The last weekend of January is traditionally (well it must be a tradition after more than a few years) when we hold the Young Leader training weekend and this year was no exception. We had so many applicants from our District and the surrounding Districts that we had to turn over 15 people away and still filled both bunkhouses to capacity!

It was a great weekend with lots of help from leaders in our District (thanks folks), Harlow, Castle Point and County.

There are some photos located here

At the Pedal Car Olympics held at Thriftwood over the second weekend in January the West Horndon team claimed four podium places. The W.H.A.T. team took first place in the Team Relay; Jack Wentworth won the Endurance race; Sam Monk took 2nd in the driving skills and the team came 3rd overall in the Junior Section. The cold weather didn't put them off and if anything gave them a boost as the ground was hard. The team has taken part every year and improved their performance each time against a bigger entry pool. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the troop have already started planning their entry for 2010...

As all parents know, you feed children and they grow! In this case it is not just that they tower over us, but also they get older.

We have been very lucky in this District with our young leaders, (14-18 year olds) both in number and quality, however a gorup have recently hit that magic age of 18 and are off to college, into employment and no longer able to be young leaders. It is very pleasing that some are seeking adult warrants and we wish them all the best and a long, happy involvement in Scouting.