One hundred Cubs and Scouts went back in time to the great days of steam, when they visited the Bluebell Railway in Sussex.

It was a great day, sunny and hot. We arrived at 11:30 and the first groups went to catch their train, whilst the others had a quick look round before boarding their train at 1 o'clock. During this time we manages to get many of the young people and some enthusiastic adults onto the footplate of the Locomotive waiting to take out the special Pullman Train.

Some of them managed to get a piece of coal as a souvenir (hope they didn't run out).

On our return journey we managed to upgrade to the first class observation car and were joined by the District Commissioner and his Wife.

Everyone enjoyed themselves as I didn't hear one complaint, and even the staff of the railway commented how well behaved the Willesden Scouts were, so well done, and were all looking forward to next years trip.

At the meeting of the 28th Willesden Beaver Colony in November, We had rats in our Scout Headquarters!! There was no need to worry as they were invited to our meeting along with their owners, to give us a talk about rats as part of the Animal Lover Badge.

Catherine and Rosalind showed us the three rats they had brought with them in their pet carrier.

then they let them out for a run around whilst they informed us all of their ages , habits, likes and dislikes the rats were very well behaved and so were the beavers. After the talk we all had a chance to stroke and hold the rats.

It was a very good evening.

Thelma D.

ABSL 28th Willesden