On 16 February twenty five Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts from across the Stroud and Tetbury District came together for the District's first Music Day. The range of musical instruments taking part in the day meant that they had to split the first part of the day across two venues, brass and saxophones met at Pennwood, while violins, clarinets,

 flutes, a recorder, two pianists, and an electric guitar met at Selsley. The morning was spent sharing musical experiences, demonstrating practice exercises and playing together in small groups of similar instruments. 

In the afternoon everyone came together to put together a short concert for the parents of those taking part. Each musician performed a piece they had prepared. The wide range of music perfomed can be illustrated by a few examples including James' wonderful jazz solos on the Saxophone, Jacob's playing of the Irish folk song, Road to Donagall, on his violin, Kieran's lively rendition of The Entertainer on the trumpet, Murray's rousing performance of Scoutland The Brave on the Clarinet, Huge's playing of tap dances on his Violin, Ben's playing of The Flintstones theme on the Tenor Horn and many more besides. 

When the Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts arrived at the beginning of the day none of them had played together before, they were all of different levels of ability, and of different ages. During the day they worked with leaders, and music teachers, helping and supporting each other and by the end of the day they had all enjoyed making music together and performing for each other and for their parents. They were all very talented young people, and it was a pleasure to listen to them perform.

Have you ever considered staying in a Youth Hostel as a base for outdoor activities, maybe at times of the year less suitable for camping?  That's exactly what a group of Scouts from Nailsworth did during the February  half term in order to enjoy some hiking in the great outdoors.

During the four days that they were at the hostel in North Wales it rained, almost continuously every day, and there were strong winds and low cloud, so after a day out hiking the Scouts were glad to be able to come back to a warm shower, and a dry dining room in which to enjoy their evening meal 

The 35th Cotswold Marathon took place overnight on Saturday/Sunday 9th./10th. February 2008.

The weather, for once, was very kind this year and we had a record number of 209 walkers finish the event. We only had 55 retirements which was very low.

It was amazing to see the determination of the young people to complete the event and they must be commended for their efforts. I am sure that they will remember the event for many years to come and will have a real feeling of achievement when they tell their parents and friends what they have done.

Approximately 90 walkers started the Bronze route. The fastest qualifying team for the second year running were from Blenheim Scouts completing in a fast time of 3 hours 36 mins.

The 18 mile Silver Marathon also attracted 90 walkers with 3 members of the Pioneer Explorer Scout Unit completing in the fastest time of just under 5 hours. The Keith Aston Cup was presented to the fastest qualifying team of Charlie, Edward, and George of the 44th Gloucester Explorer Scout Unit, completing in the time of 4 hours 59 minutes.

James, Michael and Dominic, representing Beaufort Explorers, were the overall winners of the Gold Marathon completing in a time of 8 hours 33 minutes. This section attracted over 100 walkers for the 36 mile route.

Congratulations to all those who entered and many thanks to all of the people who supported the event. A special thanks to a total of about 150 people who worked behind the scenes to ensure that the Marathon ran smoothly and safely as it does, manning checkpoints, radio stations, Murray Hall, first aid, rescue vehicles and minibus staff to name but a few.

Thanks also to everyone on the Committee for their hard work and support.

Next year, why not encourage your Scouts/Explorers/Network Scouts/Leaders to take part? People come from as far away as Bristol, Kent, West Midlands and mid Wales for the event, so why not take up the challenge and make sure that your Group is represented in the 2009 Marathon. The 36th. Cotswold Marathon will be held on the 7th./8th. February 2009.

Full results are published on our web site www.cotswoldmarathon.org.uk

Alan Faulkner, Marathon Co-ordinator

Taste buds were tingling as Scouts from across the county competed in the County Cooking Competition held in Shurdington.  This year there was five teams of Scouts competing.

The teams of four were challenged to cook a three-course meal based on the theme of one of their activity badges.  For example 15th Cheltenham Scouts cooked chilli con carne, chicken fajitas and fruit kebabs - they chose the dishes based on the theme of the interpreters' badge.

The teams were limited in equipment to a gas cooker, frying pan and cooking utensils - and a budget of £18. 

Judges were impressed by the finished entries and the day ended with Scouts from Tetbury scooping first prize.

Richard Buxton, event organiser, said: "The competition went well. There was a variety of dishes including rabbit stew and mousse with jellied eels. It's important to get young people into cooking to help them later in life."

Teams from Tetbury Scouts came first and second, with 15th Cheltenham third, 10th Cheltenham fourth and Fairford fifth.