1st Stanstead Abbotts and St. Margaret's Scout Group

Ware and District's annual Scouts' Nocturnal Competition, 8th /9th October

In teams of 4, our three teams of Scouts set off at 2pm Saturday with maps and compasses in hand and carrying rucksacks full of a sleeping bag, tent, stove, meths, first aid kits, food, drinks, survival bag, whistle and wet weather clothing.  Then, tasked with finding various bases using their much practiced navigation skills, the teams made their way around a set route through woods and countryside.  At each base and checkpoint the teams were set various challenges which they gained additional marks on before plotting their route to the next base. 

The bases varied enormously; from making a cup of tea using their stoves etc through to arriving at a mocked up traffic accident where they had to assess the situation, assist the casualties, call for the Emergency Services (using a special phone number - not 999) and alert them to the accident and its location and give basic First Aid where possible.

After about 9 hours hiking through the woods and countryside each team were then transported back to the overnight base campsite where they all enjoyed a very welcome and 'really delicious' Hot Dog and Hot Chocolate and handed in all their paperwork and marks to the judges.  Eventually they were all dispatched to their tents for a well earned sleep.

The results and presentations took place after breakfast at 9am the next morning.  With teams of Scouts from all around the Ware and District area competing everyone was really keen to learn the results.

Our three teams did really well:-

Leigh's team with Henry, Holly and Charlie came a magnificent 3rd place

Clare's team with Rosie, Lenny and Curtis came 4th and were the first Stanstead Abbotts team to complete the whole course for years!

Tony's team with Jess, Georgia and Harry came 7th

The full results will be released in due course but our Scout Troop Leader Neil was very keen to say that 'wherever the Scouts come in the competition, I want to say what a fantastic bunch they are – they all did us proud. And well done to Tony who received his Chief Scout's Gold Award this morning.'

Neil went on to say: "Many thanks to our dedicated Leader Team who manned our checkpoint from 2pm until 11.40pm – despite being moved on by the landowner! – Huge thanks to Alan, Elaine, Keith and Clare – and thanks to Debbie for her help on the base during the afternoon/evening and with running kids about. And to Jane and Alastair, Paul Stretch and Paul Silver for the navigation training that helped keep the scouts on the straight and narrow... (well, most of the time!)."