MORE?than 80 Beavers took part in the bi-annual Rotherfield District Beaver curling competition at the 3rd Alton Scout headquarters.

The youngsters were representing Beaver Scout colonies from 3rd Alton Kestrel, 3rd Alton Woodside, 8th Alton Ashdell, 8th Alton Wootey, 8th Alton Greenfield, 2nd Bentley, Four Marks and Ropley Willow, Four Marks and Ropley Tarzan, 1st Headley, and 1st Blackmoor and Whitehill.

Welcoming everyone to the competition, assistant district commissioner Malcolm Vincent expressed his delight that yet again there were so many participants attending a Beaver district competition, and he thanked the Beavers, Rotherfield Scout activity support unit and the leaders and helpers for supporting the event.

He told the Beavers that the afternoon was for them to have fun, to enjoy meeting other Beavers, and that if they won the trophy then it was the icing on the cake – but above all he asked them to simply “do their best”.

Fourteen teams competed for the trophy and after six rounds of a close and exciting competition it was the 8th Alton Greenfield colony who took the Rotherfield district curling title, with 1st Headley and Four Marks and Ropley Tarzan B teams finishing as joint runners-up.

During the afternoon, while awaiting their turn at curling, the Beavers were asked to make a collage with the theme ‘Space’ and when completed the work was displayed around the Scout headquarters and the best collage chosen. Described by organisers as being of “a very high standard”, the winners were the 3rd Alton Kestrel colony.

The afternoon closed with a vote of thanks for the service to the district Beavers over the years and the presentation of gifts to Mr Vincent (Rowan) and his wife, district Beaver leader Mary (Oak) who, after 10 years in their roles, were standing down.

Mr Vincent said: “It was a difficult decision and one we didn’t really want to make, but we thought that it was time to step aside and make way for new, younger blood to lead the district Beavers in the future.”