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.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
I've seen the light!
It may have been late but it was worth it!
The evening over, I went over to the Elements Zone a second time to seek out the astronomers. I wasn't disappointed. Having met Brian from the Roseland Observatory in Cornwall on our first or second day, I managed to track him and his team down! He was with Francisco Diego, an Astronomer at London University who appears on Sky at Night. Using his telescope he demonstrated the difference between a very old red star (Antares) and a very new blue star (Vega), before showing us some superb double stars. As the moon rose we were treated to a moon one day past full ... and I was able to take a remarkably detailed photo following Francisco's directions! It's incredible and will appear once I have worked out how to transfer photos from the camera!!
The day had begun with a fascinating conversation over breakfast about the political system in Switzerland with all its checks and balances between two houses of parliament and regular referendums. It takes so long to introduce new legislation that it makes for very stable government, or so I was told!
On my way to my duties on the Listening Ear tent I visited a Bedouin tent from Algeria where I entered into fascinating conversation with Benjamin Ibrahim about the importance of getting people of different faiths working together on shared projects, camping together having fun together. He had visited Belfast to learn about reconciliation programmes there to explore the way in whicht that could be applied in the conflict between faiths that so troubles the world at the moment. He had little time for 'theological dialogue' among faith leaders, but wanted to work at bringing people together in shared work and play. A wonderful half hour's conversation.
Today started with conversations at breakfast with someone from Mexico who is a Professor in a Business studies school in one of their Universities. He was describing to me the great Mayan ruins in his part of Mexico, and the geological makeup of tropical Mexico. He described it as a rock made up of sea creatures that had been compacted together in such a way that the water could seep through, creating caves. It sounded like the limestone of the Cotswolds and beyond ... maybe with the movements of tectonic plates there's a connection!
He also described the greatest meteorite impact that is thought to have happened in the world around the coastal area where he lives. IT created a curved bay with caves of quite a different nature!
Just as our conversation was coming to an end we were joined by a guy from Stroud who last year went to Madagascar and visited the project we have had links with through Penrhys.
The conversations about meteorites were really appropriate start to the morning as I went on to spend the morning helping on the Astronomy part of the science section. It was wonderful. A planetarium show with commentary by Chris and Helen of the Rutherford Laboratories and connected with Oxford University was another wonderful experience!
But best of all was seeing Mercury in broad daylight - a very rare, and never to be forgotten sighting! And then Venus. And then the sun itself. The picture I took and will put up eventually of the sun even shows solar flares!! Marvellous. I really can say I've seen the light!
Back to the mid-day show in the arena and then a slow walk back to my duty on the Ocean Hub that will take me through to 10-00. On the way I bumped into Pat and Noel Hopes - Pat is the Cheltenham Distrcit DC ... and Nigel Lindsay who is on our Federation Training Course, has recently been on a CWM visit to Fijii and has built up connections with Scouts in Nigeria.
Now to work!!
The evening over, I went over to the Elements Zone a second time to seek out the astronomers. I wasn't disappointed. Having met Brian from the Roseland Observatory in Cornwall on our first or second day, I managed to track him and his team down! He was with Francisco Diego, an Astronomer at London University who appears on Sky at Night. Using his telescope he demonstrated the difference between a very old red star (Antares) and a very new blue star (Vega), before showing us some superb double stars. As the moon rose we were treated to a moon one day past full ... and I was able to take a remarkably detailed photo following Francisco's directions! It's incredible and will appear once I have worked out how to transfer photos from the camera!!
The day had begun with a fascinating conversation over breakfast about the political system in Switzerland with all its checks and balances between two houses of parliament and regular referendums. It takes so long to introduce new legislation that it makes for very stable government, or so I was told!
On my way to my duties on the Listening Ear tent I visited a Bedouin tent from Algeria where I entered into fascinating conversation with Benjamin Ibrahim about the importance of getting people of different faiths working together on shared projects, camping together having fun together. He had visited Belfast to learn about reconciliation programmes there to explore the way in whicht that could be applied in the conflict between faiths that so troubles the world at the moment. He had little time for 'theological dialogue' among faith leaders, but wanted to work at bringing people together in shared work and play. A wonderful half hour's conversation.
Today started with conversations at breakfast with someone from Mexico who is a Professor in a Business studies school in one of their Universities. He was describing to me the great Mayan ruins in his part of Mexico, and the geological makeup of tropical Mexico. He described it as a rock made up of sea creatures that had been compacted together in such a way that the water could seep through, creating caves. It sounded like the limestone of the Cotswolds and beyond ... maybe with the movements of tectonic plates there's a connection!
He also described the greatest meteorite impact that is thought to have happened in the world around the coastal area where he lives. IT created a curved bay with caves of quite a different nature!
Just as our conversation was coming to an end we were joined by a guy from Stroud who last year went to Madagascar and visited the project we have had links with through Penrhys.
The conversations about meteorites were really appropriate start to the morning as I went on to spend the morning helping on the Astronomy part of the science section. It was wonderful. A planetarium show with commentary by Chris and Helen of the Rutherford Laboratories and connected with Oxford University was another wonderful experience!
But best of all was seeing Mercury in broad daylight - a very rare, and never to be forgotten sighting! And then Venus. And then the sun itself. The picture I took and will put up eventually of the sun even shows solar flares!! Marvellous. I really can say I've seen the light!
Back to the mid-day show in the arena and then a slow walk back to my duty on the Ocean Hub that will take me through to 10-00. On the way I bumped into Pat and Noel Hopes - Pat is the Cheltenham Distrcit DC ... and Nigel Lindsay who is on our Federation Training Course, has recently been on a CWM visit to Fijii and has built up connections with Scouts in Nigeria.
Now to work!!
