Scouting's Sunrise in Cromwell District
So here's a bit more detail about all the fun that took place. The aim of the Project Team was "to provide an event to ensure that everyone would always remember where they were on the 100th birthday of Scouting" and we hope you'll agree that's exactly what was achieved
Tuesday 31st July
Despite the flooding of Nobles Field and Copley just a week before it was rewarding to see youngsters turning up on site ready for the fun ahead. Brilliant sunshine had only just arrived so Copley camp site was still under water, and there was nothing for it but to camp on Nobles Field itself.
Around one third of those attending were friends of Scouts or Explorers out so see what it was about Scouting that made it so great.
There was hearty meal served to all the hungry campers at 5.30pm, so that they all had time to get ready for The Big Gig at the Burgess Hall - starting at 7.30pm.
Others not wanting to camp joined in at the Burgess Hall, to listen to some of the top local talent from across Cambridgeshire. James Page, Sometime Never and 9Fold Punch all went down well, and a great deal of money changed hands as youngsters bought up supplies of t-shirts and CDs.
Scouting is all about new experiences and for many attending a Gig with such great music was definitely a first. On the way out youngsters were handed a card that pointed out 11 of the 12 people who stood on the moon have been Scouts - so why not join to find out where the adventure might take them?
Then it was back to camp for supper before going to bed - although it has to be said that it was the early hours of the next morning before silence fell!
Wednesday 1st August
For once the "crew" of adults responsible for Sunrise were up and about (at 5.30am!) before most of the youngsters camping.
Breakfast was served for all from 6.15 to 6.45 - and from the expressions on their faces it was obvious many of the campers had never realised such a time even existed.
By 7.00am uniformed Scouts, Explorers and adults plus their friends were making their way to the Burgess Hall car park ready to form up to parade. With roads closed and a police escort the parade made it's way into St Ives Town Centre. There they joined the hundreds of current and former members from all Sections, friends and family ready to take part in a very special ceremony.
Scouting's centenary 'cry' by Mike Blackburn, St Neots Town Crier
Anglia TV were on hand to witness the ceremony, which began with a very special Scouting "cry" from the Town Crier - which will certainly have woken those youngsters still half asleep at the time!
This then lead to the formal renewal of Promises, lead by various members of the District leadership team.
The hundreds of Scouts renewing their promise were joined by five new leaders who were being invested (and making their promise for the first time) exactly 100 years since Baden Powell started it all off. One of those leaders, Alison Hurrell, was joined by her proud dad who had attended the World Scout Jamboree as a young lad in 1957
The Mayor of St Ives then said a few words before presenting prizes to the winners of the "What Scouting Means to Me" competition, designs painted on tiles kindly donated by Tile Store.
Everyone was then paraded back to Copley where mounds of delicious bacon rolls were soon being consumed.
The sedan chair race was great fun even for those who didn't win
During the morning there was loads of fun on offer. This included MAGPAS, RSPB, Raptor Foundation, Royal Marines, Sedan Chair races, Sock Trail, crockery smashing, sweet stall, 3 Bouncy Castles and of course an ice-cream van - with lots of donated prizes on offer. Also there was "Spike" the road safety hedgehog - keen to check the racing was done safely and handing out loads of goodies.
Happy families pose for the cameras after renewal of wedding vows
Just before the closing ceremony 4 of the fantastic adults that help make Scouting great renewed their wedding vows. Gavin and Anne Roberts and Peter and Rachel Graham had both actually married at the same place 15 years ago, both on the 1st August but about an hour apart!
Tony Best and Richard Hames still enjoying their Scouting after 100 years
Richard Hames, County Commissioner, then said a few words before Tony Best, District Commissioner. Tony then led a formal ceremony in which the future of Scouting was placed into safe hands - from adult through the Sections to a Beaver Scout, after all they are hopefully the leaders of tomorrow. Singing of Happy Birthday and Auld Lang Syne followed by cake ended the day's events.
And then the Project Team went home for a good, long rest
