Scouting Snapshots

More than 200 hundred Beaver Scouts from 13 colonies in Blackpool District descended on Blackpool Zoo to take part in the Alan Barnes Trophy Competition.

The trophy is dedicated in memory of a leader from the former 16th Blackpool Scout Group.

The youngsters aged six to eight, supported by their leaders and helpers, were able to visit the zoo and enjoy seeing all the animals in their surroundings.

The youngsters visited many parts of the zoo, and both watched and listened to the zoo keepers during feeding times for the sea lions, elephants and tigers

However the main object of the day was for the colonies to compete against each for the Alan Barnes Trophy.

The theme of the day was called “Underneath the Ocean”, with seven bases manned around the zoo by additional members of Blackpool District Scouts.

The bases featured fun activities such as Commotion in the Ocean ( Action Story), Creating a Penguin, and a Jellyfish, Octopus Relay, Dressing Up Relay, and Floundering Fish game.

For each base visited the colony received 10 points, with also a Fishing Challenge where the youngsters were asked to fish out three fish with scores on them, and collectively these were put together to find the overall winner

Just after 2pm the Colonies met together in the Bird Arena for a Short Camp Fire, and announcement of the Alan Barnes Trophy.

The winner this year was the 8th Blackpool Beaver Scout Colony based at Marton Methodist Church, Midgeland Road.

Congratulations to all those who took part, you were all a credit to the district.

The heat is turned up on sandcastle contest

Having checked the tide was out, Cub Packs from Blackpool District recently headed to the sands at Starr Gate to take part in the Annual Sand Castle Competition.

On another glorious summer evening armed with buckets, spades and flags, the competition was who could build the best castle, turrets, moat, draw bridges.

There was so much fun, enjoyment, a bit of individual skill, and lots of teamwork.

The winners were the 6th Blackpool Cub Pack based at Marton United Reform Church.

Young drivers ready for race of their year

For thrills and spills and a great chance to see peddle car drivers getting up to speeds of over 25 mph, then pop down on Saturday, July 1 to the Jubilee Gardens, on the Cleveleys Promenade.

There will be over 50 teams from all over the country taking part in this annual event that has been running in the National Scout Programme since the 1930s.

Originally called Soap Box Driving, it changed to peddle cars in the 1950s.

The races are now supported at a local level, costing around £3,000 to put the national activity on each year

They are held annually at four separate venues.

This year was Derbyshire’s turn, but due to a suitable venue not being found, Blackpoolm District Scout have stepped into the breach at the last minute.

If you ever watch the Formula One Grand Prix Season, the Scout Association takes it on just the same but in miniature fashion.

The track is set up by Scouting volunteers from 6am on the Saturday, ready for the first competitors to arrive at around 7.30am, for the engineers to check on correct specification of the cars.

The races begin at 9.30am, following registration.

There are straight races and then in the afternoon we have our Grand Prix section which consists of a races over 20 minutes where teams of drivers do the circuit in relay.

So why not pop along, or it’s not to late to help sponsor by contacting either Steve Williamson event co- ordinator on 07740 393665 or Philip Mather on 07984 003567.