Monday, 30 July 2007
My working day
Today things began to fall into place in my working life at the Jamboree. I arrived at the Guest Services area at 9 am, changed into my driving shoes from some muddy boots. It is taking time to dry out so the half hour walk to work is still muddy in places. On my way to work I managed to track down Joan Goldsmith, already hard at work in the nether regions of the UK pavilion on the World Scout Centre.
I was told the two golf buggy carts needed to be at Gate 2 for 10 am in anticipation of special guests arriving who couldn't manage to walk to the Receptions Area. Rock, a BSA Scout Leader from Minnesota and I set off through the crowds of Scouts making their way to the on site activities. At Gate 2 are members of the Guest Services team assigned to meet and greet the new arrivals so we join them to wait. Before long the our first guests arrive and our services are required to take them to the Special Guest Reception Area behind Hylands House. The journey has to take a route through the one way system with Scouts still moving in large numbers augmented by Day Visitors who are beginning to arrive and milling about in a semi-purposeful way. Our instructions are to give way to pedestrians which we try to do but frankly we might never get anywhere if we observed this to the letter.
The Golf Carts are left hand drive and have no mirrors, horn or indicators so if we need to turn we have to use hand signals - a left turn can result in your arm being jolted back by a Scout thinking you are high-fiving. Other hazards are those who try to cadge a lift by hanging on or standing in front and pleading with you. Needless to say I am immune to all entreaties.
My passengers to day included local dignitaries from Essex and representatives of businesses related to Scout Insurance services, other arrivals included MP's, the Chief Constable of Essex and a football coach. At receptions they are greeted with refreshments and given an introduction by Guest service team members and then they can explore the public areas of the site.
About 1 am I returned for my packed lunch and to spend a little relaxing time which included slipping off to the Cafe Cucsa run by the Finnish Scouts. I bought a Cucsa and then enjoyed a free coffee. A trip to the cash machine nearby was the next port of call.
Back at our waiting area which is a bit like a doctors but people sit longer and play cards, read Harry Potter, sew on badges or just chat. Today I had an interesting discussion with a Slovenian Scout who had got a copy of the Koran in Croatian. They are giving them away free in the Islamic Tent in the Faiths and Beliefs Zone apparently. He can read Croation and they hadn't a Slovenian translation. This all led to a talking about the role of religion in Scouting and how it is applie din th edifferent countries. Slovenia has 2 Scout Associations, one for Catholic Scouts and one open to everyone else of any faith. Miha belongs to the latter. A BSA Scout then chipped in about the practise in the States where they cannot included an religious texts in a Scout's Own but where reverance and belief in God is important. A Scout from Dubai, offered to get Miha Slovenian translation when he got back to Dubai.
Dubai is covered by British Scouts Abroad, I met another of them at breakfast a leader from a very small group who have come from St Helena.
Later in the afternoon as Receptions began to start in the Guest services area, things began to hot up. IST had to be on hand to help with the Korean reception, later the WAGGS were in followed by the BSA with 3 separate groups. I left before the Irish reception but volunteered to help move some tables, and clean others. It is a very tight turn round for these. The Korean one included music and dancing and all the IST who helped were given lovely gifts.
After the Korean reception a trip had ot be made to gate 5 to enable catering staff to get passes sorted, so I accompanied Meani my driving colleague and took some gifts from th eKoreans for the Jamboree Director to the Jamboree HQ. There a table is covered in some beautiful and interesting gifts from various groups or visitors.
As we made our way back we were flagged down and asked to take an Australian IST member who was feeling very poorly tothe Hospital which meant a longish trip round to back where we had come from. The woman came from a small town of 2,000 people near Cairns, smaller than most of the sub camps.
At 7:15 Menai and I finished and I made my way to mneet Richard who finished at 8 and then we made our way for Dinner. He is now off inthe Elements Zone where has discvered they have some Astronomy actiivites and they were planning to set up telescopes tonight. His last words to me were a message for Amanda, "it is getting dark but the clouds are gathering." You will have to read future blogs to see if he managed to see anything significant or in fact anything!
The pictures shows some of my waiting friends in our waiting room.
I hear this is being read in Cranham, so hello to Ken and Barb, Nicki and Ian. Keep smiling there are silver linings to the dark clouds!
Felicity
I was told the two golf buggy carts needed to be at Gate 2 for 10 am in anticipation of special guests arriving who couldn't manage to walk to the Receptions Area. Rock, a BSA Scout Leader from Minnesota and I set off through the crowds of Scouts making their way to the on site activities. At Gate 2 are members of the Guest Services team assigned to meet and greet the new arrivals so we join them to wait. Before long the our first guests arrive and our services are required to take them to the Special Guest Reception Area behind Hylands House. The journey has to take a route through the one way system with Scouts still moving in large numbers augmented by Day Visitors who are beginning to arrive and milling about in a semi-purposeful way. Our instructions are to give way to pedestrians which we try to do but frankly we might never get anywhere if we observed this to the letter.
The Golf Carts are left hand drive and have no mirrors, horn or indicators so if we need to turn we have to use hand signals - a left turn can result in your arm being jolted back by a Scout thinking you are high-fiving. Other hazards are those who try to cadge a lift by hanging on or standing in front and pleading with you. Needless to say I am immune to all entreaties.
My passengers to day included local dignitaries from Essex and representatives of businesses related to Scout Insurance services, other arrivals included MP's, the Chief Constable of Essex and a football coach. At receptions they are greeted with refreshments and given an introduction by Guest service team members and then they can explore the public areas of the site.
About 1 am I returned for my packed lunch and to spend a little relaxing time which included slipping off to the Cafe Cucsa run by the Finnish Scouts. I bought a Cucsa and then enjoyed a free coffee. A trip to the cash machine nearby was the next port of call.
