In May 1984, the 38th Rossendale Scout Group formed a Beaver Colony as a pilot for the Scout Association for a new 6 to 8-year-old age range.
Beavers became official for the rest of the nation two years later.
Beavers is of course now very popular and at the time of writing, the 38th Rossendale has 52 Beaver Scouts across two Sections with a constant demand for places.
It was agreed some months ago that we would replicate our 30th anniversary celebration by returning to Blackpool Tower for a Sleepover.
Leaving Rossendale by coach mid-morning on Saturday 27th April 2024, the Beavers arrived at the Tower midday.
Having stowed away their luggage, the Beavers had their lunch before visiting the Sea Life Centre further down the Promenade.
The Beavers returned to the Tower for the 4:00 pm Circus Performance. All went well for the first half, however there was a performer injured in an accident in the second half and the Circus was evacuated as a result. This was the second disappointment of the weekend as we had been told before our visit that the Tower Eye was closed due to over-running maintenance.
We provided our own entertainment for the rest of the Saturday evening which included playing games, playing Bingo, and playing with the parachute in the Circus Ring which by this time had been prepared for our Sleepover.
Sleeping in the middle of the Cirus Ring, most of the Beavers had a good night’s sleep, but as they say, “there is always one!”.
Most of the Beavers were awake by 6:00 am, which give us plenty of time to pack-up before breakfast in the Tower Ballroom.
Following breakfast, the Beavers then again walked back down the Promenade where they visited The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse. Here they enjoyed the climbing frame activity and dancing with The Gruffalo.
There was time for a little bit of shopping before lunch and one final activity which was the Dino Mini Golf.
The Beavers return to Rossendale by coach arriving back in the Valley around 3:30 pm.
Everyone had a great time and should be complimented on their behaviour in a very busy Blackpool.
We look forward to our 50th Anniversary celebration.
More photos from the event can be seen here.
