Another Jubilee

On December 14 th 3 rd Gidea Park celebrated a golden jubilee of its own. 50 Years of Christmas dinners. This event had survived one program review when it shifted from being the Rover Crew dinner to the Venture unit dinner back in the 60's. Last year there was some concern that it may not survive the closure of the Rowswell Venture Unit.

In the end the dinner was organised by a small team of Leaders and Network Members (Yes our district does have some) assisted on the day by two very hard working Explorer Scouts. Nearly 50 diners arrived at 7:30pm most of them current or ex members and leaders. The list of attendees included Les Page who has the distinction of being the only person to have attended all of our dinners.

The Starter and main courses were prepared in our hall from fresh ingredients with the exception of the roast turkey, which was cooked at a few members' houses. This was followed by the mince pies and Christmas pud. After the cheese board, port and coffee went around to the accompaniment of the customary toasts we adjourned to the old Venture room for a singsong and to reminisce about old times. The evening was judged a success with the Network Members giving the occasion more reverence that perhaps the Venture Scouts did in recent years.

With all the new programs and section launches of 2002 it was nice to end the year on an event that definitely hails from the past. Hopefully our dinner will now survive to remind another generation that Scouting is where it is today because of the people and events of the past and what we do today will influence Scouting in the future.

Mark Hutton