Back at our waiting area which is a bit like a doctors but people sit longer and play cards, read Harry Potter, sew on badges or just chat. Today I had an interesting discussion with a Slovenian Scout who had got a copy of the Koran in Croatian. They are giving them away free in the Islamic Tent in the Faiths and Beliefs Zone apparently. He can read Croation and they hadn't a Slovenian translation. This all led to a talking about the role of religion in Scouting and how it is applie din th edifferent countries. Slovenia has 2 Scout Associations, one for Catholic Scouts and one open to everyone else of any faith. Miha belongs to the latter. A BSA Scout then chipped in about the practise in the States where they cannot included an religious texts in a Scout's Own but where reverance and belief in God is important. A Scout from Dubai, offered to get Miha Slovenian translation when he got back to Dubai.
Dubai is covered by British Scouts Abroad, I met another of them at breakfast a leader from a very small group who have come from St Helena.
Later in the afternoon as Receptions began to start in the Guest services area, things began to hot up. IST had to be on hand to help with the Korean reception, later the WAGGS were in followed by the BSA with 3 separate groups. I left before the Irish reception but volunteered to help move some tables, and clean others. It is a very tight turn round for these. The Korean one included music and dancing and all the IST who helped were given lovely gifts.
After the Korean reception a trip had ot be made to gate 5 to enable catering staff to get passes sorted, so I accompanied Meani my driving colleague and took some gifts from th eKoreans for the Jamboree Director to the Jamboree HQ. There a table is covered in some beautiful and interesting gifts from various groups or visitors.
As we made our way back we were flagged down and asked to take an Australian IST member who was feeling very poorly tothe Hospital which meant a longish trip round to back where we had come from. The woman came from a small town of 2,000 people near Cairns, smaller than most of the sub camps.
At 7:15 Menai and I finished and I made my way to mneet Richard who finished at 8 and then we made our way for Dinner. He is now off inthe Elements Zone where has discvered they have some Astronomy actiivites and they were planning to set up telescopes tonight. His last words to me were a message for Amanda, "it is getting dark but the clouds are gathering." You will have to read future blogs to see if he managed to see anything significant or in fact anything!
The pictures shows some of my waiting friends in our waiting room.
I hear this is being read in Cranham, so hello to Ken and Barb, Nicki and Ian. Keep smiling there are silver linings to the dark clouds!
Felicity
Sunday, 29 July 2007
A High Tech Jamboree
7 kilometres of Fibre Optics at .0000009 milimetres in diameter!
35 kilometres of copper wire
500 computers
300 telephones (internet phones of course!)
600 radios
It's quite some high tech Jamboree!
It was fascinating talking to the guy who had put it all in! Virgin Media had given him three weeks unpaid leave and a fully equipped van and he had been hard at work supervising the installation of it all.
He had got down to breakfast earlier than me so he left, leaving me learning a little about Luxemburg before turning to Chief Emanuel of Nigeria, who treated me to an explanation of the kingdoms of Nigeria.
Only the day before at the opening ceremony the UK had been introduced to the world as four nations making up the United Kingdom. He explained to me that there were six kingdoms in Nigeria each headed up by what he described as a 'natural' king. I took that to mean a hereditary monarchy. He also explained that other kingdoms had been created more recently that were not 'natural' or hereditary.
Oba of Yokuba Kingdom
Amanyanabu of Opobo Kingdom
Amanyanabu of Kalabari Kingdom
Alafin of Oyo Kingdom
Obon of Calabar Kingdom.
He belonged to the Bonny kingdom. Under the king various communities elect their own chiefs. Each chief has a particular portfolio. He explained that not only did he have a key role in scouting which would lead to him becoming Commissioner, but he also had been elected by his community as chief. He had a portfolio that gave him responsibility for youth issues and employment and other things too.
It was fascinating hearing such a description of the way his society worked.
Breakfast over it was down to the Ocean Hub for a briefing on our responsibilities staffing The Reef, a 'Quiet Zone' where leaders can bring youngsters who have problems they need to work through, or where scouts can simply drop in and chill out. The day was then spent at the hub, and by the end of the afternoon it was becoming apparent how important it is to have this level of pastoral support built into the organisation.
My duties done, I met up with Felicity and joined an act of worship on our hub. A couple of hundred and more joined together for a very simple by quite moving service bringing together people of so many different nationalities. The closing words of 1 Corinthians 13 speaking of a love that is so important became the theme of a reflection on the value of playing an active part in making that kind of love work. I found it quite emotional to think of the range of nations represented, some even now at war with others and yet all coming together in a spirit of peace and here praying together for that peace to be a reality.
The day has come to a close with another good meal, and now I'm off for a hot chocolate.
After torrential rains through the night leaving the site awash, we have had a lovely day and an even lovelier night. I may leave Felicity heading off for the tent and set off to find whether the astronomers have set up their telescopes yet.
Watch this space tomorrow night and remember to add your own comments!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
35 kilometres of copper wire
500 computers
300 telephones (internet phones of course!)
600 radios
It's quite some high tech Jamboree!
It was fascinating talking to the guy who had put it all in! Virgin Media had given him three weeks unpaid leave and a fully equipped van and he had been hard at work supervising the installation of it all.
He had got down to breakfast earlier than me so he left, leaving me learning a little about Luxemburg before turning to Chief Emanuel of Nigeria, who treated me to an explanation of the kingdoms of Nigeria.
Only the day before at the opening ceremony the UK had been introduced to the world as four nations making up the United Kingdom. He explained to me that there were six kingdoms in Nigeria each headed up by what he described as a 'natural' king. I took that to mean a hereditary monarchy. He also explained that other kingdoms had been created more recently that were not 'natural' or hereditary.
Oba of Yokuba Kingdom
Amanyanabu of Opobo Kingdom
Amanyanabu of Kalabari Kingdom
Alafin of Oyo Kingdom
Obon of Calabar Kingdom.
