Twenty-five Bedfordshire Scouts have just been given a memorable VIP weekend in London to celebrate gaining Scouting’s top accolade the Chief Gold, Platinum or Diamond award. With five leaders, the Scouts had an all-expenses-paid trip to the capital taking in a London show, a flight on the London Eye and a visit to the 200-year old Petticoat Lane street market. “It was funtastique,” said Explorer Scout Tom Rochester from Dunstable.

The Scouts were treated to a matinee performance of the spoof comedy ‘Spamalot’ in the heart of London’s West End. This was followed by a flight on London Eye within apparent touching distance of the Houses of Parliament.

During the flight, Scout Alison Pilgrim of the 101^st Bedford Scout Group chose this unusual venue to be invested as an Explorer Scout. In front of her Scout friends, she was taken through this 100 year old ceremony by Group Scout leader Sarah Panton from the Henlow and Clifton Scout Group. Afterwards, Alison said, “This was awesome. I could not believe I would have such a unique place for my investiture.” At 440 feet above ground level, Alison had a stunning panoramic view of the London skyline against the setting sun.

One of the award winners was Charlotte Guess (15) of Luton’s Sells Seventh Scout Group, and expert high board display diver. Another was Dunstable young spokesperson Tom Rochester (17) who received not one but two awards, the Platinum and the rarely presented Diamond.

Thomas Large (15), a Scout from Luton’s 24^th Someries Scout Group was one of eight winners from the town. His father said, “It was touch and go. Nine years ago he was given a chance to join the popular Beaver Colony by Group Scout Leader Cynth Sutherst. It is due to her early encouragement that Thomas has now made it to the top as a Gold Award winner.

Biggleswade District produced four award winners. Two of them, Emma and Matthew are part of the Panton family whose parents, Sarah and Andrew were part of the five strong leader support for the event.

Rachel Squire (16) from Harlington whispered, “Thanks so much,” as she waited on St Pancras station for the train home. A new Explorer Scout, Rachel will take back to her Unit a whole range of new experiences.

Sunday dawned with a thick blanket of snow and a series of good-natured snowball fights. Then it was a short walk to the wintry setting of the 200 year old Petticoat Lane street market for souvenirs. Local East Londoners welcomed the Scouts to an underground restaurant where they could relax before making the journey home. Leader Belinda Wilson from Maulden said, “The timekeeping throughout the weekend was impressive. We were always within a few minutes of our arrival time at all our events.” And Max Masters (14) from Clifton added this heartfelt message, “Thanks for not getting us lost.”

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