Scouts clean up at trials (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Scouts clean up at trials

2:22pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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ENTHUSIASTIC Scouts proved a huge hit as they kept the Badminton Horse Trials litter free at the weekend.

The youngsters from Crudwell, Malmesbury and Sherston returned to the trials to keep up their 27-year-old tradition.

Twenty-seven Scouts from the groups camped at the Badminton estate for the world famous three day event to carry out community service and help the Horse Trials run smoothly.

They learned camping skills for their outdoor challenge badge while also honing their environmental skills.

They were on litter picking duty during the day on Saturday and on Sunday at 7am, where they cleaned up around Badminton House and The Lake fences.

Crudwell leader Mike Goodyer was delighted with their weekend and the reception the troops received.

"It is one of our first camps of the year and it is a big PR event for us," said the 53-year-old.

"We wear the uniform so people can see us and we are very visible. It is important young people are seen in a positive light.

"The Scouts enjoy it and they get some positive feedback."

But it wasn't all hard work for the Scouts and there were rewards including passes to the grandstand.

"They get to see the cross country and have special passes for the out of bounds areas only adults usually get to see, like the stables," said Mr Goodyer.

It was also a successful weekend for nearby Sherston after they enticed Badminton fans and local residents to their village hall with fish and chips.

Mobile chip shop Sea Breeze from Chippenham is a regular visitor to Sherston on a Friday night but last Friday took over the hall to serve their food.

Village hall chairman Martin Rea was delighted with the turnout and success of the food.

He said: "They were there from 4.45pm to 9.30pm and had hundreds and hundreds of people.

"There were always people at the van and they never had any slack period. It was something different to do and we will be doing it again next year."

Mr Rea also owns Sherston Parva Nursery and said the village enjoyed one of the busiest weekends of the year.

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