Shortly after the last blog it was time for 14th Tonbridge's Sea Scout summer camp. This year we pitched up in Lymington in what must have been the only wet weather in at least a month and it was torrential at times. Luckily it cleared as the day went on and after an indoor BBQ true British style the Camp was set. As a family we always look forward to camp, despite the hard, unrelenting work, we enjoy catching up with 'our family'. The children thrive, even more feral than normal. Except Mia this year who joined a patrol and they did fabulously well winning the points competition! A lovely varied programme, Hurst Castle, Bucklers Hard, sailing, powerboating, backwoods cooking, hikes, canoeing, swimming at the outdoor pool with inflatables. Mike and I are feeling old though, as the scouts we started seeing when life settled down for us are now young leaders. They are full of enthusiasm and ideals which is wonderful to see, especially the females in this group as the current leaders have made such leaps and bounds in equality for those young and new leaders. Looking forward to next year already.
On our return the fun was blighted by work for a few days. Then we set off for Boardmasters the children’s first music festival. It was amazing, wet but amazing. The children absolutely loved the live music and there was a good variety with some real entertainers this year in contrast to when Mike and I went on our own. However, we all saw such a contrast to our own consciences, from other peoples behaviour. The lack of care for themselves, each other, their belongings and the waste they produced. Although there was a marked improvement thanks to the litter bond on each ticket. It still made our hearts ache.
Another bit of work, then my sister came down with my nephew to visit, which was lovely. He is growing into such a chirpy, funny little boy. Such joy to see our three playing so nicely with him, taking him into paddle his feet at the beach. Stomping around Pendennis castle together just wonderful memories.
Then the plan for the cockpit cover went into full swing. We abandoned the idea of fabric and went with ply panels sliding in to provide protection. Only it is never straightforward and the roof, which Mike was going to reinforce with glassfibre, ended up being rotten. Therefore, we had to replace that first. The wood panels are cut and epoxied and served us well while we visited Southampton when some nasty weather hit. Now for the windows to be cut in and latching mechanisms to be sourced and fitted.
We have just returned from a lovely week in Southampton spent catching up and visiting as many people as possible. I think I will write about it in the next blog though.
We hope you are all well x