He belonged to the Bonny kingdom. Under the king various communities elect their own chiefs. Each chief has a particular portfolio. He explained that not only did he have a key role in scouting which would lead to him becoming Commissioner, but he also had been elected by his community as chief. He had a portfolio that gave him responsibility for youth issues and employment and other things too.
It was fascinating hearing such a description of the way his society worked.
Breakfast over it was down to the Ocean Hub for a briefing on our responsibilities staffing The Reef, a 'Quiet Zone' where leaders can bring youngsters who have problems they need to work through, or where scouts can simply drop in and chill out. The day was then spent at the hub, and by the end of the afternoon it was becoming apparent how important it is to have this level of pastoral support built into the organisation.
My duties done, I met up with Felicity and joined an act of worship on our hub. A couple of hundred and more joined together for a very simple by quite moving service bringing together people of so many different nationalities. The closing words of 1 Corinthians 13 speaking of a love that is so important became the theme of a reflection on the value of playing an active part in making that kind of love work. I found it quite emotional to think of the range of nations represented, some even now at war with others and yet all coming together in a spirit of peace and here praying together for that peace to be a reality.
The day has come to a close with another good meal, and now I'm off for a hot chocolate.
After torrential rains through the night leaving the site awash, we have had a lovely day and an even lovelier night. I may leave Felicity heading off for the tent and set off to find whether the astronomers have set up their telescopes yet.
Watch this space tomorrow night and remember to add your own comments!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
A High Tech Jamboree
7 kilometres of optic fibre at .0000009 millimetres in diameter
35 kilometers of copper wire
500 computers
300 telephones (internet phones, of course!!)
600 radios
It was fascinating at breakfast meeting up with the guy from Virgin Media who had installed all the ICT material for the Jamboree. Quite some achievement ... what would Baden Powell have thought one hundred years on!
He moved on before I had finished my breakfast. So, after taking in a brief glimpse at Luxemburg it was to Chief Emmanuel of Nigeria. He treated me to a wonderful explanation of the way Nigerian society works! He explained there are five kingdoms with what he described as 'natural
35 kilometers of copper wire
500 computers
300 telephones (internet phones, of course!!)
600 radios
It was fascinating at breakfast meeting up with the guy from Virgin Media who had installed all the ICT material for the Jamboree. Quite some achievement ... what would Baden Powell have thought one hundred years on!
He moved on before I had finished my breakfast. So, after taking in a brief glimpse at Luxemburg it was to Chief Emmanuel of Nigeria. He treated me to a wonderful explanation of the way Nigerian society works! He explained there are five kingdoms with what he described as 'natural
Saturday, 28 July 2007
BP takes tea
At last the opening ceremony.
Working on Guest Services Felicity was part of the welcoming party for Prince William ... well, she was around in the Guest Services area when he arrived and would have welcomed him if had come round her way!
We met up in time for the start of the opening ceremony in the main arena as all 40,000 came together from 158 countries to celebrate the start of the centenary Jamboree! It was a great occasion.
What better way to unwind afterwards than in the English tea house with a good old traditional pot of English tea! We came to the end of our tea and Felicity went off to do her next duties, when someone came to our table to clear the dishes. I thanked her for a lovely cup of tea and three quarters of an hour later took my leave to head off towards the Listening Ear tent to see how things were going there.
It was a wonderful conversation that got right to the heart of what the Jamboree is all about!
It turned out that I was talking to Zita Pascoe whose idea the English Tea House had been. She had been disappointed to find at Eurojam a couple of years ago (the dry run they had at Hylands House to try out all the arrangements, bringing Scouts together from all over Europe) that there were food outlets from all over Europe but no traditional 'English' place. She determined to set that right.
Meeting up with a couple of others she shared her idea. Why not have a tea shop selling pots of tea in a really traditional kind of way. With sponsorship from Home Base and other companies she began to put her dream together. Mentioning the idea at a Bedfordshire County Scout event someone happened to say that they worked for Williamson Tea, a tea company in existence since 1869. Zita got in touch and they ran with the idea, providing all the tea! A fascinating company who have taken Fair Trade principles one step further in their quest for ethical trading. They support schools and hospital facilities on their plantations: just the kind of ethical stance that Zita thought would capture the spirit of the Jamboree.
She set to and purchased antique tea pots from car boot sales, not to mention table cloths, tables, chairs and the like!
The whole enterprise has been put together by volunteers, most of whom had not met before arriving on sight to set everything up earlier in the week.
The end product was the most wonderful tea shop right in front of Hylands House.
We weren't the only ones to avail ourselves of the tea on offer! Straight after the ceremony two of the guests also found their way to the English Tea House. Peter Duncan, the UK's Chief Scout and one time Blue Peter presenter was joined by Michael Baden Powell, Lord Baden Powell's grandson.
Our picture shows Hyland House in the background and Michael Baden Powell taking tea to the right! He's the one with the silver hair and distinguished look!
Other activities in the day included a fasincating discussion with some Muslim women Scouts from Cardiff who were staffing the stand on Islam and supper with a contingent of Sikh Scouts from Southall.
It's great to see a couple of comments from Lorraine - click on comments to read them!! Thanks, Lorraine - we'll look forward to some more comments in due course.
After two fine days, it's raining again and it's time for a cup of hot chocolate and then bed.
Thinking of you all at home: lots and lots of people are really concerned when we say we are from Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. What a shame we give them such cause for concern!
Have a good day tomorrow with Janet! It's good to know Janet is a one-time Guide and former Scout Chaplain.
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Working on Guest Services Felicity was part of the welcoming party for Prince William ... well, she was around in the Guest Services area when he arrived and would have welcomed him if had come round her way!
We met up in time for the start of the opening ceremony in the main arena as all 40,000 came together from 158 countries to celebrate the start of the centenary Jamboree! It was a great occasion.
