Jamboree jaunt

11:48am Thursday 16th August 2007

THE TINGLING began at 8.45am on August 4. I still feel it when I re-read the brochure form the 21st World Scout Jamboree at Hyland Park.

I went to the Jamboree with my daughter and grandson to visit my two granddaughters who were part of the Welsh contingent.

(They had a fantastic time and plan to go to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, as leaders).

On arrival at the car park to await bus transfer to the Jamboree, the sight of swarms of scouts and other day visitors from all over the world was awesome.

Stewards in their tall, orange and purple hats, directed us to buses and more welcomed us to Jamboree 'city".

The tingle increased as we walked through the avenue of flags from more than 170 countries.

Large tents housed displays of a country's geography, national flag, food and customs. We were given small tokens as mementoes of our visit - small flags, badges, leaflets, and had rubber stamped arms to prove our visits "abroad."

Hospitality tents proffered international cuisine: Turkish, German, Moroccan, Greek and Dutch.

Tahitian dancers, American and European musicians and singers entertained on the field and in the arena.

Global Development Boulevard demonstrated the humanitarian concerns of the scouts for environmental issues, refugee care, deforestation and its effects, and many other problems and hopes to counteract them.

The overall feeling on the site was one of joy and fellowship through mixing with friends from all over the world - the swapped badges, neckerchiefs (neckers) and addresses with promises to write and never forget each other.

Young and old scouts (I met several over 65 years old) in varying styles and colours of uniform, were all united in one aim - one promise.

It was a heart-warming, even spiritual experience. If any of these young scouts eventually become world leaders we can all have hope for the future of the world.

R A Tilley (Mrs)

College Fields Close

Barry