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Youlbury Reunion (Added 16/11/00!)Over 80 Members of the UK-Uganda Network and those who had participated in Uganda 2000 braved the storms over the weekend of 27-29 October 2000. Fortunately, the marquee was erected and tents fixed before the weather turned on the Friday and we were fortunate in having the use of the Rover Den on Saturday. Photos and slides were in abundance as those who had participated in the Summer Expedition reminisced together and prepared and presented reports on their activities. We were particularly pleased to welcome Bill a Ugandan Scout, studying at the University of West Midlands, Birminham. He braved the weather and the disruption of British Rail to attend. Yes, there is snow at the top of Mount Eldon, we have the slides to prove it and the Scouts who experienced the sudden drop in temperature although on the equator - a memory they will never forget. As Nick Winter stated, all who took part had been advised to take some additional clothing and warmer sleeping bags. In Scouting, we learn from our experiences - if we had given the first party tackling the mountain longer to acclimatize themselves to the conditions,then they would have achieved their objective. So don't be disheartened, there is always another chance to achieve the objective. Throughout the day it had become clear that all the original objectives of Uganda 2000 have been achieved. We now await with anticipation news that the resources collected and shipped in five containers to Uganda have arrived and are being distributed by the Uganda Scouts Association. David McKee, David Mowbray and Alan Beavis will be leaving for Uganda at the end of November to assess what effect Uganda 2000 has had on Scouts in the Uganda Scouts Association. Each of the groups from the Summer Expedition have now given their verbal reports and we are pressurizing them for the written ones that will soon be available on our web site. The day was full of thanks for all who had contributed, especially to the Project Co-ordinator, Eric Goulding, and his able Secretary and Administrator, Marion Stagg. Youlbury's day was made complete by the hot meal provided at lunch time by Chris and John Croton. They had accepted the challenge to produce a meal for 70 plus in a building with no cooker. We in the UK-Uganda Network always overcome all difficulties, smiling and whistling (with a song). This was confirmed as we sung Jerusalem at the Scouts' Own on Sunday morning -thanks to Lee's choir. A good weekend, despite the weather. Off to UgandaAlan Beavis, UK Uganda Network Co-ordinator and Dave Mowbray from Newcastle are visiting Uganda for two weeks from 25th November to assess the impact which Uganda 2000 has made in Uganda generally and specifically concerning Scout Projects. Alan and Dave also want to visit long standing projects with which they are connected in Mityana, Mubende DistrictAlan and Dave will be accompanied by David McKee Programme and Development Manager - International at Gilwell Park, London. It will be David's first visit to Uganda although he has been working closely with Network members for some years. Soroti PhotosTake a look at the Photos from Soroti District |