WINDSOR PARADE VENTURES - APRIL 20-21 2002 |
Aha, one of the most eagerly awaited reports in Marplescouts.co.uk's short history, and I have the honour of penning it. Actually, I'm only writing it to prevent me from having to get on with sorting out my files and all that. Still, the sun is shining down on Leeds, and my fingers are warmed up enough to type! Enjoy... It's Saturday 20th of April, and all the senior Ventures are up at about 5.45 AM Why? Because some idiot thought it would be a good idea to set off from our Scout HQ at 6.30 AM, the main reason being that we could spend "More time in London" and therefore have more fun! In theory that IS a good idea. However, in practice, we ended up stopping at three different service stations to wait for a mini-bus that was coming from Eccles and was supposed to be driving in convoy with us. That's 3 three-quarters of an hour stops, which effectively meant we could have woken up at about 8.00! They annoyed us more by operating the "Sleep Quota" system for stopping, where-by, if more than 4 people are asleep in the back of the mini-bus, they had to stop at the next services to ensure everyone was awake again. Anyway, we arrived in London about 12.30, and after a half-hour having a picnic on one of the balconies of BP (Baden-Powell) house, we split up into different groups and descended upon the attractions of the city. Us lot (The Ventures) ended up trawling around all the usual places of interest - Big Ben, Downing St, etc.. - and, surprise, surprise, they hadn't changed a bit since the last time we saw them. Nor, come to think of it, the time before that... Upon our return to BP house we met up with the leaders, who'd travelled down by train, and sauntered out into Knightsbridge (That's where BP house is) for our evening meal. After being turned away for being too big a number by an Indian cuisine joint (That looked like it served up dog -meat anyway), we were going to split up into two groups, but instead we all went for an Italian. The night past with the usual old rigmarole, and eventually we were back in our beds and fast asleep by about 2.30 AM. So after such a late night, we were allowed a lie in? Nope. We were all wakened (some more easily than others!) at 6.30 to be ready for another early departure to Windsor. After a breakfast that was for some a three course meal, and for others just a coffee, we were away. On the way to Windsor we didn't even have to go to the services (Not enough people were asleep...?), and so the journey was relatively uneventful, (no matter what you may have heard!) After three hours of marching practice, we were deemed ready to be set loose on the general public. The practice was straight-forward enough, and it was an added bonus that the three of us (Togs, I mean) even got our own row to march in!. We were also inspected for having badges sewn on in the right places, polished shoes, and all that biz. Adi's shoes had to be polished, but apart from that, Marple's uniforms were immaculate. After watching the changing of the guard ("Something silly Americans will pay thousands to see, and you're going to see it for free!.."), and having lunch, we lined up, ready to be taken into Windsor castle. We were all split up into various sections of about 20 people -Marple was shoved with some 22nd Sheffield Geeks and a weirdo from Wales (Though probably not as weird as any of those people from Offerton, it must be said!). Our section leader was called Ruth, and was a soft touch. Whilst other leaders were shouting if you stepped out of line, Ruth would just laugh at you and say "You'd better get it right later on!". She even handed out sweets to stop us fainting - something I can't imagine any of the big butch section leaders doing! The march was quite quick, and quite well orchestrated. We walked up and into the quadrangle, where there's a great field of turf surrounded by pretty buildings. With the sun glaring down, and with two bands on the field, it would have been impressive enough, but there were also about, I don't know, 1000 or so spectators who were clapping and cheering upon our entrance. We slowly assembled and formed two lines, form two lines. The Queen started to wander around the inside of the square , with the Queen Scouts lined up around the outside. We were near the end, so the Queen wouldn't see us for ages, and would probably be bored of Scouts by the time she got round to us anyway! In the end, no less than three of our clan spoke to the Queen, though it wasn't exactly riveting conversation,! The main thing being we were from Manchester, and how wonderful it is that the Scout association is a national organisation. It has to be noted that she didn't seem to know where Marple was when one of our lot said he was from Marple! No one spoke to the Duke of Edinburgh, who was inspecting the outer row of Queens Scouts. He walked past four Marple boys without so much as a well-done! Still, we'd met the Queen, and that, in itself is an impressive achievement. After the inspection, we paraded down to St George's chapel, which is only open to Queen Scouts, Knights and Royalty! This is also the resting place of many monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Charles I. I expect that Charles I at least knew where Marple was! A final parade from the chapel to the mews, and the event was over, but definitely not forgotten. There were TV camera's and the national press at the event, but by the time the mini-bus arrived home at about 10ish on Sunday night, we'd already been pushed off the news by French politics! Still, that was our big day. We had immense fun, and would recommend the Queen Scout award to everyone. No matter how hard it is to earn the award, it's worth it in the end. |