In August 2006 over 3,000 Scouts and Guides from Cheshire, the UK and from across the world gathered for the 5th county Jamboree on a 100 acre site at Tabley in South Cheshire, for a week of activities and entertainments. The participants split into 3 sub camps named Desert Nomads, Rainforest Tribe and Polar Eskimos all paraded into the main arena dressed to impress for the opening ceremony which took place on Saturday night (29th July) when Jez Avery, a stunt motorcyclist, performed to an excited crowd, while flags from 10 countries were led into the arena. The ceremony ended with pyrotechnics and an evening of disco music followed. A tented Jamboree village
 | | Motorcycle stunts on the opening night. |
It took over 20 Scout and Guide adult volunteers the week before the event to creating a small town. The team had to erect giant marquees which will housed all the utilities and services you’d expect from a town including shops and restaurants. Over 400 light bulbs, 5,000 metres of telephone cable, 19 electricity generators, 130 flood lights and 8,900 metres of electric cable where used to set up the Jamboree village. While the 3,000 participants took part in behind the scenes teams of volunteers will cleaned the 100 Toilets and 30 Showers using over 2,000,000 litres of water and 3000 toilet rolls during the week. During the week-long event the participants undertook an activity lead program split into six different zones: Home, Fire Power, Speed, Water, Wet n Wild and Forest challenge. Graham Philips the Chairman, said, “From the very first meeting it was important that the bulk of the budget was spent on activities that will not only last the week but remain for future Scouts across Cheshire” The participants visited a different activity Zone each day on a rolling program. Activities split into four zones The Home Zone was a ½ day of activities including various crafts, dance workshop, urban art wall, police and fire service displays and activities, dry-stone wall building and radio communications. One of the highlights of the home zone was the mobile belfry tower which rang out across the 100 acre site all day. The Scouts and Guides Spent the rest of the day off site, on the water at Tatton Park Mere, taking part in activities such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, bell-boating, and dragon-boating. Speed and Fire Power Zones saw the young people enjoy two days of activities from Rifle Shooting, Archery, Quasar, Laser Clay pigeon shooting, golfing activities, Mountain bikes, pedal go-karts, football skills, aerial ropeway and an Ice Rink were all part of the fun. The Scouts also enjoyed a day at the sea side when they got Wet 'n Wild. The 2 splash pools, with water polo in one of them, surf simulator, rowing machines, and beach volleyball on the imported 60 tonne beach were all a hit. This scout particularly enjoyed the bungie eliminator! Climbing, abseiling, caving, assault course, mountain boarding...
 | | You have to have a campfire! |
The last day of site for the participants was one of the best yet. Forest challenge saw challenges for all age groups who took part in climbing / abseiling, caving experience, pond dipping, assault course, and remote control cars and boats. A new low ropes course was also specially installed at a cost of £13,000 - an investment for years to come. The highlight of the week for most was the chance to have a go at mountain boarding and use a JCB digger. You had to see it to believe it. As well as the daily activites (as if that wasn’t enough) Wednesday night saw 500 parents invited to take part in the camp fire. President of Cheshire Scouts Lord Bromley-Davernport who also attended the event said “I am looking forward to seeing all our young people gathered together in one place to celebrate scouting, friendship and peace”. Executive Director for the Cheshire Show, also attending tonight said “Its excellent to see the show ground being put to such good use”. A farewell camp fire, party and fireworks Cheshire fire brigade kicked of the camp fire with a display including what happens in a chip pan fire, and they drew attention to drink driving when they brought car wrecks on site. Matrix a professional cheerleader troop also performed to the 4000 strong crowd. Chad Wilkinson, an Explorer Scout from the Macclesfield and Congleton District, said, “the camp fire was amazing with the international contingents from America, Canada and Norway singing there national songs”. The week finally came to an end with one big party in the main arena. The participants were again dressed to impress representing their sub camp, and enjoyed a performance from dBd a rock band who have just returned from there tour in the USA. The camp finally closed with a display of fireworks. Everyone who attended the camp had a fantastic time and we are all looking forward to 100 years of scouting and the World Jamboree in Essex next year! Checkout www.jamboree.org. Then it's Chamboree 2010 for Cheshire. See you all then. Find out more about scouting and how to get involved by clicking the link below: |
