Sat Sept 7th/Sun 8th 1985
Ironbridge
Annual Outing (Weekend Trip) for the Cub Scouts
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Departing Headquarters
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Coventry Cathedral
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Picnic by the River Severn
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Met at Headquarters at 8.0 a.m. Saturday and each Cub Scout’s attire was checked for suitability. Bagheera collected each boy’s pocket money so that monies could be issued at suitable times to ensure no wasteful spending took place.
We departed at 8.30 a.m. with parents waving us goodbye in 2 mini buses, Baloo in charge of the hired vehicle and Mr. Monk in his own. First stop was Coventry to look around the New and Old Cathedrals. We were all impressed with the Cathedral with its very modern design. Setting off on our journey to Ironbridge presented a problem: Mr. Monk could not get out of the Car Park. The problem was solved by the help of an unsuspecting tourist who was left scratching his head with two tickets in his hands.
Arriving at Ironbridge we found a nice picnic site by the River Severn. After consuming our packed lunches, yes Mr. Monk found some food, we played a game of hand cricket with a homemade ball. We then travelled a short distance to the Blists Hill Open Air Museum and divided up into 4 groups to spend the afternoon exploring this wonderful museum. We all felt we had travelled back to the 1890’s because the whole area depicted what life was like during this period. It was stated that Akela’s watch must have been made during this time because his party were half an hour late arriving back at the entrance.
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Iron Bridge
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Feasting on a splendid filling meal
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A hectic game of rounders
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We then travelled back into the town so that we could all walk across the famous Iron Bridge spanning the gorge over the River Severn. The next stop was the Youth Hostel which turned out to be a splendid large house. Leaders ignored the groans and supervised a thorough washing and a change of clothes. We feasted on a splendid filling meal before Green Six took on the washing-up. It was apparent that the Youth Hostel Association had installed a washing up machine after being notified of Baloo’s trouble with Yellow Six at Cleeve Hill Y. H. in 1984. Noisy games of Beetle were undertaken, driving one guest to another room for some peace and quiet. The sixes then became Universities to participate in a Quiz before retiring to the dormitories at 9.15 p.m. It must be said that when Akela retired at about 11.0 p.m. all was quiet but before this threats had been made.
We all awakened, washed and packed in good time for breakfast. A splendid breakfast was consumed and it appeared that Ironbridge was well known for huge helpings of Baked Beans that even defeated some of the Cubs. After completing our chores which involved the whole party, and being wished a safe journey by the Warden, we make our way to the Wrekin. This was a large wooded hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. On our upward trek we came across a camouflaged army radio post directing an exercise. After this, every bush was thought to be a camouflaged soldier, according to the cubs. Reaching the summit we could see for miles around, and the view was quite spectacular. We then played a Wide Game involving stalking by the cubs, which amused other walkers seeing numerous cubs bobbing up and down amongst the undergrowth.
Returning to the vehicles we headed for home, breaking our journey at Sandwell Nature Park in Birmingham. This was a new reserve set up by the R.S.P.B. to encourage wild birds to breed in a specially designed area, and for the enjoyment of enthusiasts. It was a splendid location to consume our packed lunches before we participated in a hectic game of Rounders.
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A short stop at Warwick Castle
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On our last leg of the journey home we had a short stop at Warwick to view the Castle, arriving at the Headquarters about 6.40 p. m. to awaiting parents.
We were all in high spirits after enjoying an action packed weekend filled with many interesting things. We must all give our thanks to Mr. Monk for his vehicle and considerable assistance to the Leaders. The Group Council must also be thanked for the splendid £5 donation towards each Cub Scout’s expense.
| The Party |
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| White Six |
S. Leathersich, L. Payne, J. Urwin, S. Shears, O. Sawbridge, T. Coles |
| Yellow Six |
D. Owen, D. Boss, M. Tutin, James Stent, L. McDonald, J. Porter (not invested) |
| Blue Six |
M. Boatwright, M. Wylde, R. Turvey, N. Trodd, M. Goldsmith |
| Green Six |
J. .Monk, C. Scriven, G. Ashcroft, M. Smith, G. Bannon, E. Cox |
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Leaders: Akela, Baloo, Bagheera and Mr. Monk
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