What better way to unwind afterwards than in the English tea house with a good old traditional pot of English tea! We came to the end of our tea and Felicity went off to do her next duties, when someone came to our table to clear the dishes. I thanked her for a lovely cup of tea and three quarters of an hour later took my leave to head off towards the Listening Ear tent to see how things were going there.
It was a wonderful conversation that got right to the heart of what the Jamboree is all about!
It turned out that I was talking to Zita Pascoe whose idea the English Tea House had been. She had been disappointed to find at Eurojam a couple of years ago (the dry run they had at Hylands House to try out all the arrangements, bringing Scouts together from all over Europe) that there were food outlets from all over Europe but no traditional 'English' place. She determined to set that right.
Meeting up with a couple of others she shared her idea. Why not have a tea shop selling pots of tea in a really traditional kind of way. With sponsorship from Home Base and other companies she began to put her dream together. Mentioning the idea at a Bedfordshire County Scout event someone happened to say that they worked for Williamson Tea, a tea company in existence since 1869. Zita got in touch and they ran with the idea, providing all the tea! A fascinating company who have taken Fair Trade principles one step further in their quest for ethical trading. They support schools and hospital facilities on their plantations: just the kind of ethical stance that Zita thought would capture the spirit of the Jamboree.
She set to and purchased antique tea pots from car boot sales, not to mention table cloths, tables, chairs and the like!
The whole enterprise has been put together by volunteers, most of whom had not met before arriving on sight to set everything up earlier in the week.
The end product was the most wonderful tea shop right in front of Hylands House.
We weren't the only ones to avail ourselves of the tea on offer! Straight after the ceremony two of the guests also found their way to the English Tea House. Peter Duncan, the UK's Chief Scout and one time Blue Peter presenter was joined by Michael Baden Powell, Lord Baden Powell's grandson.
Our picture shows Hyland House in the background and Michael Baden Powell taking tea to the right! He's the one with the silver hair and distinguished look!
Other activities in the day included a fasincating discussion with some Muslim women Scouts from Cardiff who were staffing the stand on Islam and supper with a contingent of Sikh Scouts from Southall.
It's great to see a couple of comments from Lorraine - click on comments to read them!! Thanks, Lorraine - we'll look forward to some more comments in due course.
After two fine days, it's raining again and it's time for a cup of hot chocolate and then bed.
Thinking of you all at home: lots and lots of people are really concerned when we say we are from Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. What a shame we give them such cause for concern!
Have a good day tomorrow with Janet! It's good to know Janet is a one-time Guide and former Scout Chaplain.
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Friday, 27 July 2007
Friends from the Congregational Federation
As the last of our preparation days comes to an end all the participants and service team have arrived. The site is bulging at the seams with 40,000 ready for tomorrow's opening ceremony.
Our day has drawn to a close with a hot chocolate in the company of Martin Spain, Minister of the Congregational Church in Whitland in South Wales. Martin is a member of the Listening Ear team and it was good to meet up with him and some of his friends.
The day started with breakfast in the company of Andreas from Italy. A Scout Leader from the area around Milan he explained to me that in Italy there are two Scout Associations, one Roman Catholic and one 'lay'. It was fascinating listening to him describe the links his own (Roman Catholic) Scout group had with his local church. They meet on Sundays for Mass and then spend the rest of the day doing activities together. An interesting pattern we might pursue further for a Parade Sunday.
The day was again filled with preparations for the programme that gets under way tomorrow. It was good to walk around some of the groups we are serving as members of the Listening Ear team and see how they were settling in. There's a real air of excitement.
The site is vast and Felicity has spent time travelling around it in a little golf buddy delivering people, food and lots of other things too!
News tomorrow of the Opening Ceremony.
Every blessing,
Richard
Our day has drawn to a close with a hot chocolate in the company of Martin Spain, Minister of the Congregational Church in Whitland in South Wales. Martin is a member of the Listening Ear team and it was good to meet up with him and some of his friends.
The day started with breakfast in the company of Andreas from Italy. A Scout Leader from the area around Milan he explained to me that in Italy there are two Scout Associations, one Roman Catholic and one 'lay'. It was fascinating listening to him describe the links his own (Roman Catholic) Scout group had with his local church. They meet on Sundays for Mass and then spend the rest of the day doing activities together. An interesting pattern we might pursue further for a Parade Sunday.
The day was again filled with preparations for the programme that gets under way tomorrow. It was good to walk around some of the groups we are serving as members of the Listening Ear team and see how they were settling in. There's a real air of excitement.
The site is vast and Felicity has spent time travelling around it in a little golf buddy delivering people, food and lots of other things too!
News tomorrow of the Opening Ceremony.
Every blessing,
Richard
Thursday, 26 July 2007
The UK contingent arrives ... and it's raining!
The day started with breakfasst in the company of Natalie from Argentina. In Scouts since she was five she now leads a Cub pack in Buenos Aries. I told her about members of my family who have been in Patagonia since the end of the Nineteenth Century and who speak only Welsh and Spanish. Sadly, Natalie knew no Welsh! But her English was superb.
On to the first day at the Listening Ear tent on the Ocean Hub. It was a day of quite some activity, turning my hand to carpet laying in the tent that is to become the office, before moving on to holding down a tent about to fly away in the wind.
Good to begin to get to know others in the Listening Ear team.
After a long but good day it was good to meet up with Felicity who had spent the day travelling around with the Guest Services team. Natalie is part of the same team. Felicity is one of four who are the drivers ferrying around special guests.
This was the day that the UK contingent arrived ... and it rained heavily. And the winds blew ... and blew. By the end of the day all the walk ways are running in mud. But all were welcomed and all have settled in. The camping fields are beginning to fill up!
Tomorrow sees the arrival of the remaining 28,000 participants. I cannot begin to imagine how we will cope! It will be wonderful to see everyone here!
That's it for another day.
