back to InternationalFlamboree 2009
On Tuesday 28th August 10 members of Cheshire Forest Guiding met at Runcorn station at the start of was to be a great adventure. 8 Senior Section members and two leaders, where off to Belgium to join in with 1300 Guides and Scouts for a Flemish style International Flamboree.
The girls had worked really hard raising the funds to get us their and myself and Jenn (Nickson) had been working hard booking train tickets, filling forms and making sure that everything was complete and that we were ready to go.
I was feeling very nervous in the run up to going as it was the first time I’d been abroad with Guiding, nevermind being the leader of such a trip, but my nerves were eased by having such a great team coming with me. I was glad though when we were all on the train and we were finally on out way.
The journey in its self was an adventure. We travelled from Runcorn station to London Euston were we had to make our way to St Pancras International – complete with loaded backpacks and three tents, it was a bit of a crazy scramble through the crowds of people but we made it to the correct platform and on to the Euro star to Brussels. After a quick journey through Brussels and out in to the Belgian countryside we arrived at De Kluis our home for the next 12 nights. Due to train times we had come a day early to Flamboree, but there was still a buzz about the place. The girls went off to get some dinner and have a look around whilst Jenn and I booked us in and collected our Flampass’s, cups and sub group necker – We were in Taurus.
We pitched our tents and settled down for the evening, waiting to see who else would be joining us on sub camp Taurus. The next morning we began the task of pioneering a dining table! I’m glad Jenn was a dab hand at doing this because I didn’t have a clue. Very soon we were all set up and we noticed that the site was slowly getting busier. By that evening we had been joined by groups from all over the world – Spain, France, Sweden, Austria and even Thai Land. We also had a special guest staying with us, Anouk, a Dutch Guide who had asked to stay with an English group to help her with her English. She fitted right in and I we were all sorry to leave her when we had to say good bye.
There was a party atmosphere and everyone was looking forward to the opening ceremony. We weren’t let down, the singing and chanting of 1300 Scouts and Guides was immense as well as the colours of everybody’s uniforms and flags. Flamboree had started!
Over the next 11 days we were kept busy and entertained with a varied programme of activities. We learnt and played new games, went on bike rides through the forest (we wont mention the getting lost bit), took part in a mass game, had a go at Boombal (traditional dancing) rafting and canoeing, and visited Brussels as well as lots of other interesting and exciting things. Although the activities were great, I think we’d all agree that the best thing about Flamboree was the meeting and making new friends. The programme gave us the opportunity to mix during the games and activities especially the market place, where every group was on show with food and crafts from their country. We also had free time and activities on our sub camp site. One of my favourite moments and something I’ll always remember was having a cup of tea and a piece of cake with friends from Spain, Belgium and Sheffield.
I know the girls have now got lots of international penpals or facebook friends that I’m sure they’ll keep in touch with.
All too soon the end of Flamboree was here and it was time to say good bye at the closing ceremony. Everyone was up out of their seats dancing and singing along to the Flamboree song and they cheered when the organisers asked if they’d had a good time. No one wanted to leave the arena. The next morning everyone was sad as they packed away their tents and equipment and said their good byes. There were lots of hugs and tears before we headed off. We made some special friends who I’m sure we’ll meet again.
We headed for our next destination – London, the chance to sleep in a proper bed and have a long hot shower before hitting the shops and the London Dungeons.
Finally we boarded the train back to Runcorn, tired out but happy to have had such a great time and an amazing experience.
Rachel Fielding – Trip Leader
