The Beacon April 2013 - Beacon Parish of Ditchling, Streat ...

test with a hike in the mud to Mac’s Farm followed by a Treasure Hunt. The nextmeeting is planned to be held at the Princess Royal pool for the purpose ofgaining badges for swimming.Scouts – The Sussex Fire Brigade gave a talk on Fire Safety during which ourScouts had the opportunity of seeing breathing apparatus and other equipmentin action. They also had the chance to practise the use of fire extinguishers. Onanother evening, owing to the cancellation of the annual Bowling Competitionan impromptu “Pub Quiz” took its place.March was the month of the annual “Masterspy” activity; an activity which hasbeen held for our Scouts for over 30 years! Regular readers of this report willremember that this is a hike that takes place in the dark which includes variousincidents on the way. An exciting storyline was involved, different every year,but all based on intrigue and espionage within a small French-speakingprincipality. A power cut on the previous Friday, you may remember it well,caused a perfect chance for the insurgents to steal the whole stock of a newrocket fuel from the principality’s secret laboratories. Our intrepid heroes had tosecure extra supplies by successfully carrying out tasks along the route anddelivering them to the final destination, at which point the fuel was put to thetest in the presence of the President and his lady. Happily the whole eveningwas successful and the insurgents were foiled again.Twenty adults (Leaders, parents and helpers) were involved in manning theincidents and checkpoints and dressing up to act their roles. Too many tomention individually in this report but our thanks to them all particularly to thefamily at Mac’s Farm for their hospitality at the end of the evening where therocket was fired and everyone enjoyed hot food and drink.Alec Gaskin, Group ChairmanWHIST DRIVETuesday 30 th April, Westmeston Parish Hall,starting at 7.15pmThe next Whist Drive will be held on Tuesday 28 th May at 7.15pmEveryone is welcome to join the friendly team of players.For more details contact Doreen Kallman (01273 844743)26