin Ibrahim of Algeria
Guest Services at rest
Some of my work colleagues
One World One Promise
The Scouts Centenary Rose
My hands are ready now!
Sunday evening at the Jamboree
BP takes tea!
Baden Powell taking tea at Hylands House
The start of a new day
Felicity by our tents
Arrived!
Some of the Gloucestershire Contingent
A Floral Centenary
Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham
1 comment:
Hello to you both. Richard, it sounds as though yesterday turned out to be a very special and enlightening day for you. I am truely jealous about your astronomical experiences, and then you got to discuss geology as well - you must have been sooooo excited, what with those 2 subjects being close to your heart.
Anyway Happy Birthday Scouting too!!! I was in the Promenade this morning with approx 50 other Scouters. You'll be pleased to know that Highbury had reps from all sections, and Vicky nade it too! No sign of Stephen, so not sure what happened there. I did depart fairly swiftly after renewing my promise, so maybe he arrived after I'd gone?
Have had many comments at work today ranging from 'have you run out of clean clothes?' to 'is it fancy dress today?'. Also some genuine interest and absolute amazement as to the size of the Movement. Am hopeful that if nothing else I have raised the profile of Scouting within the company.
Felicity, get you with the Mercedes! No comments about map reader badge ;-) S'pose it doesn't really help if there's no map in the first place.
I too saw Noel this morning and he was full of enthusiasm for the Jamboree.
Hope you both have had a special day and I only wish I could have been there to share the experience. Am looking forward to the pictures you've taken.
Take Care
Amanda
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