60 SCOUTS continued an almost 100-year tradition as they took part in the Salisbury and South Wilts District Scout Grose Trophy.

The event took place on October 12 in the New Forest in the Abbots Well/Frogham area near Fordingbridge.

The trophy, named after Lt Col D.C.E. Grose DSO who presented it in 1929 ‘for annual competition by troops’, was first held in 1930 and was originally won by the 3rd Salisbury.

The competition also ran through the Second World War years – except for 1939.

Over the years the competition has taken several forms including a two-day expedition. This year’s event was the 95th year since the competition started and involved Scouts in patrols taking part in an incident hike.

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Joint winners 8th Salisbury and 1st Laverstock Picture: Mark Warner

This saw the Scouts navigate between checkpoints where they are given a task or challenge to complete, on which they are marked out of 10 points.

The winner of the competition is the patrol who completes the most checkpoints and gains the highest total of points.

Scouts in the New Forest Picture: Mark Warner

The checkpoints were divided into three colours (red, blue and green). The Scouts first had to complete the checkpoints of their starting colour which was allocated to them at the start of the event.

For example, if a team started at red 2 they completed red three, four, five, and one in order. The Scouts could then attempt any checkpoint.

Scouts skiing in the forest Picture: Mark Warner

This checkpoint bases at which there was a 15 to 20 minute activity included navigate the minefield, first aid, radio battleships, an escape room challenge, a sensory trail, a drainpipe challenge, a wooden ski challenge and signalling.

Each team had to carry:

• At least one copy of the appropriate Ordnance Survey (Outdoor Leisure 22)
• Suitable map case
• At least one compass (Silva type)
• At least one mobile phone with What 3 Words App, number disclosed at check in (packed away in bag for emergencies)
• Survival Bag or Group Shelter (Instruction on use before event)
• Copy of route card (issued at start)
• At least one high visibility bib
• Team first aid kit.
• Pencil and paper

Get the ball along the drainpipe challenge Picture: Mark Warner

Joint overall winners were a team from the 8th Salisbury Troop and 1st Laverstock Troop.

The event was organised by district program team leaders for the Scout section Matt Sutton and David Gamble who also presented the trophy to the winning teams.

Emergency aid Picture: Mark Warner

Mark Warner PR and media team lead said: “This really is a great test for the Scouts combining orienteering with good knowledge of scouting skills and working out the best route to cover as many checkpoints as possible.

“Each team of Scouts covered somewhere between eight to 10km during the day and completed checkpoints and this is a very good effort by everybody.

“Many thanks to all of the leaders and helpers who assisted with organisation and running of checkpoints.“

Picture: Mark Warner

Scouts arriving at a checkpoint Picture: Mark Warner