Again a flourishing year for the unit. Membership now stands at an all time record of 24, which ensures that all activities are well supported.
The summer holidays (1971) began with a very successful trip to Ireland which was enjoyed by all twelve members of the expedition. The half-term camp in October at a farm house in Hay-on-Wye gained the support of twenty members. As usual the main activities of this camp were pony-trekking, caving, climbing and canoeing. The annual winter hike in central Wales, despite the comparatively 'mild conditions', proved to be a severe test of determination and fitness.
In the sporting field we have had our successes by winning the Gloucestershire Youth Clubs' seven-a-side football competition, coming runners-up in the basketball league, while two of our members are the Gloucester Scouts darts champions. Dave Barnes and Row Lloyd competed in the Boston Marathon and managed to propel their leaking canoe for 7 hours 10 mins 7 seconds covering a distance of 311 miles.
Service has not been neglected and activities include chopping firewood and conservation at a nature reserve. The unit is determined to play an active part in serving the community with ambitious plans for the future.
This year has seen the largest number of members gaining the Queen's Scout Award and the unit congratulates D Barnes, N Dyke, S Hodges, R Lloyd, N Pearce and A Robbins on their brilliant achievement.
Thanks must go to the leader of the unit, who makes himself available to all of the members of the unit, and especially the executive committee, who far too frequently call on his advice and experience. We look forward to a secure and successful period ahead.
(Extract from Unit Chairman Roland Lloyd's summary report for the Richian '72)