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Tuesday 14th August 2001
We were woken by one of the Scouts at 8am, and were surprised to find it wasn't raining and
looked like it was going to be a nice day. Had a quick breakfast of cereal followed by sausages
and tin tomotoes. Wanted to finish breakfast as soon as possible as we were going off site for
the day. Also made some sandwiches up for our packed lunch. After clearing up from breakfast
we had to do our toilet cleaning duties, but unfortunately they were locked and we had trouble
locating the key. Managed to get them unlocked by 10am and it took us about 20 minutes to give
them a quick clean. By the time we had changed into uniform and walked down to the car it was
nearly 11am. Had originally thought of going to Hexham but were advised against it as there
wouldn't be enough to entertain the Scouts all day. Instead, decided to head for Gateshead
and spend the afternoon at the Metro Centre. It was about a 50 mile journey and we arrived there
at about 12.15pm. The sun had come out while we were travelling and was getting really warm now -
typical as we were going to be indoors. The Scouts were then given until 2.30pm to wander around
the shops and have their lunch. After we all met up, the Leaders were dragged along to one of the
outdoor shops so the Scouts could get a 10% discount.
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There was also 10 pin bowling in the Metro
Centre, so that was our next port of call. The Leaders came 1st and 3rd with the Scouts being 2nd,
4th and 5th. Some food shopping was required for the rest of the week and as there was an Asda
just around the corner, that is where we headed next. By the time we had finished the shopping
it was 5pm and as there was a Harry Ramsbottom restaraunt across the road, we decided to have fish and chips
for dinner. By now it was very warm outside and the Scouts decided they wanted to sit inside where
it was a bit cooler. One of the Scouts had mentioned that they would like to see Hadrian's Wall, and
as it was in the area, we went home via Heddon on the Wall. Unfortunately due to Foot and Mouth, we
were not able to walk through the field alongside the wall. We could however see sections of the wall from
the main road.
As it was only 7.30pm when we approached the site, and as the border was only 6 miles further up the
road, we decided to go and pay it a visit.
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| Back to the site for 8.15pm and got the key for the toilets as we still had to do our evening cleaning duty, which took us about 15 minutes. Yet again the midges were out, so it was a case of wandering around the site the find a 'midge free' area. One leader ended back at the site and found it was actually 'midge free' - the others came back a little later. It was a clear night, the first time since our arrival that we could actually see some stars. We spent about half an hour star gazing and watching shooting stars. Some headed off to bed at 11.15pm, the rest by 11.30pm. A clear night, so hopefully it would be fine in the morning. | |