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

It was certainly a weekend of contrasts for some of our Scouts who, after the fun and games of the Wodson Park Christmas Party on Saturday, then went to Earls Court and attended the British Military Tournament on Sunday. What an amazing show! - writes Scout Troop Leader Neil Johnson.

Themed around the special relationship between Britain and the USA, the show charted the course of military history from the American War of Independence to the present day. John Bull and Uncle Sam played to the crowd and highlights of the show must include the precision drill of the U.S. Army Drill Team complete with their signature overhead toss of bayonet tipped rifles, incredible gymnastics, the Kings Troop shooting targets from horseback, horses jumping through flaming hoops, motorcycles speeding past each other with just millimetres to spare, the field gun competition was a favourite of many and heart-pounding music including themes from Star Wars and Indiana Jones were played by more massed bands and pipes than you could shake a drumstick at!

Operation Herrick demonstrated a typical incident in Helmand Province – the commentator was not wrong when he suggested we would find it moving and thought-provoking. Before and after the show the scouts enjoyed the many displays and activities on offer – the scouts sent Christmas messages to our troops in Camp Bastian in Afghanistan. (See Gallery for Photos) They also had a go at madcap cycling with six people on a bike, throwing themselves through inflatable assault courses and paintball to name but a few.

The journey home was also great fun with some of the Scouts experiencing a packed London tube train for the first time...and I think I can safely say that when the tired shoppers and workers joined our carriage to be confronted with 24 noisy and excited scouts and leaders that we enriched their day too...although probably not necessarily in a good way!

I have already received several emails from parents saying how much the scouts enjoyed it, which is great news. Thank you again to all the parents for supporting these weekend events, to the scouts for their charming company and the leaders for making it all possible...Thank you

Neil Johnson, Scout Troop Leader

More photos in the Gallery.