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
On to the first day at the Listening Ear tent on the Ocean Hub. It was a day of quite some activity, turning my hand to carpet laying in the tent that is to become the office, before moving on to holding down a tent about to fly away in the wind.
Good to begin to get to know others in the Listening Ear team.
After a long but good day it was good to meet up with Felicity who had spent the day travelling around with the Guest Services team. Natalie is part of the same team. Felicity is one of four who are the drivers ferrying around special guests.
This was the day that the UK contingent arrived ... and it rained heavily. And the winds blew ... and blew. By the end of the day all the walk ways are running in mud. But all were welcomed and all have settled in. The camping fields are beginning to fill up!
Tomorrow sees the arrival of the remaining 28,000 participants. I cannot begin to imagine how we will cope! It will be wonderful to see everyone here!
That's it for another day.
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Listen 'Ere!
What a queue for breakfast! 8,000 people had to file past four 'bar-code' checkin points to get to breakfast! It took quite some time, but the bacon and egg was worth it once we got there.
I joined 32 other people for the first of our briefings as 'Listening Ears'. The 32,000 participants who will be arriving tomorrow from the UK and the following day from the rest of the world are going to be divided into four sections, or hubs.
Each of those sections will have camping for 8,000, all of whom will be catering for themselves in their groups. Those groups will then have wonderful activities to do each day. There's a mountain hub, a tropical hub, an ocean hub and one other I cannot remember. Each 'hub' has its own mini 'big stage' (thinking of Greenbelt) where there will be concerts, parties and the like most evenings! They also have lots of activities, facilities ... and one tent where people can seek refuge! And that's the one that our team will be manning. Working in shifts from 10-00 to 10-00 we shall make sure that there's always someone in the tent ready to lend a 'listening ear'.
Today was spent doing some trainning for the work we'll be doing, and then helping to put finishing touches to 'the build'.
At the end of the day I met up with Felicity again for another long queue and another excellent meal. This time we were joined by Brian Sheen who is in charge of the astronomy section. What activities they have planned with telescopes to enjoy, moon rocks and meteorites arriving from the Natural History Museum, some of the biggest names in astronomy coming to speak (though not Patrick Moore!) and a live link up with the International Space Station. An hour and a half into the meal with wonderful conversation I noticed out of the corner of my eye a glazed look coming over Felicity who un-noticed had already slipped away for a while to have a chat with some friends from Gloucestershire.
I was in seventh heaven when our new found friend from Cornwall turned out to be as interested in Geology and plate tectonics as he was in astronomy. Felicity was of the view that it reall was time to move on!
Great fun being had by all.
Remember that you can reply to our blog by posting your own comment. We'll have a peep at it first and so long as it says nice things we'll put it up for everyone to see.
Be in touch again tomorrow, hopefully!
Every blessing,
Richard
I joined 32 other people for the first of our briefings as 'Listening Ears'. The 32,000 participants who will be arriving tomorrow from the UK and the following day from the rest of the world are going to be divided into four sections, or hubs.
Each of those sections will have camping for 8,000, all of whom will be catering for themselves in their groups. Those groups will then have wonderful activities to do each day. There's a mountain hub, a tropical hub, an ocean hub and one other I cannot remember. Each 'hub' has its own mini 'big stage' (thinking of Greenbelt) where there will be concerts, parties and the like most evenings! They also have lots of activities, facilities ... and one tent where people can seek refuge! And that's the one that our team will be manning. Working in shifts from 10-00 to 10-00 we shall make sure that there's always someone in the tent ready to lend a 'listening ear'.
Today was spent doing some trainning for the work we'll be doing, and then helping to put finishing touches to 'the build'.
At the end of the day I met up with Felicity again for another long queue and another excellent meal. This time we were joined by Brian Sheen who is in charge of the astronomy section. What activities they have planned with telescopes to enjoy, moon rocks and meteorites arriving from the Natural History Museum, some of the biggest names in astronomy coming to speak (though not Patrick Moore!) and a live link up with the International Space Station. An hour and a half into the meal with wonderful conversation I noticed out of the corner of my eye a glazed look coming over Felicity who un-noticed had already slipped away for a while to have a chat with some friends from Gloucestershire.
I was in seventh heaven when our new found friend from Cornwall turned out to be as interested in Geology and plate tectonics as he was in astronomy. Felicity was of the view that it reall was time to move on!
Great fun being had by all.
Remember that you can reply to our blog by posting your own comment. We'll have a peep at it first and so long as it says nice things we'll put it up for everyone to see.
Be in touch again tomorrow, hopefully!
Every blessing,
Richard
Hello from Hylands Park
Today has been a day of exploration and discovery. I have been finding out what my role is to be in Guest Services. First we had training about guest services in general and then I discovered I had been hand -picked to be part of the support and logistics team. Within this my special role will be driving. To enable me to do this I went with the three othe rpotential drivers to get our site licences to drive. This meant a drive of about 10 minutes across the site in a golf cart to the Jamboree organising team area and in particular transport. A short process determined that I could drive the 8 person vehicles and a golf cart.
Next I learned a new skill- driving a golf cart. Not as simple as you might imagine. There was a code to put in to get it going, itiis left-hand drive and has to pedals go and stop. The other thing I soon discovered as I drove the team back to the Guest Services area is that Golf carts do not have adjustable driving postions so you sit with your legs uncomfortably bent. In addition they have no mirrors, no lights, no indicators, no horn and no speedometer.
We did make it back ok and no one fell out.
After a break for our picnic lunch and a cappacucino in a very nice cafe we headed back for another training. This taught us how to receive and deal with heads of state, ambassadors,diplomats, MP's etc etc from all around the world who will be visiting the Jamboree. Partof my role will be to collect people from their arrival point which might be on site or from Stansted or North Weald airport or from the Jamboree Hotel at nearby Writtle College. You will I am sure be relieved to know my duties do not extend to transporting HRH Prince William because he will land close to the House in a helicopter.
