Wednesday 24th February we were joined in OSR by Alan Kennett from the homeless charity The Julian Trust, Bristol. We were treated to a brief history of the trust and why it was formed 30 years ago then why there is a need for the charity. They feed 80 people each night five nights a week and then the first 18 people in the queue get a bed for the night. According to government sources there are 6-8 homeless people in the Bristol area, Alan suggests there are close to 500.
We were then shown how to fashion a shelter out of a cardboard box and given some advice for our sleep out.
So on to Friday evening and 11 daring scouts from OSR turned up sleeping bags in hand, we went for a hike around the village accompanied by Holly and her dad Nick Windows and then on our return to OSR we were treated to a hot meal supplied by Janet and her glamorous assistant Julie Windows.
Then we went to the court yard and with Lee we built are simple but effective shelters and were joined by Harry and Larah. We had a hot drink and then it was off to bed. The night went slower than I thought and it was cold with the wind chill but all 11 scouts and 4 leaders remained and when we awoke at 7am we were treated to sausage baps and a hot drink from Alison.
I would like to thank all involved in this crazy event and also The Small Move company based in Avonmouth for supplying about 100 boxes. Now I'm off to bed.........night!

Swimathon time again and as always same old faces! Not the kids the adults lol. The OSR scouts had a team of 11 and started off at a reasonable pace, the briefing beforehand relaying that it was to be fun still playing on their minds. As the minutes ticked by they did regain their focus and finished the hour with 122 lengths. A fine nights work! Everyone had a great time, the judo club seniors of course swam the most lengths and the guide unit had the individual that had swum the furthest. The school scouts did a fantastic job all having fun and meeting new friends. The sponsorship money has all been collected in and counted and verified, we raised £395 what a great result. Well done to everyone that took part.

The OSR troop entered a team in to the district night hike which was being held at Ashton Court for the first time. 17 teams turned up which meant 3 didn't due to the torrential rain that was forecast. The OSR team were one of the last to set off going clockwise around the course and a quick team photo below shows how dark it was but moral was high and the team were well equipped for the 3 hour hike. There were a few teething problems with the checkpoints as per number 2 where there was no one there! the team found him and did the pioneering project and moved on through number 3 and almost to the forth when they were called back in. Everyone got suitably drenched but fun was had by all and no one gave up even though several teams quit due to the weather conditions. Although the team was pulled off before completing checkpoint 4 out of 9 they were awarded 6th place. This seems incredible as there were still 6 bases to collect points on. Well done to all that took part. 

So who said the scouts don't know how to keep their uniforms neat and tidy! We spent the evening doing basic chores and to the leaders surprise the vast majority of the scouts knew exactly what to do so there will be no excuses in the future. Also we were joined by Pete an army Major from the British Army to put the scouts through their paces and tidy up their basic drill. I'd like to pass on a great big thank you as his calm manner and clear instructions meant the scouts picked up what was required without too much trouble and changing from 2 to 3 ranks.... well I've seen squaddies on the parade square muck that up