As well as fitting in half term the troop has been as busy as ever. We have access to the scout hut down at Hogton Bottoms so when ever we get the chance we make use of it we do. So knowing we had an overnight stay planned for half term we went down to clean up the week before. As time was limited we went down in car and just walked the last hundred yards or so into the hut. Alan had soon got a fire going outside, the frying pans were put on for the sausages and before you knew it, it was time to come home.

The following week saw the scouts walking down with their rucksacks for an over night stay. One of the perils of wearing boots that are too big for you is that they are liable to come off if you walk through deep mud. This is exactly what Shane did! Despite an extensive search the boot has never been seen again. It was a good job he had trainers with him for the walk home. But the overnight stay was a success, so I have been told as I had to walk home all by myself on the Friday night and didn’t have the pleasure of sleeping over.

The new term was marked by a Guy Fawkes night party and bonfire. The Beavers and Cubs had all the usual games in the hall, things like apple bobing while the scouts were busy outside building the bonfire and getting the fireworks ready. The fire was light, the guy was burnt and the fireworks were let off. £300 worth in about ten minutes. However they were worth it and a good time was had by all.

Friday night before Remembrance Sunday was spent preparing for the Youth Service. Poppies were painted, scripts sorted out, computers and projectors checked and a new screen was made for the stage. There was a few times that night when I could have wrung a few necks but as the saying goes it will be all right on the night.

And so it was. With over 160 people in the church hall the troop assisted by the cubs put on a service I and everyone present were proud of. Lots of people had parts and helped in various ways and the service went off very smoothly and hopefully people now know a little of what is going on in Afghanistan. All the scouts and cubs deserve thanks but I would like to mention one name in particular. Danny Farnsworth volunteered, and I mean volunteered, to do lead the service and made an excellent job of it, so thank you Danny.

We are now looking forward to Scouts Kitchen which will be on Friday 12^th December. This was a complete sell out last year and we have only 100 tickets available for this year so get you tickets NOW.

Sandy.