This was our annual visit to Pier Cellars, just outside Cawsand in Cornwall as guests of the 47^th Plymouth Scouts. Pier Cellars is an MOD Navy training base. It is an historic site and with its own assault course, private harbour and easy access to some great beaches and walks, is a great location.
 

We all met in the Church car park at 5pm on Friday. Paul had managed to get hold of a 17-seater minibus, and together with Shelagh in her car, we set off. Following a brief pit stop at Exeter services, we arrived at Pier Cellars at around 9pm. The 47^th were already settled in and gave us a warm welcome. We were soon unpacked, and the Scouts spent the rest of the evening exploring the site, and renewing old friendships with their colleagues in the 47^th.
 

Not much sleep was had overnight – everyone was just too excited! Rose provided a huge breakfast for everyone, with most going back for seconds and thirds! One thing about staying with the 47^th – you never go hungry!
 

After breakfast, it was revealed that the weekend’s activities were being arranged by the Plymouth Explorer Scouts. They had done an excellent job, and had come up with an exciting schedule of events. Saturday morning was to be spent doing some beach cleaning followed by a sand sculpture competition. We split into two groups – one going off in the minibus to a nearby beach, and one walking down to the local beach in Cawsand. Both groups managed to collect a fair amount of litter and rubbish off the beaches. The Cawsand group’s efforts so impressed one local hotelier, that as well as thanking the Scouts, they invited everyone back for a free tea that night! The sculptures were on a pirate theme, and there were some excellent efforts.
 

After a big lunch back at Pier Cellars, the afternoon was spent working in groups trying to win points. As well as collecting fire wood for that evening’s planned campfire, we all had a go on the assault course (against the clock!), had to build a raft capable of carrying a Tupperware box, and had to rehearse part of a play written by Tom, one of the Explorers.

We then all assembled and walked down to the Cawsand Beach Hotel, to take them up on their amazing offer of a free tea! They were as good as their word and laid on sausages and chips for everyone. We all played on the beach until it was time to head back for the campfire and the play.

Tom’s play was Pirate themed, and everyone had a part – including the Leaders. It was a huge success, enjoyed by all. Fran then organised campfire games until Rose called everyone back to the Mess for a late supper of burgers.

After a goodnight’s sleep and another of Rose’s breakfasts, we all headed off to Cawsand for a Murder Mystery Trail. This was fantastic fun, and had the Scouts following a trail of clues around the village, to solve a ‘murder’. A quick lunch back at Pier Cellars, and then it was down to the harbour to see how well yesterday’s rafts worked. We all got wet (mostly thanks to Fran’s dog, who seemed to enjoy the whole thing more than anyone else!).

And that drew the weekend to a close – we were all exhausted, and had been overwhelmed by the kindness of our hosts. Roll on the 2010 visit!