Malta Marathon

Last Sunday, 24th February, we were amongst the many Scout Groups that helped out at the BMW Malta Marathon. Many Scouts could be seen along the route aiding the runners by giving them water, powerade, orange slices and sponges. We had the important job of sorting out the runners belongings in Deporres Hall, close to the finish, and giving it to the rightful owners after they finish the race.

Sliema Scouts sorting out the bags in Deporres Hall

Apart form helping out the organisers we also had two of our very own taking part in the half marathon! VSL Debono & Ian ran the 13.1 mile route in around 1hr58 minutes and placed 439th & 438th out over 700 participants who finished the race.

Debono & Abela approaching the finish line

Abela & Debono laughing while they proudly hold up the Unit's flag before crossing the finish line. Note the flag being the wrong way round.

This was Debono's third time running the half marathon while it was Abela's first time.Some of the other Ventures are considering taking part in the event next year... I'd have no problem in winning (four legs better than two!!)

Next week a few of us will be attending an Anniversary Celebration hosted by our friends from St Michael's Scout Group who are now 10 years old! or is it 10 years young? We at Sliema are 10 times as old...congrats to St Mikes.

Mo$es

100th POST!!! Bridge Building at Pembroke

The sea at Pembroke

Last Sunday was the coldest day in 20 years (apparently!) but the SVS weren't at home in front of their fire places! We were out in the field practicing our pioneering skills by building a bridge. The site of our activity was pembroke were we had a good view of the raging sea.

Pioneering with the SVS --- Rubei is tightening the hawser all by himself!

After we built the bridge we spent some time playing on it as you can see from the photos! Notice Rubei's creative way of using the bridge.

Another beautiful desktop image brought to you by the SVS.

Our next activity is the BMW Malta marathon which is to be held on Sunday. Ian should be running the half marathon with Debono while the rest of the Unit (and members of the Troop) will be helping out at the finish line! Come over to the Sliema ferries to support our runners.

Mo$es

Fire & Cooking

On Saturday night while most people were inside keeping out of the pouring rain, the Sliema Venture Unit were constructing a bivvy down in Mosta Valley in which they would spend that lovely night. Although it rained all night, we made the most of it, we all had a good night's sleep and woke up to the brilliant weather and scenery.

The cooks getting the fires going in a wet but wonderful Mosta Valley

At 0900 on Sunday we were joined by our friends from the B'Kara venture Unit and we spent the morning and best part of the afternoon cooking --- and eating!!

Keeping the fires going

We had quite a long menu; starting with meat pies which we made completely from scratch. This included frying the mince with onions and stuff, making the pastry, filling them and baking in a mud oven. For our middle course we had a delish lettuce and spring onion soup and for mains; flame grilled pork chops & patata l-forn.

Making the mini-meat pies

After all that food we still had room for some hot chocolate so we set about showing the B'Kara Ventures how to make SVS Hotchocolate.

Killer grilling the pork chops

Group photo after we filled out stomachs!

We had a great time on Sunday with the B'Kara ventures- i'll soon upload some pics of Saturday night's soup (the one we were in!!) and some photos from the Seminar organised by IHQ at MCC.

Our next activity is a bridge building session so that the ventures practice their pioneering skills.

Please feel free to post comments and if you would like to contact me personally I believe there's a link to my email addres somewhere on the page!

'til next time,

Mo$es