I have been promised long days for which despite the chance of more mud we have to look very clean and smart. However, the team are all very friendly. My co-drivers are 2 UK Guiders and an Indian from Texas, who has worked in Norfolk. Our team leader is from Bangladesh and his boss is an American.
I have been glad to see many familiar faces from Gloucestershire, particulalry those from Tewkesbury who live just outside the town and one who is heading up the Fire Service here and had to have a Police escort out of the town to get here.
We have enjoyed two relatively dry days which has helped a lot and we hope that things are not too difficult for you.
There are now over 8,000 on site, tomorrow the UK contingent arrive and by the weekend all the rest will be here. This is the first time so many people from so many different countries have been brought together by any organisation in the world.
Best wishes,
Felicity
Next I learned a new skill- driving a golf cart. Not as simple as you might imagine. There was a code to put in to get it going, itiis left-hand drive and has to pedals go and stop. The other thing I soon discovered as I drove the team back to the Guest Services area is that Golf carts do not have adjustable driving postions so you sit with your legs uncomfortably bent. In addition they have no mirrors, no lights, no indicators, no horn and no speedometer.
We did make it back ok and no one fell out.
After a break for our picnic lunch and a cappacucino in a very nice cafe we headed back for another training. This taught us how to receive and deal with heads of state, ambassadors,diplomats, MP's etc etc from all around the world who will be visiting the Jamboree. Partof my role will be to collect people from their arrival point which might be on site or from Stansted or North Weald airport or from the Jamboree Hotel at nearby Writtle College. You will I am sure be relieved to know my duties do not extend to transporting HRH Prince William because he will land close to the House in a helicopter.
I have been promised long days for which despite the chance of more mud we have to look very clean and smart. However, the team are all very friendly. My co-drivers are 2 UK Guiders and an Indian from Texas, who has worked in Norfolk. Our team leader is from Bangladesh and his boss is an American.
I have been glad to see many familiar faces from Gloucestershire, particulalry those from Tewkesbury who live just outside the town and one who is heading up the Fire Service here and had to have a Police escort out of the town to get here.
We have enjoyed two relatively dry days which has helped a lot and we hope that things are not too difficult for you.
There are now over 8,000 on site, tomorrow the UK contingent arrive and by the weekend all the rest will be here. This is the first time so many people from so many different countries have been brought together by any organisation in the world.
Best wishes,
Felicity
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
We've arrived!
The moon is shining bright, and all is clear as night draws on.
So much for the sky! The ground is not so clear ... pretty muddy already and we're still on day one!
We arrived at 2-30 at North Weald Airfield where we parked the car and checked in. We straightaway felt at home parking opposite a car sporting a Cherry and Whites flag straight from Kingsholm. I regretted not bringing my Leicester Tigers shirt. It wasn't long before we bumped into Paul from Prestbury on the translation team. Nice to have a chat, but we didn't need his services. After booking in we met Joan Goldsmith, the County Commissioner and by then we felt really at home.
We loaded our bags on to a bus and set off on a half hour journey to Chelmsford and Hylands Park.
From the dropping off point it was a thirty minute walk to the Adult camp site. There are 8000 in the International Service Team from all over the world. And so far no youngsters. They don't arrive until Thursday and Friday.
Felicity is going to be part of the Guest Services team, though what she will be doing remains to be seen. I am going to be a Listening Ear linked to one of the sub camps. That means that I will be linked to a particular group of Scouts for the two and a half weeks of the Jamboree.
We picked up our tents and it wasn't long before we had erected them and sorted out our things. Correction. It wasn't long before Felicity had erected the tents with a little bit of help from me.
We split up for the rest of the evening with a training event for me to go to and an explore for Felicity. First priority, however, was a meal. They claim it's the biggest moveable building in Europe - catering for 8,000 adults with a full breakfast, a packed lunch and a full evening meal. And it was a pretty good evening meal.
Interesting company too!
Bruce from Belgium had recently moved to Chelmsford. A Civil Engineer by trade he was here just for four days this week helping to manage the transport. Quite some feat transporting 40,000 from the Reception ten miles away to the Jamboree site.
The evening is drawing on. Coffee calls. And it won't be long before we are back to our tent. Mind you, the sky is as clear as can be, the moon is bright and a little bit of star gazing may well be in order. We had better make the best of the opportunity to have a clear sky as the forecast is not so good tomorrow!
Our thoughts are very much with everyone back at home. It's hard to think what it's going to be like without water for a fortnight. Everyone's very much in our prayers.
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
So much for the sky! The ground is not so clear ... pretty muddy already and we're still on day one!
We arrived at 2-30 at North Weald Airfield where we parked the car and checked in. We straightaway felt at home parking opposite a car sporting a Cherry and Whites flag straight from Kingsholm. I regretted not bringing my Leicester Tigers shirt. It wasn't long before we bumped into Paul from Prestbury on the translation team. Nice to have a chat, but we didn't need his services. After booking in we met Joan Goldsmith, the County Commissioner and by then we felt really at home.
We loaded our bags on to a bus and set off on a half hour journey to Chelmsford and Hylands Park.
From the dropping off point it was a thirty minute walk to the Adult camp site. There are 8000 in the International Service Team from all over the world. And so far no youngsters. They don't arrive until Thursday and Friday.
Felicity is going to be part of the Guest Services team, though what she will be doing remains to be seen. I am going to be a Listening Ear linked to one of the sub camps. That means that I will be linked to a particular group of Scouts for the two and a half weeks of the Jamboree.
We picked up our tents and it wasn't long before we had erected them and sorted out our things. Correction. It wasn't long before Felicity had erected the tents with a little bit of help from me.
We split up for the rest of the evening with a training event for me to go to and an explore for Felicity. First priority, however, was a meal. They claim it's the biggest moveable building in Europe - catering for 8,000 adults with a full breakfast, a packed lunch and a full evening meal. And it was a pretty good evening meal.
