Rover Moot: 1996 Report
Gilwell, Florida: National Rover Moot
Transvaal Area hosted the Moot from 21 to 24 September 1996 - the culmination of a year of planning.
On the Saturday, Gilwell, Florida was looking great when our guests from Cape Western, Cape Eastern and KwaZulu-Natal arrived. After rides on the mini train and a picnic lunch, we went to the Firehouse for a live demo (some of the guys got a little wet): then back to Gilwell for Rover Moot Meeting #1.
For the formal candlelight dinner our special guests were Nkwenkwe Nkomo, Herb & Sheilagh Brandli, Frank & Moreen Baudry, Kim & Thea Dellenbach, Ed Rose, and our Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Geoff Visser with his good lady. The food was great, the atmosphere was superb.
An explosive Opening Ceremony by the lakeside saw flares of red, green and yellow soaring into the night sky, followed by the evening's entertainment in the Sea Scout hall.
Sunday started with a Rover's Own service in the chapel, well organised by the 1st Lambton Crew. The highlight of the weekend was a session on "Techniques". For two hours Mario held us enthralled.
So to lunch and an afternoon of mixed games: gig racing, volleyball and softball. Next was Rover Moot Meeting #2 and on to our communal braai, a great meal, with traditional pap & gravy. The campfire, led by Frank Oberholzer, was held indoors due to the light rain. A grand evening of singing, talking arid dancing.
Monday. Visits by bus to Johannesburg International Airport and the Ericson Diamond Factory in Kempton Park. We enjoyed the tours and the picnic lunch beside a lake. A quick stop at the Scout Shop, and a visit to the Langlaagte stamp battery and incline shafts where the main gold reef was first discovered.
Back to Gilwell and a good-humoured talk on the stock exchange given by Carlos from the St Francis Crew. We then made masks and wore them for our medieval banquet, which was a triumph of organisation with a pig's head complete with apple in mouth. On to our last evening. Our entertainer, Derrick Dennis, really excelled and the party rolled into the wee hours.
On Tuesday we had to say our farewells. Hamba kahle, guys and dolls! We'll meet again in P.E. in 1998.
Bob Saunders
National Rover Moot Co-ordinator