Scouts onFrench tripfor centenary

Vicky Hennessy and a collection of scouts journeyed to Saint Maur des Fosses to take part in the Scouts' 100 year anniversary proceedings.

They were greeted by a man with a large '˜Welcome Bognor Regis Scouts,' banner and drove back to his house where they were told an interesting story about the French Scouts: they were founded in 1927, and after the second world war there were 9 different scout associations, divided by religion with one national group.

Soon, the families that had agreed to host the scouts arrived and they went their separate ways.

Matthew Baker-Irons was staying with the owners of a chemist shop, but he soon met up with fellow scouts and went out exploring Paris. They visited many famous monuments including Le Luvre, the Arc de Triumph and Notre Dame cathedral, which he described as '˜beautiful.'

On the Sunday, Matthew was further immersed in the French culture as he joined his host family in a trip to a Roman Catholic church. The Holy Communion was in French, but nonetheless appreciated.

From the church, the scouts reunited and travelled to the large stadium in which the scouts' activities would take place. They were joined by the French scouts and others from around the world.

The main event began with a speech about how Lord Baden Powell founded the scouts in the UK, and many activities followed such as French pictionary and building and racing a stretcher around a course.

Once the Scouts had returned home, it was clear that they had made wonderful friendships are would continue to keep in touch with their host families and the friends they had made in France.