GLSW ‘Mystery Investiture’ 2004

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Over the weekend of the 1st/2nd May 2004 the Greater London South West Scout Network held its second ‘Mystery Investiture’. The event took place on Brownsea Island and was much enjoyed by all who took part. The running order for the weekend was as follows:

Saturday
0930	Rendezvous at Rownham service area on the M27 suitably clad in smart Scout uniform.
1030	Report to 1 Assault Group Royal Marines, Hamworthy, Poole for tour of the base before taking to the water in Rigid Raiding Craft (at speeds of up to 50 knots) – exhilarating.
1230	Park cars at Thistle Hotel Poole – charged £4 per car – extortionate!
1300	Depart for Brownsea Island by ferry from Poole Quay.
1315	Arrive Brownsea, transfer to South Shore Lodge – eat lunch.
1415	Half group depart for sailing activity at Shell Bay; other half proceed to BP’s campsite for some ‘rhododendron bashing’!
1900	Enjoy evening meal of ‘noodle and strudel’!
2100	Team quiz on Scouting, Brownsea and all that jazz to test everyone's pre-investiture knowledge.
2300	Natter and the odd ‘tincture’ until bed at 0130 Sunday.
Sunday
0730	Early risers go for swim off the south shore – retire after 5 minutes for a hot shower and shave!
0900	Breakfast of juice, cereal, eggs and bacon, toast and jam, tea and coffee.
1000	Finish conservation work.
1200	Get presentable for visiting alligadoos from County Support Team and Headquarters (David Williamson).
1230	Guests arrive
1300	Investiture of Network members and presentation of warrants to Sara Henty and Stuart Richardson.
1315	Partake of sumptuous buffet lunch and fine wines a la Safeway on the terrace. Alas no Pimms!
1430	Proceed to St. Mary's Brownsea
1500	Church service during which Network standard is blessed, and Chris Vickers entertains us with hand-pumping an antiquated organ played by a man with a gammy leg.
1600	Tea and ice creams, purchase of ‘cheesy’ gifts from National Trust shoppe.
1620	Depart for Poole via scenic route in glorious sunshine.
1700	Locate cars, visit the ‘facilities’ and head home to GLSW after a fantastic trip.
2130	Arrive in County after a ‘flat’ tyre and chips at Maccydees (Fleet services).

The following pictures show the County Support Team beside the stone that commemorates Baden-Powell's experimental camp of 1907, the investiture ceremony and the Network members outside the church.

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