The idea for this page was taken from Northampton Scout Band's website (a Scout is honest and trustworthy, so credit where credit is due!). Great idea, I wish I had thought of it. :-)

And especially as I already had a report from a band member in the Enfield District Scout Bulletin, I thought I would reproduce it on this page!

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The visit was on the Wednesday of October half term holiday. We set off really early at 6.30am for the drive down to Portsmouth. We stopped off at McDonalds on the way! When we got there we went to one car park and then on to another. A Marine talked to us about the plan for the day.

We went to practise the drums on practise pads in a hall with a Marine who is due to start teaching next year. Then it was outside to do stick drills and practise marching. Russell (who teaches us drums at Band) got told off for making mistakes when he was being taught, which made a change as it's usually us being told off by him!!

We had lunch in the canteen where there was loads of choices both hot and cold. I chose chips!!

A presentation followed where they explained all about the Royal Marines training and what they do. They earn about £13,000 a year when they first start. They do weapons training first for 15 weeks.

After that we had a tour round HMS Victory. The tour guide was really funny and we learnt lots of things like how much rum they all drank. We went round the museum which had lots of fun stuff like simulators and a shooting thing.

Then we went back and were given some free souvenirs. We got a poster, some stickers, a key ring and a pen. We also got a packed meal in a box for the journey home.

I got back home at about 8pm and was really tired with aching legs. It was a really good day. Thank you to Richard (The Bandmaster) for arranging it.

Christy Cole
Enfield District Scout Band