Family Hog Roast

Family Hog Roast

What a fantastic day! Around 150 people attended our Hog Roast event yesterday. The weather was beautiful and the sky a stunning blue and we were entertained by several light aircraft that buzzed overhead from time to time; always causing the adults and children alike to look up and exclaim. The chance to sit and chat was welcomed by all.

As the families arrived they registered, were given their food tickets and then chose whether to stay in the games field or go through the gate to the campfire area where they could enjoy stunning views across the countryside and even hear the thud of leather on willow.

The children ran around and explored the woods, played giant jenga, snakes and ladders and garden darts. Football, rounders and a simple game of catch entertained some, whilst the inevitable water fight caused many smiles and laughter. Most the adults preferred to sit and enjoy relaxing.

The roasted hog was delicious, with the crackling being much in demand and food was plentiful. Many coming back for seconds.

The Explorers and Scouts that were present, much to the horror of many squeamish adults (most of whom had just eaten their share of the hog in question!) took great delight in dissecting the head and eating the tender bits of meat from it and examining the teeth and jaw bones! They certainly learnt a lot about the make up of a pig and even tried to get me to take part, I prefer bananas and marshmallows myself!

Everyone loves a campfire.

The leaders enjoyed the opportunity to chat to parents for longer than is possible at the beginning and end of section meetings and also to catch up once again with past members of 3rd Ware who came back for a reunion.

Water fight

Once the family event was over and the happy but tired young people left, the leaders and their families stayed behind to clear up and were then joined by a few other leaders to stay over and have a leaders and family camp. A rare treat.

As the sun went down..

A very enjoyable evening was spent whiling away time in the setting sun and then around the renewed campfire. Food was plentiful with delicious chili or curry and the remainder of the Hog.

In my tent

It was after a spot of star gazing and idle chatter, all eventually retired, tired but happy, to their respective tents. I was pleased to be tucked up nice and warm in a fleece blanket with one of the Mums and her daughter. Much better than Friday night when I slept in the trailer when camping with the Scouts!

The wind and rain in the night did not wake many and when most emerged from their tents after a good nights sleep for a bacon roll and cup of tea, ready for the big job of taking down the tents, gazebos and shelters and clearing everything away before transporting it to the HQ, the sun was once again shining. 

I was looked after by two young ladies during this mammoth operation and they both said what a fantastic time they had.

Taking good care of me

Another successful weekend celebration of 100 years of Scouting at 3rd Ware!