Interesting company too!
Bruce from Belgium had recently moved to Chelmsford. A Civil Engineer by trade he was here just for four days this week helping to manage the transport. Quite some feat transporting 40,000 from the Reception ten miles away to the Jamboree site.
The evening is drawing on. Coffee calls. And it won't be long before we are back to our tent. Mind you, the sky is as clear as can be, the moon is bright and a little bit of star gazing may well be in order. We had better make the best of the opportunity to have a clear sky as the forecast is not so good tomorrow!
Our thoughts are very much with everyone back at home. It's hard to think what it's going to be like without water for a fortnight. Everyone's very much in our prayers.
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Time to go!
The day's arrived, we're all packed and we are about to leave!
It's a much better day, thankfully.
More importantly, thanks to an incredible amount of work right through the night by people from the fire service and other services Gloucestershire's main power station has escaped the floods. The river rose to within two inches of the walls erected to give further protection. That means that most of the county still has electricity.
Most of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and the surrounding area are without water, though it's still running here in the centre of Cheltenham.
If we manage it, our next news will be from the Jamboree itself!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
It's a much better day, thankfully.
More importantly, thanks to an incredible amount of work right through the night by people from the fire service and other services Gloucestershire's main power station has escaped the floods. The river rose to within two inches of the walls erected to give further protection. That means that most of the county still has electricity.
Most of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and the surrounding area are without water, though it's still running here in the centre of Cheltenham.
If we manage it, our next news will be from the Jamboree itself!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Monday, 23 July 2007
One day to go ... and it's raining!
We're just about packed ... with far too much!
Our thoughts and prayers are very much with everyone back home here in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. The rain has been as heavy as ever again today.
Thanks to some remarkable efforts by everyone from the incredibly stretched services the electricity is still on and the water is still running in our part of Cheltenham. The news tells us that the prospects are still bleak for our water supply and maybe for the electricity supply too.
We'll continue to think of everyone in our prayers.
We hope to get off reasonably early in the morning to join the International Service Team. We have to park the car at an air field ten miles from Hylands Park where the Jamboree site is. There will be a shuttle bus service to and from the car park. Let's hope the weather is fine tomorrow. The forecast is promising.
We hope to keep in touch once we arrive ... so watch this space!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Our thoughts and prayers are very much with everyone back home here in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. The rain has been as heavy as ever again today.
Thanks to some remarkable efforts by everyone from the incredibly stretched services the electricity is still on and the water is still running in our part of Cheltenham. The news tells us that the prospects are still bleak for our water supply and maybe for the electricity supply too.
We'll continue to think of everyone in our prayers.
We hope to get off reasonably early in the morning to join the International Service Team. We have to park the car at an air field ten miles from Hylands Park where the Jamboree site is. There will be a shuttle bus service to and from the car park. Let's hope the weather is fine tomorrow. The forecast is promising.
We hope to keep in touch once we arrive ... so watch this space!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Two days to go!
This year Scouting celebrates its centenary as 40,000 scouts from all over the world gather together for the centenary World Jamboree.
Next year the 1st Cheltenham (Highbury) Scout group will be celebrating its centenary.
In the sixteen years Felicity and I have been in ministry at Highbury we have been very involved in Highbury's Scout group. Felicity is now the Group Scout Leader and I, as Minister, not only lead regular Parade services I also do special evenings on astronomy and chess each year!
It seemed an opportunity not to miss to join the UK contingent and the International Support Team at the World Jamboree.
With two days to go our packing is nearly (but not quite!) done. We are hoping against hope our tents will have arrived ready for us to pick them up.
Our thoughts, however, are very much with everyone back at home. Cheltenham and the whole of Gloucestershire have been very badly affected by the flooding. We have just seen pictures of our main water supply centre disappearing under the flood waters and the town anticipates losing its water supply by later this evening.
With friends whose houses have been flooded our thoughts and prayers are very much with everyone here at home.
Our worries about camping in the rain pall into insignificance set against the plight so many of the folk around here are facing.
We are very much looking forward to the start of the World Jamboree later in the week. All the team leading the Jamboree and the youngsters making their way to it even now have been very much in our prayers at our services in church today.
Whether or not we shall be able to up date this blog once we get to the Jamboree remains to be seen.
You will be able to see up to date news at the Jamboree's news page ...
http://eng.thejamboree.org/news
We hope to keep you posted!
Every blessing,
Richard and Felicity
Next year the 1st Cheltenham (Highbury) Scout group will be celebrating its centenary.
In the sixteen years Felicity and I have been in ministry at Highbury we have been very involved in Highbury's Scout group. Felicity is now the Group Scout Leader and I, as Minister, not only lead regular Parade services I also do special evenings on astronomy and chess each year!
It seemed an opportunity not to miss to join the UK contingent and the International Support Team at the World Jamboree.
With two days to go our packing is nearly (but not quite!) done. We are hoping against hope our tents will have arrived ready for us to pick them up.
Our thoughts, however, are very much with everyone back at home. Cheltenham and the whole of Gloucestershire have been very badly affected by the flooding. We have just seen pictures of our main water supply centre disappearing under the flood waters and the town anticipates losing its water supply by later this evening.
With friends whose houses have been flooded our thoughts and prayers are very much with everyone here at home.
Our worries about camping in the rain pall into insignificance set against the plight so many of the folk around here are facing.
We are very much looking forward to the start of the World Jamboree later in the week. All the team leading the Jamboree and the youngsters making their way to it even now have been very much in our prayers at our services in church today.
Whether or not we shall be able to up date this blog once we get to the Jamboree remains to be seen.
You will be able to see up to date news at the Jamboree's news page ...
http://eng.thejamboree.org/news
We hope to keep you posted!
Every blessing,
Richard and Felicity
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