Gosport District Scout Council

Explorer Scouts put on a formal dinner

On Thursday night 14th August 03 at summer camp the Explorer Scouts put on a formal dinner for their Leaders. Guests at the event Alan Seymour (DC), Sandra Pettit (DESC), Gary Seymour (DESL), Simon Jessop (DESL), Steve Moore (ADESL), Carl Pettit (ADESL), Pat Brown (District Secretary and District Explorer Scout Administrator) Mike Brown (ADC (Water Activities) and Treasurer for the Explorers) and Alison Rowe. Jamie the duty warden represented Ferny Crofts.

The evening started with all the Leaders being told to leave the site. So that the organisation and preparations could be put in place, like all good leaders we conformed to the request (done what we where told), and at 1800 hours left the site with instructions not to return before 2000 hours so we paid a visit to Beaulieu Road Station.

On return to the site we found that the Explorers doing front of house where dressed in full uniform, those that where doing the cooking and cleaning were in the Explorer Scout Tee-shirts that where specially made for the camp. As the Explorers were in uniform the Leaders had to carry out a quick change in to ours.

We had to show our invitations to the security guards (bouncers) before being allowed to enter the reception area of this distinctive restaurant in the quiet of the New Forest the nearest neighbours being the Ninja Squirrels and a Scout Troop from London.

The security would not at first let Gary in until he had been checked against their blacklist.
	We where then shown to our seats in the restaurant (event tent) where the table had been laid with camp made decorations (it was very good).

We had a choice of starters of a fruit cocktail or cheese and ham toasty, followed by Fried Chicken, Potatoes, Peas, Sweetcorn and Gravy. This was followed by a choice of sweets being Trifle or Apple pie all washed down with Lemonade and coffee.

All those present at the meal said they had enjoyed themselves. (No Food Poisoning)

We live to Scout another day

I as District Commissioner can only state that the Explorers worked extremely hard with the planning, preparation, serving and clearing up. And like true Scouts carried on smiling.

I wish them the same good fortune with next years Camp, which they have already started fund raising for "Guernsey 2004". Who knows we may have the whole Unit of 50 + then?

I am very fortunate to have such a dedicated Unit within Gosport (They are the Best) Scouting can only get better with such young people VERY WELL DONE to all. I am proud that you are members of Gosport District.

Alan Seymour
District Commissioner.