Felpham Sea Scout follows ancestor's footsteps

George Powell, 11, officially became a member of 1st Felpham Sea Scouts in a memorable ceremony by the iconic Baden-Powell Stone erected in memory of Scouting's founder.

Two other Sea Scouts were also invested in the ceremony.

The occasion took place during a visit to Brownsea Island off Dorset by 22 Sea Scouts from Felpham.

They joined 200 others from around the county to celebrate their Scouting centenary in style.

Kirsten Scott, from the Sea Scouts, said the island proved a fantastic backdrop for activities which had lost none of their thrill since 1909.

"The Scouts took to the water in such diverse craft as dragon boats, which have their origins in China almost 2,000 years ago, as well as modern racing dinghies," she said.

The Felpham team finished second in the finals of the dragon boat races.

Activities on land included mini-assault courses, football, weather observations and archery.

A downpour failed to dampen the spirits of those involved, though drainage ditches had to be hastily dug around the tents.

They also had to be moved after an invasion of ants.

They were not the only insects to cause problems. Mosquitoes were also a nuisance for some.

Kirsten added: "One unfortunate Scout reported to the first aid tent with 51 bites."

Links were forged with other Sea Scout groups as well as contacts with some of the island's international visitors.

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